Blanchardstown Gazette

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January 3, 2013

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Month XX, 2012 Blanchardstown • Blakestown • Hartstown • Coolmine • Tyrrelstown • Dunboyne • Corduff • Mulhuddart • Ongar

INSIDE: Singing students bring plenty of Christmas cheer to St Francis Hospice Page 4

Gaelic Games: Annual Dub Stars tie opens 2013 season Page 31

Soccer:

Poame a big hit for Republic of Ireland U-15s Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES.......................4 DUBLIN LIFE..................... 8 OUT&ABOUT REVIEW.....11 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................27

looking ahead: Some familiar local faces share their wishes for this New Year P6-7

Council approve budget for 2013  laura webb

A “comprehensive” budget which will see Fingal County Council “deliver essential services and social supports” throughout the county in 2013 has received the council’s seal of approval.

According to Fingal county manager, David O’Connor, one of his key priorities in 2013 is to maintain and continue to improve the

efficient delivery of services to residents.

The budget provides for a total expenditure of €218,577,900, and an income of €77,257,500.

The budget was approved despite requests by the local Fianna Fail group to defer it until January as it failed to include projections for property tax on the thousands of council houses it owns.

Full Story on Page 2

Merit for Marie: Local lady proudly receives certificate marie Cummins from Coolmine is pictured receiving her Certificate of Attendance from Mayor of Fingal Cian O’Callaghan (Lab) and ITB president, Mary Meaney.

The Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) cel-

ebrated a collaborative initiative between themselves and Fingal County Council’s Age Friendly County Strategy where older adult groups attended classes for the past 12 weeks, as part of the Fitness, Health and Well-Being Programme.

2 BLANCH Gazette 3 January 2013

dublin GAZETTe newspapers i n f o r m at i o n

council Spending plan is approved

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Fingal County Council say one key priority is to improve the efficient delivery of services to all citizens

Fingal’s budget 2013 set to ‘deliver essential services’ A “comprehensive budget” which will see Fingal County Council “deliver essential services and social supports” throughout the county in 2013 has received the approval of the council.

In the report for the 2013 Annual Budget for FCC, county manager David O’Connor said one of his key priorities in 2013 is to maintain and continue to improve the efficient delivery of services to all citizens and so requires the council to “continue to be innovative [and] to focus on and encourage the social and economic development of the county at a time when the national economic

 laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

climate remains challenging”.

The budget provides for a total expenditure of €218,577,900 and an income of €77,257,500.

The budget report states when the net incoming debit balance of €142,700 is taken into account, this leaves a net requirement of €141,463,100.

The allocation from the local government fund is €19,593,000 and pen-

sion levy deductions are estimated at €3,293,800, leaving a balance of €118,576,300 to be levied from commercial rates.

Commercial rates, a property tax levied on over 5,700 ratepayers in Fingal, will remain unchanged at the 2012 level.

Payroll costs for the year are estimated to be €63.2m, a 24% reduction in four years.

Compliance with the 2012 household charge, which will be replaced by the property tax set to be introduced this July, was 68.8% in Fingal.

As of the end of November, over 59,800 householders had registered to pay the charge with a fur-

ther 2,291 registering for a waiver.

In the report, the county manager thanks those who have paid and strongly urged those who have not to do so in order to “avoid incurring further late payment fees and penalty interests”.

The council is also looking at ways to save on the cost of the fire service for Fingal and is exploring “alternative options” for fire service delivery in county. This paper recently reported that Fingal is looking to neighbouring councils to provide an alternative fire service.

Requests have been made to respective county managers in both Louth

and Meath to consider the possibility of providing the fire service for Fingal in the place of the current Dublin Fire Service run by Dublin City Council on behalf of the four Dublin councils.

The county manager said the adopted budget will “enable the council to meet its commitments and to maintain, at a reasonable standard, the public services, for the maintenance of which Fingal County Council as a local authority is responsible.”

The budget was adopted on December 18.

The full budget is available to view online at www.fingalcoco.ie

FF hit council failure to note property tax fallout The local Fianna Fail group have slammed Fingal’s annual budget after it failed to include projections for property tax on the thousands of council houses it owns.

On December 18, the council’s annual budget for 2013 was voted in, but Fianna Fail

councillors, including Mulhuddar t councillor David McGuinness, voted against it because of concerns over projected costs.

The councillors sought to defer the budget in order to seek further information from the Government on the impli-

cations for the local authority as a result of the property tax.

“Fingal County Council has almost 5,000 council houses which are liable for the property tax. The cost to the council could be anywhere between €400,000 and €1.6 million in a full financial year,” Cllr

McGuinness said.

“Fingal made no provision whatsoever for this charge.”

He went on to say that despite a motion by Fianna Fail councillors to defer the decision on the budget until January, the coalition group passed the 2013 budget.

3 January 2013 BLANCH Gazette 3

Friendly Call: service found to have unfairly dismissed workers

christmas Where to bring your tree

Call to honour staff EAT award  laura webb

The chief executive of the former Friendly Call Service is being urged to honour an award made by the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) to its former employees.

Dublin West TD Joe Higgins (SP) is calling on Dr Danny Bell, the executive officer at Care Call, a communication support service for older people formerly known as Friendly Call Service which was based in Mulhuddart, to pay what the tribunal have determined is owed to its former employees.

According to Deputy Higgins, the award was given by the Employ-

ment Appeals Tribunal for unfair dismissal of three former employees of Dr Bell.

A separate case has subsequently been brought by another employee.

Deputy Higgins said: “This award was made following an Employment Appeal Tribunal hearing that took place on October 23.

“The unfair dismissals took place in February last year when the four women were told that they would be let go because of funding issues.

“Yet, within a matter of days of the dismissal, the local media were covering news of an effective re-launch of Friendly

Call with new staff on the payroll and other Friendly Call staff in situ.”

The Dublin West TD went on to say that, at the Employment Appeal Tribunal, it was established that Dr Bell had Friendly Call officially wound up as a company subsequent to the unfair dismissals and registered a new company that operates under the current name.

Because of “limited liability laws” in this country, Higgins said the Employment Appeals Tribunal “cannot enforce its ow n findings”.

Dr Bell was unavailable for comment when contacted by the Gazette.

Christmas cheer: DFS brings some home comforts to hospital sofa retailer and manufacturer DFS recently delivered Christmas cheer to patients and families who were in Temple Street Children’s University Hospital over the Christmas season. Bringing some home comforts to the hospital, DFS delivered hand-made sofas, and a Christmas makeover to the radiology waiting room.

The makeover was revealed at a special Christmas-themed story telling event hosted by best-selling author Sarah Webb. Pictured at the event with Santa were elves Barry O’Sullivan and Marcus Paolozzi, both aged nine and from Glasnevin and radiographer Selina Horan from Sutton.

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B e c au s e L o c a l M at t e r s

CHRISTMAS trees will be collected by Fingal County Council (FCC) across the county this month until January 20.

Collection points will be in place at a number of locations in Fingal, and residents from the Blanchardstown and Castleknock area have two options which are the Coolmine Parks Depot in Blanchardstown and the Millennium Park in Coolmine during the park’s opening hours.

Other locations include Swords, Balbriggan, Rush and Lusk. Only Christmas trees will be accepted at the above locations; other green waste such as Christmas tree stands will not be accepted.

For further information, log on to www.fingalcoco. ie

4 blanch Gazette 3 January 2013

gazetteGALLERIES

Joan Hegarty, Anne Marie Chapman and Aisling Kearney

The fifth class students entertained the patients at St Francis Hopice in Blanchardstown, Pictures: Peter Doyle

charity: students donate â‚Ź3,000 to st francis hospice

Mount Sackville girls bring Christmas cheer to patients T Tara Newcombe and Danielle Lyons

HE fifth class students from Scoil Mhuire Mount Sackville recently visited the day care unit at St Francis Hospice in Blanchardstown to sing some Christmas Carols for some of the patients.

The students also presented a cheque for â‚Ź3,000 to Aine Mac Callion from the Hospice. They raised this

money during two hockey tournaments, which were organised by their hockey coach, Sheila Carroll.

The girls represented their school in their distinctive blue uniforms, and donned the festive bright red Santa hats. The Hospice was delighted to welcome the young girls, and thanked them for their generous donation.

3 January 2013 blanch Gazette 5

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only €6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

Mark Murphy and Mo Kelly. Pictures: Una Williams

Art for all seasons: painter fascinated by trickery of light

D Principal Patricia Fahy and Aine Mac Callion of St Francis Hospice

UBLIN-based artist Mo Kelly is exhibiting her latest artwork in ICE at the Four Seasons Hotel. Her work is figurative and landscape-based, and is heavily inspired by the new places she has visited as well as from the books and poetry that she has read. Night-time features heavily in her work, as she is fascinated with the trickery of the lights and shapes caused at twilight. For more information about Mo’s work, log on to www.mokelly.com.

Eimer and Sinead Denis Amelia, Romy and Peter Devlin

Ellen Baker, Caoilfhionn Gilvarry and Ellen Bolger

Sarah O’Gorman

Carly McQuaid and Amy Copeland

Alison Canavan

Jason Kavanagh, Michelle Corr and Dave Humphreys The girls put on a beautiful performance

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6 BLANCH Gazette 3 January 2013

dublinlookahead

Blanch Library proud to serve the community Ann Byrne senior Librarian Blanchardstown Library The staff at Blanchardstown Library would like to thank everyone who visited us during 2012. We had over 400,000 visits to the library this year and we were very proud to serve the community of Dublin 15 and beyond.

Services at the library include the Europe Direct Information Centre, our newly designed children’s area, an adult lending and reference area.

We offer e-books, audio books, online language learning, DVDs, free

wi-fi, book clubs, a parent and toddler group (to name but a few).

Blanchardstown Library is open 54 hours a week, Monday to Saturday.

We are open through lunchtime, six days a week.

As always, Blanchardstown Library has many exciting events and exhibitions planned for 2013.

Regular updates about what’s on in the library can be found on Fingal Libraries Facebook page or on the Fingal County Council website.

We would love if you become a fan so you can interact with us digitally!

Details of our opening hours, events, exhibitions, courses can be found at the library itself or by telephoning 01 890 5563.

It has been a pleasure serving you all throughout the year. We take this opportunity to welcome new and old borrowers to the library to get involved in all of our services. Please make us your New Year’s resolution!

Blanchardstown Library wishes all our customers a merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

A new year: new opportunities

Sharing hopes for 2013

Dublin 15 representatives review the year past and get ready for another year of supporting local businesses, organisations and events

Chamber looks forward to championing business Draiocht Theatre reflects on men and women Tony Lambert, chief executive, Fingal Dublin Chamber Fingal Dublin Chamber of Commerce represents and promotes the business community in the Fingal region which is home to many of the most highly recognised multinational companies in the world as well as large numbers of large and small indigenous businesses.

The past year has again been a very challenging year for local businesses with many companies facing difficult financial and trading situations.

The chamber recognises and congratulates the many business men and women in the area on their skill and determination in retaining and

growing their markets in a really tough business environment.

The coming together of the D15 Chamberwith the Fingal Dublin Chamber in the past year has been a great success and has created a business organisation of great scale with the resources to provide the necessary services for businesses in the area.

We can be very proud of the many success stories in the business community with improved standards in the quality of products, services and customer care rising each year.

In the coming year the Chamber will continue to focus on providing support to the many business men and women who are facing

the past and hopes for future

Emer McGowan Director Draiocht Theatre

into another tough year.

Being in business can very lonely and the business community needs to work closer together to support each other through networking and business briefing events.

On behalf of Chamber President Siobhan Moore and the Council of Fingal Dublin Chamber of Commerce, I wish all chamber members and indeed all business men and women in the area a prosperous and rewarding year in 2013.

I love this time of year.

The end of one year and the beginning of another allows me reflect on the past and hope for the future.

Draiocht is now in its 12th year of operation, 12 years of serving the people who live and work in Dublin 15 and surrounding areas, people of all ages, of many interests.

We have had many milestones, have won awards, have had Presidential visits through those years.

But for me the most important achievement is our connection with our locality. Over 50,000 people come through

our doors every year to see performances, participate in workshops, visit our galleries. We are proud to be an arts centre serving a locality, we are proud to be Draiocht serving Dublin 15, serving you.

The latest Census tells us that there are 101,032 people living in Dublin 15.

26% are 15 years of age or under. That’s 101,032 stories, experiences, hopes, dreams. We want to hear those stories, maybe even help fulfil some of those dreams.

All of us are making difficult choices these days. Budgets have been cut but through the continued support of The Arts Council and the generous funding of Fingal County

Council, we will continue to provide you with the quality and variety of programme that you have come to know us for. We will continue to open our doors wide, invite you in, provide a space and the inspiration where all kinds of connections can be made and through those connections, I believe

lives can be changed.

What we do together here matters, it helps all of us to be better individuals, a better community.

What we do here matters, because what you do here matters.

I wish you and your families a very happy 2013 and hope to see you in Draiocht soon.

3 January 2013 BLANCH Gazette 7

Gazette

community look ahead for 2013

Working together for a Safer Blanchardstown Philip Jennings Co-ordinator, Safer Blanchardstown Safer Blanchardstown would like to wish all citizens of Blanchardstown a very happy and prosperous 2013.

The past year, 2012, has been very busy with a total of six public meetings held across Blanchardstown. In addition Fingal Joint Policing committee has held a further two public meetings. All these meetings had senior Garda and Fingal County Council officials in attendance listening to and responding to issues raised by residents who came along.

Traditionally Safer Blanchardstown held a series of events during our Community Safety Week but this year the

management committee decided to hold safety events throughout the year.

So far in 2012 we have had a successful family fun day in St Peregrine’s, RESPECT football competition for boys and girls between all primary schools, information day in the town centre, a very well attended Garda Open Day and an information event in the Civic Offices organised by the Fingal Ethnic Network.

We are currently running a Hidden Treasures Project for schools/ groups/clubs which is still open for entries.

Safer Blanchardstown and partners will be working hard in 2013 on a number of seriously exciting events.

For example we are working on an open air spring break music festival, a seniors event with a

St Patrick’s theme, drug and alcohol awareness events, health fairs and mental health awareness events.

Community safety is the main message of Safer Blanchardstown which means that we all have a role to play in maintaining a safe community.

So come on, let’s make Blanchardstown Safer: Take part, get involved and remember that by working together we can provide a safer community.

Farmleigh visitors thanked for supporting cultural events David Levins Farmleigh Estate Office of Public Works Farmleigh has hosted many diverse Cultural Events in 2012.

We are very proud of our Cultural Events team who continue to programme high quality events at Farmleigh.

Looking back over 2012 some of our highlights of the year include: Japan Day in April was a fascinating day at Farmleigh.

This was our second year to host the event and visitors were able to experience Japanese culture through food, music, origami workshops, dance and judo exhibitions. Make sure not to miss out on the return of Japan Day - April 7, 2013.

Art in Action at Farmleigh was held over the May Bank Holiday weekend. This was a three-day

event which saw hundreds of artists from Ireland and beyond creating work on site. 40,000 visitors enjoyed this weekend.

People were able to engage with the artists on a one-to-one basis and many attended art workshops on site.

The Irish Wolfhound Show in June was a wonderful event.

Farmleigh was the perfect background to show off these magnificent dogs in all their glory.

Our Easter, summer and Christmas programmes have proved to be as popular as ever.

Food markets, live music and puppet shows make these great family days out.

In 2013, our cultural programme is slightly curtailed from January to June 2013 as Farmleigh is one of the sites hosting the EU presidency.

But we are pleased to

announce the following events: Easter programme to include food markets and family activities, Japan Day April 7, Irish Wolfhound Show June 9.

Our Cultural Events team are also planning a comprehensive summer programme. Please ensure to check our website for details of all upcoming events www.farmleigh.ie Farmleigh would like to thank all of our visitors for making 2012 such a success and wish everyone a Very Happy Christmas and New Year.

support your local business support your local community

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8 BLANCH Gazette 3 January 2013

dublinlife

diary

Kim Sheehan, Padraic Rowan, Kelley Lonergan and Sarah Power, all of whom will represent Ireland in the Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition

International sing-off at NCH THE National Concert Hall will play host to the seventh Veronica Dunne International Singing Competition which will feature local and international vocal talents.

From January 25 to 31, some 80 singing competitors from 30 nations will compete for a prize fund of €30,000, with more than 12 prizes including engagements at the Wigmore Hall, London and Wexford Opera Festival.

As a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions, the competition offers a flagship global stage for the encouragement and development of Irish and international vocal talent.

The competition affords singers across

all opera disciplines and between the ages of 25 to 34, the opportunity to compete at an elite standard.

As in previous years, the competition will be in four rounds.

Tickets can be purchased at the National Concert Hall Box Office by telephoning (01) 417 0000 or online at www. nch.ie.

templebar’s tradfest to return this january DUBLIN’S biggest and best festival of Irish music and culture, the Temple Bar TradFest, returns this January.

This year will see the festival celebrate its eighth anniversary and is set to be the biggest yet with six days and six nights of trad music,

dance agus craic!

The festival features over 200 free events, outdoor stages, family programmes and children’s clubs, street performers, pipe bands, music trails and much more.

Irish and international music talent will appear in some of Dublin’s most iconic venues including Christ Church Cathedral, St Patrick’s Cathedral and City Hall, with intimate performances for as little as €10.

Lunchtime concerts and evening concerts are also on offer. Sharon Shannon, Martin Hayes a nd Dennis Ca hill, Maura O’Connell and T With The Maggies are just some of the stellar line-up you can expect to enjoy.

For more information, visit www.templebartrad.com.

the olympia theatre to stage anglo: the musical

ANGLO: The Musical, Paul Howard’s satirical tale of the demise of the Celtic Tiger, returns to the Dublin stage for a fresh run in the Olympia Theatre in January.

The show comes from the creative team that brought you Dustin the Turkey, Ross O’Carroll Kelly and TV’s Anonymous, and traces the rise and fall of Anglo Irish Bank, as puppets and people sing and dance their way through the good times and into the bad.

T he show first appeared in November in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre and played to packed houses.

T here are many famous caricatures in

the production from the world of politics and business with songs including Put A Zero On The End, He’s A Friend, There’s Nothing Wrong With Bacon And Cabbage and I Hate To Say I Told You So. The show runs from January 10 until February 2. Tickets cost €20 and are available through Ticketmaster.

gay byrne’s solo show at dunboyne LEGENDARY broadcaster Gay Byrne (right) will bring his solo show to Dunboyne Castle on Thursday, January 31 at 8pm.

Described in reviews as “a comedy masterclass”, the show is the ideal post-Christmas night out with the wit and wisdom of Ireland’s

Gay Byrne will reveal many amusing showbiz anecdotes throughout his solo show at Dunboyne Castle

best-loved TV and radio personality.

The show promises to see Byrne telling “some of the greatest showbiz stories never told”.

There will be a fundraiser on the night for local charities, Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, which helps children with cancer and their families, and the local branch of Youth Suicide Prevention Ireland, which pro-

vides specialist suicide prevention information for all the young people of Ireland who may be at risk of suicide or selfharm.

For a night of stories, memories, songs and laughter, phone 01 801 3500 or see www.dunboynecastlehotel.com.

Tickets are priced at €20 and special dining and accommodation rates are available.

3 January 2013 BLANCH Gazette 9

Gazette

feature

young scientist: 49th exhibition at the rds

Over 4,000 students present 1,879 ideas  laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

STUDENTS across Dublin are busy putting the finishing touches to their science and technology projects, as they get ready to storm the RDS for the 49th BT Scientist and Technology Exhibition.

There has never been a bigger appetite for students to showcase their ideas and talent, with the 2013 exhibition set to be the biggest ever with 1,879 ideas entered from 4,189 students from 32 counties.

Over the years, there has been a significant increase in the number of students developing commercially viable projects and demonstrating entrepreneurial flair.

Entries for the Technology category are at an all time high with a 24% increase on last year’s

exhibition.

The exhibition, which runs from January 9 to 12, is represented by 362 schools.

Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn, said: “Now in its 49th year, the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition continues to break new records for both the number of projects entered and schools competing.

“Research and innovation are critically important to our economy, and I commend everyone involved in the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition for providing a platform to stimulate and showcase Ireland’s talent both on a national and international stage.”

Colm O’Neill, chief executive officer, BT said: “The increased engagement that secondary school students are showing in this 49-year-

old exhibition is remarkable.

“The vision of the exhibition founders and BT has become a reality – raising awareness of the sciences, unearthing new ideas, giving young people a platform to shine, and showing Ireland’s scientific skills at international competitions.

“We’re looking for-

ward to the show in January, where we get to hear firsthand these young people’s solutions for a better future.”

The 2013 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will take place in the RDS in Dublin from January 9 to 12.

For more information about the exhibition, see www.btyoungscientist. com.

Young scientists at last year’s exhibition

theatre The Dead comes to The Abbey

Xposed: Glenda at mag’s launch Castleknock beauty and Xpose host Glenda Gil-

son was joined by her colleagues Karen Koster, Lisa Cannon and Aisling O’Loughlin at the launch party of the brand new Xpose Magazine at the Jameson Distillery.

The girls now go access all areas with the biggest celebrities on the planet not only through their top-rated TV3 TV show but now in print with Xpose Magazine, which will be available in all good newsagents from this month.

A STAGE production of The Dead, James Joyce’s most famous short story, is set to receive its premiere when The Abbey Theatre runs an adaptation by Frank McGuinness of the famous tale.

Joe Dowling, a former director of the Abbey Theatre, is returning to direct a cast of Irish actors, including Rosaleen Linehan, Lorcan Cranitch, Derbhle Crotty and Stanley Townsend.

The story, taken from The Dubliners, has been adapted for the stage and screen many times in the past. During the run, there will also be assisted stagings, with a sign language-aided performance on January 10, as well as an audio-described and captioned performance on Saturday, January 12.

The play will be staged until January 19 and ticket prices start at €13. To book, contact the Abbey Box Office on 01 87 87 222.

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10 BLANCH Gazette 3 January 2013

dublinlife

business

local success: businessman named in forbes list to watch

30 Under 30 listing for Cloonan

Awards: Airline winner country manager for Emirates in Ireland Margaret Shannon was pictured recently with Ian Talbot, chief executive of Chambers Ireland and Ruairi Kavanagh, managing editor of InBusiness at the announcement that Emirates had won the Business Airline of the Year at the inaugural InBusiness Editor’s Choice Awards.

CASTLEKNOCK businessman Jonathan Cloonan is one of four young Irishmen to make Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30 list of young business people to watch in 2013.

Jonathan, a Trinity College graduate, was included for his success in the advertising and media arena. The 27-year-old is based in Singapore and is, according to Forbes, the youngest account director in advertising company, GroupM’s Asian branch.

He is responsible for brokering multi-million dollar TV format deals across Asia, including the sale of Masterchef to Thailand.

Cloonan said of his

inclusion on the prestigious list: “The Forbes 30 Under 30 for 2013 includes Mark Zuckerberg, Mary Kate Olsen, and Lady GaGa, so it’s a massive honour to be named alongside people who are at the very top of their game, on a global level and at such a young age.”

The three other Irishmen on the list are Coder Dojo co-founder, James Whelton from Cork, and two Limerick brothers Patrick (24) and John Collison (22), who are currently working on an online payment system called Stripe, having already sold their first company for $5m while

they were still in their teens.

Those on the Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list represent the highest global achievers in 15 categories ranging from education, energy, music, science and healthcare to sports, technology games and apps and marketing.

The four young Irishmen join singers Bruno Mars, Justin Bieber and Adele on the list from the world of highly-successful entertainers as well as Olympic gold medallists such as gymnast Gabby Douglas.

“This is a celebration of youthful ambition and success. These are really amazing people and they

Castleknock’s Jonathan Cloonan was one of four Irish people on the Forbes list

are doing amazing things.

It makes you very hopeful about the world,” Michael Noer, the executive editor of Forbes said.

The list is the magazine’s seal of approval and carries enormous business kudos, especially in the US.

3 January 2013 Gazette 11

motoring P22-23

asdfsdaf P27 travel P24-25

dublin2013 Let the Gazette’s finest writers and contributors ease you gently into the New Year with their guides to the very best of what’s ahead Out And About



Gazette

cinema P18-19

preview: next 12 months packed with promise

Dublin life will be amazing in a fantastic new year AS the bells rang and College Green reverberated to the sounds of Imelda May and Bell X1, Ireland looked into 2013 with a party marking start of The Gathering.

This, after all is what we do best. Parties, homecomings and celebrations is where we excel.

And, at this time of optimism, we must, as a nation, take a moment to reflect on those who were not in Dublin to celebrate

the ringing in of the new year through no choice of their own.

Many celebrated in Sydney, lapped it up in London and saw in the New Year in New York, but will have had their hearts firmly in this, their home town.

For these are our communities, the towns we grew up in, thrived in and live in and, no matter how far we travel, they are a part of who we are.

Here at the Gazette, we put pride in our knowledge and understanding of those communities.

We mark our ninth year as Dublin’s premier regional newspaper group in the year Ireland calls on the international Irish community to come home and, when they do, you can be guaranteed that we will be there.

From the community events, the sporting encounters and the news

that matters, the Gazette team is looking forward to serving communities across Dublin all throughout 2013.

With Christmas now in the rear view, we look to another year of covering your events, your news and your community.

We would like to thank our readers and advertisers for another great year in 2012, as we look forward to a bigger, brighter and better 2013 for all.

The Gathering will bring families back together to celebrate on Ireland’s shores

12 Gazette 3 January 2013

3 January 2013 Gazette 13

Gazette

14 Gazette 3 January 2013

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South Print Blouse €33

Blooming great for spring WITH so many great new lines and styles in the upcoming Littlewoods Ireland spring/summer 2013 collection, it’s hard for Caroline Morahan to single out her favourites. However, she pointed out a few great items to Gazette Style, which are sure to add a bright, welcome splash of colour – with affordable pricing, yet highquality production – in the coming months.

She also sings the praises of Littlewoods Ireland’s highly-fashionable, yet practical lines, saying: “There are a lot of fashion-forward pieces that are also wearable.”

South Crochet Dress €60 South Lace Detail Pencil Skirt €33

South Floral Print Shirt €29

South Long Sleeve Floral Dress €52 South Floral Peplum Dress €60

South Biker Jacket €63 South Floral Maxi Dress €65

3 January 2013 Gazette 15

STYLE preview: spring/summer 2013 collection

Big fashion ideas from Caroline and Littlewoods  laura webb

SHE may be living the high life in LA, but TV personality-turned-actress Caroline Morahan is still committed to her style representations as the face of Littlewoods Ireland.

In an exclusive preview night at the Little Museum of Dublin, Caroline showcased some of the amazing collection Littlewoods Ireland has in store for spring/summer 2013.

Talking to Gazette Style, she divulged her wish list for the season ahead, and also hinted about making some changes to her wardrobe capsule.

“I got to see the collection just before Halloween, during a fashion shoot. We had at a lot of fun on the shoot – it is probably my favourite one, to date, that I have done with Littlewoods Ireland.

“A lot of my favourite looks are featured from that shoot – for example, a floral wrap dress that is a very vibrant print which gives a great waist. I love the long sleeves on it, too.

“There is something a little demure and elegant about it. When we were shooting, it was just a preview, but today [at the preview event] I can see so much more.

“I ran to the floorlength maxi dress, lovely cotton top with printed bottom, because in the summer I just live in maxi dresses, [they are] so easy and comfortable.”

Caroline says there are a lot of key features for 2013, but the one she her-

self said she was surprised she loved were print “statement” trousers.

“I really didn’t think I would love them, but I really do. I am really a skirts and dresses girl, and these trousers – when I saw them on the rail, I thought: ‘Oh, what?! I am just not feeling this!’

“They are multicoloured – just too much like a bird in a blender – but when you put them on with a plain top, they are just so funky.

“They look so catwalky, but yet, so comfortable and easy to wear. That was a surprise find for me.

“I love when I find trends like that, which are totally alien to me, nothing like anything I have in my wardrobe, and it works,” says Caroline.

Being open to new trends is something she feels everyone should try.

“It can be so easy to get into a fashion rut, where you are wearing the same thing all the time – you’re used to it, and it’s comfortable.

“So, for me, trying new trends, something totally different from what I have ever worn – I am totally all over it,” she adds.

This is Caroline’s third year with Littlewoods and, according to the Irish beauty, she still enjoys it.

“I am delighted to be part of it; it is fantastic to see it go from strength to strength. Littlewoods Ireland is doing really well and growing; it’s fantastic.”

What makes it a success for her, she says, is that the price point for the quality of clothing compared to a lot of high street stores is

“very competitive”.

“There are places you can go to pull an outfit together for a really good bargain price, but it might fall apart, but with Littlewoods Ireland the quality is much higher, so you are getting the value, and value for money, so I think that is part of the success.

“Also, there are a lot of fashion-forward pieces that are also wearable, so they are straddling that as well.

“It annoys me when collections come out and

they are super fashionable, but you can’t pull it off – that is frustrating to me, and there is only a certain person who can pull off those things, and they are not our customer who is doing a school run in the morning – you have to be practical.

“I like the fact that we have really fashion-forward collections but you can actually wear them,” she says.

Check out Littlewood Ireland’s latest collection online at www.littlewoodsireland.ie.

TV personality-turned-actress Caroline Morahan and sings the praises of the Littlewoods Ireland spring/summer 2013 collections

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

‘It can be so easy to get into a fashion rut, where you are wearing the same thing all the time. For me, trying new trends, something totally different from what I have ever worn – I am totally all over it.’

Face of Littlewoods, Ireland, Caroline Morahan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gazette

16 Gazette 3 January 2013

MUSICreview

MUSICOFTHEYEAR

gig of the year

Watch The Throne - Jay-Z and Kanye West, O2 Arena TAKE two of the most influential acts of the last 15 years, an inventive and involving light and stage show, the greatest hits of two magnificent careers and the best tracks of their joint album from 2011, the presence of one of the most recognisable rock WAGs, and a hyped and ready crowd, and you find that the confluence of these elements create the gig of the year.

Jay-Z’s flow and Kanye’s force of personality combined are unstoppable, their back catalogue unimpeachable, and anyone who has the guile to play a minimum of five versions of the same magnificent song, engendering a more frenzied reaction with each successive airing, is unquestionably doing something right.

We can only hope that the project is not a one-off, and we do see their like again, and soon.

albums of the year

One of the top tips for the new year, Little Green Cars, will release their debut album in 2013

Frank Ocean Channel Orange THE breakout member of the Odd Future collective was not meant to be Frank Ocean, but after breaking out his mixtape Nostalgia Ultra, and its hypnotic, inventive beats in 2011 after frustration with his record company, releasing his first album proper was set to confirm him as the crucial creator, more than Tyler. Close second for rap album of the year was Kendrick Lamar’s GOOD Kid, maad City.

Paul Buchanan Mid-Air A legend returned from the wilderness with an album that was some eight years in the making. The Blue NIle’s vocalist had crafted a set of songs that were more evocative, more heartfelt, and more likely to bring a tear to even a glass eye than what appeared on Mid-Air. He cemented his status even further with memorable sets at Electric Picnic and Other Voices, showing without a modicum of doubt, how torch songs should be done.

Dexy’s - One Day I’m Gonna Soar IF eight years was a long time between records, how about 27? Kevin Rowland’s emerald-tinged express came roaring back out of the shadows with a set that challenged the timeless Don’t Stand Me Down as the best record of Dexy’s career. Theatrical, romantic, hilarious and brilliant, it was everything that made and still makes Dexy’s great. Once more, the wish is that this record and the mini-tour that accompanied it will see them back on these shores soon.

2013: new acts abound close to home, as well as further afield

Sound of the city Another year over, a new one just begun...

And so the roundabout begins all over again, and the question that is posed out of the blocks is, “Who’s going to be the big new band of the year?”

It’s a time when the record labels, critics, everyone and their dogs dip their toes in the piranha pool and try to divine who might make it to the opposite end of the year in better shape than they entered it.

It’s almost too easy to identify who that might be, as the nature of the music business now appears to be for labels and promoters to only focus on a very narrow set of acts who they feel will make the grade.

The accelerated rise to prominence that many bands now experience

 ROB heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com

appears to be the norm, whereas in the past, bands were given time to develop and grow as artists and be able to reach the kinds of global success that endures.

Probably the last act that will ever be “that big” will be Coldplay, whose reach puts them at the kinds of level of stardom previously only achieved by the likes of the eternal greats, like The Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen. Of the current crop of youthful acts, who else can you realistically see filling stadiums for every tour?

The new paradigm of comet-like fame, the burn-bright, burn-out new nature of the music biz is trickling down, with acts like Das Racist, Girls and Wu Lyf electing to bow out rather than carry on, and the recession is impacting on acts you would previously have taken for granted would have a huge fanbase who would flock to see them time and again - Madonna and RHCP’s distinct lack of numbers at their Aviva shows tell a story in themselves, as does the current wisdom about next summer’s stadium shows lack of sellout notices.

So what of the new breed for the newly-arrived year?

Fortunately, 2012’s picks for me included the majestic Staves, whose Dead and Born

and Grown still remains one of the records that I will thrust upon people and tell them to make a part of their lives.

Another three piece all-girl act who will be one of the leading lights of the new year will be Haim. With a distinctive pop sensibility, they also rock like little demons, and the reappearance of loud guitars in quality music is something unquestionably welcome.

Their Forever EP is blisteringly bright and brings to mind Psychedelic Furs - their debut record will appear sometime in the New Year, and it will be magnificent. No doubt about it. Imagine Fleetwood Mac colliding with Breeder, and you’re partway there.

Closer to home, there is a tingle in the spine and

an angel on the shoulder telling me that Little Green Cars are going to be immense. Their soulful and countrified sound has already landed them a support slot with Mumford And Sons, but that’s only a little bit of the story, and a small taste of their potential base.

They have more than a touch of Arcade Fire about them, and by right and by virtue of a classy selection of songs honed on the road and produced by the Fire’s Marcus Dravs on their upcoming debut release, Absolute Zero, LGC should be toasting 2014 in the same kind of shape as the Stave girls will have done this New Year’s Eve. Even more positively for the local scene, Kodaline’s imminent propulsion into the stratosphere

3 January 2013 Gazette 17

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California dreamers Haim (above) will hope to emulate the success of the 2012 tips for the top, The Staves (right)

Local heroes Kodaline will be looking to build on the buzz that their 2012 releases have garnered

can only be a good thing for other Irish acts just breaking through.

The buzz on the back of All I Want and its wonderfully quirky video underline their potential, and Kodaline’s championing by the BBC in Britain and MTV internationally are indicative of where they are headed in years to come.

Like most things happening in this country and communities around the local area, its the small roots of new growth and little markers of success that will demonstrate the life bursting to break out of Ireland’s music scene in the years to come. Hopefully, these two local acts will be just the beginning of another green revolution on the world’s stages and playlists.

Further afield, there is

a host of new and newto-you acts on the horizon set to storm your ears and lay siege to your hearts this year — including Parma Violets, the sublime and spiky Savages — as well as releases coming from Biffy Clyro, Thom Yorke’s Atoms For Peace and Arcade Fire.

Back on the scene will be previous tips for the top Little Boots, who have been honing their clubfriendly tunes across Europe and America, and wait with baited breath for new releases from the eternal Pearl Jam, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the always fascinating new queen of pop, Lady Gaga.

All in all, 2013 looks like being a good one, as all the odd numbered ones tend to be. Let’s check in again this time next year!

Spiky post-punks Savages will be one of the acts to watch in 2013

Gazette

18 gazette 3 January 2013

CINEMAPreview

New Year

theatre THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 Snow White

FOR their 10th annual panto at Pavilion Theatre, Arclight bring you their twist on the classic tale of Snow White.

The wicked Queen is jealous of Snow White’s beauty and sends her off to be murdered by the Horrible Hairy Huntsmen.

January 22-26, tickets are priced at €16/€12.

Mill Theatre 01 296 9340 Jarlath Regan

A NIGHT of big laughs from Jarlath Regan at The Mill.

For one show on January 12 at 8pm, tickets are price at €15 with €13 concessions.

Draiocht 01 885 2622 Aladdin

IN the town of Soo Chow

lives Widow Twanky, a washerwoman, and her sons Aladdin and Wishee Washee.

January 4-6, 10-13 and 17-20, tickets are priced at €20/€16.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Tenderfoot

In September 2012, 42 transition year students from eight schools in South County Dublin signed on for their first day of Tenderfoot, the Civic Theatre’s apprentice theatre programme. Transition year is all about new experiences and new ways of learning.

Tenderfoot is funded by The Civic Theatre, South Dublin County Arts Office and The Arts Council’s Young Ensemble Scheme.

Running for two shows on Thursday, January 24 and Friday, January 25, tickets are priced at €10 with €5 concessions.

Star Trek: Into Darkness will see BBC’s Sherlock Holmes star Benedict Cumberbatch (centre) taking on Spock (left) and Kirk (right)

2013: Looking forward to best of the year’s upcoming films

Lucky for some?  Paul hosford

phosford@gazettegroup.com

THE beauty of reviewing films is the prospect that something new and brilliant is just around the corner, the constant promise of redemption in a pile of what is, sometimes, utter, utter garbage.

Luckily enough for me the way Irish film releases work out, the last three months of any calendar year and the first month of the following year are usually choc full of the best that US cinema has to offer, due to Oscar voting deadlines.

Already on the slate

for the coming weeks are Oscar heavyweights Lincoln, Zero Dark Thirty and Les Miserables.

Added to that, such unconventional awards fare as The Sessions (welcome back Helen Hu n t ! ) a n d D j a n g o Unchained are on the menu.

Django, of course, is the latest film from Quentin Tarantino, a bloody revenge quest that shows Jamie Foxx on top of his game-a beautiful sight.

In February, Denzel Washington and Robert Zemeckis combine for Flight, the story of a pilot who saves everybody on a doomed flight, but may not be ready for the spotlight that is shone on him afterwards.

Also in February, Bill

Murray plays Franklin D Roosevelt.

When you digest that and af ter numerous viewings of the trailer, you get the sense that this is the role Murray was born to play.

The tale of the meeting between the King of England and the gregarious US president just before World War II, Hyde Park On Hudson looks like this year’s The King’s Speech.

Another biopic will light up February, as Anthony Hopkins plays Alfred Hitchcock, driven crazy by the making of Psycho.

Judd Apatow goes back to the well of K nocked Up, giving Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann’s married couple their own film in This Is 40 late in February and early word from the

States is that it more than lives up to its predecessor.

In March, Matt Damon goes full action hero in District 9 director Neil Blomkamp’s Elysium. Little is known about the film as yet, but the marketing campaign is exceptional. Check out www. armadyne.net for more.

Oz: The Great and Powerful will tell the stor y of the Wizard, pre-Dorothy.

James Franco takes on the Wicked Witch as a Kansas circus magician transported to Oz by, of course, a tornado.

Sam Raimi directs one that could go either way.

Now You See Me could also be decent, as Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson and Isla Fisher try to evade

Mark Ruffalo, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine.

Tom Cruise returns in April with Oblivion, the story of a veteran soldier sent to a distant planet, while The Evil Dead reboot could be either excellent or utterly awful.

The back-end of the month will be dominated by Tony Stark, as Iron Man 3 lands.

Another film that has been shrouded in mystery, Shane Black has taken the reins from Jon Favreau, reuniting with Robert Downey Jr for the first time since Kiss Kiss Bang Bang relaunched both of their careers.

June will belong to Spock and Kirk as JJ Abrams brings us his Star Trek sequel, Into Darkness.

3 January 2013 gazette 19

Gazette

Comedy

Indie fare

WHEN the trailer for Movie 43 landed, the entire internet did a double-take.

First, to confirm that the dwarf is played by Gerard Butler and that Kate Winslet (pictured) and Halle Berry are in a gross-out comedy and finally to confirm that Terence Howard did suggest that his basketball team beat their opponents simply by being black.

A series of segments tied together loosely, this has the potential to be a breakout hit or an absolute mess.

Luckily, there are comedies from Pegg, Frost and Wright (The World’s End) and Seth Rogen (The End of the World, don’t get confused), as well as The Hangover franchise flogging the life out a horse somewhere.

Wedding Crashers Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson are reunited for The Internship and Vaughn teams up with TV favourites Cobie Smulders and Chris Pratt for The Delivery Man, a story of a sperm donor with 530 children.

See Also; Mr Peabody & Sherman, Last Vegas, We’re The Millers,

THIS could quite easily be at home one column to the left, but it’s indie-cred is too strong. The To-Do List looks sweet enough to attract couples, but edgy enough to be a breakout hit.

Starring next year’s indie ingenue, Aubrey Plaza (pictured), it is a sometime gross, but always warm story of the sexual misadventures of some teens.

Plaza will also be seen in Safety Not Guaranteed, a Sundance hit about a man who places an ad for a time-travel companion.

Nicholas Hoult, he of Skins and About A Boy, stars in Warm Bodies, the story of a zombie who becomes romantically entwined with a victim’s girlfriend.

See also; Officer Down, 21 and Over, Get a Job, The Frozen Ground

Movie 43

Blockbusters Man of Steel

THERE is no question that we are looking at more and more comic book movies in the future after The Avengers topped $1 billion but next year looks particularly good.

Precious little is known about Zak Snyder’s Man of Steel and Iron Man 3 is tightly wrapped, but both have all the makings of quality summer films, while Star Trek: Into Darkness will see JJ Abrams look to turn in a decent Star Trek sequel, no mean feat.

Guillermo Del Toro’s monsters versus robots apocalypse duel Pacific Rim and October’s Sin City 2 could both make running to be real hits, but nothing will top the rebirth of The Last Son of Krypton.

See also; The Wolverine, Oblivion, A Good Day to Die Hard, RED 2, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Thor: The Dark World

The To-Do List

Animation

Despicable Me 2 HERE in the Gazette, we love minions. Not that we have any ourselves, but with Despicable Me 2, we get transported back into the world of Gru and the girls, as well as the minions.

With Pixar’s all-conquering Monster’s University on the horizon, it would be easy to ignore this Universal offering.

After a hilarious teaser trailer that shows absolutely no footage, hopes are high for more inventions, adventures and fluffy unicorns.

See also; Wreck It Ralph, Epic, The Croods, Turbo, Frozen, Walking With Dinosaurs 3D

Oscar picks

Zero Dark Thirty

Drama Lincoln

THE terms eagerly-awaited and hotly-anticipated just don’t do Lincoln justice.

Here is the world’s most iconic director, the man who made Schindler’s List, making a film of the life of the man who freed the slaves with the world’s best actor in the title role.

Early word from the States indicates it is as good as you would expect, with Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and Tommy Lee Jones all expected to receive at least Oscar nominations.

Let’s just pray that Field holds it together should she bag a second statue...

January sees Broken City, a thriller with Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe and Oldboy could either be a pleasant surprise or the worst idea since Hudson Hawke.

See Also; Rush, Malavita, Monuments Men, 42, The Great Gatsby, Much Ado About Nothing, Stand Up Guys

TOPICAL, patriotic and brilliant, Zero Dark Thirty could see Kathryn Bigelow walking away with a second Oscar statue in four years.

It will face stiff competition for the top title from Messrs Spielberg and Lincoln, but with America still feeling the glow of “getting” Osama Bin Laden, the first film on the subject could see the Academy voters swayed towards The Hurt Locker director.

Daniel Day-Lewis has to be considered favourite in the acting column, while the actress award is too close to call.

See Also; Matthew McConaughey (Magic Mike), Sally Field (Lincoln), Quentin Tarantino (Django Unchained)

The year of...

Ryan Gosling

IT would be really easy to hate Ryan Gosling (pictured).

Stupidly good-looking, ridiculously talented and currently dating Eva Mendes, he has it all. Luckily, he’s the best actor of his generation and is set for three releases in 2013.

The delayed Gangster Squad will arguably be the biggest, but teaming up with old friends will see Gosling turn in the two best; The Place Beyond The Pines sees Gosling and Blue Valentine director Derek Cianfrance back together, while Only God Forgives looks to be Drive mk.2.

See also; Hugh Jackman, Zack Snyder, Vince Vaughn, Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Emma Stone

Gazette

20 gazette 3 January 2013

GAMINGreview

THEYEAR’SRELEASES

1

game of the year Minecraft (XBox 360)

THERE’S a reason I’ve written about this, the biggestselling XBox 360 Arcade title ever, about 2,347 times on this page – it’s a stupendous game, if – and only if – you have the interest, experimentation and time to make it so.

By generating sizeable, randomly-generated worlds, gamers are free to explore, reshape, create and craft the land as they wish, as a million and one videos on YouTube ably prove. Perhaps little more than the ultimate Lego kit, it remains an almost infinitely malleable, individual game.

Despite being probably the nerdiest game released in 2012, its inter-generational, unisex appeal, and endless potential make it a well-deserved Game of The Year.

other contenders ...

Just a few of the many other titles released in 2012 IN A fairly wide-ranging list, here are just some of the many, many games released on pretty much all platforms so far this year, jumping straight in to February (past the traditionally sleepy January period).

There’ll be many omissions here that will annoy some readers, but, hey, there’s plenty here that’s worthy of attention, and I’ve grouped together some bigger, or quirkier, titles in some of the “quieter” months ...

February The Darkness II (PS3/360/PC) Resident Evil: Revelations (3DS) Gotham City Imposters (PS3/360/PC) Dear Esther (PC/Mac) Uncharted: Golden Abyss (PS Vita) Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D (3DS) Alan Wake’s American Nightmare (360) Wipeout 2048 (PS Vita) Syndicate (PC, PS3/360) Binary Domain (PS3/360) March Mass Effect 3 (PS3/360/PC) Journey (PS3) Ridge Racer (PS Vita) Yakuza: Dead Souls (PS3) Chaos Rings II (IOS) Angry Birds Space (IOS, PC, Mac) April, May, June, July Max Payne 3 (PS3/360) Dragon’s Dogma (PS3/360) Spec Ops: The Line (PS3/360/ PC) Fieldrunners 2 (IOS) Prototype 2 (360/PC) August, September Deadlight (360) The Last Story (Wii)

Sleeping Dogs (PS3/360/PC) Jet Set Radio HD (PS3/360/ PC) World of Warcraft: Mists of Panderia (PC/Mac) Bad Piggies (IOS, PC, Mac) October Resident Evil 6 (PS3/360) Dishonoured (PS3/360/PC) XCom: Enemy Unknown (PS3/360/PC) Skylanders: Giants (PS3/360/ Wii/3DS) Forza Horizon (360) Okami HD (PS3) The Unfinished Swan (PS3) Assassin’s Creed III (PS3/360) November Halo 4 (360) Harvest Moon: A New Beginning (3DS) Call of Duty: Black Ops II (PS3/360/PC) ZombieU (WiiU) Hitman: Absolution (PS3/360/ PC) December Far Cry 3 (PS3/360/PC) Other notable titles ...

DayZ (PC) The Walking Dead (360/PS3/ PC/Mac/IOS)

For something a little different, here are some concept art shots from some of the year’s biggest, most creative and most interesting, games.

Some are very obvious titles, and others slightly obscure – how many can you name, if any? Good luck! (See answers below, right.)

2012: new direction for nintendo; sony, microsoft builD on success

Plenty to play for  shane dillon

THERE’S no doubt about it – looking back, 2012 saw some outstanding games releases on virtually all platforms, while it also became clear that the current console generation is rapidly heading towards retirement.

As always, a number of interesting new titles appeared; long-awaited sequels (and, in some cases, prequels) finally jumped up; some by-thenumbers titles sold lucrative amounts, despite being by-the-numbers updates.

In less welcome gaming news, a number of big name studios bit the dust (so goodnight, dear Psygnosis) while others fired staff left, right and centre to cut costs (with Dublin also caught up in such rounds, as many PopCap

 shane dillon sdillon@gazettegroup.com

employees found out, unfortunately).

On an encouraging note, the gaming year was – more or less – bookended with the launch of interesting new consoles, with Sony’s Vita appearing near the start, while Nintendo’s WiiU got plenty of interest near the end.

While the PS Vita subsequently found itself in the same boat as Nintendo’s 3DS, with both handhelds notably underperforming and proving rare indeed to see in the wild, mobile gaming again saw huge

strides, with IOS-driven games continuing to cannibalise certain sectors of the gaming market.

Apple’s vicelike grip on mobile gaming strengthened, driven by a number of trends, while other gaming platforoms, including Facebook, also saw significant gains, as people who wouldn’t otherwise think of themselves as “gamers” still dabbled.

On a side note, trends in gaming were mirrored in some ways in a variety of technological fields, as consumer PC and laptop sales continued their nosedive while tablets climbed.

Apple stumbled a number of times (at the time of writing, its widely-derided Maps app still has Dublin Zoo sitting off Dame Street), while Microsoft faced mixed

reviews over its Surface tablet release, and drew criticism over its Windows 8 OS. Even more interesting was seeing ratings agency Fitch downgrading the debt ratings of Sony to “junk” status near the year’s end, thanks to widespread malaise in its technology sales.

As the most visible point of technology around us, smartphones continued to dominate tech headlines, with the latest Apple iPhone proving nice, but not so different to the last one, while former phone giants (such as Nokia) continued to drift ever closer to disaster, caught on the hop by the rapid rise of rivals.

Still, it’s worth pointing out that the wide range of excellent games titles released in 2012

underlined why current consoles enjoyed the longest life-cycle of any platforms, to date, with the follow-up consoles expected to be revealed in 2013 having a pretty hard act to follow, given the quality of some of these titles.

Nintendo’s Wii U is first out of the traps on that one, showing a great leap forward for that company – err, to more or less match the current industry standards.

One thing’s for sure – on the gaming front, there are some terrific treats in store for 2013 (see panel, right).

Whetever new consoles and titles are on the way, it’s already looking like (20)13 will be a lucky number for these gaming giants, not to mention having a lot for gamers to look forward to ...

3 January 2013 gazette 21

Gazette

2

3

FIVETOWATCH THERE’S a lot to look forward to in 2013, with some excellent sequels and franchise additions on the way, as well as a number of interesting new games. However, for many gamers, some well-established franchises are right at the top of their wishlists. Here are just five of what are already shaping up to be best games of the New Year ...

grand theft auto v The ultimate sequel

WITHOUT a doubt, this is the game of 2013 for many. Set in a vast, sprawling version of LA, and surrounding lands, there are three ne’er-dowell protaganists to get up to all kinds of criminal high jinks with – that is, if the player tires of simply driving around, flying planes, going mountain biking, playing tennis, or – like me – just watching sunsets and thinking of world peace ...

bioshock infinite

4

Adventures above

DESPITE the challenge of restoring faith in a series that made a huge splash with the first game, yet underwhelmed in the sequel, Bioshock is set to return in magnificent style in an all-new setting – this time, not set below the sea, but in the chaotic city of Columbia, adrift in the skies above.

Expect a visually stunning, anarchic and fascinating world to explore.

5

castlevania: Lords of shadow 2 Fangs very much

6

8

FANS feared the worst when the classic 2D side-scroller got the third-person treatment.

However, Lords of Shadow turned out to be great, with everything from an outstanding orchestral score to intuitive combat showing that the developers really sank their teeith into gaming’s most popular vampire-slaying franchise. I’d surely stake that LOS2 will successfully build on this success.

the last of us We’re waiting for it

7

EVEN tired, jaded old hacks (like, err, me) have been wowed by gameplay footage of Sony’s exclusive game, perhaps best described as a cross between The Walking Dead, The Road and I am Legend. Post-apocalypse America has never looked prettier, with some great writing talents on board to make the story, and characterisation, as attractive as its top-notch graphics are.

dead space 3

Will it be bloody good?

THE horribly good – in all the best ways – series has been a hit for all kinds of reasons, with everything from gory graphics, creepy audio and an air of menace adding to the games’ appeal. Although the jury’s out on whether a third game – with an intermittently appearing, AI-controlled sidekick – is a step too far, this could be a fantastic way to conclude Isaac Clarke’s battles ...

Answers – and, yes, all the games are listed in the year’s releases: 1) Sleeping Dogs; 2) Wipeout 2048; 3) World of Warcraft: Mists of Panderia; 4) Mass Effect 3; 5) Dragon’s Dogma; 6) Halo 4; 7) Assassin’s Creed III; 8) Dishonoured

Gazette

22 Gazette 3 January 2013

OUT&ABOUT

If Alfa Romeo can deliver on its concept plans for its new 4C (above), utilising its new “Alfa TCT” (twin, dry-clutch transmission), seamless power delivery and control should be expected

preview: from concept cars to new innovations, this year has great cars on the way

Make vroom for exciting new motors due in 2013 n Cormac Curtis

FLEETS of new cars from just about every manufacturer will be hitting our shore over the next 12 months.

To get you in the mood, I’ve compiled some details on models that are sure to go down wheely well with motorists and motor fans.

As far as dream cars go, this could finally be the year when a car manufacturer produces a machine that looks every bit as exciting as the concept drawings.

Enter Alfa Romeo’s 4C concept – if Alfa deliver something even half as exciting as their plans, their fans will be rewarded with something exceptional.

It’s a compact, midengined supercar, and is every bit as dramatic as you might expect from the men behind the green

snake badge – not only in terms of its styling and presence, but also in terms of performance and technical innovation.

Alfa Romeo engineers predict a kerb weight as low as 850kg, which would make it some 50kg lighter than a Fiat 500.

Almost by default, low weight practically guarantees high performance and agile dynamics, but Alfa Romeo is nonetheless taking no chances – the rear wheels are driven by the same direct-injection, 1,750cc, turbo petrol engine that powers the Alfa Giulietta Cloverleaf.

This is achieved via Alfa Romeo’s new “Alfa TCT” (twin, dry-clutch transmission) to ensure seamless power delivery and control even in the most extreme driving situations. Prices have yet to be determined.

Another exciting prospect for 2013 is the Audi

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

‘The highlight of the 2013 calendar for Ford is the new Kuga, which should be with us around February or March, offering customers a first-in-class, kick-activated means of accessing the boot’ --------------------------------------------------------

A3 Sportsback. The 1.4 TFSI is already available to order from €28,400, OTR. The entry diesel offering is the highly-efficient 1.6TDI 105, priced from €29,400 OTR. Just this week – at the time of writing – I have been test-driving the current A3, and it is more of a car than you can possibly imagine for its size and competitive price.

Renowned for its build quality, efficient engines and good looks, the A3 remains highly sought after, and the improve-

ments made to the new generation ensures this model will be no different.

CO2 emissions of as little as 99g/km in the new A3 Sportback have been made possible with the help of “Audi ultra” lightweight technology, making it 90kg lighter than its predecessor.

The aluminium front wings and bonnet help in this regard, and contribute to a class-beating kerb weight of just 1,205kg for the 1.4 TFSI model.

In addition to the 1.2 TFSI 105, the new Audi

A3 Sportsback will launch with three other four-cylinder engines, all of which are essentially new developments.

The completely redesigned interior of the A3 Sportsback breaks new ground in the class, in terms of quality and design, with standards of materials, workmanship and ergonomics that you simply do not usually find at this level.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen Ireland has also announced that it is retaining the preBudget pricing that was announced earlier in the year.

Not only is the new Golf lighter, safer, more advanced, spacious and efficient, and better equipped than its previous generations, its starting price is just €19,995 for the three-door 1.2-litre 85bhp Trendline model.

The Golf is available in

three trim levels: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline (while the GTD, GTI and BlueMotion models will join the lineup in 2013).

Three petrol engines and two diesel engines will be available to order.

All new Golf models will come with a Stop/Start system as standard, along with battery regeneration.

Gearboxes are a mixture of five- and six-speed manuals, and six- and seven-speed DSG units, depending on the engines’ power and torque outputs.

Standard specification levels build on those of the outgoing Golf, bringing new items of luxury and technology to the class.

All Golf models come with seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, five three-point seatbelts, ABS with ESP, XDS elec-

tronic differential lock and Isofix preparation for two rear child seats.

The highlight of the 2013 calendar for Ford is the new Kuga, which should be with us around February or March.

As revealed at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Ford will offer an innovative, hands-free tailgate for the all-new Kuga, offering customers a first-in-class, kick-activated means of accessing the boot.

The hands-free system enables Kuga customers to gently kick a foot beneath the rear bumper to open and close the tailgate without setting down packages or gear. Two sensors in the rear bumper detect a person’s shin and kicking motion.

The system safeguards against accidental opening by being programmed to open with leg motions – not when an animal runs under the car, or when the

3 January 2013 BLANCH Gazette 23

MOTORS

Ford’s hands-free system enables Kuga customers to gently kick a foot beneath the rear bumper to open and close the tailgate, as two sensors in the rear bumper detect a person’s shin and kicking motion

vehicle hits a bump on the road.

Just new to the market and already available is the all-new Ford Fiesta, offering an advanced package of technologies, including 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.

Fiesta follows Ford’s approach of democratising technology – bringing advanced features to a greater number of drivers for the first time – and will be unique among its European competitors in featuring Active City Stop, a system designed to help drivers avoid low speed collisions.

In addition, Fiesta will be the first model in Europe to feature Fordexclusive MyKey technology, which enables the car owner to program a key – usually for younger drivers – that restricts the top speed of the Fiesta, reduces the maximum volume of the audio system, and even disables the audio system altogether, if driver and passengers are not using safety belts.

The new Fiesta is offered in three versions: Fiesta; Fiesta Zetec; and Fiesta Titanium. The car

is priced from €15,550.

Toyota drivers can look forward to new models, including the Auris, Yaris Hybrid and Prius + in the first six months of 2013.

More details to come over the course of the coming months.

Finally, MercedesBenz is facing into one of the busiest periods in its history, with a number of --------------------------

‘The all-new Ford Fiesta follows Ford’s approach of democratising technology – bringing advanced features to a greater number of drivers for the first time’ --------------------------

exciting new model introductions planned.

Pride of place goes to their new A-Class range.

Two models feature heavily in their plans – an A180 petrol version at €26,435 (ex works), and a A180 CDI diesel version at €28,550 – the latter model being the one predicted to take the spotlight, thanks in part to its greener CO2 emissions of just 98g/km.

Billed as the car that will introduce the luxury maker to a completely new, younger generation of customers, both models will come in a choice of three specifications and equipment lines – Style Pack, Urban Pack and Sports Pack.

Entry models sold here will all be equipped with the Style Pack option – a package that includes items which, were they purchased separately, would have a value equivalent to €1,600.

The new A-Class sits some 18cm closer to the ground – a lower-slung posture that gives it a distinctly sporty, youthful appearance.

Built on the B-Class platform, its on-board high-tech functionality is such that iPhone Siri voice-activated units and iPad music and apps can be played through the car’s infotainment system.

Looking further ahead, the other big news from Mercedes-Benz for 2013 will be the arrival of a new S-Class and an allnew, eye-watering Compact Style Coupe, whose design cues will be distinctly A-Class.

Also in sight for 2013 will be a tweaking of the E-Class range, first versions of which will be shown to international motoring media in February.

The new Ford Fiesta has a number of interesting technologies, including the European arrival of MyKey – a system that allows the key to be programmed to enact certain rules, such as limiting the car’s top speed, thus giving the already attractive car extra appeal for, say, those buying a car for younger drivers

Mercedes-Benz have tweaked the E-Class range, with the first versions set to be shown to the international motoring media in February

One of the most interesting aspects of the Audi A3 Sportsback is its reduced CO2 emissions, now as little as 99g/km, thanks to lightweight technology and high-quality materials

Gazette

24 BLANCH Gazette 3 January 2013

OUT&ABOUT

ski 2013: our guide to the slopes

Coming down the mountain While there is still a chance of snow and the warm weather is showing no sign of returning any time soon, most people are thinking of a New Year break somewhere exotic, somewhere far away – but mostly, somewhere warm.

But the cold weather can be fun, too. Spending a day gliding down the piste, an afternoon by a cosy log fire and an evening with good food, wine and après-ski company could be just the getaway you need.

We’ve found a range of ski tour operators with a host of flexible breaks in ski resorts across Europe to help you choose your winter wonderland.

fast

SKIING NEWS WHETHER you’re looking forward to making your debut on the slopes or are returning to brush up on your skiing skills, Topflight have a wide selection of resorts and a range of packages to help you choose your ski destination.

While skiing and snow boarding with a group of friends, family or colleagues is certain to ensure a fun-filled, action-packed break away, booking a group with Topflight means you also save money.

“Group rates in a lot of different resorts mean that when 10 people travel, one will go free as an extra. So if people do fancy going off on a ski trip, grab a gang together and you will get a free place and share the cost of it,” advised a spokesperson for Topflight.

“The best advice for anyone looking to book a holiday is to read the brochure – even the family pages have great offers. In Andorra, children up to the age of 11 get a free lift pass. A lift pass is one of the key components of a ski holiday.

“And if someone isn’t a skier, there are some resorts that have a lot of other activities you can do – sleigh rides, snow-shoeing and husky dog riding,” the spokesperson added.

For prices and details of ski holidays in January and the months to follow, with destinations in Norway, France, Austria, Italy, Andorra and the USA, visit www.topflight.ie or call 01 2401700.

Taking to the slopes is one of the most invigorating, fun and exciting ways to spend a holiday, and there are a

Bringing the kids on piste Fresh fun in France

WHEN it comes to booking a post-Christmas break, skiing is one particular holiday that is fun, active and - believe it or not - family-friendly. Highlife Ski & Snowboard have launched a brand new kids club, The Marmotte Club, for guests staying with them in Morzine, France, during selected weeks.

To put the cherry on top of the child-friendly cake, Highlife is also offering a 20% discount on bed and board for children under the age of 12, and low prices for infants under two, just to cover the costs of transfers and administration. Children under the age of 12 will also receive their own free helmet.

Designed to let parents enjoy

their day on the slopes, the kids club runs for four hours each day for kids aged four to 14 years. Parents then have the choice of either collecting their children after lunch or leaving them to enjoy some afternoon activities including snowman building, tobogganing, ice-skating or cinema trips.

Seven night family breaks at Morzine start from €840 per adult and €686 for children under the age of 12. Prices include mini-bus transfers to and from your chalet, breakfast each morning and an evening meal, not to mention the hot tub and fire logs awaiting at your chalet, as well as a complimentary bar.

Visit www.highlife.ie for more information.

FOR those who don’t know their snowboots from their snowplough, Highlife Ski & Snowboard also offers ski packages suitable for the novice.

The Complete Beginner’s Package is perfect for those who have always wanted to try skiing or snowboarding, but have simply never had the opportunity to start.

Travel with Highlife to Meribel, France, on March 3, and guests will also receive free tuition with one of the resort’s

three best ski schools.

A professionally trained chalet chef will cook a threecourse evening meal for you at your cosy chalet each evening while good wines, beers and soft drinks are complimentary.

Minibus transfers, cooked breakfasts and your own hot tub or sauna are also included.

The Complete Beginner’s Package starts from €390 per person. For more details, see www.highlife.ie.

3 January 2013 BLANCH Gazette 25

Hitting the slopes in two Austrian resorts Zell am See DURING the winter, the Austrian town of Zell am See – one of Austria’s prettiest resorts – is a winter wonderland as Lake Zell freezes over in winter. The town itself is made up of atmospheric narrow streets, cobbled surfaces and a pedestrian area with many pavement cafes, quirky shops and local restaurants. One week in Zell am See starts from €499 per person, including accommodation on a half board basis at Lukashansl Hotel, return flights to Munich with Aer Lingus, and all taxes and charges. Departure dates from 21 to 24 January 2013.

Kitzbuhel Kitzbuhel is a sophisticated, cosmopolitan ski town and a highly popular skiing destination.

In fact, the resort is as much known for its vibrant nightlife and après-ski as it is for its superb skiing opportunities. Part of the Austrian Tyrol, Kitzbuhel is a medieval town nestling in the Kitz-

buhel Alps and about 100 km from the state capital, Innsbruck.

One week in Kitzbuhel starts from €829pp and includes half board accommodation at the Austria Trend Sporthotel Fontana and return flights to Munich.

For January departure dates, contact www.clickandgo.com.

Gazette

Travel

fast

SKIING NEWS vacation: midterm break THOSE who dreamt of a white Christmas last year will be happy to hear that heavy snowfall has managed to turn many parts of Europe into a winter wonderland. For those planning a family ski vacation, Crystal Ski are offering a great selection of midterm offers to suit all tastes and budgets, to destinations including Andorra, Austria, Italy and France.

Depart on February 10, 2012 and stay in the two-star Crest Apartments in Pas De La Casa, Andorra, on a self-catering basis from €549pp or stay in the three-star Hotel Palarine, Arinsal, on a half-board basis from €579pp.

Or visit the Italian ski resort at the three-star Olympic Apartments, Sestriere, on a self-catering basis from €549pp, or the three-star Hotel Breuil, Cervinia, on a half-board basis from €759 – also departing on February 10.

Depart on February 9 and visit the four-star Hotel Sonnschein, Niederau, in Austria, on a half-board basis from €859pp. Also departing on February 9, visit the French Ski Resort of Chalet Monique at Les Arcs, where you can stay on a catered basis from €885pp.

To avail of these ski offers or for more information, call the Crystal specialist reservation service on 01 4331055 or visit www.crystalski.ie.

wide range of European options available

Cooney’s first-time tips

TOPFLIGHT recently took Ireland AM presenter Aidan Cooney and his team to Austria to learn how to ski for the very first time.

Aidan and his team travelled to three resorts in Austria including Saalbach, Zell Am Zee and BadGastein. They went skiing and tobogganing in Salbach with instructors from the tourist board and for a second skiing lesson in Zell Am Zee and a thermal spa in BadGastein.

GazetteTravel caught up with him to find out all about his pre-ski fears, his highlight of the week and his advice for first-time skiers.

As your first time skiing, did you have any idea what to expect?

Not at all! I was very apprehensive about the whole thing but I went up to talk to the Irish Ski Club in Kiltiernan and spoke to Malcolm and Frank and they were very helpful and gave me a good idea about what it was about. I went out to Austria fearful to be honest but it was great, the instructors put you at ease – they put you up on the skis very quickly and bring you to a level you never think you would get at and I thought it was brilliant.

So how did you spend your days?

You’re up early in the morning and at ski school and we were doing a bit of work

as well but if we weren’t working, we would have spent the afternoon practising what we learned at ski school and then you go back to the hotel for dinner and après-ski and it’s just a wonderful week – it goes by in a blur!

What was your favourite part of the week?

And as a first time skier, was it difficult to

And would you do it again?

pick up?

Without a shadow of a doubt! I’d be looking at the Topflight website for some deals in January and February and I’ll probably hopefully get out again.

I was lucky; there was me and a cast of thousands. The thousands were there mainly to pick me up whenever I fell! But you can pick it up quite quick – some of the beginners were nervous but we were told it was like learning to walk – once you’ve got the basics, it’s something you will be able to do forever.

The most important thing they teach you is how to stop! When you’re absorbing everything that’s going on, as you’re starting to go down the hill you forget so you find yourself thinking you’re skiing beautifully but you don’t know how to stop! And the way you stop is into the side of a snow hill. Which is kind of fun.

For anyone who hasn’t skied before, would you recommend a trip?

It’s a fantastic experience, it’s easy to do – it doesn’t matter what age you are, they can get you on skis and enjoying it and they have all the expertise.

First time I was able to go down a hill on skis – that was absolutely brilliant. I was lucky enough to go tobogganing another day and that was absolutely incredible fun.

Aidan’s ski adventure will feature in four segments on Ireland AM airing Friday, January 18 from 7am to 10am.

For more information, see www.topflight. ie.

advice : topflight party: ski FEST 2013 CRYSTAL Ski’s Ski Fest will be returning once again this year, with 2013 promising to be bigger and better than ever. The Ski Fest will take place in La Plagne, France, and will be taking place from March 16 until March 23.

For any skier interested in training with professionals, improving ski speed and technique and enjoying all the fun of the après ski, the Crystal Ski fest is without doubt the ski event of the year.

British Olympic skier Alain Baxter will be joining the coaching group while Olympic medallists Sir Steve Redgrave and Ben Hunt-Davis will be there for a VIP party with great prizes.

Ski Fest packages are available for €1,399pp including return flights and transfers, seven nights’ accommodation in the 4-star Terra Nova, a six-day local lift pass, equipment hire and four days coaching and ski training.

To book your place or for more information, call the Crystal specialist reservation service on 01 4331055 or visit www.crystalski.ie/skifest.

26 Blanch Gazette 3 January 2013

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3 January 2013 BLANCH Gazette 27

sport stars P28

asdfsdaf gaelic games P27 P31

dublinsport Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community



Gazette

soccer P29

FastSport Redmond is outsider of the year 2012:

John Giles, centre with Eamon Dunphy: His Foundation once again ran its successful Walk of Dreams event in May of 2012

soccer: community projects look forward to benefiting from €60,000 fund

John Giles Foundation grants continue to support local clubs THE John Giles Foundation in association with Three, announced the release of €60,000 in grants to be distributed among 40 football clubs and community groups across Ireland.

The grants range from €350-€5,000 and are in addition to the money clubs across raised during this year’s walk, which was held on Monday, May 7 in 2012.

The John Giles Foundation is supported by Three and the Football Association of Ireland.

Grants will also be given to clubs

which have requested assistance in the form of new goalposts and access to coach education courses.

The John Giles Foundation was founded to use football as a vehicle for social change, to build community cohesion, increase participation and to improve health and education by providing funding to help football in clubs, schools and community groups in Ireland.

Community The foundation has worked closely

with clubs in 2012 to help them raise funds to assist in the valuable work these clubs do for their local communities.

John Giles said: “We are delighted to be able to provide this funding for clubs that bring so much to community life in Ireland. More importantly, the Foundation has helped those clubs raise money for themselves throughout the year and we plan to continue this support into the future.”

John Delaney, FAI chief executive

said ‘2012 has been another successful year for the John Giles Foundation, and truly shows the strong connection between football and communities throughout Ireland. We could not continue this valuable work without the assistance of our sponsor Three, who have seen the benefit of the Foundation to clubs, schools and community groups nationwide.

“We will look to build on the success of the foundation next year, and hopefully extend our reach to benefit more people in 2013.”

OPEN water swimmer Stephen Redmond was named Outsider of the Year 2012 in recognition of his extraordinary achievement of becoming the first person in the world to swim the seven oceans.

During this epic endurance feat, Steve took multiple jellyfish stings in the face, swam in sharkinfested waters, and battled against severe currents while vomiting repeatedly. The seven oceans include The Irish Channel, The English Channel, The Strait of Gibraltar, The Cook Strait, The Catalina Channel, the Tsugaru Channel and the Molok’I Channel.

He was honoured at Outsider magazine’s inaugural People of the Year awards.

c o n ta c t s Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@gazettegroup.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@gazettegroup.com Phone: 01 651 6205

Gazette

28 BLANCH gazette 3 January 2013

SPORT

DublinGazetteNewspapers 2012 dublin sports awards december nominees

THE final Gazette Sports Stars’ nominees for 2012 are drawn from a glittering list of achievements that capture the development work being done in clubs around the city. This was aptly rewarded with a string of local clubs receiving sports capital grants for their ambitious plans to help their memberships and local communities. On the field, the Republic of Ireland U-15 soccer side featured numerous high achievers with Zachary Elbouzedi adding to his growing reputation. Scott Evans was an emotional victor at the Irish badminton open while Robbie Gaughan belied his years to inspire Ballinteer to county success. On the team front, Malahide RFC, Colaiste Phadraig and Old Wesley can all reflect on a superb 2012 and a properous 2013 in store. Here’s to another great year in local sport!

H STARof the MONTH

zachary elbouzedi

scott evans

robbie gaughan

THE MALAHIDE United teenager showed his talent in Qatar as he netted twice on his international debut for the Republic of Ireland U-15 side as they picked up a breathtaking 3-0 win over Juventus

THE BALLINTEER badminton star finally landed a European level title after a number of final setbacks, winning the Irish Open in Balbdoyle. It was an emotional event for Evans in his home event, laying a few demons to rest

ROBBIE Gaughan, the Dublin minor footballer of the year, proved the star man for Ballinteer St John’s as they were crowned Dublin U-21B football championship winners. Gaughan topscored in the final with seven points

malahide rugby

colaiste phadraig

old wesley

EIGHT successive league wins, including a crucial success over previous table-toppers Kilkenny, has seen Malahide move top of Leinster league division 2A. They are now in prime position to claim promotion in the New Year

COLAISTE Phadraig won their first Dublin GAA title in nine years recently after a dramatic final victory as they held off a spirited fightback from St Paul’s Raheny to land an U-14 league title at Russell Park earlier in December

THE CLUB’S second team brought home the first silverware of the rugby season as they beat NUIM Barnhall in the final of the Leinster Senior Seconds League Shield in Parsonstown. They have been the club’s most consistent side and are eyeing a double this term

TEAMof the MONTH H

High School end nine-year wait for Junior A title  sport@gazettegroup.com

High School, Rathgar claimed the Leinster school’s Junior A cup title just before Christmas

KATE Hunter-Hanley and Rachel Delaney fired final quarter goals to earn High School the first major schoolgirls’ title of the year at Grange Road getting the better of Holy Child, Killiney 2-0 just before Christmas.

In so doing, it got the Rathgar side a modicum of revenge for their penalty strokes loss to the same opposition two years ago at minor level.

Hunter-Hanley broke the deadlock, racing onto Molly Whelan’s deft through ball before

taking her time to slot home. And the victory was complete when Saoirse O’Donoghue laid up for Delaney to sweep home a sweetly worked penalty corner move.

Killiney rallied with Abbie Russell’s hit dinging the post while Alannah Carragher was drawn into several fine saves as High School held firm for their first win at this level since 2003.

It was richly deserved after a controlled performance throughout but it took a while to convert territorial advantage into goals after a high tempo performance from midfielders Emma Canning,

Ailish Long and the highly active Amy Byrne.

Amid the early exchanges, Ellen McCullough fired the first warning shot before O’Donoghue, ghosting forward from sweeper, almost laid on the perfect chance for Hannah Moloney. In response, Killiney threatened sporadically on the break while Alice Kinsella cleaned up at the back. The diminutive Russell – a Leinster U-16 interprovincial starlet – used her 3D skills to great effect and hit her side’s first shot in anger two minutes into the second half.

But High School were always in the box seat and were in front with 13 minutes to go from Hunter-Hanley’s opener. The response was almost immediate as vicecaptain Rebecca Meaney twice stung Carragher’s pads.

Those blocks proved invaluable as, four minutes later, Delaney knocked in the clincher, the injector found in great position, unattended at the left post.

Holy Child did launch a rousing comeback, Russell’s thumping effort onto the metalwork the pick of the shots, but they could not find a way past Carragher.

3 January 2013 BLANCH gazette 29

Gazette

Irish homeless team keeps rebuilding lives Lucan man Gerard Twohig is keen to continue his work with the Republic of Ireland’s homeless football team after an unforgettable experience as World Cup captain HAVING captained the Irish national team at the Homeless World Cup in Paris in 2010, Gerard Twohig received an international cap from the FAI in Dublin City for his services to the cause which he believes can change lives and give people a new lease in life.

Over 73 nations and 50,000 people have taken part in the Homeless World Cup since its inception in the last decade but Twohig says that a lot of people don’t fully understand who the project aims to help.

“Most people think that it’s just homeless people that are involved with the teams,” said the former Irish captain. “But not only can homeless people take part but it’s also an option for people who

 peter carroll sport@gazettegroup.com

are having trouble with addiction and others that are looking for an outlet when they are released from prison.

“Playing in a team unit can give a lot of hope, something to look forward to during the week and they can set themselves personal goals through the sport which can dramatically improve their mental focus when dealing with difficult times.

“Building relationships through the programme really gives the lads a lot

of support and people they can go to if they’re in any trouble.

“The opportunity to travel also broadens their horizons and when you see the poverty that the other players from different nations live with, it certainly gives you a new focus when you come home,” said Twohig.

The Lucan man has always been a top class football player. He started his career at the academy of Lucan United and soon found himself on DDSL representative panels when playing at Cherry Orchard and Belvedere when he was in his teenage years.

And this talent helped him when it came to the Irish homeless team.

“I originally got involved with the team

because the coach was a friend of mine, but having been selected as the captain of the team that was whittled from 40 players, I like to stay involved after seeing how it changed people’s lives in such a positive way.

“It’s a huge thing for

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

‘Because the players aren’t millionaires like the Premier League, it’s pure sport’ - Gerard Twohig

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

these players to put on the Irish shirt and, because they aren’t millionaires like the Premier League, it’s pure sport and the mutual respect between the players is fantastic.

“W hen I went to

Gerard Twohig, photographed with the President Michael D Higgins along with Gay Mitchell MEP (Fine Gael) and former Dublin Lord Mayor Andrew Montague (Labour)

France, my Dad got to see me play in an Irish shirt for his birthday present and it’s something that we both will never forget.

“After the games were finished we ended up giving all of the players from the poorer countries all of our clothes and any

money we had left, it was a very humbling experience,” he said.

Now an active campaigner for Focus Ireland, Twohig wasn’t in studs the last time he represented the project, taking to the stage with a number of active fund raisers for a Strictly Come Dancing event that took place just before Christmas in the Regency Hotel in an effort to raise the €20,000 needed to travel to the 2013 World Cup which will be held in Poland.

“In the past two years I have run the Dublin City Marathon for Coolmine Therapeutic Community and now this Strictly Against Homelessness event has been the latest thing.

“I feel the more people that get involved in events like this, the better chance it gives to the people that are homeless.”

FastSport

McDowell and Aer Lingus sign up for second year US Open and Ryder Cup hero Graeme McDowell, pictured with Aer Lingus and cabin crew members Maeve Murphy and Margaret Kenny, at the announcement that Aer Lingus will for the second year running partner with Graeme McDowell and his charity, The G-Mac Foundation.

The foundation brings children recovering from illness and their families on a trip of a lifetime next spring to Orlando, Florida. The children are patients of the cardiac unit at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin.

Taylor confirms second date DUE TO phenomenal demand, it took just two days before Brian Peters promotions announced a second date for Katie Taylor on her Road To Rio tour.

Her first bout will take place on February 24 against a yet to be confirmed opponent and sold out within 24 hours of being officially announced.

As such, Taylor has confirmed she will box again on March 22 in the Bord Gais Energy theatre.

Speaking about the second date, Brian Peters said: “Katie’s absolutely delighted with the support she’s getting. This date will hopefully give her fans who missed out on tickets for her February show another

chance to see her in action.

“Katie needs fights as preparation for the defence of her European title.

“Her Russian opponent at London 2012, Sofya Ochigava, who she defeated in the Olympic final, is going to be gunning for her so hopefully this will help with her build-up.

“Katie is already busy in training and is delighted to add another Dublin date to her Road to Rio tour and is very excited to get the opportunity to fight on her home turf as part of her preparations for the European Championship and ultimately Rio 2016.

“These dates give Katie the opportunity to box at a venue fitting of her stature after her heroics in London and we have an opportunity to do something unique with the whole event.”

Gazette

30 BLANCH gazette 3 January 2013

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: corduff youngster shows star turn in qatar

Castleknock reach last four of Humphrey Cup CASTLEKNOCK ended fourth at the annual U-10 John Humphrey Memorial Cup, hosted

by St James Gaels at the Iveagh Grounds last weekend.

Played on 29 December and 30 December, the competition is held in memory of young John Humphrey, a St James Gaels player, who died tragically in an accident in 1998. This was the 14th year of the competition and, as always, the spirit in which the competition was played, and the high standard of football, was a fitting memorial to the memory of young John Humphrey.

Generously sponsored by Humphrey’s family the tournament showcases the cream of U-10 talent in Dublin football.

Castleknock made it through the group phase along with eventual winners St Vincent’s, Templeogue Synge Street, and hosts St James Gaels at the expense of St Anne’s, Cuala, Thomas Davis, Whitehall Colmcilles, Parnell’s and Lucan Sarsfields.

The standard of football throughout the tournament was excellent and there was no shortage of thrills over the two days. By the time the final whistle was blown by referee Lee Moroney on the last of the 26 games many of the spectators were exhausted having witnessed some thrilling games with no end of goal mouth excitement.

In the group phase, Vincent’s and Castleknock had little or nothing between them with the head to head between both sides resulting in a narrow one-point win for Vinnies but two other wins saw the Somerton club through.

In the first semi-final between St James Gaels and Castleknock, there was not only a clash of blue and gold jerseys but a clash in styles. The Castleknock boys favoured flamboyant, flowing football but it met its match with the dogged determination and never say die attitude of the Gaels.

Trailing by 0-6 to 0-1 at the interval, the Gaels put a huge effort into the second half and eventually ran out winners by a score of 1-5 to 0-7. Net minder Sean Dunne was an inspiration for the side from Crumlin as he turned aside numerous efforts from Castleknock to turn the tide in their favour.

Corduff’s Jean Yves Poame, left, played a key part for the Republic of Ireland U-15s in their impressive trip to Qatar

Poame plays key Irish role  sport@gazettegroup.com

JEAN YVES Poame completed a fine tour as part of the Republic of Ireland U-15 side as they ended their tour to Qatar with a thrilling comeback to draw 3-3 with the Aspire Academy, fighting back from 3-0 down.

The Corduff man had scored in the first game of the trip, a 3-0 win over Juventus, and he played his part in the comeback against Aspire, coming off the bench at halftime.

For Ireland coach Niall Harrison, the tour

was a major success as the young players got their first taste of formal matches in green.

“It’s been an excellent couple of days for these young lads as they start their international careers,” he said.

“Most of these lads are just 14 going on 15 so it’s a step up for them and they’ve acquitted themselves very well.

“Going 3-0 was not the start we would have wanted and the goals were sloppy. We were caught on the counter attack twice and let another goal in direct from a corner but I had

eddie melvin cup Castleknock conquer once again at Ashbrook castleknock College retained the Eddie Melvin Cup when their senior team defeated Coolmine RFC’s Under-19s at Ashbrook under floodlights just before Christmas.

A sizeable crowd gathered to watch the younger team win by 35–10.

The cup was presented by Eddie Melvin, who was a player at Coolmine RFC and also taught at Castleknock for many years.

been very happy about how we were playing at that point.

“I always felt we would get something out of the game and we made it very hard for ourselves but we created a host of chances.

“Their keeper was in inspired form and ended being named player of the tournament, which was no surprise on the back of this performance.

“But the pleasing thing was that we didn’t give up. We kept creating chances and when we started taking them the game changed and we

could have won it comfortably at the end.”

In that second game, both sides traded early opportunities but, despite good Irish possession, it was Aspire that broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute and then doubled their lead before half-time.

It was 3-0 by the 54th minute before the boys in green roared back into contention.

Conor Levingston slotted home a crisp left footed shot low into the corner of the net having been fed by Poame.

The gap was narrowed to just one goal when

Conor Davis tucked home at the back post after Steven Kinsella’s close range effort could be parried.

Ireland then dominated the closing 15 minutes forcing several good saves, and their effort was eventually rewarded in injury time.

Davis struck for his second goal of the game after Sean Whelan had delivered a low cross into the box from the left wing which the Aspire goalkeeper could only tip into the path of Davis who made no mistake in finishing and sealing a well-earned draw.

3 January 2013 BLANCH gazette 31

Gazette

County side take the laurels in annual camogie tie  sport@gazettegroup.com

FOUR points in the opening 19 minutes against the breeze had a big bearing as Dublin saw off the camogie Dubs Stars 0-13 to 0-8 last Sunday at Pairc ui Bhriain in the annual showcase event.

Two superbly placed balls from Lucan’s Mairi Moynihan and scores from Ali Maguire and debutant Aisling Maher

saw them clear by the 19th minute.

But the closing 10 minutes of the first half belonged to the Dubs Stars. A well-placed pass found Andrea Fitzpatrick and she pointed in the 20th minute. This was the signal for five more points without reply - Louise O’Hara with a mighty 65m free, followed by Amy Murphy, Ali Twomey and two more from Louise O’Hara

to give the Dubs Stars a 0-6 to 0-4 lead. A neat point by Dublin’s Roisin Collins cut the gap to just one at half-time - Dubs Stars 0-6 Dublin 0-5.

But, with the breeze, it was not enough to carry the result as Dublin made better use of the conditions.

Exchanges were even for the first 10 minutes after the break.

Two fine points by Anne Grif-

fin for the Stars were cancelled out by equally good efforts from Jane Tully and Aine Fanning.

With Tully exerting a big influence and Laura Twomey and Aoife Kelly coming more into the game, Dublin began to find the range with good scores from Ali Maguire, and the three Aislings - Maher, McDonald, Carolan - before Claire Rigney closed the game with a fine individual effort.

football: dublin shake off cobwebs at annual challenge tie

Naomh Peregrine’s David Lynch, right, tackles David Byrne at Blakestown on New Year’s Day

Blakestown shines as Stars come to town football challenge

Dublin 0-16 Dub Stars 1-11  sport@gazettegroup.com

N AO M H P e r e g r i n e enjoyed a famous day in their history as their Blakestown road home played host to the annual Dubs Stars hurling and football matches on New Year’s Day, drawing the biggest crowds to the ground since the building of their impressive 500-seater stand.

They bore witness to a number of their local charges lining out for either side. Robbie McCa-

rthy kicked a couple of points for Dublin, managed for the first time by Jim Gavin, while Eric Lowndes made his senior Dublin debut.

Older brother Stuart and David Lynch, meanwhile, played for the Stars. They were undone ultimately by a late spurt from Paul Hudson who inspired a run of six successive scores to claim the tie. It could have been different, however, had Philly McMahon netted with a gilt-edge opportunity with the last play of the game.

The corner-back was

the unlikely beneficiary of a series of ricochets that left him with the goal gaping but he shanked his shot over the bar, leaving the Stars two points short.

Early on, the lead had switched to and fro with scarcely more than a score between the sides while the tallies were level four times in the first half hour though the Stars were thankful to two brilliant Sean Currie saves, first from Paddy Quinn with his feet and then from Hudson diving to his right.

Hu d s o n ’s s e c o n d

point and one from Michael Darragh McAuley nudged Dublin into a 0-6 to 0-4 lead before Michael McCarthy rifled home a goal for the Stars for a single point lead at the break.

And the St Sylvester’s man continued his strong form with his side’s first two points of the second half that helped keep their momentum going.

When Paddy Andrews started to get in on the act with a pair of his own, it looked like the Stars might have Dublin on the run, shifting up a gear to stretch their lead to

three points by the 45th minute.

But, amid a spate of substitutions, Dublin began to pick off the scores. Diarmuid Connolly and Peregrine’s home favourite Robbie McCarthy traded frees but once Hudson hit form, the tie swung inexorably the way of Gavin’s charges.

The Thomas Davis corner forward’s graceful approach left him with plenty of time to steady himself and swing over three elegant points to put Dublin ahead for the first time in the second half and eventual victory.

FastSport

Ryan triple powers Dublin to facile win A FIRST half hat trick from Paul Ryan, pictured above scoring the first goal, helped Dublin ease their way past the Dub Stars in a one-sided, low-key first run out of 2013 for Anthony Daly’s side, winning 7-13 to 0-8 at Blakestown on New Year’s Day. A couple of early points for the Stars, Cian McBride opening the scoring, gave the impression this might be a touch more competitive but just expectations were quickly blown out of the water.

Ryan thrashed home a thunderous strike after Liam Rushe battled his way through and Lucan Sarsfields’ Chris Crummy picked a delightful pass to set him up.

Conor McCormack followed suit, Rushe again heavily involved, in the eighth minute and the third arrived when Johnny McCaffrey barrelled through a tackle and offloaded to the hugely impressive Danny Sutcliffe who clinically finished off.

Ryan netted soon after before Sean McGrath ended the Stars’ 16 minute scoring drought with his third of the half.

It was brief respite, however, as Ryan and Sutcliffe continued to dovetail superbly, both clearing the bar once each while the former made it 5-4 to 0-5 at the interval with his third goal. It was his last act, ending with a first half tally of 3-2 before being substituted.

In his stead, Niall McMorrow made hay in the early phases of the second half with three successive points while Kilmacud man McGrath continued to be the Stars’ sole beacon of light. He ended with 0-5 to his name.

A couple of late goals, capped off by Ballinteer St John’s Aodhan Clabby and some points from club mate Glen Whelan capped off the win with 26 points to spare.

Dublin will now wait to see who they will play in their first competitive tie of the year in the Walsh Cup. They have been given a bye to the second round of the Walsh Cup on Janaury 27.

32 BLANCH gazette 3 January 2013