Blanchardstown Gazette

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January 24, 2013

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

Blanch GAZET TE FREE

January 24, 2013

Find us on

Month XX, 2012 BLANCHARDSTOWN • BLAKESTOWN • HARTSTOWN • COOLMINE • TYRRELSTOWN • DUNBOYNE • CORDUFF • MULHUDDART • ONGAR

INSIDE: Check out The Gazette’s complete guide to the perfect wedding P15

Soccer:

Mullarney hands Mountview local bragging rights Page 30

Hurling:

Fingal fall to DCU in Kehoe Cup opening tie Page 29

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES...................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE...................11 OUT&ABOUT .................24 CLASSIFIEDS ................26 SPORT ...........................27

WEEKEND IN WICKLOW: Huntstown Venture Scouts climb Kippure Mountain Page 9

New MRI scanner ready by summer  LAURA WEBB

THE much-anticipated MRI scanner for Connolly Hospital could come on stream this summer, with the HSE saying it hopes to have the scanner operational by July.

Currently, patients who need to go for an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan have to go elsewhere for the procedure as it is not available at the Dublin 15 hospital.

According to the HSE, the scanner was ordered on December 10, 2012. The successful provider has met the HSE and Connolly staff to agree on a programme of works, which includes planning permission.

Once the equipment is installed, it will be of huge benefit to patients.

Full Story on Page 6

A big draw: Sensational Seat prize attracts funds for hospice THE MINISTER for Social Protection, Joan Burton, was on hand to pick the lucky ticket at the special prize draw for a brand new Seat Mii at Ryan’s Garage in Blanchardstown.

The garage had donated the car to St Francis Hospice to raise much-needed funds for the facility.

The project was co-ordinated by John McLaughlin and managed to raise €74,045 for the hospice.

Entertainment was provided by dancers the Star Kids from Scoil Olibhear.

Picture: Ronan O’Sullivan

See Gallery on Page 8

4 BLANCH Gazette 24 January 2013

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

safety €32k set aside for road works

Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publish eight weekly quality free titles, covering the greater Dublin area from Swords to Dun Laoghaire

c o n ta c t s Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Acting News Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Paul Hosford picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sport@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240

sales@gazettegroup.com

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www.gazettegroup.com Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

Terry O’Neill has rebuilt his front wall over 38 times in the last 25 years

Signage funds approved for accident blackspot

Funding has been allocated for two permanent electronic warning signs to be installed at an accident blackspot on Westmanstown Road.

The dangerous bend is to get two permanent electronic warning signs which will flash up messages like slow down or dangerous bend whenever a vehicle approaches.

Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar (FG) confirmed the funding under the Low Cost Safety Improvements Scheme, which includes €32,000 for the warning signs, and

 laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

new road markings, traffic radars and anti-skid surfacing.

Westmanstown Road resident Terry O’Neill who has rebuilt his front wall over 38 times in the last 25 years because of cars hitting with it, said the sooner the signs are installed the better.

“They were due to be installed last November, but we are still waiting.”

According to Terry, since surface work was completed on the road last October, there has not been an accident there: “Touch wood, everything seems to be okay. The cars are keeping on the road, so far. Since they treated the road surface, things have been good.

“This [new signage] will be an in-your-face warning, it will heighten awareness [of the dangerous bend] more so than it is at the minute,” he added.

Mulhuddart councillor Kieran Dennison (FG), who raised the issue with Fingal County Council last September, said he would also like to see the

works commence as soon as possible.

“I think with the rate that accidents have been happening there, it is critical that we move fast on it. When I was told about it by Terry and other residents there, I just said we have to tackle this straight away, so I am delighted that we can get to work on it now.”

Other crucial road safety projects in the Dublin 15 area set for funding include €6,000 for traffic calming measures on the Ratoath Road in Hollystown Village to curb ongoing speed problems.

It is hoped that these measures will force vehi-

cles to slow down.

According to the Minister’s office, these traffic calming measures will be installed at either end of the built-up area, along with “Slow” markings on the road and rumble strips on the road surface.

Meanwhile, funding of €10,000 will go towards the installation of two flashing amber signals and “pedestrian walking” signs on the Tower Road, which is heavily used by students walking to Mount Sackville School.

The narrow footpath along some of the road there has been raised as a safety concern.

Septic tank alert as deadline nears Residents are being reminded to register their septic tank systems

by February 1 in order to be eligible for grant assistance.

Fingal County Council is reminding all its citizens with septic tank systems to register on or before Friday, February 1.

The cost of registering is a oneoff fee of €50.

Once systems are registered, the inspection process will start and the local authority will notify residents in writing in advance of any inspection visits. If, for whatever reason, the system fails inspection,

a grant may be available.

However, to qualify for these grants, residents have to register by February 1. If you fail to register, you may be liable for a fine of up to €5,000.

Log on to www.fingalcoco.ie for details on how to register and pay.

24 January 2013 BLANCH Gazette 5

vandals Tyrrelstown a drain on Fingal funds

Playground using up maintenance budget  laura webb

The continuous maintenance of a playground in Tyrrelstown has used up almost all of the budget allocated for the upkeep of facilities in Fingal.

That’s according to Mulhuddart Councillor Mary McCamley (Lab), who contacted the Gazette to voice her concern that the budget approved last year for maintenance in playgrounds was heavily used to refurbish the playground at Tyrrelstown.

The local councillor said this is due to the playground being vandalised and other anti-social behaviours.

She said the discovery is shocking considering Fingal County Council has at least 10 other play areas to maintain using that same budget.

“This is a very depressing statistic,” she said.

“When contacted by residents asking as to why the playground in Park View was locked, I was told by the Parks Department that it was inaccessible to children because of health and safety issues,” she explained.

“The springer unit [a piece of playground equipment] was totally removed from the playground exposing a very dangerous-looking piece of metal. Also the

Mulhuddart Councillor Mary McCamley (Lab): “Utter disgrace”

safety surfacing was pulled up and ripped up in numerous areas, making it difficult to walk on, and the swing mechanism on the gate was also damaged.

“This damage to children’s play equipment is an utter disgrace,” she continued.

T he Mulhuddar t councillor is now calling on the community to inform gardai as soon as they notice any sign of anti-social behaviour in or around playgrounds across the area.

“It must be noted that a lot of money has been spent in the past two years repairing playgrounds. This is taxpayers’ money – your community’s money. Fingal County Council is doing

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their utmost to keep the playground in Park View safe for children to access but it is nearly an impossible task at this stage,” she continued.

According to McCamley, Fingal is arranging to repair the damage and is currently in the process of sourcing prices so that the playground can be open

as soon as possible.

She went on to say that she is now “keeping her fingers crossed that it will remain open throughout the summer hopefully damage-free”.

The Gazette received no comment from Fingal County Council regarding the issue at the time of going to print.

6 blanch Gazette 24 January 2013

dublin bus Shelter is approved by park RESIDENTS in Whitestown campaigning for a bus shelter in their area will be happy to hear that planning permission has been approved for a bus shelter to be installed on the Blakestown Way, outside open space at Whitestown Park.

Dublin West Labour TD Patrick Nulty is hopeful that Dublin Bus will instal the shelter as soon as possible.

He said: “More and more people are using [the bus route] and it is particularly needed in the winter months to protect people from the weather conditions.”

health Connolly Hospital acquisition welcomed

MRI scanner to be up and running by July  laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

PATIENTS in need of an MRI scan will soon be able to have the procedure on site at Connolly Hospital, with the long-awaited equipment set to be installed and operational by July.

In response to a Par-

liamentary Question by Dublin West Labour TD Patrick Nulty on when the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner will be installed, the HSE said the scanner was ordered on December 10, 2012 and will arrive on site “as per the schedule of works”.

Anne-Marie Hoey,

area manager for HSE North Dublin, said: “The successful provider has met with the HSE and Connolly Hospital management staff to agree on a programme of works, which includes planning permission.”

She went on to say: “To this end, it is foreseen that the MRI scan-

Deputy Patrick Nulty (Lab) said: “Once the scanner is installed, it will be of huge benefit to patients”

ner will be installed and operational by July.”

Speaking to the G a z e t t e t h i s we e k , Deputy Nulty said that once the equipment is installed, it will be of huge benefit to patients.

He said: “There were delays from the HSE in terms of getting it on stream and getting it installed in the hospital, so it is looking like summer for it to be installed “At the moment, if a patient has to go for an MRI scan, they have to go elsewhere to get the

scan. That means travel [for the patient], and it also means extra costs [for the HSE].

“When the MRI [scanner] is in place, it means people in the catchment area can get their scan there in the hospital.

Efficient “It is also more efficient for the taxpayer because it will mean it can be done quickly and on-site rather than being outsourced, which is needed with something as important as an MRI

scan.

“I think the scanner should have been in place for some time, given the huge catchment area Connolly [Hospital] caters for. With that being said, I think it is important to focus on getting it up and running and operational.

“Unfortunately, the HSE has dragged their feet in getting it installed and operational, but once it is there and installed, it will be of huge benefit to patients,” said Deputy Nulty.

24 January 2013 blanch Gazette 7

8 BLANCH Gazette 24 January 2013

gazetteGALLERY

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

The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, picks out a ticket

Joe with his mother, Trisha Brady

Star Kids: Loren, Amber, Sorcha, Sarah, Clodagh and Jessica. Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan

Luck of the draw

T

here was plenty of excitement at Ryan’s Garage in Blanchardstown recently as crowds gathered for a special prize draw for brand new Seat Mii. The garage had donated the car to St Francis Hospice to raise much-needed funds for the facility. The project was

co-ordinated by John McLaughlin and managed to raise €74,045 for the hospice.

Entertainment was provided by dancers the Star Kids from Scoil Olibhear.

The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, was on hand to pick the lucky ticket.

Shiela Hughes and Jackie Brady

John and Liz Forde

24 January 2013 BLANCH Gazette 9

R1

it’s your story A weekend away in Wicklow was wonderful

Scouting the way to a great weekend  Stephen Dunne

179th Huntstown Venture Scouts

179TH Huntstown Venture Scouts have leapt into 2013 by blowing off the cobwebs and heading for the Wicklow Hills.

Christmas may have come and gone in a flash for many, leaving the onset of the January blues, but 179th Huntstown Venture Scouts were not going to start 2013 on such a note of pessimism.

They seized the last days of the school holidays to make the most of those precious days of freedom at Christmas.

Glencree Valley was

the ideal setting for a weekend of hiking, backwoods cooking and allround good fun.

The unseasonably mild weather made for perfect conditions as the group of adventurous teenagers set off from the valley of Glencree to climb Kippure Mountain.

Boggy slopes Glorious sunshine warmed their faces as they rambled through the forest, hiked up the mountain track and then slipped and slid down the boggy slopes to take in the awesome views over Lough Bray.

As they rested on the cliffs above the two lakes,

they drank in the spectacular views of the icy black water a hundred metres below and the surrounding landscape stretching all along the Glencree valley, past the Sugar Loaf mountain and out to the Irish sea.

As evening set in and brought the winter nip with it, a roaring wood fire warmed tired bodies and set the mood for an evening of easygoing team games at the hostel.

Saturday morning gave the Venture scouts the opportunity to hone their backwoods skills. Using the simple but ingenious technique known as the “Latvian Log”, the young

explorers used a single log to fry up a lunch of sausages sambos, cooked eggs in oranges, and even rustled up a dessert of chocolate banana.

Not content with their outdoor culinary skills, they amazed the leaders with a full Christmas dinner. Roast turkey and ham, roast potatoes, stuffing, heaps of vegetables, and homemade cheesecake – rarely has any camper seen such luxurious food prepared by young teens. Watch out, Jamie Oliver!

Waking up on Sunday morning after so much delicious food, the full bellies needed some exercise to lighten spirits.

The unseasonably mild weather at the time proved a great companion for the 179th Huntstown Venture Scouts members hiking in the scenic Wicklow Hills recently, with the great outdoors proving a hit with everyone

The surrounding forest, mossy stone walls and long, disused sheep pens provided the perfect setting for wide-ranging games of Capture The Flag, Tip The Can and Manhunt.

With mind, body and

soul thoroughly relaxed and revitalised, the gang headed home on Sunday afternoon ready for a New Year, looking forward to the many new scouting experiences that the year might bring and, perhaps less so, to

the long avoided homework needed for Monday morning.

Huntstown Ventures are part of 179th Huntstown Scout Group, and meet weekly in Huntstown Community Centre.

10 BLANCH Gazette 24 January 2013

resolution

education: council preparing an application for eight positions

Help at hand to shed fat System 10 Precision Weight Loss, which have clinics based in Dunboyne, Ratoath and Laurel Lodge in Dublin 15, are offering those of us who have not managed to stick to our New Year’s resolutions of going to the gym religiously a new option to assist in weight loss.

System 10 have devised a plan designed to speed metabolism and burn fat, rather than losing muscle or water, thus assisting with the weight loss process.

They claim that metabolism correction is one of three interconnected areas that, along with diet and exercise, help people to lose weight.

For more information, call them on 086 259 8867.

FCC seeking new school wardens  laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

Red-dy to help: Irish Heart Foundation Valentine’s appeal caroline Morahan (pictured) launched a new Valentine’s

appeal recently in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation, urging employees to show their RED side and raise vital funds to support people with heart disease and stroke.

The gorgeous Anglo: The Musical actress donned a red hot dress to encourage companies to host wear RED days and RED HOT challenges in time for Valentine’s Day, February 14.

Register now www.irishheart.ie/redhot.

Fingal County Council is seeking approval to recruit eight new school wardens for new schools across the county.

The local council is in the process of preparing an application to the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government looking for permission to recruit approximately eight wardens.

According to the council, the new wardens would serve the new schools already in operation or due to come into operation in Fingal in the next three years.

The council has yet to decide where the school wardens will be placed if they get their permission for recruitment approved.

T here is currently an embargo on public service recruitment, so the council must apply for permission to get school wardens.

“With the population growth in Fingal, and associated provision of new school facilities over recent years, we have a number of requests on hand for the provision of school wardens to serve these locations,” a spokesperson for the council said.

“A n e m b a r g o o n recruitment to the pub-

lic ser vice stands at present and we must first obtain permission to recruit additional school wardens.

“Following this, a number of conditions must be satisfied (pupil numbers, whether roads are public etc) with regard to each application prior to appointing a school warden to a particular location,” the spokesperson continued.

Giving the reasons stated, the spokesperson added it was not possible to state at this time where any newly recruited school wardens may be appointed.

“As soon as that information is available, we will make it available to the public.”

24 January 2013 Gazette 11

feature P13

asdfsdaf businessP27 P16

dublinlife

Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week, as well as the latest from our schools

dance ireland: honouring European dance

Putting best foot forward to mark coming of age Dance Ireland is celebrating its 21st anniversary over the next two months with a series of performances which honour a variety of European dance traditions to mark Ireland’s EU Presidency.

Made In Dublin is the first part of Dance Ireland 21; a year-long programme of dance events to celebrate the organisation’s anniversary.

Dance Ireland will

showcase the Irish dance community throughout the year with a programme including live per formances, film, photography, talks and more.

Made In Dublin is a week long introduction to this year of dance and is a season of performances to be held in the Project Arts Centre and the Abbey Theatre by international and national artists in Dance House

over the last six years.

The season kicks off on January 28 with Body and Forgetting by the Liz Roche Company, who are based in Ireland.

Others lined up are Portuguese artist, Claudia Dias performing her solo show, Vontade de Ter Vontade; a triple bill of Irish dancers Liv O’Donoghue and John Scott Dance and Italian dancer Elena Giannotti; French troupe La

Zampa, Austria’s Loose Collective and many more triple and double bills featuring dancers from Spain, Ireland and Cyprus, all located at the Project Arts Centre.

Tickets for Made In Dublin performances can be purchased at Project Arts Centre at www. projectartscentre.ie or by ringing 01 8819613/4 and the full programme of events is available at www.danceireland/21.

Dancer Liv O’Donoghue will perform. Pictures: Enrico Fuga

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diary P12

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12 Gazette 24 January 2013

dublinlife

Ellie Mooney (five) and Gavin DeRoste (five) launch Engineers’ Week

diary

Sparking enthusiasm for engineering This year’s Engineers’ Week, an annual campaign to promote engineering as a career, is set to take place from February 25 until March 3.

T his year ’s event, themed Bringing Dreams To Life, and organised

by Engineers Ireland, is focused on showcasing the possibilities a career in engineering can offer.

John Power, director general of Engineers Ireland, recently called on enterprise and academia for their full support: “Engineers are involved in so many exciting and

essential roles – they build cities, they design medical devices, they create entertainment products and much more besides. Without the input of engineers, many great ideas would remain fixed in the imagination and never become a reality.”

Engineers Ireland is asking businesses and colleges to open for public tours, to run engineering-related workshops or activities or to develop an initiative of their own.

Those who wish to participate are invited to visit www.engineersweek.ie.

the only game in town If you have not gone to see GAME: The Future of Play in the Science Gallery in Trinity College, you still have a few days to see this fascinating exhibition before it closes this weekend.

The free exhibition features work by worldrenowned game designers such as Eric Zimmerman and architect Nathalie Pozzi.

GAME offers you the chance to get directly involved in the future of gaming as many hitherto

unrevealed games are available for the visitor to sample. Not only that, but there is also an opportunity for avid gamers to design their own game with John Healey and Game Design Lab. Once you realise your own creation, you can then upload it onto the Science Gallery’s GAME Lab PCs for other visitors to play.

GAME runs until January 20 in the Science Gallery, Trinity College from 12 noon to 8pm on weekdays, and from 12 noon to 6pm at the weekend.

boost in toy donations The bleak economic outlook did nothing to dampen Irish people’s giving spirit over Christmas as the 2012 RTE 2fm Toy Appeal for St Vincent de Paul in association with SuperValu saw some 65,000 toys donated and distributed to families.

The number shows an increase of 9,000 on the 56,000 toys collected during last year’s appeal and the toys donated have been calculated to have a value of over €1 million.

Led by 2fm presenters, including Ryan Tubridy, Hector O hEochagain, Ruth Scott, Colm Hayes and Larry Gogan, 2fm Toy Appeal’s stated wish for 2012 was “that every child got a toy for Christmas”.

Tubridy said: “The figures this year speak volumes about the generosity of the Irish public.

“Even during times as tough as these, people have dug deep and helped to put smiles on the faces of children who might otherwise have had nothing to wake up to on Christmas morning”

24 January 2013 GAZETTE 13

FEATURE

The voice artistry of Winslow back in Ireland  ROB HEIGH

IMITATION is the sincerest form of flattery, so Michael Winslow must be the sincerest man on the planet.

The vocal gymnast who leapt to fame in the Police Academy movies in the 1980s is coming back to embark on a two-week tour of Ireland in the next few weeks, including a date with Dublin at Whelan’s on Sunday, February 2.

Currently on the east coast of the US, the Gazette asked Michael how and where he got his start in comedy: “I started by watching every old T V show I could to do with comedy, and the Saturday

morning cartoons on TV. The voice artistry and sound effects were what appealed to me – they were cool, man. I started adding my own sound effects, putting extra noises to the cartoons, and Charlie Chaplin movies.”

The youngest of six children in a US Air Force family who travelled from air base to air base as Michael grew up, the travelling lifestyle was something he was used to from an early age. “It was tough, and we travelled a lot, I had to make new friends all the time – or make up new friends, or dogs, or cats, or trucks, any thing that would keep me occupied.“

Eventually, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career in comedy, where there were some hard lessons to learn before he reached where he wanted to be.

On stage

“Well, to begin with, I wouldn’t recommend hitch-hiking to California, not even to Navy Seals! And I wouldn’t recommend being homeless, either, which I was for a while. But I knew what I wanted to do, and so I would try to get on stage at every comedy club there was – the Improv, the Comedy Store.

“I was starting at the bottom and working my way up. I was lucky

to get onto [classic US talent show] The Gong Show, with Chuck Barris, and from winning the show, I could afford a car to live in – so I was mobile homeless! That gave me the chance to drive to other clubs and get sets there.”

Michael’s career went from strength to strength, eventually being cast as Larvelle Jones in Police Academy. Since then, he has used his skills in classic movies like Gremlins, Back To The Future, as well as numerous TV shows.

We asked Michael what he would call his brand of comedy – “My wife calls me a voicetrumentalist, so that’s close enough.”

American actor and comedian Michael Winslow at work (above) and as Larvelle Jones in Police Academy

F i n a l l y, M i c h a e l explained what it is that he most likes about coming to Ireland, a regular slot on his

stand-up tours.

“What I like most is that Ireland in terms of comedy is so openminded, and I get the

chance to work with local musicians. For me, my job is to help everyone forget about the rent for an hour.”

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14 Gazette 24 January 2013

dublinlife

business

finance: each stage of living needs a plan

Use ‘15 seconds’ to save for your life I’VE been at my wits’ end trying to turn financialplanning theory into something a bit more practical.

What I have come up with is a series of checklists, each designed to summarise the sort of things one should be thinking about at different stages of one’s life.

Here is the 15-second version of the 15-minute guide to sorting out your finances: 1. Decide what you want to achieve, and over

what period.

2. Work out what action you need to take to achieve it.

3. Take the required action.

4. Monitor the results and change your tactics if things are not going according to plan.

A big part of this process is going to involve choosing the right financial products for your needs.

A few words of warning: think carefully before you buy any financial

The founders of PlayFit, Liz Crotty and Mark Sweeney

product because someone has told you that you should.

A good example of this is the way mortgage brokers and lenders push life cover on people without partners and/or dependants.

I mean, why worry about paying off your mortgage after you’re dead if there is no one you actually want to benefit?

There follows a series of steps to suit whatever stage of life you are in.

Young and free Young? No responsibilities? Anyone who tells you to “enjoy it while you can” is not your friend.

I mean, yes, enjoy it – but this shouldn’t preclude planning for the future. Here are the key action points you may

want to consider: • Creating an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses.

• Paying off any personal or student loans.

• Short-term saving for cars, holidays and so forth.

• Income protection in case you are unable to work for any reason.

• Starting a pension plan. It is never too early.

• Saving for major purchases, such as the deposit to buy a home.

Next week, I offer financial advice for your other stages in life ...  Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@ moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

growth at exercise company

PlayFit expansion plan set to create 10 jobs  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

TEN jobs are set to be created by PlayFit, the children’s exercise company, across greater Dublin as they continue to expand their operations.

The employees will travel to venues including Sandyford, Swords, Dundrum, Stillorgan and Terenure to give multi-sport and activity play classes to children aged three to eight.

The majority of the new PlayFit positions are for exercise physiologists with a third-level education in exercise or teaching, along with playing and coaching experience in activities such as gymnastics, rugby, soccer, GAA, basketball and athletics.

According to a Dublin City University report, only 19% of primary school children get the 60 minutes of daily exercise that is recommended by the Department of Health and Children.

PlayFit was formed in 2012 by Liza Crotty and Mark Sweeney.

Crotty said: “Since we launched in September 2012, the demand for our classes has been phenomenal.

“While this expansion will initially cover the Dublin area, by September of this year we plan to move into other parts of the country.

“Interested candidates should visit our website – www.playfit.ie – to apply, as we are recruiting immediately for these positions.”

Candidates for the new positions need to have their own transport to get from the PlayFit venue to their

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

‘Since we launched, the demand for our classes has been phenomenal.

While this expansion will initially cover the Dublin area, by September of this year we plan to move into other parts of the country’ --------------------------------------

Liza Crotty, co-founder, PlayFit

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required venue.

The 10 new roles are a combination of full- and part-time positions and would suit gym instructors and personal trainers.

Successful candidates will host PlayFit classes designed to aid the development of children’s fundamental movement skills (tumbling, running, hopping and leaping) and ball skills (bouncing, kicking, throwing and catching), while building self-confidence in a noncompetitive, supportive environment.

There will be two sets of classes for two age groups – juniors, which will be for ages three to five, and seniors, aged six to eight.

PlayFit is a joint venture subsidiary of ClapHandies, which provides developmental training for babies and toddlers, and Fit For Life, which is a service to keep those in nursing homes fit and healthy.

bride& groom

Gazette

24 January 2013 Gazette 15

Dublin’s complete

g u i d e t o y o u r w e dd i n g

l w eddi n g sh owc as e l

Red carpet treatment at Bracken Court Hotel Brides-to-be can experience the red carpet treatment at the Bracken Court Hotel in Balbriggan later this month, when they hold their Wedding Showcase on Sunday, February 13.

With the hotel hosting over 100 weddings in 2012, they are one of Dublin’s busiest and most experienced wedding venues.

Only one wedding a day is hosted in the Bracken Court, to ensure an exclusive wedding

experience, and complete focus on the wedding party.

The showcase intends to give newly-engaged couples a chance to view the hotel set up for a wedding, allowing them a unique insight into how the venue will look for their special day. On hand to offer advice and tips will be the hotel’s wedding co-ordinators, who will be available to speak with on the day, while providing a vast experience and knowl-

edge on the hotel and its services.

The hotel will be presenting the complete wedding experience, allowing visitors view the hotel’s two suites, which will be dressed in a variety of wedding styles.

Menu selections can be discussed, and advisors will be on hand to address all aspects of the special day, from accommodation and guest services, to the reception, meal, flowers, and entertainment.

T he hotel have a number of packages available, including the all inclusive wedding from €2,450 for 100 people, while unique touches can be designed to suit each occasion, from bespoke menus, right down to the complimentary chair covers and coordinating bows in the wedding suite.

Admission to the Bracken Court Hotel wedding showcase is free, and complimentary sparkling wine and canapés

The wedding showcase intends to give newly-engaged couples a chance to view the hotel set up for a wedding

will be served. A select number of exhibitors will also be there, including limousine companies, cake designers, and entertainers, who can

advise and help plan the special day.

For further information, or to enquire about 2013/2014 wedding package specials, contact the

Bracken Court Hotel’s dedicated team, Jean Bermingham and Helga Duffy, on 01-841 3333 or e-mail weddings@brackencourt.ie

bride& groom

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16 Gazette 24 January 2013

l glowing sk in l

Skincare tips for brides-to-be  Janette Ryan Pharmacy training manager

Skincare expert Janette Ryan, training manager for Vichy and La Roche-Posay

It’s your wedding day, all eyes are on you, and every bride wants to look their very best on their big day.

Glowing skin is key to a radiant bride and to achieve this you need to put in the work – preparation is key!

To ensure you wake up with healthy skin that’s glowing with vitality on your big day, invest in a skincare plan as soon as possible. The more effort you put in, the better the results.

Skincare expert Janette Ryan, training manager for Vichy and La Roche-

Vichy Idealia Smoothing and Illuminating Cream refines skin texture and illuminates the skin

Posay, has put together some top tips for brides: The lead up

• If you don’t already follow one now is the time to adopt a daily skincare routine. Speak to the skincare advisor in your local pharmacy to develop a regime specifically

for your skin.

• Avoid any drastic diets for your wedding, as it will show negatively on your skin. Adopt a healthy eating regime, exercise and drink lots of water for a radiant glow.

• Choose a daily moisturiser that will help with extra radiance.

• Start using a facial mask once a week; this will give skin a great boost. Choose a product that best suits your skins unique needs – hydrating, radiance or deep pore cleansing.

• Get your skin in peak condition by dry brushing your body with a natural bristle brush once a week.

Start at your feet and work upwards towards the heart in long, firm strokes. Follow with a moisturising body lotion.

• It’s important to keep your skin hydrated, especially if you work in airconditioned offices.

The week before

• Avoid deep-cleansing masks which might bring imperfections to the surface. Opt for something hydrating and soothing.

• Relax as much as possible – stress can manifest as imperfections on your skin. Have a bath, light a candle, take some time for yourself and forget any wedding anxieties.

• Include a daily gentle exfoliator to your beauty regime, which will really help give your skin a flawless look and leave you ready for all those camera lenses!

On the big day

• Sleep is the best thing you can do for your skin.

Get a really good rest the night before, you will look rested and avoid bags under the eyes.

• Choose a mattifying base product that will ensure you are shine-free all day.

• Have your chief bridesmaid keep a mini thermal spa water on hand to keep you cool and hydrated.

Relax, laugh and enjoy your special day.

24 January 2013 Gazette 17

Dublin’s complete g u i d e t o y o u r w e dd i n g

A dedicated team for the perfect day It’s that time at the turning of the year when thoughts turn to plans for special wedding days, and with that in mind, the Red Cow Moran Hotel is holding their wedding showcase on February 17, from 2 to 6pm.

The Red Cow’s wedding packages start from €40pp and include everything every wedding day requires, from drinks receptions in the contemporary style of the hotel’s four-star surroundings and four-course meal with selected wines for the all-important wedding guests, to the champagne toast, evening reception and bar extension. The welcome extended to

happy couples includes a red-carpet welcome, floral centerpieces for tables and the bridal suite for the bride and groom.

The Red Cow also offer preferable accommodation rates for wedding guests, who can enjoy the best that this renowned Dublin landmark has to offer.

The hotel’s dedicated wedding coordinators promise that they will

Search is over for good fit

always go the extra mile to make your big day truly unforgettable, and the showcase is an ideal opportunity to get a taste of what the Red Cow have to offer on wedding day.  For more information,

contact Sinead at the Red Cow Moran Hotel on 01 459 3650, via email at scallaghan@moranhotel. com, or log on to www. redcowmoranhotel.com.

Showcase: Newgrange Hotel to hold a wedding open evening navan’s Newgrange Hotel is holding a wedding open evening on Thursday, January 31 from 5 to 9pm where Karine Kavanagh, the hotel’s wedding coordinator, will be helping to showcase the hotel and its wedding facilities. For more information, contact the hotel on 046 90 74100, or log on to www.newgrangehotel.ie.

Wedding shoe designers Aruna Seth have tapped into the bride’s innate magnetism towards footwear and have made it that little bit easier for brides to get their hands on that perfect pair of shoes.

Earlier this month, the brand launched a newlook website, especially designed to simplify the bridal shoe shopping process and make the experience even more pleasant.

For Irish brides hoping to get their hands on these beauties, as well as visiting arunaseth.com, you can also stop by Aruna Seth’s newest stockist, Knightsbridge Boutique in the Powerscourt Centre.

bride& groom Honeymoons at the right price Gazette

18 Gazette 24 January 2013

l r om a n ti c a n d a ffo r da b l e o pt io ns l

BETWEEN paying for the wedding and setting up a new household, many couples find there’s not much money left in their budget for the honeymoon.

But who says you have to spend a fortune to enjoy a romantic hon-

eymoon at your dream destination? Here are some simple ideas for a more affordable, yet still romantic, honeymoon.

Gift of a honeymoon

You can spread the cost of your honeymoon, or perhaps even cover the

cost entirely, by listing it on a honeymoon gift registry. A honeymoon registry works just like a wedding registry, but instead of buying you china, your wedding guests buy you a trip to China (or the honeymoon destination of your choice).

Yes, your guests could just contribute cash toward your honeymoon, but giving a particular portion of the honeymoon (dinner at a fancy restaurant, or a carriage ride through the historic

district of a far-off city, for example) is somehow more meaningful.

Exchange homes

If you prefer to mingle with the locals rather than other tourists, look into a home exchange for your honeymoon. In a nutshell, you go stay in someone else’s house while they stay in yours.

Sound risky? Maybe, but tens of thousands of people have exchanged homes across the world since the 1950s. For an

Who says you have to spend a fortune to enjoy your honeymoon?

annual subscription, home exchange clubs will help you find someone willing to swap homes with you, as well as offering tips to make the exchange go

smoothly. According to exchangehomes.com, a home exchange can cut your travel costs by as much as half.

Travel in the off-season

It may be obvious to seasoned travellers, but those with less experience may not be aware of how affordable it can be to honeymoon in the “off-season” — basically, any time other than when most people travel to your destination.

Certain destinations’ accommodation and airfare prices may be slashed by 30% or more during the off-season, compared to the peak travel season.

Consider airline alternatives

When booking airfare online, don’t overlook the discount airlines — some are not listed on the big travel portal websites, even though they might have a lower fare to your destination.

24 January 2013 Gazette 19

bride& groom

Gazette

20 Gazette 24 January 2013

Fairytale Big Day at Trim Castle

l bloom f i el d ho u s e l

Wedding game show returns Bloomfield House Hotel in Mullinger has announced the return of Red Or Black, their wedding game show, which offers everyone who enters the opportunity to play for the wedding of their dreams, and everyone who plays the game has an equal chance of winning.

Based on the TV gameshow of the same name, the contest will take place at the hotel on Sunday, February 17.

The overall prize includes a huge range of special day prizes,

including personalised handmade wedding stationery by Janice Baker Stationery, and bridal make-up by Bloomfield Spa and bridal hair by the five-star Indulgence will complete that glamorous look for the day.

Chauffeured

The winning couple will be chauffeured in style in a vintage Bentley Rolls Royce from Rover Coaches, and on arrival, guests will enjoy treats from Mrs Maguires Sweet Shop, as well as a sparkling wine and cana-

pes reception.

All the happy memories on the day will be captured by Helena Flynn Photo Services, and the wedding cake, a treasured focal point on your special day, will be provided

by Cakes by Una. The prize also includes a Supreme Wedding Package for 100 persons at the four-star hotel.

“The wedding package itself, the hotel, rooms, food, band, dancers, DJ, cake, florist, car/driver, photographer, videographer, hairdressers, make-up people, were

The Marleys: Last year’s Red Or Black game show winners

all superb,” said Roisin Marley, the 2012 Red Or Black winner. “Now, after the big day all I can confirm is that all that warmth and willingness to make the day the happiest and best of our lives

shone through from everybody.”

With over 33 years’ experience in hosting wedding receptions, the four-star Bloomfield House Hotel is renowned for service, atmosphere

and customer care.

For the chance to win the wedding package, contact Bloomfield House Hotel on 044 9340894 for full details, or log on to www.bloomfieldhousehotel.ie

If you are dreaming of a fairytale wedding day at a historical castle, then the enchanting Trim Castle Hotel, which recently won the 2012 Best Wedding Venue in Leinster, may be the venue for you.

The hotel is holding its annual wedding fair on Sunday, February 24 from 2 to 5pm, and if you are in search of a unique wedding venue, this is a day not to be missed…

Trim Castle Hotel sits with quiet authority overlooking the mystical Trim Castle and the adjoining rolling lawns of St Patrick’s Church.

A spokesperson for the hotel commented: “Trim Castle Hotel is the perfect choice for your reception as it possesses the old world charisma of the historical AngloNorman castle, and the contemporary standards of magnificent food and stunning decor.”

The hotel also boasts a rooftop terrace from which guests can admire the impressive castle.

The floor to ceiling windows of the Great Hall banqueting suite and prefunction area allow a view of the castle and church lawns. The roof-top garden located on the third floor provides an impressive backdrop for wedding photography.

An all-inclusive package is available on key dates in 2013, 2014 for only €55pp. There are also excellent packages available for January and February 2015.

For information, contact the wedding co-ordinators at Trim Castle on 046 948 3000, or email info@trimcastlehotel. com. More is available online at www.trimcastlehotel.com

24 January 2013 Gazette 21

bride& groom

Gazette

22 Gazette 24 January 2013

Successful fair at the Bridge House The Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore, Co Offaly, last week celebrated another successful wedding fair that saw prospective brides and grooms-to-be gather at the hotel.

The hotel is located less than 90 minutes from Dublin, Galway and Limerick, and aims to provide for all their wedding needs, including venues for civil ceremonies, large weddings up to 350 people and smaller wedding receptions for up to 60 people.

The hotel’s dedicated wedding team carry over 40 years of wedding experience while the stunning Secret Garden at the hotel, designed to be a prime spot for the allimportant wedding party

pictures, is a little place of mystery where brides and grooms can hide away in a magical place on their special day.

Another key photography location at the hotel is the staircase, which was designed to exactly replicate the infamous staircase in the film Titanic.

Now with a dedicated wedding website, http:// tullamore-weddings. bridgehouse.com/, potential brides and grooms can preview exactly what the Bridge House Hotel has to offer and learn more about the hotel’s wedding team.

For further information, visit www.bridgehousehoteltullamore.ie or Locall 1850 312 312 / 057 9325600

l what to we ar l

A perfect  hiromi mooney

The shape is the key feature to look out for in wedding dresses

EVERY woman desires to have the perfect dress for their special day, to walk up the aisle to marry the man of their dreams. So getting the right dress is of utmost importance.

The shape is the key feature to look out for in wedding dresses, according to owner of bridal wear supplier DarlingWear, Miriam Dempsey.

“I know brides read it in books, but I really think they need to wear dresses in a shape that actually suits their figure.

I think it’s very important to get a neckline that suits the bust line, and I think people can get very lost in – maybe wearing

strapless dresses when they ordinarily wouldn’t wear strapless dresses.

“I always ask a bride if they’re looking at a strapless dress, would they ever wear a strapless top, and if the answer is no, they probably shouldn’t be looking at strapless bridal dresses either. There’s a reason that they probably haven’t worn them for the last 10 years,” she advises.

Miriam understands how difficult it can be to choose the right wedding dress, so at DarlingWear she offers customers oneto-one appointments at the showrooms, which are located at The Gables at Kill in Tullow, Co Carlow.

24 January 2013 BLANCH gazette 23

Dublin’s complete g u i d e t o y o u r w e dd i n g

dress for a special day --------------------------

‘I think it’s very important to get a neckline that suits the bust line’ --------------------------

DarlingWear source their products worldwide

This exclusive personal time gives customers a chance to select their dress in a comfortable and private environment. DarlingWear are open on an appointment basis only, seven days a week.

“There’s a lot of flexibility on appointments,”

she says. “I have brides and bridesmaids who come for appointments at night because sometimes it’s hard to get bridesmaids and brides off from work at the same time. A lot of people work on Saturdays, so that doesn’t work, so I also do appointments on

Sundays.”

DarlingWear have sourced their products worldwide, and as well as bridal wear and the bridesmaids collection, they also stock a wide range of accessories, footwear, communion wear and evening wear.

The bridal collection includes designs from Venus Bridal, D’Zage, Romantica, Mascara and Manon Fashions.

“I’m competitive on pricing, and the big thing is the discount options

and very good value on accessories – I’ve really gone and researched and got some good accessories and veils,” says Miriam.

“I give 10% off if people are buying two or more bridesmaid dresses, and then there’s the order and collect service. There’s 20% off where [customers] come and place the order for the dress that they want, they get measured up, and then they collect them when they come in, and they get their alterations done [by] themselves locally.”

Showcase: Viewing at Thomas Priory Hall thomas prior hall, an award-winning wedding venue situated in

Ballsbridge in Dublin, is holding a wedding showcase this weekend on Saturday, January 26 and 27. This will be a great opportunity for brides- and grooms-to-be to view the venue as it would appear on their wedding day. For more details, contact wedding co-ordinator Barbara on 01 668 1111, or email thomaspriorhall@moranhotels.com.

24 BLANCH gazette 24 January 2013

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT Motors road NOISE The going is great with GT renault megane: the gazette tests an impressive line-up of cars

Toyota have announced Cars for Good winners

Toyota Ireland have announced that Irish Dogs for the Disabled and St Ultans in Cherry Orchard, Dublin were selected as the recipients of new Toyota cars as part of its 2013 Cars for Good programme. To date, Toyota have donated more than €80,000 worth of vehicles to charity since the programme’s inception in 2012.

As the awarded recipients, both St Ultans and Dogs for the Disabled, which are based in Co. Cork, will receive a donation of one vehicle each from Toyota Ireland, up to the value of €20,000.

The organisations can choose to raffle the car to raise funds or register the car for day to day needs.

n Cormac Curtis

The motor industry never tires of acronyms – ABS, EBD, ESP, CVT, EGR, TC. There is a dizzying array of abbreviations for all kinds of features and every level of spec, but the one that really resonates is GT. Coming from the Italian, Gran Tourismo, simply put means that the car can go the distance in comfort, and with some serious spring in its step.

I have recently been lucky enough to test three different models all given the GT Line spec, all of which came from the same manufacturer – Renault.

From the punchy little Megane Coupe GT Line to the muscular Megane Hatch GT Line and the daddy of the three, the Grand Megane GT Line, this is an impressive lineup of cars.

They may come from the same manufacturer, bear the same family

name and spec, but we are talking about three very different personalities here.

The first of the three I drove was the Hatch, and what a surprise it had in store.

Packing a 110bhp 1.5litre diesel engine, but boasting fuel-saving stopstart technology, this model has all the practicality of a five-door car with the thrill of something far more lunatic.

The car combines a sport chassis developed

by Renault Sport, for extra driving excitement, with exclusive interior and exterior design elements, rear diffuser, 17” alloy wheels, sport seats and aluminium pedals.

Next in line for me was the Grand Megane GT Line – the model that is begging to be taken for a spin down through France and perhaps to the north Spanish coast?

Yes, this is the kind of trip the Grand Megane was built for.

The Megane family may come from the same manufacturer, but they have three very different personalities

The 1.5-litre diesel engine, this time coupled to an automatic gearbox, was well matched to the weight of the car, giving plenty of power when needed.

This car gives the driver a wealth of features to make serious touring a pleasure.

Starting with the heated, split-leather seats, the interior oozes comfort.

The contrast stitching around the gear stick and steering wheel feels reassuring to the touch, while a host of clever compartments offer practical

storage in every corner of the cabin, even in the footwell.

Entertainment comes in the form of the Renault R- PLUG & R A DIO + , o f f e r i n g c o n n e c t i vity solutions for all your mobile devices including a jack plug in the front and built-in Bluetooth® technology for mobile phones, with voice recognition and audiostreaming. With the Plug & Music option you can connect your MP3 player to the USB or Jack socket and control the system using the central

control.

Navigation is handled by the Carminat TomTom® LIVE, which is Renault’s new onboard, connected navigation system. Its central control provides intuitive, safe access to the various functions.

So, to the last of the family, the sexy Megane Coupe GT Line.

Keeping in mind this little beauty has the same 1.5-litre diesel engine under the hood, you can imagine the kind of drive you have waiting in store.

Every bit the mad yoke you would expect, yet brimming with bags of the aforementioned GT Line spec of its siblings – this was my favourite of the three cars.

Maybe not my very first choice when I put my practical hat on, but the amount of features crammed into this little motor is nothing short of staggering, and man does she move about.

These are cars that Renault should be proud of, and are sure to tempt some new buyers in their direction.

24 January 2013 BLANCH gazette 25

getaway: rooms with a view

Relax in style in Dubai’s newest beach front hotel  natalie burke

Dubai is no stranger to luxury. Whether it’s a private beach, a five-star hotel or designer shopping experiences, the Middle-Eastern destination is one that is ever-increasing in its popularity.

But for those seeking a more exclusive visit, it will come as good news that Dubai’s recently opened four-star Ocean View Hotel is not only Dubai’s newest hotel, but the only beach-front hotel to grace the shores of Dubai and the only four-star to be situated on The Walk.

Having just opened its newly carved doors to the public, as recently as December 2012, the hotel has already gained a hugely positive response. Perhaps one reason being that it is the latest venture of the prestigious JA Resorts and Hotels.

Its parent company already owns the wellknown Dubai resorts –

the Oasis Beach Tower and Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the Ocean View Hotel celebrates its surroundings by boasting a total of 342 rooms and suites, most of which feature sea views (hence the befitting name).

With each room featuring all the mod-cons, including a flat-screen television, guests can make the most of the large selection of international satellite channels and avail of free-wifi across the premises.

Shopping

Holding a prominent and fortunate position on The Walk, a 1.7kmlong retail and beachside shopping promenade, the hotel is steps away from the public beach it presides over.

It also offers a selection of five different restaurants, meaning there is variety for every guest,

as well as a number of bars, with the inclusion of an executive lounge.

While there is plenty to see and do outside, the hotel hasn’t taken a ny c h a n c e s w h e n it comes to four-star facilities and features a temperature-controlled free-form swimming pool with its own sea views, as well as a spa and health club.

With its for tunate location just seconds from the beach, guests can access the public beach or hop onto a complimentary shuttle to the nearby five-star private beach at Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa. For a day away from the beach, the hotel also offers complimentary shuttle service to all major shopping malls.

“Ocean View Hotel appeals to a range of travellers, whether its families with young children who’ll love the kids club and pool, or couples who prefer the

Dubai is becoming ever more popular as a destination for sun, relaxation and, of course, a bit of luxury

A spacious Ocean View Hotel bedroom suite

range of different dining concepts,” explained William Harley-Fanning, the general manager of the new hotel.

Five-star service

“Ocean View Hotel has been positioned as a four-star but with fivestar service and five-star facilities. We’re located right in the heart of Dubai Marina, so it’s a fantastic base to explore all Dubai’s famous sights and landmarks.”

With fantastic offers set to launch the hotel, William says it has been

a positive start to the year.

“Until October 13, we’re offering a free upgrade from bed & breakfast basis to half board to celebrate the opening and the unique range of dining concepts within the grounds.

We’re sure that’ll be an influencing factor for a lot of our guests and we hope that they’ll then come back again the following year.”  For more informa-

tion, visit www.jaresortshotels.com.

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26 blanch Gazette 24 January 2013

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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

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FastSport Lucan club takes on Air Corps : ESKER

Ava Hutchinson, Fionnuala Britton, Lizzie Lee and Linda Byrne help launch the Great Ireland Run 2013 at the Radission Hotel last week. Picture: Geraldine Woods

athletics: world body confers silver status on phoenix park event

Britton a marquee name for 2013 Great Ireland road race EUROPEAN cross country champion Fionnuala Britton says she is anxiously looking forward to this year’s Spar Great Ireland Run, and “just loves the Phoenix Park”.

She was speaking at the launch of the annual 10km race last week as the Sunday, April 14 was confirmed as the date for this year, announced at the Radisson Hotel in Stillorgan.

Britton is one of the marquee names to compete in the race and launched the event along with fellow European senior women’s team mates Linda Byrne, Ava

Hutchinson and Lizzie Lee who all won gold in the team event.

Britton committed to lead the women’s field in the run where she finished seventh in 2011. “I just love the Phoenix Park,” she said.

“There is no place better in Europe to run and the buzz around the Spar Great Ireland Run is incredible. Each year it gets bigger and better with more and more kids in their own races; and then runners, joggers and walkers of all abilities start in a top class international race to aim for their own personal best.”

This year’s run will be all about enjoying a family running day out. It will begin with a Spar mini-run for five- to eight-year-olds over a lap of a mile and an adult can run or walk alongside each child.

After the mini-run comes the junior run for nine- to 15-year-olds over a longer distance of 2.5km.

The day is topped off by the 10km main event which covers a scenic single lap of the Phoenix Park in its springtime glory.

The International Association of

Athletics Federations has conferred its Silver Road Race label on the Spar Great Ireland Run, in recognition of the event’s high standard of organisation, elite participation and media profile.

This is the only Irish event recognised in this way by the IAAF. Last year’s event was won in a stunning course record time of 27.49 by multiple Olympic gold medallist Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia.

The women’s champion was Gemma Steel of Great Britain in 32.06.

The 2013 run will also act as the Irish 10k road championships.

ABC are running a boxing competition with The Irish Air Corps on Friday, January 25 at 7.30pm in Baldonnel Aerodrome.

With over 10 senior and intermediate bouts on the night, it promises to be a great match up that the two organisation are hoping to turn into an annual match.

It also serves Esker ABC in their preparations to take on a team from The New York State Athletic Club in New York on March 14.

Esker senior coach Martin O’Connell is a serving sergeant with the Defence Forces and has been instrumental in organising this event alongside Irish senior champion Tommy Sheehan.

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 24 January 2013

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: large local contingent in international squad

Tyrrelstown school enjoy cricket explosion A NEWLY formed sponsorship arrangement between Cricket Ireland and RSA has seen a vast amount of cricket sets distributed to schools around the Leinster area.

Karl Lynch, a teacher at Tyrrelstown Educate Together NS in west Dublin, was delighted to receive the new RSA-sponsored equipment and has seen first-hand the progress cricket has made since it started within the school.

Lynch, from Ballygawley in Co Tyrone and a playing member of the well-known Aireagal Chiarain GAA club has witnessed the game’s rise within the school of late.

“Last year, through the help of Cricket Ireland and Fingal County Council, we started a cricket coaching programme with a small number of the fourth and fifth class children.

“The sessions proved a great success and from the teacher’s point of view it was most enjoyable as the children were so involved that behaviour was not a problem.

“It is a great game for both boys and girls to compete in evenly. The children learned some great skills relating to teamwork and more importantly communication’.

“Since then, they have been nagging me to start up a school team and to partake in the various competitions that run during the final school term. Give us another year and we will look to enter the Leprechaun Cup.”

Clondalkin man Glenn Whelan is among the more established names in Giovanni Trappatoni’s panel to meet Poland

Dublin duo eye Republic debut  peter carroll sport@gazettegroup.com

COOLMINE man Stephen Henderson a n d P o r t m a r n o c k ’s Conor Sammon could be in line for a Republic of Ireland debut after he was named in Giovanni Trappatoni’s extended 27-man panel to face Poland in the Three international friendly on February 6 in Aviva Stadium.

The shot-stopper was one of three goalkeepers named in the panel along with Kieron Westwood and David Forde as a number of Dublin-

ers received call-ups.

Sammon, meanwhile, gets the nod after a particularly impressive festive period with Derby County, netting four times since the start of December.

Former St Joseph’s Boys players abounded as Darren O’Dea, Paul McShane and Andy Keogh have all been included while Clondalkin man Glenn Whelan and Portmarnock’s Stephen Ward are among the more established names in the panel.

The Republic of Ireland manager was forced

to cancel his press conference in Dublin last Monday after his sister, Romilde Trapattoni, 81, passed away after a long illness in the early hours of this morning.

Speaking about the selection, though, the Tr a p a t t o n i s a i d : “ I have decided to use this friendly game as an opportunity to work with younger players to see their potential.

“As a result, I have given senior players like Robbie Keane and Stephen Kelly a break for this fixture. We saw a number of strong performances from our

younger players in the second half of last year .

“We intend to build from those strong foundations, using this friendly match to introduce more new talent like Anthony Pilkington, Jeff Hendrick, Sammon and (Richard) Keogh. I look forward to working with these players, and seeing what they have to offer.”

Elsewhere, former Joey’s player Sam Byrne has been included in Republic of Ireland U19 team manager Paul Doolin for the forthcoming friendly inter-

nationals against the Czech Republic.

The Irish will face the Czechs in Longford on Tuesday, February 5, and again in Athlone on Thursday, February 7, as they build up their preparations for the UEFA Championships elite qualifying round in June.

Doolin is pleased to have a number of players back at his disposal after injuries curtailed their involvement in the first phase in Luxembourg last October when the Irish finished joint top of their group with Germany.

24 January 2013 blanch Gazette 29

Dubs cruise into O’Byrne Cup final Club Noticeboard  sport@gazettegroup.com

DUBLIN cruised into the final of O’Byrne Cup with a 4-15 to 0-10 win over Louth in Drogheda last weekend.

Four first half goals paved the way for the win, setting up a final date with Kildare next Saturday evening at 7pm in Parnell Park.

Two of the goals came inside a 60-second spell with Bernard Brogan on the mark on both occasions in the tenth minute as Dublin got off to a flying start to lead 2-4 to 0-2 after only 20 minutes.

In the 22nd minute Emmet O’Conghaile raised Dublin’s third green flag when his point effort dipped under the cross-

bar as the Wee County’s defence found themselves under constant pressure with Denis Bastick and Declan O’Mahony on top at midfield and wing-back Jack McCaffrey breaking with telling effect from the middle sector.

In first half injury-time Paul Hudson fisted to the net to end a confident move by Dublin that

invovled Diarmuid Connolly, Paddy Quinn and Paddy Andrews as the Dubs led 4-8 to 0-7 at the interval.

Dublin used the second half to introduce a number of subs including newcomers like Shane Carthy, Paul Mannion and Cormac Costello all members of this year’s U21 panel.

hurling: peregrine’s foley in north dublin team

st brigid’s 2013 memberships are now due. Adult

The club lotto this Thursday, Janu-

playing members, who pay their 2013

ary 24 in Russell Park has a jackpot

membership before this Saturday,

of €14,000.

January 26 will be charged the 2012

Our club calendar for 2013 is now

rate. All other memberships paid

available in the club shop, from

after this date will be charged the

behind the bar or by contacting

new 2013 rate. The club are hosting

Cathy on 086 821 0502.

Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday,

The club are still collecting your

February 16 in the clubhouse with its

old or broken mobile phones. Please

own members taking to the dance

leave them in the collection box

floor. Tickets are €20 and are on sale

behind the bar.

now.

The club’s Feile teams are hosting

The club nursery for four- to seven-

a family fun quiz with a raffle next

year-olds continues every Saturday

Sunday, January 27 at 4pm in the

from 9.30am to 11am. New members

club; €20 per team of four or €5 per

and families welcome. Contact Paul

person.

on 087 9154748 or see the website for more information.

The annual club Mass takes place on February 1 at 8pm in the club.

New adult members, male and

Our junior ladies footballers are

female, are also welcome as training

on the look out for a new manager/

for 2013 season begins soon. Please

coach. If interested, email info@

email info@stbrigidsgaa.com.

stbrigidsgaa.com.

naomh peregrine WELL done to Robbie and Eric and the

Membership is now due, please con-

Dublin senior footballers on reach-

tact your mentor or attend one of reg-

ing the O’Byrne Cup final. Best of luck

istration membership days.

against Kildare on Saturday.

Thanks to all who attended the foundation coaching course last weekend in the club.

Fingal’s hurlers prepare for their opening game of 2013 at Russell Park last Sunday

Brehony masterclass undoes Fingal effort kehoe cup Fingal DCU  carl duffy

0-15 3-14

sport@gazettegroup.com

TWO first half goals and a man of the match performance from Padraig Brehony proved enough for the students, despite a 0-9 point haul from JohnMatthew Sheridan who led a late Fingal rally in last Sunday’s Kehoe Cup opener in Russell Park.

Naomh Peregrine’s Colm Foley, fresh from his exploits in the Dubs Stars game on New Year’s Day, lined out in the fullforward line and pro-

duced a decent showing throughout as the northsiders started the half the stronger. They scored two points in quick succession in the opening minutes but DCU fought back with points from Brehony and JJ Lennon.

Fingal scored a further six points in the opening 25 minutes in response to the goal and four points scored by DCU. The final minutes proved to be vital as Fingal failed to score a single point and were undone by Brehony, a member of the 2011 AllIreland winning Galway minor team, who showed his experience through-

out.

He grabbed two points and was instrumental in the build-up for the goals scored by Sean McGrath and Cillian Egan to go into the break with a 2-9 to 0-8 lead at the break.

DCU continued to dominate after the restart with two points from Donal Breathnach and a point from JJ Lennon who added to his two points in the first half.

When Brehony topped off an already impressive performance with a goal, it looked like Fingal were going to be completely overrun but this was not the case as Sheridan

scored further points to give Fingal a fighting chance with 10 minutes to go.

Fingal chased the all-important goal that would bring them back into the tie but found the full back line of the Students to be up to task as they harrowed and closed down the Fingal attack.

Foley scored a point, to narrow the lead and was unlucky not to score a goal following a terrific solo run that was denied by a breathtaking save from DCU keeper Damien Gallagher who ensured his side progressed.

The club lotto was not won; numbers drawn were 4, 6, 14 and 24. Next week’s jackpot is €7,400.

The executive committee are looking

The spring series is upon us again;

for members willing to act as mentors

please contact Mary Murtagh if you

with the various club minor and adult

want to order tickets.

hurling, football and camogie teams.

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GazetteSPORT all of your blanch sports coverage from page 27-29

Ireland’s call: Coolmine’s Henderson named in Republic of Ireland squad for Poland fixture P28

january 24, 2013

Daly’s Dublin show: Senior hurling manager upbeat for 2013 campaign P29

Mountview’s Martin Mullarney proved the goal scoring hero last Friday night in their 1-0 victory over Hartstown Huntstown

Mountview break Harts Derby delight for Mountview United as they edge out their nearest and fiercest rivals but Hartstown Huntstown vow to fight back in Premier C  peter carroll

sport@gazettegroup.com

HARTSTOWN Huntstown and Mountview United squared off last Friday night in Hartstown Park, with United taking the three points with a 1-0 victory in the latest instalment of Blanchardstown’s most anticipated derby.

With both sides competing in the title race, three points not only ignited a title challenge but also gave Mountview the bragging rights with a goal from Martin Mullarney making the difference. The rivalry between the two teams has intensified over the last four years as they have matched each other promotion for promotion together with the Hartstown

men usually winning the derby clashes and Mountview taking the league titles.

The ante was raised when Darragh Fowler was given his marching orders just shy of half-time after an initial foul on Noel Bligh followed by a shove on a protesting Andrew Farrell, who felt the Mountview man should have been booked.

Hartstown enjoyed spells of pressure in the second half but only managed to test their opposition keeper on two occasions, with Bligh coming close – hitting the bar from a free kick half way through the second half.

However, Mountview stood firm and took the win on the day and if their satisfaction

wasn’t revealed through Mullarney’s goal celebration, it certainly was with captain Stephen Burke’s exaltations on the final whistle.

HHFC assistant manager Gary Moore believes the celebrations of the opposition were a sign of relief.

“We certainly didn’t take any offence from it,” said Moore. “Mountview needed the three points after coming off a heavy 5-1 lose the week before. It was obviously a big relief for them and that’s why their celebrations were so extreme.

“Our lads probably didn’t deserve to win but we didn’t deserve to lose either and we should have taken one of the chances we had.

“If we win the rest of our games we’ll win

the league and I know we’re capable of it.

“Things like that celebration will keep them focused for the rest of the year, and we’ve signed Ian Brazil who should really make a difference.”

Brazil is a former Kildare County and Tymon Celtic man who is well known in the Dublin 15 area for his vision, timing and passion on the field.

Most recently playing in the middle of the park, the Hartstown man has also played as a centre half in his schoolboy years.

“No one can just walk into the first 11 in this team, but Ian has shown a lot of potential in training and I’m sure he will be able to work his way in there.”