Castleknock

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Irish diplomat’s life in wartime Rome Page 7

‘The scenery is just part of Carrig House’s many charms’ TRAVEL: P14.

RECYCLE THIS COPY. KEEP DUBLIN TIDY.

28 July - 11 August, Aug g 2011

BABY, BABY: Our special guide to everything for your little one P17-23

Helping RESPECT: Stylish ladies at a fundraiser THERE were big smiles from

Tennis: Castleknock’s McGee wins the Irish Open title Page 32

stylish Kiva McNamara, Ellen McDermot and Bairbre Dolan at a fundraising fashion show at Westmanstown Garda Club.

Held in aid of RESPECT, the charity event was a popular cause for many Castleknock locals, keen to support the night.

Our gallery on this event is just one of a number of local Castleknock galleries available online at Gazettephotos.com. Log on to see these, and many other local events, at our photo website.

See Galleries on Pages 8-9

Sports Awards: July’s nominees are announced inside Page 29

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 PETS............................. 11 TRAVEL..........................14 ENTERTAINMENT ......... 16 MOTORS ....................... 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

The end of an era as Brian’s office shuts Colleagues’ and Q LAURA WEBB

friends’ farewell to ‘a bright star’

THE constituency office of the late Minister Brian Lenihan closed its doors for the final time last week with friends and colleagues gathering to bid a last farewell to a “bright star” and their dear friend.

The constituency office, at

Laurel Lodge Shopping Centre, was first set up 15 years ago as a temporary office for his byelection campaign to establish the “new kid on the block”.

Speaking to the Gazette, Marian Quinlan, Brian’s Constituency Secretary, and one of his most trusted aides said: “This office was not just

Brian’s constituency office, it was also a drop-in centre for the party members in the area. He was also there for his constituents even just to have a chat. I enjoyed every minute of working with Brian here. I really did.”

Full Story on Page 2

2 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

PROGRAMME: LOTS TO DO AT FARMLEIGH

POLITICS End of an era as constituency office closes

A fun-packed summer month Q LAURA WEBB

FARMLEIGH’S summer programme continues to bring the best in entertainment, exhibitions and family fun with a month of jam-packed things to do this August.

There is an array of things to do over the next few weeks at Farmleigh.

This Sunday is Family Fitness day in association with Athletes Ireland, from 10am-5pm.

The free event includes a family mile challenge, orienteering, little athletics, agility challenges, traditional children’s sports and more. More information can be found at www.familyfitnessfestival. ie, and the food market is also on that day.

On August Bank Holiday Monday, the foodmarket opens again, while entertainment is provided at the bandstand with – The Band – performing songs from

the Last Waltz and other popular 60’s hits.

The Writer in Residence hosts Screen Writers unplugged, on Thursday, August 4 at 8pm in the Ballroom and there is a Garden walking tour with Carmel Duigan on Friday, August 5 at 2pm Music at the bandstand is every Sunday during the month of August.

Food markets are also open every Sunday.

On Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14, the Irish Georgian Society presents Traditional Building and Conservation Skills, an action-packed, two-day exhibition in the grounds with demonstrations of thatching, slating and more traditional building skills necessary for the repair of period buildings.

For further information on what is on at Farmleigh, log onto www.farmleigh.ie.

Marian Quinlan, the late Brian Lenihan’s constituency secretary, paid warm tribute to her former boss, and long-term friend, as she prepared to close his constituency office at Laurel Lodge Shopping Centre after 15 years, surrounded by mementos of the popular politician

After 15 years, Brian Lenihan’s office shuts Q LAURA WEBB

BRIAN Lenihan’s constituency office of 15 years closed its doors in recent weeks, with his friends

and colleagues gathering to say a final farewell to the office of Fianna Fail’s “bright star” and their dear friend.

Over a month since his death, Marian Quinlan, Brian’s constituency secretary, sat in the office where she shared so many fond memories with the Fianna Fail politician for one last time on Wednesday, July 20.

The constituency office, at Laurel Lodge Shopping Centre, was first set up 15 years ago as a temporary office for his by election campaign to establish the “new kid on the block”.

“It wasn’t as if we had to establish the name of Brian Lenihan in Dublin West because of his father, but it was the new kid – his son,” Marian told The Gazette.

He began his political career in 1996 when he was elected to the Dail following a by election caused by the death of his father, Brian Lenihan Snr. According to Marian, his new political career

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‘We used to hold clinics in this office, so you would have queues of people to see him. At the end there could be people from the Department of Finance, but they had to wait; the constituency always came first.’

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was an “obvious step up” for the young barrister after his father died.

“He would help his father out in campaigns, and bits and pieces like that, so it was an obvious step up for him.

“The office was meant to be here only until the by election was over. We had closed the office and then the day after the count he was elected.

“I had sent all the rented equipment back to the company. We were celebrating his victory in Myo’s and he asked what was happening with the equipment.

“I told him it was on its way back and he said: ‘Get it back, we’ll keep it

open for another year’.

“So we kept it open until the General Election 1997, but it was too well established to move out of, it had become a sort of landmark in the area. There was never a question of closing it after that.”

Marian went on to talk about the “phenomenal” amount of memories that occupy the four walls of the office.

“There are so many.

Brian was always known as the bright star of Fianna Fail.

“He was due many promotions, but they never came, so there was lots of disappointment and then we celebrated big time when he finally did. He became Minister for Justice in 2007, before being made Minister for Finance in 2008,” Marian said The local TD was seen as the “face of Dublin West” because he attended every event he could in his constituency.

“Brian could be in Brussels at a very high-pow-

ered meeting and the following morning he would be up at a little local event at a local school. The local events were actually more important.

“He loved being a TD. We used to hold clinics in this office, so you would have queues of people to see him.

“At the end there could be people from the Department of Finance, but they had to wait; the constituency always came first. It was such an honour for him to be reelected this year; it was his toughest election ever.

“This office was not just Brian’s constituency office, it was also a drop-in centre for the party members in the area. This was always the drop-in point.

He was also there for his constituents, even just to have a chat. I enjoyed every minute of working with Brian here. I really did.

“I am retiring now.

Every year in August the office is closed. So I won’t really miss it until September comes in.

“I won’t know what to do with free time. I miss him so much as a friend.

He was great. I miss my pal,” Marian said.

Brian Lenihan died on June 10 in his west Dublin home, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and two teenage children.

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3

BOOKS Cllr O’Donovan looks into good reads

Truly tempting reading for the summer hols THE summer holidays provide ample opportunity for a spot of reading, whether on a foreign beach or in the back garden at home. Labour Cllr Michael O’Donovan looks at some of the more promising titles on offer in the bookshops.

A QUICK glance at the bestsellers list shows that Irish writer Sheila O’Flanagan is, once again, the people’s favourite. Her latest offering, All for You, is now resting comfortably on top of the fiction charts, and her loyal fans will love it.

Staying with the ‘easy reading’ side of things, I see that Maeve Binchy’s hit of last year, Minding Frankie is now out in paperback and is back in the bestseller lists. I seem to recall Maeve announcing her retirement a couple of years ago. But she is still churning out very

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‘Let the Great World Spin has won the world’s richest literary award and has been acclaimed by the critics on both sides of the Atlantic’ --------------------------

readable stories.

Still on the fiction side, I am, at the moment, half-way through Colum McCann’s award-win-

ning novel, Let the Great World Spin. This book has won the world’s richest literary award and has been acclaimed by the critics on both sides of the Atlantic. Again, it’s a matter of personal taste. If you like a gritty narrative set in the run-down housing projects of Brooklyn, this is the one for you.

Another surprise bestseller of last year was The Slap, by Christos Tsiolkas. A man slaps a badly behaved youngster at a garden party and this incident affects the lives of everyone who sees it.

Serious, but very readable.

Labour Cllr Michael O’Donovan looks at some promising titles in the bookshops

Those who like Anita Shreeves work will probably have already bought her latest novel Rescue, so-called because the main character is an ambulance paramedic.

I didn’t think it was one of her best – certainly not as good as Testimony, her hit of last year.

On the non-fiction side of things, the Celebrity Chefs just can’t lose, particularly if their book

is tied in with a TV series.

Jamie Oliver’s ThirtyMinute Meals has been a bestseller over the last few months. It’s well laid out and well illustrated and it’s ideal for those who want to cook something stylish but not spend all day over a hot stove.

Finally, if, like me, you are really into 20th Century history, I recommend Nemesis by Max Hastings. It covers

the last two years of the War in the Pacific and provides a superb insight into the strategies of both sides, particularly of the Japanese military. You’ll need to put aside a good chunk of time for this one.

So there you are in the back garden – barbecue tongs in one hand, novel in the other.

All you need is the sunshine!

WATER

Loss of pressure A REDUCTION of water pressure in the greater Castleknock area is “necessary” within the month of August, as work on the Blanchardstown Watermain Rehabilitation programme begins.

On Tuesday, July 26, there was a reduction in water pressure in the area between 10am and 5pm.

A test switch was carried out to ensure water supply will be available to consumers while work on the rehabilitation programme is undertaken.

According to a statement by Fingal County Council, as part of the watermains works, it “will be necessary to switch the flow of water for a period of time in August”. However, no dates were specified, but the statement said an update will be given on their website at www.fingalcoco.ie closer to the time.

If anyone experiences a complete loss of water supply, advise the council by calling 01-8906210.

4 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

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COURTS Gardai say phone suggests man was more involved Five years for youth who says he was acting as drug courier A THEN teenager, who claimed he was acting as a courier transporting cocaine, but had a phone that suggested he was actively involved in drug-dealing, has been sentenced to five years.

Shaun Mooney (20), of Melville Way, Jamestown Road, Finglas, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of the drugs for sale or supply on Blackhorse Avenue on July 24, 2010.

Judge Martin Nolan suspended the final three years of the sentence.

He said Mooney’s phone “on examination gave the impression that he was deeper into drug dealing than he had told gardai”.

Garda Timothy O’Sullivan told Mr Maurice Coffey BL, prosecuting, that Mooney was spotted by gardai acting suspiciously, cycling his bike at speed on Blackhorse Avenue.

When ordered by the officers to pull over he said “wait a minute” before he continued to cycle away.

Gda O’Sullivan pulled his vehicle in front of Mooney’s bike forcing him to stop before he searched

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the teenager and discovered 278 grammes of cocaine valued at €19,470.

Mooney said he had a gambling addiction and had agreed to transport the drugs to clear a debt.

He claimed to have picked up the cocaine from a flowerpot outside a nearby takeaway.

Gda O’Sullivan said Mooney had two phones with him at the time, one of which appeared to be for personal use.

He said on examination of the second phone, gardai discovered

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

text messages and voicemails, which suggested that Mooney was actively involved in the sale and supply of drugs.

Gda O’Sullivan said Mooney strongly denied any involvement in this aspect of the drug trade when gardai put it to him He said he has no previous convictions and has no difficulty with either drugs or alcohol.

Gda O’Sullivan said he viewed CCTV footage from outside the restaurant where Mooney claimed to have picked up the drugs but there

LOCAL

was no sign of him in that area at the time.

Mr Paul Comiskey O’Keefe BL, defending, said Mooney borrowed from loan sharks to pay off his gambling debts, which led him to “the criminal fraternity”.

He asked Judge Nolan to accept that it had not been a very sophisticated crime and Mooney had acknowledged his responsibility immediately.

He said Mooney had represented Ireland in Tae Kwan Do at international level.

CLOSURES: RESTRICTIONS

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Fingal County Council is proposing measures to facilitate works on water mains

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Essential road works Q LAURA WEBB

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TEMPORARY road closures and traffic restrictions will be in place this August at Blanchardstown Village and Castleknock Road to facilitate “essential” works on the replacement of water mains.

Fingal County Council is proposing to introduce temporary road closures and lane restrictions from Monday, August 8, until Monday, August 29, to facilitate the replacement of water mains in Blanch Village.

Castleknock Road is set to be closed from Roselawn Road for traffic travelling towards Main Street, Blanchardstown, except for residents of this part of Castleknock Road, including Woodpark.

Main Street, Blanchardstown, will be closed to all traffic approaching

the Village at the Castleknock Road junction for the period August 8 to August 15.

Thereafter, for the period to August 29, twoway traffic will be maintained along the part of Main Street between the Castleknock Road junction and the River Road junction.

In addition, during this period, the westbound traffic lane between the Castleknock Road junction and the River Road junction to be closed to traffic.

Alternative routes available include: N3/Blanchardstown by-pass to Snugborough Bridge, Old Navan Road and Main Street, Blanchardstown (Part Of) and Castleknock Road, Roselawn Road, Clonsilla Road and Main Street, Blanchardstown (Part Of).

Local access will be maintained at all times.

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 5

COURTS Man jailed for a further three and half years

Classrooms to be extended

Criminal jailed for burgling while out on bail “He seems to have problems but they are now society’s problems.

He seems incapable of not committing crimes,” Judge Nolan said.

Garda Peter Bernard told Mr Noel Devitt BL, prosecuting, that he attended at the doctor’s house after the homeowners saw a man leaving the front garden carrying a rucksack and a set of keys.

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‘He seems to have problems but they are now society’s problems. He seems incapable of not committing crimes’

FINGAL County Council has granted planning permission for a classroom extension and news sports hall for Castleknock Community College.

County Dublin VEC was granted permission by the local authority on July 7 for a two-storey extension for a new sports hall and 10 classrooms and covered link to the existing school.

Meanwhile, Scoil Bhride Boys’ and Girls’ schools in Blanchardstown was also given permission for a total redevelopment.

Dublin Criminal Court

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A taxi driver then arrived at the house and told gardai that he had just picked up a man, who had offered some items from a rucksack as a payment for the fare.

He directed gardai to the man’s home where the homeowners’ property was recovered.

White was arrested and made admissions.

He also burgled a number of houses in the Castleknock area, taking an iPod, €250 in cash and a box of tools. A homeowner spotted White trying to break into their car with a screwdriver.

Mr John Byrne BL, defending, said his client claims he was “dragged up” rather than brought up by his parents. He moved out of the family home when he was just 14 years old.

Welcoming the news, local Fine Gael TD and Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar, said: “Now that planning permission has been secured, the next step is to tender for construction.

“Both schools have expanded considerably in recent years and need these new facilities. I will be in contact with the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn, during the week about these projects and to highlight the importance of advancing them to the next stage.”

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A CONVICTED criminal, who burgled two houses after he was given bail to attend for drug treatment, has been jailed for a further three and half years.

Herman White (33) was in custody awaiting sentence for other burglaries when Judge Katherine Delahunt let him out of prison to take up residential drug treatment.

He attended the centre for one day, but left the following day and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Three days later, he broke into a doctor’s home and surgery.

White then broke into a number of properties in the Castleknock area two days later, after removing clips from windows to gain entry into the premises.

W hite, of Corduff Park, Blanchardstown, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to three charges of burglary on April 11 and 13, 2010. Further counts of attempted burglary and one of criminal damage were taken into consideration.

He has 79 previous convictions, which included two four-year consecutive terms for burglary handed down by Judge Delahunt in July 2010.

Judge Martin Nolan noted that White was on bail for the first of these four-year terms, which is due to expire in May next year, when he carried out these recent burglaries. He ordered that the three-and-half-year term he imposed be consecutive to that.

He said that White has been given many chances, but has not taken them.

COUNCIL: SCHOOL WORKS

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6 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

OPENED: LONG-AWAITED PEDESTRIAN FACILITY

HISTORY Focus for present on carrying out repairs - OPW

Road ‘safer’ with new crossing

Q LAURA WEBB news@gazettegroup.com

THE opening of the long-awaited Roselawn Road pedestrian crossing has been welcomed by local politicians, who say it will now make crossing the road at that junction with Castleknock Road safer.

T his week, Dublin West Green Party repr e s e n t a t i ve R o d e r i c O’Gorman welcomed the opening of the new crossing at the junction.

Delighted

Delighted to see the pedestrian crossing “finally opened” he said this will help make crossing to the train station “significantly safer”.

Campaigned

“Like others, I’ve campaigned extensively for this dangerous junction to be altered and a pedestrian crossing to be installed.

“I made submissions on the issue as part of both the Fingal County Development Plan and the earlier Blanchardstown Urban Design Plan,” O’Gorman said Commuter

The large, walled fort in Phoenix Park: Looks like it hasn’t been touched in years

“A s a c o m m u t e r who uses the Castleknock train station, I’m pleased that this new crossing will make the journey for passengers going to and from the station significantly safer, particularly during dark winter nights,” said O’Gorman.

‘Periodic vandalism’ at park’s Magazine Fort Q LAURA WEBB

BUILT over two centuries ago, the Phoenix Park’s Magazine Fort was once used as the main British army powder depot, and later by the Irish Army.

More recently, the historic building has

been subjected to vandalism, which the OPW hope to tackle as they look at ways to restore it.

W hen the Gazette visited the Magazine Fort recently, the large walled fort looked like it hadn’t been touched in years. Vandalism,

including graffiti, was making the derelict site an even bigger eyesore in the heart of one of Ireland’s biggest tourist attractions – Phoenix Park.

According to a spokesperson for the OPW, the Magazine Fort “is not in ruins” but it is subject to “periodic vandalism”, adding that, in 1996, “extensive works were undertaken by the OPW to stablise the buildings”.

W hen asked what future plans the OPW has for the building, the spokesperson said: “The comprehensive restoration of the Magazine Fort is not considered viable at this time in view of the high order of costs estimated. The focus for the present is on carrying out repairs

and security works.

“Discussions are currently ongoing with regard to deciding how best to proceed with the restoration of the Magazine Fort and we hope to be able to make an announcement in the next few months”.

The Magazine Fort w a s b u i l t i n 1735 , replacing a previous powder magazine within the city.

For centuries this fort was the main British Army powder depot where they stored ammunition.

It was then used by the Irish Army in 1922 for the same purpose.

It was later declared surplus to requirements and handed to the Office of P ublic Works (OPW) in the late 1980s.

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28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 7

HISTORY An Irish diplomat’s family life in wartime Rome

The newly-wed couple moved to London after their marriage

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‘The radio documentary covers the Kiernans’ journey as diplomats from Ireland to Rome, leaving neutral Ireland from Foynes in a seaplane, crossing Germancontrolled France, over neutral Portugal and Spain and finally into fascist Italy.

‘In Rome, the Irish diplomatic mission was in a unique position amongst English-speaking diplomats, as they were representing a neutral country, and so were not interned, under either the German or Allied occupations.’

One of the most interesting periods in the Kiernans’ diplomatic career was their time spent in the Irish Legation to the Vatican

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‘From the Vatican to the Strawberry Beds’ STRAWBERRY Beds resident Garvan Browne recalls his famous grandmother, Delia Murphy, regarded as a major influence on modern Irish folk music, and recently the subject of a documentary by local radio station, Phoenix FM.

Delia Murphy was a major influence on modern Irish folk music. She was born in 1902 in her beloved County Mayo and grew up on her family farm a t Mo u n t J e n n i n g s House in Hollymount.

She attended the local national school.

There was a family of travelling tinsmiths, called Maughan, who regularly camped at Featherbed Lane, just beside her home.

In the long summer evenings, Delia used to sit at their camp fire, listening in rapture to their stories and songs.

She later attended the Dominican convent, Eccles Street, Dublin.

She studied Commerce, and graduated with a B.Comm. degree at University College G a l w ay, w h e r e h e r songs were very popular amongst the students.

This was also where she met her future husband, Dr Thomas J Kiernan.

Delia and Dr Kiernan decided to get married in 1924, before they moved to London. They were married in University Church on St Stephen’s Green, Dublin.

All of their four children, daughters Blon, Nuala and Orla, and son, Colm, were born in London.

One of the most interesting periods in their diplomatic career was

that spent in the Irish Legation to the Vatican, and in Rome from 1941 to 1945.

The documentar y focuses on the memories of the Kiernans’ surviving two children, Orla and Nuala, providing an insight into life in Rome, under Mussolini, the Badoglio government, German occupation and finally under the Allied occupation.

Neutral Ireland The documentary covers the Kiernans’ journey from Ireland to Rome, leaving neutral Ireland from Foynes in a seaplane, crossing German controlled France, over neutral Portugal and Spain and finally into fascist Italy.

F o l l ow i n g t h i s i s its coverage of the first period of the war

(1941/2), under Mussolini and King Vittorio Emmanuelle.

The documentary also covers the Allied bombardment of Rome, and the (presumed) German bombardment of the Vatican.

The Irish diplomatic mission was in a unique position amongst English-speaking diplomats, as they were representing a neutral country, and so were not interned, under either the German or Allied occupations.

All the Irish Religious Colleges in Rome had summer houses outside Rome, and the Kiernans spent some of their holidays there.

Vatican lorries were allowed to travel to the Pope’s summer house in Castelgandolfo for food supplies.

The Kiernans had reg-

ular audiences with the Pope and attended midnight Mass every year.

Ninteen forty-three saw the fall of Mussolini.

By the summer of 1941, Mussolini was urged by members of his party to speak to Hitler about a possible way to exit the war.

Military assistance Mussolini met with Hitler on July 19 and instead asked for military assistance. Hitler agreed, but only if it was under German authority. Italy was now under the control of German forces.

The Allies began a series of bombings of Rome. Pope Pius XII left the Vatican, and gave the Last Rites to many dying Italians in the streets.

Mussolini had a meeting with King Vitto-

rio Emmanuelle, who encouraged him to step aside. Mussolini offered his resignation, which was accepted.

The King then offered Mussolini an armed escort, which he accepted. He did not realise that the escort was actually there to arrest him and bring him to prison.

Pietro Badoglio was proclaimed the new Prime Minister. He declared that the war would continue. Hundreds of people were shot as the Badoglio government struggled to gain order.

After the fall of the Badoglio government, the German army took control of Rome.

During the German control of Rome, the British ambassador, Sir d’Arcy Osborne, was interned.

T he K iernans visited him often and they became good friends.

On one occasion he sent an urgent message for Dr Kiernan to call.

When he did he was told that Osborne had received word that the area the Kiernans lived in was to be bombed, and that the family should move to a protected house at once.

The final part of the documentary is concerned with the Allied occupation, remembered by the Kiernans as the most dangerous time to be a civilian in Rome.

During the allied occupation Baron Von Weizaker, the German minister was interned.

He had been very helpful to the Irish Legation.

Dr Kiernan gave written evidence at his Nuremburg trial.

8 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

PICTURES Gazettephotos.com - do you spot anyone you know?

Aisling Andrews, Amy Brannigan, Molly O’Neill and Lauren Sheridan

1 HE community came in their droves to support a fundraising fashion show in aid of RESPECT, held at Westmanstown Garda Club. The Irish-registered charity is responsible for fundraising projects for people with intellectual disabilities of all ages.

With help from Transition Year students from Mount Sackville, as well as a number of RESPECT models, the catwalk fashion show was a great success.

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Katie and Aoife Deegan. Pictures: Peter Doyle

Fashion fundraiser show Joane Dunne, from

1. Kiva McNamara, Ellen McDermot

4. Patricia Byrne and Lorraine

Erincrafts.com, paints

and Bairbre Dolan

Lagerborg

2. Laura Dungan and Nina Peters

5. Liam Walsh, Josephine Dooley,

Niamh Andrews with Orla

the face of five-year-old

and Ciara Chawke

Grace Gibbons

Aidan McCartney, Conall Dillon and Father Dan Joe

Helen O’Dwyer, Rose Roche, Martha

3. Rebecca Davis, stylist, and Helen

Fox, Sandra O’Connor, Paddy Macken

O’Dwyer, compere

and Monica Carey

2

4

3

Caoimhe Sawyer, Caoimhe O’Flanagan, Ciara Sawyer and Aibhinn Gibbons

New ground’s opening HERE was plenty of celebrations at Castleknock GAA when they held the official opening and blessing of their new grounds at Somerton.

The Ecumenical Blessing was performed by Fr Eugene Kennedy, St Thomas the Apostle Parish, Laurel Lodge and Rev

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5

Paul Houston, of St Brigid’s Castleknock, and Fr Dan Joe O’Mahony, OFM Cap, blessed each individual pitch. Ministers Joan Burton, the late Brian Lenihan and Deputy Joe Higgins and Councillor Mags Murray attended the event and passed on their good wishes to the club.

We are adding more and more pictures to our site, log on to have yours delivered direct to your door

www.gazettephotos.com

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 9

10 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

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Ready for music festival DUBLIN City Council’s Arts Office is presenting the fifth Northside Music Festival, which will take place across north Dublin city from August 1 to 18.

The festival offers a range of free summertime musical events at exciting venues around the area. It includes a rich array of Irish and international talent, as well as a diverse assortment of music.

This year’s programme will be held in a variety of distinctive settings, such as city parks, community centres, churches and civic spaces that will strengthen existing audiences and attract new audiences.

Supported by The Arts Council, this year’s festival will feature more family-orientated events, with three concerts by the Whitleblast Quartet and the Speks specifically for children.

An exciting workshop programme, lead

by Wassa Wassa Drum Collective for youth groups, will take place across the city. The aim of these workshops is to directly engage young talent with the highest level of professional expertise while celebrating intercultural activity.

Admission to all performances is free.

Booking is required for all indoor concerts through Artscope, telephone: 01 5059582 or e-mail: info@artscope.ie.

See www.dublincity.ie/RecreationandCulture/ArtsOffice for details of events.

Pictured at the recent launch of Learning to reach out: Young people, mental health literacy and the Internet, a new study conducted by ReachOut.com, were (l-r) Derek Chambers (ReachOut.com), Ms Kathleen Lynch TD, Elaine Geraghty (ReachOut.com), Denis Vavasour and Susan Whyte (ReachOut.com Youth Ambassadors).

The event took place at Dublin’s Science Gallery.

Thank Dylan it’s...

THE DYLAN Hotel, just off Baggot Street, is launching a new addition to Dublin’s social scene, its Thank Dylan it’s Friday (TDIF) initiative. This new series of events aims to support its clientele in achieving greater work/ life balance, by hosting relaxing, fun events on select Fridays throughout the summer.

The first TDIF event is Summer Sounds, the perfect way to relax, unwind and kick-off the weekend. Summer Sounds offers a specially created BBQ menu, signature cocktails and smooth Motown hits by Dylan’s resident DJ

from 7 pm every Friday. The perfect escape in the heart of the city, Summer Sounds will be held at Dylan’s luxurious outdoor terrace, a stylish, all-weather space which can be covered if the weather lets us down!

Summer Sounds’ specially created BBQ menu includes gourmet burgers and hot dogs, while Dylan’s summer cocktail menu sees classic cocktails with a contemporary twist created by Dylan’s award-winning mixologists, including delicious Dressed Pimm’s, refreshing Summer Spritzer, Dylan’s signature Gin and Tonic and Dylan’s Marmalade Cocktails. See www.dylan.ie for more info.

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 GAZETTE 11

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: TIPS FOR EMPLOYING THE SERVICES OF A DOG TRAINER

Learn to be the leader of the pack AVE you ever a r r i ve d h o m e to find your dog has ripped apart his bed, bungee jumped from the net curtains and shredded hubby’s favourite shirt? Sound familiar?

Thankfully this hasn’t happened in our house yet. However, it has happened to a few of my readers who’ve written to me asking for advice.

So, with that in mind, this week I thought I’d try and tackle pet training and behaviour, God help me!

As someone who works with animals I understand their behaviour can be varied. There are cats that will hide, or compulsively groom themselves, and dogs

H

who jump up on people, knocking them over, or who suffer separation anxiety when left alone and may either pee everywhere, or set about ripping the furnishings once your back is turned.

It’s no secret that behaviour differs, but one thing’s for sure – they greatly impact on the owner’s quality of life and, if this happens, then, sadly, this can very often lead to the abandonment of the poor, troubled animal – when, in fact, it’s not the animal’s fault at all.

Let me explain.

Dogs are pack animals and require and thrive on leadership and, in most Irish households, there are leaders and there are followers and you need

Dublin SPCA Dog Trainer, Alex Petrilli and friends

to step up, be positive and decide which you are going to be when it comes to Fido.

Why? I hear you ask.

Well, let me put it like this, if you don’t assume pack leader your dog, if he’s the dominant type, could easily slip into this

slot and take over because to him, leaders enjoy all the privileges.

This leadership assertion from you needs to begin when your dog is a puppy because, remember, your pet lived with his litter until he was eight weeks, so he’s already

learned dominant and subordinate behaviour with other dogs. Now you need to let him know you’re the leader of this family pack.

So, what do you do if you want to head off potential problems with your dog?

Simple, you engage the services of an exceptional dog behaviourist such as our amazing Dublin SPCA dog trainer, Alex Petrilli, whom, in my humble opinion and in my capacity as a seasoned pet parent, is an excellent communicator, one of the most important factors when it comes to dealing with pets and their parents.

However, if those pet parents are kids, as in your teen, even better as

the interaction between child and dog is one of the most important relationships your son or daughter will ever develop because he/she will grow up to become a responsible pet owner. And Alex explores, guides, nourishes and tutors this through his bespoke K9 Junior Training Summer Camp held here at the Shelter Campus.

So, if you’re a dog owner who wants to get more involved with their pet, or if you’ve got kids and want to encourage their sense of loyalty, compassion, confidence and exuberance for their new best friend, then read my top tips below for employing the services of a dog trainer.

• Don’t choose the

cheapest – choose the best, the one who delivers results. If it was a heart specialist, would you hire cheap and cheerful or would you go for the professional who guarantees a first class job?

Go for the best. Your dog is worth it.

• Secure a behaviourist/trainer who is recommended by a friend or a vet, and ask if he/she has experience treating similar issues/problems (you’ve discovered with your pet), and never, ever, use one who recommends using inhumane shock collars.

Communication is the key, but don’t take my word for it. Give Alex a ring on 01-4994725 and learn how to be a good pack leader.

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14 GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL Breathtaking journey to Carrig House MIMI MURRY

THE correct way to circumvent the Ring of Kerry is anti-clockwise, according to Terry Wogan. It most certainly is not wise to try and make up time by driving inland, especially when a grey cloud the size of Munster is descending over the McGillycuddy Reeks and there are only sheep as far as the eye can see.

However, that is what my other half and I did on a recent trip to the Kingdom. We had arrived late at our accommodation – the lovely Carrig House, situated on the shores of Caragh Lake. It was 3pm and dinner was booked for 8 pm, so we decided to attempt the back roads to Sneem, a lovely spot along the Ring.

We decided to go for an all-out fish fest and the mussels and crab starter were so fresh, you could definitely still taste the sea.

My scallops, set on a fennel broth, were delicious, as was my husband’s poached haddock laid on a moreish curry risotto. Coffee and dessert were equally good.

Our helpful hostess raised an eyebrow when we said we would attempt the back roads and warned us that to get off the beaten track was sure to get us lost.

Speeding by

Never ones to listen to the voice of reason, we ploughed on past Carragh Lake and up some miniscule roads with neer a signpost or another car in sight. After driving in circles for about an hour, we were sure our eyes were deceiving us when a squad car came speeding by. They would lead us out of the maze we had become entangled in and get us to Sneem.

What followed felt like a high-speed car chase with me holding on for dear life as my husband swore blind we weren’t breaking

Spectacular

Carrig House situated on the shores of Caragh Lake

the law if the boys in blue were demanding that we follow.

What followed was some of the most stunning scenery I have ever seen and was most certainly off the beaten track. The McGillycuddy Reeks imposed upon us

from both sides and I yelped as my husband almost collided with a mountain goat. After our almost fatal brush with livestock, it was straight the whole way to Sneem.

From there up to Waterville and past Skellig is magnificent, breath-

taking scenery. There is the odd pretty little cove dotted along the coast, which would be good for sunbathing or some swimming.

Hungry, my husband got us back in time for dinner. We enjoyed a quick drink in Carrig

House’s very comfortable and pretty drawing room, which was filled with visitors and locals enjoying Saturday night dinner.

The view from our table was extremely pretty and quite ethereal, looking out over the lake.

Our room had a spectacular view, with big windows overlooking the lake. The next morning, we sat and watched fishermen bob past on a little boat through a haze that Kerry folk fondly call the Irish mist. It might be rain to the rest of us, but who are we to argue.

For more details of Carrig House go to www. carrighouse.com/

TIME OUT Jet off to beautiful Malta this summer TAKE a break with a difference this summer and jet off to beautiful Malta where there are countless events and concerts taking place catering for all tastes and ages, from the Delicata Wine Festival that takes place from August 4 to 7, to the Gozo Music Festival, which gets into full swing on August 21.

Malta boasts an extensive range of activities, from cultural to adrenaline-fuelled. For those who want to relax, there are countless hidden beaches scattered across the island and Gozo is a must.

Ryanair operates direct flights from Dublin five times a week on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturday. Special offers are now available on return flights for as little as €131 return, including taxes.

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 GAZETTE 15

Edited by Mimi Murray

A relaxing weekend in a luxurious Radisson HIROMI MOONEY

THE Radisson Blu Roe Park Resort in Limavady, Co Derry, is the ideal place to stay for a trip to Northern Ireland.

The hotel sits on 155 acres of land, which is both an 18-hole golf course and a beautiful 18th-century parkland.

It has 118 guest rooms that include five luxury rooms, three suites and three superior rooms.

The hotel also has leisure facilities such as a fitness suite, swimming pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, as well as The Roe Spa. With the sea and forest a few minutes drive away, and the shopping and nightlife a half-hour drive to both Derry and Coleraine, there is plenty to do during your stay.

After driving for more than three hours and missing a few turns along the way, we were relieved when we found the hotel.

Given a warm welcome by the friendly and helpful staff, my sister Maria and I checked in to The Lilac Room.

And, yes, there was nothing that didn’t spell out luxury in this room, from the glistening chandeliers to the king-size bed. The windows overlooked the golf course and brought a lot of light into the room.

There were two LCD TVs, two of the most comfortable couches I have ever sat on, a fridge and coffee machine. We even had a jacuzzi bath tub.

There were Elemis spa

products in the bathroom waiting to be used, and more pillows on the bed than I could count.

We didn’t want to move, but eventually forced ourselves get ready for dinner.

The hotel boasts two restaurants, so we decided to test them both out over the two nights that we stayed there. On the first night we opted for the fine-dining experience in Green’s Restaurant.

We both had the warm three-cheese tart, which was like a quiche.

My main course was as mouth-watering as it sounds. Five Spiced Duck Breast served with sticky Thai rice. Maria enjoyed the lemon and lime butter sauce on the Oven Roast Salmon, and devoured a large bowl of ice cream for dessert.

We enjoyed a less formal atmosphere the next night in The Coach House Brasserie. The breakfast is served in Green’s Restaurant, but has a totally different atmosphere in the morning. The self-service buf-

fet means that your eyes are bigger than your belly and you want absolutely everything on offer. It caters for everyone with fry-ups, cereals, porridge, juices, pastries, yogurt, fruit salads and toast.

The Roe Spa was the perfect place to relax and indulge in some self-pampering treats. They use Elemis products, which contain organic extracts, and the gorgeous scents make you drift away from the busy world.

A fter my facial, I noticed the difference immediately. All tension disappeared from my body after a foot and ankle massage, and the head, neck and shoulder massage. The two relaxation rooms were so peaceful and comfortable, I didn’t want to leave.

In short, the hotel caters for all ages, boasts a friendly team of staff with excellent service, and is the perfect place to unwind, relax and pamper yourself.

For summer deals and to make reservations, visit www.radissonroepark. com

The hotel sits on 155 acres of land, which is both an 18 hole golf course and a beautiful 18th century parkland

The Radisson Blu Roe Park Resort in Limavady, Co Derry, is the perfect place to unwind, relax and pamper yourself

16 SWORDS GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Plaza Suite

TIME is almost up to see the final performances of Plaza Suite at the Pavilion, which comes to an end on Saturday, July 30.

One of Neil Simon’s most enduring and popular comedies, Plaza Suite sees the lives of three couples, as played out in the very same hotel suite at New York’s Plaza hotel. Nick Dunning and Eleanor Methven take the lead in the entertaining comedy, with tickets still available, priced from €17.60 to €25. For full details, see www.paviliontheatre.ie.

THE HELIX 01 700 7000 The Wizard of Oz

THE timeless tale of Dorothy and friends gets a new twist, with a series of “Oz Camps” throughout July and early August, preparing budding actors and students to put on a memorable performance.

Running from Tuesday, August 9 to Saturday, August 13, the Oz Camp graduates will showcase what they’ve learned in what promises to be a show to remember.

Tickets are still available, priced from €15/€50 family.

For full details, see www.thehelix.ie.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Past and Present

DUBLIN 15-based artist Desmond Kenny brings his range of work to the ground and first-floor galleries, with his free exhibition showcasing his skills, until August 27. Desmond’s exhibition will have a particular focus on abstract painting, with a retrospective of his earlier work also on show.

A brave Borrower, Arrietty (Saoirse Ronan) faces the human boy, Sho (Tom Holland) who has come to learn of her race’s existence, as they co-exist in an ordinary house together. However, regardless of their sizes, they both face some big challenges, ahead...

Borrows your interest A little race of people are likely to make a big impression, thanks to a delightful film from expert Japanese animators Q KATE CROWLEY

BACK at my post in Gazette Towers, following an unrequested groundcranium-interface incident – or tripping over a bag left halfway down a flight of stairs last week, in other words – I may have had some breath knocked out of my lungs, but not any common sense.

As such, despite my irrational tendency to generally like Kevin “King of Queens” James, I declined to take my recuperating to see his latest comedy, Zookeeper, which shall doubtless please any fans of that curious sub-genre of Average-chump-learnsthat-animals-can-talkand-not-only-that-theyalso-have-advice-onhow-to-improve-his-lovelife! films. This one stars James as – well, the clue’s in the title, folks.

And, as much as I have a weakness for anything starring supernaturally-

FILM OF THE WEEK: Arrietty ++++ (G) 94 mins Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi Starring: The voices of Saoirse Ronan, Tom Holland, Mark Strong, Olivia Colman

OUR VERDICT: ANOTHER lovely tale from Studio Ghibli, Arrietty is a gentle yet entertaining tale from the Japanese animation masters, who certainly have a yen for creating memorable films that do great business around the world. With its message that size is less important than courage, and character, it’s also a thoughtful and welcome addition to more predictable CG-animated fare.

powered Nazis – a storytelling staple of everything from The Twilight Zone to Star Trek to Indiana Jones to another newly-released film (Captain America: The First Avenger) – I don’t fancy reviewing any Nazi films for a while.

So, rather than review a Nazi film, here’s a rather nice one, instead.

Arrietty is a Japanesefiltered tale inspired by Mary Norton’s classic, The Borrowers (which enjoyed a big-screen film in recent years, starring Jim Broadbent and a host of British talent).

Here, just as in The Borrowers, our world is shared with another race of tiny, sentient beings – little people, who secretly live in secretive harmony with the “vast” world of the humans above, upon whom they rely.

After all, humans have lots of things for the tiny folk to “borrow”, with everything from sugar lumps to paper clips finding new uses in the world of the “Borrowers” – and there are few Borrowers as charming, curious and resourceful as Arrietty (Saoirse Ronan), the film’s titular character.

She lives with her family in the space below an ordinary Japanese house, relying on borrowing things from the house and world above to carry out their little lives, which are still full of the same big hopes, dreams and fears that the humans have.

After a while, a boy, Sho (Tom Holland) comes to stay at the house, under the care of his great aunt, Sadako, while he waits to have an important operation in the city.

After seeing a cat chasing something, he soon finds Arrietty, which breaks the most sacred rule of Borrowers – to never reveal their existence to humans.

A r r i e t t y ’s p a r e n t s decide that, now that they’ve been discovered, they’ll simply have to move, even though Sho and Arrietty have struck up an unlikely but fond friendship.

But both human and Borrower alike face diffi-

culties and dangers, with Sho facing his operation, and Arrietty’s family stirring the curiosity of the household’s maid.

Where Arrietty may need to borrow Sho’s help for her family’s sake, Sho may need to borrow some of their resourceful courage, as they all face their uncertain futures ...

As always, Studio Ghibli have delivered a charmingly animated (with some dashes of CG trickery, here and there) film, free of some of the frantic pace of most animated films.

It’s a charming, familyfriendly, traditionallyanimated film from the Japanese masters of the genre, who’ve previously delighted Irish, and Western, audiences with films such as Spirited Away and Ponyo, to name but two of their hits.

Arrietty may be little, but the film is likely to leave a big impression on smaller minds.

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 GAZETTE 17

WATER BABIES

Baby BABY SOOTHING REMEDIES

GETTING TO KNOW KIDS

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R1

YOUR GUIDE TO EVERYTHING FOR YOUR BABY

Be a natural mama and baby Q DAWN LOVE

Mums are turning to beauty products packed with natural and nourishing ingredients

WITH up to 60% of what we put on our skin reportedly absorbed into the bloodstream it’s no wonder that mums are turning to beauty products packed with natural and nourishing products.

Top natural brand, Burt’s Bees, have a range of products that are ideal for new mums and babies too.

The skincare company says being good to you and to the planet sums up their ethos, and to care for baby’s delicate skin, their Baby Bee range includes 10 essential products made with natural moisturisers and natural emollients such as beeswax, to seal in moisture and help protect against external irritants.

All Baby Bee products undergo extensive paediatric testing (on babies between the ages of three months and 13 years) and are SLS-, phthalate- and paraben-free.

When it comes to bath time, try products made with natural ingredients such as oat flour, buttermilk, sunflower and coconut oil to care for baby’s skin. Baby Bee Buttermilk Soap (€5.95, 99g) is gentle and nourishing, leaving skin soft and silky. Made using buttermilk, which is richer in fats and emollients

than whole milk, these products are great natural skin cleansers.

And to ensure there are no tears at bath time, NEW Baby Bee Fragrance Free Shampoo & Wash (€9.95, 235ml), Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash (€9.95, 235ml) and Baby Bee Bubble Bath (€12.95, 350ml) are non-irritating, natural formulas that are gentle enough for everyday use.

And, of course, a comfortable baby is a happy baby, and Baby Bee Diaper Ointment (€8.95, 55g) helps to nourish skin, sealing moisture in and wetness out. Made with 100% natural ingredients, it is packed full of nourishing vitamins, zinc, oxide and beeswax, to protect delicate skin. Adding a sprinkle of Baby Bee Dusting Powder (€8.95, 127.6g) made with slippery elm bark, cornstarch and kaolin helps keep your baby

dry, happy and smelling fresh.

And, to ensure Mums don’t feel left out, try the Mama Bee range featuring Mama Bee Belly Butter (€16.95, 185g). Made with skin-loving natural ingredients such a Vitamin E and Cocoa Butter, this is the perfect product to help keep expanding skin smooth.

For when you’re legs and feet need a treat, Mama Bee Leg & Foot Cream (€14.95, 85g) is formulated with peppermint oil and rosemary extract to help relax tired muscles and moisturise your skin.

Or, if a therapeutic bath or massage is just what you need, the Mama Bee Body Oil with Vitamin E (€13.95, 115ml) is ideal to keep your body hydrated.

Made with sweet almond and lemon oils and Vitamin E, massage into your skin to help keep it supple and hydrated.

Burt’s Bees is available at selected pharmacies and health stores nationwide.

KidStuff The stroller to be seen with this year IF CELEBRITY endorsements are anything to go by, it would seem that the New Zealand brand, Phil & Ted’s, is the stroller to be seen with this year.

98FM’s Dermot Whelan and Dave Moore are the most recent Phil & Ted’s converts and join Jack Black and Sacha Baron Cohen in choosing the Explorer to propel their offspring around.

The buggy that has been beloved of parents all over the world, with its good looks, manoeuvrability and quality materials, Phil & Ted’s is the coolest way to get your precious ones from A to B. To find out what’s the best Phil & Ted’s for you, or if you know of a cool dad-to-be who may need some direction in the wheels department, check out www. cleverclogs.ie for more information and to find a stockist near you.

Dermot Whelan and

Continued on Page 22

his new Verve buggy

18 GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

BabyBABY YOUR GUIDE

SUPPORT

LOCAL BUSINESS

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SHOP LOCALLY

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TO EVERYTHING FOR YOUR BABY

Swimming is making a healthy splash IN A society increasingly promoting exercise and healthy eating in youngsters, the findings of a recent study – that revealed that more underfives know how to play a computer game than to swim – makes for sobering reading.

Besides the obvious safety benefits, swimming helps to get the heart rate going, keep children fit, and provide them with plenty of fun.

Carol McNally, who, with her sister, Therese, runs swimming classes for babies and young

children across Dublin, says it’s vital to get your little one into the pool as soon as possible.

Classes are suitable for babies from six weeks, which is usually when their mums feel able to bring them, says McNally, who adds that swimming is also excellent for stimulating your baby’s eating and sleeping patterns.

The multi-award-winning Water Babies’ course teaches using voice commands, and learning to respond to these is excellent for your baby’s mental development.

Lessons last half an hour, and, although they might look gentle, each provides your baby with a complete work-out – exercising and strengthening lots of muscles they’d never find on land!

To find out more about local classes, call 01 824 9987, or see www.waterbabies.ie.

Above, Holly and Georgia Brown, and, inset, Lynsey Whitchard with Harry Anderson, are all having fun exercising and bonding together by swimming

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 GAZETTE 19

Balancing a career and motherhood Q HIROMI MOONEY

A S E V E RY wo m a n knows, being a mum is a full-time job in itself, and balancing that with a hectic career as a highprofile TD is not an easy thing to do.

N ow t h e m o t h e r of three sons in their 20s, Children’s Minister, Frances Fitzgerald is refreshingly honest about working while raising three children and admits that, in the early days, she doesn’t know how she managed.

A former social worker, Fitzgerald says that her husband and family were hugely supportive of her and of her later decision to enter politics.

“T hroughout my career, I have been lucky, especially, when my children were young, in that I

was able to take extended maternity leave and at some points I job-shared.

This gave me a taste of the best of both worlds,” she says.

“It is certainly difficult to find the balance. Looking back, I’m not quite sure how I managed in the early days, but when I did hit that balance, I really enjoyed both my career, the opportunities and the learning experiences and being able to cherish the time I got to spend with my family.

“It would not have been possible for me to succeed in politics without the support of my family. My husband and my three boys have always been a fantastic source of strength and encouragement to me,” says Fitzgerald.

Fine Gael TD for Dub-

Motherhood and politics: Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald and Fine Gael TD for Dublin South, Mary Mitchell O’Connor

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‘Looking back, I’m not quite sure how I managed in the early days but when I did hit that balance I really enjoyed both my career and the time I got to spend with my family’

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Frances Fitzgerald, Minister for Children

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lin South, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has two sons aged 25 and 24. She went back to work as a school

principal just 10 weeks after giving birth and says it was very difficult for her in the early days.

“I think you hate leaving your baby with a minder – mind you, I had an excellent minder.

It was difficult to juggle, but I suppose, first of all in teaching, school hours are pretty short in comparison to what other working mothers have to do. Education then was huge for me for them.

I put a big emphasis on education for the two boys.

“I really didn’t get into

politics until they were well on their way towards their Leaving Certs. I just wouldn’t – their education to me was of paramount importance.

“I don’t know how mothers could juggle that or how they could – you know. You sacrifice something – be it yourself or be it your children.”

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BabyBABY YOUR GUIDE

TO EVERYTHING FOR YOUR BABY

Natural mama and baby Continued from Page 17

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

Excessive dribbling, red cheeks and gums, a tendency to chew on things and, in some cases, vomiting, can spell one thing – that your little one is teething. It’s a period that every mum and dad dread because not only is their baby in pain, but it can mean plenty of sleepless nights for parents, too.

Nelsons Teetha teething granules €7.25 (top), are a homeopathic remedy for the relief of the symptoms of teething. They come in a ready-dosed granule that simply dissolves in your baby’s mouth,

where it gently helps to ease the pain of teething and relieves discomfort.

The active ingredient in Teetha is a 6c homeopathic potency of Chamomilla – a herb traditionally used to help relieve the symptoms of teething.

Chamomilla is often described by homeopaths as the first-choice remedy for teething.

Coughs can cause little ones a great deal of discomfort and disturb their sleep.

Coughs and teething can cause a great deal of discomfort and disturb baby’s sleep

Honey is well known not only for its great taste, but also for being a great natural remedy. In fact, a recent study has confirmed what many parents have known for

years, that honey can help with sore throats and night-time coughs in children. The study showed that honey helped at reducing the severity and frequency

of night-time coughs, so children can get to sleep more easily. So, it’s no wonder honey was one of the first ingredients that was put into Nelsons Sootha (far left).

The honey rich formula contains the 6c homeopathic potency of natural Bryonia, purified honey and zesty lemon juice – natural ingredients to help bring gentle relief to coughs. Bryonia, more commonly known as Bryony, is a yellow flowering climbing plant, which has been used in homeopathic tradition for the symptomatic relief of coughs.

Nelsons Sootha cough syrup is free of artificial colourings or flavourings and does not cause drowsiness. Suitable for children aged 12 months onwards.

Nelsons says it is important to identify what kind of cough your child has and, if your child has any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor: • Cough that is accompanied by any wheezing or breathing difficulties.

• A croup cough, which has a barking sound.

• A whooping cough that has a very distinctive sound: a severe drysounding coughing spell that lasts 20-30 seconds and is followed by a whooping noise as your baby draws breath.

C OM M ER C I AL FEATU R E

ARE you old enough to remember 1986? If so, do you remember what fashion was like then?

At name it they do. In 1986 one of the suppliers of Vero Moda, a Bestseller women’s fashion brand, accidentally sent out a shipment of jeans that had been made in small sizes rather than adult sizes.

This was the beginning of the adventure we know today as name it.

One of the sales people took on the challenge of finding customers for the jeans… and the rest is history.

And much has happened in those 25 years – a quarter of a century which the people behind name it have spent get-

ting to know kids, in order to come up with the best kids’ fashion possible.

The most important thing when designing for kids is to keep their needs in mind at all times. At the same time the team behind name it has to think about the parents too, because parents really only want the best for their children.

Over the years, this way of thinking has led to a lot of bright ideas. For example, all name it jeans have adjustable waists to suit kids of different sizes; there is always room for nappies when needed; and the price range is always reasonable, because name it knows that you need more than one nightsuit for

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23

your baby.

In some countries kids need outerwear that can handle the rough weather; and of course kids’ safety comes first, so all collections follow the rules and standards of the European Union.

Although name it is now 25 years old, there is no sign of slowing down.

In the future you will see more name it shops popping up around the world.

From birth to the age of 12, kids can get all their fashion needs covered, from underwear to outerwear, and name it will continue to offer a complete wardrobe.

As we move forward in this millennium you will also find name it more and more on the internet, so you can shop online and connect with name it fans on Facebook.

Look out for the many exciting events lined up for name it shops this autumn – and be sure to join us in the celebrations.

24 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs FIAT 500 TO PROMOTE PIXAR’S CARS 2: Disney

Pixar has chosen the Fiat 500 to help promote the new CARS 2 movie in Ireland. The Fiat 500 in question, a TwinAir Lounge model, has been covered in an elaborate promotional wrap, complete with windscreen “eyes” similar to those of the characters in the film.

One of the main storylines of the new film revolves around the character Luigi, which is based on an original Fiat 500. We meet Luigi’s Uncle Topolino and Mama Topolino for the first time when the World Grand Prix series arrives in his home town of Porto Corsa in Italy. Disney Pixar’s CARS 2 opened in cinemas across Ireland on July 22, while the Fiat 500 TwinAir is available from €14,295 (excluding delivery and related charges).

Citroen has extended its styling DS programme to include an updated DS4 based on the C4. The car has sporty style design and features

DS4 brings fun to Citroen Citroen has a new, slightly bigger, DS4 on offer with impressive performance which MICHAEL MORONEY found when he took it on a fast test T was a fun drive taking the new Citroen DS4 on the road, but its performance was such that I spent too much of my time checking the speedo. That, in some people’s minds, is a good result – the new Citroen sporty version of the C4 comes with huge performance levels for a car that’s compact and reasonable in size.

Citroen wants to make statements with the DS range. The DS4 is the next up in that regard, adding a little more space and aiming to compete with performance-type sports cars such as the Golf GTI. The car has very distinctive styling – the wheels add to the effect in a black alloy colour with flared sections to give a classic

I

SPECS: CITROEN DS4 1.6 Top speed: 235 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 7.9 sec Economy: 16.6 km/litre (6.4 l/100km) CO2 emissions: 149g/km Road Tax Band: C (€302) Euro NCAP Rating: 5 Star (2011) Warranty: 2 years Entry Price: €29,895

aerodynamic effect. This is a stand-out car – you’ll be seen in it no matter what colour it comes in.

I drove a white DS4, but I’ve seen photos of the red edition and I reckon that it would be more impressive. Colour aside, the car is packed with technology to give the performance car effect.

And it drives like a bomb as well. The 1.6litre, turbo-petrol engine has impressive acceleration giving a 0 to 100km/ hr acceleration time of just 7.9 seconds. That’s almost comparable with the Volkswagen Golf GTI performance from an engine that’s smaller, while delivering 200bhp.

The car seems lighter than the Golf, Audi TT, Honda Civic Type R or Peugeot RCZ, and that makes its performance feel lighter on the road.

It has real rear passenger space for three in reasonable comfort and its fivedoor format makes the rear seat accessible.

Getting in and out of the rear has its own hazards. I felt that the shape of the rear doors is posi-

tively dangerous with a spike type end to the design. I had the car for a few brief days and still managed some minor injuries, not life-threatening, of course, and avoidable with care!

The one feature that’s especially attractive about the DS4 is that, for the power and the specification on offer, it’s affordable. The entry price for the petrol-powered model is €29,895, which seems a lot of money for a mid-range car, but it’s way cheaper than the rivals mentioned above.

And, the other good news is that you can get a more thrifty diesel-powered version for the same price, without too much of a compromise on performance. The accelera-

tion from the diesel version is less than a second slower with the benefit of 20% better economy and a lower CO2 driven taxband rating.

There is room to seat five adults, but head room in the rear is a little tight.

The car has a reasonable size 359-litre boot which increases to 385 litres when you use the underfloor storage, making it bigger than many conventional hatchbacks.

The new model is claimed to be one of the safest cars in its class. It has been awarded a maximum 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating with a 97% score in the Safety Assist category. The standard safety features include ESP with Intelligent Traction Control, ABS with

EBD and EBA, six airbags and two Isofix mountings on the rear seats.

There are some nice luxury touches on the inside. The cabin area is modern with lots of dials and switches to give a more sophisticated look than the standard C4 car.

This new Citroen DS4 is available with three trim-level signatures – DSign, DStyle and DSport. The entry-level DSign comes with six airbags, ESP, Hill Start Assist, air conditioning, daytime-running LEDs, 17” alloy wheels, front fog lights with cornering function, six-speaker Surround Sound audio system and cruise control with speed limiter and memory settings.

More road tolls will erode Ireland competitiveness – IRHA THE Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has expressed its concern at reports that eight new toll locations may be introduced on Irish roads. The Association has called for the establishment of a task force to examine all road tolling systems to ensure that all road users are taxed at appropriate levels.

Commenting on the fact that the National Roads Authority has commenced a process of examining means of generating additional revenue through new tolls on Ireland’s existing road network, Eoin Gavin, President of the IRHA, said that such increases in tolling would have major implications,

not only for the road haulage industry, but for Ireland’s overall competitiveness, which, he said, would be inevitably eroded.

Highest level

The Irish haulage sector is currently paying the highest level of road tax in

Ireland and also pays nearly the most in Europe in terms of fuel duty and carbon tax. Furthermore, a recent report by the Irish Exporters Association said that a number of EU Directives have been agreed which will impose €97.5million in added costs on Irish exports exiting Ireland.

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

26 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

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28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 27

28 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

GazetteSport Sport

Deirdre Hughes

Race Series Phoenix Park racers gear up for marathon

Gerard Grehan and Christopher Jones

VER 6,300 people took part in the National Lottery Irish Runner 5 Mile race in the Phoenix Park recently.

This was the 10th annual running of the five-mile race, which is the first of three races in National Lottery Dublin Marathon Race Series.

The next race in the series is the National Lottery Frank Duffy 10 mile on Saturday, August 20, also in Phoenix Park.

Places are still available in this event as well as the Dublin Marathon. To enter, and for more information on the race series, see www.dublinmarathon.ie.

O

Pictures: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE

Garry Hilliard, Conor Greally and Ronan Farren

Neil McLoughlin

Anne Marie Whelan

Dee Byrne-Dunne, from Co Kildare, and Eamon Hayes

Joanne McCabe

Louise Hyland

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 29

in association with

2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - JULY NOMINEES

FastSport

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

+ STARof the

Harrington on hand to help launch Alliance

MONTH

JAMES MCGEE

SHEENA MCELROY

LORRAINE O’HALLORAN

JAMES McGee broke new ground last Saturday at the Fitzwilliam lawn tennis club as he defied the world rankings to win the Green Property Irish Open singles title with a 6-3, 6-3 win over French top seed, Charles-Antoine Brezac.

GRANGE golf club’s Sheena McElroy secured her third Irish senior title at Adare Manor when she defeated Pauline Walsh in the final of the national event, another accolade in what has already been a successful year.

LORRAINE O’Halloran, from Palmerstown, won a welldeserved gold medal in the 100m freestyle swimming final at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, registering a personal best time in the process to defeat the field.

DUBLIN HURLING

ROUND TOWERS

INSAKA FC

THE resurgence of Dublin hurling and its attainment of new heights was prevalent throughout July, when the senior, minor and Under-21 hurlers registered county victories that see them set to take on the All-Ireland challenge.

THE ladies of Monastery Road produced a winning performance to claim their first silverware in over a decade, defeating Clontarf by 2-8 to 1-9 in Parnell Park to claim the intermediate title to great acclaim.

THE fledgling club’s maiden double arrived in style when they claimed the Ronnie Bradshaw Cup and U-18 NDSL Premier titles this season, vindication of the management’s faith in their abilities and commitment to soccer

+ TEAMof the MONTH

WELCOME to the 2011 Dublin Sports Awards, as we mark our local sportsmen and women’s July sporting achievements across the capital and, indeed, across the nation.

We’re delighted to once again be able to celebrate the finest achievements in Dub-

lin sport, with some huge efforts at local levels coming to our attention in a variety of well-known, and some, less prominent, sports.

Ever y form of sporting achievement, at any level and in any sport, is valuable and gives an indication of the diversity of sporting commit-

ment there is around our fair city at all times of the year.

Let us know!

Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance of being one of our monthly stars.

Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ gazettesport.

You can also check out the latest stories from GazetteSport at our new website, www.gazettegroup.com

STACKSTOWN’S superhero, Padraig Harrington, was on hand to help to launch the Dublin East Coast Golf Alliance with representatives of the clubs involved in the initiative.

The K Club, Powerscourt, Carton House, The Island and Druid’s Glen are all taking part in the alliance, which is giving golfers the opportunity to stay and play in some of the top hotels and courses in Ireland, with great deals on both.

Within easy access of Dublin airport, and with the buzz and atmosphere of Ireland’s capital on your doorstep, the Dublin East Coast Golf Alliance promises you the best of both worlds with the warmest of welcomes.

For more information, contact info@dublingolfalliance.com or call 086 854 1234.

30 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011

R1

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Brothers in aid: Brogans’ charity drive for GOAL ST OLIVER Plunkett’s and Dublin

stars Bernard and Alan Brogan were on hand last week to promote the latest appeal from the Irish charity, GOAL, to support GOAL’s response to the latest humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa. See www.goal.ie for more information on how you can help the faminestricken areas and the people affected by the droughts across the continent.

Castleknock call on club members for assistance SOCCER: CELTIC PREPARING EARLY FOR START OF SEASON CASTLEKNOCK GAA have called on club members to assist with the construction of their new changing rooms and club house facility at Somerton Park, which, the club has announced, will commence shortly.

The club feel that, in the current economic conditions, it will be prudent and more practical to keep the bulk of the work within the club, and to have club members carry out the work as part of a team of specialist contractors employed directly by the club.

Those who are interested are asked to contact the club via email on castleknockclubhouse@ gmail.com before August 14.

St Mochta’s academy begins again

Murray mints Dublin debut for Castle GAA

St Mochta’s FC are holding their second season of their soccer academy every Saturday morning at their grounds on the Porterstown Road from Saturday, August 13.

St Mochta’s academy is led by Brendan Kennedy, who is the club’s head coach. Brendan holds a UEFA B coaching licence and he is accompanied by six to eight other coaching staff each morning.

Children aged four to five have their academy classes from 10 to 11am, and sixyear-olds from 11am to 12 noon.

For more information on the academy, contact Jim D’Arcy on (086) 1764963.

CASTLEKNOCK’S Claire Murray recently represented the club on the Dublin team in the Under-13/14 Intercounty Camogie Blitz, which took place on Saturday last in St Brigid’s GAA club.

She is not the only up-and-coming young camogie star in the club, with a raft of promising youngsters coming through in the sport in the area. Castleknock also have six players — Aisling Andrews, Aoife Whelan, Molly O’Neill, Caoimhe Hughes, Niamh Mulroney and Claire Nulty — on the Dublin Under12 School of Excellence/Development

Castleknock Celtic players are getting ready for the start of the new season with some early training sessions and matches

Castleknock gearing up sport@gazettegroup.com

HAVING resumed preseason training, Castleknock Celtic’s three Athletic Union League teams, Premier C Sunday, and their two Saturday Division 1 and 2 sides, had their first friendlies in preparation for the new campaign that begins in earnest on the weekend of August 20.

The senior squad has strengthened their playing panel with lots of competition for places.

The full panel trains on Tuesdays and Thursdays at their headquarters in Porterstown at 7pm.

Further information is available from first team manager, Peter Finn, on

086 349 8708.

The club has added their head coach, UEFAqualified Philip Zambra, to the senior squad coaching staff for this coming season.

The other team managers are Ray Bowe and caretaker manager, Jimmy Kelly. With such a strong management team, there is a lot of expectation that achievement levels will be high in the 2011/12 season.

New members are welcome to compete for a place in what is sure to be a winning formula.

The Premier C team played away in Finglas.

Peter Finn’s team took up where they left off last season with another

victory. This time they proved too strong for Valley Park, with goals from Philip Germaine and Phil Conney.

The Division 1 Saturday side took on Premier Division team, Dingle United, in Porterstown.

Dingle dominated the first half, while Celtic hit back with goals from Colm Brady and Ronan Keegan. Though going down 4-2, Celtic manager Ray Bowe was happy with this warm-up game, and was impressed with the new additions to his squad.

The Division 2 team, who achieved promotion last season, had an impressive opening win at home to Lakelands

from the Leinster Senior League Sunday Division 2. Martin Fleming and Alan O’Grady were on the scoresheet for Celtic.

Small-sided return Next week, the SmallSided Game (SSG) teams resume their training and grading in Porterstown at the following times, and new members are invited to come along: Tuesday, August 2 at 6.30pm, for players born 2002, U-10 for season 2011/12.

Wednesday, August 3 at 6.30pm, for players born 2001, U-11 for season 2011/12.

Thursday, August 4 at 6.30pm, for players born 2000, U-12 for season

2011/12.

Saturday, August 6 at 9.30am, for players born 2003, U-9 for season 2011/12.

Keep up to date on developments at Castleknock Celtic by visiting their new-look website, www.castleknockceltic. com.

Contact details for the newly-structured age groups are also to be found at this website.

Following directive from UEFA, the age groups for players has changed, which means, for example, that those who played Under-8s last season will be in the Under-10s age group when they resume after the summer break.

28 Jul - 11 Aug 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 31

in association with

JUNIOR HURLING: ’KNOCK LOOK TO CONSOLIDATE .

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CASTLEKNOCK OUR junior A hurlers had a great

castleknock.net for more details.

win in the junior championship last

A serious incident took place last

week over St Finian’s, Swords. Our

Friday evening in Somerton with

junior B hurlers were unfortunate

fires lit in the hurling wall area

to go down to Kilmacud Crokes by

beside the gas station. The dam-

three points in the junior D cham-

age was caused by barbecues and

pionship.

a shopping trolley which were set

Well done to all our U-11 mentors who brought their team and parents to Thurles to watch the Dublin hurlers, a great day was had by all who attended.

on fire.

The incident is currently under investigation.

This behaviour will not be tolerated by the club.

Good luck to our junior A football-

We remind all members and par-

ers this week in league action to

ents that children should not be in

continue their push for promotion,

Somerton unsupervised, and the

and also to our junior B footballers

club facilities are for members’

who need a win this week to secure

use only.

the league title.

Expressions of interest are

There was no jackpot winner in last week’s lotto.

being sought from club members

The next draw for a jackpot of

to assist in the clubhouse build-

€2,400 will take place in Kavanagh’s

ing programme. Please see www.

on Thursday, July 28.

Action from the Junior A championship match at Somerton Park last week

Castleknock claim first win in contest JUNIOR A C’SHIP Castleknock St Finian’s PETER CARROLL

3-12 0-9

sport@gazettegroup.com

CASTLEKNOCK grabbed their first win of the Junior A hurling championship last Wednesday, seeing off a doughty St Finian’s in a tough affair played at Somerton Park.

The Castleknock men have been in sterling form this year, and are on a winning streak of nine games in AHL 5 coming into their final two games of the season. However, they still have to play Patsy Hough’s two main rivals in Lucan Sarfields and Scoil Ui Chonaill, and a win from either game would secure their chances of promotion.

Grouped with teams of a much higher league calibre, Castleknock had yet to win a game in the championship coming into this fixture. Despite the statistic Castleknock have gone out every time and gave a good account

of themselves, showing their competence for the higher leagues.

St Finian’s, known for their hardy work ethic and the pride they have in their colours, had banked one win in the championship before this fixture, second last in the group to Castleknock.

A good crowd got behind the ‘Knock men who started very well, with the O’Brien brothers dominating their positions from the start.

Ten minutes in, Finian’s were up by a point, before Gerry Mulryan bagged the first goal for the home side.

Finian’s attacked the home side’s goal in retaliation, but ‘keeper Brian Lawlor was equal to their efforts, making some great stops.

Noel Daly put in Castleknock’s second around the 20-minute mark, getting on the end of a breaking ball, while Ronan O’Brien grabbed their third after a beautiful move, punctuated by a beautiful pass from

Conor Corcoran. The score at half time was 3-4 to 0-5 for the Castleknock men.

In the second half, Finian’s remained determined and didn’t spare much timber in a hardy display.

Castleknock showed great discipline and awareness in the tough encounter, with Ciaran O’Brien particularly at the wars.

Finian’s could only muster up four points in the second half but the travelling side deserved a lot more in a nip-andtuck game. Castleknock managed eight with Sean Healy (2), Ciaran O’Brien (2), Ciaran O’Dwyer and Conor Corcoran par-

ticularly impressing with three long-distance frees.

The game finished 3-12 to 0-9 in favour of Castleknock.

Coach Jimmy O’Dwyer caught up with GazetteSport after the game.

“We’ve done a good job competing in this group with so many great teams, but our main objective is still to win the league.

“We’re in a very good position but we still have to play are two biggest threats in Lucan and Scoil Ui Chonaill.

“We’ve proved ourselves as a fit and hardy team and we really want to get up and have a good craic at AHL 4,” O’Dwyer said.

ST BRIGID’S THE summer camp commenced last

Well done to Sorcha, Elaine, Noelle,

week, with another two weeks on

Ailish and Colleen on their win over

August 15 to 19 and August 22 to 25

Kildare.

(4 days). Get your application form from www.stbrigidsgaa.com.

Noelle was awarded player of the game.

Club night at the dogs will take

Best of luck to Aisling King, Olivia

place on Friday, October 21 in Harolds

Smartt, Deirdre Murphy, Shauna

Cross.

Hinkson, Ken and Judy Murphy and

The ticket book for the Dublin vs

the Dublin ladies minor footballers in

Tyrone or Roscommon All-Ireland

their All-Ireland final vs Cork on bank

quarter-final will probably close

holiday Monday in Birr, Offaly.

this week.

Members are advised to put them name down straight away to avoid disappointment.

Congrats to Daire, Alan and the Dublin hurlers on their superb win over Limerick.

Junior Hurlers reached their quarter-finals beating Cuala.

Hard luck to our junior A footballers who lost out to Parnell’s in the Stacey Cup final.

Club lotto takes place in Myo’s this Friday with a jackpot of €15,000.

ST PEREGRINE’S A GREAT weekend was had by all at the club festival; thanks to all who helped out, especially Cara and Lorraine with the juveniles. and to all the prize winners.

Senior hurlers had a great win in championship.

site.

Entertainment in clubhouse this Saturday in the club is from Supernova.

There is a very special comedy night on in the club hall this Friday led by PJ Gallagher. Tickets are €20 and are available from the bar.

Best of luck to Eric Lowndes in the

The club shop is open on Mondays,

All-Ireland football quarter final v

Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 to

Cork next Monday (4pm, Portlaoise).

7pm and on Saturdays from 10am to

Club lotto was not won. The numbers drawn were 1, 26, 27 and 28. Next week’s jackpot is €3,200. Any member

12pm.

Bingo is on Wednesday nights at 8.30pm.

not buying lotto tickets, please visit

If anybody within the club would like

cnp.ie and support your club for only

to make a difference and join a com-

€2 a week and is also available to play

mittee please see club website for

online using the link on the club web-

details and contacts.

Follow GazetteSport on Facebook and Twitter and at www.gazettegroup.com

ALL OF YOUR CASTLEKNOCK SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31 27-31

NEW GANG KINGS OF THE IN ’TOWN: CASTLE: Westmanstown ’Knock Juniors host Leinster side get schools’ the better rugbyofblitz Finian’s P28P31

MAY 26, 2011 JUL 28 - AUG 11, 2011

AWARDSSTARS: SUPER AHOY: May award July nominees nominees revealedinside named insideP29 P29

he came up just short with James Cluskey . They were undone by bigserving French 19-year-old Albano Olivetti and Neal Skupski at the Fitzwilliam LTC in Ranelagh last Friday afternoon.

In a helter-skelter first set, the Irish pair ran up five successive games to lead 5-2 but Olivetti ran up the aces, and some neat returns brought the match level and subsequently into a tie-break, which the visiting pair took on the second setpoint.

And the momentum carried through into the second set, grabbing the critical break in serve in the second game.

It remained on serve up to 5-3, leaving Olivetti to close out the game and, while a ripping Cluskey backhand gave the Irish pair the initial advantage at 0-15, the Frenchman responded in kind. He arrowed down four unreturnable serves to close out the tie with minimal fuss and the title was comfortably assured on a 7-6, 6-3 scoreline.

Castleknock LTC’s James McGee won the Irish Open

gazette

photos

.com

JAMES McGee broke new ground last Saturday at the Fitzwilliam lawn tennis club when he defied the world rankings to win the Green Property Irish Open singles title with a 6-3, 6-3 win over French top seed Charles-Antoine Brezac.

The Castleknock man got the better of his opponent, who is currently ranked 255 places above him in the world list, to take home his first ITF singles title inside just 80 minutes, much to the delight of the home crowd and continuing the feel-good factor in Irish tennis.

It follows on from a memorable Davis Cup tie for Ireland, coming from 2-1 down to defeat Tunisia a couple of weeks earlier, while Conor Niland’s heroics in reaching Wimbledon have further raised the standard.

McGee missed out on that Davis success due to illness but showed few ill-effects as he claimed the title

after three prior final appearances on the Futures’ circuit had proven unsuccessful, most recently in Morocco where he first picked up his bug.

Speaking about any burden placed on him, he said: “A big weight has been lifted off my shoulders by winning my first singles world-ranking event.

“This is a big enough goal for the time being, but I want to move on to bigger things as soon as I can.”

It completed a hugely impressive performance from the Castleknock man, easily negotiating the first three rounds without dropping a set before ousting number two seed, Miroslav Mecir, in a third set tie-breaker.

It carries the form which brought him a win in a recent Challenger event in Milan in June and he aims to continue that run in La Spezia, Italy this week at a Futures claycourt tournament.

He was not quite able to make it a doubles success, though, as

www.

STEPHEN FINDLATER castleknocksport@gazettegroup.com

GazetteSPORT

McGee breaks Futures’ duck

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