Blanchardstown Gazette

Blanch GAZET TE FREE

February 21, 2013 Find us on

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

INSIDE: Make your child’s communion or confirmation day extra special See P18

IN THE HOT SEAT: Stars turn out for launch of new movie experience See Page 6

Winning form: John’s golden performance Stars:

Fourth annual Gazette Sports Awards preview Page 28

Football:

Brogan inspires Leinster into Inter-pro final Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES......................6 DUBLIN LIFE...................11 OUT&ABOUT ..................17 CLASSIFIEDS ................26 SPORT ...........................27

JOHN Coglan (centre) from Blan-

chardstown’s Metro St Brigid’s AC and son of Irish track legend Eamonn, took first place in the men’s 1500m event at the Woodie’s DIY AAI Senior Indoor Championships at Athlone Institute of Technology International Arena recently. John is pictured with second place Eoin Everard, Kilkenny City Harriers AC (left), and third place Joe Warne, Doheny AC as well as Ray Colman, chief executive of Woodie’s DIY and Ciaran O Cathain, president of Athletics Ireland.

Tributes are paid to former councillor Community says goodbye to local activist Gerry Lynam

 LAURA WEBB

TRIBUTES have been paid to former councillor and community activist Gerry Lynam, who passed away last week.

He served as Fingal councillor in the Mulhuddart ward between 1999 and 2004 and represented a number of local organisations.

Stephen Peppard of Fingal County Council corpo-

rate affairs department said: “Gerry was a very effective councillor who represented his constituency very well during his time as a councillor and after.”

Susan King of Phoenix

FM worked with Gerry and said: “Gerry was the kindest person I ever met.”

Gerry passed away on February 15 at Our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross.

Full Story on Page 2

2 BLANCH Gazette 21 February 2013

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

death ‘The kindest person I ever met’

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 Production: Suzanne Sheehy ssheehy@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240 sales@gazettegroup.com

Find us on

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.

Gerry was involved in the running of Dublin 15’s local radio station, Phoenix FM. Picture: Dave Murtagh

Tributes paid to former councillor Gerry Lynam Members of the Dublin 15 community have expressed their sympathies following the death of former councillor and community activist Gerry Lynam.

Gerry died on February 15 at Our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross. He is survived by his wife Anne, and children Karl, Sarah, Brian and Emma.

He served as a Fingal county councillor in the Mulhuddart ward between 1999 and 2004 and represented a number of local organisations including Blanchardstown Area Partnership, Networking Dublin 15 and Greater Blanchards-

 laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

town Response to Drugs.

He was also involved in the running of Dublin 15’s local radio station, Phoenix FM. Outreach and Training coordinator at Phoenix FM, Susan King, worked with Gerry on his radio programme, Down Your Street. Susan said his programme was about “giving a voice to his community and helping community

groups get their messages out there”.

“Gerry was the kindest person I ever met. I’ve seen him help people in desperate situations and no one but that person would know,” she said.

Stephen Peppard of Fingal County Council Corporate Affairs Department said: “Gerry was a very effective councillor who represented his constituency very well during his time. We worked together on many projects over the five years and, since he lost his seat, he continued to remain quite active in the community.

“He was a founding member of the Harmony

Cup football tournament.

It started off as a north/ south community football tournament and has since transformed itself into the Fingal Festival of Football, he was very much a part of that event and it will be a different tournament this year without him,” he added.

Dublin West TD Patrick Nulty (Lab) expressed his condolences to Gerry’s family: “Gerry was from a well-known and respected Clonsilla family and he will be sadly missed by many people.

“I knew Gerry well since I was a child and enjoyed many conversations with him.

“Throughout his life he was dedicated to community activism and in particular to encouraging and supporting young people to play their part in community life within Dublin 15,” Deputy Nulty added.

Mulhuddart councillor Kieran Dennison (FG) said: “I got to know him first when we were both active in the Dublin 15 Community Council.

I know he was warmly regarded by officials and councillors alike. He was always committed to developing the local community and the area will be poorer with his passing,” he added.

Spring Break music festival on the way SAFER Blanchardstown will host their first Spring Break Festival at the Fingal Plaza on Thursday, March 28 from 7pm to 10pm, and people are being called upon to book early.

“It’s a music festival for young people to give them an alternative

music experience where there are no drugs or alcohol allowed. We will be highlighting local bands,” said coordinator of Safer Blanchardstown, Philip Jennings.

Safer Blanchardstown hopes that this will become an annual event for secondary school stu-

dents aged 13 and over.

The event is sponsored by Superquinn, and there will be food and soft drinks available.

A limited number of tickets costing €10 will be available in the coming weeks from various community centres and youth

groups. The full line-up will be announced soon. For more information, log on to www.facebook. com/BlanchardstownSpringBreak, follow them on Twitter at @SpringBreakD15, or email blanchardstownspringbreak@ gmail.com.

21 February 2013 BLANCH Gazette 3

social housing: council meeting

enterprise

‘Figures show there is a housing crisis’

Training courses offered

A TOTAL of 311 applicants for Social Housing Support in Blanchardstown are in need of fourbedroom accommodation.

T h e f i g u r e s we r e released following a question asked by Cllr Gerry McGuire (Lab) at the Fingal County Council (FCC) meeting, which was held at the council buildings in Swords on February 11.

The figures reveal that in total, 627 applicants are in need of four-bedroom accommodation in accordance with the Allocations Scheme for Social Housing Support by first area of preference; of which 131 are in Balbriggan, 116 are in Swords and 69 are in

Malahide/Howth.

T h e r e a r e 9 ,79 0 approved applicants for Social Housing Support who have applied to FCC as of February 6.

The average waiting time on the waiting list is six to eight years, depending on applicants, area of preference and the availability of dwellings.

In a statement, local TD Patrick Nulty (Lab) said that the figures show that there is a housing crisis in Ireland which the political system has adopted a “head in the sand” approach to resolving.

“Almost 50% of these applicants (311) require housing in the Blanchardstown area. Many of these families are trapped in

rented accommodation, meaning that Government money is going into the pockets of landlords,” said Nulty.

“We need to change course and stop the privatisation of social housing. The resources used to pay rent supplement should be transferred to signing long-term leases or acquiring those homes.

That would mean the state has an asset for its investment.Families are being left in limbo on housing lists that are growing.

“This is a huge source of frustration and a clear demonstration that inertia and denial are what guide social policy in this area, not the public interest,” he concluded.

Riding high: Blanch firm in finals vincent weldon and Barry Hennessy (centre) from Tech Refrig-

eration and Air Conditioning, Blanchardstown, have every reason to look pleased as they have been short-listed as finalists for the Small Firms Association (SFA) National Small Business Awards 2013. The firms were named as Services Award Finalist. The event highlights the entrepreneurship, innovation and achievements of small enterprises and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony which will take place in March. The pair are pictured with Mark Harris and Ronan Hever, AIB.

THE Enterprise Department of Blanchardstown Area Partnership is offering various training courses this year.

They are hosting a variety of courses, workshops and seminars for business people and people who want to start a business.

The next classes are Using Social Media for your Business on March 1, and Get Your Message Right on March 8.

Most classes cost €5 and take place from 9.30am to 1pm. For the full list of classes and booking details, visit www.bap.ie/ enterprisetraining.

4 BLANCH Gazette 21 February 2013

council: new facility

Pitch update called for The construction of the all-weather pitch at Mary Mother of Hope National School is “badly needed”, according to local councillor Mary McCamley.

Cllr McCamley asked Fingal County Council (FCC) for an update on the construction of the pitch and how long it will

treatment Girl battling rare tumour

be delayed at the Castleknock/Mulhuddart Area Committee meeting on Thursday, February 7.

FCC said the tender documentation is with the department for review prior to going out to tender, and it is hoped that this will happen in the near future.

Kasey Kelly, who is battling a rare and malignant form of brain tumour

Sponsored walk to help raise funds for Kasey  Hiromi Mooney

A SPONSORED walk will take place at the Phoenix Park this Sunday, February 24, at 3pm to help raise funds for two-year-old Kasey Kelly, who is battling a rare and malignant form of brain tumour.

When she was 10 months old, Kasey was diagnosed with the aggressive tumour Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid (ATRT), which has a survival rate of 10%.

Following extensive research, Kasey’s family contacted an ATRT specialist at the DanaFarber Cancer Institute

in Boston, Dr Susan Chi. Dr Chi was willing to give Kasey a treatment that is not available in Ireland, and gave her a prognosis of 50%.

However, on top of the travel and living expenses, the medical treatment was estimated to cost €450,000.

Although the HSE’s treatment abroad scheme will fund half or more of the treatment costs for procedures that cannot be performed here, Kasey’s oncologist at Crumlin Children’s Hospital declined to sign the form that recommends the treatment as he did not support the course

of treatment, and said he could not send her for treatment “under false pretences”.

Kasey’s great grandfather Christy Whelan told The Gazette that the medical costs could now be as high as €650,000. He said that they have raised over €300,000 from fundraising last year.

“It’s going very well at the moment, and all the treatments that she’s had so far have been very positive, and she’s responded well,” he said.

“We’d like to thank people for the support we got last year; it was amazing, the support we got all year. We’ve been over the

moon with the way that everyone’s responded, and hopefully we’ll still get the support for the coming year to help Kasey to continue with her treatment, and hopefully we’ll get her back well and fit again,” he said.

The sponsored walk, organised for the first time last year by a family friend Rachel, saw around 200 participants raise €32,000. This year Rachel has organised the walk with another friend of the family.

“As a mother, I really would urge everyone who reads this to come out and join in or sponsor us. We all know how

it breaks our hear ts when one of our own children fall and even get a cut to their knee, so if you just stop for one minute to think how hard it must be as a parent to see your child battle cancer.

Every child that battles cancer deserves a gold medal for their bravery, but also every parent that has to be strong and not show their fears in front of their child, and has to stay strong and positive deserves all our help to get them through,” said Rachel.

For more information, log on to www.kare4kasey.com.

21 February 2013 BLANCH Gazette 5

6 BLANCH Gazette 21 February 2013

R1

gazetteGALLERIES

Norma Sheehan and Scott Benwell

Rebecca Redmond and Caitlin Mahon

Megan Lawlor and Lauren Curly

Aoibhin Garrihy and Sarah McGovern

Mairead Farrell and Paul Waren

21 February 2013 BLANCH Gazette 7

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

Dave Bennett and Lou Conlon Leanne Moore and Lianne Kavanagh

Niamh Garrahan and Gill Fanning

odeon cinema: launch of new movie experience

In the hot seat A

Colm O’Dwyer and Nimah Reynolds

whole host of stars were at the ODEON Cinema Blanchardstown recently as they unveiled the brand new luxury leather seating installed throughout the isense screen (screen 1). Invited guests got the chance to enjoy the comfort of the new seating and the isense experience with a special screening of new hit comedy This is 40, with the ‘essential’ drink and popcorn provided. Guests on the night included ODEON Cinemas isense ambassador Mairead Farrell, actress Aoibhinn Garrihy, Dublin GAA player Eamon Fennell, Irish cricketer Alex Cusack, DJ Nikki Hayes actress Norma Sheehan and model Sarah McGovern.

Alex and Celine Cusack

8 BLANCH Gazette 21 February 2013

huntstown Youth cafe

drama

Veronica’s Room at Draiocht COOLMINE Drama Circle will stage their production of Veronica’s Room

by Ira Levin at Draiocht next month.

The group will host their performances from Tuesday, March 12 to Saturday, March 16 at 8.15pm.

The play depicts the story of an elderly couple inviting young Susan and her date to the Brabissant’s mansion, as they were amazed by Susan’s strong resemblance to the long-dead daughter of the family for whom they work, Veronica. They gradually convince Susan to impersonate Veronica, as Veronica’s sister still believes she is alive.

Tickets cost €16 and €13 for concession, and are available to purchase from www.draiocht.ie.

Rhythm night  Laura Webb

Picture perfect: Phoenix Park exhibition goes down a treat the Visitor Centre in the Phoenix Park played host to a fascinating

art exhibition recently from the Aisling Art Group, which is comprised of five Dublin artists, Catherine Cahill, Evelyn Hanrahan, Anne Prendeville, Mary Morris and Meave Seavers. The exhibition featured a wide range of subjects painted in glorious colours. Visitors were very impressed with the skill and talent on display with a few making purchases. Pictured are artists Mary Morris and Anne Prenderville.

Stars in the making will have the chance to showcase their talent with the opening of Huntstown Youth Cafe’s Rhythm Nite.

The opening night of the youth cafe takes place on Monday February 25, at Huntstown Community Centre and is set to become a hangout hotspot for local musicians.

“It is for young people aged from 14 -18 years, but if they are 18 plus and they are interested in helping out or they love music and want to be part of it, or can come in as mentors, they can do that too,” organiser and Foroige youth officer, JK Onwumereh, said.

According to JK, the reaction to the new cafe is “brilliant”.

“Everyone likes the concept. We were just thinking of doing something different. There has never been a youth cafe in Huntstow n.

Youth cafes are not a new concept, but this particular one is definitely a new concept, we have never had a music cafe before.

“We started thinking, what if we organise a cafe that has a music theme, as opposed to games and sports, how would people feel about it, and the reaction was really great,” JK explained.

Three to four acts will be booked in advance and will perform each Monday. However, the

cafe will try to accommodate anyone who wants to perform on the night if there is room.

“If there are more acts that come and want to come up like an open mic, that is fine too, we will try to slot them in.

Rappers, solo singers, dance acts, different groups can come up and perform and entertain ever y Monday,” said JK. “It is an opportunity for people who want to practise their songs.

It will help build confidence and give them an idea of what it is like out there, performing in front of a real live audience. We offer them the stage to make it their own.

“At the moment it’s not going to be a full

21 February 2013 BLANCH Gazette 9

set to launch talent showcase

a chance to shine band playing, it’s going to be acoustics but down the line we might begin to organise a full band set alongside it,” he added.

The Huntstown Youth Cafe Rhythm Nite will take place every Monday from 8 to 10pm.

Although membership of the cafe will be drawn from the Huntstown/Hartstown parish area only including Ongar, Clonee and Littlepace, performers may come from any part of Blanchardstown, but must be recommended by a youth officer.

Contact JK on 086 170 0373 for further information, or drop into the Huntstown Community Centre.

Foroige youth officer, JK Onwumereh, pictured (far right) at an event in Hartstown last year, says the youth cafe will help build confidence

Why advertise with the Gazette?

Let our advertisers tell you why:

“

Dlr Leisure Services has been using Dublin Gazette Newspapers for a number of years to communicate with our customers on our programmes.

We find the service we received excellent and they always offer us good value for money. The personal touch of having an account manager makes our life so much easier. The Dundrum & Dún Laoghaire Gazette covers the areas in which our centres are located. Dlr Leisure Services would have no hesitation recommending the Gazette to others to promote their company.

“

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

10 BLANCH Gazette 21 February 2013

21 February 2013 Gazette 11

schools P14

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

archives: consult a professional genealogist

Research your family tree for free at the National Archives The National Archives of Ireland (NAI) is providing a free family history service to visitors to the archives in Bishop Street.

Members of the public can consult a professional genealogist about sources relating to their family history free of charge. The archives house every historical record of the modern Irish state.

The Gazette spoke to head of reader services in the NAI, Aideen Ireland, about the free service and how the pub-

lic has been responding to it.

“The free public service has been running since 2003 where people can come in and speak to a genealogist for half an hour or more about their family history.

“It’s been very popular but since the downturn in the economy there has been a drop off in numbers.

“We used to offer a full day’s service but can’t any longer. Now we offer the service from Monday to Friday from 10am to 1.30pm

and we will continue to provide it for as long as we can afford to. I urge people coming in to bring as much of their own material as they can into the experts to quicken the process.

“When people come in they first have to apply for a reader’s ticket. They then talk to one of our genealogists who may then steer them to our document room where they can order what they need for further research.

They may also be advised to

look at our microfilm or be given links to other institutions.

“People can also come back to see the same genealogist or a different one to continue their family research, and we encourage them to do this again and again.”

If you are interested in discovering more about your lineage, go to the fifth floor of the National Archives, at the back of the Reading Room.

Visitors are dealt with on a first-come, first-served basis.

The National Archives of Ireland

asdfsdaf business P27 P16



Gazette

diary P12

12 Gazette 21 February 2013

Gazette

dublinlife

competition, to search for Ireland’s best dancers

Show off your dance skills with Funtasia contest DANCE fever is sweeping across Dublin this week, as Funtasia begins the search for Ireland’s best dancers.

Taking inspiration from the hit TV show, Got2Dance is open to all ages and styles of dance and will be held at Bettystown, Co Meath on Sunday, February 24, March 3 and March 10.

“We’re looking for Ireland’s best dancers,” said Andree McCarthy of Funtasia. “We’ve arranged a superb line-up of guest judges who are renowned in the world of dance, including Aidean Byrne, a hip-hop dancer with Raw Edge Crew, and Tobi Omoteso, whose hip-hop routines have earned him international acclaim both featured on Sky TV’s Got2Dance. We are also thrilled to welcome Belinda Murphy, a chore-

ographer and dancer with Riverdance.”

For more information, visit www.funtasia.ie.

Join oxfam’s together on women’s day OXFAM is calling Dubliners to join hundreds of people all over Ireland by hosting an Oxfam Get Together for International Women’s Day on March 8, and help raise money to support women living in poverty worldwide.

An Oxfam Get Together can be anything from a coffee morning to a movie night or even a karaoke night. The heart of the idea is to get together with friends, family and colleagues and do something that you love – while fundraising for Oxfam.

Speaking about her recent trip to Tanzania, Oxfam Ireland ambassa-

dor and judge on RTE’s The Voice of Ireland Sharon Corr said that this can change lives in the poorest areas of the world.

“An Oxfam Get Together is simple. Just organise something fun with the people you love spending time with – and help raise vital funds that will transform the lives of women affected by poverty and injustice around the world,” she said.

To download your Oxfam Get Together fundraising pack or to find out more, visit www.oxfamireland.og/gettogether.

scramble to find eggs for jack and jill A GREAT Lily O’Brien sponsored Easter egg hunt is on in Dublin until Easter Saturday, March 23, in aid of the Jack and Jill Foundation.

Over 100 fibreglass eggs will be hidden around Dublin and the hunt is on to find them.

Each egg is 75cm high and has been decorated by well-known artists and celebrities.

To get involved, you have to find 20 of the eggs and collect the code on each one.

You can then enter a draw to win a grand prize of diamonds and other smaller gifts, including chocolate factory visits and a year’s supply of chocolate from Lily O’Brien’s.

At the end of the Big Egg Hunt, the decorated eggs will be auctioned for charity in aid of the Jack and Jill Foundation through an online auction, and there will also be a live auction at the Four Seasons Hotel on Saturday, March 23.

Sell

Your

Dancer Tobi Omoteso will be a guest judge for Funtasia’s Got2Dance dance

diary

Sale advertise your sale with the Gazette...

Call us now on 60 10 240

21 February 2013 Gazette 13

Seachtain na Gaeilge set to return

campaign: 5km event in aid of UNICEF Ireland

Race to cut children’s mortality rate to zero A 5km race is being held on March 2 in St Clare’s Sports Grounds in Glasnevin in aid of UNICEF Ireland, and has been organised by a group of seven students who are studying for a MSc in marketing in DCU. The students are hoping to raise €4,000 for UNICEF Ireland as part of the international organisation’s Believe In Zero campaign.

“Every day, 19,000 children die from causes we can prevent, like malaria, malnutrition and exposure. UNICEF believes that number should be

zero,” their spokesperson said.

“Over the last 50 years, UNICEF and its partners have helped reduce the worldwide child mortality rate by more than half.

Five years ago, 25,500 children died every day from preventable causes.

Much of that success is recent—the result of tried and true lifesaving interventions and programmes perfected in more than 150 countries.

“No other humanitarian organisation saves more children’s lives than UNICEF. By joining the Race To Zero on March

2, you can help UNICEF work to toward the day when zero children die from preventable causes.”

Caroline Keyes, spokesperson for the group at DCU, said: “We feel this event is a great way to get fit and have fun whilst suppor ting children around the world who need help.

“The money raised will go towards the charity’s Believe in Zero campaign.”

The race is open to everyone to run, jog or walk.

Race start time is 11am with registration (picking

up race numbers) beginning10am. Entry fee is €20 for adults and €10 for students. For more information about the event, log on to Facebook at www.facebook.com/ UnicefirelandRaceToZero, or register directly on www.unicef.ie.

If you have any queries about the Glasnevin event or would like more information, email Caroline at unicef5km@gmail. com or call on 086 158 8433.

For more information log on to www.unicef.ie/ GetInvolved/5km-Raceto-Zero--35-93.aspx

Gazette

feature

The race takes place on March 2 in Glasnevin

Early next month sees the return of Seachtain na Gaeilge which will this year be packed with Gathering events as well as Bliain na Gaeilge.

Organisers have a host of treats as gaeilge lined up with a special calendar of Irish-language events happening locally and nationally from March 4 to 17. It is hoped that the use of Irish will spread across the world throughout 2013.

Seachtain na Gaeilge 2013 will mark Bliain na Gaeilge as its biggest festival and will be celebrating 120 years of the revival of the Irish language.

All events can be accessed via the website at www.snag.ie.

dublinlife

schoolLife

Get involved with our new Gazette schools pages As part of the relaunch of the Dublin Gazette Newspapers, we are reaching out to all the schools in our catchment areas to become a closer part of our community than ever before.

Schools are the beating hearts of communities, one of the last places around which a community can gather.

We are calling on budding writers and photographers from all of our schools to help fill the pages and, in order to encourage the next generation of journalists and snappers to get involved, we are partnering with Harvey Norman to present the Dublin Gazette Newspapers’ Cub Reporter and Cub Photographer of the Year awards.

For more details, contact rheigh@gazettegroup. com, or on 01 601 0240.

schools

st benildus college: students’ success in aib challenge

Building the perfect bank  Bhadrajee Hewage

St Benildus College, Kilmacud

Students at St Benildus College created their Solid Savings Bank recently to compete in the 2012/2013 AIB Build-aBank challenge, a competition aimed at educating Transition and 5th Year students about the reality of the banking world, including marketing and business.

The school has been competing in the Builda-Bank Challenge for over seven years now and this year’s competition saw over 30 students competing for six places on the banking team.

AIB Student Officer, Frank Browne of the Sandyford Branch, selected Bhadrajee Hewage for the position of manager, Stephen McEntee for assistant manager, Michael Crowley for the position of sales and marketing executive, Kevin Treanor as auditor and Adam McCormack and James Kearney as tellers.

SSB held its grand opening in early January 2013 and were generously supplied with balloons for the occasion by Leisureplex, Stillorgan.

The grand opening was so successful that 52 accounts were opened on the day and at the time of

St Benildus Bank Builders Adam McCormack, Kevin Treanor, Michael Crowley, James Kearney, Bhadrajee Hewage and Stephen McEntee. Picture: Frank Browne

print, over 80 accounts have been opened. This is about 80% more than the amount created last year and around 125%

more than the amount created by the banking team two years ago. The bank offers savings services, issues laser and debit

cards, allows customer to sign up for 24hr internet and mobile banking, and allows customers to lodge money.

Why advertise with the Gazette?

Let our advertisers tell you why:

“

Dlr Leisure Services has been using Dublin Gazette Newspapers for a number of years to communicate with our customers on our programmes.

We find the service we received excellent and they always offer us good value for money. The personal touch of having an account manager makes our life so much easier. The Dundrum & Dún Laoghaire Gazette covers the areas in which our centres are located. Dlr Leisure Services would have no hesitation recommending the Gazette to others to promote their company.

“

Gazette

14 Gazette 21 February 2013

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

21 February 2013 Gazette 15

FEATURE Major new contemporary music festival in Dublin is announced

Anti-bullying campaign to be launched

A major new music festival has been announced for Dublin and will allow people the chance to experience and explore new contemporary music from Ireland and abroad.

The first New Music Dublin (NMD) event, which takes place between March 1 and 3, has been set up by the Arts Council, The National Concert Hall, RTE Orchestras and the Contemporary Music Centre.

The festival will be held in the National Concert Hall and will showcase a broad range of musical creativity with the work of major international and Irish artists on offer.

Included in the NMD line up will be the RTE

The ISPCC, Ireland’s oldest independent children’s charity, will be launching an anti-bullying campaign this spring.

Believing there is a need for a concerted effort nationwide to work in partnership with schools, parents and communities to reduce incidents of bullying, the ISPCC will be hosting an anti-bullying awareness week from March 4 to 10, together with a nationwide campaign to raise awareness.

A Day of Action will take place on March 8, which will see staff and volunteers of ISPCC selling the “bullying shield” (€2) nationwide to raise awareness and funds for the charity’s cause.

Concert Orchestra performing the Irish premiere of Arvo Part’s Symphony No 4, Garth Knox will bring his Italian inspired Saltarello to the stage, and the Hilliard Ensemble will be singing the haunting music of Icelandic composer Johann Johannson.

In addition to the principal concerts, NMD has a schedule of workshops, masterclasses and other events to appeal to Dublin music lovers.

As well as the National Concert Hall, the Contemporary Music Centre (CMC) will play an important role in New Music Dublin by also hosting a number of events specifically to promote and support Irish composition.

Here,TCD Music Composition Centre will perform new music and show a documentary about composer Raymond Deane which was commissioned

by CMC for Deane’s 60th birthday.

Evonne Ferguson, director of CMC says: “I can’t wait for an entire weekend of immersion in such unique sound worlds from Ireland and abroad that puts Irish composition in a wider European and international context.

My only problem for the weekend is how not to miss anything.”

Tickets costing €5, are available from the box office of the National Concert Hall on 417 0000 or online at info@nch.ie

Cheque it out: Helping to grant magical wishes of sick children john Tuohy, chief executive, Nightline, presenting a cheque for

€5,000 to Susan O’Dywer, Make-A-Wish Ireland. Nightline Parcel Motel raised €1 from every parcel delivered over the Christmas period and is presenting all proceeds raised to charity partner Make-A-Wish Ireland. The Make-A-Wish foundation grants magical wishes to children between the ages of 3-17 years with lifethreatening medical conditions. All proceeds raised will be donated and used to grant the wishes of children nationwide creating wonderful lasting memories that will stay with their families forever regardless of what the future may hold.

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 21 February 2013

DUBLINLIFE

BUSINESS

Q&A: BRENDAN CUMISKEY, MANAGING DIRECTOR, TC MATTHEWS

Value to leave you floored DESPITE the impact of the recession, Brendan Cumiskey, managing director, TC Matthews, says that the firm – the biggest seller of wool carpets in the country – has noted that the demand for quality wool carpets has never diminished, even in recession.

“People are happy to look at wool carpets as an investment, rather than as a once-off discretionary purchase,” he says.

He added: “Carpets still account for a big slice of home furnishing spend, and we owe it to our customers to personally advise on what is the best investment for them – as a result, they trust us.

“Because we buy big volumes of wool carpets, we get them at very keen prices, and can then pass these savings on. It means more people who thought they couldn’t afford wool, now can.”

How long have you been in business?

Personally, I’ve been involved in the carpet trade all my life. TCM have been in business for a little longer – 100+ years.

What makes your business successful?

The team: we have the most dedicated staff I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with, and we have great customers – it’s that simple.

What do you offer your clients that differs

from your competitors?

We buy directly from the manufacturers.

Because of our buying power and size, we negotiate prices that others can only try to match by supplying inferior underlays and accessories, and employing less experienced fitters.

Plus, buying the carpet is only part of the process – the installation and service offered is just (if not more) important.

We have the knowledge, dedication, quality, choice and service that is the envy of our competitors.

How has the recession impacted your business?

The collapse of the new housing and commercial building markets really had a

www.

gazette .com

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

huge effect on us.

The subsequent lack in consumer confidence made business extremely challenging.

What have you changed about your business to combat the effects of the recession?

Like every business, we’ve had to “Cut our cloth to suit...”.

Now, more than ever, we focus on only buying products that represent real value – special offers that are more likely to sell quickly; exclusive products that are exactly the right shades, quality and price points for our customers.

We know that we have actually increased our market share and, in fact, we opened our Stillorgan branch just three years ago - right bang in the middle of this recession.

And we very recently opened a superb new showroom in Drogheda’s M1 Retail Park.

What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business?

If it were just to benefit my own business, that would be biased and irrelevant. Better to say that I believe that no one should have to pay tax on a much wider range of day-to-day necessities.

How do you use social media (Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn, etc) to help your business?

We are relative latecomers to social media – carpets are still very much a touchy-feely thing.

We are now investing in this type of media, but we do want to get it “just right” before we dive in.

Brendan Cumiskey: “We have the most dedicated staff I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with”

Don’t take rejection personally if your job application fails ...

“THANK you for your application/your CV/for meeting with us, but unfortunately, on this occasion ...”

You spent three hours on your CV, you met with the company twice, you did a fantastic PowerPoint presentation to their board of directors – and all you got was this lousy stock letter. Not even a phone call.

Not a week goes by but a superb person I know receives a job rejection letter and, let’s face it, even if you weren’t too excited about that job in the first place, a tiny bit of your career confidence dies each time.

Of course, feedback – if you can get it – is always best.

A few years ago, it was simply good etiquette for recruiters and employers to provide feedback.

Many organisations will still give it, but it’s becoming less frequent.

If you can’t fathom any reason whatsoever for your “rejection”, try not to take it personally and move on.

There are a plethora of possible reasons that you will never be a party to.

It could be something as simple as another candidate could start a week earlier and the employer needed to make a decision and didn’t have time to start negotiating with you over start dates.

It could be that head office has put a surprise freeze on recruitment.

A company I know hired one candidate over the other, simply because the decision-maker knew that the Line Manager didn’t like the candidate in question ... and the decision-maker didn’t like the Line Manager.

Petty? Perhaps. Does it happen? Oh, yes. What you have to remember is, it’s not personal, it’s just a process – their process.

If you are continually unsuccessful with your job applications, it may be time to review your approach

However – inclement economic conditions notwithstanding – can you put your hand on your heart and say that, after that CV, that interview, you can’t think of any reason they don’t want you?

If you are racking up a stack of “Thank you, but ...” letters, it may be time to review and amend your approach.

Look at your CV and interview technique in the harsh, cold light of day and be honest with yourself about the effort and time you devote to your applications.

Be clear that job rejection is absolutely no reflection of your personal worth, but don’t continue to do the same things time and time again and expect different results.  Contact Rachael at hello@thecareerhub.ie or visit www.

thecareerhub.ie. Rachael Kilgallon is a FETAC qualified career coach and founder of The Career Hub.

21 February 2013 Gazette 17

asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P24

MOTORS P24

OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week



Gazette

homes P20

We have 135,000* readers each week *based on standard industry measurements

advertise your business to our readers

call 60 10 240

Level 5: Jason Cafolla, Chris Leonard, Dean Gibbons, Shane Thornton and Darren Regazzoli

interview: five teens are taking country by storm

Hottest new boy band taking it to a new level  natalie burke

IRELAND has always been known for its successful boybands, and when it comes to the newest kids on this particular block, it seems we have our own direction.

Gone are the days w h e n We s t l i f e a n d Boyzone graced our walkmans, and in their place have stepped a new, young, hip (can we still use that word?) and passionate fivesome, eager to fill the gaping hole in the market left by their predecessors.

The five boys in question, aged between 16 and 19 years old and hailing from Dublin and Meath, make up Level 5, the country’s hottest new pop act.

Despite being together less than six months, Chris, Dean, Jason, Darren and Shane have already performed to thousands in the 02, performed at the 19th birthday bash of One Direction’s Niall Horan, and have developed a loyal following of Irish teenage girls.

In fact, their fans have

even dubbed themselves the ‘Levelers’, provided the band with a few unusual gifts and have helped the Level 5 Twitter page reach a massive 11,000 followers – and quickly counting.

And all this before they are due to release their first EP. But that is exactly what they have been working on ever since they released a successful Christmas single with X Factor finalist Mary Byrne in December and according to the boys, 2013 is looking to be an

important year for the future of Level 5.

“We’re doing a lot of different things at the moment; we’re writing some of our own stuff and just trying to get the balance right.

“Our EP is the first step and so far we’re having great craic with it, we’re in and out of the studios and doing what we love.

You can’t ask for better than that really,” said 16-year-old Chris, the youngest member of the group.

Continued on Page 21

Gazette

18 Gazette 21 February 2013

COMMUNIONS&CONFIRMATIONS what it means: communion and confirmation explained

Have your special family day at the K Although better known as the venue for some amazing sporting events of recent years, The K Club is also somewhere to consider for special family celebrations, including communions and confirmations.

Located in the village of Straffan, Co Kildare and on the banks of the River Liffey, the hotel is surrounded by 550 acres of mature woods, parkland and magnificent formal gardens – perfect for photographs.

The K Club understand the importance of helping families celebrate these momentous family occasions.

For further details on family celebrations at The K Club call (01) 601 7200 or email sales@ kclub.ie. Full details are also on The K Club website www.kclub.ie.

Everything you need to know about sacraments SILK white gowns, fake tan, stretch limousines and a huge bill. No, I am not talking about a wedding. I am listing some things that are commonly seen at communions and confirmations in 21st century Ireland.

We are fast approaching the months where the two religious sacraments take place, and there is no doubt that many families are preparing their budgets for the big day. It is a reality that nowadays people spend a lot more money on these occasions than

they did in the past, but some of the “traditions” which took place during the Celtic Tiger years aren’t as prevalent today. Of course there are ways of making the day memorable, but there are many ways that parents can ensure that their children do not lose sight of the real meaning behind these milestone events.

But to help your child understand and prepare for these sacraments, it’s important that you fully understand them yourself. So what are they all about?

Firstly, everyone must be baptised before they make their First Holy Communion. Then in the run-up to the communion, children will attend Confession to tell their wrong-doings or sins to a priest, who will give them penance in exchange.

Helping your child understand the meaning of their communion and confirmation will make the day extra special

Communion takes place in May for second class pupils in primary school, when they are aged seven or eight because this is the age when they are “sinfree”. Catholics believe

this sacrament is a remembrance of Jesus’s sacrifice and being united with Him in a special way, by receiving Him at the altar through the Holy Eucharist or holy bread, which symbolises His body.

Confirmation takes place in sixth class, when pupils are usually aged 11 to 13. This is when a child strengthens their commitment to Christ and accepting responsibility as an adult, and is conferred with the Holy Spirit and the laying on of hands by a bishop.

The child will choose a Christian name as their confirmation name, and they will also choose a sponsor to be a witness and to be their support, and the sponsor will stand with the child at the altar.

The bishop will trace the sign of the cross on the child’s forehead

with ‘Chrism oil’ and say: “Be sealed with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.”

So to help prepare your child for these sacraments, it’s a good idea to talk to them about how much they know and understand.

You can also encourage them attending mass or children’s mass with them regularly.

Schools tend to have preparation meetings, so talking to the teachers about how they teach the children about these sacraments can also be a good source of information.

Most impor tantly, remember that communion and confirmation are special celebrations for your child. It’s not about all about how much pocket money they get that day, or whether they have a bouncy castle or not, its all about them.

21 February 2013 GAZETTE 19

GAZETTE

FEATURE TK Maxx €39.99 and €26.99

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

t o n th e ir to lo o k g re a id k ir e th ts n h ave to m e a n Eve r y o n e w a ’t n s e o d t a b u t th s p e c ia l d a y, r tu n e . s p e n d in g a fo e many s t a fe w of th ju n e s o h c s as ha ta il e r s s u c h re G a ze tt e S ty le m o fr le b a e a r. e re ava il a n d D a rl in g w o u tf it s o u t th d n la e Ir s d o tl e w o o rge o u s T K M a x x , L it d by th e s e g e ir p s in t ll e g or h a p py, a s we s y o Ta ke a lo o k , b d n a ls w il l ke e p g ir ke ts . o u tf it s th a t p a re n ts’ p o c ir e th g n ri a as sp Littlewoods Freespirit €50

Darlingwear Dress €220

Darlingwear Hairband €20 Debenhams €93 Littlewoods’ Taylor & Reece Boys Fully-Lined Jacket €39 Taylor & Reece Boys Waistcoat and Cravat, from €17 and Single Pleat Trousers, from €20

TK MAXX 14 Criss Cross pearl dress €26.99 and lace front tutu dress €39.99

Gazette

20 Gazette 21 February 2013

OUT&ABOUT

HOMES

newlands manor park: three-bedroom style

To the Manor born, a fresh new home Broe Auctioneers are presenting 40 Newlands Manor Park in Clondalkin, a deceptively spacious three-bedroom house boasting generous room propor tions throughout, to the market with an asking price of €225,000.

Positioned in a quiet cul de sac in this sought-after gated development with private access to 700 acres of parkland at Corkagh Park Demesne just off the N7, 40 Newlands Manor Park is presented in very good condition throughout and has been freshly painted offering a blank canvas for its new owner to put their stamp on it.

The property comprises

entrance hall with semi-solid flooring, a guest bathroom with WC, whb and tiled floor. There is a spacious lounge with semisolid flooring, a bay window and feature fireplace with a coal-effect gas fire.

The property boasts a sunroom which also features semi-solid flooring, velux windows, patio doors to the rear of the property and a pine-paneled ceiling.

The kitchen/dining room has fully-fitted beech shaker-style units, as well as cooker, fridge freezer and dishwasher included, and a tiled floor.

The utility room also has a tiled floor and is plumbed for washing machine.

Upstairs, all of the bedrooms feature fitted wardrobes, with the main bedroom leading to an en suite, which contains a WC, whb and shower, and the family bathroom contains the same features, with the addition of a bath.

Outside, the rear garden has a decked area and is surrounded by mature shrubs. There is also ample communal parking to front.

This complex is maintained to a very high standard and benefits from ample communal parking, electric gates and manicured green areas.

The property also comprises gas-fired central heating, an alarm system, and double glazing throughout, and as previously mentioned, direct access to Corkagh Park with private gateway from complex.

Viewing essential to appreciate all this superb family home has to offer, and to arrange a viewing, contact Lisa O’ Donoghue at Broe Auctioneers on 01 459 4433 or email lisa@broe.ie.

For more information, and to view other properties on offer, log on to www.broe.ie

40 Newlands Manor Park is on the market for €225,000

21 February 2013 Gazette 21

interview: all about level 5

Hottest new boy band taking it to a new level

Continued from Page 17

“We’re trying to get something fresh together.

There’s no point bringing out something people already know so we’re working with different ideas,” said band-mate Shane.

Following the boys’ Christmas collaboration with Mary Byrne, they said they would love to work with her again.

“We didn’t know what to expect but she was just so down to earth when we met her and it was such a relief. She was really nice and really looked after us as it was all so new,” said Darren.

Per forming at the Childline concert in the 02 has been the highlight of the band’s career so far, with the boys saying it was a ‘dream come true’.

“There are no words to describe what it is like walking out on to the stage in front of that many people. We were expecting nobody to know us and we could hear them screaming ‘Level 5’ even before we went out on stage. It was breathtaking”, Darren continued.

While the band may be the only all-Irish boyband on the music scene at the moment, Level 5 say they admire solo artists such

as Michael Buble and Justin Bieber, as well as bands they will ultimately be competing against for attention.

“We all admire different people but in terms of success, One Direction have hit the nail on the head. They really have made it and they deserve everything they have because they’ve worked so hard for it,” said Chris.

Traditional

With shows such as The Voice and the X Factor, new pop acts are entering the music scene every year. For the boys of Level 5 however, they are glad to have taken the more traditional route.

“When you go into the X Factor or any of those competitions, it’s very intense, you’re in the limelight from the word go. We feel like we’re going to build up our knowledge and will have done all the small gigs – the good ones and the bad ones – and when we get onto a stage, we will be a lot more polished. We feel like it’s the right way to do it,” Dean explained.

2013 is set to be a big year for the new boyband, who will be featuring in their own reality fly-onthe-wall documentary

series, The Rise of Level 5, which is due to go on air in just a few weeks time. The boys also plan to release a single to coincide with the TV show.

“It’s not going to be a documentary that will make us look fabulous; it shows everything bad and good,” said Jason. “It shows our ups and downs, when we’re just at cracking point and then when then when we’ve tears of happiness as well.”

“People think that being in a band means you just have to turn up, smile and pose – but it’s nothing like that. Every chance we get its practice, practice, practice.

We can’t wait for everyone to see that we actually do work hard. There’s a completely different side to it,” he added.

Unusual

With such a large following, the boys have already experienced being recognised in the city centre and have received some unusual gifts from their fans, including a pet hamster.

“Our fans are great and come everywhere with us. Most days they are [outside our rehearsal studio] and we have to try and convince them to go to school and that educa-

Level 5: Jason Cafolla, Chris Leonard, Dean Gibbons, Shane Thornton and Darren Regazzoli have a busy few months ahead of them

tion is important!”

O ve r t h e c o m i n g weeks, the band are set to take on a nationwide tour across 110 schools fronting the Pieta House Youth Suicide Prevention and Mind Your Buddy campaign. “We’re going to be giving talks as well as performing and trying to help people so it is a great cause”.

With a busy few months ahead, the future is certainly looking bright for the lads of Level 5.

“There is a lot on our wishlist! We would love to release an album and someday we would love to sell out a stadium.

That’s a goal. Next year we hope to do our own gig and even sell that out.

Obviously, it won’t be in the Aviva, but you never know!”

For more information, visit www.level5official. com or become fans/levelers of their Facebook page at www.facebook. com/level5official.

Gazette

MUSIC

Gazette

22 gazette 21 February 2013

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

Theatre THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 A Skull In Connemara

FOR one week each autumn, Mick Dowd is hired to disinter the bones in certain sections of his local cemetery, but is he hiding a secret? February 28March 2, tickets are priced at €18/€16.

Draiocht 01 885 2622 My Brother Joe

JOE Dolan’s brother Ben shared the stage with his younger brother for 47 fun-filled years. Who better than Ben to tell the stories behind Joe’s songs and highlight Joe’s successful singing career? February 28, tickets €22/€18.

Mill THEATRE 01 296 9340 The Importance of Being Earnest

OSCAR Wilde’s theatrical masterpiece is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest comedies in the English language. Wonderful characters, sparkling dialogue, gloriously improbable plot twists and a sprinkling of romance – The Importance of Being Earnest has it all. London Classical Theatre promise to bring this 19th Century classic to vivid, extravagant life with our customary flair, attention to detail, highquality casting and impeccable production values.

Catch the show on February 26 and 27, tickets are priced at €20/€16.

Judd Apatow’s children Iris and Maude and wife Leslie Mann play three quarters of This Is 40’s lead family

review: Judd apatow’s “sort of sequel” is sort of terrible

40 and unfunny

IF JUDD Apatow’s new film, This Is 40 was any realistic indication of middle age, the mortality rate among 39 year olds would be extremely high.

The film is called a stand alone sequel to Apatow’s 2007 hit, Knocked Up and focuses on the supporting characters of Pete played by Paul Rudd and Debbie played by Leslie Mann.

The couple are now turning 40 and their children are growing up and the plot (for want of a better word) revolves around their narcissistic refusal to accept the fact that they are ageing and that their relationship is an empty and unfulfilling disappointment.

Neither character is in any way likeable, they argue constantly and try to find meaning and genuine affection from each other where none exists or is deserved.

This was very hard

Film of the Week: This Is 40 h (15) 133 mins Director: Judd Apatow Starring: Paul Rudd, Leslie Mann, Jason Segel, Megan Fox

OUR VERDICT:  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

work to watch, not least because half of the audience laughed at every vacuous line or cheap sexual innuendo.

The film begins with a sex scene in the shower, in the middle of which Pete, the Paul Rudd character, admits he has taken a Viagra.

This immediately causes the Debbie character to stop the action and launch into one of her many, many whining diatribes about how life and Pete are not as she would wish either to be.

Pete, in true stereotypical Hollywood style as the innocent, nonplussed male, cannot work out

WHERE Knocked Up was earnest, funny and refreshing, this is the exact opposite. Overshot, meandering and unfunny; this film is self-indulgence of the worst kind by Apatow, an otherwise talented director who reckons his own life is so interesting we should all be forced to watch it.

why his wife is angered by such an admission while Debbie moans about not being attractive enough for her husband to perform naturally.

As a character, Debbie is even more annoying than her husband as she seeks constant validation through her physical appearance and the striving for perfection, while all the while having the body of a pre-pubescent girl.

Other characters are as vapid, if not as annoying as the two leads. Pete’s father, Larry, played by Albert Brooks, is a deadbeat who has triplet boys with his new wife thanks

to IVF treatment and constantly bums money off Pete.

This character is thoroughly unfunny, reprehensible and unapologetic but depicted as a charming cad.

Megan Fox makes an appearance as Debbie’s employee Desi who is also a high-class hooker.

She fulfills her role as sex symbol admirably with all of the men justifiably drooling as she disrobes in every other frame.

There is a scene where Debbie is looking at Desi’s body and starts to feel her breasts with fascination as though she has

never seen such things before.

Her co-worker, Jodi, played by Charlene Yi is truly disturbing as the Oxocontin addict with a penchant for imitating the Exorcist’s Regan McNeill.

The whole thing is a bizarre mess of halfformed ideas and flat jokes. The cast of actors which includes John Lithgow, though stellar, can never pull this written off vehicle out of its inertia.

In another weird twist, Chris O’Dowd appears with a full moustache and is literally in competition with Jason Segal, an actor who would be his natural competitor for Hollywood roles.

The only mildly redeeming and amusing bit of the film is a turn by Melissa McCarthy who plays the mother of a boy who has been cyber-bullying Debbie and Pete’s daughter.

21 February 2013 BLANCH GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

GAMING HMV: IMPACT OF CLOSURE FOR GAMERS, SHOPPERS

BYTES&PIECES XBOX FOUNDER ATTACKS MICROSOFT

Death of a giant retailer SO THAT’S it – the curtain has finally come down on HMV in Ireland, with the loss of 300 jobs at the chain’s 16 stores, as yet another retail domino topples over in the merciless chill winds of the recession.

It goes without saying that each one of those jobs is a terrible blow for the individual involved, while the knock-on impact such job losses, and store closures, have on local economies and communities is also to be noted, and regretted.

Stores across Britain have also been affected, with many jobs to be lost there, and shops shuttered, as HMV’s British wing attempts to restructure itself and survive.

Here, the Irish wing’s administrator, Deloitte, had been seeking a buyer for the stores but was unsuccessful, with a statement for the receiver to HMV Ireland, David Carson, announcing: “The marketplace is very difficult, given competition from web-based retailers and digital downloads, compounded by a number of other factors, ... It was not possible to attract a purchaser.”

What does HMV’s closure mean for Irish gamers? The chain’s closure here further reduces gamer choice, with the loss of such physical bricks-and-mortar outlets

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@gazettegroup.com

Key engineer raises eyebrows with “Stupid” blog

HMV’s Grafton Street outlet is now closed for good, as the company joins GAME on the list of collapsed games retailers in Ireland

almost certainly likely to shunt consumers more towards online distributors instead.

Yes, it’s true that a quick glance around Dublin, and elsewhere, reveals a number of games retailers, albeit few that are fully dedicated games retailers, as GameStop are.

Instead, there are several chains that also sell games, such as Smyths Toys, Xtravision, Tesco

– and that’s yer lot.

At the same time, many of the remaining retailers have succumbed to “secondhanditis” – using valuable shelf space to flog traded-in games, rather than set aside space for a wider (and more creative) selection of new or recently released titles.

As such, for gamers looking for real choice for their gaming interests, or to support their platforms,

and Argos, to name but a few, as well as a number of smaller, independent retailers and games exchanges dotted here and there.

However, almost without exception, the range of games available at such well-known outlets is usually small – to say the least – with consumers often lucky to find the top 10 or 15 titles on the main platforms, and often with nothing at all from smaller games platforms

this is a negative development, as gamers often tend to look out for older games that have dropped in price, or “smaller” games that aren’t piled high on shelves as blockbuster titles.

Despite HMV’s flaws, and despite facing the same limitations outlined above, at least it also had an okay range of stock, accounting for an acceptable range of platforms.

But where now for the lowly PC gamer to graze,

for example?

It’s also worth pointing out that HMV were also notably, and often significantly, cheaper than rival retailers – I couldn’t tell you how many times I saw titles on sale in HMV, only to see the same game with eye-raising price differences in rival chains and shops very close by.

As such, with the loss of such a well-known chain and its physical outlets, gamers across the country could be feeling the financial pinch even more acutely than before – that’s if they can find the title they wanted in the first place.

Inevitably, other games distributors and chains should see a bounce in their footfall and sales, with the loss of one of the last remaining giants.

These survivors face their own challenges, with the inexorable rise of online retailers – usually with cheaper prices, and certainly with a wider choice of titles – presenting a very real threat to their sustainability, too.

W here HMV have gone, others may yet follow. Watch this space ...

ONE of the key founders of Microsoft’s original XBox console, Nat Brown, sent ripples through the games media (and other media, such as The Huffington Post) just before St Valentine’s Day with a pretty withering blog attack (to put it mildly) on the company and its management of the XBox 360 (below), bluntly entitled: “Stupid, Stupid xBox!!”

The engineer – who also named the original console – didn’t hold back with his opinions, with such choice jibes as: “Microsoft has jumped its own shark and is out stomping through the weeds planning and talking about far-flung future strategies ... when their core product, their home town is on fire, their soldiers, their developers, are tired and deserting, and their supply-lines are broken.”

Ouch. Brown wasn’t feeling a lot of love for Microsoft for St Valentine’s Day, that’s for sure.

While such opinions are Brown’s own, and while many would rebutt them, some of his irate words raised some interesting (and valid) points about the threat that small-scale apps present to Microsoft, and its console rivals.

With Apple yet to reveal the oftmooted Apple TV, and the plethora of attention-grabbing apps such a move would undoubtely entail, there’s still time for Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo to attempt to prepare for such a threat ...

24 BLANCH gazette 21 February 2013

Gazette

& OUT ABOUT road

rapid: serious practicality at a seriously competitive price

NOISE

Ford invites you to check out their high-tech gadgets

As the first car brand to achieve a total of seven different Euro NCAP Advanced safety rewards in recognition of its wide range of technologies during February, Ford’s network of Dublin dealers is inviting customers to come in and try out the vast array of hightech gadgets that now come as standard or optional on its cars.

From MyKey on the new Fiesta; which allows parents to influence their children’s use of the car just by programming the key, to the new Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance, which automatically alerts the emergency services if a car is in a crash, Ford’s technology is geared towards making the driving experience a much safer one.

Active city stop prevents a car from colliding with a vehicle or other obstacle in front at speeds under 30km/h, while the Lane Keeping Aid warns against veering off line due to fatigue.

The technologies are also geared to

The Ford Kuga

TRAVEL MOTORS

making life more convenient for the driver.

Active park assist, for example, takes away the hassles of parallel parking by automatically steering the car into a space.

For laden-down shoppers, meanwhile, the automatic tailgate on the brand-new Kuga is a real blessing.

Opening the tailgate is activated just by the driver moving his or her foot under the rear bumper - no more fiddling with keys!

Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director of Ford Ireland comments: “Ford is first to market with a lot of these technologies, while in other cases they have been the preserve of more luxury models up to now.

“Affordable technology is what Ford stands for, meaning even Ireland’s most popular car – the Ford Focus – can be purchased with practically every hi-tech feature out there.”

For further details, please see www.dublinford.ie.

It’s simple, sturdy and safe – but special it isn’t n Cormac Curtis

Skoda have been busy making use of their momentum in the motoring world by adding new models to fill as many segments of the market as they can.

Short of a sports coupe and a top-end executive SUV, they have been carefully releasing new and, as they would say, clever models to a public that have been eager to get on board.

The latest addition to the Skoda family is the Rapid.

Here we have a midsize saloon aimed very much at a family looking to carry more stuff without spending too much money to get it.

Have they achieved what they have set out to do?

Definitely.

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past six months, you will have seen just how serious Skoda are about getting these cars on the road. The TV, radio and press have been positively heaving with Rapid advertising – and why not? They have a quality car delivered at a good price ready for a market that is growing everconscious of how much it can spend on the new family car.

I spent a week with the 1.2-litre TSI 86bhp petrol version of the Rapid.

First impressions?

Solid. Everything I have come to expect from this brand.

It won’t get too many jealous looks from younger drivers, but that’s hardly the point.

Rapid drivers won’t

The Skoda Rapid affords the occupants a bucket load of safety features and space

be all that bothered with image, but they will be happy with a car that looks solid and well proportioned.

This is a practical motor designed to offer serious practicality at a seriously competitive price.

So, while it won’t set the world alight in the looks department, it does have a comfortable interior and affords the occupants a bucket load of safety features and space.

Ah yes, space. What is it about Skoda engineers and squeezing every last millimetre of room out of every car?

The Superb range leads the pack in rear leg room, which gets better with every new model.

The CitiGo is Tardis-like in how many fully-grown adults in can accommodate in a very small car.

And the Octavia boasts a boot that would give an

airplane hangar a run for its money.

As with all Skoda models, the build quality of the interior is top-class.

I never feel as though a Skoda interior is likely to age badly or deteriorate like some of its competitors will.

The materials are tough and the parts never flimsy.

The chrome accents that highlight parts of the cockpit in the Elegance spec model I drove looked as though they will always add a little class to its appearance without fading or cracking.

The leather on the steering wheel felt luxurious and the radio and telephone controls were just where they should be and behaved just as expected.

So, the other bits and pieces in the Elegance spec include upgraded 16” DIONE alloys, the ‘vintage’ interior, Onyx-

Onyx dashboard (or no cost optional OnyxBeige), a chrome pack that includes upgraded gear stick knob, frame of shift lever, control elements of interior air supply and locking button of hand brake.

For safety and comfort, it includes rear parking sensors, cruise control, climatronic air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, a rear centre armrest, two additional rear loudspeakers and height adjustable driver and passenger seats.

So, there is a lot there to add to the car’s appeal.

And there’s the rub.

For me, for all its practicality, functionality, build quality, safety and comfort, the car just wasn’t at all special. It was just a bit dull.

From a driver’s point of view, I felt the clutch took far too long to get used to and didn’t provide the

feedback I would like, and the suspension is not forgiving enough for a car that is clearly geared at families.

At the price point where it enters the market, and because there are so many attractive finance packages available, even from Skoda themselves, I would personally go rummaging around the back of the sofa for the extra few quid required to buy an Octavia.

Put it this way, the Rapid range starts off at €16,515 and the Octavia comes in at €18,590.

Not a huge difference in price, and, for my money, the Octavia is a better car AND it’s just been given a very pretty upgrade lifting it out of the ordinary and making it a real eyeturner.

Watch this space for a review of the new Octavia in the coming months.

21 February 2013 BLANCH gazette 25

Gazette

HOMES TRAVEL tullamore: luxurious touches help make your midlands visit a treat

The Bridge House links body and soul superbly  natalie burke

UNTIL recently, travelling to the midlands was something I had a tendency to overlook when it came to arranging a weekend away.

Such drives featured a host of quaint drivethrough towns where I occasionally stopped, but hadn’t really considered as making my final destination.

In fact, one of the only times I had travelled to Tullamore, Co Offaly, was to do my driving test, yonks ago; I think the waiting list in Dublin was extremely long, so I thought a country town was my best bet.

It turns out I was wrong, but I passed second time round anyway. But who would have thought that the town is fast emerging as the ideal destination for a much needed break away?

A recent invitation found me driving down the N4 from Dublin once again – with a full licence this time – and heading directly for The Bridge House Hotel and Spa. Just a hop, skip and an hour from Dublin’s fair city, Tullamore is perhaps best known for its famous

export, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, and hosts a heritage centre in its honour.

But the town also has much more to offer: local heritage trips, shopping and dining, and a range of outdoor activities, with one of its biggest draws being, perhaps, its most popular hotel.

The welcome at The Bridge House Hotel was a warm one, which was a thankful break from the winter weather outside.

The lobby greets its guests with a sweeping staircase and a cosy blend of dark woods, and the hotel’s interior is subtle and luxurious.

We were lucky enough to stay in a suite, which had its own private balcony to admire the local view.

We arrived just in time to take some time out in the Sanctuary Spa and my masseuse managed to massage away a stressful week with a full body massage.

An hour-long treatment, it was complete with warm towels and soothing music and, thanks to the spa’s late opening hours, we still managed to fit in some time to relax in the outdoor hydrotherapy pool afterwards.

Post-spa, it was time for dinner at Balcone Italiano, the in-house Italian restaurant. Located on the top floor of the hotel, the restaurant overlooks the main lobby.

Vintage Designed in true vintage Italian kitchen style, the furniture and decor is reminiscent of a real Italian country home – or, at least, what I imagine one to be – and the menu really has something for everyone.

Our table enjoyed a charcuterie board to start, with a selection of Italian cheeses, salami and parma ham, which was followed by golden-fried button mushrooms with garlic and chive mayon-

From the spa to the restaurant and, of course, the bedrooms, the Bridge House Hotel has many luxurious touches

naise.

For our main course, we enjoyed a tender filet of steak, which – after seeing the size of my fellow guest’s T-bone steak – was too good to suffer any food envy.

The restaurant was buzzing with a mixture of guests and locals and the good food, wine and company was certainly one that will be tough to top.

The restaurant even played host to Rosanna Davison on the night, with whispers that she was making her own pizza in the kitchen. It’s clearly a popular place.

Indulging in one last dr y-Januar y sin, we enjoyed an apres-dinner drink in The Palace nightclub, which adjoins the

the bridge house hotel deTAils  The Bridge House Hotel’s spa-

course dinner on one night, and

cious family accommodation can

Kids Camp from just €349.

sleep up to five comfortably. From

For further details, see www.

Sunday, March 24 to Friday, April 5,

bridgehousehoteltullamore.ie or

enjoy three nights’ B&B, a four-

call 057 932 5600.

hotel at a nice and soundless distance, before calling it a night.

I’m a huge fan of breakfast, but particularly when it’s brought to the table – a rare treat. Following some pick-me-up coffee and, of course, a full Irish, we reluctantly checked out of the hotel to begin the short journey home.

The second-night stay will have to wait until next time!

26 blanch Gazette 21 February 2013

blanchCLASSIFIEDS

builders BRICK,BLOCK AND STONEWORK 20 years experience, living locally.

Garden walls, sheds, brick piers, patio & paving. Decorative internal brick work, Plastering, Concrete Drives and paths.

New Builds.

Insurance quotes.

Call Dave anytime 0872917647

computers

COMPUTER REPAIRS & SALES Virus removal, broadband + wireless setup. PC running slow, annoying pop-ups.

Call Damien 0861714713 for a quote NO CALLOUT CHARGE

home services

RECRUITMENT

Ph: 01- 4532631 Email: sales@capitalglass.ie Colour Glass Splashbacks Stained Glass Table Tops & Shelving Beautiful Mirrors in stock Shower Doors & Balcony Glass All glass/double glazed units repaired/ FULL MEASURING replaced Domestic and Commercial & FITTING SERVICE PVC Handle and Hinge repairs

Mon-Sat 62 Lwr Clanbrassil St. Dublin 8 Visit our showrooms/website www.capitalglass.ie Languages

Employment

;lYc`e YXj\[ jXc\j fggfikle`kp J\m\iXc e\n k\Xd d\dY\ij Xi\ Y\`e^ jfl^_k kf \ogXe[ Xe \o`jk`e^ ]`\c[ jXc\j k\Xd f]]\i`e^ Zfejld\ij X j`dgc\ Xe[ \]]\Zk`m\ nXp f] dXeX^`e^ k_\`i lk`c`kp Y`ccj% K_\ ifc\ Zfd\j n`k_ ]lcc kiX`e`e^# X ^\e\iflj YXj`Z Xe[ leZXgg\[ Zfdd`jj`fe Xj n\cc Xj dXep fk_\i Y\e\]`kj%

@] pfl n`j_ kf Y\ Zfej`[\i\[ ]fi Xe `ek\im`\n gc\Xj\ j\e[ X Zfgp f] pfli :M Xe[ Zfm\i`e^ c\kk\i kf Zfc`e7ZZZfejlckXekj%\l%Zfd

flooring

Call now on 087 7069475

pets Doors, floors, stairs, fitted units, kitchens, decking.

Painting, papering, tiling, Insulation, Soundproofing Works To Walls, Floors, Ceiling. Roof repairs, property maintenance & renovations. Est: 1990.

Member of N.G.O.M.C www.comiskeydecorating andcarpentry.com Andrew Comiskey 086 2742869/ 01 8251315

SERVICES

PET MINDERS Safe, Cosy, Cos Pet Boarding. 5 Mins from Castleknock, Blanchardstown & Lucan.Call now for early booking.

Call 086 8126387/ 01 8223690 Reasonable Rates

plumbers JT PLUMBING

BEST PRICES IN DUBLIN!!

All areas covered. 15 years experience. Free estimates.

OUTSIDE TAP SUPPLIED & FITTED €70 Water Tanks, Drippings Taps, Radiators, Burst pipes, Cylinders, Pumps, Outside Taps, Showers, Immersions, Bathroom Suites.

For your free estimate call now on 085 7555412 or email: mjrules44@gmail.com

GRAFFITI

GRAFFITI REMOVAL

dvd services

DVD TRANSFERS Cinefilms,Photos and Slides transferred to DVD with Music and Titles added. Camcorder and Videotapes edited and transferred to DVD. Phone 01-2807838 Mobile 087-9132265 Email: alleventsvideo@eircom.net

Overall Objective: Reporting to the RCCM, the successful applicant will have strong experience working with people over the age of 65 years old with a variety of health care needs. They will be capable of managing all aspects of the day to day care and requirements of the client. Have excellent communication skills and dedicated to providing highest quality of home care to those most the highe in need.

Visit us at www.letsgofrench.ie

Home services

GOLF

HOME CARE RE-ABLER

• Successful applicants will provide client goal orientated home care with a rehabilitation focus, in order to help clients reach their goals in relation to their independence and reduce their need for ongoing home care support.

• Applicants should have completed modules toward a full FETAC level 5 major award in Healthcare; • Applicants should have a strong experience in working in home care; • Interested applicants should have a relevant health/social or care background and must have care of the elderly experience.

Want to Talk to your local MArket

?

Talk to us first!

We are currently recruiting for carers in Dublin 11, 15, 7.

Please contact or send your CV to Aideen Murphy aideenmurphy@comfortkeepers.ie aideenmurp

WINDOWS

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 10 OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK Weir Retail Centre, 40 Hills Mill Industrial Estate , Lucan Village, Co. Dublin LUCAN SHOWROOM 01 6217639

LORRAINE 086 8385014

We have 135,000* readers each week *based on standard industry measurements

advertise your business to our readers call 60 10 240

Call your local sales person,

Phone now on

01 6010240

sales@ gazettegroup.com

21 February 2013 BLANCH Gazette 27

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

dublin gazette awards P28

FastSport O’Brien enjoys mixed Welsh fortunes:

Cricket Ireland enjoyed a great week, announcing their extended list of central contracts as well as a new link up with Toyota

cricket: ireland extend professional ranks with new funding level added

Malahide’s Chase one of the newcomers on contract list MALAHIDE’S Peter Chase was one of the major beneficiaries of the 17 contracts announced by Cricket Ireland for the 2013 season as one of three youngsters who are new to the list.

Max Sorensen, 27, meanwhile has been rewarded with an A contract after impressing with his consistency, speed and accuracy during an outstanding 2012 season. The Hills opening bowler joins established Dublin-based stars Trent Johnston, John Mooney, Alex Cusack and Kevin O’Brien in the top bracket of deals.

There are now four categories of contracts, with the C band dedicated to players who are in full-time education, headed by Stuart Thompson, who is already a full international.

Promising pace bowler Chase and the Cricket Ireland Young Player of the Year Tyrone Kane both earn contracts for the first time as Ireland look to the future following the recent retirements of Boyd Rankin, Nigel Jones and Albert van der Merwe.

Cricket Ireland performance director Richard Holdsworth said: “We are

pleased to retain players on A and B category contracts from last year, and all of them still have a great deal to achieve on the international stage.

Future

“It is important Cricket Ireland has plans for the future, and whilst 2013 will be a huge year for the team, we must also look ahead to major ICC events – the World Twenty20 in 2014 and the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand the following year.

“We have therefore awarded a full

A contract to Max Sorensen who impressed everyone in 2012, taking 31 wickets at just 17 runs each in the 21 games he played.

“We have also awarded C category contracts to four younger players who we see as a key part of our future.

Nine of the 17 contracted players are also contracted to English counties, and our close relationships with those counties will hopefully allow them to play for Ireland as much as possible in addition to the ICC mandatory matches in season.

LUCAN man Fergal O’Brien qualified for the main draw of a world ranking snooker event for the first time in 2013 last week when he overcame Nigel Bond 4-3 in the qualifiers for the Welsh Open.

He was undone, though, by former world champion Graham Dott in the first round of that competition. O’Brien started well with a break of 89 to win the first frame and he was still very much in the mix at 2-2 when he rattled in a clearance of 57.

But Dott ground out the next two frames to set up a date with world billiards champion Pankaj Advani in the second round of the competition.

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 21 February 2013

SPORT

Stars of 2012 T HE upcoming Gazette Sports Awards are set to celebrate a string of stunning acheivements for clubs and schools around Dublin, running the gamut from county to provin-

Kilmacud Crokes senior hurlers

cial to All-Ireland to European honours. Among the list of clubs that will be in attendance at the event on March 8 in the Red Cow Moran hotel, there are some that have waited 99 years

Sports Teams

to reach the pinnacle of their game while others have risen to incredible heights despite only forming within the past15 years, confounding expectations in the most impressive way.

Colaiste Phadraig

Father and Son All-Ireland winners Gerry and Robert Moran

Malahide RFC

Foxrock Cabinteely’s ladies footballers

Swords judo club

Malahide CS golf team

Three Rock Rovers

St Brigid’s Feile double

Castle Golf Club - Irish Senior Cup winners

Castleknock Dublin and Leinster JFC champions

21 February 2013 BLANCH Gazette 29

Gazette

30 BLANCH gazette 21 February 2013

R1

SPORT

Gridiron: Castleknock based footballers roar again

Rhinos’ New Year charge  sport@gazettegroup.com

AFTER coming within three wins of being national champions last year, the Dublin Rhinos American Fotball Club march back into action this week, going into the home of the most successful club in the country.

Long-standing rivals the Dublin Rebels pose the first challenge for Mark Lawless’ men as they aim to go further in their quest to capture a Shamrock Bowl title.

For the third year running, the Irish American Football Association (IAFA) has altered the structure of the league,

creating two tiers of competition throughout the country.

The realignment puts the Rhinos in the Shamrock Bowl Conference, the top tier of football.

With the shot at the big one comes stiffer competition, however, and the Rhinos must overcome current champions the Belfast Trojans, the 2011 champion Rebels, the Craigavon Cowboys and the team that ended the Rhinos run last year, the Carrickfergus Knights.

With four of last year ’s playoff teams dwelling in the fiveteam North division, the Rhinos know that

it will be a tough ask to finish in the top three, which will be enough for a wild-card game. “ I t ’s u n d o u b t e d l y tough, but we have an awful lot of talent on our roster,” says head coach Mark Lawless.

“We’ve been working hard since September on putting together a team and a game-plan t h a t wo r k s , s o t h i s weekend will be very welcome.”

Scheming After many weekends in Castleknock College putting together a scheme that will have to not only compete with the best, but beat the

best, the Rhinos young team are raring to go.

“We have a lot of young guys who haven’t played the game before but will still be asked to play a big role this year.

“When you talk about minimum expectations, it’s hard not to fall into a lot of cliches, but from a coaching perspective, you have to hope that the young guys develop from week to week and that we see a big jump from week one to week eight.

“When you look at a guy like [rookie QB A r u n Mo o n e y ] y o u think he has the potential to be very good in this league, but it isn’t

going to come without some bumps along the way.”

With a number of the Rhinos made up of first- or second-year players, the experience of captain Eoin Fox will be vital, as he leads the Rhinos’ feared defence.

The challenge is for the Rhinos offence to match the work of defensive co-ordinator Robbie Andrews crew, something that has eluded them in recent years.

A f ter their trip to S a n t r y, t h e R h i n o s return to Castleknock College on March 3, taking on the Carrickfergus Knights.

Second year Rhinos receiver Jonny Northcut is just one young Rhino who impressed in 2013

21 February 2013 BLANCH gazette 31

Gazette

St Brigid’s Jackies overcome Laois ladies  sport@gazettegroup.com

SAINT Brigids’ Elaine Kelly, Noelle Healy and Deirdre Murphy were part of the Paul Gilheaney’s Dublin panel that saw off Laois in Sunday’s Tesco Homegrown ladies national football league division 1 tie in Stradbally.

Coming off a loss to

Donegal in their last league outing, Dublin got back to winning ways with the narrow win thanks to two late pointed frees f r o m S t S y l ve s t e r ’s Sinead Aherne which gave Dublin a 2-6 to 1-7 victory against the O’Moore County.

The victory will certainly inspire some con-

fidence in the side with the Laois outfit bagging two wins in their opening two encounters against Tyrone and Donegal, proving that they are very capable of challenging for the league honours having last won the title 10 years ago in 2003.

Dublin were twice reduced to 14 play-

ers as captain Sinead Finnegan and Healy we r e y e l l ow- c a r d e d but the Jackies, with Gilheaney in place as interim manager, still managed to dig out a crucial win.

The ladies will next be in action on Sunday March 3 when they take on the task of the Rebels in Cork.

football: Gilroy happy with narrow win

Club Noticeboard St Brigid’s HUGE congratulations to all our dancers, sponsors, organisers and members for a truly spectacular club night on Saturday at Strictly St Brigids. Saturday night proved once again that St Brigids is more than just 75 great teams.

It’s a fantastic club where the old and young socialise togeth-

New members and families welcome.

Contact Paul on 0879154748 or email info@stbrigidsgaa.com!

Club Lotto Jackpot is €14,800 this Thursday in Russell Park!

Please see the St. Brigid’s GAA Coaching Development Programme for 2013 on website.

er, help each other out and most

Celebration evening for our 2012

importantly where every member

teams will be on March 1. Watch

is proud to be part of the Brigids

out for our new fitness classes in

family.

our new High Performance Centre

2013 memberships are now due.

Any member with issues regarding

which opened this week. Memberships now available.

membership can contact our club

Best of luck to our six adult

secretary Mary O’Connor at mar-

football teams as they begin their

yaoc@hotmail.com.

league campaigns on Sunday, fix-

Club Nursery for four to seven

tures on website. Anyone interest-

year olds continues every Saturday

ed in taking part in Scor, young or

morning from 9.30am-11am.

old, please see website for details.

WEstmanstown gaels THERE was a good start to the new

Wednesdays at 7pm and Westman-

season at a sunny Westmanstown last

stown on Saturday morning at 9am.

Sunday morning when both Interme-

Please come out and support our

diates and Juniors were in action in

teams.

the opening round of the cup competitions.

The Gaels Nursery (5-7 years) runs every Saturday from 10am. Sessions

The intermediates had a comfort-

are held indoors in Crunch Fitness,

able win over Garristown while the

Westmanstown for the duration of

Juniors found the going a bit tougher

the winter. Ask for Geraldine Cul-

against St Margaret’s coming out on

lotty. For the latest information, visit

‘Exceptional’ Bern inspires Leinster

top by just a single point. Next Sunday,

www.westmanstowngaels.ie. West-

February 24, both Intermediates and

manstown Gaels fields Boys and Girls

Juniors start their league campaigns

teams from u8 to u/16. New members

again both fixtures at home in West-

welcome. Contact club GPO Declan

manstown.

Jennings for more information at

Inter provincial s/f

training on Mondays at Westmans-

2010 GAA Footballer of The Year Bernard Brogan is showing impressive form early in the year

Leinster 1-21 Connacht 1-20  sport@gazettegroup.com

SAINT Oliver Plunkett’s man Bernard Brogan was the key component to Leinster’s inter-provincial semi-final win over Connacht in Longford last weekend, adding nine points to his side’s tally to help the earn the victory by one point, 1-21 to 1-20.

Connacht, despite their depleted side, held a two-point lead in the final passages of the game before the 2010 Footballer of the Year

fed Adrian Flynn a ball that was put over, before himself equalising with a free and then punching the winning point over the bar.

The game was played at a fairly low intensity in the first half and Leinster, coached by All Ireland winning coach Pat Gilroy, led for much of the half by 1-2 to 0-2 before the western outfit fought back with four unanswered points of their own.

Connacht’s scoring blitz added some spice to the affair and the two sides began to scorer at ease, as the half time

score line suggested, 0-14 to 1-8 in favour of the John Tobin panel, with the only goal coming from Leinster’s Joe Sheridan.

Tipperary’s Paul Conroy really put the wind in the Connacht sails when his shot rippled the net with ten minutes to go to give his side a five point lead, but it was then that Brogan really ignited and made his scoring presence known.

“He was exceptional,” said Gilroy of the Dublin forward after the game. “He was keen to get into the final – as he

said, he has played in it four or five times and he had never won a match.

“A lot of lads were in the same boat so it was nice to come out the right side of it,” said the former Dublin boss.

The final of the competition is due to take place next Sunday in Croke Park and with the GAA aiming to make €100,000 for charity by giving all the gate receipts to Crumlin Children’s Hospital, they’ll be hoping for a better turnout than the couple of hundred that turned out in Longford.

The Intermediates take on St Judes

0858006101.

and the Juniors are out against St Vin-

The next juvenile club Registration

cents both start at 11am. Training for

Days is February 23 from 10am-12

both squads at 7pm on Tuesdays and

.30pm.

Thursdays.

The Ladies pre season continues with town at 7.30pm, Tyrellstown Gym on

Erin go bragh

PLEASE note that the Club annual membership and facilities fee is now overdue for the 2013 season.

Membership charges are €70 for the first child and €40 for each child thereafter.

Adults, team coaches cost €40.

on Saturday last by 7points Please help support the Club Bingo night that will be taken place this Fri-

This is the club’s life line so please

day February 22 in the Paddocks Pub

ensure that you pay it as soon as pos-

in Littlepace, this has been organised

sible.

by the adult hurlers all welcome please

Last week’s Club lotto results (February 16) There was no Jackpot winner. Numbers are 3,8,14,23.

help support.

A Cycleton will take place on Saturday April 20 from 9-10am to 5-6pm in

U-12s (born 2001) are looking for

the Blanchardstown Shopping Cen-

players training Monday and Tues-

tre. We are looking for players from

day Setanta school contact Karl on

our adult hurling and football teams

0872352074.

to take part.

Our J10 adult footballers played out

We require 5 groups of 4 people to

a draw on Sunday with local rivals St

cover the 2 hour slots (2 cycling + 2

Brigid’s on a score line of 2-5 to 1-8.

collecting).

Well done to our U-11 Girls football team who beat Na Fianna in Mobhi Rd

Please contact Finbarr Barrett at 0863837411 for further details.

32 blanch gazette 21 February 2013