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

BBRIDE&GROOM: Our guide for planning your y perfect day P19

SECRET MILLIONAIRE: €20,000 boost for local suicide charity Page 6

Winning ways: Blanch firm has eye on prize Football: Brigid’s inters through to IFC quarter-final Page 31

Athletics: Phoenix Park plays host to race series Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ...............8 ENTERTAINMENT... 16 TRAVEL ................... 17 BUSINESS ............. 18 CLASSIFIEDS .........28

BLANCHARDSTOWN-based business Agile Networks, a specialist provider of IT networking solutions, is one of four finalists announced for this year’s Fingal Enterprise Awards. Other businesses battling it out for the competition are: Amphibia Sport from Swords, Golfgraffix based in Clonshaugh, and Keoghs Crisps of Oldtown. The winner of the Fingal Enterprise Awards is due to be announced during Fingal Enterprise Week, from Monday, October 1, to Friday October 5.

Safety concern for children using road Anger at delay in I LAURA WEBB

council takeover of Ongar Village

A DELAY in Fingal County Council’s (FCC) takeover of the management of Ongar Village is causing safety concerns for local school children.

Mulhuddart councillor Mary McCamley (Lab) says residents are worried for the safety

of their children, who have to cross a busy road to access the gates at St Benedict’s School.

A school warden service and signage to warn motorists that a school is nearby is dependent on Ongar Village, which is owned by the receiver of Manor Park Homes, being taken in charge by the council.

According to a spokesperson for FCC, meetings are ongoing with the receiver.

Cllr McCamley said it was a “disgrace” that children were being allowed to attend a modern school facility without “adequate and basic safety measures”.

Full Story on Page 5

2 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 September 2012

HEALTHCARE Minister congratulates new graduates COUNCIL: FIX YOUR STREET WITH A CLICK

Complaint site now live BROKEN street lights, illegal dumping and dangerous potholes could be a thing of the past thanks to the recent launch of the Fix Your Street website.

The site is designed to benefit the community of Fingal, offering residents a way of reporting a variety of issues and concerns to their local council and ensuring a fast response.

Developed by Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdow n County Council, it was designed to integrate reports made

on the website with the customer relationship management (CRM) system already in place.

The online form also allows people to attach photographs, which can greatly assist council staff in identifying the specific problem or area.

Dominic Byrne, the assistant head of IT at Fingal County Council, said he is “delighted” that the site is now live.

Issues raised on Fix Your Street will be responded to within two working days. To raise an issue or for more details, please visit www.fixyourstreet.ie

Maryana Maksimova from Hamilton Park Care Home, Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton, Linda Murphy from All In Care Ltc, and Brian Gormley, vice-chairperson of Fingal LEADER Partnership Company. Pictures: Keogh Photography

A brighter future beckons

INISTER for Social Protection Joan Burton awarded 11 certificates at a healthcare graduation ceremony in the Bracken Court Hotel, Balbriggan recently. Over 24 jobs have been created through this initiative . The programme was developed by Fingal LEADER Partnership after establishing links with local employers. The Department of Social Protection provided over

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€44,000 in funding. Minister Burton said: “This is a wonderful example of collaboration among the agencies involved and employers working together in an effort to support unemployed people back into work. It is a great achievement for all involved. ” The course was a 12-week training programme with All In Care Ltd, Hamilton Park and Beech Tree Residential Care Homes.

Leas Cathaoirleach Peadar O’Kelly and Jade Kenny and Minister Burton

Brian Gormley

Deputy Brendan Ryan (Lab)

Helen Usiomwonta receiving a Student Anne Slattery, tutor Anne Clarke and student Jade Kenny

certificate from Minister Burton

20 September 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 3

MULHUDDART: LE CHEILE TRUST GETS GO-AHEAD FOR CATHOLIC SECONDARY

EVENT: FUN OUTING FOR ALL FAMILY

School first to open in 22 years

Gardai run tour of local station

I LAURA WEBB lwebb@gazettegroup.com

LE CHEILE Schools Trust, recently awarded patronage of a new postprimary school in Mulhuddart, will be the first Catholic post-primary school opened in the State since 1992.

Earlier this summer, the Le Cheile Schools Trust welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn, that it was to be awarded the patronage of the school, set to open in Mulhuddart in 2014.

Dr Eilis Humphreys, education officer at Le Cheile Schools, said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to build on the tradition and heritage of the 14 religious congregations that make up the trust.”

She said that when they were awarded the patron-

age, it was a “great day”, not just for them, but also for “the young families in the area who participated in the consultative process in deciding what type of school they wanted for Mulhuddart and Tyrrelstown”.

“We look forward to continuing the work of collaboration that began with parents in the area, and we thank them and the local primary school principals for their support,” she added.

On what the school will be offering, Dr Humphries said: “We will offer the highest academic standards in an environment that is caring and compassionate, where each child is known, respected and appreciated as an individual. We will also provide a wide range of extra-curricular activities and develop students’ interests and talents.

Here come the boys: Local lad shortlisted for national Bachelor of the Year contest LADIES, it’s time to back the boys and show

Ireland that Dublin lads are definitely worthy of being crowned Bachelor of the Year.

Stellar Magazine has been trawling the country to find the top 20 bachelors.

In the final selection they have chosen some local lads including Michael Doyle (above) from Blanchardstown, who is battling it out in the hotly contested com-

petition and now needs Gazette readers’ support. To vote for Michael, text: BACHELOR 116 to 53307. The winner will be announced on October 11.

This is the third year of the competition. Previous winners included Paddy O’Connell from Portlaoise and Mark Adams from Dublin. And now it’s time for Blanchardstown.

DUBLIN 15 residents are being reminded that the annual Garda Open Day at Blanchardstown Garda Station in association with Safer Blanchardstown takes place this weekend.

From 2pm until 5pm this Saturday, September 22, locals are being given the chance to meet local gardai and specialised Garda units.

The Garda band will be performing with stands and displays from local and national units including traffic, mounted, dogs, sub-aqua, community policing, vintage and current Garda vehicles The Coolmine Farmers Market will also have a stall, along with shopping centre displays outside the Garda station.

This is a great family day out and members of the public will have tours of the station. There is also children’s entertainment and face painting, and a live broadcast from local radio station, Phoenix FM. For further information on the Safer Blanchardstown forum, log on to www.saferblanchardstown.com

4 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 September 2012

REVIEW Minister pressed to publish Dolphin Report

Reilly refuses to confirm site for children’s hospital I LAURA WEBB

lwebb@gazettegroup.com

THE Minister for Health is refusing to confirm reports that a site adjacent to Connolly Hospital has been recommended as the suitable site for the National Children’s Hospital.

Speaking on national radio earlier this week, Minister James Reilly said the Dolphin Group, an expert review group headed by Dr Frank Dolphin, have presented their report to his department, who are currently reviewing it and hope to go with it to the government “by the end of the month”.

The Dolphin Group were set up to advise the government on options available for building the proposed National Children’s Hospital after it was refused by An Bord Pleanala to be built at the

Mater, because it would constitute overdevelopment at that site.

According to Reilly, the report gives “several recommendations” and he has to “make a recommendation arising out of those options”.

He went on to say that the report did not make a recommendation, and it had been prepared to tell them what the “best way forward” for the children’s hospital was, and to give the “best options”.

When asked to confirm rumours, which indicate that the site for the NCH is no longer at the Mater but rather Connolly Hospital, Reilly said, “that depends on who you are listening to”.

“It could be going anywhere.”

“I mean, the bottom line here is that all of these things are still in

It has not been confirmed that a site adjacent to Connolly Hospital has been recommended as the suitable site for the National Children’s Hospital

play. The Government will make the final decision. This is a hugely important decision for the country. It is one of the main commitments in government and it is also something that is going to stand for our children for the next 100 years, so of course we want to make

the right decision, and we want it built as expeditiously as possible.”

Delayed

Asked if it could be delayed as much as three or four years if it goes to a completely new site, Reilly said: “No, absolutely not”. He continued to state that “no decision has been made.”

A number of local politicians have urged the Minister to publish the report. Fianna Fail’s David McGuiness called

on the Minister for Health to “immediately” publish the Dolphin Report, saying the publication of this “long-awaited report will allow for discussion and decision on this vital piece of health infrastructure.”

“I am strongly of the belief that on planning, cost, accessibility, demographics, the McKinsey Report criteria, and land availability for expansion, Connolly Hospital scores highly,” said McGuinness.

20 September 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 5

SAFETY Benedict’s still waiting for school warden

Delay in Ongar takeover puts pupils ‘at risk’ I LAURA WEBB

A PRIMARY school in Ongar remains without a school warden because the area has yet to taken over by the local council.

According to Mulhuddart councillor Mary McCamley (Lab), residents are worried for the safety of their children who have to cross a busy road to access the school gates at St Benedict’s School in Ongar.

A school warden service and signage to warn motorists that a school is ahead is dependent on Ongar village, which is currently owned by the receiver of Manor Park Homes, being taken in charge by the council.

A receiver was appointed to Manor Park Homebuilders Development Company last October.

During a recent area committee meeting, Cllr McCamley asked Fingal management when the area around the Ongar Community Centre and St Benedict’s School would be taken in charge.

In response, a spokesperson for FCC confirmed that this depended on Ongar village being taken over by the council. “Neither road signage nor a school warden can be made available by Fingal County Council at locations where the roads [have not been taken] in charge.”

T he FCC spokesperson went on to say that a meeting was held between representatives of the receiver and the planning department in November 2011, and further meetings are scheduled with the Inspectorate Division.

“The taking in charge of the Ongar development is the main issue for discussion with the receiver at these meetings. The Inspectorate Division met with the issuer of the security bonds during November 2011 and discussions are now under way to establish a mechanism to secure the full and satisfactory completion of the development, leading to

Mulhuddart councillor Mary McCamley (Lab)

the taking in charge of roads, services and open spaces.”

Cllr McCamley said: “Meetings are ongoing but, in the meantime, another school term has arrived without the proper safety devices in place for the children and their parents.”

She added that it was a

“disgrace” that children were being allowed to attend a modern school facility without “adequate and basic safety measures”.

“This [situation] puts the children at risk. Drivers are unaware that they are approaching a school site and that they should look out for young chil-

dren in and around the main road,” she said.

The councillor is now calling for an agreement to be reached as quickly as possible “to secure the taking in charge of the area before an accident occurs through lack of signage and an appointed school warden”.

ADVERT Company to feature in Aldi campaign THE managing director of a Mulhuddart-based company will star in a new advertising campaign being launched by Aldi.

Bobby Mulligan, managing director of Gem Pack Foods which is based in Mulhuddart, stars in the new Aldi advertising campaign, entitled Love Ireland, Like Aldi.

The advertising campaign highlights Aldi’s strong Irish sourcing credentials and longstanding partnerships with Irish farmers and producers.

The campaign features TV and press adverts, instore point-of-sale branding and the production of an information brochure detailing Aldi’s relationship with Irish suppliers and producers.

Mulligan and Gem Pack Foods will feature on the in-store posters.

6 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 September 2012

TV Secret Millionaire helps worthy cause HOUSING:

TEMPORARY SOLUTION

Unsold Latchford homes to be leased

Secret Millionaire participant Jim Breen with volunteers from Suicide Awareness Dublin 15

Suicide charity get €20k boost I LAURA WEBB

lwebb@gazettegroup.com

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

A DUBLIN 15 charity received a very generous and surprising financial boost recently when they were chosen as the charity to benefit from RTE’s Secret Millionaire programme.

Suicide Awareness Dublin 15 was given a cheque for €20,000 after being chosen by Secret Millionaire participant Jim Breen.

The television programme sees millionaires leave the jet-set lifestyle behind to go undercover in underprivileged communities and give away tens of thousands of euro to charities and other good causes.

The first episode of the series aired last Mon-

day, September 13, on RTE One and featured entrepreneur Jim Breen.

He made his fortune through his company, Pulse Learning, which was set up in his young son’s bedroom in a suburban house in Tralee in 1999. It has since become a global leader in webbased training solutions.

Suicide Awareness Dublin 15 was one of four groups Jim visited.

They benefited with a cheque for €20,000, but the suicide group hopes to benefit more through Jim’s skills and contacts.

Suicide Awareness Dublin 15 spokesperson, Felix Gallagher said: “We are delighted to have been identified by Jim as being a worthwhile beneficiary. The work we do to prevent suicide and

support those who have lost a loved one to suicide is vital.

Model

“Unfortunately, suicide is becoming more and more common, and the Government puts little resources into tackling it.

Jim was particularly taken with the model we have developed and how it can be run relatively cheaply and mainly on the goodwill of volunteers.

“Almost every household in the country has been affected in some way by suicide, yet the stigma attached to it still remains. There is no shame in suicide or suffering from mental health issues. Suicide is referred to as ‘a permanent solution to a temporary problem’, and I would encour-

age anyone who is feeling suicidal to seek help, to talk either to someone they know or to a group like ours,” he added.

Suicide Awareness Dublin 15 was established in May 2010 by a number of local people who had lost a loved one to suicide. Their aim is to provide a community response to suicide through prevention, intervention and bereavement support. Volunteers provide crisis counselling, bereavement counselling, bereavement support home visits, access to suicide prevention training and a warm welcome and sympathetic ear to anyone who needs it.

If anyone is in need of help, or is interested in finding out more, contact 085 8182090.

A NUMBER of unsold affordable houses at Latchford in Dublin 15 will be leased to a housing association, it was announced last week.

The 15 housing units will be leased for five years to Fold Housing, a housing management company which provides apartments and houses for older people and families.

Presently, it is costing the council €22,180 per year to service the homes.

During a recent county council meeting, Socialist Party councillor Ruth Coppinger urged the council to reconsider leasing the properties, and instead turn the homes into social housing.

“There is no social council housing in Latchford, Clonee, Littlepace and Castaheany. The only social housing tends to be around Mulhuddart.

“We are letting opportunities go by letting these homes. People would give their right arm to get these houses,” she said.

According to a FCC spokesperson, leasing the homes to Fold is a “mechanism” for making the units social units.

“People who live in the units for the next five years will be people from the housing list.”

T he spokesperson added that there are a number of options for the units after the five years, which includes allowing them to remain as social units. “It is a temporary solution in terms of leasing to the housing association... the people housed there are social tenants.”

20 September 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 7

8 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 September 2012

SPORT Footballers give injustice the boot with soccerfest

Anna and Ther Adamska

Mary Keenan and Stephen Joyce

Fatema, Aisha and Nosaiba drum up some support

China team players Zicheng Yu, Xin Zhang and Jian Fei Han. Pictures: Ronan O’Sullivan

Magdelena Flisek and Natalia Goral

Francis Usunge

SARI – there’s no racism allowed HOUSANDS of spectators turned out to watch the Tesco Mobile Sport Against Racism Ireland (SARI) Soccerfest held in the Phoenix Park recently.

With a rare glimpse of blue skies and sunshine, it was a great day for the 40 men’s teams, eight women’s teams and eight U-13 taking part in the largest intercultural seven-a-side tournament in Europe.

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There were strong showings from all of the teams representing a wide range of countries, while teams drawn from across the island of Ireland were also very much on the ball at the SARI event.

Some well-known faces showed their skills, including Newstalk’s Eoin McDevitt, Olympic silver medallist John Joe Nevin and Apres Match star Gary Cooke.

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20 September 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 9

10 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 September 2012

LAUNCH Domino’s roll out a new range of gourmet food

Siobhan O’Connor and Leanne Moore

Chef Andrew Rudd gets some help from the Wine Friendly crew at the evening’s launch

He’s Rudd-y to serve delicious new pizzas UESTS from across the city tucked into a delicious night out in the city centre recently, as chef Adam Rudd’s new studio in Drury Street hosted a Domino’s Pizza launch.

With Adam overseeing the flavourful fun, a range of pizzas, sides and

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Tracey and Michelle Dolan

desserts were enjoyed by all, with wine from Wine Friendly proving a perfect complement to the fare.

Television personality Leanne Moore joined “Gossip Girl” Siobhan O’Connor to have a go at pizza making, but their game attempts were surpassed by the new Domino’s range.

Jennifer Maguire

Sinead O’Connor and Rebecca O’Neill

The new gourmet range has been designed to provide a “lighter” pizza with distinctive flavour, with tempting ingredients in the range including roast chicken breast, baby spinach, Greek feta cheese, Peruvian roquito peppers and more, providing something for everyone to tuck into.

Lynsey Murtagh and Gill Verrecchia

Allanna Hennessy

Charlotte and John McLoughlin

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 11

THEATRE Ballymun stages festival for eighth year

Axis premieres Beckett in Irish bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

THE world premieres of four Samuel Beckett plays which have been translated into Irish by Gabriel Rosenstock will take place in the Axis Theatre in Ballymun this October.

As part of the Borradh Buan Irish Language Festival, which runs from October 15 to 27, the Mouth on Fire Theatre Company will stage Blogh, which is the Irish translation of Beckett’s Rough for Theatre 1 and Rocabai, the Irish version of Rokaby.

The newly translated works will be performed by an ensemble under the title Ag Taibhreamh ar … nGra (Dreaming of … Love). There will

also be a performance of a selection of Beckett’s poems which have been translated.

Mother, father and son acting team Geraldine Plunkett, Peadar Lamb and Marcus Lamb will share the stage with actors Melissa Nolan and Jennifer Laverty. The Beckett poems will be read by Gabriel Rosenstock and Nick Devlin.

Festival

These productions, which have received backing from Dublin City Council and Foras na Gaeilge, are part of Borradh Buan 2012, which is Ireland’s only festival of its kind and is in its eighth year.

Announcing details of the production, Cathal Quinn, artistic director

of Mouth on Fire, said the theatre company was extremely honoured to be staging new interpretations of Beckett’s work and has even received touring requests from Britain, Japan and Canada.

“The Beckett estate is known for the scrupulous care it takes to safeguard the integrity of Beckett’s writing – and rightly so,” said Quinn. “So we were thrilled to be granted the rights to translate some of his short plays into Irish, and to stage these in Irish for the very first time.”

The world premiere of Blogh and Rocabai are on Friday, October 26, in the Axis in Ballymun, tickets cost from €8 to €12, and are available by calling 01 883 2100.

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I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

Top Wedding Tips: Our complete guide for planning your perfect day The world premieres of four Samuel Beckett plays which have been translated into Irish will take place in the Axis Theatre in Ballymun this October

BRIDE&GROOM PAGES 19-27

12 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

GazetteContacts

SNAPSHOT The local stories of the day

Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251

Managing Director: Michael McGovern email:mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Acting News Editor: Rob Heigh email: rheigh@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater email: sport@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Paul Hosford email: picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Ad Manager: Louise Fitzgerald email: lfitzgerald@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com

Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com Westlife singer Nicky Byrne with fifth class students from St Peter and Paul’s National Boys’ School, Baldoyle, to launch the 2012 Cheerios 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.

Childline Breakfast Together Week3

Byrne helps to raise funds for Childline WESTLIFE singer Nicky Byrne dropped in to see the fifth class students from St Peter and Paul’s National Boys’ School, Baldoyle, to launch the 2012 Cheerios Childline Breakfast Together Week.

Byrne, a former pupil of the school, was there in his capacity as an ambassador for the ISPCC. The children’s charity are asking as many people as possible – schools, creches, companies,

DIARY coffee shops, friends and families – to come together, hold a breakfast event and raise much-needed funds for Childline.

Childline is entirely funded by the Irish public, so their support is vital.

Funds raised will help Childline volunteers to answer more calls from vulnerable children and

young people in Ireland who have nowhere else to turn.

The Cheerios Childline Breakfast Together Week will take place from October 8 to 14. To register, log on to www. childlinebreakfast.ie, or call 1850 50 40 50.

Meeting Packie Bonner STAFF from the Beacon

Hospital in Sandyford, and former Irish goalkeeping legend Packie Bonner are heading to the National Ploughing Championships on September 26 to play an outdoor exhibition match in the Health and Wellness section of the trade show, from 12 noon to 2pm.

People who come to visit the UPMC Beacon stand will get the chance to meet the sporting hero afterwards.

Chartered physiotherapists will be on hand at the stand over the three days of the ploughing championships, advising on injury prevention and management.

Free analysis

They will also offer simple fitness tests for the more than 189,000 expected visitors to the three-day exhibition, and will offer free gait analysis for visitors.

A hotel stay worth €500 will also be won by one lucky visitor to the Beacon stand.

The Ploughing Championships will take place between Tuesday and Thursday, September 25 to 27 in New Ross, Co Wexford.

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 13

COMPETITION €10,000 worth of vouchers to be won

Search for the country’s most musical school THE Waltons Music for Schools Competition is looking for the country’s most musical school.

The competition will award a total of €10,000 worth of vouchers for

musical instruments, accessories, books, music technology or PA equipment from Waltons Music.

Awards will be divided among six winning primary and post-primary

schools, including two first prizes of €3,000 vouchers, and music groups from 12 finalist schools will have the fantastic opportunity to perform in the National Concert Hall.

Entry forms are available to download from www.waltons.ie, www. newschool.ie, www.rte. ie/lyricfm and w w w. nch.ie, and you can email your entry form, along with all addi-

tional information and materials, to musicforschools@waltonsmusic.ie Entries must arrive by 5 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013. Late entries will not be accepted.

EVENT: CHANCE TO MEET POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS

Jobs Expo returns to Croke Park I HIROMI MOONEY

Road dogs: A charity cruise across the USA RADIO PRESENTER Baz Ashwamy, actor George McMahon, former boxing champion Bernard Dunne, singer Ryan Sheridan, will hit the open road on Harley Davidson motorcycles as part of the Delta Horizon Tour across the US in aid of Irish Dogs for the Disabled in September/October 2013.

Irish Dogs for the Disabled train assistance dogs to assist physically disabled children and adults. These dogs carry out a range of practical tasks in order to allow disabled people greater independence.

Every dog is trained to help with simple everyday tasks such as opening and closing doors, picking up dropped items, emptying the washing machine, sending for help or even helping a child with severe walk-

ing difficulties to walk with greater ease and balance.

Each dog is trained to cater for the needs of the specific client to enable them to live life with greater independence. This all costs money, of course, and in order to raise funds for this very worthy charity, the charity is undertaking the motorcyle trip of a lifetime from Chicago to New Orleans next year.

Irish Guide Dogs for the Disabled is now offering volunteers the chance to literally sample history on a two week, 3,000km guided motorcycle tour that will go from Chicago, Illinois, to the magical streets of New Orleans.

For further info check out www.deltahorizontour.com

JOBS Expo 2012 will return to Croke Park next Friday and Saturday, September 28 and 29, following its successful event held earlier this year.

The employment and recruitment fair promises to offer plenty of information and opportunities both at home and abroad.

The free event will offer advice and career opportunities from various companies. One such company is the British Columbia Construction Association, whose members are looking to fill positions in the Canadian province for carpenters, welders, iron workers, plumbers, pipe layers, mechanics, crane operators and sheet metal workers.

The Jobs Expo event coordinator, Vicky Kelly, said that following the success of the last expo event, which had around 9,000 attendees, they are expecting to exceed that figure this time.

“I think it’s very important [to host an expo like this] because it’s an ideal opportunity for employ-

ers to showcase the positions that they have, and also for the public so that they feel more involved in the recruitment process as well.

“They can actually come along and present themselves in person rather than being a piece of paper with a CV being emailed in to an organisation,” she said.

“It’s a great chance to actually come and speak to employers directly and to apply face-to-face for a role that you may be suitable for.”

The exhibition will be divided into five different areas, which are Irish Job Opportunities, Working Abroad, Education Village, Career Clinic and Starting Your Own Business.

The event is run by Learning Ireland, the publisher of leading websites Nightcourses.com, Gotocollege.ie, Postgrad. ie, Corporatetraining.ie and Learning.ie.

The expo will take place from 11am to 5pm both days in The Hogan Suite in Croke Park.

For more information, visit http://www.jobsexpo.ie/.

14 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

BUSINESS: CUTTING COSTS

STYLE Advice from Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen

EPA’s initiative to help firms go green THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a one-stop shop for businesses in Dublin to help them save money while preventing waste, conserving water and reducing their energy costs.

The EPA developed the resources for businesses facing increasing energy costs and waste and water charges which are looking to reduce their overheads by adopting greener ways of doing business.

BeGreen provides access to a range of business programmes including Green-

Business and GreenHospitality.

GreenBusiness is a free business advisory service that represents an innovative approach to waste prevention and resource efficiency in Ireland. BeGreen’s expert environmental advisors will visit organisations and generate a tailored environmental efficiency action plan free of charge.

GreenHospitality has been a hugely successful BeGreen programme for the hospitality industry. For more information, visit BeGreen www.begreen.ie

Interior design guru, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, pictured in Dublin launching his exclusive online collection of furniture and furnishings for Littlewoods Ireland

‘Be subversive, be posh – ditch beige’ I LAURA WEBB

FORGET about living in a beige box – instead, be playful with colours and designs throughout the house.

That’s just a little of the advice that interior designer, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, bestknown for his appearances on TV’s Changing Rooms, brought to town on a recent visit to launch his exclusive collection for online department store, Littlewoods Ireland.

The Gazette caught up with the designer at a hotel suite that had been transformed into a shrine to his new collection.

Sitting on a couch he had designed himself, Laurence looked ever the suave gentleman, and was only too delighted to talk about his new collection.

“It’s the first time ever, that I feel I have created an entire, almost couture attitude collection – something that encompasses furniture as well as bed linen, soft furniture, bedding, lighting and things – it has been tremendously liberating,” he said.

“I have been designing for years and years. I launched wallpaper 14 years ago – a really long time – but when you design an element like a roll of wallpaper or china or table-linen, or whatever, you have got to use that one small thing to tell a big story.

“But, when you are creating an entire collection, you can be so much more emphatic, so much more punky and subversive – you don’t need to be so bloody tasteful!

“The look I wanted to

sell, because it is my look, is all about indulgence, voluptuousness and every-day luxury and theatricality, opera – but it also has to be funny.

“There has to be something about it that is witty and grown-up, and so much interior design isn’t.

So much is so appallingly straight, and unbelievably serious! Sod that – we are fabulously diverse.

“I want to make people’s lives sexier, more playful, more indulgent – to me, those are the things that make you feel as if you are worth it,” said Laurence.

Asked about the use of colour on walls, Laurence believes the bolder, the better.

“If we all woke up in a beige box, we would all be very dull people!

We want to make these

places, places that we can escape to.

“It is all about being able to be ourselves and not conform to this rigid, pre-prescribed sense of what is ‘good taste’ and what is ‘bad taste’.”

According to Laurence, his collection offers luxury furnishings at affordable prices.

“People look at it and say, ‘That’s posh’. But ‘posh’ doesn’t mean anything, posh doesn’t mean class, it doesn’t mean money, it doesn’t mean status – it is just posh – and that is what I want it to be.

“Posh for as little money is absolutely perfect, because it is totally subversive,” he said.

The Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen collection is available now on www. littlewoodsireland.ie.

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 15

LIBRARY

ENTERPRISE: CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR ANNUAL ENTREPRENEURIAL CONTEST

Camera club set to exhibit

Start-up business will win €25,000 THE Learning and Innovation Centre (LINC) last week launched its annual entrepreneurial competition, which offers the winner an impressive prize worth €25,000 for a start-up business.

This is the third year of the LINC’s Jump-Start competition at the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) The competition is open to entrepreneurs who would like to base their business in an innovative and supportive environment.

The value of the award is €25,000, and includes €5,000 in cash for the winning company, plus the cost of the incubation space for 12 months, with varied mentoring support available to the company from industry experts, and a range of useful business start-up packages, including design, media,

technology equipment, print, call-answering and much more.

Last week saw the official launch of the competition, which took place at the Dylan Hotel.

One of Ireland’s bestknown entrepreneurs, and Dragon’s Den star, Bobby Kerr, was on hand to officially launch the competition.

Delighted He said: “I am delighted to be involved with the Jump-Start competition again.

“I see the competition as a great way for entrepreneurs to present to their peers and have the opportunity of winning an amazing prize that any start-up would love to receive, especially in the current climate.”

Shortlisted entrants will get a unique opportunity to present their

ideas to a very experienced panel, including Kerr; Judith Troy, AIB regional manager; Oisin Geoghegan, chief executive of Fingal County Enterprise Board, and George Kiely, regional director of Enterprise Ireland.

The judging panel will be chaired by Assumpta Harvey, manager of the LINC at ITB. Application forms can be downloaded from www.thelinc.ie/jumpstart, with the closing date for applications set for 4pm on Friday, October 19, with the shortlist to be announced on November 2.

All applicants must submit a fully completed application form.

The winner of the award will be announced on the evening of the final judging, on November 15.

I NATALIE BURKE

Gimme Moore: Street’s traders help to celebrate orchestra’s concerts SWAPPING her fruit and veg for cymbals, Moore Street trader Marie Cullen showed Sinead Farrell what a dab hand she is when it comes to making music.

The pair were having some fun on the famous street, as mem-

bers from the RTE National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) were visiting the street to help publicise the upcoming NSO 2012-2013 season, which is now under way at the National Concert Hall.

BALDOYLE Library will play host to the “Expressive Black and White” exhibition later this month – a photography event featuring the best work of Sutton Camera Club.

The photography exhibition will be held from Monday, September 24 until Friday, September 28, with the official launch taking place on Tuesday, September 25 at 6.30pm.

With members of the photography club hailing from Baldoyle, Swords, Howth, Clongriffin, Portmarnock and Donaghmede, the free exhibition features work from a number of different communities.

Sutton Camera Club currently meet every second Tuesday night in the Baldoyle Forum Centre.

For further information, see www.suttoncameraclub.com.

16 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT Boys and ghouls may like this film I SHANE DILLON

IT’S been a while since I was last at the cinema, so I don’t have any particular expectations of what most films for kids should be like, today.

I mean – and this is probably showing my age here – the last time I went to see a kid’s film, I think a young Jodie Foster was running around in it, looking for some place called Witch Mountain

(circa 1873)?

There was definitely an intermission in the middle of the film when the red curtains closed, I remember that much.

3D? It was all barely 2D, back then, mate!

All of this makes me sound less like a grownup, and more like a dinosaur. Could an old fogey like me truly get to grips with something that’s, y’know, for kids?

Well, ParaNorman

(deservedly a Cert PG; 92 mins; starring, oh, John Goodman is just about the biggest name there) is a stop-motion animated film about Norman; an average kid in his sleepy home town.

Average, that is, except for the fact that he sees dead people everywhere, and wearily blathers away with amiable ghosts that only he can see, including Uncle Prenderghast (Goodman).

Personally, I’d be using my invisible buddies to ace every test in school, but, alas, Norman’s a nicer kid than me – err, so to speak – as he doesn’t treat his deadly pals with any disrespect.

Norman’s pretty normal, otherwise, given his slightly annoying family; the fact that he’s getting bullied a bit at school, and the fact that his town keeps celebrating a witch that it, um, dealt with, 300 years earlier.

Now, you don’t suppose that a 300-year-dead witch and a boy who chats away to spirits from

Spot the odd one out ... Yes, that’s right – it’s Norman, who alone can see dead people everywhere. A handy gift, it turns out, given a town curse that’s about to unfold ...

the afterlife could possibly cross paths, thus fulfilling an ancient curse set upon the town, do you?

(Or, in my best ghost-ese: dooooo youuuuu?)

It’s not long before dead ol’ witchipoo is back – back, and deader than ever – ready to make up for 300 years of other people partying and celebrating her unfortunate

end, with a load of creepy minions and zombies.

(From this point onwards, the film ramps up its intensity a bit, as it gallops headlessly over heels towards that PG rating, making it worth pointing out that you better be sure your little boys and ghouls can handle the film’s grave humour.)

It’s down to Norman, his misfit friends, some clueless grown-ups and, of course, his spectral sidekicks – some of whom are dead willing to help – to save the day.

Not that it’s going to be that easy, of course ...

Actually, the film was fairly entertaining enough, with nothing too awful, so long as you’re clear that your little dar-

lings are going to see a PG film with ghosts, zombies and stuff.

(I had to grow up with endless cartoons starring sickly goodie-goodie, Casper The Friendly Ghost, so today’s kids have better luck than me with their entertainment choices.)

While stop-motion is something of a dying art, it’s beautifully done, here, crafting a lovely film to look at that, sure, is very much like a Tim Burton story in some parts, yet also has some heart and brains (or, in my zombieese, braiiiinnnnnssss).

So, for something a little spooky, and ahead of Halloween’s overkill, I’d say it’s worth an “okay” three stars out of five ...

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 17

GazetteTTRAVEL A delightful tribute to Beckett in Enniskillen I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

TRAVELLING to Fermanagh, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the very first Happy Days International Beckett Festival, celebrating the work and legacy of Irish writer and playwright, Samuel Beckett, but I was excited at the prospect of seeing some of my favourite old Beckett plays performed in stimulating new ways – and I was certainly not disappointed.

Enniskillen was the location of the inaugural festival. Upon arriving at the gorgeous Manor House Hotel in Killadeas, I was struck by the period residence’s faultless restoration to its original glory on grounds overlooking Lough Erne, dating back to the 17th century.

Dinner was delicious, and the portions generous, with wild salmon and fresh pasta served by a staff of very attentive waiters. During dinner, our party were introduced to the Happy Days festival, where its founder, Sean Doran, told us how it all began.

The seed for the idea was planted in his head to hold the festival in Enniskillen before he was even aware of the connection between the influential writer and the town.

He said: “I didn’t know he went to Portora [Royal School] here, but I wanted the festival to be here.

When I found out, it was happy days!”

Unlike other purely literary festivals, Sean wanted Happy Days to be more eclectic, and full of the spirit of Beckett’s influence, rather than just a few days of seeing his plays performed.

With that in mind, he decided to mix in elements which resonated with Beckett’s legacy.

Sean introduced sporting events, music and comedy into the programme; debates and talks by contemporary Irish and international writers, as well as Beckett pieces performed by small theatre companies and renowned actors.

Homage The great melting pot of acts and performers at the five-day festival was a collective homage to Beckett’s work and influence in all artistic forms.

The whole town of Enniskillen got into the spirit of the festival, with barber shops offering Beckett haircuts and delicatessens selling ham and clove sandwiches.

However, the undisputed highlight of the whole festival was Robert Wilson’s premiere of, Krapp’s Last Tape.

On entering the lovely Ardhowen Theatre, I knew I was in for something mighty, judging by the calibre of punter around me.

From the moment the curtain came up, American avant-garde theatremaker Robert Wilson,

TravelBriefs The parties will be even bigger than usual this year at the world-famous resort

Writer Samuel Beckett would have approved of the Muckball Cup, commissioned in his honour

Irish poet Paul Muldoon, heavily influenced by Beckett, also appeared at

Enniskillen gets into the spirit of the

the festival

festival, with many home-made signs

Part of the striking front of the truly beautiful Manor House Hotel in Killadeas

white-faced and utterly unique, mesmerised the audience.

His portrayal introduced effective and symbolic elements, bringing the play to life with a strange bolt of electricity.

The first thing Wilson did was to sit, as the sound effect of teeming rain flooded the theatre.

He sat for so long, he pushed the boundaries of audience expectation to the outer limits.

T hen, he ate two bananas in a very stylised and ritualistic way, whilst looking at the audience with a world of conflicting

Edited by Natalie Burke

emotions on his face.

The whole performance was a joy to witness, and I felt blessed to have been there.

Everything Wilson does is his own, and heavy with meaning and symbolism; he is a born artist of the highest rate, and I know I’ll never see anything like him again.

Not only was he a consummate performer on stage, but he used his primitive nature to great effect too.

Now and then, as he listened to the tapes, a great primal noise would emanate from his distended

clown-like mouth as he reacted in horror.

Yet, the sound echoed that of the stop button on the tape recorder. This marriage of the sublime and the ridiculous was astonishingly original.

People left the show wearing blank, dazed expressions, and it was patently clear that Wilson had done the real job of a theatre maker – he had put us all through something amazing.

For further information on the Manor House Hotel, Killadeas, Enniskillen, see www.manorhousecountryhotel.com.

Celebrating 20 years of Disneyland Paris THIS year, for its 20th anniversary, there is more magic in the air than ever at Disneyland Paris, which has been transformed through an amazing explosion of lights and colours.

Abbey Travel is offering family stopover packages for two adults and two children, starting from €479 per family, based on selected dates from November to March.

The package includes accommodation and breakfast in a Disney Hotel, tickets for both Disney Parks for each day, free Fastpass to reduce queuing times at the most popular attractions, and extra Magic Hours – access to Disneyland Park up to two hours before its regular opening time.

For full details of the offer, and related terms and conditions, or to make a booking, telephone Abbey Travel at 01 804 7160, or see www. abbeytravel.ie.

18 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Interview: Robert Prestage, owner, the Bathroom Boutique, Churchtown MY FINANCEE’S DEBTS ...

Q – MY FIANCEE and I are getting married in six months, but she is paying credit card debt and bank loans through MABS [the Money Advice and Budgeting Service].

So, when we get married, can they take my wages into account, and make me liable for her debts, too? Gerry – Clondalkin A - SHE must be a wonderful girl to marry her with all this debt. I suppose the phrase: “For richer, or poorer” comes to mind!

By going to MABS, it means that perhaps some of her debts require professional management and strategy.

This time of your life is certainly a time when all the cards should very definitely be on the table – no secrets, especially financial ones.

You would want to ensure there are no other skeletons in her cupboard.

The first thing I would do is for both of you to set out a monthly income and expenditure budget – you HAVE to know how much is coming in and, importantly, how much is going out.

You will also need to tell each other EXACTLY what liabilities and assets you have.

You may decide to escalate the debt repayment prior to marriage, so it doesn’t act like a millstone around your necks.

As regards your liability for her debts after marriage, the answer is no – her debts remain her debts, even if she cannot afford to repay them.

However, if her credit history is affected (judgments stay on your credit history for life), then that will affect your application for joint loans, such as a mortgage.

Even if she has a sound job with a healthy income, she will be precluded from being approved because of her past record.

Guard your good name, but talk openly NOW about it.

Anti-money laundering rules stipulate: “Know your customer”, but in your case, it is more like: “Know your wife”!

But may I wish you many happy years together.

All the best.

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

WE HAVE 135,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

Bathroom designs to make a splash ROBERT Prestage has more than 25 years’ experience in the plumbing and construction industry, running his own company in South Africa’s Cape Town before moving to Dublin 12 years ago.

Initially coming for a holiday, professional curiosity got the better of him and, before the holiday was finished, he found himself working for a couple in Shankill, Co Dublin and, through referrals, he has never looked back.

Establishing Prestage Plumbers and Renovators soon afterwards, the business has gone from strength to strength; culminating in his latest business venture, the Bathroom Boutique.

The showroom, based in Churchtown, specialises in retail and offers full installation service and maintenance service by its sister company, Prestage Plumbers and Renovators.

The showroom is influenced by styles and concepts from Europe’s leading brands, offering a wide range of products from contemporary to traditional and everything in between.

Customers can find a wide range of baths, wet-room showers, shower enclosures, washbasins, toilets, furniture and a large selection of tiles.

Robert says that Bathroom Boutique’s ethos is based on

delivering superior quality and outstanding service, and products are sourced through Irish companies – mindful of his belief in keeping business local.

He adds that Tony and Tracey, the showroom staff, have more

than 30 years’ experience between them in the bathroom retail industry, with experience working with all the world’s leading brands and designer ranges.

They look forward to meeting and advising customers through

the various stages of designing, choosing and installation of their dream bathroom.

For testimonials of finished projects, see www.thebathroomboutique.ie, and www.prestageplumbers.ie.

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

A: A farmer

thing that you once thought you could not pull off?

A: No

TV or movie pleasure?

A: Farming and fishing pro-

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: Donedeal.ie

Q: What was your first job?

A: Worked in a hardware store

Q: What part of your working day do you delegate?

A: All day

Q&A

in Cape Town

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: 250 rands per month – about €25

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: Yes – a part-time mechanic

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Robert Prestage, owner, Bathroom Boutique, Churchtown, with some of the outlet’s wares

Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be?

A: Mail Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Rugby and horseracing

grammes

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

A: Jedward Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: Netflix app

Q: What sport can you play?

A: Golf and archery

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Family

ever since

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: Smoking

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Steak, chips and mushroom

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Customer satisfaction

Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to?

A: moving house

Q: Have you ever achieved any-

Q: What is your guilty music/

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: 1981; I’ve been a plumber

sauce, and apple pie

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

A: Neither

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Four Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: Barbados Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: It would have to be sitting in the sun in a quiet place drinking a glass of rose

Q: What would be your dream job?

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

A: Maybe I will become a farmer then

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 19

ROYAL TREATMENT P21

TOP WEDDING TIPS P24

&

HONEYMOONS P26

Bride groom W

Dublin’s complete guide to yo u r w e d d i n g

ELCOME to the Gazette’s Bride and Groom supplement, your complete guide to creating the perfect wedding day.

Inside this month’s fantastic supplement, we focus on one of the most important factors in your big day — venue, venue, venue!

With a focus on elegance and quality, we feature some of the best wedding venues in the province and beyond, while we also take the time with the help of a wedding planner to go through a checklist of all the vital things to think about when making the all-important decision about where your wedding will happen.

SEPTEMBER 2012 We also highlight another crucial venue — where you are going to have your honeymoon, and look at what is on offer in Malta at the fabulous Fortina resort.

As well as all of these great features, we are giving readers the chance to pick up a pair of tickets for the upcoming Wedding Journal Show which takes place on September 29 and 30 at the Citywest Complex. So make sure and enter, and if you don’t win, head along regardless — there’s a fabulous €25,000 wedding to be won at the event for everyone who attends.

So read on for some fantastic advice and tips on how to throw the ultimate wedding bash.

20 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l BE AUT Y IN BALLSBRIDGE l

Elegant charm at the Clyde Court THE bride-to-be isn’t the only one to change their name when it comes to wedding days.

The Clyde Court Hotel in Ballsbridge, one of the most popular and romantic weddings venues in Dublin – and which features several elegant suites to choose from, with a selection of bespoke menus – recently changed its name from the Berkeley Court Hotel.

Its unique marriage of luxury and legend lends itself to big days.

The Grosvenor Suite is a regal ballroom with high ceilings, ornate mirrors, chandeliers and its own private bar, and is the perfect choice for larger weddings.

For more intimate celebrations, the Herbert Suite, or Clyde Room, both offer stylish surroundings and bespoke packages to suit every taste and budget.

Clyde Court Hotel’s wedding packages start at just €55 per person, and they host civil ceremonies and wedding

The beautiful Grovesnor Suite ballroom

blessings, too.

For further information, contact personal wedding coordinator Leanne Regan at 01 238 2700, email weddings@ clydecourthotel.com, or find them online at www.clydecourthotel.com.

Sister hotels with first-class choice: Navan’s Newgrange and Ardboyne excel with weddings SISTER properties in Navan, the Newgrange and Ardboyne Hotels are offering prospective brides and grooms a very different but equally royal wedding experience in the heart of Meath.

Both hotels have equally high standards and reputation, with the lively Newgrange Hotel inspired by the rich, ancient history of the area, while the Ardboyne Hotel providing a relaxed and luxurious setting for weddings.

Both hotels’ long years of experience in

organising and staging weddings of all sizes means they have the ability to assist every happy couple interested in holding their special day at the venues, and using their array of suites to provide an appropriate and tailorable experience for all budgets and sizes.

For further information, contact the Newgrange Hotel at 046 907 4100 or see its website at www. newgrangehotel.ie; contact the Ardboyne Hotel at 046 902 3119, or see its website at www.ardboynehotel.com.

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 21

l HI STORI C SI GH T S FR O M A CO NT E M PO R ARY SE T T ING l

Get royal treatment at Trim Castle Hotel

EVERY woman dreams of a fairytale wedding day, in a luxurious and stylish venue.

There is an element of magic to all weddings, but having an historic castle on your doorstep is a great addition to the wonder of the day.

Trim Castle Hotel, which recently won the 2012 Best Wedding Venue in Leinster Weddings Online award, are set to open the doors to couples from around the province and beyond at their Wedding Fair, which will take place on Sunday, October 7.

The fair will showcase the hotel as a wedding venue and all it has to offer to prospective brides and grooms.

The hotel offers seasonal and mid-week

wedding packages, which include complimentary consultancy and planning with their wedding coordinators, a red carpet and champagne reception for the bridal party on arrival, and a complimentary stay for the bride and groom in one of their deluxe rooms, among other offerings.

Trim Castle Hotel is offering an all-inclusive wedding guest package on dates in 2013 and 2014 for only €55 per person.

The hotel itself overlooks Trim Castle and the adjoining rolling lawns of St Patrick’s Church, and also boasts a rooftop terrace from which guests can admire the impressive castle.

At Trim Castle Hotel, the team aspire to make your wedding day the

Trim Castle Hotel’s rooftop terrace affords beautiful views of Trim Castle and lawns

most memorable and enjoyable day of your life. To achieve this, their wedding team assures personal and professional attention in the planning and preparation of each couple’s special celebration.

A spokesperson for the hotel said: “Modern

couples simply do not go for just any venue.

Trim Castle Hotel is the perfect choice for their reception, as it possesses the old-world charisma of the historical AngloNorman castle, and the contemporary standards of magnificent food and stunning decor.

“Looking onto the castle, lit in romantic colour against the evening sky, is a breathtaking scene. This place has it all, and, if you host your wedding there, know that your guests will be talking about it for a long time to come,” said the spokesperson.

For further informa-

Wedding parties are assured of comfort and attention to detail at wonderfully-presented receptions

tion, you are very welcome to attend the Wedding Fair on October 7.

Alternatively, contact the hotel’s wedding co-

ordinators at 046 948 3000, email info@trimcastlehotel.com, or see www.trimcastlehotel. com.

22 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l YO U R C H A N C E F O R F R E E E N T RY TO A N U N M I S S A B L E C I T Y W E ST E V E N T l

Win tickets to 2012 Wedding Journal Show DUBLIN Gazette Bride and Groom is delighted to offer our readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the 2012 Wedding Journal Show, which takes place next weekend, September 29 and 30 at the Citywest Complex.

The Wedding Journal Show 2012 will feature more than 350 exhibitors and provide brides and grooms alike with a one-stop-wedding shop, together with all the inspira-

tion they need to plan their big day.

From venues and flowers to dresses and cars, the show has it all, and all under one roof.

Dream gown Celebrating all that’s Irish, there will be an Irish Bridal Designers Area to help you find that dream gown, as well as Wedding Journal’s international catwalk show, with

fully choreographed dance routines, which takes place three times daily.

The exclusive event provides a rare opportunity to see a selection of designer wedding gowns, and many superb styles for bridesmaids, mothers of the bride, and groomswear, some of which have never been seen in Ireland before.

Another huge attraction will be the opportunity for all

attendees to be entered into a prize draw to win a fabulous wedding package, worth €25,000.

The package will include a wedding reception at the Ballymagarvey Village; a dream honeymoon to St Nicolas Bay, Crete (a member of the Great Hotels of the World group); a wedding dress from Patrick Casey; room dressing from Frog Prince; wedding photographs by Laura

Faherty Photography; and wedding rings from McDowell’s Jewellers.

Competition question To win a pair of tickets, answer this simple question: Which Ireland AM star will be the host of the 98FM Style Stage at The Wedding Journal Show?

Send your answers (including your full name, address, and a contact number) by

email, with the subject line: Bride & Groom, to competition@gazettegroup.com by Tuesday, September 27.

The Wedding Journal Show 2012 will run from 12 noon to 6pm on both days, with the international catwalk show times at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm.

Tickets at the door cost €13, or are priced €10 when pre-booked online, with VIP tickets available for €20 from ww.ticketmaster.ie.

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20 September 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 23

24 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 September 2012

BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l LOTS TO C O NSIDE R FOR YOUR AL L-IMPORTANT PART Y l

Great advice to

Top tips from CAROLINE MILLER, wedding coordinator at the Baskin Suite in Bewley’s Hotel, Dublin Airport FIRSTLY, you have to consider the date.

Before you make any selection on venue, it is very important to know the time of year that you want to get married.

The time of year can dictate cost, so do not restrict yourself to one date, but have a few in mind.

You also have to consider the actual venue, as these come in all shapes and sizes. There are castles, contemporary hotels, rural wedding

venues, marquee venues – the list goes on ...

I look after a contemporary, elegant wedding venue that is adaptable for every season.

Topics to consider When it comes to venues, you always have to ask about topics such as what are the minimum numbers, maximum and minimum capacity, accessibility, does it have civil ceremony or blessing facilities, guest accommodation, late bar,

bridal suite, car parking, where can you get photographs taken (if not at the venue, where is close by?)

Next, the type of venue that you pick will more than likely dictate the decor.

If you want to add special touches, or if the motto “less is more” is for you, your best bet is to go with a venue with neutral decor – the Baskin Suite uses ivory and gold tones.

This allows you to

match your colour theme or keep as is. Fairy light backdrops are also very popular.

For costing, meet with the wedding coordinator, get the full cost, and see if there is room to negotiate.

Package The Baskin Suite has recently launched an allinclusive package that includes everything that you will need on your day – flowers, car, entertainment, cake and all

20 September 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 25

help pick the perfect venue other venue items.

The great thing about the all-inclusive package is that it saves on time and cost.

Also ask if there are any hidden costs!

Your wedding coordinator is very important, as he or she plays a huge role in your wedding experience, as the more experienced, professional and approachable the wedding coordinator is, the better you will feel throughout the whole experience.

When it comes to food, make sure to select something that appeals to the majority of your guests.

Also check that the venue can cater for vegetarians, children and all dietary requirements.

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

‘The Baskin Suite has recently launched an all-inclusive package that includes everything that you will need on your day’

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

Don’t forget that, for beverages, if you decide to have wine during your meal – try and taste it, first!

Have a think about your choice of toast drink; you can let each guest choose their own

drink, or do a set drink, such as champagne or sparkling wine.

For entertainment, when you are selecting a band or DJ, I always recommend going and viewing them.

Make contact with them, and get a list of their upcoming gigs, before the big day.

Don’t forget to check for restrictions at the venue, such as: Is there a late bar? Are children allowed.

Lastly, consider your deposit and contract, noting that most deposits are non-refundable.

For anything that you have agreed – get it in writing!

Other than that, enjoy every minute of your wedding planning!

Caroline Miller: “When it comes to deposits and contracts, for anything that you have agreed – get it in writing!”

26 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 September 2012

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

BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

With a wealth of options to consider, Malta has a great range of venues and locations to add a dash of classic style and beauty to your big day. The Fortina Spa Resort, located in the heart of Sliema on the island’s northeast coast, is perfectly located to help make the most of your venue.

l WH Y NOT M AR RY IN A JE WEL OF THE MED ITERR ANE AN? l

Marvellous Malta will make your day EVERY wedding day should be glorious but, sadly, the Irish weather isn’t always what you’d hope it will be. Long-haul destinations usually offer guaranteed sunshine, but you have to factor in the jet lag and expense.

However, with Malta just a three-hour flight away from Dublin, you can find a sun-soaked spot rich in history, beauty and culture, that is often called “an openair museum”.

The breadth of choice is astonishing, but what may intrigue you more is the exceptional value for money that getting married in Malta can offer.

The island is generally far more reasonable than many other Mediterranean islands.

The combination of Malta’s climate, and its

selection of inspiring wedding venues, could offer the idyllic location for the best day of your life.

One such venue is the Fortina Spa Resort, located in the heart of Sliema on the north-east coast of Malta.

The resort overlooks Valletta, the island’s capital, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Luxury Whether you want to relax in the spa facilities at the hotel for a few days before the event, or have the ceremony first and holiday later, the Fortina provides the ideal base for a luxurious wedding and honeymoon.

Imagine exchanging vows on a gloriously sunny day, cooled by the scented breeze drift-

ing off the Mediterranean, then whisking your guests off in a yacht to enjoy a reception in the grounds of a castle, followed by dancing under the stars ...

Alternatively, why not think about getting married in a country chapel, art gallery or on the beach?

To make sure everything goes like clockwork, it helps to have local experts to organise and advise you on your wedding.

The staff at the Fortina Spa Resort are experienced wedding organisers, and can source photographers, make-up artists, hairdressers, florists and even send your invitations for you – in short, everything you need to ensure the day goes smoothly.

They can also accommodate you for a beautiful ceremony, to your exact specifications, in the grounds of the resort.

The resort is also acclaimed for its internationally-inspired cuisine, so, if you’re tying the knot on the pool deck against breathtaking views of Valletta harbour, you can take advantage of an extensive repertoire that includes French, Thai, Indian or Italian fare, or local flavours.

You can also take the expertise of the Fortina’s award-winning chefs with you, should you decide to hold your reception elsewhere on the island.

For further information, call 0800 917 3001, or email info@hotelfortina.com.

20 September 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 27

l BRI DG E H OU S E HOT E L , T U L L A M O R E l

A wedding expo for the big day of your dreams THE Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore is getting ready to host its Wedding Expo on Sunday, September 30, which will see the four-star venue showing all that it can offer in creating a truly special day for its customers, and welcome brides- and grooms-tobe.

On the day, the hotel will be set up to demonstrate all the Bridge House can do for wedding parties.

T here will be the opportunity to meet the hotel’s wedding team, and a host of wedding suppliers, including videographers, stationery suppliers, bakers, pho-

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A lovely feature at The Bridge House Hotel is its “secret garden” – an oasis of peace for the happy couple

tographers, bands and musicians, florists, hairdressers, specialist jewellers, expert health and lifestyle consultants and, of course, bridal wear and menswear – all on hand to give all the wedding tips you could need.

The Wedding Expo at the Bridge House Hotel

will also include a bridal gown display, auction and a range of incentives for anyone who books their wedding on the day.

Now, the hotel’s dedicated wedding website – http://tullamore-weddings.bridgehouse.com – lets potential brides and

grooms preview exactly what the Bridge House Hotel has to offer, as well as view special offers and learn more about the hotel’s wedding team.

Located less than 90 minutes from Dublin, Galway and Limerick, the Bridge House Hotel has more than 40 years of experience and a longstanding reputation as one of the Midland’s most popular hotels for wedding receptions and civil ceremonies.

For further information, contact the Bridge House Hotel at 057 932 5600; or see the hotel’s website, www.bridgehouse.com, or its dedicated wedding website.

Head to the Headfort Arms: You won’t want to miss its special fair THE Headfort Arms Hotel in Kells is rolling out the red carpet to couples in October when they host their Autumn Wedding Show on Sunday, October 7.

Hotel owners, the Duff family, are celebrating 40 years in business this year, and have looked after generations of weddings with a personal family touch.

Every need in organising your

nuptials will be covered on the day, with suppliers from every domain available to discuss prospective clients’ every requirement for their perfect wedding, from entertainers to hat designers, jewellers to honeymoon experts.

For further information, call 046 924 0063, or see www.headfortarms.ie online.

GAZETTE

28 BLANCH GAZETTE 20 September 2012

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BLANCH GAZETTE 20 September 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

SOCCER: CATALAN VISITORS FORGE NEW D15 FRIENDSHIP

Hollystown’s Quinn ends fourth in test of golf skills HOLLYSTOWN teenager Aaron Quinn continued a brilliant run of form as he finished fourth in the national finals of the first ever Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Golf Skills Challenge at the GUI National Golf Academy last Saturday.

The 18-year-old has dropped his handicap seven shots since last year and it was easy to see why as the now eight-handicapper proved himself among the most skilful golfers in the country.

The Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Golf Skills Challenge pitted male and female amateur golfers from all over the country against one another, with the finalists having qualified at various venues throughout the summer Each golfer took three shots at each of the seven different skills in the challenge - driving, 135m shot, pitching, up and down, bunker play, difficult lies and putting. Points were awarded for each ball with the potential for bonus points in four of the skills.

With a maximum score of 320, Quinn carded an impressive score of 185 and his fourth place finish meant it was worth sacrificing a soccer league game to take part in the grand final.

“I play soccer with Dublin Celtic and I was supposed to be playing in Ballymun today but had to play in the Skills Challenge instead,” said Quinn, smiling. The central-midfielder is really enjoying his golf these days and it’s easy to see why after taking his handicap down from 16 to eight.

Having won the Captain’s Day at Hollystown in 2011, he finished second this year and helped his club reach the quarter-finals of the Barton Cup. With time to play four or five rounds a week during the summer holidays, Quinn has made huge improvements to his game.

“My short game improved and I’ve started holing a few putts,” he said rather modestly and as he begins his architecture course at DIT this week, he knows what his dream job would be.

“I’d love to design golf courses,” he said.

Although he wasn’t eligible to win, Ireland rugby player and Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Ambassador Rob Kearney also tried his hand at the Skills Challenge, posting an impressive score of 135.

“I really enjoyed having the chance to put my golfing skills to the test and brush up on some ‘need to improve’ areas.”

Hunststown Hartstown FC played out a friendly with Catalan side Alpicat last Saturday in Hartstown Park on the new all-weather pitch

Hunts open Harts to Alpicat I PETER CARROLL sport@gazettegroup.com

HARTSTOWN Huntstown Football Club hosted Aeva Veterans Alpicat last Saturday, with a view to setting up a connection with the Catalan club for future friendly fixtures between the two sides.

Captain of Tommy McGuirk’s Premier C side, Darren McCabe, the man who put the wheels in motion for the game, spoke to GazetteSport to highlight how he believes last weekend’s kick-about could become a lot bigger in the future, with both teams declaring interest in starting a tournament.

“It was great to have the lads over, it was a real community effort and we have plans to head over to them in May of next year,” said McCabe.

“There was a presentation before the game when we exchanged gifts from both clubs and the game was played in great spirit.

“For something that started from a message I received on Facebook, the union between the two clubs has grown quite quickly over the weekend, to the point that we are now considering a dual club tournament.

“Aeva have 15 youth teams in their set-up and

Marathon missions: Phoenix Park hosts fourth leg of series METRO St Brigid’s Sean MacSeoin celebrates finishing the Dublin half-marathon in the Phoenix Park last weekend.

Entrants ran, walked and jogged the 13-mile course in what was the fourth and final race in the four-part Dublin race series.

The Half Marathon represents the last major hurdle for marathon hopefuls ahead of the Dublin marathon on October 29. Entry remains open for that event until Monday, October 1. See www.dublinmarathon.ie for more details.

it would be amazing if we could establish something that would see the younger teams going back and forth between the countries and experiencing the fantastic brand of football that the Spanish have become famous for,” said McCabe.

Despite the game not being much of a contest, Alpicat losing 8-1 against a makeshift HHFC side that used a few players from three different teams, the Catalan side enjoyed themselves, with the Hartstown/Huntstown community turning out in force to keep the travelling contingent happy.

“We had a reception for them back in the Hartstown House, the club bought them a few rounds and the atmosphere was brilliant when the Barcelona game was put on television.

“They were chanting for Messi and then our lads would start up a Ronaldo song, but it was all a bit of craic and the Catalan team started a train around the pub at one stage.

“We arranged food from the Magic Wok which went down very well with them, and we’ll be getting the organisation process for our visit under way very soon,”

said McCabe.

Such was their delight with their visit to Blanchardstown that Aeva Veterans Alpicat sent a message to the Dublin 15 side that read the following: “Just want to thank you for all that you have done for us, I would liked to see you playing football with us, so I hope when you’ll visit Alpicat, you could play against us and have good times after the match.

“We enjoyed our visit to HHFC so much.

Thanks to all players and managers and I want you to know that you have a home and a friend here in Alpicat.”

20 September 2012 BLANCH GAZETTE 31

FOOTBALL: BRIGID’S SEND BALLYBODEN REELING

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ST BRIGID’S SAINT Brigid’s GAA club nursery for

out by a single point.

four-to seven-year-olds runs every

St Brigid’s Spleodar Irish club for

Saturday morning from 9.30am to

teenagers has resumed on Thurs-

11am. New members and families

days from 7-9pm in the club hall. The

welcome.

cost is €3 per week and everyone is

GAA accredited coaching courses

welcome. New GAA show featuring

are being hosted in the club. Open

a weekly Brigid’s roundup every

to all members, the cost is only €10

Monday evening on Phoenix FM at

and €5 for U-18s. Contact Paul on 087

7pm. If you have any item you want

9154748 or see the website for more

mentioned, email info@stbrigids-

info.

gaa.com.

Well done to our U-14s, U-15s

The junior camogie team are in the

and senior camogie team who are

championship semi-final this week-

through to the championship semi-

end. See the website for more of this

final after beating Ballinteer and to

week’s fixtures.

our inter footballers on their cham-

The club lotto is €11,200 this week

pionship win over Ballyboden. Hard

and takes place in Russell Park on

luck to our junior Bs who were edged

Thursday.

ST PEREGRINE’S A BIG thanks to Lorraine, John and Michelle and to all who enjoyed the family fun day last Saturday.

St Brigid’s Warren Finnegan played a key role in their IFC win; Rory Corcoran, below, has been a Castleknock star

McEntee’s strike powers Brigid’s IFC FOURTH ROUND St Brigid’s Ballyboden St Enda’s

1-9 0-6

I sport@gazettegroup.com

SAINT Brigid’s intermediate footballers booked their place in the quarterfinal of the intermediate football championship, when they managed to overcome a bullish Ballyboden outfit who kept the pace with the Russell Park men until midway through the second stanza, where Brigid’s kicked on to take a 1-9 to 0-6 win.

Seamus Bonner, Colm Doyle, Warren Finnegan and centre back Colin Lynch helped the Brigid’s cause in the first half, all grabbing points to give the Blanchardstown side a 0-7 to 0-3 lead going into the second half.

Down but not out, St Enda’s tried to rally in the early exchanges of the second half, but the Brigid’s back lines were too strong, breaking down the ball and

distributing expertly up field.

It was a Phil McEntee goal that re-established Brigid’s dominance over the tie, when the midfielder found the ’Boden net with a searing strike that gave his side a 0-6 lead that the opposition tried in vain to get back.

The score line didn’t quite reflect Brigid’s dominance in the encounter who could have tagged on a lot more in the second half if it were not for some poor finishing, but the positive that they’ll take will surely be the performance of the defence, who could not be faulted in the late exchanges of the game.

St Peregrine’s bowed out of the senior championship after their fellow northside club, Erin’s Isle, out pointed them in the late kick off in Parnell Park on Friday night.

The Blakestown Road men fell 0-9 to 0-20.

Elsewhere, Castleknock booked their place

in the final of the junior A championship after seeing off Kilmacud Crokes in a closely contested final that finished 2-11 to 1-8 in O’Toole Park on Sunday.

The Somerton side will now face Raheny who overcame Clondalkin’s Round Tower after it took extra time to separate the sides, with the scores finishing up at 1-13 to 0-15.

The intermediate footballers have enjoyed a fantastic campaign this year which has put them in the mix for promotion from the AFL4, along with the hurlers who

have enjoyed a similar run of form that has them eyeing an elevation to the AHL 3.

The young club’s fantastic year has also been highlighted by their first senior county call-ups with Rory Corcoran and Ciaran Kilkenny both lining out for the Dubs this year.

The latter returned last Friday to Ireland after a week-long trial with the Carlton Blues in Australia as the 18-year-old explores his options of taking up a contract in the Australian Football League.

Best of luck to Eric and the Dublin minors in the All-Ireland final against Meath on Sunday.

the birth of baby Lilly.

Sincere condolences to the Lynch family on their recent bereavement.

Our safety day is on the 30th September.

The Penguin Ball is on December 15 in

St Peregrine’s are setting up an

the Carlton Hotel; tickets are €50 and

Over-35s team and are playing a

deposits must be paid by the end of

tournament in Kells this Saturday.

September.

If interested, please contact Martin Lonergan.

Memberships are still overdue and must be paid as soon as possible.

The club lotto was not won; the numbers drawn were 3, 6, 8 and 25; next week’s jackpot is €4,200. Congratulations to Shay and Lorraine Martin on

Our club shop vouchers are now available, details and contacts on the club website, CNP.ie.

Follow us on Twitter @peregrinesgaa.

Entertainment in the club this Saturday is from Playhouse.

Bingo continues this Wednesday at 8.30pm, the jackpot is €650.

WESTMANSTOWN/GARDA IT WAS a disappointing week on the

Gael and Good Counsel in the annual

playing fields with both intermedi-

hurling blitz weekend and gave a

ates and junior ones beaten.

great account of themselves winning

The intermediates went under to Na Fianna in the championship on Saturday evening at Drumnigh Road.

five of their six matches.

The U-9 hurlers recorded a fine win against Good Counsel away. The U-12

Best of luck to Na Fianna in the next

girls won a division five game against

round. The junior ones lost out nar-

group leaders Na Fianna at West-

rowly to O’Toole’s on Sunday morn-

manstown.

ing at Westmanstown in a division six league fixture.

Well done to all who took part in

For more information, contact club GPO, Declan Jennings at 085 8006101 or visit www.westmanstowngaels.ie.

the golf outing at Westmanstown

The nursery section is looking for

on Thursday and a special word of

new members (join for free until

thanks to Willie McGee of AXA Insur-

October 31). It runs every Saturday

ance who sponsored the event.

morning from 10-11.30am at the GAA

The U-8 hurlers hosted Clann na

grounds in Westmanstown.

CASTLEKNOCK CASTLEKNOCK GAA has been short-

beating Kilmacud Crokes on Sunday

listed for the Coca-Cola thank you

morning. Well done to all the lads and

fund. We are in with a chance to be

management.

awarded grants from the fund, which

Our third team were not so lucky

stands at €125,000. We need votes so

and lost to Cuala in their champion-

get on the website and vote for us

ship game by two goals.

today.

Our footballers have reached the final of the junior championship after

Best of luck to Tom Quinn and all the Dublin minors in the All-Ireland football final this Sunday.

ALL OF YOUR BLANCHARDSTOWN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 30-31

PHOENIX RACES: Locals come out in force to contest final race series event P30

GAA MATTERS: All the best local Gaelic Games coverage P31

St Peregrine’s Eric Lowndes is among the local footballers to line out for the Dublin minor footballers against Meath this weekend

Lowndes, Quinn and Walsh hope to repeat Leinster defeat of old rivals and claim All-Ireland minor glory PETER CARROLL

sport@gazettegroup.com

ERIC Lowndes of St Peregrine’s, Tom Quinn of Castleknock and Niall Walsh of St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh will represent Dublin this weekend in the All Ireland minor football championships final when the talented young side will face their most fierce inter-county rivals and neighbours, Meath.

The minors booked their place in the final after overcoming the might of Kerry, who saw off quite convincingly, 3-12 to 1-10, with both Lowndes and Walsh running out in the starting 15 for the Boys in Blue.

Lowndes’ fellow dual star, Cormac Costello, was the leading scorer on the day with 1-3, which he added to his already incredible 5-21 which he amassed in the championship so far this season.

Walsh has helped the Dublin championship effort in his appearances in the forward line with 0-8 so far in the championship run, but his game has been focused more on creating space before distributing the ball to advancing players.

Lowndes can play across any position on the field but is predominantly used in the back lines for the minors. He has enjoyed a lot of success in his early years as part of the Dublin set-up. This Saturday will mark his fourth All Ireland final, and he is likely to be included in the starting 15 for the minor hurlers replay with Tipperary, after he had a fantastic game in the backline in the original match that ended in a draw. Lowndes has already amassed four Leinster titles in his fledgling career.

For the first time, Dublin may be considered favourites for the All-Ireland title, having already beaten Meath in a dominant fashion in

the Leinster minor final in July of this year.

On the sound of the final whistle there was quite a gulf between the two sides with Dublin winning by 3-17 to 1-11. Costello was clinical in front of goal, taking a hat trick and finishing up with a total of 3-4 for the day.

From there, Dublin went on to face Monaghan, who they saw off with a solid 1-16 to 0-8, in a game where Lowndes claimed two points and Niall Walsh took one of his own.

With such a fine run of form and the young Dubs scoring for fun, the side look likely to take the All Ireland honour and give their fans something to smile about after the seniors’ exit in the semi final to Mayo.

Such has been the success of the side that their manager, Dublin legend Dessie Farrell, has been made one of the leading names after Jim Gavin for the senior manager position after the resignation of All Ireland winner Pat Gilroy.

GazetteSPORT

Dublin 15 minors set for Meath meeting

SEPTEMBER 20, 2012