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INSIDE: Calling on runners to join ‘Team Eamonn Coghlan’ P10

Handball: Eoin Kennedy clinches 25th All-Ireland title Page 32

Football: Local stars help Dublin to U-16 Leinster title Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ....................10 PETS..............................12 ENTERTAINMENT ..........16 BUSINESS .................... 20 MOTORS ....................... 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

June 23, 2011

BRIDE&GROOM: Don’t miss our

essential guide to your big day P18

Burton: I still keep an eye on finance Q LAURA WEBB

HIGH-profile Dublin West TD and Minister Joan Burton has said she is “keeping an eye on finance” admitting she was “surprised” and “bemused” not to be given a position within the Department of Finance following the General Election.

In an exclusive interview with the Gazette this week, the local TD, who had been the Labour Party’s long-time Finance Spokesperson prior

to the election, added that she hadn’t “gone away”.

“In the Irish system it’s the decision for the leaders of the political parties who are in government. I accepted the request from Eamon Gilmore to become Minister in this department, but I am keeping my eye on finance and on financial issues; I haven’t gone away you know,” said Burton, a former lecturer in accountancy.

Full Story on Page 6

Music marathon: Castleknock man plays guitar for 114 hours UNDER the picture of Phil Lynott,

Castleknock man Dave Browne put himself into the Guinness Book of Records, after playing his guitar continuously for 114 hours at the Temple Bar pub, in Dublin city centre.

His world record attempt started on Sunday, June 12, at 4pm and continued until a little after 10am on Friday morning on June 17.

Full Story on Page 5

2 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23 June 2011

SOCIAL: BID TO INCREASE AGE TO 68 IS SLAMMED

DUBLIN 15 Residents’ road campaign is stepped up

Dublin West TD, Joe Higgins

Pension plan will be ‘resisted’ PROPOSALS to increase the pension age in Ireland to 68 were “vehemently” resisted by the Socialist Party/United Left Alliance TDs. That’s according to Dublin West TD, Joe Higgins. The committee stage of The Social Welfare and Pensions Bill was discussed last week in the Dail. An important provision in the bill could see the State pension age increase to 68 by 2028.

According to Deputy Higgins, from January 2014, around 11,000 workers, who could look forward to receiving the contributory State Pension at 65, “will not get it” and will have to work for another year until the age of 66. The pension age will rise again in 2021 to 67 and to 68 in 2028.

“This is a most reactionary and regressive bit of social legislation.

Over a century and a half, the labour movement has conducted many costly struggles to reduce working hours

and the working life so that workers might have respite and be able to retire at an age that gives them an opportunity to enjoy some leisure.

“That a Labour Party Minister should be proposing the reversal of some of these social gains is a statement of how far that party has gone in its betrayal of the core principles of worker solidarity.”

Deputy Higgins said the measure was a “betrayal of the Labour Party and no Labour Party deputy can consider himself/herself pro-workers’ rights if they support this Bill”.

Dublin Nor th TD, Clare Daly said: “These measures will hit low-paid workers most and those in difficult and demanding employment.”

Joe Higgins and Clare Daly were joined by three United Left Alliance colleagues, Seamus Healy TD, Joan Collins TD and Richard Boyd Barrett TD in strenuously opposing the measure.

Over 100 residents marched in Ongar recently to protest against the ongoing lack of access to Hansfield station. Picture: Peter Doyle

€1.4m is allocated to open Hansfield Q MICHAEL HANNAN castleknock@gazettegroup.com

THE MINISTER for Transport and local TD, Leo Varadkar, has said the allocation of €1.4 million in funding to develop an access road and car park for Hansfield Station in Dublin 15 still stands.

T he €10m station was opened in September 2010 but local residents and commuters have been unable to use it due to the fact that there is no access road for members of the public.

Speaking to the Gazette, the Minister said the only remaining obstacle was the legal agreement that had to be reached by Fingal County Council, the

developers and Irish Rail.

His comments came af ter over 100 local residents marched on the streets of Ongar last weekend to protest against the ongoing lack of access to the €10m station.

Minister Varadkar said he was confident that all parties involved would soon reach agreement and allow works to go ahead. “ We h ave a l m o s t reached the finishing line on this matter. I’m happy to say that we have achieved more in just 12 weeks than the last government achieved in 12 months.

One of my first priorities as a Government Minister was to find a solution for Hansfield

station. That’s why I a l l o c a t e d € 1. 4 m i l lion from the National Transport Authority’s capital budget to develop the access road and car park.

“It’s one of a number of projects in the Greater Dublin Area now being funded from this budget. I also held high-level discussions with all the principal parties. Agreement has now been reached in principle.”

T he delay on the constr uction of the road has been criticised by local Socialist Cllr Ruth Coppinger who said that residents “shouldn’t have to wait six months for a halfmile road to be built. By progress, we’re looking for an actual date for

the opening of the station”.

She said that if no progress had been made by the time of the next Ongar Facilities Action Group meeting on Tuesday week, then residents will consider staging a protest at the Menolly Showhouses.

Iarnrod Eireann communications manager, Barry Kenny, said that the company understood the frustration of commuters that the access road was not provided by the developers to allow the station to open last September.

“We have worked with Fingal County Council, the two developers involved, NAMA, and elected representatives, including the Minister for Transport, to resolve

this. “ Howe ve r, we d o believe that the issues which prevented the station from opening will be resolved in the near future.

“Our goals were to complete the access road and the provision of land for car parking.

“We have made significant progress on both these goals, with a site chosen for the car park. When all agreements are in place, we estimate that planning and works will take five to six months, and that the station will then open.”

T he developers, M a n o r Ho m e s a n d Menolly Group, did not respond to our request for a comment at the time of going to press.

23 June 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3

EVENT Coolmine Therapeutic Community programme COUNCIL: PROJECT TO BE

FINISHED IN SPRING 2012

Road works due to start

The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton who launched the event. Picture: Peter Doyle

Joan launches local market Q HIROMI MOONEY

THE MINISTER for Social Protection, Joan Burton, launched the Coolmine Therapeutic Community’s (TC) Farmers’ Market on Saturday, May 28.

The market will be held ever y Saturday from 10am to 4pm at Coolmine Lodge, Grove Road, Clonsilla. The market is the culmination of a horticulture programme at the Coolmine Lodge site which began in 2008.

“Established in 1973, Coolmine Therapeutic Community was the first, and for almost a decade, the only voluntary body concerned with the treatment of addicts in Dublin,” said Minister Burton at the launch.

“Since then, the Centre has gone from strength

to strength, developing the services and programmes to help people to achieve a drug-free life.”

Coolmine TC’s Farmers’ Market aims to help the Centre’s clients develop relationships with the local community and to grow their horticulture project, Growing for Growth.

The programme teaches the clients to grow their own fruit and vegetables, as well as helping them to develop teamwork skills and confidence.

“I am delighted to see that a number of food producers are participating in the Coolmine Therapeutic Centre’s Farmers’ Market selling a variety of ethnic foods, breads, cakes, coffee, as well as flowers and candles. This is a wonderful

community and entrepreneurial initiative and I commend the organisers and stallholders,” said Minister Burton.

“It went pretty well. We were hoping for a bigger crowd, but we’ll build that up over the coming weeks,” said Coolmine TC’s Education Coordinator, Frank Torpey.

“She (Minister Burton) was very impressed and we gave her a tour of the horticultural programme that we’ve had going for three years. And we just got money from ESB Electric Aid Ireland to support us.”

Frank said that almost 200 people attended the inaugural outdoor market and the stall holdes were happy with the turnout.

“It isn’t our aim necessarily to make a profit.

We want this to be an

opportunity for Coolmine TC to interact with the community and viceversa. We’d like to work with community groups besides horticultural group. We want it to be a good family day out,” he said.

The Farmers’ Market features a variety of stalls that sell food and cuisine from Europe, Asia and Argentina. There will also be kids’ activities, entertainment and music.

“Coolmine TC’s Farmers’ Market is a long overdue, and thus very welcome initiative for the Dublin 15 area, and we, at Fingal County Council are delighted to support the venture in any way we can,” said Fingal County Council’s senior executive parks superintendent, Ruairi O’Dulaing.

WORK on the Porterstown Link Road is expected to begin in September and be complete

by Spring 2012.

That’s according to a spokesperson for Fingal County Council.

When asked by the Gazette to give an update on the construction of the link road, a spokesperson for Fingal County Council said the council has “tendered for construction of the Porterstown Link Road”.

The tender is due to close shortly and it is expected that the project will be awarded “over the coming weeks”.

“Construction will start in September, 2011” and it is anticipated that the construction period will be approximately six months, with the new road complete and opened by Spring, 2012,” the spokesperson said.

Adding: “This scheme passed through all stages of the planning approval process some time ago, and has full Part 8 approval. Funding from central government is available for this scheme, and it should be noted that further essential school construction in the area cannot proceed until this new link road is completed and opened.”

The road, which was originally proposed in 2008, will link the roundabout on the southern side of Dr Troy Bridge on the Diswellstown Road to the area of the junction of Luttrellstown Road/Porterstown Road This essential infrastructure will provide access to the proposed new permanent school site at Luttrellstown Community College but it is also hoped to alleviate traffic through Clonsilla.

4 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23 June 2011

COUNCIL: FUNDING FOR SUMMER PROJECTS

HERITAGE Project coordinator appointed for works

€57,000 for local groups FINGAL County Council intends to spend over €57,000 on supporting a number of summer projects taking place throughout the county.

A number of groups from across the county in Dublin West and Dublin North, have applied for funding under the Community, Culture and Sports Division’s new summer projects funding scheme, as part of activities funding.

In a council report to councillors at a recent county council meeting, the report stated that the purpose of these projects is to “provide a supervised programme of recreational and educational activities for young people during the summer period”.

“Emphasis is placed on encouraging community involvement and the development of resources and groups within localities. A wide variety of child-focused activities are catered for across communities with varying socio-economic

needs. Summer Project groups are expected to include the following activity types in their programmes of events – Community /Civic awareness activities; Environmental awareness raising; Intercultural activities and events; sporting events,” the report said.

The maximum funding available to summer project groups is €1,500, or €2,000, if the group is designated under the Activities funding scheme.

Some 40 groups, such as Hartstown Foroige Pyramids Youth Club, Blakestown Community Centre, Blanchardstown Youth Services – Ongar in Dublin West, and Castlegrange Youth Club Summer Project – Swords, Malahide Youth Club and Ardcian Park R.A – Swords, in north Dublin have all been recommended to receive funding of some kind through the scheme.

A total of €57,293 is being allocated for funding the summer projects.

British actor, Martin Shaw (right), pictuered in 2009 in front of the Georgian Mill House that was used by BBC One for an episode of Inspector George Gently entitled Gently Through The Mill

Shackleton’s Mills to be visitor attraction Q LAURA WEBB castleknock@gazettegroup.com

THE historic Shackleton’s Mills in Lucan are set to be transformed into a “first-class herit-

age visitor attraction” following the appointment of a project coordinator to oversee extensive conservation works at the site.

According to Fingal

County Council, the project manager is set to be on site within the “next few months”.

Key heritage site The council said this

week that they regarded the site and the attached Georgian Mill house as a “key heritage site” in its portfolio of Parks and Heritage Properties.

In 2006, the council announced plans to restore the historic mill and its attached 18thcentury mill house in the Strawberr y Beds into a state-of-the-art working museum and visitor centre.

Difficulties securing funding for the ambitious plan meant it had to be put on hold.

However, this week, Fingal County Council said it is currently working with FAS with a view to having a project co-ordinator appointed and on site within the next few months.

Statement In a statement to the Gazette, a spokesperson for FCC said that once the project co-ordinator is on site, “we anticipate that the conservation and, where required, restoration works would start. These types of works would be consistent with that outlined in the Conser vation Plan.”

T he spokesperson went on to say that

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

‘We anticipate that the conservation and, where required, restoration works would start. These types of works would be consistent with that outlined in the Conservation Plan’

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

Fingal County Council views Shackleton’s Mills as “a key heritage site” in its portfolio of Parks and Heritage Proper ties, and “we intend for Shackleton’s Mills to provide a firstclass heritage visitor attraction in the west of the county”.

Minor works were previously undertaken to secure the mill building and to prevent deterioration and also to install fire prevention measures.

23 June 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 5

PEOPLE Castleknock man plays guitar for 114 hours

MARATHON: APPEAL

Strumming his way to a music world record

Eamon’s call for runners

Q LAURA WEBB castleknock@gazettegroup.com

A CA S T L E K N O C K man has made it into the Guinness Book of Records after playing his guitar continuously for 114 hours, despite originally thinking he could break the record by playing for 101 hours.

Dave Browne began his world record attempt on Sunday, June 12, at 4pm in the Temple Bar pub, in the city centre, and was set to continue until 9pm on Thursday, June 16.

But, in an endurance test, he found out on the last day that the actual record holder had played for 113 hours – not the 100 hours he had thought when he started out.

However, that didn’t stop him from playing on, and he continued to

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play the guitar until a little after 10am on Friday morning, for a total of 114 hours – claiming the Guinness World Record.

The musician played through the night and was accompanied by --------------------------

‘He played 1,372 tracks from all genres to complete his record, mainly rock, blues and traditional music’ --------------------------

two singers, who were watched by four independent observers.

When playing through the day, he was joined by other musicians and

singers, and pub revellers cheered him along, helping him to claim the world record.

He played 1,372 tracks from all genres, mainly rock, blues and traditional music.

Rules set out by the Guinness World Record authorities state that the musician is allowed a 30-second break between songs, and each song must be a piece of recognised, published music, with a duration of at least two minutes.

Dave was also allowed a five-minute break every hour, or a 40-minute rest every eight hours, letting him get in a muchneeded nap or lunch, or shower.

The Castleknock man is a regular performer at the popular Temple Bar venue.

CASTLEKNOCK man and Olympian, Eamonn Coghlan, is calling on runners to join his team for the National Lottery Dublin Marathon on October 31.

In doing so, they will be helping to raise money for the Children’s Medical and Research Foundation (CMRF) at Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin.

Under the picture of Phil Lynott, Castleknock man Dave Browne put himself into the Guinness Book of Records, after playing his guitar continuously for 114 hours at the Temple Bar pub in Dublin city centre

Initiatives Funds raised will go towards a number of major initiatives, including research into childhood obesity, as well as the upgrade of the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit on St John’s Ward, where children and teenagers with cancer are treated.

Anyone interested in joining Team Eamonn Coghlan should register with the National Lottery Dublin Marathon, and then call Crumlin on 1890 507 508 for their fundraising pack, or see www.kilometresforkids.ie.

See gallery on Page 10

6 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23 June 2011

R1

POLITICS Joan Burton speaks about her political career

Joan is both stimulated and challenged by her new role -------------------------------------------------------

In a sit down interview with the Gazette , the poll topping Dublin West TD admitted she was “surprised” and “bemused” not to be given a position within the Department of Finance. But, she says, she had no hesitation in getting her teeth stuck into her role as the new Minister for Social Protection ------------------------------------------------------Q LAURA WEBB

SHE is a force to be reckoned with in Irish politics and, although, Joan Burton may not have been awarded the ministerial portfolio she was widely expected to take up in the new Government, she says, tongue firmly in cheek, that she isn’t going anywhere and is keeping an eye on Finance.

In a sit-down interview with the Gazette, the polltopping Dublin West TD, admitted she was “surprised” and “bemused” not to be given a position within the Department of Finance.

She had, after all been Labour’s Finance Spokesperson for over a decade, with many regarding her as a saviour of the party during its years in the wilderness, following the demise of the Rainbow coalition.

But, she says, she had no hesitation in getting her teeth stuck into her role as the new Minister for Social Protection.

“In the Irish system, it’s the decision for the leaders of the political parties who are in government.

I accepted the request from Eamon Gilmore to become Minister in this Department, but I am keeping my eye on finance and on financial issues,” chuckles Burton, who is a former lecturer in accountancy.

Social Welfare “I have a strong interest in Social Welfare and

in job creation, because, while banking and finance are critical to the economy, on the other side a really good social welfare system that is strong, and targeted at people who need support, is really important for a civilised modern country.

“The one thing about a recession is, like booms, they come to an end and we need to assure people who have lost their jobs, or come out of school and can’t get a job, that they don’t end up so long on social welfare, that when the recession ends they really can’t compete against the new entrants coming into the labour market.”

So far, Burton says, she has found her new role both “stimulating and challenging”, but also exciting. “I have really had to come to grips with a whole new area, which counts for about €20 billion of spending. It pays income and money to 1.4 million people a week, so a lot of Irish families and individuals, rely in wholeness or in part for support on the Department of Social Protection.

“I am overseeing what I hope will be very exciting and effective changes in the Department, which is to bring in the community welfare officers into the Department and the Labour service side of FAS to make a one-stopshop where, if somebody goes into to get jobseekers, they will also be guided into advice about options.

Joan Burton had no hesitation in accepting the post as Minister for Social Protection

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‘I accepted the request from Eamon Gilmore to become Minister in this department, but I am keeping my eye on finance and on financial issues’ -------------------------------------------------------

Joan Burton, the new Minister for Social Protection

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“I have also been working on a new national intern scheme, which will offer people on the register more than three months, an opportunity to get six to nine months work experience, that they can use on their CV and get a foot in the door.”

On a personal note, the mum of one says that while balancing motherhood and politics can be a “challenge” she still believes it’s vital important to encourage more women to get involved in Dail Eireann.

She says that being part of a government cabinet with only three senior women figures, it’s clear that the gender balance is still not there “by a long shot”.

“I suppose Eamon Gilmore did try to compensate, he appointed the Attorney General [Maire Whelan], the first woman to ever hold the post and my job, so there are two women coming from the Labour side around that table but I don’t think three women in all is enough; and he did of

course, appoint Kathleen Lynch, Roisin Shorthall and Jan O’Sullivan as Ministers of State.”

Married to Pat, she says her husband is “very supportive” of her career choice, even if it means getting up early and coming home late.

On the recent State visits by Queen Elizabeth II and President Barack Obama, Burton says she felt “quite privileged to be there when both visits were taking place”.

She described the Queen as “very charming” and “very focussed on the visit”.

“I got the impression that it was of enormous historical significance to her. She was extraordinary well briefed about the different events that I attended; I think there was a moment, when the

Reporter Laura Webb who interviewed the Minister

Queen’s opening words [during her speech at the State dinner] were in Irish, it was a very strong indication of both her respect for Ireland and her determination to make the visit a success.”

Barack Obama As for American President Barack Obama, Burton says he is a “serious

rock star” and thought that his wife was “stunning”. “I thought they were really a remarkable magnetic couple.”

“I felt quite privileged to be there when both visits were taking place, so, hopefully, that positive image of Ireland will tell a slightly different story to all the gloomy economic news.”

23 June 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 7

PLACES Castleknock Hotel and Country Club

ROADS

New N3 crossing opens Q LAURA WEBB castleknock@gazettegroup.com

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‘It was mainly the Queen’s staff – the royal household. They gave Guy [manager] a thank-you card, and it had the envelope with the seal and everything. They really enjoyed staying here’ Castleknock Hotel and Country Club has had some very distinguished guests recently, including the Queen’s

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staff on her recent visit

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Marketing manager, Andrew Kavanagh

Hotel is building a name for itself Q LAURA WEBB

castleknock@gazettegroup.com

A CASTLEKNOCK hotel is getting a name for itself as the place to stay in Dublin, from royal guests to celebrity chefs all enjoying the scenic atmosphere of a country hotel in the heart of a big city.

Multi-award-winning hotel, Castleknock Hotel and Country Club, has had some very distinguished visitors stay with them recently. “ We h ave h a d a number of interesting guests staying with us over the last few months.

Notably the Queen’s staff stayed with us in May. We had a lot of security cautions, and I think a lot of locals noticed there was a high Garda presence over those few weeks, but it was fantastic to welcome such prestigious guests,” marketing manager Andrew Kavanagh told the Gazette.

Over the course of the week, around 40 of the Queen’s staff from the Royal household stayed in the hotel.

“It was mainly her staff – the royal household.

They gave Guy [manager] a thank-you card, and it had the envelope with the seal and everything.

They really enjoyed staying here,” he said.

Other notable guests were the participants of the next series of Celebrity Master Chef UK. Unfortunately, Andrew was unable to tell us who is taking part because it has not aired on our small screens yet.

“That will be on Irish screens later in the summer - I’m not allowed tell. But they are people you would know.

“We also had some filming for the Irish version of Come Dine With Me here. We have been very lucky in that we have been used for quite a few things like that.

“We had the Tyrone GAA team stay with us and we always have the All Blacks, they have stayed with us three times, and I think that is a good sign,” Andrew added.

W hen asked what brings such interesting guests to the foyer of the hotel, Andrew said it was down to a few things.

“There are a couple of reasons for it. One, we have an excellent relationship with the embassies. The hotel has won a number of awards in the last two years; we have won 10 awards in the last two years and we are currently working with Failte Ireland in achieving a business excellence award. We are one of only seven hotels to receive this award, should we get it and we should know in the next two or three weeks. Failte Ireland likes to work with hotels that have high standards

and obviously it leads to prestigious business, like the Queen’s staff.”

On top of this, the hotel location is highly regarded with its countryesque feel close to a busy village of Castleknock. It is also close to the top tourist spot of the

Phoenix Park.

The hotel, which is also keen to reach out to the local community, has made some changes to make it more family friendly, including a playground for the kids.

It has also introduced weekend entertainment,

which has been getting some great feedback. It is also dipping its toes into the leisure market, with its spa facility – Tonic.

For further information, and special offers on the hotel log onto www.castleknockhotel. com

THE wait is finally over for residents of Castleknock looking for a safe crossing at the busy N3, with the opening of a new pedestrian crossing there.

After a five-year campaign, residents crossing the busy N3 can do so safely, following the switching on of the pedestrian crossing at the busy road near St Brigid’s GAA club.

Welcoming the longawaited opening of the crossing, Fine Gael councillor Eithne Loftus said she very much welcome it.

“This should make it far safer for people to cross the road,” she continued,” she said.

“The crossing was actually completed this year, and was supposed to open in February.

“It’s taken another four months to get it over the finishing line.”

“However, I am happy that, in these difficult economic times, it has finally been opened.

“This crossing will be hugely important for people living locally, particularly those using public transport.

“Local residents who want to take a bus into Dublin have to cross the busy N3 at this point.

They will now be able to cross the road in safety,” Councillor Loftus said.

8 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23 June 2011

Laurel Lodge Carpenterstown

With Jim Lacey Phone: 087-2401308 Email: jimlacey@eircom.net

50 parishioners make pilgrimage to the Mass Rock

O

ver 50 parishioners from St Thomas the Apostle Parish, Laurel Lodge, travelled to Newry Mass Rock last Sunday.

This Mass Rock was used over 250 years ago during the penal times, when the government of the time forbade the celebration of Mass in public and enforced laws prohibiting most Roman Catholic practises.

The pilgrimage to the Mass Rock was in preparation for the forthcom-

ing Eucharistic Congress in 2012, and a remembrance in honour of the people who passed on the faith during the difficult penal times.

T he weather was unkind, but did not dampen the enthusiasm of the parish group who joined in the celebration of Mass

by Fr Mick Cullen at the historic site. Following Mass, the group travelled to the nearby GAA Club for a light meal of tea and sandwiches before returning home.

Luttrellstown Golf Club was a great venue for FIngal Heritage Network’s annual celebration

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Heritage Network’s night of culture and ‘craic’ L

AST Friday week was a night of music, song, poetry, dancing and story for the members of Fingal’s Heritage Network of 14 historical and heritage societies, who were assembled at Luttrellstown Golf Club for their annual celebration.

This was the first occasion that the Heritage Network came to Dublin 15 or, as I like to call it, South West Fingal. I heartily detest calling our native home after a postal district – Greater Castleknock, Blanchardstown and District or whatever, but not Dublin 15 or, even worse, D15.

The many historical and heritage societies in Fingal numbering about 200 people attended.

They came from Balbriggan, Cloghran, Donabate, Garrristown, Howth, Loughshinney, Lusk, Malahide, Roles-

town, Rush, Skerries and Swords.

Hosting the event were the two local heritage societies – Liffey Valley Alliance and Fingal South West Heritage Society. Mary Eustace ,and her colleagues in Liffey Valley Alliance, were responsible for the superb organisation.

There were two traditional/folk groups – our own Clonsilla-based Fionn Uisce, headed up

by Dave McClelland, kicked off the proceedings with a series of Irish reels, jigs and hornpipes.

Caroline Heery, a member of the group, gave a spectacular display of Irish dancing.

Bernadette Marks, from Swords, gave us a rendition of a poem celebrating the Fingallian language; the poem was written by Niall McCoitir, of Fingal County Council. Bernadette also told

a few humorous Swords stories.

Pat Kelly, from Lusk, then recited some evocative poems relating to Lusk, accompanied with a beautiful selection of background music.

Diarmuid O’Cathasaigh gave a thrilling monologue relating to a famous race in Baldoyle Racecourse; he also sang a couple of songs as Gaeilge, including Cill Chais. Cuimhneamh ar na focail i ‘Cad a dheánfaimid feasta gan adhmad? Ta deireadh na gcoillte ar lar.”

I am pleased to report everyone joined in, word perfect, or so it seemed to me.

Peadar Bates, from Donabate, frightened the life out of the audience with a couple of ghost stories. Brigid Heffernan sang The Rigs O’ Barley, a haunting Scottish ballad from the pen of Robbie Burns and a couple

of contemporary pieces.

Her singing was absolutely beautiful and she brought the house down.

The Lusk Folk Group, on top form as always, entertained us with a variety of music and melody, including a couple of classical pieces.

Cathal Moore, from the Swords group, sang a ballad about a Cabra man’s revenge on a Portuguese man, who ran way with his missus after seducing her with Babycham.

Yours truly, who was doing MC, told a couple of yarns about growing up in north-side Dublin in the 1950s/60s and some of the characters that frequented the area, such as Bang Bang, Johnny Forty Coats and Razor Blades, and other knights of the road.

The gathering included Cllr Peadar O’Kelly, from Balbriggan Town Council, and councillors Peggy

Hamill, Eithne Loftus, from Castleknock Ward, Cllr Kieran Dennison from Mulhuddart Ward and Cllr Ken Farrell, Mayor of Fingal.

Cllr Ken Farrell, Mayor of Fingal, gave a fine speech praising the work of the Fingal Network and thanked Heritage Officers Gerry Clabby and Niall McCoiter, also of Fingal Heritage Network, for their efforts and hard work.

Speaking to Gerry Clabby afterwards, he told me that it was not only a most successful night, but it was very enjoyable and thanked all who organised the event and provided the entertainment.

Finally, it was agreed by all that Luttrellstown Golf Club was a great venue and there was much praise for the management and staff who were very helpful.

23 June 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 9

10 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23 June 2011

EVENT Olympian Coghlan calls on runners to join his team

Sophie MacMahon, age 5, and Ruth MacMahon, age 8, from Rathmines, with

Running to the finish line with Eamonn are Keith Smith, age 7, from Drimnagh; Finn Smith, age 5, from

Eamonn

Drimnagh; Ruth MacMahon, age 8, from Rathmines and Sophie MacMahon, age 5, from Rathmines

The group do some stretches

A bit of fun in the park ORMER world champion and Olympian Eamonn Coghlan was joined by Sophie MacMahon, Ruth MacMahon, Keith Smith and Finn Smith in the Phoenix Park recently for some fun exercise. Eamonn is calling on runners around Ireland to join ‘Team Eamonn Coghlan’ for this year’s National Lottery Dublin Marathon (October 31) to raise

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money for the Children’s Medical and Research Foundation (CMRF) at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin. CMRF is an official charity partner of this year’s marathon and aims to raise vital funds for the hospital as part of its Kilometres for Kids Campaign. To join the team, and for further information, contact 1890 507 508 or log on to www.kilometresforkids.ie.

Running up the Wellington Monument in the Phoenix Park

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PETS Saving your sanity and furniture

Keeping those Kitty claws up to scratch MIRIAM KERINS Education Officer, Dublin SPCA

E V E RYO N E k n ow s that cats like to claw and scratch – that’s why I’m amazed when, very often, some people enquiring about adopting a kitten insist they don’t want one that will “scratch” their top- grain leather furniture. Oh, grow up!

It’s no secret that, as part of their daily routine, our feline friends instinctively pull the claws on their front paws through any surface that offers resistance – this unfortunately includes prized possessions like leather furniture! It’s a cat thing

– get over it!

A cat’s claws are the Swiss army knife of her tool box and an integral part of who she is – an exceptional hunter, climber and expert in personal defence. Kitty’s one paw swat is usually enough to send other cats running for cover, let alone the new family dog who swaggers onto her territory thinking he’s the dominant alpha male on the block. Big mistake!

A cat will also use her claws to communicate and leave messages for other cats by scratching on surfaces. You see, Kitty’s claws will engrave a visual territorial mark,

Cats instinctively pull the claws on their front paws through any surface that offers resistance

while the scent glands in her paw pads will brush on an olfactory mark signaling to other cats that she’s in da house!

Ok, if your cat is an outdoorsy type, then she’ll probably use tree trunks as part of her daily clawing ritual. But when she’s indoors, then she’ll go for everything from the curtains to the bed linen and beyond.

So, if Kitty is an indoor cat (and, here’s a bit of trivia - thanks to the invention of cat litter back in the 1940s, more and more felines are staying in, allowing them to live longer, healthier lives) she may be determined to feng shui your home in her own particular style of, er, “claw chic” well, then, what’s a pet parent to do?

• Encourage Kitty to use posts by scenting them with her favourite cat food, or hang or place toys in areas where she’ll climb. Also, gently rub your own hands on the scratching post’s surface and then gently rub Kitty’s paws onto the surface and praise her for using it.

• If your budget allows it, then get a multi-level scratching post that incorporates climbing and resting platforms with tree trunk-style stilts built in.

• Reward your cat every time she uses her scratching post. Remember, security is essential here, so make sure the scratching post is stable because if it topples or shakes, Kitty won’t want to use it.

• Cover objects that are out of bounds – better still, move them.

• If you manage to catch Kitty in the act of scratching a forbidden object, distract her by clapping your hands or by squirting her, very gently, with clean water from a child’s small toy water pistol. Never, ever hit her.

For more information log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie

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Gazette Contacts Block 3A Mill Bank Business Park Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251 Managing Director: Liam Holland email: lholland@gazettegroup.com General Manager: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. - Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette.

The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day

Calling all snappers!

AN Taisce are inviting entries from Dublin to their annual Clean Coast Photography Competition, which was launched last week as part of Coca-Cola Clean Coast Week.

Dublin has some of the most beautiful and spectacular coastlines in Ireland and, last year, a photograph of Dollymount, taken by Jonathan Mallin, took third prize in the Under-18s’ category of the competition, while Jamie Saunder’s photograph of Dublin Bay took third prize in the Over-18s’ category.

The Clean Coasts Photography Competition is a key part of An Taisce’s Clean Coasts’ programme, which encourages communities to manage and conserve some of the 3,000 miles of Irish coastline.

There were over 600 entries last year with a very high standard of photography as

Annabel Fitzgerald, Coastal Programmes Manager with An Taisce commented: “The photography competition is in its second year.

“Last year’s competition was so successful, an exhibition of some of the entries has been touring Ireland, a real snapshot of the beauty

of Ireland’s coastline.”

The theme of this year’s competition is, I Love My Coast, and entries are invited under four categories: 1) Coastal Landscape; 2) Coastal Heritage; 3) Nature & Wildlife; 4) People & the Coast.

The total prize fund is

€3,000 and the chance to be part of the Clean Coasts Photography Exhibition.

If you would like to enter the Clean Coast Photography Competition, log on to the website www.cleancoastphoto.org The Clean Coasts’ programme is owned and oper-

ated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce and is supported by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Coca-Cola.

To learn more about An Taisce’s Clean Coasts’ Programme visit www.cleancoastsireland.org

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R1

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

A film ready to take flight Based on a ‘kind of’ true story, Ian Power’s directorial debut, The Runway, is a triumph for the whole family Q JONATHAN KEANE

Jamie Kierans and Demian Bichir star in Ian Power’s feel-good debut feature length film, The Runway, showing in cinemas now

THE Runaway is the partially true story of a small quiet town in rural Cork called Drumasheen, with little or nothing going on, spelling utter boredom for the children living there and particularly our protagonist Paco (Jamie Kierans). However, that all swiftly changes with, literally, a bang.

Ernesto, a Columbian pilot played by Demian Bichir, crashes his plane outside the town, and, lucky to survive, meets Paco who rallies the residents together to build

a runway for Ernesto to fly home.

Set in 1983, The Runway has all the hallmarks of feel-good film; the town is stuck in the doldrums of the recession of the 80s and this unlikely arrival is what brings the populace together, even if some have ulterior motives.

Some have looked beyond the goodwill of the other residents to get Ernesto home and see the situation as a PR and money-making gold -mine.

The different motives of these minor characters keep things a lit-

FILM OF THE WEEK: The Runway ++++ (PG) 101 mins Director: Ian Power Starring: Demian Bichir, Kerry Condon, Jamie Kierans, James Cosmo

OUR VERDICT: THE Runway is a simple family film filled with laughs and warming moments. There’s still plenty here for any age to enjoy from the development of the different relationships to various characters’ quirks. Ian Power has taken this true story, and well and truly, made it his with his own well-scripted subplots. The script and acting are solid and affecting, so there’s little to really fault with in The Runway.

tle more interesting as there is always something under the surface.

Director Ian Power keeps the plot simple overall and easy to follow from the opening to closing credits, which is the film’s greatest strength.

The relationship b e t we e n P a c o a n d Ernesto is the centrepiece of the film, striking a bond that is both heartwarming as well as funny when it needs to be.

Paco has been raised by his single mother (Kerry Condon) and the arrival of Ernesto marks something of a father figure for him, especially with Paco’s only knowledge of his father being that he “lives in Spain”.

Under this belief of his father’s whereabouts, Paco learns Spanish and when Ernesto lands in Dr umasheen, he attempts to establish a rapport with the Columbian stranger and soon finds himself acting as interpreter for the rest of the town.

This is Power’s debut feature film and it proves to be a more than impressive debut, with him taking this true story and mixing in and integrating his own sub-plots and quirks to the film.

It is easy to see why The Runway has been gathering acclaim, seemingly across the board ,including scooping up the gong for Best Irish

Feature Film at the Galway Film Fleadh.

The film has been likened to E.T. with an outsider entering a small community and bonding with a child, and the two building an affecting relationship. Spielberg’s influence is quite evident in Power’s work here.

Debut

Power is not the only debut here, as Jamie Kierans too is making his debut as the touching and cheery Paco.

It seems that Kierans adapted quickly and easily to Power’s plot, with the youngster depicting Paco with little or no flaws, and with ease, creating a character that the audience can relate to.

The star performance comes from Demian Bichir though, in his portrayal of the almost dark and reluctant hero of the film.

The Mexican actor is heavily acclaimed too, particularly in his role in Che (2008) and his presence in the cast gives the film just a little bit more credibility, for those perhaps reluctant to watch the film.

The Runway, as cliched as it sounds, is one for all ages, with its bubbly comedic moments as well as poignant scenes, and is certainly a victory for Irish film that shouldn’t be overlooked.

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Be the best best man on the day WHEN it comes to public speaking, most people would admit that they hate the thought of standing up and addressing any kind of a gathering.

The best man’s speech is almost as important as the wedding ceremony itself – everyone knows it’s going to happen, the preparations are desperately nerve-wracking, and there’s no escaping it once you’ve signed up to the event.

You’ll be honoured, of course, to be best man.

But, your words will not be forgotten. They will

be etched in everyone’s minds for years to come.

We can all remember the kinds of car-crash speeches we’ve heard in the past.

Advice

The best advice is to be yourself and remember what the speech is all about. You probably don’t do stand up-comedy for a living, so don’t try. Be humorous, but remember that the most important people in the room are sitting next to you; it’s their day and they should be the main focus.

l M UM S -TO - B E l

Serious style to dress your bump AT THIS time of the year there are so many wedding’s to attend, women purchasing fabulous dresses and men buying suits or heading down to Blacktie.

But what about mumsto-be? It is just as important they feel and look fabulous wearing a beautiful dress for their special occasion day.

That’s where Stylemama comes in, helping mums-to-be find that perfect maternity dress without the expense of buying one that may only be worn once or twice throughout their pregnancy. And, for a fraction of the price, they offer a fantastic collection of dresses by well-known designers, many of which are worn by some of our favourite celebrities.

Clients can browse through the collection of dresses at the show-

room, taking as much time as they desire. With the option of their mobile service – shopping for maternity dresses has never been easier.

The selection of Nicole Michelle dresses are a very popular choice this season, truly beautiful dresses made with luxurious lace, a fabric which gives a perfect silhouette shape and, of course, lots of comfort, too, and allowing you to show off your beautiful bump, not conceal it.

Dresses from this range of have been worn by celebrity Emma Bunton this year, and many more of our dresses from other designers have been worn by Myleene Klass, Danielle Lloyd and Tess Daly.

Mums-to-be will be really spoilt for choice when visiting Stylemama.

All-inclusive package from Green Isle Hotel THE Green Isle Hotel on the Naas road has just teamed up with wedding specialist Laura Leigh, and is excited to announce their new exclusive, and all-inclusive, wedding package.

The Green Isle Hotel offers an innovative and elegant wedding programme with a trained, professional team to see that every wedding is truly special. Exquisite cuisine and wines, the loveliest linens, floral arrangements and a range of suites all help to take the stress out of your big day. The Green Isle Hotel offers a convenient location for a wedding reception and will make for a very memorable occasion.

From the moment a couple decides to hold their special day at the Green Isle Conference & Leisure Hotel, the hotel’s team will be happy to assist; ensuring attention to detail is of the utmost importance. The hotel will work to create a wonderful and unforgettable occasion for the happy couple, their families and guests.

The hotel’s new all-inclusive wedding package features tea/ coffee, biscuits and mulled wine or fruit punch on arrival, followed by a sumptuous fivecourse evening meal for all guests.

Each guest enjoys one glass of wine with their meal, which is

enjoyed at tables featuring chair covers and floral centrepieces.

The happy couple enjoy one month leisure membership and a complimentary bridal suite.

This offer applies to minimum numbers of 100 people, Monday – Friday.

For Saturday weddings, a charge of €10 extra per person applies, and the offer includes and evening reception buffet, two guests bedrooms provided by the Green Isle Hotel.

Also provided by “I Do” Weddings – by Laura Leigh – is a choice of wedding gown from top designers, two bridesmaid dresses, tiara, veil and bridal

shoes.

Other wedding essentials, including a total of 60 day invitations, a two- or three-tier cake, photographer and album, videographer, one car hire and unity candle and stand are also included.

See www.idoweddings.ie for examples.

This offer is available from €9,500 and is subject to availability. Upgrades are possible at a surcharge.

For further information, please contact the hotel’s wedding coordinator, Suzanne McCabe, on (01) 4123708 or email sales@ greenislehotel.com.

23 June 2011 GAZETTE 19

l LO O K I N G A M I L L I O N D O L L A R S l

Planning your bridal beauty regime ARE YOU five or six months away from your wedding? While you’re addressing invitations and picking out bridesmaids’ dresses, it will definitely pay off to take some time to work on your beauty regimen.

Making an investment now will pay off big on your wedding day.

Skin Care Now is the time to start working on your skin. On your wedding day, you’ll be having your picture taken close-up and many people getting close to your skin as they hug and kiss you. Even a relatively nice complexion can get extra benefit from six months of stress-relief, proper nutrition, and added water-drinking.

First, start a good cleansing programme.

You should be using a multi-step system, including a good cleanser

(Sothys Morning Cleanser for all skin types) in the morning, eye makeup remover and cleanser and toner at night, daily moisturiser (Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream) and an exfoliant and mask once a week.

(Sothys Desquacrem and Oxyliance Mask).

If you can afford it, this is a great time to consult a professional beauty therapist. Tell them your wedding date, and your skin-care goals. They may recommend treatments such as microdermabrasion or regular facials that will help you have pictureperfect skin.

Examine how much water you drink daily.

Drinking up to eight glasses daily may help clear up blemishes and make your skin more luminous. Try filling a bottle and keeping it on your desk at work. Have another water bottle in

the TV room (or wherever you tend to relax at night). While drinking this much water may be a challenge at first, keep at it, and it will get easier and easier.

While you’re increasing your water consumption, it’s a great time to be decreasing your caffeine consumption. Not only will less caffeine help your skin, it will also help you to be less stressed out.

You know if you’re better off going cold turkey or decreasing gradually.

Body Treatments Regular body massages will help to relax you during this stressful time!

Most beauty salons offer massage therapy treatments.

As well as massages, salons and spas offer full body and beauty treatments for brides-to-be and their parties, so look around and see where

Take the time between now and your wedding to focus on your beauty health

offers the best value – you might think about taking a day off with your hens and pampering yourself before the big day.

All kinds of treatments are available, from Body

treatments, including Swedish, stone therapy, lymphatic and deeptissue massage, Holistic therapies, including Hopi ear candling, reflexology, aromatherapy and Indian

head massage – think about which one will be right for you, and enjoy the downtime.

Make-up At least a month before

the wedding, visit a beauty salon and ask about a trial make up.

It is best to get two each for hair and make-up to make sure you know what you are getting. And make sure your trials are with the people who will be doing your hair/makeup on the day You need to know exactly what your make up will look like on your big day, and taking the time to think it through with your beautician beforehand is a very good idea.

Consider using this make-up session when you get ready for your hen night – you’ll also get to see how well your makeup performs on a night out, good practise for the big day itself.

Remember it’s your wedding day, one of the best days of your life, so, once all the preparations are done, sit back and enjoy, and be beautiful.

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l HONEYMOON OFFERS l

A heavenly Honeymoon FROM lazing on a deserted Caribbean beach to gazing on wild African game in their natural environment, it is important that you get the right advice when choosing your honeymoon.

The run-up to a wedding can be one of the most exciting times in a person’s life, but it can also be quite stressful!

Once the happy couple have said their “I do’s” and partied the night away with friends and family, they are often exhausted from all of the anticipation and planning and are ready for the per-

fect honeymoon.

Tour operators and travel agents have cottoned on to the fact that honeymooners no longer want just a week on the beach somewhere, but are often after a once-ina-lifetime experience.

“We are talking to a lot of honeymooners who say that they want a week on the beach to relax followed by an experience, such as a wildlife safari or a blowout in Las Vegas,” says Stephen McKenna, Founder of GoHop.ie.

“Twin centre holidays are increasingly popular, with a few days in Dubai

followed by a South African safari and or Garden Route trip – a firm favourite” he says.

Asia is also another haven for honeymooners, thanks to the affordability of the resorts in Thailand and Bali. It is possible to get excellent value for money without having to scrimp on luxury. Lisa Byrne, Travelmood, comments: “More and more honeymooners are opting for all-inclusive package deals to Thailand or the Caribbean. There are lots of all-inclusive deals around that offer the very best value for money. After

After the big day, the couple want to relax without having to worry about money

the big expense of a wedding, the couple want to kick back and relax without having to worry about the cost of their honeymoon.”

In the run-up to the wedding, practical planning for the honeymoon can get overlooked. It is important to research whether you need specific visas or vaccinations for the countries you will be visiting. Remember, that for vaccines to have the maximum effect, it is important to get them

well in advance of the trip. The Tropical Medical Bureau have over 23 clinics nationwide.

Travel insurance is also another important factor when travelling abroad.

Multitrip.ie offers cheap travel insurance that provides comprehensive holiday insurance cover, and ,with prices starting from as little as €19.99, should definitely be a priority when planning.

Top Honeymoon Offers

1) Travelmood – Pat-

taya, Thailand. Ten nights at the 3-star Green Park Resort in a standard room from €875.50pp inc tax (€570pp without tax).

P a c k a g e i n cl u d e s accommodation on a room-only basis, return flights with SAS ex-Dublin.

Must book before July 14. Travel: October 2 2011. Quote Ref: 156376 Visit www.travelmood.ie or call 01 433 1040.

2) GoHop.ie – Tanzania & Zanzibar. Tanzania – Safari + Zanzibar Honey-

moon package price from €2,990pp sharing, including flights from Ireland.

Package price includes all transfers, accommodation, meals and game drives. Private transport while on safari with a naturalist driver/guide. Internal flights from Arusha to Zanzibar and from Zanzibar to Dar Es Salaam.

Visit www.gohop.ie or call 01 2412389.

3) Joe Walsh Tours Antigua. Seven nights in Antigua on an all-inclusive basis at the Grand Pineapple Beach Antigua from €1,320 plus tax.

Includes: Return flights from Dublin, seven nights accommodation at the 3-star Grand Pineapple in a standard room on an all-inclusive basis (all meals, drinks and entertainment included) and transfers. Visit www.joewalshtours.ie or call 01 241 0888.

4) Concorde Travel Croatia. Stay seven nights at the 5-star Hotel Croatia in Cavtat on a B&B basis from €930pp inc tax.

Includes; flights, accommodation and transfers.

Travel: July 17 and 24 from Dublin. Includes €100 off offer. Visit www. concordetravel.ie or call 01 775 9300 5) American Holidays – Hawaii & Las Vegas.

Stay three nights at the 4-star Treasure Island in Las Vegas and 7 nights at 5* Hilton Hawaiian Village on a room only basis from €1,729pp. Quote ref 712829. Visit www.americanholidays.ie or call 01 673 3840.

23 June 2011 GAZETTE 21

l FLOWER POWER l

Special flower, special meaning, special day SAY it with flowers, the old advertising slogan used to chime.

But, if you’re planning to get married soon, you should bear in mind that the flowers might have something to say themselves on your special day.

Flowers carry a special meaning, passed down from generations gone by and before you start choosing the make up of your bouquets and table decorations, you might take a moment to reflect on the messages that your marigolds and rhododendrons might be sending.

In ancient times, people believed that the car-

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rying of strongly smelling flowers and herbs and spices repelled bad luck and ill health on their wedding day. In early Roman civilisation, brides and grooms used to wear floral garlands to signify hope of fertility. But the syntax of your shrubbery came into it’s own during Victorian times, when lovers exchanged different flowers to pass on their messages to each other.

Each flower symbolised a special meaning, and the recipient understood the message as clearly as if it were written on a piece of paper.

Today, most people

don’t speak flower, but on a day as important as your wedding, placing emphasis on what your flowers are saying can add another level of meaning to the subtext of your special day.

Let’s look at a few of the most appealing wedding flowers and their meanings.

Roses Roses have always been the most regularly chosen flower by brides throughout the world. Roses come in many colours, each of them with their own different meanings. White stands for innocence, beauty and charm, while

them in their wedding arrangements. However, they might if they understood their significance – daisies stand for romance and an innocent spirit.

Roses come in many different colours, each with their own meaning

red expresses a bride’s zeal and unending love towards her man.

Dark pink denotes thankfulness towards God that the bride and groom are made the man and wife, and an ivy-

coloured rose represents fidelity in marriage.

Tulips There are over 500 varieties of tulips, and they are considered the best for spring weddings

and are well recognised for the undying love and affection that they represent.

Daisies Everyone loves daisies.

But not many brides use

Calla Lilies These graceful flowers are reminders of past generations when grace and beauty were the rule.

Associated with elegance and charm, a calla lily would be the perfect flower if you wanted to create a sophisticated atmosphere for your wedding.

They also come in many different colours and varieties.

All graceful. All elegant.

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D u b l i n ’ s co m p l e t e g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l P E D I C U R E T R E AT M E N T M A K E S A S P L AS H l

A fishtastic experience to remember Q ANITA WARD

I THINK I can safely say that I don’t give my feet an easy time of it.

So, when we were discussing the new fish pedicure craze that seems to be everywhere at the moment, the consensus was that I would benefit the most.

Considering that I have a love of high-heeled shoes and horse-riding in equal measures, I’m not surprised that my feet are in a state.

I spend the better part of my day walking around the office in anything from four- to six-inch heels, and then, come the evening, I change into leather jodhpur boots and proceed to sweat a lot in them for the rest of the evening – very attractive!

I don’t even give my feet the luxury of some TLC, because I’m not overly fond of actually touching my feet, or having them touched. In fact, I’ve never even had a pedicure before – I know, the shame ...

Ealu Spa However, I was ridiculously curious about whether it was worth the hype, and what it would feel like, so I headed over to the Ealu Spa Therapy Salon in Naas, Co Kildare, to see what the fuss was all about.

Entering Ealu from a deluge of rain, I was greeted by the friendly staff and stepped into a little oasis of calm.

I was quickly introduced to the pedicure fish – Garra Rufa fish, I

was informed – and just hoped they were hungry, because my feet were a banquet of dead skin!

These little guys don’t get too full, apparently, despite the pedicure, and they are very happy in their job.

Their tank is placed on the floor beside a very comfortable looking recliner chair, with a built-in foot spa.

I met the lovely therapist, and she asked me to get comfortable on the chair and take off my shoes, and proceeded to wash my feet.

Your feet have to be free from any creams or chemicals (so, fake tan is a big no-no), but nail polish is fine.

The 150 little Garra Rufas got very excited at the prospect of a slap-up

Despite counting her toes before and after lowering them into a tank full of hungry Garra Rufa fish at Ealu Spa Therapy Salon, our writer swears by the marvellous pedicure treatment that they gave

meal on my tootsies as I lowered them into the water ...

To say it is an unusual feeling is an understatement – it’s not quite like someone touching your feet; it’s not unpleasant – it’s just bizarre! If anything, I could describe it like hundreds of little mini-vibrations, all working away together in different places on your feet.

These fish don’t nibble

at your feet, a common misconception – they don’t have teeth; it’s more like a sucking action.

They went to town on my feet – oh, and not just on my feet, but on my legs, too. Your leg goes up to mid-calf into the tank, so the fish were more than happy to give my legs a good clean as well.

I was fascinated with the fish as they busied themselves, with some of them even getting right in

Part of the welcoming environment at Ealu Spa

between my toes or, even funnier, fighting with each other to get the best position!

Experience The therapist offered me a magazine or something to drink, but I was quite happy to sit and soak up the experience by watching the little guys go to work.

The treatment lasts about 25 to 35 minutes, and it was strangely relax-

ing. Despite my reservations, I was actually excited to feel my feet afterwards, once the fish had finished happily working away on them.

I didn’t know if I expected them to turn their noses up at my foul feet, or to have a taste and then keel over and die.

Interestingly, the therapist told me about the benefits for people with skin conditions.

On lifting my feet out of the tank, I felt like I should be thanking the little guys for all of their hard work. Already I could feel that there was something different about my feet.

I was treated to another foot spa wash, and a massage, from the comfort of the comfy chair, and I got to touch my new feet.

I say “new” because, I swear, it was like I had baby skin on my feet – they had been reborn!

The skin was soft and smooth, and felt absolutely brand new!

I was very proud to show off all of the hard work of the little Garra Rufa fishies.

Ealu Spa are experts at making this odd craze of having fish make-over your feet seem perfectly normal, and at putting you at ease, and are offering a great deal of just €10 for 25 minutes in the tank – so you have no excuse not to try it out for yourself.

23 June 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Grainne Lowe, Malahide Books & Gifts

Opening a chapter on local book excellence GRAINNE Lowe opened Malahide Books & Gifts in July, 2009. She opened the Malahide shop after the success of her shop in Ratoath, which she opened in 2004.

Grainne runs the shops with her husband, Ciaran, and they pride themselves on excellent customer service, which became clear when Malahide Books & Gifts won the Friendliest Business Award, 2009 from the Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Grainne and Ciaran are running a very successful business, selling schoolbooks, school stationery, art and craft supplies and gifts.

They offer an online service, and have also introduced a savings scheme to help parents with the financial burden of backto-school purchases.

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS WHAT WELFARE ENTITLEMENTS CAN A SINGLE MOTHER CLAIM? Q – I am a single mother, and am due my baby in five months. Can you confirm exactly my welfare entitlements, as there seems to be some confusion. I am also unemployed, having been made redundant six months ago – it was my first job, and I was only there for 10 months.

Sharon – Terenure A - CONGRATULATIONS on the baby, first of all.

Raising children is a costly exercise. Some of the benefits payable by the State are based on PRSI contributions you may have made, so some of these you will be ineligible to claim Presumably, you are still claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance, or unemployment assistance. However, there are currently three main payments due to you on the arrival of your baby. Firstly, child benefit is the most common payment to families with children.

You are entitled to it because you satisfy a habitual residency test, and will have a dependent child that meets the criteria. Currently, this is €140 per month for the first and second child, and slightly more for subsequent children.

Secondly, Early Childcare Supplement (ECS) was

Grainne runs the shops with her husband, Ciaran

a payment to families with children under five years of age. This was €41.50 per month, up to December,

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

A: I wanted to be a vet, as I loved animals and petted every dog and cat I saw.

Q: What was your first job?

A: I worked in Woolworths on Henry Street when I was in school.

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: I think it was €5 per day from Woolworths.

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: I opened my first shop, Ratoath Books & Gifts, seven years ago, and I opened Malahide Books & Gifts two years ago.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: I get great job satisfaction when things go well, and being my own boss is nice, too.

2009.

can’t pack a box – this is true!

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Gaelic football and soccer (because my children play these sports).

Q: What sport can you play?

A: I was very athletic, in my day. I played camogie and basketball, and I was a sprinter, and I did the long jump. Unfortunately, I don’t have much time or energy for sport these days, but I hope to take up golf in a few years.

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

A: I love 80’s music; in fact, if you visit our shops, you will hear my favourites on my iPod. My favourite movie so far is Avatar; I could watch it over and over, and my favourite TV programme is Greys Anatomy.

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

A: I am not very good at

Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward?

A: I would have to say David

shop displays and keeping things tidy, so, Amber and my daughter, Amanda, look after that side of the business for me.

There is a standing joke that I

Norris. I really enjoy listening to him on the radio, and I think his views are refreshing in these dire times. He would be a great ambassador for the

country if he made it to Aras an Uachtarain.

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: I have a good selection; mostly 80’s stuff, but I also have modern music on it, such as Black Eyed Peas, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry etc.

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Just my friends on Facebook.

Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update?

A: Beware of viruses.

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: My favourite dinner is chicken with mushrooms and apricot in a brandy sauce – yum, yum.

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

A: Dame Edna, as at least I

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Way too many.

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: My worst holiday experience was the year my sister and I rented a mobile [home] in Wexford with our kids – I was six months pregnant, and got a tummy bug.

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Somewhere that I didn’t have to lift a finger, and where I could eat and eat and not gain a pound.

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: You know, I have always worked, so I guess my dream would be not to work at all, and just potter around the house and garden, meet my friends for coffee whenever I felt like it, and cook and bake.

But, [as official information has previously said], “from January, 2010, ECS will be replaced with a free pre-school year of early childhood care and education for all children between the ages of three years, three months, and four years, six months.

Details of this scheme are available from the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs; Locall 1890 30 30 39”.

Thirdly, One-Parent Family Payment (OPF) is paid to men and women in Ireland who are bringing children up without the support of a partner.

You must satisfy a means test, and a habitual residence test. Currently, this is for €188 per week.

If you are working, you can also get a OPF tax credit; you do not have to get OPF to claim this tax credit.

Finally, I would talk to your local social welfare office for definitive answers on your particular circumstances – I have always found them helpful.

Their web site is: www.welfare.ie. Best of luck next September.

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

wouldn’t have to listen to more depressing news about our failing economy. Also, I could get a few fashion tips from her!

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

A: Potter around the house and

GOT A MATCH REPORT?

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: On the garden.

garden, meet my friends for coffee whenever I feel like it and cook and bake!

Call our SPORTS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email sport@gazettegroup.com

24 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23 June 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs HYUNDAI RESPONDS TO I40 REPORTS: HYUNDAI in Ireland has responded to reports about the specification and prices featured in this column last week for the new i40 car.

Hyundai emphasises that the prices quoted are not yet agreed and that the cars will come with a full five-year unlimited mileage warranty. Unfortunately, Hyundai will not be offering a full spare wheel, as reported, in the new i40, which will be available later this summer. And the company claims that the car does not replace the Sonata model, but in fact is geared for a different market segment.

Ibiza gets stretched for ST appeal MICHAEL MORONEY drove the Ibiza, and here’s his verdict I’VE had the Seat Ibiza ST, the estate version of the small Spanish-built car, out on test recently.

This is a stylish-looking small estate car built around the standard Ibiza model, with a new three-cylinder turbo-diesel engine as the power source.

The car scores well on style and design; it’s a Seat thing, they are now designing cars that look distinctive, even if they use the same engines and gearboxes as Skoda and Volkswagen cars. Those combined ingredients should make for a car worth having and a car that’s good to drive.

Add to that package the neat Volkswagen design 1.2-litre turbodiesel engine and you can expect thrift and low-cost motoring. And that’s just what you get.

This is a car that looks well and should be easy to buy and own. The addition of the estate concept gives more internal space for bigger loads, while built around the same wheelbase as the standard car.

The STversion is almost 200mm (8in) longer than the standard five-door hatchback and that’s significant enough when it comes to providing additional space.

Seat has added an ST, or mini estate version, to the Ibiza range to give more space and a family appeal

The rear seats fold down easily to increase the load area, making the car more attractive as a family choice where there are always awkward loads to be shifted, bikes included.

I liked the 60/40 split folding rear sears, roof rails in either black or chrome finish, a low load height

and wide rear hatch, a flat boot floor and some good storage areas throughout the ST’s interior, which allowed for ease of use on longer journeys.

That’s the outline of the Seat Ibiza ST package, which includes three specification options, either Reference, Style or Sport. Out on the road,

the car is more sluggish than I would have expected.

The 1.2-litre, three cylinder engine develops an impressive 75bhp, but you can feel that it’s doing the work. It’s a shade noisy and feels less smooth than you would like and this aspect of the car lets it down a little.

That’s a pity because this car has plenty going for it in terms of its space, flexibility and style. And the price is competitive too at €16,495 for the entry model, before delivery charges.

And while I don’t expect pace from such a small engine, its acceleration figure of 14.5 seconds for a 0 to 100km/hr race is reasonable. It’s just that it’s hard work getting there and there’s an unnecessary harshness to the car as a result.

This car scores highly in terms of value-for-money motoring with an impressive economy figure of 25 km/litre (4.0l/100km or 70mpg). That’s very good even in this segment of the market and it also helps the car to get into Band A for road tax purposes, giving an annual tax charge of just €104.

23 June 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

26 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23 June 2011

CASTLEKNOCKclassifieds

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Beginners and Improvers 6 week Sewing Classes on Dress Making and Home Furnishings resuming in September. Half Day workshops also resuming in September. Contact us at www.sewgreat.ie or www.pressxpress.ie, call 01 8227650 or email info@ sewgreat.ie

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PIANOS

PLANNING NOTICE

O’BRIEN PIANO’S Small professional business specialist in good 2nd hand up right pianos, for sale from €700 regulated, tuned, delivered and guaranteed.

Pianos from as little as €450 sometimes available. We also sell new Pianos, trade-ins accepted. We offer a home tuning & repair service.

Phone: 01 2983284 10am8pm www.obrienpianos.ie

FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL

TILING KC TILING & DECORATING Professional Tiler of 20 years experience. Reliable and Trustworthy Specialising in all aspects of tiling, incluing, Ceramics, Porcelains, Marble, Wall tiles and Floor tiles. Finished to the Highest standard. Also available for Painting and Decorating, Interior and Exterior.

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I Eileen Francis intend to apply for planning permission for additional opening hours/session of 12.30pm to 3.15pm Monday to Friday for a previously granted single story Montessori to the rear of an existing dwelling at 39 Willow Wood Grove Hartstown, Dublin 15.

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

12924

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FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL Paul and Eileen Corr intend to apply for permission for development at a site on the corner of Woodval Grove and Woodvale Avenue, part of the rear garden of 2 Woodvale Grove, Clonsilla, Dublin 15. The development will consist of (i) building a single storey detached house with vehicular access from Woodvale Avenue, (ii) moving the existing rear boundary walls of 2A and 2b Woodvale Grove back in a northerly direction by 1 metre to comply with Condition 4 of Registry Reference F06A/1125 and (iii) all associated site and drainage works. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the cost of making a copy between 9.30 15.30 Monday to Friday at Fingal county Council, Fingal County Hall, Main Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by Fingal County Council of the application.Philip Boyd & Associates, 1A Slademore Court, Árd Na Gréine, Dublin 13 12936

23 June 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

MAKING THE RULES: Ireland get set for Aussie Rules international cup: Page 29

SOCCER: DO ONE THING UNHCR INTERNATIONAL EVENT TAKES PLACE IN DUBLIN

Fair Play Cup sees SARI side take the spoils sport@gazettegroup.com

WORLD Refugee Day’s Do 1 Thing soccer celebrations kicked off in style when the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Office in Ireland and Sport Against Racism Ireland (SARI) held its second annual Fair Play Football Cup in Dublin’s Law Society gardens.

On a day which also saw UNHCR commemorating the 60th anniver-

sary of the UN Convention Relating to Refugees, this year’s Fair Play Football Cup was won

by SARI Insaka when they beat the holders, Hot Press 1-0, courtesy of a first-half goal from Eddie Sirbu.

In a repeat of last year’s final it was SARI Insaka who started the brighter with early efforts coming from Sirbu and Chris Amour, with Hot Press, led by Niall Stokes, chasing the game. With very

little space or time given on the ball neither team seemed like breaking the deadlock until Sirbu popped up to score the decisive goal with a wonder individual low drive just before half time.

Hot Press chased the game after the restart, with Rafael Souto having their best opportunity but he blasted his shot just over the bar from close range, leaving the SARI Insaka captain Toheeb ‘Tiger’ Adigun

Action from the final between SARI Insaka and Hot Press at the World Refugee Day event last week

to lift the cup aloft after Newstalk’s Global Village presenter Dil Wickremasinghe presented the 2011 winners with the Fair Play Football Cup. “It was a brilliant tournament, we all really had fun, it’s not just about

winning but to take part was ver y impor tant.

Everyone really enjoyed themselves and we’re all looking forward to coming back next year to defend the cup,” said a jubilant Adigun after the final whistle.

Sophie Magennis, of

UNHCR Ireland, said: “We had a brilliant day today. It was great that lots of kids and families came down, and SARI Insaka were very worthy winners.

“It was also a great way to mark the 60th anniversary of the UN

convention on the status of refugees and we’d like to mark the importance of the convention in offering protection to refugees. But it’s also a day to mark the contribution refugees and asylum seekers make to Irish society.”

28 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23 June 2011

GazetteSport Sport

A Green-shirted team Power Rangers runs off with the ball

Tag Rugby Summer Tag League finishes first phase

A team member from team John Candy’s Jockstrap tries to steal a tag from a team 3 girls 1 tag member. Pictures: Voicu Duma

DESPITE some rain late Sunday evening, the competition continued as the last week of phase one of the Summer Tag League finished in Coolmine when the tag rugby teams battled it out between them.

The first phase is followed by a second phase named “Round Robin” in which the organisers are expecting more close matches with more even levels of skills between competitiors.

Tag Rugby has grown phenomenally in Ireland, with over 20,000 adults playing the game each summer and participating in events in over 40 venues around the country. The game is an exciting, mixed, seven-a-side, non-contact sport.

For more information visit www.tagrugby.ie.

A Super Injunction player

A Terminalator player

showing off his skills

tries to dodge an opponent

Team work: Team X-rated work together

Doyler’s Dreamboats’ members pressed on in a long

A Pay Pal Untouchables player is testing how untouchable he really is as a Hell’s

game

Angels opponent goes for the yellow tag

A 3 girls 1 tag team member tries to rip of a tag

23 June 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 29

in association with

Following Rules all the way to Oz Competing at the highest level in the sport, Ireland is sending a team to the International Aussie Rules cup in August, ROB HEIGH discovers IRELAND is set to send a group of players to Australia later in the summer, who will compete for honours in the sport that the Australians themselves created — Aussie Rules Football.

The fast-paced, hardhitting and stamina-sapping sport so beloved in the Antipodes has been popular in Ireland for many years, and has been a fixture here since around 2000.

The links between the codes of Gaelic football and AFL are clearly defined, the clear connection being the compromise rules series that takes place between the two countries being very keenly contested.

However, playing the pure version of Aussie Rules was so appealing that the game has

spawned clubs across the country, with three teams based in Dublin, the South Dublin Swans, based in Bushey Park, the Dublin Demons, who are based in Islandbridge, and the North Dublin Saints, who play their games at Coolock.

Peter Ross, player with the South Dublin Swans and the Irish Warriors Aussie Rules Football team, spoke to Gazette Sport last week ahead of the serious preparation for the International Cup tournament, which takes place this year in Sydney from August 13 to 27.

“This year, the team will probably be the strongest ever sent to represent Ireland in the competition. We have rising stars, such as Richmond Tigers’ inter-

A team talk for the Ireland AFL team in London recently

national rookie and Westmeath GAA senior, John Heslin, playing for the Warriors, as well as David Stynes, a former Ballyboden St

the competitions, having previously won the event on its debut in 2002, and reaching the semi-final of the event in 2005 and 2008. The

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

‘A lot of young GAA players see Aussie Rules as an opportunity to become a professional player in a sport similar to the one they play already when they move there.’

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

Enda’s man and brother of Dublin star, Jim, who has lived in Melbourne for a number of years.”

Fourth tournament This is the fourth running of the tournament, that brings together the biggest international teams in Aussie Rules outside of Australia.

Ireland are among the top-seeded sides for

Irish side are on a roll following their victory in the European championships last year.

“In Ireland, there is a lot of media attention as there are so many GAA players out there. A lot of young GAA players see Aussie Rules as an opportunity to become a professional player in a sport very similar to the one they play already when they move there.

“The game is a huge professional sport in Australia, the players are well rewarded, not the same as you would get as a professional soccer player, but about the same as a professional r ugby player would receive.”

Australia will be absent from the event, as Peter says: “It would be like Ireland taking part in a world series of GAA event.” However, the tournament will visit some of the most famous stadiums in the

world with games being played in Sydney’s ANZ Stadium (where the Sydney Olympics were held) and the most iconic ground of them all, the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Asked who the contenders for the crown would be in Sydney, Peter said: “There are some countries who are very strong in the sport, like New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and South Africa, which is seen as a big pool of talent for Aussie Rules. The AFL are looking to expand the game beyond Australia, and take it all over the world.”

When asked about what’s involved in playing the sport, Peter said: “Aussie rules is for allround athletes, and these countries produce very strong rugby players, but not everyone is built for rugby.

“Stamina is as important as strength, and there are a lot of players from these countries who are picked up by the Aussie Rules teams.

“T he average AFL player does a lot of catching and kicking, and will run over 14km per game. If you come to AFL from rugby, it’s a big shock to the system.”

To find out more about the sport in Ireland, see w w w.ar f li.com, and rishwarriorsaussierules. wordpress.com.

FastSport Touch squad heading for World Cup destiny LOCAL faces from around Dublin will be competing against the best in the world this week when they take the field in Edinburgh at the 2011 Touch Rugby World Cup. Cllr Neale Richmond of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council presented the players, managers, coaches and physios with their jerseys at Bewley’s Hotel, Ballsbridge last Saturday.

President of the Ireland Touch Association, Michael Davies, has high hopes for the teams as they head over to Edinburgh this week.

“Coming home from last year’s European Championships with titles in the Mixed Open and the Men’s Over-40 divisions has provided a great foundation going into the World Cup,” he said. “Handing the green jerseys to the players is recognition of their dedication to training and their ability in the sport.”

Ireland will be competing in four categories: Mixed Open (men and women of any age), Men’s Open (men of any age), Men’s Over-35 and Men’s Over-40.

For more, see irelandtouchassociation.com

30 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23 June 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

’Knock boys in final : Castle’s men’s team to face Greystones CASTLEKNOCK Lawn Tennis Club’s men’s

class 1 team have reached the final of the Dublin competition this year and will face Greystones this weekend, June 25.

The team is captained by John Rendina and feature top international players, such as Irish Davis Cup team member James Magee and American Shane La Porte.

If you wish to attend, see castleknock. wordpress.com for venue and time details.

Castleknock show their mettle against Raheny CASTLEKNOCK senior footballers recorded a big win last week, emerging victorious from their clash with previously-unbeaten Raheny.

Good performances from Rory and Tommy Corcoran, as well as Dublin minor Ros Mullins, helped the side to a 4-13 to 0-9 triumph at Somerton Park.

Kevin Kindlon also impressed before being forced from the field in the second half after suffering a dead leg.

The club will be especially encouraged by the performances of some of the newly promoted minor players, including the previously-mentioned Mullins, as well as a Ciaran Mac Ghiolla Choinnigh and Conor Prunty.

Next up for Castleknock is a meeting with Naomh Olaf at Pairc Ui Bhriain on Thursday, July 23 at 7.30pm.

Castleknock youths go west for trip CASTLEKNOCK’S Under-10 camogie and girls’ football teams travelled west recently to take part in a number of games at the home of the Corofin GAA club in Galway.

A contingent of 26 players and 14 parents made the trip.

The camogie team played two tough games against a combined team made up of players from Sylane Hurling and Camogie Club

and Turloughmore Hurling and Camogie club. The Castleknock girls battled hard but, unfortunately, their opponents were too strong on both occasions.

The girls’ football team played two games against their Corofin contemporaries.

Despite a good second-half performance they were unable to secure victory.

However, the trip was as much about having fun as anything else, and on that front it seems to have been a success.

LEINSTER U-16: DUBLIN RETAIN TITLE IN NARRAGMORE

Castleknock GAA’s Leah Mullins in action for Dublin at Narraghmore last weekend as the Under-16s claimed the Leinster title. Picture: GAApics.com

Jackies reign in the rain LEINSTER U-16 FINAL Dublin Meath EUGENE EGAN

4-9 3-5

sport@gazettegroup.com

CASTLEKNOCK GAA’s Leah Mullins was among the stand-out performers in the Dublin Under-16 ladies footballing side who claimed the Leinster title last weekend after a deluged and delayed final against Meath.

Played at the rescheduled venue of Narraghmore, the home of St Laurence’s GAA Club, after a switch from Clane at the last moment, the young Jackies were looking to retain their title against the Royals.

However, 20 minutes

into the tie, the mother and father of all thunderstorms broke overhead and there was a significant delay in proceedings.

Before the storm had begun, Dublin had opened the scoring with a point in the second minute from Ciara McGuigan, and Molly Lambe from Kilmacud Crokes added another shortly afterward.

Meath were keen to ensure that they were not going to be out of the running in the early stages, and their defence closed down the Dubs attacks, while the Meath forwards put the Dublin goal under severe pressure. The Royals levelled

the score at two points apiece with two frees, before going ahead when Dublin conceded a penalty.

By the time the heavens opened, Meath were ahead by 1-3 to 5 points.

Then, there was a flash of lightning and the heavens opened. Dublin managed to register a goal and two points before the referee called a halt to proceedings until after the deluge had abated.

On resumption, it was a different Dublin side which took to the field, and they took control of the game, finishing out the half at 3-7 to Meath’s 1-3.

The second half started with both teams

firing on all cylinders, keen to establish themselves in what were wet and muddy conditions underfoot.

The relentless Meath attack resulted in the Jackies conceding one of their players to the sinbin, but the Dubs hung on tenaciously with their 14 players. In spite of their efforts, they could not help conceding another penalty and a fine goal from the Royal attack.

However, Dublin’s goalkeeper, Danielle Aylmer from Ballyboden St Enda’s, made some fine saves to keep the Jackies in contention, including a brilliant double save out at the edge of the large rectangle which

kept Dublin ahead of the Meath chasers.

With only two points in the difference, Dublin thought they had a nailed-on goal in their sights, only for the shot to somehow go wide.

The last ten minutes, with both sides back to full strength, was played with gusto and Dublin did find that elusive goal to stretch the slim lead.

At the final whistle the tally went Dublin’s way with 4-9 on the board to Meath’s 3-5.

T he Leinster U16 championship trophy has now joined the growing trophy cabinet in the capital after another good day in the office for the Jackies.

23 June 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 31

in association with

AFL 1: SAVAGE PARK SIDE LEAVE IT LATE FOR WIN

.

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CASTLEKNOCK GREAT wins by our Adult A football-

Many thanks to Corofin GAA in

ers, who defeated Clontarf and

Galway for hosting our U-10 girls

Raheny last week with two out-

camogie and football teams. A great

standing performances. Hard luck

time was had by all and well done to

on our Adult B team who narrowly

all the players who represented the

went down to Plunkett’s in a top-of-

club and the mentors and parents

the-table clash.

who organised the trip.

Congratulations to the Dublin

The very popular Castleknock GAA

hurlers on their great win over Gal-

Summer Camps run from July 11 to 15

way, and best wishes to the foot-

and from August 15 to 19. Registra-

ballers against Kildare on Sunday,

tion takes place every Saturday at

and also to the Dublin Minor hurl-

CCC (Castleknock Community Col-

ers, and particularly the Castle-

lege). All are very welcome to come

knock lads, who take on Westmeath

along, make new friends, learn new

in Parnell Park on Saturday at 7pm.

skills and most importantly, have

Best wishes to our U-13 hurlers who

fun!.

are hosting the PJ Troy hurling tournament in Somerton on Saturday.

Well done to Matt Feely on winning

from 10pm. Again, many thanks to

our weekly lotto win. Lotto jackpot

Charlie and Pearse for facilitating

now at €2,000 with this week’s draw

this service for club members.

in Kavanagh’s.

St Oliver Plunkett’s saw off the challenge of Lucan Sarsfields in a tightly-contested match at Martin Savage Park

Plunkett’s extend their winning run AFL DIVISION 1 St Oliver Plunkett’s 0-20 Lucan Sarsfields 2-11 PETER CARROLL sport@gazettegroup.com

ST OLIVER Plunkett’s extended their winning streak in AFL 1, when they took on the lowlying Lucan Sarsfields at Martin Savage Park last week.

After a rough start to the season, which saw them losing three of their four opening matches, St. Oliver Plunkett’s seemed to have found their feet in the league, now winning three games on the bounce.

Lucan Sarsfields have struggled due to the loss of eight experienced squad players to emigration this season. They have also missed some key footballers to injury, including former Dublin campaigner, Peter Callaghan. With a developing squad, Sarsfields had yet to find a win in their opening six games.

Plunkett’s came straight out of the gates

from the throw in, putting the Lucan scoring zone under constant pressure, while the away side found it hard to get any possession of the ball.

Scores from Adrian Darcy, Gareth Smith and Patrick Curtin gave the Navan Road side an early advantage, with Plunkett’s establishing a six-point lead before Sarsfields could put any scores on the board.

Lucan then scored points of their own to reduce the distance between the two sides, as their midfield started to challenge for balls which had mostly been won by Plunkett’s Ross McConnell.

The gulf between the sides was sizable coming into half time, with Plunkett’s matching Sarsfields’ scoring run to leave the half-time score at 0-12 to 0-5, with Lucan having it all to do in the second half.

Plunkett’s had smelled blood and came into the second half at pace, putting another two

points over in the first few minutes. Lucan retaliated by scoring three points of their own, before Plunkett’s pulled away, leaving a nine-point gulf between the sides at 0-17 to 0-8 with 15 minutes to go.

Despite their weakened side, the Lucan hunger for the tie was still evident, shown when Stephen O’Shaughnessy drove the ball into the Plunkett’s net at the end of a well-engineered move that stemmed from a fumble in the Plunkett’s midfield.

Straight from the kickout, Lucan won the ball in midfield and Plun-

kett’s, caught cold at the back, let them in again.

This time it was Brendan O’Neill who put the ball in the net.

All of a sudden, it was a three-point game and, with the momentum Lucan had gained after netting twice in three minutes, the match was anyone’s to win.

Despite being under pressure, Plunkett’s did well to pin back Sarsfields who had the advantage of the wind in the closing minutes, and the two sides each tagged three points over before the match ended, the score 0-20 to2-13 in favour of the Castleknock side.

Tickets for Dubs v Kildare can be collected in Kavanaghs on Thursday

Many thanks to all who support and facilitate our weekly lotto.

Castleknock GAA Nursery for 4- to 7-year-olds takes place at CCC on Saturdays from 10 to 11.30am.

ST BRIGID’S EOIN Kennedy cemented his legend

Davis in league. Senior 2s drew with

status in the handball game winning

Naomh Mearnog.

his 25th All-Ireland senior title. Eoin

U-13A footballers stay on course for

and Egin Jenson won the 60*30 All-Ire-

promotion to Div 1 defeating Setanta

land Hardball Doubles title in a crack-

and Erin’s Isle.

ing final.

The annual club Mini-Leagues were a huge success with over 450 kids taking part.

Special thanks to everyone who helped organise such a successful event.

The annual Julie Long memorial tournament was a great success.

Junior A footballers progressed in the championship, beating Starlights, and also drawing with Boden in league.

Inter footballers beat TSS and drew with Garda in league.

Junior C footballers were just edged out by Boden.

Senior footballers beat Thomas

Well done to Daire and Alan on their fantastic win over Galway.

Best of luck to Daire vs Offaly in the Leinster U-21 semi-final in Parnell Park on Thursday.

Best of luck to Paul Winters and the Dublin minor hurlers vs Westmeath on Saturday in Parnell Park.

Best of luck to Barry, Sean, Paddy and Declan vs Kildare this Sunday in Croke Park.

Senior hurlers have two crucial league games this week. They face Na Fianna in Mobhi Rd at 6.30pm on Sat. urday.

Club lotto takes place in The Vineyard this Thursday with a jackpot of €14,200.

WESTMANSTOWN GAELS/GARDA INTERMEDIATES drew with St Brigid’s 0-12 to 2-6 in league on Sunday morning in Westmanstown. Next fixture is away to Naomh Mearnog onJune 29 at 7.30pm.

No luck this week for Junior 1s losing

on June 30 at 7.30pm.

Training for all on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30pm.

Full payment for New York trip must be made before end of July. Contact Eugene O Sullivan or Alan Lynch.

in championship to Kilmacud Crokes

Gaels U-9s beat Kilmacud Crokes

and in the league to Parnell’s. Their

at home, while the U-11s lost out to

next fixture is away to Naomh Bar-

Lucan Sarsfields away in a close

rog in league on June 28 at 7.30pm.

encounter.

Good league win for Junior 2s over

Westmanstown Gaels Buster draw

Good Counsel at Westmanstown on

tickets are also on sale now too with

Sunday afternoon, 2-15 to 3-8. Next

draw taking place on Family Fun Day

fixture is away to St Brigid’s in league

on June 25 at 5pm.

ALL OF YOUR CASTLEKNOCK SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

NEW GANG THREE IN AIN ROW: ’TOWN: Plunkett’s Westmanstown back to

winning host Leinster ways schools’ in AFL1 with rugby Lucan blitzdefeat P28 P31

MAY 26,23, 2011 JUNE 2011

KICK IT!STARS: SUPER Ireland May award prepare fornominees Aussie revealed Rules tournament inside P29P29

GazetteSPORT

Eoin Kennedy and Egin Jensen have been celebrating success in the handball doubles for the last six years

Kennedy registers 25th handball title Another All-Ireland title for the St Brigid’s legend as he and Jensen blow away challenge of Limerick duo RONAN MOYLES castleknocksport@gazettegroup.com

DUBLIN handball legend Eoin Kennedy won a remarkable 25th national title last week with victory in the final of GAA/O’Neill’s All-Ireland Hardball (60X30) Championships Senior Doubles competition in Roscommon.

K e n n e d y, a n d p l ay i n g p a r t n e r E g i n Jensen, claimed the win after a thrilling and close encounter against Limerick’s Seamus O’Carroll and CJ Fitzpatrick.

This is the fifth time in six years that the duo have captured the title, and Kennedy was understandably delighted but also relieved in victory when he spoke to GazetteSport last week.

“If anything, it was a case of the best team losing,” he claimed modestly.

“We lost the first game, which we really should have won. We got off to a good start and were 11-6 up at one stage.”

However, O’Carroll and Fitzpatrick came

back to take the game, 16-21.

“They got off to the better start in the second game, and went 6-1 up early on,” says Kennedy.

This time, it was the Dubliners who managed to turn it around, and they came roaring back to level at 14-14, before eventually going on to take the game 21-19.

The third game saw Kennedy and Jensen race to a commanding 13-1 lead early on, but, as Kennedy admits, “they came back at us and battled hard.”

Close-run thing “They ran us close and, maybe, we were a little lucky to win it in the end.”

The Dublin team finished out the game, wrapping up the hard-fought match with a score of 21-18.

The multiple champion was full of praise for his opponents, who were second seeds in the tournament: “They are both only 21 and they are both excellent players. They have huge

futures ahead of them.

“The standard of handball is very high in Ireland and is improving all the time. There is some good talent coming through.”

So, what does the future hold for Kennedy?

Next up are the All Ireland softball championships, which begin in July.

Long-term, he says: “I have a few more years left in me yet. It does get a bit harder as you get older. I train five or six days a week and it can take its toll.”

However, he has no immediate plans to retire, so we can look forward to seeing the Dublin duo back to defend their title again next year.

Jensen, who previously played for Meath before transferring to Dublin, where he has lived for a number of years, has been Kennedy’s playing partner for all of his senior doubles successes. They have been playing together since 2005, winning their first title in 2006.

Kennedy is the current holder of the Irish Handball Player of the Year award.