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Mercedes B-Class – taking it to a new level MOTORING: P21 MAY 31, 2012
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INSIDE: Community College students are honoured P8-9
TENANT RIGHTS: TD Patrick Nulty (Lab) on protecting deposits Page 15
Dine and donate: Super effort for hospital IRELAND’S own Captain America
Golf: Lawrie claims place at the 2012 US Open Page 32
Camogie: Erin Go Bragh claim Division 5 Feile title Page 31
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ........................21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
joined with three-year-old, Senan Miland from Artane, on Grafton Street, Dublin recently to celebrate the launch of the Irish-owned family restaurant’s Dine and Donate Scheme for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. Visitors to any Captain America’s steakhouse will be able to make a €1 donation to the kids’ hospital directly on their bill. Captain America’s will kick start the scheme with live music concerts and DJs across all restaurants on the evening of June 8. See www.captainamericas.com
Online firm promises 40 new website jobs Positions set to come onstream within 18 months
I LAURA WEBB
DUBLIN West landed itself another jobs boost following the announcement that 40 new positions are to become available over the coming 18 months with Buyersclub.ie. The online business, buyersclub.ie, made the
announcement on Monday at its new state-of-the-art warehouse in Blanchardstown. The good news comes just a week after global IT giant IBM announced it’s to create hundreds of new jobs in Mulhuddart as part of the opening of a new Global
Services Integration Hub. Welcoming the announcement, Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar said: “This is more good news for Blanchardstown, with 40 new jobs being created for the Buyersclub.ie website.” Full Story on Page 5
2 BLANCH GAZETTE 31 May 2012
SERVICE: COOLMINE’S PLEA FOR HELP HEARD
Minister notes call to rescue drugs unit ILAURA WEBB news@gazettegroup.com
A GOVERNMENT Minister has noted calls by the Chief Executive of the Coolmine Therapeutic Community urging the government to find funds of €100,000 to keep Ireland’s only mother and child residential treatment service open. Last week this paper reported that the service was in need of €100,000 to allow CTC to take in 15 women with babies who are struggling to overcome addiction. According to CEO, Paul Conlon, the funds could also save the government €200,000 that might otherwise be spent on prison, social services and state care for children. He called on Minister of State for Primary Care, Roisin Shortall, who attended the launch of CTC’s 2012-2015 plan, to get the government to find the money which would go to the childcare staff required to look after the children at the centre while the women participate in residential therapy. In a response to The Gazette this week, a spokesperson for Minister Shortall said she was pleased to have been invited to launch the CTC strategy plan and that she took note of the request made by Conlon
and “has taken the matter up with her colleague Frances Fitzgerald TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.” The spokesperson went on to say: “At the launch the Minister paid tribute to the contribution made by Coolmine Therapeutic Community to the recovery of many individuals from problem drug use over the years. In addition, she acknowledged the openness to change that comes across from the plan and their engagement in partnerships and collaboration with other service providers all to the benefit of persons dealing with addiction.” Adding: “Minister Shortall recognises the important work under taken by Coolmine Therapeutic Community in particular in the area of women, with children, dealing with addiction.” According to Conlon, the strategic plan will see Coolmine build further on its achievements, whilst adjusting to the new policy and downturn in economic circumstances. “In order to be effective and relevant, we must refine and develop all our therapies and programmes in the interest of our clients. This can be achieved through the dedication of the volunteers and staff, government funding and private donations,” Conlon said.
AWARDS Verona FC celebrate another great season
David Colgan, Karl Walsh, Darragh Perdisatt, Anthony Hayes, Emmet Roche, and Craig McGivern Pictures: Ian Fleming
Brian Reid, Paul Quinn and Daniel O’ Micha Ring and Alan Quinn
Marie Dooley and Ann Colgan
Conner
Man of the Year Noel Hughs and Derek Clarke
First team manager Paul Cassidy
Football club put their feet up A LL the joyous members of Verona Football Club came together recently to celebrate a successful year. At the very top, the club’s senior team came agonisingly close to reaching the final of the FAI Inter-
mediate Cup, being seen off by eventual runners-up Cherry Orchard after a replay. Throughout the club, there were various successes and the players and people involved were recognised for their hard work and dedication.
Niall and Alison Brennan
Tommy Fogarty and second team player of the year Brendan Murphy
Séan Martin, first team player of the year Daniel O’ Conner, and Derek Clarke
Dave Cullen and Donna Cummins
Patrick and Lee Cummins
31 May 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 3
EDUCATION End of term but start of new chapter
New principal for students at Riversdale I LAURA WEBB
IT MAY be the end of term for students at Riversdale Community College, but for their new principal it is just the beginning. Principal Tony Barry came to the school at the end of May following the retirement of the previous principal Noel Gildea. Since taking over Barry has seen first hand the great work staff at the school are achieving and the unique community bond the student body are representing. “The staff are brilliant. I have been amazed at the things that have
been happening. We’ve had third years receive awards from the NUI Maynooth – through the access programme. Teachers were nominated as inspirational teachers, they were also brought over for an award ceremony. Not long after I started, we had a subject inspection in the school. The inspector came and spent two days here, and that was very positive.” The school also received its first An Taisce Green Flag for Litter and Waste, and 36 transition year students received the Gaisce President’s awards, while eight received silver and
eight senior students received gold. “I have been amazed at how dedicated and committed the teachers are. The student body and profile of the kids is brilliant. Like any school we have our challenges, but by and large they are very happy to be here and are very respectful.” Being a father of five, Barry knows that choosing the right school for each child is important. “I have done the tour of all the schools in the local area where I live. Each individual is different and the school that suits the eldest may not suit the youngest. As a parent going in to look
Tony Barry, seen here with Ameem Muibeen, has been principal of Riversdale Community College since late May
at schools, I go in looking for three things – will my child be happy, will they be safe and will they get the very best education that they can.” In his years at senior management, Barry says he has always tried to achieve these things including his previous
school, Mullingar Community College where he was deputy principal. A message the new principal would like to get out is that the school can only do so much to educate students and so parents must come on board to help them achieve their best. “They
are the primary educators; I would like to promote a partnership between ourselves and the families around the kids. If they have issues they can come in and see me at any time.” With state exams imminent Barry wished all students the best of luck.
CHARITY
Discount shop has big heart
DISCOUNT retailer Lidl raised over €90,000 for the Irish Heart Foundation after supporting the charity’s biggest fundraising event, Happy Heart Weekend. Lidl customers bought happy hearts throughout the 130 stores, including its Dublin 15 branch in Blakestown, between May 7 and 13. Every €2 raised from the sale of Happy Hearts will help stop 13 people dying suddenly every day from heart attack and stroke in Ireland. Aoife Clarke of Lidl Ireland said: “We are delighted with the overwhelming response to the campaign this year and the generosity of Lidl customers. We have been working with the Irish Heart Foundation since 2009. “We would like to say a huge heartfelt thank you to all our customers who supported the Irish Heart Foundation’s Happy Heart Weekend.”
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31 May 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 5
RETAIL: ONLINE BUSINESS BOOST FOR DUBLIN WEST IS WARMLY WELCOMED
GARDENING
Bloom flowers yet again
40 new jobs at state-of-theart warehouse I LAURA WEBB lwebb@gazettegroup.com
DUBLIN West landed itself another jobs boost following the announcement that 40 new positions are to become available over the coming 18 months with Buyersclub.ie. The online business, Buyersclub.ie, made the announcement on Monday at its new stateof-the-art warehouse in Blanchardstown. The good news comes just a week after global IT giant IBM announced it’s to create hundreds of jobs in Mulhuddart as part of the opening of a new global services integration hub. Ta o i s e a c h E n d a Kenny was on hand to officially announce the new jobs at the warehouse in Blanchardstown. The online shopping e-commerce website sells home-grown, non perishable, Irish goods as well as international grocery brands at competitive prices. At the launch, owner and managing director, Dara O’Mahony, said Buyersclub.ie promises
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to save the customer money while also promoting small Irish artisan producers and manufacturers of goods. “Our research over the last 18 months supports our theory that Irish businesses continue to have difficulties getting their products online. “Providing an e-commerce solution like this is vital for companies who want to grow their business both domestically and internationally and this is what we have done. “Buyersclub.ie is Ireland’s new home for online shopping and offers consumers international brands at heavily discounted prices and market access for indigenous Irish goods of the highest quality,” said O’Mahony At the event, the Taoiseach was very supportive of the initiative saying: “What Buyersclub.ie is doing is very impressive, it will save people time and money and they are to be highly commended.” The jobs will be in the area of technical services, social media,
finance, marketing and logistics. BuyersClub.ie has a City Centre HQ which houses technical, sales and marketing staff and an 18,000 sq ft state-ofthe-art fulfilment warehouse in Blanchardstown. The warehouse also boasts a photography studio and supplier showroom. We l c o m i n g t h e announcement, Dublin West TD and Minister for Transport, Sport and Tourism Leo Varadkar said: “This is more good news for Blanchardstown, with 40 new jobs being created for the Buyersclub.ie website. These valuable hightech jobs are focused on the internet, and staff will be recruited over the next year. “I’m delighted that the website’s operator, PDQ Distribution, has chosen to base this new online service in Blanchardstown. This positive announcement comes just over a week after IBM announced plans to create hundreds of new jobs at its Global Services Integration Hub,” Minister Varadkar added.
Recognising excellence: Karen claims prestigious award KAREN Roberts (left), from the Ebay gym in Blanchardstown, has
won the Sodexo Healthworks Service Excellence Award for 2012. Karen is pictured with Debbie White, chief executive of Sodexo UK and Ireland, at the awards ceremony held at the world-famous Ascot Racecourse in the UK. She is employed as a gym instructor by food and facilities management provider Sodexo Ireland and based at Ebay. Karen was recognised for her outstanding commitment to helping members understand their health and wellbeing needs, developing tailormade fitness solutions and for her constant enthusiasm and creativity in her work.
IRELAND’S answer to the Chelsea flower show is back this weekend with gardening, food stalls and family fun taking over the Phoenix Park. Now in its sixth year, the popular event attracted over 90,000 people last year. This year’s show features 27 show-gardens, over 100 Irish food and drink producers, 40 nurseries within the floral marquee, 25 cookery demonstrations and over 160 retailers. President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins will officially open Bloom on Thursday, May 31. This year shows off the talents of the younger generation with a show-garden designed by 10-year-old Miah Ni Nuallain from Crumlin. Meanwhile, GIY Ireland will attempt to break the Guinness world record for the largest number of people sowing seedlings all at the one time.
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R1
COUNCIL Charge yields €4.6m and is expected to rise
Over 50% of households sign up for tax
JUST over half the residential properties liable for the household charge in Fingal registered for the controversial tax. Figures from Fingal County Council show that as of May 1, 46,322 households registered for the charge. This is 51.3% of the 90,286 residential properties deemed liable
for the charge. According to a spokesperson for FCC, the council does not have information outlining paid or unpaid charges within the local electoral area of Fingal. The revenue generated from the charge is approximately €4.6 million. “It is expected that this fig-
ure will increase once all post received by the Household Charge Bureau has been processed,” the spokesperson added. Costs incurred by the council for administration were estimated at €20,000 and primarily relate to staffing and advertisement costs.
The report came following a question by Mulhuddart councillor David McGuinness (FF) asking for a breakdown on the household charge uptake in Fingal, how many paid, a breakdown of each local electorate area of Fingal, revenue accrued through this measure and the
total cost to the council through its involvement with this charge. The Household Charge Bureau, under the aegis of the Local Government Management Agency, processes payments in respect of the household charge on behalf of all local authorities.
Joining forces: Working together
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200 wds
INSTITUTE of Technology Blanchardstown recently welcomed delegates from the Hubei University for Nationalities, Anshi City, China, where both colleges signed a Memorandum of Agreement. President of Hubei University for Nationalities, Hu Maocheng, is pictured with President of ITB, Mary Meaney signing the memorandum.
MOTOR CROSS: CLUB ADMIT THEY ‘STEPPED OVER THE MARK’
Lack of consultation puts club’s track on hold I LAURA WEBB lwebb@gazettegroup.com
THE Mulhuddart Motorcross Club have admitted they “stepped over the mark” when they started construction on a track in Damastown Park without proper consultation and say that no more work will be done until they consult with all involved. Work on a regularised track in the park has stopped because no consultation was initiated with residents from an estate adjacent to the park. During a recent area committee meeting, councillors discussed the
issue and a Fingal County Council spokesperson said it was “unfortunate” that a certain amount of work was carried out by the club “before contact was made with residents”. When the council was made aware of this work, contact was made with the club and all activity stopped. Speaking to the Gazette recently, club committee member, Ross Dunleavy, said they wanted to “clear up a few things” and outline their plans. “The club made contact with the council and asked about using the land as a proper track.
“We met with the head of the Parks Department, Ruairi O’Dulaing. “He told us that he would have to go off, clarify some things with councillors and also seek some funding. “We kind of stepped over the mark a little bit and we organised our own funding and went in and did the work,” he said. According to Ross, the area has been used as a motorcross site for the last 20 years, but in an uncontrolled environment and what the club say they want to do is “create a safe environment” for people who want to pursue motorcross within
the area and “eliminate the anti-social behaviour that has been going on up until now”. “What we are trying to do is restrict the hours to set times and have proper club memberships. All the committee members are trained by the Order of Malta as first aiders, so there will always be first aid on site,” he added. Ross also said that comments made during the area committee meeting that members of the club are not from the area are “not true”. “Everyone involved in the club either grew up within a five minute radius of the track or lives
there now.” The club is now seeking to work with all parties and say no more work will be done until they have “come to an agreement with the residents, councillors and the council”. FCC said it met with representatives of the residents of Parnell who registered their strong objections to any type of facility at this location. “The council accepts these objections and has agreed that this activity will not go ahead without further consultation between all parties involved and statutory approval where required.”
31 May 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 7
YOUTH BODY Hartstown man delighted with new job
Foroige elects Dublin chair for first time I LAURA WEBB lwebb@gazettegroup.com
FOROIGE has appointed a new chairperson to its national council and it’s the first time in the organisation’s 60-year history that a Dublin person has been elected. H a r t s t ow n n a t i ve Paul Maher was recently appointed chairperson of Ireland’s largest youth organisation and says he is honoured to be chosen. He set up the Hartstown Volunteering group and has been volunteering with the organisation for the last ten years. “There was no youth activity in Hartstown
at the time, so I started up a youth club there. Foroige’s ethos was the one I liked the best so I joined with them,” Paul told the Gazette. Asked what it was about the organisation’s ethos that drew him to join it, he said: “They [Foroige] are empowering people and young people are the future. If you let young people make decisions for themselves, well then the future of this country will be in safe hands. “Foroige facilitates them in making their community a better place to live, whether it is local, national or international because they make deci-
sions on what should be done or can be done.” According to Paul, it is important for young people to be allowed to use their voice. “Let them think for themselves and let them come up with decisions for themselves, and listen to them – they are the future leaders. There is no point making the same decisions generation after generation.” Dublin is, for Paul, well represented with over 60 clubs across the county, so being the first chair from Dublin is “brilliant”. Married with three children, two of which are members of the
COOLMINE
FCC to look into fencing FINGAL County Council is to look at strengthening fences along the boundary of Coolmine Park after calls to provide knife edge fencing were made following a number of break-ins in the area. The council was responding to a question from Labour councillor, Mary McCamley.
Hartstown native Paul Maher was recently appointed chairperson of Foroige
Foroige Club in Hartstown, Paul is a mechanic and runs an engineering workshop. His new role will see him at the centre of Foroige decision making. The term for Foroige’s chairperson is two years, and during that time Paul hopes to “compli-
ment the work of the last chairperson’s”, make Foroige “the organisation of choice for young people and parents” and have the Foroige brand known to everybody. “So everyone knows who we are, what we do and how we do it, and then they can make their own educated choice,
knowing Foroige is one of the best, if not the best.” The charity works with almost 57,000 young people and 5,125 adult volunteers through a network of 534 youth clubs, 126 targeted projects and national programmes such as entrepreneurship and leadership.
Boundaries According to a spokesperson, the area was recently examined with gardai to assess the condition of rear garden boundaries. It was agreed the council would examine the possibility of strengthening fencing in “three specific locations along the hedge to the rear of the houses, where the hedging is sparse and where gaps exist”. Work is hoped to begin over the summer months.
8 BLANCH GAZETTE 31 May 2012
R1
EVENT Gaisce President’s Award presented to transition
Elizabeth O’Connor, Merry-Joy Itambo and Naomi Marie-Rose
Martina Balucova and Anna Balucova
High achievers rise to challenge RANSITION year students from Riversdale Community College were honoured recently as 36 students received the Gaisce President’s Award at a ceremony held in the school. Eight 5th years also received Gaisce Silver Awards. The Gaisce Award is Ireland’s National Challenge Award and is open to any young person between the ages of 15 and 25 years
T
who have exceptional achievements. This prestigious programme highlights individual achievement. To receive the award challengers must take part in four different challenge areas of community involvement, personal skill, physical recreation and adventure journey. As it is a non competitive award challengers only compete with themselves.
Ciara Reilly, Rebecca Blackburn, Jade Keating and Emma Allen. Pictures: James Devon
31 May 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 9
year students at Riversdale Community College
Randon Jackson, Ameen Muibideen and Mario Shyti
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SHOP LOCALLY
Ameen Muibideen, winner of Student of the Year, and school principal, Tony Barry
Christopher Cahill and Kevin Kalufando
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10 BLANCH GAZETTE 31 May 2012
FUNDRAISER Models strut their stuff in support of Kasey
Kelly Donegan and Aoibheann McCaul
Brian Kennedy poses with Audrey Whelan on the dance floor Pictures: Una Williams
Celebrity fashion show Kares4Kasey CELEBRITY fashion show was the latest fund raising event held for the Kare4Kasey trust fund. Hosted in the Vanilla Nightclub of Hampton Hotel on Friday of May 18, the night was attended by many well-known faces. The trust fund looks to raise money in support of Kasey Kelly, a girl born in December 2010. At 10 months Kasey was diagnosed with a malig-
A
nant brain tumour known as atypical teratoid/ rhabdoid or ATRT, which is very aggressive and extremely rare. Currently living in Boston awaiting treatment for Kasey, the Kelly family has already raised €200,000 from kind donations. To donate to Kasey’s trust fund, please visit www.mycharity.ie/charity/kare4kasey or for more information, www.kare4kasey.com.
Yomyko Chen and Sarah Morrissey
Co-hosts Kirsteen O’Sullivan and Edward Smith
Niamh Kavanagh and Adam Costello Doherty and Judi Costello
Danika Skeen
31 May 2012 GAZETTE 11
12 GAZETTE 31 May 2012
PEOPLE TV3 figure talks to The Gazette on being a busy mum
Lucia Wright, Peter McGowan and Juno Treanor joined Sybil Mulcahy at the Radisson Blu hotel to help launch CaldeSpray, a new product in the Caldesene range to help prevent nappy rash
Sybil isn’t nappy-ing on maternity leave I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
NEW mother, and Monkstown resident, Sybil Mulcahy of TV3’s The Morning Show, may only have given birth six weeks ago, but she has bounced back into shape and looked fit, healthy and well-rested at the launch of a new treatment for nappy rash, CaldeSpray. Sybil launched the new product, of which she is ambassador, in the Radisson Blu Hotel on May 21, and she had her six-weekold son, Michael, there, too. She is enjoying her new baby son, but said three children were a lot more work than two, and added: “I think Michael has reflux. He’s up every two hours, so I’m up about three times a night, but it’s not too bad.”
Although six-week-old Michael may have reflux, at present, Sybil says “it’s not too bad”
In a frank interview with The Gazette, she said that while she wanted a third child “at some stage”, Michael was “an accident”, but they were certain they would have a third child in the future. “I’m just in the first few weeks so I’m watching a lot of late night TV and even infomercials,” she said. Sybil now plans to take part in the mini-mara-
thon this June, but will walk it instead of running it. “I’ll be walking – sure, I can barely run down the stairs! I’m not very fit, and have never been to the gym. I did it last year too, and for the same charity, called, Third Age, and it’s like a Childline for the elderly. “It’s really for elderly people living in remote areas or all alone, and
they often just ring up to say goodnight, not having spoken to a soul all day. So I’m walking it for them,” said Sybil. With three children to mind, which she describes as “chaos”, Sybil was thankful that she has a childminder to help out. “I couldn’t cope, otherwise,” she said. “Fair play to anyone doing it all on their own, though. It’s a
thankless job, but it’s a lot easier if they’re sleeping at night. When you get no sleep, every problem becomes a mountain.” She intends to enjoy her six months’ maternity leave to the fullest, and is also trying to buy a house in Monkstown or the surrounding areas. “You don’t get a chance to do these things when you’re working. We’re in the process of getting
mortgage approval, and are looking at houses now. “It takes a good chunk of time, so until I go back to work in October, I’m concentrating on finding my house. If anyone out there knows of a nice five-bedroom, let me know!” Whilst on maternity leave previously, Sybil cut it short as her colleague on Ireland AM, Sinead Desmond was unwell and Sybil filled in. However, as for her current leave, she said: “This time, I’m enjoying it.” When asked how the other two children were adjusting to the new baby, she said: “Sure, they’re killing each other. I caught my daughter trying to carry the baby down the stairs the other morning.
“She gets jealous if I give the baby attention; the other fellow is not too bad, but I suppose it’ll take a while for things to settle.” She is due back on The Morning Show in October, and is also looking forward to returning. “The ratings are up, and it’s a show that’s become a part of people’s morning routine. I’m also looking forward to working with Martin [King] again.” Speaking about the product that she is ambassador for, Sybil said: “It’s a great product, and Caldesene has been on the market for 40 years. “They had no brand ambassador before, and I’m happy to do it. The spray is an updated version [of the existing product].”
31 May 2012 GAZETTE 13
SCHOOLS National search for Teacher of the Year
Your chance to name the top educator BHRAONAIN
RORY Kavanagh, Donegal GAA footballer and teacher at Scoil Colmcille National School in Letterkenny, launched the Teacher of the Year Awards last week. Students from all across Dublin are being given the opportunity to celebrate their best teachers, and they can give top marks to their favourite teacher by entering her or him into a national awards competition to find the best teacher in the country. The Teacher of the Year awards are being organised by www.abcbooks.ie, and will allow students, colleagues and family members to nominate a teacher with vision, expertise, passion and creativity for the accolade. The competition is open to students from all schools around Ireland, both national and secondary, and each nominating student will get a free consultation for fixed braces with David McConville Orthodontists. At the launch, Mark Bundschu, of abcbooks. ie, said: “We deal with teachers daily and have
great respect for the job they do. “When we realised there wasn’t a national awards programme to honour the great work of our primary and secondary school teachers, we decided to take on the mantle.” If you would like to nominate a teacher, all you have to do is write a piece all about them in 500 words or less. --------------------------
‘The Teacher of the Year judging panel will apply tough criteria in their selection process’ --------------------------
You need to convince the judging panel of why your teacher deserves to be crowned Teacher of the Year 2012, and you can include additional primary evidence of their merit, such as photos, videos, or stories. Speaking to The Gazette, Kavanagh said that he was pleased to support any initiative that promotes the work done by teachers. “It’s a great opportunity for parents and stu-
dents to nominate their teacher. “T he nominations come at the end of term, in order to give students the chance to work closely with that teacher throughout the year. “This is a great chance to promote teaching, and all of the good work done behind closed doors,” he said. When asked about his own likelihood of nomination at Scoil Colmcille, Kavanagh said: “I wish!”, and went on to say: “As a teacher, you work with these fellows for years, and don’t realise the impact you have on them. “It’s only when they come back to you years later when they’re in secondary school and talk to you and thank you that you realise it, and it’s very rewarding.” The judging panel will apply tough criteria in their selection process, which include ability to teach and explain a difficult topic, commitment, creativity, innovation, rapport with students and involvement in extra-curricular activities. Nominations can be made online at www.abcbooks.ie.
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I BAIRBRE NI
Pole position: ‘Making the most of your UEFA trip to Poznan’
Emma Bundschu and Filip Blazejczak help their teacher (and Donegal GAA footballer) Rory Kavanagh launch the Teacher of the Year 2012 awards search
TRAVEL PAGE 22
14 GAZETTE 31 May 2012
MUSIC Ireland’s newest festival celebrates all things folk
Spirit of Folk 2012 will see musicians and storytellers from all over Ireland and the UK come together for a weekend of music, arts and craft
Getting into the spirit of things in Dunderry GazetteContacts Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251 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 Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com
Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com www.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.
SPIRIT of Folk, Ireland’s newest festival “celebrating all things folk”, has announced a stellar lineup and the addition of an extra night for this year’s festival, once again taking place in the idyllic surroundings of Dunderry Park, Co Meath. Returning this year from September 21 to 23, Spirit of Folk 2012 will see musicians and storytellers from all over Ireland and the UK come together for a weekend of music, arts, craft, spirituality, philosophy and folklore. This year’s family-friendly festival line up boasts an impressive mix of traditional Irish music, folk, bluegrass and country; from established Irish singer songwriters to emerging acts, the beautiful and bespoke three-day event will truly embody the spirit of all things folk. This year’s Spirit of Folk festival line up features: Irish singer/songwriter and twice winner of the Meteor award for Best Folk/Trad, John Spillane; The Lost Brothers, an Irish duo hailing from Omagh and Navan, as seen on RTE’s Other Voices; Lisa O’Neill, rapidly emerging as one of the
truest contemporary Irish folk voices and recently returned from touring with Welsh singer David Gray; I Draw Slow, a fivepiece outfit comprising alt-country, folk, roots, old-time Americana; Spook of the Thirteenth Lock, Irish folk rock band delving into the realms of psych, prog and post rock and Cry Monster Cry, who have just launched their new EP. F e s t i v a l d i r e c t o r, Natasha Duffy, commented: “We are delighted and proud to announce the fantastic line up we have planned for this year’s Spirit of Folk festival. In our sophomore year, we aim to truly celebrate Irish folk in a relaxed family-friendly setting with great music and events for everyone to enjoy – a magical way to bid farewell to summer and finish the festival season in style!” Other acts featuring at this year’s festival include: Tucan; The Hot Sprockets; Mossy Nolan; The Henry Girls; The Young Folk; Tir na nOg; Aoife Scott; Jig away the Donkey; Pete Cummins; The Bonny Men; Traz; The Man Whom, Gypsy Rebble Rabble; Bunoscionn;
Trad side of the moon; Wookalilly; Alpaca Jamboree; Miriam Donohue; Joy Booth; TAC; Twin Headed Wolf; The Eskies; Hidden Highways and JP Trio and Niamh. To accompany this feast of musical acts, there will be an abundance of alternative events for all to enjoy, including storytelling and poetry reading by Pat Speight, Eddie Lenihan, Tim Evans, Jack Sheehan and Stephen James Smith; as well as talks and workshops on ancient druidism and shamanism; Tibetan Mandala making and singing bowls; Native American pipe ceremonies; dreams analysis; and ancient astronomy and permaculture. A limited supply of Early Bird weekend tickets for €65 and day tickets for €35 will be available until May 31 only. From June onwards, weekend tickets will cost €85 and day tickets will cost €45. To purchase your Spirit of Folk 2012 tickets go to www.tickets.ie. For more information, check out www.spiritoffolk.com or follow us on Twitter (@ Spirit_of_Folk) or like us on Facebook.com/spiritoffolkfestival.
31 May 2012 GAZETTE 15
RENT Landlords can keep deposits in ways inconsistent with law
Tilting balance of fairness back in favour of tenants P N TD on a bill to reduce the number ATRICK
ULTY
of times tenants unfairly lose their deposits BEFORE I was elected a TD, I was employed as a policy analyst with Focus Ireland, who work on housing issues affecting those on the front line of our housing crisis. That is those who have lost their homes, or are at risk of becoming homeless. Almost one in seven of those currently accessing Focus Ireland homeless services are children. But no statistic can describe the pain of those experiencing life without a home. And yet, the facts and figures of our housing crisis need to be understood. • 300,000 homes in Ireland are currently unoccupied. • 100,000 households are currently on the housing list. • One in 10 mortgages are now in arrears. Our housing system is dysfunctional and in crisis. Individuals and families want security, whether they are renting their homes or paying mortgages. In particular, issues of security frequently arise in the private rented sector with regard to deposits. Tenants are required to come up with at least one month’s rent as a deposit. For many, the deposit is a form of saving. They rely on the deposit to use for their next home; if and when they move out of their current accommodation. There are approximately one quarter of a million tenancies registered in the country with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB). Illegal deposit retention is one of the most common problems experienced by tenants in the private rented sector. The Residential Tenancies Act 2004, sets how a
deposit can be retained by the landlord in very specific instances such as rent arrears, damage beyond normal wear and tear or outstanding utility bills. The Threshold Annual Report for 2011 shows that some landlords are withholding deposits in a way which is totally inconsistent with the law. Tenants are at risk of becoming homeless when a landlord unfairly withholds their deposit. In 2010, Threshold dealt with 3,224 deposit queries. In 79% of these cases, they were successful in ensuring a full or partial refund of the deposit for the tenant. Many of these cases have to be referred back to the PRTB and some reach the courts. This has been a time consuming process, and a burden for those who need the deposit for a new home. Last week, I sought leave to introduce a bill which, if passed by the Dail and Seanad, will bring in a deposit retention scheme for those renting in the private rented sector. The bill, if passed, will allow for rental deposits to be held by an independent third party. This bill will now be debated in Dail private members’ time within the next few months. I hope the Government will accept the bill as a review of potential deposit retention schemes is already underway within the Department of the Environment. This bill (if passed) would ensure that deposits are returned promptly, unless a landlord has valid claims for damage, withheld rent or unpaid bills. There are examples of such models in Britain and Australia. According to Threshold,
these schemes have greatly reduced the number of times tenants unfairly lose their deposits. The deposits can be managed by the National Treasury Management Agency. Any surplus or interest generated could be used to regulate and improve standards in the private rented sector. A recent PrimeTime programme (May 10) estimated that in 2010 local authorities only inspected 7% of private rented dwellings.
This is unacceptable. There is widespread recognition that a deposit retention scheme makes sense. In November of last year, the then Minister for Housing Willie Penrose said: “I have asked the PRTB to research potential schemes and to provide me with a sound evidential base on which I can make a decision in this regard and I intend to make recommendations to Government on this topic in 2012. A deposit retention
scheme was also included in the Labour Party manifesto for the 2011 General Election. I am very hopeful that the Dail and Seanad will accept the proposal and a deposit retention scheme will be established. It would be a first step in tilting the balance of fairness back in favour of tenants.
Patrick Nulty TD Labour Party TD for Dublin West and Swords
Patrick Nulty TD (Lab): “No statistic can describe the pain of those experiencing life without a home.”
16 GAZETTE 31 May 2012
GazetteSTYLE STYLE Facts about treating angina ALMOST 1-in-25 Irish adults have had an angina or heart attack, according to a recent report. Angina is a message from your heart telling you that it is suffering from a lack of blood-carrying oxygen. There is an important balance between the amount of blood your heart muscle demands and the ability of the coronary arteries to supply that blood. The heart demands are increased by infections, and high blood pressure. The blood supply is reduced by narrowed arteries, or a low blood count. Correcting this balanced is achieved through lifestyle changes and use of anti-anginal drugs. The other important aspect of treating angina is to prevent the disease in the arteries getting worse through modifying risk factors, such as cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking, weight and inactivity. Speak to your GP or pharmacist for information about angina and its risk factors. With thanks to the staff at Lucan Village Pharmacy
Edited by Laura Webb
Getting fit is a ‘Sure’ thing at Zumba class T claims to be “unapologetically strong” offering women “maximum protection”, so when Gazette Style got the chance to trial out Sure’s new deodorant, we were ready to put it to the test. What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than getting in a little gentle exercise, or so we thought. The Zumba class, organised by Sure for Women, turned out to be an energetic hour that definitely tests endurance and sweat glands. The instructor putting us through our paces was Zumba guru, Larissa Atkinson. Before starting, the group of about 20 women (and a few men) lathered the cream-like deodorant under arms before testing it during the class. Starting off, it seemed like a walk in the park, a bit of Latin dancing moves here and there. Then, as if someone had changed the record to fast forward, the moves
I
got faster and a bit more intense and it was then we knew we were in for a good workout. After each song, we were given a short water break, but that didn’t last long and we were back into the swing of it before we could say agua. Zumba offers a really good cardio workout, but at the same time, it is a lot of fun. After a good hour of jumping, salsa, bellydancing and squatting it was time to check how Sure’s Maximum Protection deodorant worked out. Lifting arms it was clear to see that this deodorant does exactly what it says on the bottle – it keeps you dry in any situation. Even talking to the instructor, Larissa, she was pleasantly surprised by it and said she would be recommending it to her class participants. Aches and pains throughout the body days after the session showed us that Zumba works well as a workout.
A good hour of jumping, salsa and bellydancing at a Zumba class was no match for Sure Maximum Protection
So, here comes the science, how does the deodorant work? According to Sure, this product is two times stronger than the leading antiperspirant and is designed to keep you protected whatever the situation. Sure Maximum Protection has a TRIsolid formula made
up of three components. Firstly, it has extra strength dryness protection. While you sleep it forms a level of protection, giving you unbeatable wetness protection for the day ahead. The second component is its patented fragrance technology containing
odour-protecting microcapsules. The microcapsules dissolve when you sweat, so you keep smelling fresh throughout the day and, thirdly, it has skin conditioning ingredients that help to protect the skin from irritation. Use Sure Maximum
Protection in Confidence for an extra boost in a stressful situation. For delicate skin, try Sensitive to keep dry without compromising the skin and for an everyday clean feeling use the classic Clean Fresh Scent. The RRP for Sure Maximum Protection is €6.87
‘Unleash your upper East Side girl’ this summer at Forever 21
Beige skirt, ¤19.90
Light pink dress, ¤28.90
Turquoise jeans, ¤21.90
THIS summer, why not become a lady what lunches and use stylish restaurants and bistros as your very own catwalk with a little help from clothing giant Forever 21. This season Forever 21 is urging Dubliners to “unleash your upper East Side girl” with a fabulous collection of muted pastels and gorgeous neutrals – a must have this spring/summer and great for when out lunching. Key pieces from the collection can transform a wardrobe and create numerous different styles that suit every day of the week, or even help transition from day to night wear.
This collection has delicate lace and textured knits that pair with fitted skirts or fab block colour skinnies – great for those dull days that see bursts of sun come through making you unsure about what to wear. Don’t be too quick to put the cardi at the back of the wardrobe, as they are good to keep at arm’s length, just in case the weather takes a turn for the worst. What’s even better about this collection, is that not only is it right on trend in terms of colour and style, it has very affordable price tags that won’t see you dipping in to your holiday savings. Looking through
some of the items, there is a chic cami for just €12.90 and a stunning dress that would make even Sienna Miller green with envy, as it is priced at a very affordable €28.90. The collection also has a number of different delicate blouses with a Peter Pan collar, which sits well on most necklines. Block colours, another must have, can be brought to life with some great skinnies at €21.90. Cozy cardigans and jumpers are also available at prices that make it hard to leave them sitting on the rails. Forever 21 is located in Jervis Street shopping centre.
31 May 2012 GAZETTE 17
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC
Edited by Rob Heigh
FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods REMEMBER when you were in the awkward adolescent phase of hating everyone who was good to you (i.e. your parents) while spending your days vying for the attention of people who didn’t like you at all (i.e. the cool gang in school)? A rite of passage for many an agsty-teenager I thought, so since when did rock cleanse away the embarrassing-dad sydrome experienced by most of us during our younger days? Steven Tyler has spent the past season of American Idol making eyes and inappropriate comments at many female auditionees; Tom Jones has been deemed “down with the kids” enough to be given a judge’s seat on The Voice UK, while Rod Stewart will no doubt have to be introduced to Gary Barlow and Tulisa Contostavlos when he sits in as temporary judge for the next season of The X Factor. I’m in two minds whether to shout “over the hill!” or “still got it” at my TV screen.
The Walls and, inset, Jape, two of the acts who will be taking to the stage at Leopardstown Live this summer
FESTIVAL: A DAY AT THE RACES WITH ADDED ROCK
Leaping live at Leopardstown I ELLEN COONEY
M U S IC l ove r s w i l l have the chance to be up close and personal with Dublin talent this summer when Live At Leopardstown launches for a series of concerts that run from June 8 to August 16. There will be nine gigs spaced out over nine evenings, and Live at Leopardstown has managed to pack ten of Dublin’s brightest bands into their programme to play alongside other Irish greats. As if this ratio wasn’t impressive enough, eight out of the nine nights have a Dublin-based headliner. T he only night missing a Metropolitan monster of rock is the last night when a true national treasure, the Saw Doctors will take to the stage. Not only is the line-
up completely homegrown, but it’s prestigious to boot. Bipolar Empire will headline first on June 8, followed over the proceeding weeks with sets from The Original Rudeboys, The Walls, Kila, Jape, Royseven, The Minutes and Ryan Sheridan. These Dublin acts have shared the stage with some of the world’s greatest legends of rock, including U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Faithless and The Flaming Lips, and have performed at festivals such as Oxegen, Glastonbury and Electric Picnic. This is a lineup which is as eclectic as it is impressive, and will surely cater for the tastes of anyone wishing to attend. From Jape’s electronic rock to Ryan Sheridan’s acoustic sounds, there’s definitely something for
everyone. The support acts are also sure to draw in a crowd, with Cavan’s The Would Be’s stirring up some nostalgia and Cork’s Dead School throwing some post punk into the mix.
Horsing around Leopardstown will also be hosting its horse races alongside these music events, making sure that everyone is in for a fun-filled evening, combining the atmosphere of a boutique music festival with the thrill of a night at the races. In what is a somewhat precipitous move, the racecourse has decided to hold each of the live gigs in a weatherproofed Big Top, ensuring that the attendees can be certain of a warm and more importantly dry evening of entertain-
ment with the possibility of a true Irish summer always on the horizon. Ciaran Conroy, commercial manager of Leopardstow n said: “Now in its fourth year, we’re proud that Live at Leopardstown has enabled many people to experience racing for the first time. “We are delighted to enhance the customer experience by hosting all our concerts under canvas in the Leopardstown Big Top. “ F o r 2 01 2 , we ’ ve added top-class support acts to further enhance the music element of the festival.” Racing will go to post between 5.30pm and 6.00pm and finishes up in time for the live music to commence between 8.30pm and 9.00pm. To find out more, go online to www.liveatleopardstown.com.
18 GAZETTE 31 May 2012
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: A NUMBER OF GARDEN HAZARDS COULD PUT YOUR ANIMAL AT RISK
Keep your pet safe for summer UMMER has arrived at last and, as usual, our thoughts turn to the garden. However, this is also a time when the pet parent in me switches to “cautious” mode as I make a quick inventory of all the possible summer garden hazards that could place my doggies at risk. And no, I don’t mean weeds, I mean the following: And do bear in mind, these are only guidelines, I don’t have the full list, nor am I able to give information regarding the lethal dosage so if you are concerned, contact your vet.
S
Fertilizer T he fer tilizer that feeds your plants could
be the very thing that upsets your dog, especially if it contains ammonium nitrate which is toxic to animals.
Common plants Rhododendron and azalea, daffodil, hyacinth, tulip, hydrangea and foxglove to name but a few. Insecticides Insecticide baits, sprays, granules and herbicides are great for your garden but are not friendly to your dog, especially if they include ingredients like snail bait with metaldehyde and fly bait with methomyl. A tip! Don’t wear gardening shoes in the house; (those who
From garden tools to fertilizers, your garden could feature a number of threats for doggies
live chez moi already know the dangers of wearing muddy shoes in the house), they bring extra pesticides and dirt indoors, further exposing my pets when they lick their paws.
Coco mulch Ver y popular with the landscape gardener, but, as it’s a by-product
of chocolate it attracts dogs with its sweet aroma. Depending on the amount ingested, this can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity and even seizures. Consider using shredded pine or cedar instead?
Compost As an eco friendly kinda gal I understand the whole Mother Earth thing and composting is definitely the right way to go, but as an animal lover, I have to say, you’re posing a huge risk to your pets if you don’t do it properly and responsibly. We see a lot of incidents where dogs are being poisoned due to what is often referred to as “garbage gut”. Yo u s e e , t h e f e rmentation of certain items such as meat and dairy products means they produce clostridial toxins; these toxins languish in compost heaps, get raided by nosy canines who may then experience severe
symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea, resulting in you having to rush them to the family vet for urgent attention.
Tools of the Trade Keep an eye on rakes, hoes and trowels etc, they can prove dangerous to your pet’s nose, paws and other parts of his body, especially if they puncture his skin. If the tools are rusty or mucky, there is a danger of your dog getting tetanus. Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and lock your gardening tools in the shed. Allergies Yep, pets have allergies just like you and
me and, if the reaction is severe it can cause anaphylactic shock. If you’re concerned or suspect your pet suffers from an allergy, have your vet give him the once over and he/she will best advise regarding medications and course of action to take. P l e a s e r e m e m b e r, the above information is only a guideline and is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you are concerned about your pet, contact your family vet. For more information, log onto w w w. dspca.ie or contact your vet or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie
31 May 2012 GAZETTE 19
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS Taking account of real concerns
Supported by AIB
Interview: Kevin Kelly from TaxAssist Accountants in Dun Laoghaire
A NEW walk-in tax and accountancy advice service, TaxAssist Accountants, servicing small businesses and the self employed in the Dun Laoghaire area opened last year. The new business was launched by Kevin Kelly, an accountant with over 10 years’ experience. Having worked in various accounting roles throughout his career, Kevin decided to fulfil his ambition of opening his own business. The new practice aims to simplify the accounts and tax process and offer real value to clients. Clients can avail of a range of services such as tax returns, payroll, endof-year accounts and book-keeping all on a fixed fee basis. TaxAssist Accountants operates from a bright, open shop front on Patrick Street. The idea of the shop front is that clients can simply call in off the street to discuss their accountancy and tax matters without an appointment. Kevin said: “Traditionally, the accountants office is hidden away upstairs. I wanted to take away any of the formalities and make a trip to the accountants a more comfortable experience.” “Clients want a good, proactive service from their accountant without the expensive hourly rates that usually brings. We offer a free one hour consultation, and we always work on a fixed fee basis so there are no hidden fees and no shocks,” he concluded.
SAFETY OF DEPOSIT TAKER Q – I have €90,000 to invest and see that KBC Bank are doing an awful lot of advertising lately. How safe are they? Mark – Mount Merrion
Kevin Kelly of TaxAssist Accountants: “I want to make a trip to the accountants a more comfortable experience”
Q: What sport do you follow? A: I follow hurling, football
Q: What was your last Tweet/status update? A: Few comments on a re-
Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: Ring of Kerry when we
Q: What was your first job? A: Helping out in my fa-
and basketball.
cent networking event.
Q: What is your guilty music/TV or movie pleasure? A: Bad action movies.
Q: Describe your dream meal? A: Starter: Smoked Salmon.
were young – it rained and we all got food poisoning. Been back a few times since and it was very enjoyable.
Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: Jedward – double person-
Main (depends): Chicken rogan josh or steak and chips or penne arrabiata. Dessert: Chocolate and coffee.
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: Family holiday by the sea
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Enda Kenny.
Q: What would be your dream job? A: As the bass player in a
York for a summer during college.
Q: When did you start your present job? A: In January 2011. Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: I enjoy helping and advising a mix of businesses and individuals.
Q: What part of your working day do you “delegate”? A: Filing.
A – The easy answer to this is simply write to AIB and ask them to cancel the PPI element of your monthly payment. PPI gave some people peace of mind should they fall sick, have an accident or be made redundant. Your payments were paid up to 12 months until you recovered on any of the three fronts. Unfortunately, you will not be able to claim a refund, as you enjoyed the protection insurance during this period (a little like asking for refunds on life cover while you were covered all along). However, it was also massively missold because certain categories were unable to claim and should have been told at the outset by the sellers. Those NOT covered included:
If you are in any of these categories, email me for further details.
Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: A Limerick hurler.
Q: And your first pay cheque? A: As a doorman in New
Q – I have had PPI on my AIB Visa card for years. How do I get rid of it and am I entitled to any refund of premiums ? Carmel – Blanchardstown
• Aged under 18, or over 65 years of age • Working less than 16 hours a week • Self-employed or unemployed • Have existing medical conditions • On contract or temporary work
Q&A
ther’s accountancy practice.
PAYMENT PROTECTION INSURANCE
ality with a short attention span and annoyingly entertaining.
Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: Alternative and electronic music, wedding photos, comedy films.
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: Local businesses, music, sport and current affairs.
Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: On holidays. Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: Five pairs of shoes and five pairs of trainers.
and close to a town, with lots of good food.
well-respected and not too famous band.
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: More family time, gigs, sporting events and travel.
A – As it happens, KBC Bank currently have the best interest rates both in the demand (fully accessible day to day – 3.25%) and 12-month fixed (4.15%) categories. They also bask in the comfort of the Deposit Protection Scheme guaranteeing up to €100,000 per person (underwritten ultimately by the Irish taxpayer) like all the Irish deposit takers in Ireland. The bigger picture is also reassuring, in that they have been in Ireland over 35 years with centres in Dublin, Cork, Belfast, Limerick, Cork and Galway, employing over 450 people. They are part of the Belgian KBC Group – KBC Bank NV based in Brussels and enjoy an A rating. So, with €90,000, you are safe as houses as the saying goes to deposit with them. You could go to any of their formally appointed agents and transact through them at no cost to you. Email me for details. 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
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ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240
20 GAZETTE 31 May 2012
GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY New design is a Knott classic IRELAND’S best known interior designer, Neville Knott, travelled to Rathfarnham for next week’s edition of Neville’s Doorstep Challenge on TV3, and the show sees him pay a visit to homeowner Mary in her apartment in Rathfarnham as she’s desperate to stop her home looking like a characterless rental. Talking about his design, Neville said: “Mary wanted a space she would be proud to have photos taken in on the day of her wedding. I created a strong focal point in the room by painting thick stripes in mink and soft grey which gave the room great width and a definite personality which it lacked before.” As well as being a famous face on TV, Neville is also colour consultant to Crown Paints and head of interior design at the Dublin Institute of Technology. Neville’s Door Step Challenge, in association with Crown Paints and Woodies DIY is on TV3 on Tuesdays at 7.30pm. To find out how Neville achieved the look, see www.facebook.com/crownpaints.
A beautiful extension might increase the value of your property, but understanding the costs of renovation is important, too
EXTENSIONS: TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ALL OF THE POSSIBLE COSTS
Understanding the costs of renovation When you are planning on extending your home, one question will occupy you more than any other: How much will the extension cost? There are a variety of answers, depending on the set of variables that makes up your building project. Each project is unique and each will have its own set of costs. When planning your project it’s very helpful to have an understanding of the items and factors that can affect costings. In this article we’ll cover the more common items, so when you look at a set of plans, you will be more knowledgeable about how costings are drawn up.
Your Site Access No matter what type of build you are planning, there will be some digging involved. The
access to the site can have a cost impact in a very simple way. If the build is happening at the rear of your house, can a digger gain access? Foundations can be excavated very quickly and efficiently with a digger. If there is no vehicular rear access, there may be no choice but for the foundations to be dug the old fashioned way, by hand, which will be more expensive in terms of time and money. Soil conditions: If there a massive depth of soil beneath your house, your builder may need to double to ensure solid foundations.
Drainage and pipes If there is a large manhole in your garden this is more than likely an access point to the community sewerage scheme which your local authority need to
have access to on a permanent basis. Perhaps the shape of the foundations will have to be altered or adjusted to take the manhole into account. Design changes above standard layouts will be more costly.
The new structure A standard, off the shelf design is more cost effective to build then a complex, once off, unique, project. All that aside, this is your home you are dealing with so as long as you are aware that complexity equals additional expense, you are going into the project with your eyes open. Materials, finishes You would be amazed at the impact seemingly insignificant decisions can have on the bottom line cost of a building project. Bear items on
this list in mind when you are putting your budget together. Insulation - standard or future proof? It may be cheaper up front to just go for a standard insulation, but more high quality products may have a future saving in terms of running costs of the finished property. Inside finishes – kitchen/tiles/layout/electrical points/plumbing/ electrical points. More than likely you will be buying a new kitchen as part of your build. The quality and costs of kitchen units can vary widely, so shop around before you buy. If you put your new kitchen in the same position as your old kitchen there will be a lower building cost as pipes/electrics may not
have to be moved. If you swap your kitchen and your dining room around, there will be a big cost in new pipework. Do you really need those marble tiles in the hall? And what about those brushed chrome light switches, gorgeous to look at, but standard white plastic one do the exact same job at a much lower cost. Hopefully after reading this article, you will have a better idea of the costs involved in building your dream home and when you go to put your project out to tender, you will be able to digest the different quotes with a bit more understanding. To get in touch with HSLC, find them online at www.hslc.ie or call Gerhard on 087 774 9470 or info@hslc.ie
31 May 2012 GAZETTE 21
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS
Edited by Cormac Curtis
RoadSigns Road Signs NEW FOCUS LIMITED EDITION:
All in all, the new Mercedes B-Class is a seriously attractive car
Taking it to a new level CORMAC CURTIS
MERCEDES Benz have not been sitting on their laurels in recent times. Even a cursory glance at the striking and imaginative marketing and advertising campaigns they have been rolling out will tell you that the German brand have their sights firmly on younger drivers. This is new territory for the marque, who have more traditionally appealed to an older, more executive level of driver. But this new direction shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. It was as far back as 2005 when the company first broke ranks by introducing the family-friendly B-Class. What is both encouraging and reassuring is that, despite all the attention and resources being devoted to some new models in the line-up, cars such as the B-Class are being revamped and improved to a staggering extent. For 2012, not only has
SPECS: MERCEDES BENZ B-CLASS Top speed: 0 – 100km/hr: 10.9 secs Economy: 4.4 – 4.6 l/100km Combined CO2 emissions: 114 – 121 g/km Entry Price: €29,330
the B-Class been given an incredibly sexy new look, it brings the compact class to an entirely new level as it is the first model change in the company’s history to have so many new features introduced at one time. It also comes on the market with an entry-level price that Mercedes-Benz says is 11% lower than the model it replaces. Putting the new features and sticker price to one side, when it comes to a car like the B-Class, to put it through its paces requires a few passengers, as well as some distance to travel. So, the timing of the B-Class road test couldn’t have been better – the May Bank Holiday week-
end was coming up, so, I made preparations to take the family south to West Cork for a few days. En route, we had to stop for a night in Kinsale, the Kinsale Rugby Sevens event was on, so we had to swing by to soak up some of the atmosphere. Kinsale may have a reputation for excellent seafood, but what they don’t tell you in the tourist brochure is that the town is like a maze, with some exceptionally narrow little alleys to navigate. After taking one wrong turn on the way to our rented holiday home, I was seriously impressed with the tight turning circle of the B-Class – one hard lock of the steering wheel and we pulled off a perfect U-turn. That’s skipping ahead a little – let’s get back to the start. Mercedes have managed to fit an enormous amount of space in to the B-Class. They tell us that the seats are more upright and set lower to the road, resulting in improved headroom. Rear-seat passengers
have bundles of space, and there is serious load capacity in the boot, 486-1,545 litres in fact. There is even an optional feature that allows the rear seats to be adjusted forwards/ backwards to facilitate bulkier items. All this passenger and storage space has not translated into a bulky, gas-guzzling machine – far from it. Outstanding aerodynamics help to deliver low fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions, while a standard item on all B-Class models is an ECO start/stop function. I have to admit, I wasn’t a huge fan of this particular start/stop system, but it’s one of those features that you do get used to, and it does make life easier on the wallet! The car comes with a number of engine options, in Ireland, the model likely to account for the bulk of sales is the 109bhp entry level B180 CDI, which comes on the market at €29,330, with annual road tax of €160. A second diesel is
a 2.0-litre/136bhp unit, the price of which will be announced later. In petrol form, the first version to go on sale is the 122bhp B180BlueEFFICIENCY selling at €29,890 with annual road tax of €225. A 2.0-litre/156bhp BlueEFFICIENCY version will be added to the range at a later date. There is a completely new six-speed manual transmission, boasting easy gear change and low shift forces, although my biggest gripe with this car is the reverse gear – I just couldn’t get used to the unusual position, the upper left, as well as the push/pull mechanism to get the gear lever through the gate. Most of the time, the only occasion for a reviewer to see emergency stopping features in effect is at demonstrations laid on by the manufacturer, but in this case I got a taste of just how good the Mercedes safety kit is. While driving through North Strand in heavy traffic, my attention was not what it should have
been, and I was driving a little quickly towards a stopped car. The new radar-based collision prevention warning system kicked in and an alarm sounded. Thankfully, I braked in time and avoided any kind of contact – much to the relief of Mercedes I’m sure. Other safety features on board the new B-Class include items imported from larger MercedesBenz such as adaptive headlamp, blind spot, lane keeping and speed limit assist systems along with parking assist, hill hold brake function, reversing camera and distance control. All in all, this is a seriously attractive car. The interior is pure Mercedes, with some nice, subtle nods to a more modern look and feel. The quality is everything you would expect, and the performance, safety, and economy have all taken large steps forward, and all for a seriously competitive price. This is a car that will fit the bill for any family on the move.
THE Ford Focus, has seen its range extended with the announcement of a new Focus Limited Edition Series. The new models are badged as Focus Zetec S and Titanium X. The Zetec S combines a strong visual appeal with a sporty image and relies on Ford’s fuel efficient 1.6-TDCi diesel engine with the option of 95PS or 115PS outputs (5-door only). The Titanium X is available in 4- and 5-door models and is powered by the same 1.6-TDCi diesel engine. The spec includes the following features: 17” titanium alloys; deflation detection system; active park assist; visibility pack; Bluetooth Voice Control and USB connectivity; and full size spare wheel. Prices start at €24,927 ex–works.
22 GAZETTE 31 May 2012
GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Joe Walsh tours is offering escorted tours to explore Italy and Portugal in style THE days of the sun lounger may be numbered as Irish tourists search for alternative ways to see Europe. Ireland’s longest running tour operator, Joe Walsh Tours, currently has four fabulous escorted tours on offer for those wanting a different kind of holiday this summer. These group tours will allow you to explore the culture and history of Italy or the beauty and heritage of Portugal. Whether you want to soak up the sun while relaxing on the Lisbon Coast, exploring the winding streets of Venice, taking an evening stroll to the Trevi fountain or simply discovering the beauty of Rome, Joe Walsh tours will let you do it in comfort. You will travel on a luxury coach to each of your destinations, and spend each night in a four-star hotel. Each tour differs from the others, and covers a vast amount of sightseeing, relaxation and fun, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Each tour is accompanied by an experienced Joe Walsh Tours representative, so you can be certain you will see the most wonderful regions of each country, and the gems of each city. All four tours are seven nights in length and range in price from €774 to €975. Each tour is an all-inclusive package and includes your return flights (including taxes and charges), airport transfers, hotel accommodation, tours and excursions on a luxury coach and the assistance of a Joe Walsh representative. As the longest established tour operator in Ireland, with over 50 years’ experience, Joe Walsh Tours will make sure that your holiday is definitely one to remember. For further information on these tours or to book, visit www.joewalshtours.ie, call 012410800 or email info@joewalshtours.ies
Edited by Mimi Murray
PORT OF CALL: LET AMERICAN HOLIDAYS SHOW YOU THE SITES
Getting the best from the US SUMMER can be a busy time for some people, making it difficult to avail of standard package holidays. American Holidays are now offering beautiful autumn cruises throughout the months of October and November. There are three different cruises to choose from, covering six of the United State’s most popular and influential cities, and also providing a number of nights to sail the seas in luxury. The cruises range in price from €1,695pp to €1,829pp. The first of these trips begins in Orlando, Florida, where you will stay for five nights in The Rosen Inn, just a stone’s throw away from all of Orlando’s attractions.
Enjoy some southern hospitality in Nashville, Tennessee
Next on the agenda is four nights aboard Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas. On your fifth day aboard, you will dock in Nashville, Tennessee to enjoy some southern hospitality and comfort food at the Doubletree Hotel.
If you’re looking for a taste of politics, culture art and music, why not choose a trip which starts with a luxury hotel stay in Washington DC and includes a cruise covering New England and Canada.
Your trip will be rounded off with eight nights aboard Royal Caribbean’s Enchantment of the Seas, where you will have the chance to visit five different ports of call including Portland, Maine and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
For a little glamour with your sun, why not try the Eastern Caribbean cruise. Starting at the Miami Beach Resort and Spa Hotel, you will relax in the tropical surroundings complete with a semi-private beach. After resting up, you will spend seven nights aboard the Norwegian Cruise line ship, Norwegian Epic, before arriving in Las Vegas for four nights. Here you can take in the sights, avail of the attractions on the Las Vegas Strip. For more information or to make a booking, call American Holidays on 01 6733800, or call into 18-19 Duke Street, Dublin 2 to speak with their expert staff.
CITY BREAK: POLISH CITY HAS BECOME A HUB OF ACTIVITY
Poznan preparing for a world of fans I ELLEN COONEY
HE city on everyone’s lips this summer is Poznan, host to UEFA EURO 2012. Previously, a relatively unknown city among the Irish, Poznan has been busy in preparation to offer our fans a spectacular welcome. Despite being one of the oldest cities in Poland, Poznan is home to some incredible and modern architecture. Its new railway station with its smooth curves, glass walls and geometric garden areas is the perfect welcome to this ever developing city. These sleek developments offer a perfect contrast to the city’s picturesque recreation areas which include four lakes, 40 parks and 100 green areas.
T
There is no shortage of entertainment in the city which thrives on the energy of the new European countries while meeting with the culture of Western civilisation. For beer lovers there are beer tasting events and free tours of the Lech brewery, and Poznan has one of the largest numbers of pubs in Poland. There is also a variety of shopping options and an all-year-round ski slope for those seeking something a little different. This bustling city has recently become a big player in the world of sporting events. The stadium which will hold this year’s UEFA EURO 2012 was finished in September 2010 and has since hosted four Europa League matches and the Red Bull X Fighters. The
Poznan is host to UEFA EURO 2012
city is also a popular destination for canoe teams and the Lake of Malta has been deemed one of the finest rowing venues in the world. Especially for UEFA EURO 2012 the city will designate a specialised FanZone, which will
hold around 30,000 and will be a hive of activity for fans during the final tournament. There will be events every day from June 8 until July 1, including live music acts. There are also two Fan Camps planned in Poznan with 10,000
places. Attendants can rent student dormitories, flats and houses. With thousands of fans destined for this stunning city in the coming months, Poznan will surely become a popular destination for global travellers in the future.
31 May 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 23
24 BLANCH GAZETTE 31 May 2012
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Travesties
FOLLOWING the hugely successful and popular Plaza Suite, Rough Magic are back at the Pavilion Theatre with the delicious comedy Travesties by Tom Stoppard. Best-known as the author of the Oscar-winning film Shakespeare in Love and the plays Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and Arcadia, Stoppard is at his best in this absurdly funny masterpiece featuring James Joyce, Vladimir Lenin and Dadaist Tristan Tzara. Running from June 7 to 23, tickets are priced from €18 to €25.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Bloomsday Celebration THE Mill Theatre and Roly Saul’s present a special Bloomsday Celebration Brunch to mark the 90th anniversary of the publication of Ulysses. Join the team in Roly Saul’s restaurant for a buffet brunch with fare inspired by Leopold Bloom’s breakfast, including a glass of burgundy! Brunch will be accompanied by theatrical readings from Ulysses and music and song from the Joyce era. The celebration takes place on Saturday, June 16 from 11.30am. Tickets are priced at €15.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Ardal O’Hanlon AWARD winning comedian, actor, writer - and star of Father Ted (C4), My Hero (BBC 1), Val Falvey (RTE) and Leagues Apart (RTE), Ardal O’Hanlon brings his unique brand of stand up comedy back to Ireland. A highly acclaimed stand up, Ardal has toured to sell out audiences internationally and has released two Top 10 stand up DVDs. He continues to be one of the most sought after comedians working with regular sell out solo tours in the UK, USA and Australia. Catch him on June 6 at 8pm, tickets are €20.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Niamh Kavanagh and her band NIAMH’S back with her brilliant blend of rock, soul, r&b, Eurovision hits, tracks from her successful albums and her own favourites with that amazing voice Commitments’ director Alan Parker ‘‘had to have’’. Described as the ‘‘Rolls Royce’’ of Irish singers, Niamh Kavanagh represented Ireland at the Eurovision twice, collecting maximum points from the Irish vote, and is the voice behind three of the biggest hits from the Commitments ever. Catch her on June 30 with tickets €20/€16.
There are fights in apartment rooms, in the corridors, through the floors, out the windows... Basically there are a lot of fights.
Films still fighting fit A Welsh man has made the newest non stop, adrenalin pumping, action classic... In Indonesia. Are you sure? I NIALL BERMINGHAM
THE BRAINCHILD of Welsh writer/director, Gareth Evans, and a completely Indonesian cast and crew, The Raid is without doubt one of the best action films to come along since the heyday of action. Garnering huge interest for itself with tremendously successful festival showings (winning both the Dublin Film Critics Circle Best Film and Audience Award at the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival), it lives up to the hype and some. The film has been made to showcase the traditional Indonesian martial art Pencak Silat, which lends itself very well to film. It is a hard hitting, high kicking, and bone crunching style of martial arts that has no qualms about integrating weapons when the need is there.
FILM OF THE WEEK: The Raid ##### (18) 101 mins Director: Gareth Evans Starring: Iko Uwais, Donny Alamsyah, Joe Taslim, Ray Sahetapy, Yayan Ruhian, Tegar Satrya
OUR VERDICT:
Better than any recent action film produced in Hollywood, or anywhere for that matter, The Raid will tick all the boxes for action fans of any age. The eastern insanity works brilliantly with director Evans’ western sensibilities. It’s probably not one for an evening of romance, but for a straight up, balls-to-the-wall action experience, this is as good as it gets.
Perhaps not for the faint of heart, The Raid does not shy away from visceral action; however that is not the only thing on show. Scenes of extreme tension and genuine comedy are also offered up by Evans. T he stor y follows a SWAT team as they try to overthrow drug lord, Tama Riyadi (Ray Sahetapy) from within his base of operations in a multi-storey apartment block in the centre of the Jakarta slums. The team has everything you’d expect, new guys, tough guys, old guys, and a level headed
and well respected leader. They all have their place in the film and each one fits fabulously. The lead is played by Iko Uwais (who along with Yayan Ruhlan mapped out all the action), a new member to the SWAT team, who has personal reasons for entering the apartment block. As the team work their way up floor by floor, not everything goes to plan (if it had, it wouldn’t have been much of a film) and soon all hell breaks loose. The team are left fighting for their lives with their weapons
and soon their fists and then just about whatever they can find (the most novel being a fridge). Meanwhile we see drug lord Tama as he reacts to the police invasion and seeing as he is a paranoid mob boss his decisions are not the most rational. He calls on wave after wave of his henchmen to attack the quickly diminishing SWAT force. When he finds that there are still some police left he unleashes his two right hand men to personally take care of it. Here, we are introduced to the two most interesting characters of the film. Andi (Donny Alamsyah) and “Mad Dog” (Yayan Ruhlan) have two different roles in the movie. “Mad Dog” is the main antagonist, engaging in prolonged fight scenes with some of the remaining SWAT team, whereas Andi operates from the shadows,
scheming and brooding. With tremendous variety separating all the set pieces, you will spend all evening recounting your favourite punch, or the kick that made you grimace the most. My favourite scene involved a fire escape and a three storey fall. It all culminates for a fantastic ending leaving you wanting more and, thankfully, Evans has something up his sleeve to offer. Plans to turn this film into a trilogy began as early as script development so of course there is a wide open ending, and as this is an Asian film that has performed well internationally, there are talks of an American remake. Now af ter all the gushing I’ll just say that if you like action, you’ll love this, and if not, then there’s always the new American Pie...
31 May 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Arise, Sir iconic Apple designer ...
Clementine’s parents are missing now that zombies have overrun America, and possibly the world – but, luckily, she can rely on Lee to look out for her, when they cross paths in the surprisingly strong character-driven first chapter of the cross-platform title, The Walking Dead
Dead entertaining SHANE DILLON
I’M NOT quite sure why, but the zombie genre has risen again in popular media, and is shuffling forward once more, relentlessly making tracks into popular culture. While the world and his dog awaits the Brad Pittstarring World War Z at cinemas at the end of the year, the small screen has been well served with the surprise hit, The Walking Dead, based on the popular, long-running graphic novels of the same name. In a canny move, and in a pretty shrewd marrying of adventure gaming with
survival horror, developer Telltale Games rolled out its version of The Walking Dead recently which, for some – and apologies here – will be dead entertaining, while other gamers may not see it as a very lively title. Telltale has made a name for itself with its adventure titles, which range from decent hits to dreadful misses, as with any other developer out there. However, The Walking Dead – and the major intellectual property that the title represents, these days – gave the developer the chance to step
away from conventional adventure gaming scenarios and puzzles into darker territory. Set in the by now familiar setting of a post-apocalyptic America, courtesy of the long-promised zombie armageddon, in The Walking Dead: A New Day, the player takes control of Lee Everett, a man with a murky past, who starts off in the back of a patrol car, on his way to jail. One unexpected crash later, and Lee comes to – only to find that there are Walkers – zombies – everywhere, and the world’s falling to pieces.
Anotherweebyte... Questions over Facebook’s tumbling shares ... AS EXPECTED, there was enormous interest over the inevitable initial public offering (IPO) of Facebook, which went public very recently with a barely comprehensible value of $104 billion. However, market analysts almost immediately started asking questions about the subsequent tumble in the company’s share values, with negative shifts reported in a short period – three days after floating on Nasdaq, shares were trading at 18% below the $38 offer price, seeing billions (at the time of writing) written down from the company’s value – not what many expected, though, no doubt, shares will bounce back. Also at the time of writing, a number of American lawsuits querying how the company had been valued emerged, focusing on how the company had been valued, and who has acccess to such valuations. Regardless of how such developments pan out, it’s interesting to see such unexpected stories centred around the normally unassailable social media giant ...
From there on, it’s down to the player to steer Lee down a linear route in this, the first downloadable chapter of a series, as he meets other survivors, tries to stay alive, and begins to work out what’s going on. However, as it’s a Telltale game, this means lots of looking around screens/the environment for items to use, collect or activate, with occasional bursts of Quick Time Event (QTE) action breaking up events. After all, checking out the kitchen of a seemingly deserted house – only for a Walker to
suddenly jump out of the shadows – practically demands a QTE event, for Lee to frantically try and escape. Interestingly, while such action set pieces aren’t very common, there’s a lot of character interaction, as Lee meets other survivors and the things he says affect how they treat him. With this divertingly interesting first instalment, which is available on a number of gaming platforms (bar IOS), here’s hoping that Telltale can continue with the quality it’s established in this chapter.
Gaming star treks off to a movie role CONTINUING to name significant people that many readers may not know of, one of Gaming’s most prolific and well-known (yet littleknown to non-gamers) stars, Nolan North, has made another addition to his already colossal CV. While it’s very common for cinema stars to do voiceover work for games, Nolan – “the” voice of gaming, for many, given the staggering range of characters he has voiced – has reversed the trend, and has been given a role on the upcoming blockbuster, Star Trek 2, thanks to his impressive voiceover skills. No doubt the news that he’s joining Kirk and co has left him beaming with happiness ...
WHILE I couldn’t throw an iPad out the window without probably hitting someone who immediately piped up with “Steve Jobs” if I asked him or her who had created it, that’s not strictly true. In fact, British designer Jonathan Ives is the man behind many of Apple’s iconic products’ designs over the past two decades, with the 45-year-old responsible for the 1993 iMac G3’s design, and, from there, other such iconic Apple products as the iPod, iPhone and iPad. While you’d have to search long and hard up and down streets all around the world to find people who’d be able to pull Ives out of a line-up, such general anonymity doesn’t bother the designer, with, perhaps, such design achievements under his belt to comfort him – not to mention a significant amassed fortune from his work, innumerable awards, and such titles as Commander of the British Empire, which he was awarded in 2005. Last week, the latest honour for Ives was being knighted by Princess Anne. (Now) Sir Ives continues to prove that visionary designers are still very much a core component of Apple’s success ...
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26 BLANCH GAZETTE 31 May 2012
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Teagasc wish to apply for Planning Permission for the construction of the following:- 1) extension to existing conference facility to contain staff canteen, lecture hall, new entrance, offices, toilets and circulation space; 2) 949.66m² mushroom tunnel building; 3) 692.90m² agricultural storage/workshop building; 4) 2663.37m² glasshouse, 5) 233.17m² combined heat and power building; 6) two 822.82m² polytunnels building; 7) all associated and ancillary siteworks and services and ancillary accommodation. Also retention permission of the following items, 200,000 litre water storage tank, 2.4m high paladin boundary fence, extension to road and footpath network, extension of existing carparking areas coupled with all ancillary site services. All the above works to be undertaken on our site at Teagasc, Ashtown
Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during the public opening hours of 9.30 - 16.30 Monday - Friday at Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Fingal, Dublin 15. A submission or observation in relation to the Application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of a fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by Fingal County Council of the Application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to orwithout conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
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I, Keith Wall Intend to apply for Planning Permission for, single storey extension to side And all associated site works at No 41 Alderwood, Hollystown,Dublin 15. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown Dublin 15 during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a prescribed fee (20 euro) within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
I Patrick Ryan , intend to apply for planning permission for development at this site, 48 College Grove Castleknock Dublin 15. The development consists of the replacement of existing flat roof on single storey, entrance porch and living room at side with a concrete tiled pitched, lean-to roof. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Fingal County Council during its public opening hours of 9.30 - 16.30 Monday Friday at Fingal County Council Fingal County Hall Main St., Swords, Fingal, Co. Dublin. (to inspect Planning Applications on all lands except those lands to the west of the N2). Fingal County Council Offices, Grove Rd. Blanchardstown, Fingal Dublin 15 (to inspect Planning Applications on all lands to the west of the N2) A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application
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31 May 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 27
GazetteSPORT
MAY YOU BE CHAMPS: This month’s Sports Awards winners are announced: Page 29
GAELIC GAMES: OPEL ANNOUNCE 2012 INITIATIVE TO HELP LOCAL CLUBS KIT UP
Rushe on points for clubs seeking new equipment sport@gazettegroup.com
ST PAT’S Palmerstown and Dublin senior hurling star Liam Rushe was on hand last week when the Opel Ireland 2012 Kit For Clubs initiative was launched at Croke Park, with all sports fans across the city called upon to support their local GAA clubs. Dublin GAA fans can collect points to earn free sports kit and equipment for their local GAA club
through the initiative. For every car service (10 points), test drive (10 points), or Opel purchase (200 points) made through the Opel Dealer Network, the club you support is awarded points which can be built up and redeemed against highquality kit. GAA clubs can choose from an extensive range of kit which includes everything from sliotars (5 points) to footballs (10 points) and from
goal posts (100 points) to tackle bags (100 points). New to the programme this year is the addition of juvenile club jerseys (800 points) and senior club jerseys (1,000 points), provided by Masita, official supplier of the GAA. The Kit for Clubs initiative is about supporting local Dublin GAA clubs across the county. Liam Ware from Mallow GAA Club, outlines how his club has benefited from the initiative: “Since
Liam Rushe, Colm Cooper and Jackie Tyrrell with Derry and Christian Finlay at the launch of Kit For Clubs
this scheme started, Mallow GAA club have been able to obtain both playing kit and training equipment, otherwise, we probably would not have been able to get this gear due to limited resources.”
Paraic Duffy, the GAA’s director general said: “The advantages of being involved in a scheme such as this are obvious and the provision of training and playing gear is a welcome payback to our members
and clubs who look to Opel for their motoring needs. It is also encouraging to see some of our top players supporting this scheme and lending their profile to help raise awareness about what is
an excellent initiative.” Log onto www.opelkitforclubs.com, on Facebook or visit your local Opel dealer to register your club and start building your GAA club’s points.
28 BLANCH GAZETTE 31 May 2012
GazetteSport Sport
Fantastic performances were on display from all the teams
Na Fianna proved just too much to handle
The St Peregrine’s team played valiantly even when it was clear they could not progress
Na Fianna were the favourites to top the group
U-14 Hurling Youth teams show great skill at Feile O
N A cool, overcast, May Saturday morning, all the U-14 hurling teams in Dublin were preparing for Feile day. The teams involved in this particular Feile were Skerries Harps, Clanna Gael, Na Fianna B, Trinity Gaels, and hosts, St Peregrine’s. With the pitch in perfect condition, the matches got under way. To progress to the semi-finals teams would have to win three out of the four games they played. Unfortunately for the hosts, they only managed to win two of their games despite some brilliant play. The players will have lots of time to reflect on what was an excellent experience that will benefit them greatly.
A determined push in the second half by Peregrine’s was not enough to overcome Na Fianna
St Peregrine’s comfortably beat Clanna Gael in their second match
A dominant first half put Na Fianna up 3-2 to St Peregrine’s 1-2
31 May 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 29
ATHLETICS: GREAT DAY OUT ON SANDYMOUNT
2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS MAY WINNERS
STARof theMONTH LEO CULLEN BLACKROCK College man Leo Cullen further enshrined his name in Heineken Cup folklore this month when he led Leinster to a third success in four years in the competition against Ulster. It confirmed the current Blues’ crop as the greatest team in the competition’s history, becoming the first side to go through a season unbeaten.
TEAMof theMONTH ST BRIGID’S U-14S
ST BRIGID’S Under-14 hurlers and footballers celebrated a unique success this month when they claimed their respective Division 1 Feile titles at Parnell Park. Two weeks after the footballers captured their Feile title with a superb win over St Sylvester’s, the hurling side completed the double thanks to a memorable victory over Na Fianna. SUMMERTIME has officially arrived and while that unfamiliar orb hangs in the sky, let’s celebrate the achievements of the stars of Dublin sport for the month of May. Leo Cullen once again proved that he is the epitome of captainhood after he helped steer Leinster through the vagaries of the Heineken Cup unbeaten and unbowed, to claim their third title in the course of four years.
Dublin’s Lord Mayor Andrew Montague starts the race horn at Camara’s Sandymount 10K
Camara race nets €6k sport@gazettegroup.com
LAST Saturday morning saw the sun come out for the many dedicated runners who lined out for Camara’s 10K along the scenic backdrop of Sandymount strand. Dublin’s Lord Mayor, Andrew Montague, sounded the starter’s horn to a high-spirited crowd as everyone soaked up the atmosphere to help raise vital funds for eLearning opportunities in Irish schools.
Camara Education, a charity and social enterprise, works to deliver eLearning opportunities to schools in disadvantaged communities in Ireland, Africa and Jamaica through the reuse of technology. The annual 10K run, now in its third year, was a huge success as over €6,000 was raised on the day for Camara’s I r i s h S c h o o l ’s P r o gramme. T he proceeds will go to supply 55 Irish schools in need of
affordable IT with 1,100 computers and to train 300 school teachers in ICT in 2012. Commencing on the Promenade, Strand Road, the course stretched around Sean Moore Park and the Irishtown Nature Reser ve providing beautiful scenic views o f D u b l i n B ay f o r entrants. Lord Mayor Montague said: “I have been a long-time supporter of Camara. Having worked with them as a volunteer
Captains in Canada: All-Star ladies in Toronto St Brigid’s, in turn, showed the experience of youth in registering a unique double success in claiming the Dublin hurling and footballing Feile titles at Parnell Park, an achievement last recorded in the city by Ballyboden St Enda’s. Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin. Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes.
MEETING on an unfamiliar field last weekend were team captains Juliet Murphy, left, of Cork and the 2011 All Stars, and Denise Masterson, of Dublin and the 2010 All Stars, in the company of referee Keith Delahunty. The picture was taken before the game between the 2010 All Stars and 2011 All Stars in Centennial Park, Toronto, Canada, an exhibition game which took place as part of the 2012 TG4/O’Neills Ladies All-Star Tour.
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in Uganda, Zambia and Tanzania, I am aware of the excellent work they do with children in Africa, Jamaica and Ireland to develop computer skills.” The first place prize on the morning went to Hugh Hunt who came in at 36:17. Accepting his first place trophy and medal, he said: “Today has been a fantastic day, great atmosphere and a beautiful course along the Strand on a sunny morning and all for a great cause.”
30 BLANCH GAZETTE 31 May 2012
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SOCCER: STUDENTS SHOW SENIOR SUNDAY SIDE THEIR SKILLS
2012 sees hosting of 15th Mini-Leagues On the back of a very successful year for St Brigid’s GAA club’s underage sides, with double victories in the Dublin Under-14 Feile for football and hurling, the club is launching its 2012 mini-leagues, the 15th time that the event has been held at the club. Over 500 boys and girls from ages four to 12 from Castleknock, Blanchardstown and the surrounding areas are expected to take part in this great community event. The mini-leagues take place throughout the week of June 11, finishing off with an all-day family festival on Saturday, June 16, in Russell Park. Karmann Volkswaen’s North Side distributors have kindly sponsored the event. Karmann’s general manager, Thomas Brady said: “We are delighted to continue to be sponsor of this important event in the community. “The St Brigid’s Mini-Leagues is a great festival which encourages children of all ages and their families to participate in GAA activities in the local area.” Noel McLoughlin, co-ordinator of the events for St Brigid’s said: “Karmann’s continued sponsorship of the mini-leagues is very much appreciated in these difficult economic times. “In all, over 2,000 people of the local community will attend the event over the week, between participants, mentors, volunteers, parents and grandparents. “It’s an important milestone in the St Brigid’s GAA calendar and is also a great way for new members to get introduced to the club.” A new on-line sign up facility is now available on the St Brigid’s GAA website at www. stbrigidsgaa.ie Medals and jerseys are awarded to all participants and are presented by some of Dublin’s famous senior players.
An emphatic display from UCD showed the difference between the divisions as Phoenix took their bow from the FAI Senior Cup
Phoenix’s FAI run ended FAI SENIOR CUP ROUND 2 UCD AFC Phoenix
3 1
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PHOENIX FAI Cup dreams came to a close last Friday at the hands of UCD in the Belfield Bowl when the LSL Sunday Senior side were undone by the students. Having eliminated Lucan United — residents of LSL Sunday 1B — the difference in standard between the opponents in successive rounds was stark, with Samir Belhout offering early touches of Premier quality down
the left wing as part of an ambitious attacking formation from UCD. The pace and pressure applied almost led to an early opener when Graham Rusk and Belhout chased down an attempted Tadhg Murphy clearance, which the former blocked, but the ricochet went just wide of the target. Paul O’Conor shot just wide before driving a hammer of a shot straight at Mur phy, denying the effort after the assistant referee belatedly raised an offside flag. But the opening score was coming, as Rusk and
Gary Burke went close before O’Conor broke the deadlock after Robbie Benson created the chance and O’Conor chipped over Murphy. Burke subsequently hit the bar from distance, but Phoenix were hanging tough and they grabbed an equaliser when Keith Dawson netted from the penalty spot in the 37th minute when former UCD man John Brophy was felled by Belhout. And parity remained until the break for Shamrock Rovers legend Harry Kenny and his Scribblestown men who kept the midfield
tight and got bodies between the goal and the UCD hordes. Danny Ledwith hit the woodwork once more in the second half while Rusk’s effort to rustle up a lead goal was scrambled away to safety. Eventually, the lead g o a l c a m e w i t h 14 minutes remaining as Derek Swan, just moments after making his entrance, missed his step to take down Benson and Ledwith duly stepped up to sweep in for 2-1 from the free kick. And the game was made safe six minutes
later as Dean Clarke cut into the box and squared for Rusk to knock home his second goal of the week from close range. Danial Ianolli and Keith Kennedy endeavoured to get one back and set up a grandstand finish but the latter saw his effort skim the wrong side of the post. It ended the Dublin 15 side’s run in the competition after a lengthy season saw the club go deep in the FAI Intermediate Cup, too, and finish fourth in the Sunday Senior. But Premier Division opposition proved that bridge too far.
Local Leprechauns batting for future sport@gazettegroup.com
A NUMBER of Dublin 15 sides continue to march on in cricket’s Leprechaun Cup, the largest Under-13 schools competition of its kind. The tournament continues to offer primary school boys and girls their first introduction to hard-ball cricket, with many new schools in non-cricketing areas entering this year, a great development for the overall progress of the game in Leinster. In Porterstown Park, Castleknock NS edged past Castaheany
Educate Together by three wickets when Adam Gibson-McKenna saw his side pass the target of 60-9 in the 17th of their 20 overs. Joshua Tamas and Troy Pagayonan’s bowling had Castleknock in trouble, but the batting of Ben Wallace and Gibson-McKenna helped pass their target, At the same venue, St Mochta’s NS made it into the second round with a narrow two-wicket victory over Scoil Mhuire. Ciaran Murray and Emmanual Nkencho had propelled Mhuire to a competitive 81-8, but Conor McCarthy and Cian Cro-
nan weighed in with significant knocks to overhaul the total. St Patrick’s, Diswellstown had a similar margin of victory as Harris Cheema and Sean combined to dismiss Mulhuddart NS for 68. The run chase was a fraught one but Eoin Crossan’s knock of 14 saw Pat’s win out by two wickets despite an exceptional spell from Craig Kennedy, recording figures of five for 10. Their reward was date with Castleknock NS but the Diswellstown crew could never get a foothold in the tie.
Owen Crossan (12) and Sean Nagle (11) chipped in but a great bowling spell from Adam Gibson-McKenna (4-10) and Ben Eustace (3-16) set a tally of 67-8. Castleknock chased it down with nine wickets to spare with Sean Pierce setting the tone. St Brigid’s NS were undone on the Navan Road by St John Bosco’s in a game reduced to 16 overs. Mykola Baiby bowled well to take a couple of wickets but Bosco were able to run up 67 from their allotted time and Brigid’s could not threaten, falling by 31 runs.
31 May 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 31
R1
FEILE 2012: EPIC SUCCESS FOR ERIN GO BRAGH .
CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S
The Erin Go Bragh team in Parnell Park where they won the Division 5 title
WELL done to all those involved in
Well done to all those involved in the
hosting the Division 1 camogie Feile in
annual golf classic which took place in
Russell Park on Saturday.
Royal Tara on Friday.
The club was looking spectacular
TG4 are doing a new programme on
and the visiting clubs complimented
Dublin supporters and they are look-
us on the organisation of the day.
ing for Irish speakers from St Brigid’s
Our Division 1 girls lost by a point in
to take part in the show. If you would
the semi-finals after several great
like to take part email info@stbrig-
performances.
idsgaa.com.
Super league win for our senior
Club snooker table now available
hurlers v Crumlin in AHL1, while the
to rent to all members during bar
juniors game was postponed.
hours. Info on website.
Register online for Summer MiniLeagues festival on June 11 to 16.
Camogie congratulations C LONEE’s camogie stars from Erin Go Bragh were celebrating last weekend when their Under-14 team completed an impressive coup by annexing the Division 5 title after a tight and low-scoing strug-
gle against fellow finalists, Commercials, at Parnell Park. The club wish to thank all of the players, parents, mentors and supporters who were all a part of the success for the club on the day.
Big week of adult league football ahead, with all our six adult teams in action. Fixtures and venues on website.
Lotto: The jackpot was not won. Numbers drawn were 8, 12 22 and
team who won the Division 4 cam-
24. Next week’s jackpot is €3,400.
Well done to our adult ladies who junior football championship. Big week for our adult footballers this week, please support where possible. We would like to wish Paul Donnelly a speedy recovery.
Play was tight in all areas of the pitch
It was a lovely sunny day which added to the excellent
and all the players rose to that challenge
playing conditions
Club shop vouchers are now available, details and contacts on the club website CNP.ie, which will be finished shortly. En ter t ainmen t this S atur da y from Rainbow and, on Bank Holiday Sunday from Chardonnay.
Vineyard for hosting the fundraiser
against Good Counsel in Hazelbury
last Friday which, although poorly
park, going down by five points in
supported, still helped raise vital
hard-fought game.
funds for the club.
This Friday, we are holding a fun-
Lotto: Numbers drawn were 5, 6,
draising junior disco in the Cas-
7 and 15. There was no winner. Next
taheany Community Centre. Kids
week’s jackpot is €5,500. Draw to be
between the ages of four and seven
held in The Paddocks.
can come between 6.30 and 7.30pm;
We would encourage all members
kids between the ages of eight
to support our weekly lotto. Tick-
and 12 can come between 7.45 and
ets are €2 per ticket or three for €5.
9.30pm.
This is a key fundraiser for this club. There are tickets behind the bar.
TYRRELSTOWN teams are as follows: Nur s e r y a nd U-7: We dn e s d a y from 6 to 7pm and Saturday from 10-11am (Tyrrelstown Community Hall) U-8: Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 to 7pm and Saturday from 10-11am (Belgree pitch, Tyrrelstown) U-9: Tuesday from 6 to 7pm and Saturday from 10-11am (Belgree pitch, Tyrrelstown) U-11: Wednesday from 6 to 7pm
The young girls displayed great skill
house for details.
OUR junior hurlers were in action
THE training times for the junior
Erin Go Brath won it all in their first ever Féile
Tesco for Schools initiative is now up and running please see club-
ERIN GO BRAGH
Thanks to Pat Keenan and the Posession of the sliotar demanded hard work
New players are always welcome.
section: Well done to our girls’ Feile
qualified for the semi-finals for the
were very evenly matched
Club Lotto is now €8,800 this week and takes place in Myo’s on Friday.
IT WAS a great week for our ladies
day beating Pat’s (P) in the final.
It was obvious from the outset that the two teams
week.
ST PEREGRINE’S ogie Feile in Parnell Park last Sun-
Both teams showed excellent sportsmanship
Congratulations to Jim Daly who won the €15,000 Lotto jackpot last
and Saturday from 10 to 11am (Bel-
gree pitch, Tyrrelstown) Please be advised that due to the nursery and U-7 training being indoors, trainers must be worn. If you are available to mentor a group, throw in a ball, or even make the tea, we would like to hear from you. This is a great opportunity to give something back to the community, get fit and most of all have fun. For more information on helping out, or to register your child’s name, contact James on 083 4086173.
ALL OF YOUR BLANCHARDSTOWN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
ERIN’S OWN: Feile success for Erin Go Bragh’s camogie starlets P31
MAY 31, 2012
KINGS OF DUBLIN: Leo and St Brigid’s teams are Dublin Stars P29
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PETER Law rie pro duced a brilliant five days of golf to not only net fourth place at the BMW PGA Championship last Sunday — and with it a €225,000 pay-day — but also to follow that success up in superb fashion on Monday to grab a place at this year’s US Open. He claimed one of the 11 spots up for grabs at the Walton Heath qualifier for the major on Monday. He emerged from a tense five-man play-off for the four available US Open berths alongside Italian Matteo Manassero, England’s Matthew Baldwin and
Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin. Manassero and Baldwin birdied the first play-off hole to go through, while Jacquelin and Lawrie advanced at the second play-off hole after Korean Sihwan Kim bogeyed after falling into a greenside bunker when attempting to get up and down. It means Lawrie will participate in his first ever US Open, the second major of the season, on June 14 to 17 as he hopes to capitalise on his excellent results of late. Coming into the BMW event, a 16th place finish in the Spanish Open showed decent form, and he swung freely
Dublin 15 golfing star Peter Lawrie produced a run of excellent golf to claim a place at this year’s US Open
last Thursday to put together a brilliant first round of 66 for a share of the lead with David Drysdale. From there, he remained steady with a 71 in round two and a level par 72 in his third round to remain in among the top ten. But he looked in danger when a treble-bogey seven in his final round left him with plenty of
ground to recover. Birdies on ten and 12 assuaged some of the damage before a pair of bogeys dropped him back to six under. One final twist of fortune, though, saw him claim shots back on the last two holes to move above Richard Sterne and Branden Grace to move into fourth place on his own. “I birdied the last
two, the last which was worth quite a few quid for me to jump out of the tie for fourth alone,” the Castleknock GC man said of the late charge. “If you told me at the start of the week, on this kind of golf course and this kind of field, I would have jumped at it. The way I played, it was great golf this week. I think I led the stats in
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Lawrie makes grade for US Open
driving and greens in regulation – accuracy driving of course, not length – but I didn’t hold my share of putts. So, to see those last few putts go in was nice. “I’ve got off to a good start every day, making a couple of birdies starting out. But I feel I’ve been patient, playing a lot of good shots early on and waited for the birdies to come.”