Blanchardstown Gazette

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SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 Find us on

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

INSIDE: All smiles at the opening of a new Montessori P2

SECURE ZONE: Official launch of Safer Blanchardstown event: See P4

A bright Ikea: Local singer in Flatpack opera Motorsport: Kennedy builds lead in Super Sport series Page 30

BLANCHARDSTOWN soprano Rachel Croash is joined by baritone Rory Musgrave at the launch of Flatpack, an opera set to take the Absolut Fringe Festival by storm.

Based on trips to the Swedish furniture giant, Flatpack is an opera set in five rooms about living with furniture.

It runs until Saturday, September 15 at the CHQ Building, Georges Dock in the Dublin Docklands.

Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

Soccer: SARI Festival draws massive local crowds Page 28

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ............. 2, 8-9 BUSINESS .................... 18 MOTORS ................. 20-21 TRAVEL......................... 23 ENTERTAINMENT .. 24-25 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

CCTV for cemetery to curb fly-tipping Reports of theft and dumping led to council action

I LAURA WEBB

A SURVEILLANCE system has been installed at Mulhuddart Cemetery in an attempt to prevent thieves from stealing sentimental items, discourage anti-social behaviour and illegal dumping.

Fingal County Council

(FCC) installed CCTV at the graveyard, which has had reports of sentimental items being stolen from graves and anti-social behaviour.

According to an FCC spokeswoman, the cameras at the cemetery are part of an attempt to reduce or eliminate fly-tipping, and they “antici-

pate that this may also contribute to a reduction in anti-social behaviour in this area”.

Dublin West TD Patrick Nulty (Lab) said it would be a “deterrent”, preventing items from being stolen and welcomed the fact that “the community has been listened to.”

Full Story on Page 4

2 BLANCH GAZETTE 13 September 2012

PERSEVERANCE Tyrrelstown Montessori finally opens

Sarah, Katie and Caitlin are making friends already. Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan

Craig, aged three and Eoin, aged seven, have a little something on their faces

Sarah gets into the spirit of the day

School’s days start with smiles I T MAY have taken longer than planned, but Tyrrelstown Montessori and After School opened last week, rewarding the perseverance and determination of Christine Fitzsimons and Caroline Byrne. The pair were devastated when planning permission for their Montessori was initially refused because new legislation stated that such a facility needed an area

for outdoor play. “When we came up here [to view the unit] the sun was shining, it was a big unit, it was exactly what we wanted – we said ‘this is it’,” Caroline said.

Tyrrelstown Montessori and After-School is located at Unit 2, Block D, Tyrrelstown Shopping Centre. Call 085 101 0800 or email tyrrelstownmont@gmail.com for further information.

Davidson

It’s obvious that Sean is happy in his new Montessori

13 September 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 3

ACCESS Crucial work on road to start after delays

Hansfield rail station set to open in spring I LAURA WEBB

CONSTRUCTION work on an access road that will see a “ghost train station’” finally open is due to start in the coming weeks.

Residents surrounding Hansfield train station in Ongar, who bought homes under the impression that a modern train station would be at their doorstep, are now being told that the train station is set to open next spring.

The multi-million-euro train station, which was completed in 2010 has been lying idle because there was no access road to the station. The train station was due to open

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when a new rail service to Dunboyne started in September 2010.

Following discussions between Fingal County Council, Irish Rail and two local developers last year, an agreement was reached to build the access road.

A tender for the construction of the access road to the vacant train station has now been approved and building is set to begin in the coming weeks.

According to a Fingal County Council report, “it is anticipated that the contractor will be on site by the end of October”.

A spokeswoman for Irish Rail said they are to

commence the construction of a road to Hansfield “very shortly”.

“We are commencing to build the road and that road should be complete by spring 2013.”

Dublin 15 TD and Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar said that the road construction is the last step that needs to be taken before the station can be opened.

“I am delighted that construction on the access road will soon start. As Ongar residents will be aware, the opening of the Hansfield train station has been delayed for a number of years due to legal and planning difficulties surrounding this

Legal difficulties prevented the building of the access road to Hansfield rail station until now

access road.

“When the station is open, it will greatly improve public transport access for residents of Ongar, Castaheany and Littlepace, and I am greatly looking forward to the opening of the station next year.”

M e a nw h i l e , p l a n -

ning permission for a temporary car park to facilitate the train station has yet to be approved.

Fingal County Council amended the Hansfield Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) - a planning scheme for the area - to allow a temporary car park to be built in the

vicinity of the railway station.

However, this decision was appealed, with the appellant seeking a judicial review to the SDZ amendment.

At the time of going to print, FCC was unavailable to give an update on the car park.

TRAINING

Identify suicide risks A SUICIDE prevention training course is being offered by Crosscare on Main Street in Blanchardtown next week.

SafeTALK is a short training course that prepares anyone over the age of 18 to identify people with thoughts of suicide and connect them to assistive agencies.

It is suitable for community workers, clergy, volunteers, parents, teachers and family members who may come into contact with people at risk.

As a SafeTalk-trained suicide alert helper, you will be better able to identify people who have thoughts of suicide and connect them with suicide thoughts to suicide intervention caregivers.

This course takes place on Wednesday, September 26 from 9.30am to 1.30pm at Crosscare, Main Street, Blanchardstown. To book a place on the course, call 01 821 9892.

4 BLANCH GAZETTE 13 September 2012

SPORT

Pitch delayed until 2014 THE provision of an all-weather pitch for a Dublin 15 school has been delayed until 2014 because funds for the facility were not drawn down within a specified time-frame.

A hard-surface playing pitch, scheduled to be built last year as part of an extension at Mary Mother of Hope school in Littlepace, has been pushed back to 2014.

According to a Fingal County Council report, the Department of Education proposed building a hard-surface playing pitch, and it was agreed between the council and the department that once they had prepared the site and provided the required fencing that the council would arrange for the laying of a 3G surface and flood-lighting.

In September 2011, the council was notified that a provisional grant allocation of €25,000 had been made for the project, but had to be drawn down by early December 2011.

However, the Department of Education did not proceed with the planned extension, which included the playing surface, and so the provisional allocation has now been withdrawn.

“In a recent discussion with the Department they indicated that it is likely to proceed in mid to late 2014. When their timeframe is more solid, the question of upgrading the facility will be considered,” the council added.

PROGRAMME Fifth event to run throughout year

Safer Blanchardstown format is revitalised I LAURA WEBB

lwebb@gazettegroup.com

THIS year, the format of the Safer Blanchardstown week has changed and, instead of running for one week, there will be a number of events taking place throughout the year ahead, 20122013.

Safer Blanchardstown co-ordinator Philip Jennings explained: “This is the fifth annual event. It has been very successful up to this [point], and we could have continued it on, but when you are on top of it, that’s when you need to change it a bit, to revitalise it.

“Instead of doing things the same way, we thought it might be better to keep the programme and the theme going for a year.”

The official launch of Safer Blanchardstown takes place on September 21 at the Blanchardstown Centre, which will showcase a variety of community services that are available, and also highlight some of the events that will take place throughout the year.

According to Jennings, the aim of the programme is to “bring the [local] services to the community”.

“Very often, services would exist just around the corner, but people don’t know they are there unless they have to use them. It’s only then you realise they are there. “ There can be a lot of negative publicity, so it is to counter that.

“There is a lot of work that goes on in the community and there is a lot happening, very positively, in Blanchardstown. It’s a very positive thing, to bring people closer to the services [and] promote them,” said Jennings.

“It is also for the community to start to think about what is it that affects their community safety? What makes it feel safe? There can be a lot of negative publicity, so it is to counter that. So much good work goes on by people and there are many supports there to help people.

“We will have three community people speaking on the launch day for a couple of minutes. We chose people who [have been] quite active in the community for a couple of years,” he said.

Open Day The Blanchardstown Garda Open day takes

Blanchardstown Garda Station will be open to the public on September 22

place on September 22 and, this year, the Blanchardstown village shopping centre is getting involved.

“They are partnering up with the gardai and we hope to develop that into a bigger event.

“A lot of people will come down to the station and then go on to the facepainting [event], enjoy the balloons and money-off vouchers for that day, so it will be worth people’s while

going down.”

During this event, locals get a chance to see inside the station and a number of specialised Garda units will be there, including the Garda Dogs Unit, the Mounted Support Unit and the motor unit.

Other events include a family fun day in St Peregrine’s, where they hope to host a novelty game of football, with the Garda playing St Peregrine’s.

“ We a r e h o p i n g we can get the gardai dressed in the old uniform, grey coats and Wellington boots something like that,” he said.

Thanking all the community organisations for getting involved, he said that without their suppor t, it wouldn’t happen.

“We are very grateful for people supporting the initiative. On the launch day last year, we had about 27 stands

from different organisations and we will have a similar number this year. There is a lot of information for people to come along to even just browse.

“There are lots of people working hard and volunteering to provide a service for the community and we want to celebrate that,” he added.

A full list of events will be available to view soon at www.saferblanchardstown.com.

CCTV installed at cemetery I LAURA WEBB

A CCTV system has been installed at Mulhuddart Cemetery to deter thieves from stealing sentimental items, and discourage anti-social behaviour and illegal dumping at the burial grounds.

Last week, Fingal County Council (FCC) installed the surveillance system at the graveyard in Mulhuddart, which has had reports of sentimental ornaments and items being stolen from graves, and on going anti-social

behaviour happening there.

According to a spokeswoman for FCC, the installation of CCTV cameras at the cemetery is part of an attempt to reduce or eliminate the ongoing problem of flytipping or illegal dumping at this location.

“We anticipate that this may also contribute to a reduction in antisocial behaviour in this area,” the spokeswoman said.

Dublin West TD Patrick Nulty (Lab) said it was a

welcome move by the council.

“It is very welcome that new cameras have been put up in the graveyard and, hopefully, that will ensure that items left at graves, or items of sentimental value, [remain there].”

“This will be the deterrent to prevent them from being stolen and I very much welcome the fact that the community has been listened to on this issue,” he said.

“It is a small, but certainly a significant step

forward in ensuring the graveyard has proper security and dignity for families to visit it,” he said.

Deputy Nulty pointed out that we live in a society where “crime is reality”, but that it is important that “we take steps to prevent it initially and also to tackle it where it does occur”.

“It would be better if we didn’t have to provide this type of thing, but it is still important that the community has been listened to.”

13 September 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 5

6 BLANCH GAZETTE 13 September 2012

CSO

Census statistics confirm fall in rents and rise in unemployment

Housing study shows 7% Fingal vacancy rate I LAURA WEBB lwebbn@gazettegroup.com

THE total amount of housing stock in the Fingal area is over 100,000, with a 7% vacancy rate, according to the latest report compiled from the results of Census 2011.

The report, named The

Roof Over Our Heads, was issued by the CSO last week, and examines Irish housing.

Under the heading of total housing units, occupied and vacant, the report states that total housing stock in Fingal is 102,793.

This includes 92,951

units occupied by residents of the household, 199 as visitors only, and 2,439 as residents temporary absent. 4,070 are vacant houses and 2,823 are vacant flats, while 311 are holiday homes.

The vacancy rate for the Fingal area is 7%. The total average weekly rent

for private households in permanent housing units in Fingal was recorded to be €182.66 in 2011, a 7% drop since the last census in 2006, when the average rent was recorded at €196.31.

The average local authority weekly rent for this area is recorded

at €70.86, a 22.4% drop from 2006, when the figure was €91.29.

For those living in a house owned by a private landlord or voluntary housing body, the average weekly rent is €208.97, a 12.5% drop from the last census, which was recorded to be €238.75.

Meanwhile, the total number of mortgaged private households in permanent housing units for Fingal is 43,811 on census night in 2011, 1,475 less than the 2006 census.

Of the total, 36,303 residents were at work with a mortgage, compared to 39,695 five years before.

2,857 were unemployed, a 334% increase since Census 2006 which recorded just 853 unemployed with a mortgage.

Those with a mortgage not in the labour force number 4,651 in 2011, 87 less than in 2006.

Further details can be found at www.census.ie.

Toastmasters’ event to loosen tongues MEMBERS of the Phoenix-Tara Toastmasters will host a visitors’ night for anyone interested in finding out more about the club.

Castleknock resident and toastmaster member Barry Lane is one of three guest speakers at the Phoenix-Tara Toastmasters’ evening, which takes place at 8pm on Monday, September 17, at Dunboyne Castle.

An experienced toastmaster, Barry won the Area 16 Toastmasters’ honour with his speech, Manflu, in 2011.

He will be joined by past international Toastmasters president, Ted Corcoran, who will deliver a workshop titled Humorously Speaking. Ted is also a past

UK and Ireland humorous speech champion.

A third workshop, titled Tips to Tackle the Terror of Table Topics (Impromptu Speaking), will be presented by Dublin Toastmaster, Dermot Greene.

Phoenix-Tara Toastmasters meet in Dunboyne Castle Hotel on the second and fourth Monday each month. Members are drawn from West Dublin, South Meath and North Kildare.

According to a spokesperson for the club, the club’s communication and leadership programmes have proved “invaluable” to their members when writing or improving their work or college presentations and wedding speeches.

Further information about the club can be found on www.phoenix-tara-toastmasters. com, or by following the club on Facebook or Twitter, @phoenixtara.

The Blanchardstown Centre will see 30 new jobs in a flagship Boots store this week.

EMPLOYMENT: POSTS IN RETAIL AND ENGINEERING

Boost for Dublin 15 as 85 jobs created I LAURA WEBB

THERE has been a major jobs boost for Dublin 15 following the announcement of 85 jobs within a number of different businesses during the last week.

The official opening of the new Boots flagship store in the Blanchardstown Centre took place this week, with the creation of 30 new full- and part-time jobs.

A further 25 jobs have been created at the Jelly Bean Factory, which has its manufacturing facility in Blanchardstown.

Meanwhile, 30 new jobs were announced for Malone Engineering in Ballycoolin Industrial

Estate, Dublin 15. The new roles, suitable for graduates in engineering and health and safety, increase staff numbers at the engineering business from 15 to 45.

MTV presenter and Dubliner Laura Whitmore was on hand on Wednesday, September 12, to officially launch Boots’ new store.

Debbie Smith, managing director at Boots Ireland, said: “This is the biggest Boots store opening in the UK and Ireland in 2012, and we are delighted that this is happening in Dublin.”

Joe Gavin, general manager of Blanchardstown Centre, commented on the Boots jobs, saying:

“We are delighted to have this great addition to the centre now open. With its super range of products and services I have no doubt it will attract customers from all over the country to Blanchardstown”.

Dublin 15 TD and Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar welcomed the jobs announcement at The Jelly Bean Factory and Malone Engineering.

“Exports are the key to our recovery, and both these companies have a strong export focus; The Jelly Bean Factory in confectionery exports to Europe, while Malone Engineering provide engineering design, project

management, safety management and turnkey project solutions to companies both domestically and also in Canada, Britain and the US. I wish the two companies... the very best.”

Meanwhile, Fingal Dublin Chamber president Siobhan Moore, commented on the 30 new highly-qualified jobs at Malone Engineering and congratulated owner Stephen Malone on his achievement: “Stephen is a member of the Chamber Council and has contributed to the strategic development of the Chamber in recent years. It is not surprising, therefore, to see him create such a strong growth in his company.”

13 September 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 7

EMAILS: PROPERTY WEBSITE DETECTS BOGUS MESSAGES TO CUSTOMERS

FASHION

Beauty tips at the Centre

Daft.ie issue rent scam alert I LAURA WEBB

PROPERTYwebsite Daft. ie is sending out warning emails to its customers to be mindful if they suspect a person enquiring about a rented property or room-sharing is a scam artist.

In an email sent to a property owner living in the Dublin 15 area who is seeking to rent out a room, the property website warns him of the potential scam.

The email gives the name of the person that enquired about the room and the date they made the enquiry.

It goes on to say that they have “reasons to believe that this person may be engaged in fraudulent activity”, and “is not who they purport to be” and advise that it is “best to cease all communica-

tion with potential scam artists like this immediately.”

Additionally, they advise their customers to never send money by Western Union or Moneybookers, as it is “not safe”.

Explaining the reason behind the email, a spokesman for Daft.ie said the team saw there were a couple of thousand emails, all with the exact same wording, sent to thousands of their customers in just one day.

“It was just the volume of those we picked up on and flagged as suspicious. We assume it is a common [scam], in that people engage [with the property manager], say they want the place and then they send a cheque to the person which is for more money than is required for the deposit.

They say, ‘Can you please

wire the difference to our account?’, and, obviously, the cheque never [clears].

“They send thousands of emails to different areas of the country, so it is very unlikely they are interested in living in every different part of the country.

That’s why we flagged it.

“What we do then is send out an email saying to look out for the main scam, which is never wire money to a Western Union [account].

“There is generally never any contact face-to-face [from these scams], and they never include phone numbers. It’s always just used with email addresses,” he added.

The spokesman went on to say that Daft.ie make it a priority to warn customers about scams, saying they use “a number of measures” to ensure customer safety.

Glorious graduate: Local woman among first to earn housing degree FUNIMOLA SALAU of Dublin 15, is pictured graduating at UCD

last week. She graduated from a unique Housing and Community Studies Degree run by Respond! Housing Association. The Bachelor of Social Studies in Housing and Community Studies (BSS) is delivered in partnership by Respond! Housing Association and University College Dublin. The BSS degree is a four-year, part-time programme designed for mature students, (23 years and above) who wish to return to education. It is the only course of its kind in Ireland.

THE Appletiser StyleFix roadshow is coming to Dublin 15 bringing fashion and beauty tips and more to the Blanchardstown Centre in the coming weeks.

On Saturday, September 29 from 1pm onwards, the roadshow will be making its way to the shopping centre for a completely free event for budding fashionistas.

Throughout the day, there will be fashion shows, make-overs, style advice and fashion tips for attendees.

For anyone interested in getting a make-over on the day, they can book an appointment at the venue.

For further information, see the Appletiser Facebook page at www. facebook.com/appletiserireland, where there are a number of photographs from their recent event in Athlone.

8 BLANCH GAZETTE 13 September 2012

SCH0OLS First-day fun for the new

Adam

junior infants at

Cillian

So far, so good for Amy and Anthony

Godfrey was ready for

anything with his neat uniform and cool schoolbag. Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan

Learning what school is all about HE new class of junior infants were warmly welcomed to Scoil an Chroi Ro Naofa in Huntstown recently, where teacher, Ms Quinn, did her very best to make the children feel relaxed on their first day at school.

Of course, there was the usual batch of first-day nerves for some, but Ms Quinn, and

T

Skye

parents, soon had the junior infants feeling ready for anything.

With their smart uniforms, neat haircuts and cool schoolbags, the young pupils were soon settled in their classroom, with Scoil an Chroi Ro Naofa getting them off to a great start on their long educational journey ahead.

Roger and Jason

13 September 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 9

Scoil Chroi Ro Naofa, Huntstown, as they settle into class

Ms Quinn

Callum

Maria and Maria

Ricardo

Twins, Rian and Cara

Agatha and Raphael

Laoise

Declan

Ricardo again, out of his cool blue puffa jacket

10 BLANCH GAZETTE 13 September 2012

EVENT Radio Nova celebrates its second birthday in style

Lucci Minx setting the scene at the Radio Nova bash

Get the party started

Michaela Hayes and Elaine Leonard at the the Radio Nova second birthday party in Cafe En Seine, Dublin. Pictures: Patrick O’Leary

ADIO Nova celebrated its second birthday in style with a spectacular bash at Cafe en Seine, Dawson St, in Dublin’s city centre.

The station has much to celebrate: In just two short years, it has achieved a record audience of 140,000 listeners, making it the most successful radio station launch in 20 years.

In keeping with the station’s slogan of “seriously addictive” music, the atmosphere certainly rocked as partygoers from all over the city enjoyed the tunes and the fun.

R

Stefanie Smith

Lucia Anne

Michaela Hayes and Elaine Leonard at the party

Lynn Caren and Roisin Cullinan

Julie Carney and Ros Darcy

Alan O’Donovan and Danielle Hand

13 September 2012 GAZETTE 11

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GazetteContacts MARATHON Appeal to aid cancer society Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251

Managing Director: Michael McGovern email:mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Acting News Editor: Rob Heigh email: rheigh@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater 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 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.

Training offer for runners with charity THE Irish Cancer Society is appealing to those taking part in the Dublin Marathon on Monday, October 29, to join the Irish Cancer Society’s Run4Life Team.

The society says that not only will their participation generate much needed funds for cancer services, the Run4Life programme also offers vital support to those taking on the marathon challenge, giving added support during the final weeks of training.

Cliona Hegarty, the national campaigns manager of the Irish Cancer Society, said: “Running a marathon is a huge personal challenge, and

to take on that feat while also raising money for the Irish Cancer Society is enormous.

“The cancer challenge in Ireland is huge. One in three of us will develop cancer during the course of our lifetime and this year alone, it is estimated that 30,000 people will develop cancer.

“We rely on the public’s goodwill and support to continue to provide our free nationwide patient care services.

“Last year over 300 people ran marathons for us at home and around the world. This year, we are glad to see more people get their running shoes on and help out-

run cancer,” Cliona said.

Most recent data from the National Cancer Registry shows that 6,667 people were diagnosed with cancer in Dublin in 2010. Cancer will affect one in three people during the course of their lifetime.

However more people are surviving cancer because people are being diagnosed at an earlier stage and treatments are advancing through research.

The Irish Cancer Society’s Run4Life programme offers people the opportunity to run a marathon at home or overseas and raise money for the charity.

Former Olympian Marie Murphy is offering training programmes to Dublin Marathon runners who are raising funds for the Irish Cancer Society

Part of the programme is training support from former Olympian Marie Murphy. Murphy gives exclusive training programmes and nutrition plans to participants, tailored to their specific needs. The programme is open to anyone who has ever dreamed of complet-

ing a marathon, beginners and experienced runners, with support to help get you across the finish line, while raising much needed funds.

To find out more, callsave 1850606060, visit www.cancer.ie/aboutRun4Life or email fundraising@irishcancer.ie

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

Mini Music Academy – Is 6 months too early to start music?

SALLY Goddard Blythe, a consultant in neurodevelopmental education and director of the Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology, (UK) informs us that singing songs and nursery rhymes to babies and infants before they learn to speak, is “an essential precursor to later educational success and emotional wellbeing.”

Blythe argues that, “Song is a special type of speech. Lullabies, songs and rhymes of every culture carry the ‘signature’ melodies and inflections of a mother tongue, preparing a child’s ear, voice and brain for language.”

In her book,The Genius of Natural Childhood, published by Hawthorn Press (2011), Blythe advises that traditional songs aid a child’s ability to think in words. She also claims that listening to, and singing along with rhymes and songs uses and develops both sides of the brain. “Neuro-imaging has shown that music involves

more than just centralised hotspots in the brain, occupying large swathes on both sides,” she said.

In relation to Early Music Education, three principal tried and tested methods of teaching are the Kodály, the Orff and Dalcroze approach to teaching. Since 1995, Castleknock School of Music (Castleknock and Ongar Village, Dublin 15) have been combining these three approaches to teach children from 6 mths – 7 years at Mini Music Academy.

These combined methods engage the child’s mind and body through singing and movement to music developing pitch, rhythm, balance, coordination and communication skills..

The child’s creative imagination is developed through composition activities and use of percussion instruments.

Reading and writing of music skills is developed from 2 years of age using activities suitable to their

age and stage.

Eileen Brogan, the school’s director, has been involved in music education for over 30 years and has focused much of her career developing an early music curriculum programme within Castleknock School of Music. Eileen holds a B.Mus. and Masters Degree in music and holds Licentiate Diplomas in piano with the Royal Irish Academy of Music (LRIAM), the Leinster School of Music (LLSM) and Trinity College London (LTCL).

A music examiner at the Royal Irish Academy of Music for many years, she held the post of Senior Music Examinerthere from 2004-2006. She currently lectures in curriculum music for primary schools at St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Dublin since 2002 teaching B.Mus. Ed. Students how to teach music in the primary school classroom.

Castleknock School of Music currently have a

team of 25 highly qualified music teachers, many of whom are examiners with the RIAM. Eileen Brogan and Margaret Reid have over 25 years of experience teaching early music.

Their five published books entitled First Steps in Music Series contain songs especially composed for young children from 2 years.

Each book represents 1 year’s work in class and is accompanied with a cd of the songs contained in the book. The children singing on each cd are still current students of MMA and CSM. The songs were recorded by Seamus Brett of Silverstream Studios who also recorded the Music in the Classroom Series.

Parents are encouraged to work with their child at home as much as possible, listening and singing along with the cd. The songs are also sung in solfa and a backing track is provided for each song so that the children (and parents)

can practice at home or in the car.

The books are written for age and stage as follows: • First Steps in Music Series, Bonny Bluebirds 2-3 years • First Steps in Music Series, Red Robins 3-4 years • First Steps in Music Series, Pink Bears 4-5 years • First Steps in Music Series, Yellow Bunnies 5-6 years • First Steps in Music Series, Green Frogs 6 -7 years Because their curriculum is such a resounding success, MMA students can begin to learn an instrument from as early as 4 years in their Pathway to Piano, Gateway to Guitar, Road to Recorder,Adventures in Violin and Cheeky ‘Cellos programme. MMA / CSM student recordings of performances can be seen on UTUBE. In addition, Mini Music Academy has

launched an Education & Outreach Programme (2011) to facilitate playschools, Montessori’s, primary schools and organisations within the broader community and are now providing classes to Corduff Childcare Services and a voluntary Special Needs Music Class at St. Mochta’s Parish Centre. Simply apply to CSM and they can bring MMA classes directly to your doorstep.

Mini Music Academy classes energetically and passionately kick-off from Monday 10th September 2012. Ongoing enrolment is accepted subject to availability.

If you would like more information, you can visit their websites: www.

Mini Music Academy. com, www.castleknock schoolofmusic.com, email info@minimusicacademy. com. Telephone Jilly Kiely at 01 826 1100.

13 September 2012 GAZETTE 13

HERITAGE: THEATRE FESTIVAL Literary treasure hunt celebrates Joyce’s book CELEBRATE AREA’S PAST

Airport starts a new chapter for Dubliners

Explore Merrion Square I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

SEPTEMBER in The Square is a free cultural project running throughout the month in Merrion Square that explores the history and architecture of the area.

Visitors will have a rare opportunity to get behind the beautiful Georgian doors of some of Merrion Square’s most elegant houses.

People can go along to the activities and talks lined up for September in the Square, such as lunchtime concerts every Tuesday and talks each Thursday.

Also on offer will be guided walks, a pop-up Wildean Salon at the Royal Society of Antiquaries (at No 63, Merrion Square), and even dancing on the square.

Merrion Square was built by the Fitzwilliam Estate in 1762 and is among the best-preserved Georgian examples in Dublin.

Among the luminaries who lived at Merrion Square were the writers, Oscar Wilde, at No 1, and WB Yeats, at No 82.

For full details, see www.merrionsquare.ie.

I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

A LITER ARY treasure hunt is under way throughout September at Dublin Airport as Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) celebrates its sponsorship of a new theatrical adaptation of Dubliners – James Joyce’s famous collection of short stories – in next month’s Dublin

Theatre Festival.

Five special editions of the book will be placed around the airport every day in September with a note that reads: “Take me, I’m free”.

Lucky travellers who find the books will be entered into a draw to win an array of prizes, including theatre tickets to the production of Dubliners, sets of Penguin English

Library classic books, and The Loop airport shopping vouchers.

They will be entered into the competition when they tweet a picture of their book as it travels around the world to Dublin Airport’s Twitter account (@DublinAirport).

These images will be re-tweeted by Dublin Airport and published on its

Pinterest site and other social media channels.

Paul O’Kane, director of public affairs, DAA, said: “We are thrilled to be a partner of this year’s Dublin Theatre Festival, and we wanted to find a way to bring some of that excitement to the airport.

“We think Dubliners@DublinAirport is a fun way to engage with customers to promote

The Corn Exchange and Dublin Theatre Festival’s production of Dubliners, and also the wider Dublin Theatre Festival.”

It will be the first time that Joyce’s classic depiction of Dublin life, first published in 1914, will be seen in a large-scale production in his native city, featuring cast members from The Corn Exchange, a multi-award winning

theatre company.

Dubliners will be premiered in the Gaiety Theatre from Thursday, September 27 until Sunday, September 30 (with a preview on Wednesday, September 26), and tickets range from €10 to €35.

The Dublin Theatre Festival takes place from Thursday, September 27 until Sunday, October 14.

Public called on to support walk I NATALIE BURKE

nburke@gazettegroup.com

Blood, sweat and wheels: Fundraising cyclists face a 100km ride to help St Francis Hospice THESE members of Blanch Wheelies (unsur-

prisingly, also known as Blanchardstown’s cycling club) were happy to meet mascot of giveblood.ie, Buddy the Blooddrop recently, who gave them a buddy good boost by highlighting their upcoming 100km fundraising cycle on Saturday, September 29, in aid of the St Francis Hospice, Dublin 15.

In addition to joining Buddy to highlight

the never-ending need for blood donors to help save lives in Dublin, and across the country, the cyclists were happy to tell The Gazette details of their challenging ride.

On the day, the Blanch Wheelies hope to have upwards of 50-60 riders for the 100km cycle, which will start from the Blanchardstown hospice at 10am, with plans in place to present a cheque to the hospice.

AS AMBASSADOR for Respect, the Daughters of Charity service for people with an intellectual disability, television presenter Kathryn Thomas is calling on members of the public to join her on the Connemara Walk.

The fundraising event is set to take place in the surroundings of Connemara, Co Galway from Thursday, September 27 to Sunday, September 30.

Kathryn will lead walkers in an effort to raise much-needed funds for the charity. Accommodation and meals will be provided for all walkers in the Abbey Glen Castle Hotel, Clifden, Co Galway.

Since 1892, the Daugh-

ters of Charity service has worked hard to provide care, education and training for people with an intellectual disability.

The service has the responsibility of caring for 2,300 people – 800 of them in full-time residential care – while up to 1,500 people attend specialist centres on a daily basis.

The funds raised from the walk will go towards Respect’s Clonsillabased housing project at St Joseph’s. The housing project will meet the individual needs of the residents with various physical and intellectual disabilities.

For further information, or to receive a booking form, contact Respect at 01 824 5420, or see www. respect.ie.

14 GAZETTE 13 September 2012

THEATRE Angelina Ballerina: The Mousical

Performers in the popular Angelina Ballerina: The Mousical, which will appear at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre in Dublin’s city centre from September 19. Picture: Robert Day

CHOREOGRAPHY: CHALLENGE OF FUSING STYLES

Lord of dance has all the right moves I PAUL HOSFORD

BEING in charge of the dance moves of any musical is difficult, but even more so when it is the musical of a beloved children’s character.

But, what about when that character is a balletdancing mouse?

That is the challenge presented to Matthew Cole, the choreographer of the forthcoming Angelina Ballerina: The Mousical, which comes to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre this month.

Matthew is a highlytrained dancer, having studied at Laine Theatre Arts. His performing experience spans over a decade, having appeared in the West End, toured the UK and worked internationally.

His performing credits include Saturday Night Fever, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Miami Nights, Cats and Chicago. He recently served as assistant choreographer on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and as choreographer for comedian Pam Ann on her international and US tour including shows

at the London Palladium and Apollo Hammersmith. He has also just finished choreographing Vampirette, a new musical which premiered at the Manchester Opera House this May. So, his experience must surely have been tested to its limits by the prospect of having to make Angelina’s moves interesting to audiences ranging from three to 60...

“It certainly gives you different things to think about,” said Matthew when he spoke to the Gazette last week.

“What I did was, I based a lot of Angelina’s movement on the current television show. That’s what the kids who will be watching the musical will be familiar with, and I wanted them to see something that they recognise. Angelina dances to quite a high standard, so it was nice for the adult dancers.

“The brief was to create something for adults and kids,” says Matthew.

An award-winning children’s book series by author Katharine Holabird and illustrator Helen Craig, Angelina Balle-

rina was first launched in 1983 and has since garnered huge international acclaim, with over 20 books published and an animated television series broadcast in the UK and the US. Angelina Ballerina: The Mousical transports audiences to Chipping Cheddar, as Angelina and friends discover that Camembert Academy has won the opportunity to appear in their favourite television programme, Dancing With Mice.

It feels like a dream come true - but when the girls and boys have very different ideas for the show and just can’t seem to agree on anything, it’s up to Angelina as dance captain to ensure that the show goes ahead.

With the boys wanting to hip-hop dance and the girls focused on ballet, Matthew was tasked with coming up with two separate styles which, he says, was an “interesting challenge”.

“It was difficult to do two completely different styles and fuse them in to one show, but we worked very hard to make it work for adults and kids. It was

important to reference the original source material constantly, as long as the steps fit the character.”

As for the challenge of starting the process of choreographing such a show, Matthew says that he is blessed to have worked with great people.

“I’ve trained in dance all my life and worked with great dance captains and choreographers, so there is something of a formula to putting these things together. You start with the music, who’s in the dance, what you need to happen in terms of story and then finally start putting the steps on top. “I’m extremely satisfied with the end product. Children are loving it, as are adults, but kids don’t lie.”

Due to popular demand, new Sunday performances have been added to the run of the show from Wednesday, September 19 to September 23.

Tickets priced from €15 are on sale now through Ticketmaster and family tickets are available.

13 September 2012 GAZETTE 15

FESTIVAL Dunderry’s second year has a wide range of music and fun MOTORING Safety advice for parents

Lots to celebrate at the Spirit of Folk I LAURA WEBB

lwebb@gazettegroup.com

THE Spirit of Folk festival is back for a second year, with dozens of big-name acts lined up in the surrounds of Dunderry, Co Meath.

The festival has built on the success of its inaugural year last year, and is back with a celebration of all things folk.

The line-up at this family-friendly festival features two-time Meteor Award winner John Spillane, and an exclusive Irish date from award-winning, folkrock Glastonbury favourites Treetop Flyers.

Kildare singer-songwriter Ross Breen, and Dublin-based folk-pop group Little Xs for Eyes, join the impressive lineup that includes The Cujo Family, David Hope,

Coscan, Lynched, Wicker Bones, Easy Buoy, Gordon Reeves, Corner Boy, No Bread, Wyvern Lingo, Mark Maxwell, The Greasy Coates, Polly Barrett, and John Blek and the Rats, bringing the number of acts performing over the weekend to more than 40.

Some of Ireland’s best seanchai (storytellers), including Eddie Lenihan and Pat Speight, will perform throughout the weekend in a replica megalithic cairn, while Astronomy Ireland will give festival-goers a chance to view the stars from the perspective of our ancient ancestors.

Meanwhile, The Wildlife Trust will run interactive activities for children of all ages.

One of the festival organisers, Natasha Duffy,

said: “We want festivalgoers to leave feeling better than when they came, full of optimism and new ideas.

“For that reason, we have curated the event to include alternative activities you might not usually find at a festival, while still providing stellar entertainment from some of the most inspiring artists in Ireland and Britain at the moment.”

The festival also allows for a little learning, with visitors being given the chance to learn ancient skills such as archery and falconry, and they will get to test their wits in The Hall of Heroes.

This is an area of the festival where gaming and competition are expressed through unique games such as bicycle jousting, folk aerobics and the

ancient art of table tennis.

For those looking for a relaxed atmosphere, there will be a healing area offering treatments from acupuncture to massage, and teepees open all weekend for drumming and mandala workshops.

A stage production, in collaboration with the Gaiety School of Acting, brings The Return of the Fianna – an original comedy featuring characters from Irish mythology – to the festival stage on Saturday and Sunday.

Spirit of Folk runs from Friday, September 21 to Sunday, September 23.

Weekend camping tickets start at €85; day tickets cost €45, and children under 14 can go free.

For further information, see www.spiritoffolk. com.

WITH AA Ireland experiencing its usual back to school call-outs last week, the roadside rescue service is reminding parents on the school run to pull over somewhere safe if they need to attend to their children.

The reminder comes following new statistics revealing that of a sample of 10,500 parents, 16% said they have had a near miss or collision as a result of turning around to attend to their children.

This ethereal visitor gets into the spirit at the recent launch of the Spirit of Folk festival on the Hill of Tara

Stressful Conor Faughnan, AA Ireland, said: “As any parent knows, it can be extremely stressful travelling with young children in the car.

“Toys get dropped, tantrums can happen, children get ill, and so on. If your little darlings do act up, take a deep breath, keep your eyes ahead, and find somewhere safe to pull in.”

16 GAZETTE 13 September 2012

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC RADIO NOVA’S DEE WOODS: ROLLING STONES’ MONKEY BUSINESS FOR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

I know it’s only grrr-ock and roll I DEE WOODS

AFTER 50 years, fans of The Rolling Stones know they’re still rocking, but it’s taken quite a while for the group to get the celebrations rolling.

The rock r umour mill has been in overdrive ever since Jagger and Co reached their five decade milestone mark. Fans have been waiting for whispers of a world tour and/or new music to be confirmed, and in the past week, they’ve been thrown another bone... albeit a bit of a strange one.

The Rolling Stones have announced

they’re to release (yet another) greatest hits in November, entitled Grrr!

It’s a 3-CD, 1 DVD set, and if the title wasn’t weird enough, the giant gorilla sporting The Stones’ trademark tongue and lips on the cover is enough to make any Stones’ fan utter the album’s title with gusto.

Along with the Best Of album, the band previously announced a photo exhibition in London depicting their record-breaking career in music as well as The Rolling Stones: 50, a photo book that promises to tell the story of the Stones “like it’s

never been told been told before”.

The band is also scheduled to walk the red carpet at the premiere of a documentary about them at the London Film Festival next month. “ C r o s s f i r e H u rricane” is billed as a “kaleidoscopic new film that documents key periods of their career and their incredible adventures”.

Now all this is very well and good - plenty of memorabilia fodder to satisfy any Stones’ fan looking for a recap of the band’s past a c h i e ve m e n t s , b u t what about their future ones? Surely the fact

that the band’s members are still alive and kicking after all these years means we should be getting news of new material soon?

Mick Jagger tweeted about recording in Paris a few weeks ago giving hope that a new album could be on the cards very soon, and a tour to support it.

C’mon boys, don’t make me say it...until The Stones’ stuff of 2012 is released, we can’t get no satisfaction!

And if that wasn’t enough excitement for one week, rock fans were hysterical when Led Zeppelin posted a cr yptic photo on

their official Facebook page...

The image said simply, “Five”. Inevitably, apoplectic fans wondered if this was the sign of an album to follow the classic Led Zep IV...

But, as the week progressed, and “Four”, “T hree” and “Two” were posted on the social networking site, it became clear that it was a countdown to the release of a DVD of their reunion performance at London’s O2 arena in 2007.

All we need now is an announcement of some live dates to go with the release of the performance... if only!

The band and the cover art for the Rolling Stones’ 50th anniversary greatest hits collection

COMING SOON IN YOUR GAZETTE...

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13 September 2012 GAZETTE 17

GazetteSTYLE STYLE

Edited by Laura Webb

No7 creates the foundation of a perfect look at Boots NO7 has gone all “techie” and says it’s set to revolutionise the face of Irish beauty with its foundation match-made service.

Finding the right colour to match skin tone can be hard, with some leaving faces whiter than white, while others could leave faces looking as if they’ve been tangoed.

According to No7, its new service, which is exclusive to 48 Boots stores across Ireland, will help women discover their dream foundation in minutes.

No7 Foundation Match-Made Service finds the perfect No7 foundation shade and type for each individual skin tone.

A special hand-held device uses a series of coloured and ultra violet lights to assess the tone, colour and lightness of facial skin in seconds.

Trained No7 advisors use the device to measure skin colour and the device then matches it to one

of the new, skin-true shades.

By assessing the skin’s needs, the advisor helps to find a perfect type of foundation from the extensive range of finishes, formats and tex-----------------------------------

According to No7, its new service, which is exclusive to 48 Boots stores across Ireland, will help women discover their dream foundation in minutes -----------------------------------

tures in the new No7 foundation range. According to the cosmetic company, No7 experts measured the skin colour of more than 2,000 women to develop a new palette of skin-true shades.

All of these skin-true colours remain true across each range, enabling women to choose the perfect colour match in the perfect type of foundation.

Debbie Smith, managing director, Boots Ireland, said: “We are extremely excited about celebrating the exclusive launch of the groundbreaking No7 Foundation Match-Made Service in our stores in Ireland.

“The combination of a new palette of skin-true shades, based on three years’ worth of research by No7, with a device that takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect foundation, means that No7 is once again at the forefront of bringing great new products and services to our customers.”

There is also an updated in-store look with a private consultation area for a more personal shopping experience.

Claim your perfect pickme-up gift

A new No7 service available at all 48 Boots Ireland outlets promises to make finding the perfect foundation a doddle, with a hand-held device expertly identifying the perfect tone for you

HOUSE of Fraser and Lancome are offering the perfect pick-me-up this month with a great gift offer.

Customers to the Lancome counter in House of Fraser, Dundrum can avail of this complimentary gift, worth €110, when they purchase two or more Lancome products from September 20 to October 7.

The gift includes skincare essentials, two award-winning serums, and a choice of day and night creams. It also includes mascara and lipstick. If you purchase a third Lancôme product, you will receive a bonus gift – a full size Bi-Facil.

18 GAZETTE 13 September 2012

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Interview: Susie Christian, co-owner, Petco Pet Store, Walkinstown ‘THE DEVIL’S METAL’ VALUE Q – I BOUGHT silver a few years ago. I want to sell it, but Ireland does not seem to have anywhere to sell it. Is it worth keeping? I have also been told to invest in palladium or rhodium. I don’t even know what these are! Can you please advise? Miriam – Churchtown, D14 A - WELL, you have done very well if you bought a few years ago. Silver – the devil’s metal (so-called because of Judas and the 30 pieces of silver he received for selling out Jesus) – is currently priced at c. $29 per troy ounce.

Over the past couple of years, it had risen to €40 per troy ounce, but has been fairly steady for the past year.

You can buy and sell silver with silversmiths and jewellers across the country, plus also the various online sites such as: • www.goldcore.ie or www.gold.ie • www.goldbank.ie • www.goldmoney.com • www.suissegold.cf Remember, there generally is a VAT liability on silver (not gold), but not if pre-circulated. If you have paid the VAT within the EU, then there is no further liability.

Silver is part of the precious metals group and, as such, they say it is prudent to hold 10% of your portfolio in these metals.

I do remember as a young boy growing up in England scrutinising every two shilling piece, because if I found one with a pre-1922 date on the coin, it was worth double the value!

I’m not sure what amount of silver you are holding, but I would not be in any rush at this point to sell.

As regards palladium and rhodium, these are part of the platinum family – rare precious metals.

Palladium took off in recent years with the resurgence of the motor trade in the US – this metal is used mainly in catalytic converters.

Its current price is c. $576 per troy ounce – it was c. $1,100 per troy ounce back in 2000.

Rhodium, a rare silver-white hard, noble metal, is similar, resistant to corrosion and found in platinum or nickel ores. This metal was only discovered in 1803 by a William Hyde Wollaston.

In 2007, its price was close to $10,000 while, today, it is nearer the €1,080 mark – quite a difference!

Approximately 80% of all rhodium production goes into catalytic converters and is alloyed with palladium or platinum.

If you have either of these precious metals, again, they’re worth keeping for the moment.

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

A PICTURE TELLS A STORY! GOT A GREAT PICTURE, SEND IT TO US! Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email picturedesk@gazettegroup.com

Celebrating store’s furry good year PETCO Pet Store, on the Longmile Road at Walkinstown, are grooming themselves ahead of what they hope will be another successful year for the company as it goes into its second year of business in Dublin.

Susie and Joe Christian had been involved in showing German Shepherd dogs for around a decade when they took the plunge into the business world after they realised that there was a market for a particular brand of pet food they wanted for their dogs.

This quickly turned into a food supply business, and sparked off a desire to move deeper into wholesale pet supplies.

With a wealth of experience in sales and retail, dogs, dog nutrition and other animals between them, they opened their first store in Gorey, Co Wexford, in 2010.

The success of that store led to expansion, and their second store in Wicklow Town won second place in Wicklow Chamber of Commerce’s Best New Business competition in 2011.

Speaking to Gazette Business last week, Susie said: “We are coming to the end of our first year in Dublin, and we are delighted with its progress.

“Our aim is to provide our customers with a pleasant, professional pet store, where education is our key objective.

“People want to look after their pets the best they can, and look for the facts and practicalities of owning and caring for them. That’s where we want to make a difference.”

Susie Christian: “Our aim is to provide our customers with a pleasant, professional pet store”

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

A: When I was younger I wanted to be a vet, a carpenter or an art history teacher

Q: What was your first job?

A: Lounge girl in the Gate Bar in Crumlin

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: I can’t remember … Something like £8 a night

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: My husband and I opened our first shop three years ago; it took us a few years to get to that point

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: The best thing probably is that the majority of the time you meet happy people who share the same passion as you, and, of course, you spend your time around lots of lovely animals – I also get to bring my Mini Dachshund, Karly, to work with me every day, too

Q: What part of your working

day do you delegate?

A: I delegate about 50% of it; I like to keep involved in the day-to-day stuff

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Cycling Q: What sport can you play?

A: I go out on my bike; not as much as I should, though

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

A: In the spirit of guilty pleasures, I love Finnian’s Rainbow

Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – Michael D or Jedward?

A: I’m a big fan of Michael D, but I think I would have to go for Jedward – they represent such a sense of fun dedication and individuality, and I think we could all take a leaf out of their book

Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: I have lots of music on my iPhone, my favourite being Pearl Jam

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: I just signed up to Twit-

lously – it’s too hard to earn – but I do like to spend it while on holidays and on nice meals

ter; I follow Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen and Mark Cavendish, but I don’t like Twitter much though

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Too many, if you ask my husband!

Q: What was your last Tweet/ Facebook status?

A: A photo of my husband

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: I haven’t had any bad expe-

after a cycle road race, covered in mud

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: My dream meal would have to be parma ham and melon with balsamic dressing for starter, baked sea bass with white wine butter and dill sauce, with baby potatoes and mange tout for mains and chocolate mousse from Eco restaurant in Gorey – it’s the best!

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

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

A: I don’t like to spend frivo-

riences on holiday

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: I don’t get to go away that often, so any holiday is a dream – I would love to go on safari, though

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: I’m very lucky, as I’m doing my dream job

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

A: Before we opened our shops, we used to show German Shepherds; we have two beautiful Irish Champion girls at home. I would like to do that again and travel some more

13 September 2012 GAZETTE 19

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY ENERGY: DRIVE DOWN YOUR BILLS WITH ECO-FRIENDLY SYSTEM

Solar radiation cooks up a new power source I

Gerhard Heyl is the managing director of building contracting firm, HSLC. In a new venture launching this autumn, HSLC will be rolling-out a programme of photovoltaic renewable energy installations.

Here, he describes this new eco-friendly technology, and how it can help with lowering energy bills.

IT’S September again: shiny new school shoes, books freshly covered, and the leaves changing colour on the trees.

At the same time, making sure your house is snug and warm in the coming months is foremost in everyone’s mind.

What about the dreaded electricity bills?

Over the last few years, energy costs have soared, and we are all trying to find ways to lessen our monthly outlays.

If you were told there was a way you could reduce your energy bills and still keep a low carbon footprint, would you be interested?

Advances in technology mean that an energy source previously unsuitable for the domestic market is now available for Irish homes.

Photovoltaic – or PV power – is a renewable energy source that is clean, maintenance-free and extremely cost effective.

Using PV solar panels, the energy from the sun can be used to generate free electricity for your home (not the hot water solar energy we are used to).

PV solar panels generate their electricity from solar radiation, which is emitted to the earth regardless of local weather conditions. All the system needs to generate

power is daylight. This makes a system of this kind ideally suited to the Irish climate.

So, how does it work?

The system consists of roof-mounted solar panels. Panels can also be set up in a standalone area, depending on the space available on the site.

The maximum amount of power will be generated when the system faces in a southerly direction.

The panels are linked to the main electricity supply for the house with a connector that automatically switches to free solar power when available, and switches back to the grid when darkness falls.

You now have a choice as to what time of the day to run your domestic appliances so as to get the maximum benefit from the free electricity generated by the solar array.

This bright office space has ample parking, and is just a short walk from Lucan village

We are all used to seeing solar panels on roofs and buildings, but eco-friendly photovoltaic – or PV – power uses panels to absorb solar radiation, and thus generate electricity

This is not the hot water solar system we are used to, as they can only generate hot water.

PV generates electricity, and, if you have any excess electricity left over, you can direct it to your immersion to heat hot water, too.

PV is a clean energy.

It does not require the consumption of any fossils fuels, and it does not affect the environment in any negative way.

It is a long-term solution for your property or business, and will assist you in dramatically slashing your energy bills.

PV is already here.

The next time you travel down any motorway in

Ireland, keep a look out for PV-powered Emergency SOS stations on the hard shoulder .

A lot of the newer models are powered by small PV panels sitting just above the emergency equipment. Time-sensitive road signs at school crossing points are now also powered with PV cells.

Germany, Japan and the US state of California were the front-runners in championing PV technology.

For further information, see www.greenenergysavings.ie, call Gerhard at 087 774 9470, or email info@greenenergysavings.ie.

LUCAN: AVAILABLE TO RENT IMMEDIATELY

First-floor offices with a modern finish REA McDonald are handling the letting of impressive, modern, first-floor office accommodation just a short walk from Lucan village.

Set in the Millbank Office development, just over the River Liffey from the village, these offices are finished to a very high standard, and enjoy a host of modern features, including raised access flooring, network cabling system, and suspended ceilings.

There is ample assigned car parking just outside of the office space.

The space available extends in total to 245 sq m, and can be taken in its entirety or in a small lot size, depending on the needs of the tenant.

The lease terms are negotiable, and the offices are available immediately.

Contact Barry McDonald, REA McDonald, at 01 628 0625 for an appointment to view.

www.gazette group.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

20 GAZETTE 13 September 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS Once you’ve RoadSigns Road Signs driven it, the c’eed should plant desire

New Fiesta will feature the acclaimed 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine

Ford reveal details of the New Fiesta

FORD have revealed the dynamic new version of the best-selling Fiesta that features a sharper design and a host of exclusive technology features.

New Fiesta delivers an advanced package of technologies, including a voice-activated in-car connectivity system: Ford SYNC, Active City Stop and the European debut of MyKey. It will also be equipped with the acclaimed 1.0litre EcoBoost petrol engine to deliver expected best-in-class fuel economy.

Martin Smith, Ford of Europe executive design director, said: “Fiesta has been one of the world’s best-loved small cars across five decades, and the sporty appeal of the last generation Fiesta inspired real passion among global compact car customers, contributing to its status as the world’s most successful small car. We had to keep that vital part of Fiesta’s make-up, but we also wanted to give it a more sophisticated look.”

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine is the 2012 International Engine of the Year, and is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy. Ford will reveal more details about the new European Fiesta range at the Paris Motor Show later this month

Audi Ireland beat 2011 sales figures AUDI Ireland achieved a national market share of 5.5% for the month of August, and 4.6% for the year, to date. In eight months, Audi have already managed to surpass their total 2011 sales figures.

Andrew Doyle, managing director, Audi Ireland, said: “The first eight months of 2012 have witnessed Audi increase sales by 9.2% in Ireland.

“Despite the challenges faced by the motor industry as a whole, we have managed to successfully grow our business and increase our market share. In just eight months this year, more customers have taken home a newAudi than did in the full year of 2011 – this is certainly very satisfying, and a reflection of the strong demand for outstanding Audi product.”

As part of Volkswagen Bank Ireland, owned by its German parent company Audi Finance, has also experienced record lending results in the yearto-date, mirroring the rise in sales.

CORMAC CURTIS

FROM time to time I get to test drive a car that commands a very particular kind of attention.

I’m not talking about the envious attention from other men of my age as I cruise around in a top-of-the-range, premium German SUV, nor am I talking about the downright jealous, open-mouthed stares of the 18- to 25-year-old set when I get to zip across the city in a garishly coloured, noisy pocket rocket.

No. Real interest in a car that people will actually buy comes from those who open their windows at traffic lights to ask about what I’m driving, or those who approach me in car parks to get a closer look at something they are genuinely interested in spending their hardearned money on.

This year, both of these scenarios played out, and both for cars from the same brand.

The cars in question were both from the Korean brand, Kia. I wrote in a previous report about a taxi driver who stopped me to talk about the very comfortable and stylish Optima, but more recently, a couple of empty-nesters (that’s what the motor industry call the over-

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SPECS: KIA ‘[Praising it so much,] I began C’EED 1.6 D EX to feel as though I were a Kia salesman, but I really couldn’t criticise the car. Not only that, but, like most Kia models, the c’eed is a seriously pretty car to boot.’

Top speed: 197km/hour CO2 emissions: 109 g/ km 0-100km (sec): 10.9 Max power (ps/rpm): 128/4,000 Displacement: 1582cc Entry Price: €23,295

65s) asked to take a closer look at the very tasty Kia c’eed that I was testing.

When I explained that I was reviewing the car, I pretty much had to clear my schedule for the next half an hour as we discussed everything from ease of access in and out of the back seats, leg room, level of spec, handling, fuel efficiency etc.

To be honest, I began to feel as though I were a Kia salesman, but I really couldn’t criticise the car.

Not only that, but, like most Kia models, the c’eed is a seriously pretty car to boot.

This is the second generation of Kia’s biggest seller in Europe, and the company did not want to disappoint their customers with anything less than a stunner.

Given that the c’eed was first launched in 2007, its success is very impressive. Not only was it the first model to establish Kia as a serious contender to the estab-

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

lished brands in Europe, it won praise from the media and public alike for its all-round ownership proposition, and claimed fourth place in the European COT Y Awards that year – the highest-ever ranking for a Kia vehicle.

The look of the car is unmistakably Kia – they have developed a design signature that really does stand out from the ordinary.

Classic look The side profile of the car has lines that move toward the roof as they stretch to the rear of the car, giving it the classic look of something that is moving as it stands still.

This look seems to mask the fact that the rear doors are, in turn, given plenty of space, making it very comfortable for adults to get in and out.

The stylish boot spoiler, with its top-mounted centre light, gives another pleasing aspect to the rear.

You could be forgiven for thinking that the rear view would be limited, as the back window is quite small, but it never hindered my view in the least.

The front end of the car delivers in spades. It has all of the personality you could ask for in a car in this class.

The low stance, the snarling grille, the stretched-back headlight clusters, all with just the right amount of chrome accents, adds up to give the car serious character.

What I like about the inside of the c’eed is that it matches the look from the outside. Too many cars go with ultra-modern exterior styling, and then revert to type with fake wood inserts on the interior.

The c’eed gets the balance right with a slick, modern finish. They don’t break the bank here, but the important stuff – such as the steering wheel, gearknob and handbrake – all feel solid,

Although Kia is always an

The c’eed doesn’t scrimp

with reassuring contours for a secure grip.

It’s also very comfortable. I have no doubt that long journeys in it would be a doddle – the lumbar and side supports are very well designed.

The new cee’d is both longer and lower than the previous model, giving

13 September 2012 GAZETTE 21

Edited by Cormac Curtis

RoadSigns Road Signs The new Golf 1.6-litre 105bhp diesel will have CO2 emissions of 99g/km

New Golf is set for Ireland in December

impressive line to follow, the new Kia c’eed 1.6 D Ex is particularly noteworthy, with a wealth of features to match its attractive exterior

on attention to detail; more importantly, it’s a very comfortable drive, which attracts plenty of admiring looks

the five-door hatchback a more sporty profile.

Its overall length is increased by 50mm (to 4,310mm) and overall height has been reduced by 10mm (to 1,470mm) by lowering the ride height. It has carried over the 2,650 mm wheelbase – one of the

longest in the C-segment – from its predecessor.

The impact on the car’s aesthetics is heightened by the availability of 17- and 18-inch diameter alloy wheels, resulting in a minimal gap between tyres and bodywork.

The new cee’d will be manufactured exclusive-

ly at Kia’s Zilina facility in Slovakia in a range of 10 exterior colours – five new, and five carried over – and will be among the first models to bear the new-look Kia badge on its bonnet.

The badge is simpler, sleeker and more up-todate – just right for this

new model.

The model I drove was the 1.6 litre diesel EX. This is the engine that Kia believe will be the most popular in Europe.

Generating 128ps and 260Nm, the engine will be offered with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions,

and will accelerate the new cee’d to 100kph in less than 11 seconds.

Fuel consumption will be just 4.1 l/100km on the combined cycle (3.7 l/100km in cars fitted with Kia’s EcoDynamics technologies), and CO2 emissions start at just 97 g/km.

GOOD news for Golf-ers – VW have announced that the seventh-generation of their iconic Golf will come to Ireland this December, in time for January 2013 sales.

More than 29 million Golfs have been sold worldwide, and, here in Ireland, the Golf is Volkswagen’s best-selling model.

The new Golf is safer, more comfortable and spacious than the previous model, is up to 100kg lighter and – in the case of the new 140bhp petrol engine that features cylinder deactivation and a combined fuel consumption of 4.8 l/100km – it is up to 23% more fuel-efficient.

Conceptually, the new Golf is based on the ModularTransverse Matrix. This means that everything was redesigned: from the body and powertrain to the interior – as well as all information and entertainment systems, and its many new assistance systems.

At 4,255mm long, the new Golf is 56mm longer than its predecessor and features a 59mm longer wheelbase of 2,637mm. The front wheels are 43mm further forward to improve the interior space, while the new car is also 13mm wider, and 28mm lower than the car it replaces.

Inside the Golf, there is more room than ever. The rear legroom has been improved by 15mm, and the front seats have been moved 20mm further back, benefiting taller drivers.

Front shoulder room is improved by 31mm to 1,420mm (the rear is 30mm wider), and elbow room by 22mm to 1,469mm (20mm wider at the rear).

There is more room for luggage, too – the boot is 30 litres larger, at 380 litres, with a low 685mm sill to make loading effortless.

The front passenger seat can also optionally fold fully-forward, creating a load space which is up to 2,412mm long. There is a 10% improvement in the drag co-efficient, which is now 0.27Cd. Volkswagen developed two entirely new generations of engines for the Golf that offer a power range from 85bhp to 150bhp. All engine versions are equipped with a standard stop/start system and battery regeneration, which contribute towards improved fuel economy.

The common rail diesel engine, with 105bhp (which is expected to be the biggest-seller in Ireland), consumes 3.8 litres of fuel per 100km, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 99 g/km.

22 GAZETTE 13 September 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Go east to Galloway for a hot festival

Visit the iconic sites of Canada with American Holidays offer

IF you’ve always wanted to visit the home of Niagara Falls or explore some of Canada’s most famous regions, American Holidays is offering some great Canadian offers this October. Spend four nights at the four-star Le Meridian King Edward Hotel in Toronto and two nights at the five-star Sheraton Hotel on the Falls from only €1,009 per person.

The tasteful Le Meridian King Edward offers a traditional and historic lodging in the city centre of Toronto – the ideal situation for shopping and visiting the many city sights while the Sheraton is the largest and most luxurious of the Falls accommodations.

Situated on the corner of Clifton Hill and Falls Avenue, the Niagara Falls Sheraton is the cornerstone of the largest indoor waterpark, hotel and entertainment resort in North America. Prices based on two adults sharing include return flights from Dublin, taxes and charges.

To book, call American Holidays on 01 4331020.

Feeling lucky? Take a trip to the casino capital of the world - Viva Las Vegas!

WHETHER it’s seeing some famous landmarks, trying your lucky hand at blackjack or visiting the infamous strip in Las Vegas, American Holidays has the perfect package to send you on a grownups adventure this December. Stay at the threestar Riviera Hotel for seven nights from just €649 per person.

This full-service Las Vegas Strip hotel features outstanding shows performing nightly in intimate theatre settings and also boasts 100,000 sq ft of the latest casino games that include the best table games odds on offer as well as a new Asian gaming pit, featuring baccarat and Pai Gow poker.

Departing from Dublin on December 3, 2012, the price includes return flights, seven nights’ accommodation and all taxes, based on two people sharing. For further information or to book, call American Holidays on 01 6733804 or call into the office on Duke Street, Dublin 2. Ref No: 198128

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

2012 is all about showcasing Scotland as a creative destination. With that in mind, there are a host of great events and festivals taking place this year aimed at seducing the visitor to discover Scotland at its most creative.

I travelled to South West Scotland for The Wickerman Festival recently, which was held in Galloway in July.

Miracle of miracles, the weather stayed dry for the two-day musical extravaganza, and there wasn’t a muddy welly in sight.

On the bill were two big hitters, with Scissor Sisters on the first night and Texas on the second. Both went down a treat with the largely family-orientated crowd assembled at the festival.

Some of my companions, who were seasoned festival goers, remarked that they’d never experienced a smaller, more relaxed and more spacious festival before.

The festival’s programme featured a range of child-friendly activities on the 120 acres of isolated farmland, which was located near Dundrennan, in deepest Galloway.

There was storytelling by bestselling children’s author, Aiken Drum, as well as cinema showings and Laser Quest among

the festival activities.

There was also plenty to feed the adrenaline junkies, with rush fire walking, grass sledging and some slightly intimidating amusement rides.

The music was extremely varied with 80s’ groups, The Blockheads and Bad Manners lending an air of ska and punk to the weekend’s proceedings.

The Wickerman festival is still up and coming, you see. In just the eleventh year of its existence, the festival seems to be more famous for the huge Wicker Man figure, than for any musical credentials it has built up over its short and successful lifespan.

The cult seventies horror film, The Wicker Man, was largely shot in the Dumfries and Galloway

The Wicker Man strikes an Olympic pose

Also on the bill were Peter & The Test Tube Babies, Goldblade, The Skints, Pronghorn, The Toasters, Sharks and The Vibrators.

There were two main stage areas, a dance area, and an acoustic tent and while the food was the usual festival grub, there were countless bars and food stalls on offer.

area and while it seems the festival is named more in relation to this, legend has it that the original wicker effigy was used in human sacrifice by the ancient Gauls.

The festival’s own Wicker Man, however, was a very dashing and ar tistic 40-f t statue wrought from wicker reeds and stood on a hill

overlooking the music and amusements.

He remained in this spot for the duration of the two-day festival, until he fulfilled what is his annual destiny and was set alight at midnight on the final festival night. Everyone gathered around the enormous flaming effigy in one pagan celebration, in order to mark the festival’s finale.

The following day brought with it a visit to some of Dumfries’ top cultural treats. A local artists’ collective, known as the Workshop and Studio Provision, Scotland (WASP), provides studio space and exhibitions for the members in its town of Kirkcudbright and is located in beautiful stone houses in the town.

We t h e n e n j o y e d the fruits of the artistic labours of the studio’s talented painters and crafts people in an exhibition entitled Gifted.

Our tour then took us to visit a real blacksmith’s forge, where we met award winning blacksmith, Adam Booth, in Kirkpatrick Durham, Castle Douglas. Adam has been part of the Dumfries and Galloway Spring Fling, Scotland’s Premier Art and Craft Open Studios event, for many years.

Our visit to the forge coincided nicely with a demonstration of Adam in action; where we witnessed a live illustration of hot forging and were brought through the process involved in a project he was working on to create gates for an aristocratic estate.

Adam welds nothing on his incredibly beautiful gates and banister creations. All the pieces are self supporting entities and involve the forging of heavy iron and manipulating it into intricate, beautiful and bespoke designs.

W h e n we we r e n ’t enjoying the festival or sampling the cultural delights, my friends and I stayed in The Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club on English Street, Dumfries.

Dumfries and Galloway

The hotel is a large imposing edifice made, like most buildings in the Dumfries and Galloway area, of red-pink sandstone dug from a local quarry.

Remnants of the 80s appeared on the inside of the hotel, with asymmetrical designs and crazy colours holding sway in one area, while a more subdued 50s feel dominated another.

The Scottish people we met, from the encyclopaedic taxi drivers to the barmen in the hotel, were all extremely gregarious and natural storytellers.

T here was a huge sense of pride and they certainly represented the very best their country has, and continues, to offer.

For more information on all Scotland has to offer log on to www.visitscotland.com

13 September 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 23

Edited by Natalie Burke

TravelBriefs

Gulf Cruise, Dubai

All-winter sunshine and adventures at the luxurious Gulf States ALONG with back-to-school time comes the anticipation of winter. But for families enticed by the prospect of some all-winter sunshine, the Gulf States are becoming an ever more popular spot for winter destinations.

The booming cruise sector has latched onto this trend with Thomas Cook Cruise offering a seven-night full board cruise of the Arabian Gulf, with prices including flights from Dublin.

The newly refreshed Serenade of the Seas, complete with hi-tech flat-screen TVs in all cabins, outstanding new entertainment and new dining options, is home for the eight-day voyage, which sets out from Dubai heading for Fujairah, a haven for jet skiing, scuba diving or snorkelling, with its crystal-clear waters. There is also the chance to indulge in a thrilling 4x4 off-road adventure.

The next stop is Muscat in Oman, where an overnight stay allows plenty of time to absorb the medieval Portuguese architecture and the views from the harbour and old city, as well as a chance to haggle for bargains in the Mutra Souq. The cruise takes in Abu Dhabi with its luxury hotels and restaurants and endless shopping malls, before returning to Dubai for a night’s stay. The metropolis also offers lots to do, from more wall-to wall shopping to entertainment at the IMG theme park and the mindboggling Dubailand.

Departing January 27, 2013, the Dubai fly/ cruise is priced from just â‚Ź1,173 per person, including onboard meals, entertainment and flights and transfers from Dublin.

With guaranteed average temperatures of 24C and over eight hours of sunshine per day, the Gulf redefines winter sun for European holidaymakers.

For more information or to book, call the Thomas Cook Cruise team in Dublin on 01 514 0336, visit your local travel agent or log onto www.thomascookcruise.ie .

The Wickerman Festival crowd

Scissor Sisters perform at The Wickerman Festival 2012

The finale of the festival is the iconic burning Wicker Man

24 BLANCH GAZETTE 13 September 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

Frederic Bourdin embedded himself with an American family for five months posing as their missing son

C’est impossible, non?

A 23-year-old French man is welcomed home as a missing American teenager. The weirdest thing? It’s true I PAUL HOSFORD

GOT A PICTURE? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email picturedesk@gazettegroup.com

PUTTING yourself in the position of a family grieving over the disappearance of your 14 -year-old son and brother is, thankfully for most people, an impossible task.

However, to make judgements on the Barclay family, the subjects of Bart Layton’s documentary The Imposter, are asked to do.

Three years after the disappearance of 14-year-old Nicholas, his family are contacted by authorities in Spain.

Nicholas is there and is ready to come home.

Which is, of course, great news. Except for the fact that the previously blonde-haired, blue-eyed Nicholas is now a dark-haired, dark-eyed grow n up with, of all things, a French accent.

T he idea that the family could so read-

FILM OF THE WEEK: The Imposter ##### (15) 99 mins Director: Bart Layton Starring: Frederic Bourdin, Carey Gibson, Beverly Dollarhide, Bryan Gibson, Nancy Fisher, Charlie Parker, Bruce Perry

OUR VERDICT: RIGHTLY hailed as one of the standouts of this year’s Sundance Film Festival, The Imposter is a stylish, brutally raw and often moving look at what it means to lose and what it means to be lost. Layton does an excellent job of keeping the narrative tight and allowing the audience draw their own conclusions.

ily accept this obvious imposter as the boy they had raised and grown up with, forms a central premise of the documentar y as the FBI begin to investigate the disappearance, the media get hold of his story and a local private investigator’s suspicions are piqued.

If you have just read the last few paragraphs, you might think this particular film had a fanciful, almost unbelievable storyline.

No family could surely, no matter how wracked with grief, mistake their American son

for a French man.

The FBI would not surely investigate claims of a military ring that kidnaps and sexually assaults young boys?

A man could surely not blow the whistle based on the difference between two people’s ears.?

But, as Layton strips back the story, layer by bizarre layer, you are left, as a viewer with a torrent of questions.

It is one thing to present fictional characters who make bad choices or don’t see the blindingly obvious.

We all know that the

boy next door is a better fit for the prom queen than the captain of the football team and we wonder why she can’t see it.

But when the people are real, their reactions, their emotions and their impulses show just how true fictional representations of bad choices can be.

Frederic Bourdin, the charismatic charlatan who sets the whole train in motion, is happy to nonchalantly recount how he came to embed himself with his new American family for five months.

The calm and matterof-fact manner with which he recounts the story is chilling in many parts, hilarious in others.

He is a true-life Tom Ripley, at once aware that his construct is fallacy, but knowing that it is nothing without his whole-hearted belief

that what he is doing is the truth, even though the truth is a nebulous concept.

Lay ton is keen to avoid drawing conclusions, so the audience is free to debate the reasons for each subject’s actions.

Are the family so stricken by grief that t h e y ove r l o o k s u c h obviously glaring discrepancies?

Is Bourdin a handy cover-up for skeletons in the closet?

As the story begins to unravel and private investigator Charlie Parker begins to step up what he believes is the search for a spy, those who tell the truth and those who have a tenuous grip on it become one.

Whether any of the stories posited are true is the burning question, which is sad in itself, as it ignores that a young boy is still missing.

13 September 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING You might give your D’Oh! to The Simpsons I SHANE DILLON

ANY Simpsons fans out there? C’mon, there must be a few of you left, loyally still watching Homer and co (even though the long-running series has had fewerlaughs than an Eastenders’ Chrismas special for well over a decade, now).

We l l , S i m p s o n s fans may be delighted at the news that The SImpsons: Tapped Out is back in the iTunes store, after disappearing for several months over some server issues, which

have now been ironed out.

Long story short: after Homer accidentally destroys Springfield, you can help him rebuild the town, an iconic building at a time, gradually unlocking characters as you go.

The more you play, the more you can see and do, and the more you unlock.

So far, so familiar, as it’s yet another “freemium” title in the iTunes store – that is, a free game to download and play, but one that offers a premium

price element, as you can choose to use IAP – inapp purchases – to hand over real-world money for a virtual hand, and speed up the pace of your game.

Otherwise, gamers can expect plenty of grinding – that is, carrying out heavily repetitive duties to level up at a painstakingly slow pace.

Ultimately, whether or not you play the game at a slothlike pace – which Homer would approve of, I’m sure – or approach it like Mayor Diamond Joe Quimby, and blow plenty

Bytesandpieces Apple about to pip rivals again?

If you ever thought that Moe’s Tavern should be next door to Springfield Elementary, freemium IOS title, The SImpsons: Tapped Out could be for you

of money (or “doughnuts”, the game’s painstakinglyearned currency), there’s a decent amount of content here for fans to enjoy, and, naturally, the bright, cartooney visuals look great on your iWhatever.

However, while the marketing tie-in is pretty obvious, hardcore gamers won’t find it very challenging, as apart from

designing your own version of Springfield and unlocking all your favourite faces, well ... there’s not much else to do.

Parents are likely to pay particularly close attention to the game, as the possibility of children blowing lots of real-world money on virtual doughnuts is likely to make them shout “D’oh!”, too ...

SEEMS like Apple are just about to roll out its latest iPhone, which would make sense as a practical move to pip its rivals to the post as the key Christmas market begins to drift into view.

The high-tech company have (yet again) issued tech journalists with a cryptic invitation to the unveiling of a mysterious new product, which the (tech) world and his dog expects to be revealed as the iPhone 5.

As my invite appears lost in the post, I can only muse (along with virtually every nerd on the planet) that the expected iPhone 5 is here. Almost.

At the time of writing, Apple’s mysterious new

product was due to be unveiled in San Francisco just a day before The Gazette hits the streets, so some of you may already know at the time of your reading this exactly what the product unveiling is. (The iPhone 5, right?)

The company has poured a lot of investment into its Chinese production lines, while rumours, alleged prototype shots and more have kept the rumour mill trundling along.

Analysts and techheads regularly comment on the firm’s interest in diversifying and expanding its market shares, but news of the iPhone 5 can be relied upon to generate a much simpler response from millions of Apple fans: “I want one.”

GAZETTE

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 13 September 2012

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

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I John Frim intend to apply for Permission For development at 16 Sadlers Grove Mulhuddar t Dublin 15 The development will consist of Part demolition to side wall and rear walls, Extension to rear at first floor area to bedrooms’ single and 2 story extension to side wall of extension to kitchen , utility, stairs, cloakroom at ground floor and tank room, stairs’ and bathroom at first floor Windows to attic storage area 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 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.

Application is being sought by Absolute House Plans Ltd., 21, The Square, Annacotty, Co. Limerick, 061 338422, on behalf of Derek Nolan to the above authority for full planning permission to construct a two storey domestic dwelling, site entrance and all associated works at Green Valley House, Castleknock, Dublin 15. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

We Brian and Maeve McCann are applying for full planning permission for an attic conversion with change of roof profile at side of dwelling from pitched roof to mini hip roof with 3 no. rooflights to rear and 1 no. to front of roof all with associated site works at 4 Riverwood Crescent, Castleknock, Dublin 15.

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

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Planning permission is sought

by Uxbridge Properties Ltd. for alterations part of a previously approved development Reg. Ref. FW09A/0087 (An Bord Pleanála Ref. PL06F.234670) and Reg. Ref FW11A/0025 (An Bord Pleanála Ref. PL06F.239062) at Castleknock Road, Castleknock, Dublin 15 to the rear of Castleknock Village Centre and Ashleigh Shopping Centre. The proposed alterations consist of: The subdivision of the ground floor of Block C to provide a 217 sq. m. retail unit. The proposal includes new shop front, all related internal alterations, stair cores, partition walls and other ancillary works. No increase in height or additional floor area is proposed to the development as approved by An Bord Pleanála. This application also provides for subsidiary alcohol sales to be incorporated into the anchor food store retail unit. 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 (Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Fingal, Dublin 15) during its public opening hours (9.30-16.30 Monday to Friday). 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.

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13 September 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

EARLEY BIRD: Ten new challenges ahead as Breifne Earley cycles Ireland: Page 29

CRICKET: YOUNG DUBLINER INCLUDED IN IRISH PANEL AS MCDERMOTT SNAPPED UP

Dockrell hopes to put Australia in a spin at World Cup sport@gazettegroup.com

GEORGE Dockrell travelled out this week with the Irish cricket team to Sri Lanka as they get set for the ICC World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka.

The team’s departure came just a few days after the Leinster rising star was nominated for an ICC Associate and Affiliate Cricketer of the Year award, one of four Irish players included in the list for the prestigious award.

Spinner Dockrell is named alongside bighitting Kevin O’Brien as well as Ed Joyce and Paul Stirling and they will hope to carry on their impressive form of the past 12 months when they face Australia in Colombo on Wednesday, September 19 in their tournament opener before meeting the West Indies.

At their farewell ceremony, the team received the added boost with the news that Austral-

ian fast-bowling legend Craig McDermott would be joining the party as coach.

Responding to the news, skipper Trent Johnston described the addition as “fantastic”.

“He’ll be invaluable for guys like Max Sorensen but even at my stage I can learn from someone like Craig, especially as he was, up to recently, A u s t r a l i a ’s b ow l i n g coach.

“As a kid I always wanted to be Mal-

George Dockrell was part of the Irish team that set off for Sri Lanka this week for the Twenty20 World Cup where Ireland will take on Australia and the West Indies

colm Marshall when we played in the street.

But if I couldn’t be him I always picked Craig McDermott.”

Richard Holdsworth, Cricket Ireland performance director said of the Australian’s appointment: “He is vastly expe-

rienced both as a top class player and more recently as a specialist bowling coach. Craig’s enthusiasm, experience and knowledge will add further strength to our coach support staff and we thank the ICC high performance programme

for their financial support towards achieving this. “ H av i n g r e c e n t l y been bowling coach to the Australian team, his insights into their players will help the team prepare for our match against them on September 19.”

All of Ireland’s games will be shown live on Sky Sports. In addition the Cricket Ireland website www.cricketireland. ie will be hosting ball by ball coverage as part of the match scoring feature on the revamped website.

28 BLANCH GAZETTE 13 September 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

SOCCER: OVER 3,000 TAKE IN ANNUAL PHOENIX PARK FESTIVAL

Lake County see off Dublin in Junior A final A SUPERIOR Westmeath made up for last year’s disappointment to claim the Junior A camogie championship title by 1-14 to 2-6 though Dublin’s squad and management can reflect on a great 2012, winning the league.

Westmeath, though, had the upper hand from the start, keeping Dublin scoreless for the first 15 minutes and, although leading by two points at the break, and by four points six minutes into the second half, one always sensed that Westmeath had their measure on the day, eventually prevailing after extra-time.

Dinah Loughlin was outstanding in midfield and gave her side the opening score with a pointed free after six minutes while Denise McGrath added a second point before Dublin took the lead.

Joeleen Hoary rifled a super ground stroke to the net in the 15th minute and there were a couple of near misses that could have extended the margin.

Two fine points by Róisín Collins and another

by Kirsten Farrell kept Dublin ticking over but two points by player of the match Dinah Loughlin left the midlanders trailing by 1-3 to 0-4 at the break.

Hoary hand-passed to the net for a second goal in the second half but Dublin failed to build on this and would not score again for a further 15 minutes.

In this quarter of an hour Westmeath added 1-2 while Dublin responded thanks to Grainne Ryan, Laoise Quinn and Shauna Duff and Elaine Gallery to draw the sides level in the 51st minute.

However, an inspirational point from a free from Loughlin almost on the sideline put Westmeath back in front but Dublin rallied to force extra time.

Westmeath found an extra gear with Loughlin and Pamela Greville seeing them home in some style, winning out by five points.

Alfred Mawuli, above, and Zi Cheng Yu, Xin Zhang and Jian Fei Han, below, enjoy the festivities at the SARI Soccerfest Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan

SARI rocks the park sport@gazettegroup.com

MORE than 3,000 spectators turned out to join in the fun and take on the world at a sun drenched Tesco mobile Sport Against Racism Ireland Soccerfest in the Phoenix Park, Dublin last weekend.

Forty men’s teams, eight women’s teams and eight U-13 teams battled it out at the largest intercultural sevena-side tournament in Europe.

The winners of the Tesco mobile SARI Cup were FC Antrim who beat Insaka 1-0 in a hotly contested final that had a bit of bite too.

The Tesco Mobile SARI Plate was won by the Libyan Community who beat One World in the final 2-1. The women’s tournament was won by St Catherine’s

who beat St Joseph’s 3-0 and the Under-13 Fair Play Cup was won by Lifford who came all the way from Ennis.

The Clare outfit beat New Generation, from Dundalk, in a great game watched by former Republic of Ireland and Arsenal defender John Devine.

Olympic silver medallist John Joe Nevin showed a lot of fancy footwork in an All Stars match organised

by SARI which tackles discrimination and promotes dignity and respect for all. Newstalk’s Eoin McDevitt also proved that he can put his money where his mouth is – not only does he talk a good game, he can play, as can Apres Match star Gary Cooke who scored the winning goal.

In a poignant moment,

Karpreet Singh took to the field for the All Star’s match, a boy who at just 12 years old was sent from the field of play for wearing a turban in a schoolboy fixture.

The incident took over a year to sort out by the FAI, which still shows that there is a lot to be done as far as racial equality is concerned in the game, according to Ken McCue. “As far as the incident with Karpreet is concerned, it’s the referee who should’ve got the red card. For a turban to be labelled a religious manifestation would make you wonder how the some of the world’s greatest players get away with having crucifixes and angels tattooed on them.

“It was great to have Karpreet out there with the celebrities and I’m

happy to say that he’s back playing football now with Hillcrest.

“Through the activities that took place and the match with the likes of John Joe Nevin, it really did raise a lot of awareness for the children, who did a job themselves in bringing their parents along.

“I have to admit that John Joe was a lot better than I thought he would be, although he did miss a sitter when he headed the ball over an open goal.

“He was leagues bet-

ter than Kenny Egan though, that lad has no spatial awareness outside a 12x12!

“Another great thing that I noticed this year was the amount of children taking part that had parents that competed in the first SARI Cup 16 years before.

“It’s the older generations that need to learn about racial equality too, so when you have such a great turnout to the event, it’s very hard for the movement to go unnoticed,” McCue finished.

13 September 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 29

Challenge Ten to take on Irish tour Two years ago, Breifne Earley set about changing his life, taking on 10 personal challenges; this week, he is ready to face 10 more, writes HIROMI MOONEY IT’S not easy to motivate yourself to tr y something new but one man has set about taking on 10 new challenges in one fell swoop.

Breifne Earley, formerly head coach with St Francis women’s soccer team, is that man, taking on a series of life-changing physical challenges.

I n O c t o b e r 2 010 , the then 29-year-old we i g h e d a l m o s t 2 0 stone, and said he was single and depressed.

Over the next two years, he has managed to lose almost four stone, completed a marathon, learned how to swim, completed two triathlons, three open water sea swims, cycled over 1,000km around New Zealand, changed jobs three times, started producing and presenting a weekly radio show, had 50 blind dates and

has raised over €10,000 for a number of charitable causes.

Having completed his 10 challenges last November, Breifne set about taking on 10 new challenges; one of which starts this week, a cycle tour around Ireland

about it. That’s the biggest thing.

“The fact that I actually put it on a Facebook page, it nearly got to the situation that so many people saw it when I put it up on Facebook.

“One of my friend’s families saw it within 24

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

‘I wanted to get to a better spot in life in every way. It was as simple as writing it down’ Breifne Earley -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

through all 32 counties.

“I was in a bad place and I just wanted to get better. I wanted to get to a better spot in life in every way, shape and form. It was as simple as writing it down,” he told GazetteSport.

“It’s just a matter of deciding what you want, making a note about it and telling someone

hours, and if I had then turned around a week later and said ‘actually no I’m not going to do that’, I would have been a laughing stock.

“So I put that extra pressure on myself to go and actually do it and it worked.

“It was actually the step of writing it down and telling people and

Breifne Earley is back on the road as he is set to cycle 1,500km around Ireland

having the fact that people can come back and throw it in my face if I didn’t do it – that was a huge motivating factor for me, and that’s what worked for me.

“I got into a habit of training, and I was training seven or eight times a week between in the gym, swimming, cycling, on the road running, doing various other bits and pieces as well.”

Breifne trained for 12 months ahead of the marathon and the twoweek cycle challenge in New Zealand. He says that the cycle was one of the highlights of his challenges.

“We really pushed ourselves. There were 30 of us in the group that did that.

“We had good support and we had a good back-up team with as well and that meant it was slightly easier, but it was tough,” he says.

“I think the distance in the Irish per day is somewhat similar; the average was around 120km in New Zealand and we would be 100km a day in the Irish trip.

“The mountains aren’t going to be quite as high, so relatively speaking it’s a similar challenge. The only difference is I’m doing this one on my own and there’s no support team behind me.

“I will have people on each individual day with me, which is going to be fantastic, but it is ulti-

mately going to be me doing this on my own, which is from a personal point of view, going to be a much bigger challenge to make sure I have everything right.”

Breifne will set off on his 1,500km journey from Sandymount Green in Dublin and aims to see his return on Sunday 30 September.

On route, he will be joined by some sporting legends and personalities including endurance athlete Gerry Duffy (32 marathons and DecaIronman champion) , Olympic Athletes Rob Heffernan and Colin Griffin, Olympic Swimm e r B a r r y Mu r p hy from Aer Lingus, Rathf a r n h a m ’s A n n a l i s e Murphy - fourth in the recent Olympic laser radial sailing competition - and Malahide’s Scott Flanigan as well as Olympic triathlete Gavin Noble.

He will also be joined by 2FM presenter Paddy McKenna, as well as some family, friends and members of the public.

The 10 charities he has selected are Aware, Special Olympics Ireland, IRFU Charitable Trust, Paralympics Ireland, Irish Cancer Society, IHCPT The Pilgrimage Trust, Niall Mellon Township Trust, Pieta House, North West Hospice and Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

Donations can be made at w w w.challengeten.com.

FastSport

Hockey season starts back this weekend THE Leinster men and women’s hockey seasons gets underway on Saturday with Monkstown hoping to finally end their wait for the men’s title this season.

They start off with a tough date against the rising force of Railway Union at Rathdown with new coach - former Irish international Graham Shaw - taking over the reins for his first game.

Whitechurch club Corinthian meet newly promoted by Avoca in a southside derby while Fingal have a bye weekend due to UCD’s week of grace.

On the women’s side, Beaufort club Loreto meet Glenanne but have to contest this season without the Irish duo of Nicci Daly and Nikki Symmons, the latter now taking on a coaching role with the Glens.

Hermes start their campaign with a game against Pembroke.

Kilbogget to host annual dlr 5k run KILBOGGET Park will once again host the dlr Community 5k run, taking place on October 13 at 2pm.

Now in its fourth year, the dlr Community 5K is going from strength to strength.

This family fun event brings together the whole community with people, young and old, serious runners and casual stroller. all welc The run will kick off Social Inclusion Week, all fitness levels are welcome where you can walk, jog, run, wheel, push a buggy or even participate hopping in fancy dress.

The five-kilometre

route will take participants around the picturesque Kilbogget Park and is suitable for all levels of ability and fitness.

There is an entry fee of €5 for adults (children are free) and participants will receive a t-shirt, medal and goodie bag as well as refreshments.

Places are limited so it’s important to register online at www. dlrsportspartnership. ie or return a registration form, available by calling 01 2719502.

This annual event is organised by DLR Sports Partnership and its partners Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, dlr Leisure Services, the HSE and Cabinteely Athletic and Football Clubs.

30

BLANCH GAZETTE 13 September 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

RUGBY: WESTMANSTOWN OPENS DOORS FOR NEW INITIATIVE

Kennedy back on top in British Supersport JACK Kennedy had another great weekend at Donington Park that pushed him to the top of the British Supersport rankings, after going behind in the previous championship meeting at Cadwell Park to Glen Richards, who now trails the Irishman closely by 10 points.

The Blanchardstown resident is having the season of his life after a near career ending injury forced him out of action for half of last year’s season.

Now, with Mar-Train Racing Yamaha, Kennedy has found himself reinvigorated and after riding to six victories over nine meetings, the Dublin pilot has the championship set in his crosshairs.

After Richards crashed out of the qualifying for the Saturday race, Kennedy came up the field from eighth to take pole position and after slipping back to fourth at the start of the race, Kennedy ran through the field to take first with no one putting much pressure on him.

On the Sunday, it looked as though Kennedy was on his way to another victory when he was caught on the last lap of the Donington circuit by his closest rival, Richards, who is sure to run the Dubliner close in the last three round of the season.

“Getting back to the top of the championship rankings was the most important thing about the weekend for me.

“I’m disappointed about the second race, but I’ve pulled 10 points ahead and I’m delighted with that,” said Kennedy.

Coolmine get season off to winning start COOLMINE’S J2 side qualified for the final of the Jim Byrne cup last weekend with their second win in a week, overcoming Railway Union 27-6.

In addition to their comprehensive season opening 38-7

result against Guinness at Ashbrook, it sets up a final date with either Malahide or CYM. The club’s first team, meanwhile, started their season with an equally impressive start.

They colaimed a 25-19 victry at the Iveagh Grounds in the first round of the Spencer Cup despite a slightly sluggish performance.

Leinster players Isaac Boss and Fionn Carr were on hand to offer advice at the Westmanstown rugby club open day last week

Tag rugby finds Special home I HIROMI MOONEY sport@gazettegroup.com

IRELAND’S first school of Special Needs Tag Rugby was launched in Westmanstown Sports Complex last week.

The initiative was launched and endorsed

by Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Dr Leo Varadkar TD, as part of Westmanstown rugby club open day.

The use of the pitch was provided by Westmanstown rugby club and the Garda rugby club, with the help of Garda GAA. The school was founded by their coach co-ordinator, Jorge Zulkouski,

who was inspired by a similar project which was founded in Northern Ireland in 2006.

The Special Needs Rugby patron and Irish rugby international Isaac Boss attended the launch and took a part in some training drills with the aspiring players, despite his arm being in a sling.

Leinster players Leo Auva’a and Fionn Carr also came along, as well as the excited parents and chief executives of various local institutions and schools.

Leinster Rugby and Fingal County Sports Office through the Fingal Community Rugby Officer are

Verona receive bye: Dublin 15 sides learn FAI Intermediate fate FOLLOWING their incredible run to the FAI Intermediate Cup semi-final last term, Verona received a bye to the second round of the competition following last week’s draw.

St Mochta’s will also receive a bye but Phoenix have been paired against LSL Sunday Senior 1 high-flyers Sacred Heart in the first round of the FAI Intermediate Cup. Those first round fixtures are currently pencilled in for the weekend of September 30.

also delighted to assist in the new project.

Leinster rugby development officer, Ger McCleery, says that it’s hugely important to give people with special needs an outlet in a safe environment.

“The Guards are working on an initiative that was originally developed up in the north with the PSNI. “They opened the doors to the special needs tag team up in the north.

“So the fact that they now have somewhere to play outdoors is hugely significant,” he explains.

“What Jorge [Zulkouski, coach co-ordinator for Tag Rugby Special

Needs Ireland] and I are going to do is to try and give volunteers knowledge of some of the basic skills of tag rugby, that if we got a sufficient numbers of volunteers that we can break the skills down into smaller, more meaningful groups and give them special attention.

“So my part as Leinster rugby community officer for Fingal will be to try and upskill some of the volunteers involved.

“I have to a special thank you to give to the players Isaac Boss, Fionn Carr and Leo Auva’a who had exertions the night before. They had a game over in Wales and they

made the effort to get there and participated in some of the drills and that, so a big thank you goes out to the Leinster senior players who attended. “ There are 5,820 children aged five to 19-yearsold who have mild or moderate intellectual disability in Ireland. 2,677 of these potential players live in Leinster.

Training and matches will take place every Sunday from 11.30am to 1pm.

Any groups interested in Special Needs Tag Rugby can contact Jorge Zulkouski on 087 284 2584 or jorgezulkouski@ yahoo.co.uk.

13 September 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

HURLING: DUBS ALL-IRELAND DREAM STILL ALIVE

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S ST BRIGID’S GAA club nursery has

Well done to our junior camogie

restarted after the summer break

team who are through to the cham-

for four-to seven-year-olds and

pionship semi-f inal. St Brigid’s

runs every Saturday morning from

Spleodar Irish club for teenagers

9.30-11am. New members and fami-

has resumed on Thursdays from 7

lies welcome.

to 9pm in the club hall. The cost is €3

GAA accredited coaching courses

per week and everyone is welcome.

hosted in the club begin this week.

A new GAA show featuring a weekly

Open to all members, cost is only

Brigid’s round-up goes to air this

€10 and €5 for U-18s. Contact Paul

Monday evening on Phoenix FM at

on 087 9154748 or see website for

7pm. Make sure you tune in.

more info.

Inter one footballers face Bally-

Congrats to Paul Winters and the

boden in the IFC at 4.30pm on Satur-

Dublin minors on their great per-

day in O’Toole Park; see website for

formance on Sunday and to our 10

more of this week’s fixtures.

Fingal representatives (eight play-

Club lotto is €11,000 this week

ers and two managers) on their

and takes place in the Vineyard on

Minor C All-Ireland win over Cavan.

Thursday.

ST PEREGRINE’S OUR family fun day is on this Saturday.

Paul Winters, pictured below, scored a couple of late frees to earn an All-Ireland final replay Pictures: Chris Lynam

Glass half full for Boland’s heroes ALL-IRELAND MHC FINAL Dublin Tipperary

1-16 2-13

I sport@gazettegroup.com

ERIC Lowndes, Paul Winters, Cian Boland and Luke Doherty were part of Dublin’s minor hurlers that forced a replay out of the heavily favoured Tipperary side last Sunday in Croke Park.

Two late frees from Winters kept the Dubs’ dream alive, earning a replay set for Sunday, September 30.

St Brigid’s man, Winters, was on form putting over six valuable frees in the game, which were pivotal in the Dublin effort as John McGrath put all but three of the Munster men’s scores on the board, taking a tally of 1-11 on the day.

Eric Lowndes, of St Peregrine’s, performed passionately in the back line, often breaking up plays before powering his way through to the

midfield before distributing the ball to the forward lines.

Cian Boland busied himself in the half forward line, giving the Tip’ backlines a lot of trouble while taking two points of his own to help the Boys in Blue to their replay spot.

Dublin certainly deser ved their draw on the day, and many believed they should have taken the victory, with a lot of light frees being given to the Tipperary side after little contact was made in some tackles deemed worthy to stop the play.

Manager Shay Boland voiced his concerns on some of the frees that were given during the contest, but seemed happy with the result after the game, believing the Dubs had proven that they were well capable of coming up with the upset. “ L o o k , I s wo r e I wouldn’t be talking

about any [refereeing] decisions that would happen on the pitch and I don’t particularly want to,” said Boland.

“Either we play a different brand of hurling up here than they do down in Munster or we’re just being penalised for indiscretions that we’re not disciplined enough in. So I don’t know what it is.

“I just felt that they got a lot of points from frees. But maybe a lot of them were fouls. I’d have to have a look back at them to give you an honest opinion on it.”

Nonetheless, the Plunkett’s club man is upbeat about his sides chances and the opportunity to bring the title to Dublin for the first time in over 50 years.

“We’re never dead,” said Boland. “We’ve massive self-belief in those young lads, massive.

“The glass is well full.

I’ve huge belief in those lads and they’ve huge belief in themselves.

“Look, we didn’t get there in the end but these things happen and we’ll be raring to go the next day again.”

must be paid as soon as possible.

Drop down and enjoy the festivities. Well

The club Lotto was not won; numbers

done to Eric Lowndes and the Dublin

drawn were 14, 18, 20 and 27. Next week’s

minor hurlers in salvaging a draw in the

jackpot is €4,000.

All-Ireland minor hurling final, replay in two weeks.

The Penguin Ball is on December 15 in the Carlton Hotel, tickets are €50 and

Also well done to the senior football-

deposits must be paid by end of Sep-

ers who preserved their senior status

tember. Our club shop vouchers are

for next year last Saturday. The lads

now available, details and contacts on

play Erin’s Isle in the SFC this Friday at

the club website CNP.ie.

8.15pm in Parnell Park, please come and support.

Good wins also for our junior A and C footballers.

Memberships are still overdue and

Follow us on Twitter @peregrinesgaa.

Entertainment in the club this Saturday is from DJ Vinny. Bingo continues on Wednesdays at 8.30pm. The jackpot is €600.

WESTMANSTOWN/GARDA THE intermediates had a good league

2.30pm, generously sponsored by Willie

win over Thomas Davis last Saturday

McGee of Axa Insurance. All interested,

evening at Westmanstown, coming out

please contact Alan Lynch or PJ Gal-

on top on a score of 2-15 to 1-9.

lagher.

Their next outing is in the champion-

It was a busy football weekend with

ship next Saturday evening against Na

all seven underage teams playing; the

Fianna in Trinity Gaels ground at Drum-

U-10s, U-12 boy’s and U-15 girl’s teams

nigh Road; throw in at 4.30pm.

won their respective games with the

The junior 1s lost a league fixture away to Skerries Harps on Sunday morning

U-8s, U-9s, U-12 girl’s and U-14 boy’s losing out this time.

but have the chance to get back to

The nursery for five-to-seven-year

winning ways next Sunday at home to

olds is back in full swing after the holi-

O’Toole’s with the throw-in at 11am.

day break.

The ladies collected the points in their

New members are welcome. For more

final league fixture against Naomh

information, contact club GPO, Declan

Mearnog to end their campaign on a

Jennings at 085 8006101 or visit www.

winning note. Well done to all for a great

westmanstowngaels.ie. The nursery

effort during the season.

takes place every Saturday morning

The annual club golf outing at Westmanstown is on this Thursday at

from 10-11.30am on the all-weather facility.

TYRELLSTOWN WE always look forward to welcoming

name, please contact James on 083

new members, along with mentors

4086173.

and anyone else who is in a position

Training for the senior team takes

to help out in this rapidly growing

place three days a week: Tuesday

club. Why not come along, get fit and

and Thursday from 7-8pm in Tyrrel-

most of all have some fun?

stown Community Hall and Sunday

For more information on helping out, or to register your child’s

from 11-12pm at the Belgree pitch, Tyrrelstown).

ALL OF YOUR BLANCHARDSTOWN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

KING KENNEDY: Clonsilla rider pushes further ahead in Supersport series P30

SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

BREIFNE ENCOUNTERS: Earley takes on second set of 10 challenges P29

GazetteSPORT

National Aquatic Centre swimmer James Scully has just returned from a breakout performance at the Paralympics

Scully keeps best for last in London NAC swimmer describes his Paralympics experience as ‘unbelievable’ after finishing fifth overall in London PETER CARROLL

sport@gazettegroup.com

NAC swimmer James Scully described his Paralympics experience as “unreal” after clocking some of the best times of his life at the Aquatic Centre in London across four different events in the ground breaking Games last week.

Scully, a Ratoath native, kept one of his best performances for his last outing, and after qualifying through the 100m freestyle S5 heats, he went on to record a personal best on his way to seventh place in the final which was held later that night.

The teenager was ecstatic to end the tournament on such a high, and his excitement and enthusiasm were notable in his quotes after the race: “It was absolutely unbelievable. I’m over the moon. It was a really good result and I just got stuck in. I wasn’t that confident going into the heats of making the final but once I got in there, I was confident I could swim well.

“It’s been unreal, absolutely savage – the best time of my life. It’s been brilliant being able to swim at this level and enjoy yourself. Bring on Rio, we’ll see what happens,” said the talented swimmer.

On day three, the London Arena witnessed another quality performance from the Irishman when he competed in the 200m freestyle S5 heats, powering through the field to finish third in his heat and qualify as sixth fastest into the final.

Holding the fourth place position over the first 150m, Scully found a new gear in the final 50m and dug deep to overtake Brazil’s Coldoaldo Silva to confirm his place amongst the finalists. Delighted with his third fastest time ever, Scully said after the race; “The race felt really strong, it’s the strongest I’ve felt ever really, it was slightly slower than my PB but I’m really happy with that, it’s the first time I’ve gone under three minutes this year, hopefully I can pick up some positives from this, fix some things and go faster.”

And go faster he did, the NAC talent knocked an outstanding three seconds off his personal best, finishing fifth overall with a time of 2:53.03.

The gold was won by Daniel Dias of Brazil in a time of 2:27.83.

On day one of the gala, Scully’s strong mentality was clear for everyone to see, something that was obviously a huge factor behind his amazing performances on day three and day 10. After failing to qualify for the first event he competed in, Scully simply said: “I’ve got the first one over and done with, it felt good and I’m feeling fitter and stronger than ever before, I’ll get in and see what happens.”

The other event that Scully competed in was the 50m backstroke and he showed some disappointment with his result, finishing 13th and out of the qualifying places on the morning.

One thing is for sure, Scully, at just 18 years old has a massive future ahead of him and 2011 Disability Swimmer of Year will definitely be looking to make a splash at the 2016 Games in Rio.