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Soccer: Castleknock’s mixed results Page 31

Rebel TD expelled Q LAURA WEBB

Rugby: Coolmine hold on in league Page 30

December 8, 2011

REBEL TD Patrick Nulty has been automatically expelled from the Labour Parliamentary Party after voting against a budget he believes is “unfair”.

Elected just six weeks ago in Dublin West, Nulty voted against a number of measures in this week’s budget, including a cut to disability allowance and the 2 per cent VAT increase. Voting against the budget

led to his automatic expulsion.

Nulty says he remains an “active member of the Labour Party but couldn’t vote for a budget he believed was “unfair” and could “hamper economic recovery and job creation”.

His Dublin West byelection opponent, and local Fianna Fail councillor David McGuinness says he believes Nulty deceived the electorate and should consider resigning his seat.

Dressed to impress: At a charity ball PADDY Courtney, Dr Regina

McQuillan, Eamonn Fitzgerald, Karen Walsh, Justice Peter Kelly and Ethal McGovern were among over 250 members of staff,

consultants, suppliers and supporters of the Hermitage Medical Clinic attended a Charity Ball in the KClub recently.

Full Gallery on Page 9

2 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 8 December 2011

WASTE: COUNCIL HITS OUT AT RATE CLAIMS

EVENT Aldi celebrates opening new store in Clonee

Savings on waste claims are rejected Q LAURA WEBB

FINGAL County Council has rejected claims by a local businessman that Fingal waste customers could be saving €81 a year had the council gone with a lower rate offered

by Panda prior to the sale of the refuse business.

The council say this lower rate was not offered to them during negotiations.

According to Denis Lawlor, of Brown Bin Rescue, Fingal’s householders will pay €22 more than Panda’s previous annual charge and at least €59 extra on 37 lifts in Fingal’s calendar, a total of €81 per year.

“Panda continue to charge Fingal’s rate of €110 per year and €8 per black bin lift, not Panda’s lower rate of €88 per year and €6.40 lift charge. Fingal’s 2011 collection calendar only permitted 37 black bin lifts at €8, a total of €296 per year. However, if Fingal insisted on Panda’s price prior to the sale of the refuse business, residents would only have to pay €6.40 per lift, a total of €237,” he claimed.

He has written to council management asking them to explain why Fingal imposed unnecessary cost on already cashstrapped households facing into further charges in the Budget this week.

In response, a spokes-

person for FCC said: “Fingal County Council reached agreement with Panda for the sale of its residential and commercial waste collection service following a competitive sale process involving a number of waste management companies operating in the private sector. Panda guaranteed to freeze the annual charge and tag/lift charge at the current price for all existing Fingal County Council customers for 2012. The lower rate mentioned was not offered by Panda and was not part of the negotiations.”

A spokesman for Panda Waste Services said there are a number of reasons why Fingal customers are not getting the same introductory offer Panda customers were getting prior to the sale.

In a statement to the Gazette the spokesman said: “Panda were competing in this market for a number of years trying to win market share, commencing with the heavily urbanised areas where economies of scale would mean lower per house collection costs than if Panda covered the entire Fingal region, which is predominantly rural territory.

“Servicing the rural areas costs considerably more than the urban collections where Panda were offering lower prices”.

Store manager, Bob Spagnoletti, with staff members, Dorota Sawicka, Colman Murphy and Michelle Nelson. Pictures: Conor O’Mearain

Enjoying the opening of Aldi T HE German discount grocery chain, Aldi, opened its new store in Clonee recently bringing some much-needed jobs to the area.

And there were plenty of eager customers who queued outside the store before it opened and throughout the day who wanted to check out

some fantastic bargains the store had as part of the celebrations.

Speaking at the store opening, a company spokesperson said they were delighted to be opening the new store and were looking to welcoming new customers from the local area.

Store manager, Bob Spagnoletti, Rita Sholanke, Kuburat Balogun and Banke

welcomes Dave Kavanagh, the first customer in the new store

Derek and Denise Vella

Yvonne Flanagan and Rita Cannon

Lawal, of Clonee

Part of the crowd waiting outside

Michelle Nelson serves father and son, Pearse and Thomas

Marc Habemana buys a new TV, and

Knowles

Kaspars Skromans

Happy customer Gerard Cannon

8 December 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3

INITIATIVE Fingal Student Enterprise Programme

Students set to run their own business MIMI MURRAY

A record-breaking number of schools have signed up to take part in the Fingal Student Enterprise Programme this year.

A total of 1,800 students will be taking part in this year’s programme, which will see them set up and run their own enterprises.

In Fingal, 19 secondary schools and 10 primary schools will be involved in the programme which is co-ordinated by the Fingal County Enterprise

Board.

The initiative runs from September to May every year, encouraging students to research and manage their own enterprise, with support from business mentors.

County Dublin VEC and Fingal County Council are once again supporting the programme, which is now in its 11th year.

The most innovative enterprises from each participating school will be invited to compete at the County Finals on March 16, 2012, with

Launching the 2011/2012 Fingal Student Enterprise Programme were; Wesleigh O’Hagan, teacher, Donabate Community College; Martin MacEntee, youth officer, County Dublin VEC; Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerry McGuire; Oisin Geoghegan (CEO, Fingal County Enterprise Board) and Jennifer O’ Dwyer, teacher, Luttrellstown Community College, with students from Luttrellstown Community College and Donabate Community College

the category winners taking their place at the National Student Enterprise Awards in Croke Park in April. Last year, over 15,000 students from around the country competed in the National Programme.

The countdown to the Fingal County Final in March 2012 was officially launched in Swords by Oisin Geoghegan, CEO of Fingal County Enter-

prise Board, the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerry McGuire and Martin MacEntee from County Dublin VEC. Speaking to the Gazette, Oisin Geoghegan said: “Fingal runs one of the largest student enterprise programmes in Ireland, with a record-breaking number of schools participating this year.

“By working in close partnership with

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schools, the local business community and our sponsors at County Dublin VEC and Fingal County Council, we are creating a long-lasting enterprising culture in classrooms, giving students a greater understanding of the small business world.”

Students from two participating local schools took part in the official countdown last week,

including representatives from Luttrellstown Community College in Dublin 15 and Donabate Community College from the north of the county.

Further information about the Fingal Student Enterprise Programme for primary and secondary schools is available by e-mailing schools@ fingalceb.ie or by visiting www.studententerprise. ie

SPORT Underage rugby on offer at Garda RFC THE Garda Rugby Football Club is supporting youth rugby in the Dublin 15 by fielding an Under-11 team and soon an Under9 team.

Member of the Garda R F C a t We s t m a n s town, Damien Maher, approached Fingal’s Leinster Rugby Development Officer, Ger McCleery, two months ago to help launch an underage section of the Garda club.

From this the U-11 Garda team took to the field against Skerries RFC recently, which was played before a Leinster League match between the two clubs’ senior men’s sides.

If anyone is interested in getting their child involved in rugby, they should head down to Westmanstown every Sunday morning at 11am.

4 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 8 December 2011

COUNCIL LEVY: FALL-OFF IN MONEYS COLLECTED

COLLEGE Works on addition to get underway next year

Second home funds on decline REVENUE generated for Fingal County Council through the second home levy has reduced each year since it was introduced in 2009.

Two years ago, the then government introduced a second home levy, known as the Non Principal Private Residence Charge (NPPRC).

The charge of €200 is for anyone who owns a property in Ireland that is not using it as their principal residence.

The money generated through this charge is used to help fund local authorities.

It is payable by the owners to the local authority in whose area the property concerned is located.

In a recent report to councillors, the local authority outlined income received through the charge.

It stated that income received in respect of the NPPRC, including

late payment fees, for the first year in 2009, was €3.55 million. Since then money generated through the NPPRC has been less than when it was first introduced.

According to the report, in 2010 the council generated €3.43 million through the NPPRC, €120,000 less than the first year.

Up to October 4 of this year, the council reported another reduction in income through the charge, with figures at €3.14 million, €410,000 less than the income generated during the year it was introduced.

The FCC report went on to state that the income from the charge is “not ring-fenced for specific projects” saying it forms part of the council’s overall revenue budget “which provides for meeting our statutory obligations and maintaining services throughout the County of Fingal”.

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Fine Gael TD and Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar says construction should begin late in 2012 with a view to completion in August 2013

New school building is given Govt go-ahead Q LAURA WEBB

THERE was good news on the schools’ front this week following the announcement that work on the first phase of a new school building for Luttrellstown Community College has been given the go-ahead by the Minister for Education, Ruairi Qiuinn.

The works on the new school building will get under way next year, as will an extension to Scoil Choilm following confirmation from the Minister.

According to local Fine Gael TD and Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, a planning application for the col-

lege building in Porterstown will be submitted to Fingal County Council in January and a tendering process for the build will commence at the same time.

In a statement to the Gazette, Minister Varadkar said that, assuming no problems will arise regarding planning permission, construction will begin late in 2012 with a view to completion in August 2013.

Currently, Luttrellstown Community College operates from temporary buildings near Blanchardstown hospital, far from the school’s catchment area.

“I am very pleased the development of this

new school campus will go to construction next year. The news will be welcomed across Clonsilla and Carpenterstown, which the schools serve,” Minister Varadkar said.

“The new Porterstown School Campus will comprise new school buildings for Luttrellstown Community College, along with a classroom extension for Scoil Choilm.

“T he development will include additional Special Education and Training provision for remedial teaching, special needs facilities, and a General Purpose Hall.

My Department is currently funding the con-

struction of a new road to provide proper access to the school campus.

“T he Government has had to cut back on capital investment due to the recession. I had to defer many big transport projects like Metro North. While this decision was regrettable, it has allowed us to prioritise key investments in education and health.

“We will now be able to build new schools in areas where they are needed, along with a new national children’s hospital, and a network of primary health care centres across the country.

Metros and motorways can wait to be built, but children cannot wait for

a school.

“Recently I visited Scoil Pobail Setanta, the new secondary school for Clonee and Ongar. I was amazed at the quality of buildings and facilities, which are superior to those in most fee-paying schools in Dublin.

“These new schools will be purpose-built using the same model. I would like to thank Minister Ruairi Quinn for prioritising this project even in these difficult economic times,” Minister Varadkar added.

The first phase of the plan provides for 650 pupils. The second phase is for a Special Needs Unit, 350 pupils and a major recreation facility.

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THE National Transport Authority (NTA) is continuing to liaise with Irish Rail and Fingal County Council to discuss the possibility of closing the level crossing at Porterstown and alternative access facilities for pedestrians and cyclists should this happen.

The NTA confirmed to Dublin West’s Green Party representative Roderic

O’Gorman that the authority, along with Irish Rail and FCC, is “investigating the possibility of closing level crossings along the Maynooth line, including Porterstown”.

In a letter to the Green Party representative the NTA said if it is decided that the level crossing at Porterstown should close, consideration will be given to the provision

of appropriate, alternative pedestrian and cycle facilities.

The letter came on foot of a written query from Roderic O’Gorman to the NTA following some speculation over the future of the level crossing at Porterstown. According to O’Gorman concerns have been raised relating to provisions being made for pedestrian access along

the Porterstown Road if the crossing closes. “This is particularly important for parents bringing their children to and from St. Mochta’s National School,” he said.

Commenting on the NTA response he said: ““I am pleased to see that the NTA are open to the need to keep some level of pedestrian access along the Porterstown

Road, even if it is closed to vehicular traffic. The route along the Porterstown Road is the safest for the many parents who bring their children from estates like Luttrellstown or Riverwood on foot to school at St. Mochta’s. I will work to make sure that any change to the status of the level crossing will not impact negatively on these parents.”

8 December 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 5

SCIENCE WEEK Visit to Ashtown Research Centre

Students get much food for thought DUBLIN 15 students got a taste of how a future in science might feel, when Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority, held an open day for local schools in the Ashtown Food Research Centre last week.

Transition year students from secondary schools around the area were invited to take part in a fun-filled day recently, designed to promote careers in scientific research through demonstrations on food technology, food marketing, microbiology and chemical analysis.

“As part of Teagasc’s participation in Science Week, the whole idea of the open day was to get students interested in sciences and careers in sciences.

“It also showed them what kind of work they could be doing if they went on to do science,” said Maire Caffrey, who is the Head Librarian at Ashtown Food Research Centre.

Maire went on to say

that the students enjoyed their day, as many of them would not have considered the issues they were faced with before. “ We g o t a g r e a t response to the event, and all the students seemed to love it.

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

‘The students really enjoyed the day, it made them really think where their food comes from’

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

“We received some feedback forms after the open day and it was all very positive.

“The students really seemed to enjoy it and were very interested in what they were finding out.

“It made them think about things they haven’t thought about before, like where their food comes from,” said Maire.

The annual event introduced students to the Food Market and Consumer Research Group,

where they were familiarised with the concept of consumer behaviour in relation to food consumption and had the opportunity to analyse their own food buying behaviour.

Throughout the day, students were also introduced to sensory analysis, which looked at the taste, smell, appearance and texture of the food, as well as the “triangle test”, which is performed to see if the students can identify the odd sample out.

“Students were also shown presentations on food safety and the importance of hand-washing, as well as Nutramara, looking at the marine environment as a source of natural resources,” said Maire, who was happy with the impact that the open day would have on the students.

This is the fifth year that Teagasc has organi s e d S c i e n c e We e k events in each of its main centres to promote science among second level students.

For more information on this or any Teagasc initiative, visit w w w. teagasc.ie.

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Dee Woods: ‘People are loving what Radio Nova is doing.’

Local students are shown a meat science presentation in Teagasc.

MUSIC PAGE 16

6 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 8 December 2011

Laurel Lodge Carpenterstown

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

Mary Walsh and Mary McCamley, patient services officer in Connolly Hospital

Alan Halford, President of Castleknock Lions Club; Sean Stanford, Governor of Lions Club Ireland and Micheal O’Muircheartaigh, guest of

Raymond Heavey and Kevin O’Brien

honour. Pictures: Ania Sherlock

Launch of an emergency information incentive ASTLEKNOCK Lions Club launched their Message in a Bottle Emergency Information Scheme in The Holly Day Ward of Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown last week.

A large gathering of people representing the medical and nursing profession, the emergency services, and local councillors Eithne Loftus and Kieran Dennison, were in attendance.

Also in attendance was Fr Dan Joe O’Mahony, from Blanchardstown shopping Centre Oratory, St Thomas the apostle Church Laurel Lodge, St Francis Hospice Blanchardstown and Connolly Hospital, and nearly every other caring organisation in the area – where does he get the time?

Mrs Mary Walsh, hospital manager, Connolly Hospital, welcomed the gathering and said she was very pleased having the hospital associated with such a potential life-saving initiative.

Alan Halford, Lion President of Castleknock Lions club, introduced District Governor Lions Clubs in Ireland’s Sean Stanford

C

who spoke about the simplicity of the project and how sometime a very simple idea can have huge results. He said that already the potentially life-saving bottles had been distributed to 30,000 patients in the Dublin area.

“What are these miracle bottles?” you may well ask. Lion Maurice Kealy explains: “It is a very simple idea; the patient is given a specially labelled plastic bottle. In the bottle is a personal information form and three self-adhesive emergency labels.

“The recipient of the bottle, or someone close to them, fills in the details on the form, which include name, date of birth, religion, address, telephone number, name and telephone number of general practitioner, emergency contacts and their address and telephone numbers, details if any people who rely on them for daily care, e.g. children to be collected from school etc.”

Other questions asked are – do they have a pet? In the event of a person being brought to hospital and a dog, for instance, is somewhere in the house or yard without food or water it

can be very upsetting for the patient as well as the pet.

The form also records the person’s health details – do they have hearing or sight problems. This ensures people are not removed to a hospital without their hearing or reading glasses – communication is a vital factor in the administration of medical treatment.

There is a section on the form where medical details including allergies are listed – all crucial details in an emergency event.

“Where do you keep your medicines?” is another question on the form that can have the potential to save a life in a crisis situation. There is even a question about organ donation.

This information is placed in the specially labelled bottle and that’s in turn, is placed in a prominent location in the fridge.

There are three emergency selfadhesive labels in the bottle. One label goes on the inside panel of the front door the other goes on the inside panel of the back door and the other goes on the fridge door.

All the emergency services are

briefed on the initiative and are fully participating with it. In the event of an emergency call-out, the team responding to the call will look on the rear panel of whichever door they access the house.

When they see the emergency sticker they go immediately go to the fridge locate the bottle containing all the relevant information and bring it with the patient directly to the hospital.

The hospital staff then has immediate access to information that can save a life. It’s so breathtakingly simple and the potential to save life is enormous.

Dr Patricia McCormack, Blanchardstown Hospital, said it’s particularly appropriate to hold the launch in the Holly Day Ward for Older People.

The initiative is open to everybody, but older people will benefit particularly. She said that, in times of recession when money was tight it, was great to have an initiative such as the Message in a Bottle that would be able to save lives and protect vulnerable people and at no cost thanks to Lions clubs.

Michael O’Muircheartaigh was on hand to officially launch the Message in a Bottle initiative; he told us a “sceal gra” about a young lady picking up a bottle on a Kerry beach with a message from an American sailor during the Korean War. The two corresponded and eventually met up but as the story was still continuing he could say little more. He spoke about the seanfhocal “ni neart go cur le cheile”, which translates as no strength without unity.

This is a community-inspired project and can only work if the community rally to it and they will.

He then wished the project, which he renamed as Gaeilge – An Buideal Eolais (The Bottle of Knowledge) God speed!

For further information on this brilliant initiative contact any member of Castleknock Lions Club or email castleknocklions@ eircom.net or Lions Club President Alan Halford at 085-816997.

Castleknock Lions Club covers the Greater Castleknock/Blanchardstown area and is happy to answer any queries you may have.

8 December 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 7

SPEAKING Local club celebrates a quarter century

Call for action on landlords

A special toast to the Masters of Castleknock Q LAURA WEBB

THE Castleknock Toastmasters has seen an increase in new members over recent months, and to help them get more involved the club is holding a special meeting this Thursday, December 8.

Established 25 years ago, Castleknock Toastmasters has been helping residents of Dublin 15 find their voice and build confidence in public speaking. Toastmasters help to improve speaking and leadership skills, ideal for people looking to feel confident in a job interview or to speak up at social gatherings.

Over the past few months more and more n e w m e m b e r s h ave been signing up. The club meets every fortnight, on the first and third Thursday of each month. However, for the first time the club is holding an extra night which will focus on new members and give them a chance to get involved and take on a role.

“We want to encourage our newest members to get up and tackle their fear of public speaking, so we have organised a night especially for them, this is to give them the support to get started,” said Ciaran Moore, President of

Castleknock Toastmasters.

“We have three new members giving their very first speech, and some other new members taking on roles, like Time Keeper and Grammarian.

“Many of our experienced members will be coming along to support our new friends and help them become more comfortable and confident when speaking in public,” he told the Gazette.

Castleknock Toastm a s t e r s m e m b e r, Aoife Shinners, joined because she was uncomfor table speaking at meetings in work and,

SITES

Castleknock Toastmasters celebrates 25 years in existence this year.

overall, quite shy but that has now changed.

“I was asked in work recently to take part in an interview on the Six One News, this was not planned. However, I felt confident and calm, this is because I have been attending Toastmasters the last year.

“At TM you can get up and practise and it does not matter if you make a mistake. We have a tale topic session that has one aim, giving members the opportunity to speak off the cuff, generally you are given one to two minutes to convey your thoughts on

a certain subject, this really help me in this situation,” said Aoife.

The new members’ meeting is taking place this Thursday, December 8 at 8pm upstairs at Myo’s public house at 8pm.

All guests are welcome.

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A local politician is calling on the council to take measures against the owner of lands beside the Phoenix Park Train Station through the Derelict Sites Act. At a recent area committee meeting in Fingal’s Blanchardstown offices, Socialist Party Councillor Matthew Waine put down a motion asking the manager to “declare lands adjacent to Phoenix Park Train Station derelict and take measures provided for in the Derelict Sites Act to compel the owner of the lands to clean up construction waste and return the land to an acceptable state”.

In response to the councillor, a spokesperson for Fingal County Council said: “A reference is currently being carried out on this piece of land to identify who the registered owners are.”

8 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 8 December 2011

EVENT Top fashion at the Blanchardstown Centre

Caroline Nugent and Derek McDonnell

Models show off the season’s newest trends on the catwalk

Enjoying some top trends and tips LANDCHARDSTOWN beauties took away all the new season’s top tips recently as the Appletiser StyleFIX road show rolled into town.

Audience members at the event enjoyed high-impact fashion shows

B

Suzanna and Suela Ranja

throughout the afternoon, showcasing a whole host of the newest season’s trends on the catwalk.

With a range of stylish stores, from Argento to Swarovski, French Connection to River Island, Republic and Zara, plus many more, there

Dr Falah, Dr Maha, Rawan and Shadan

was something to suit every style and budget.

Those attending also enjoyed complimentary Appletiser while receiving free advice and mini make-overs from the centre’s makeup artists.

Jessica and Holly McDonagh

Naomi and Elizabeth Eke

Angela, Edna and Alicia Oribhabor

8 December 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 9

EVENT Fundraising Charity Ball in aid of St Francis Hospice

Mary and David Borton

Show of support for new Hospice

Elenaor Healy, Justin O’Sullivan and Helen Tobin

VER 250 members of staff, consultants, suppliers and supporters of the Hermitage Medical Clinic attended a Charity Ball in the KClub recently.

This high-profile event was organised by the Hermitage Clinic in support of St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown.

Eamonn Fitzgerald, CEO of the Hermitage Medical Clinic commented: “We are delighted to host this event as it marks the Clinic’s contribution to the message of cancer awareness. We are also delighted to be able to help St Francis Hospice in a very practical way by helping to raise funds for their new hospice in Blanchardstown.”

O

Paddy Courtney, Karen Walsh, Cliona Ryan and Dervla Treacy

Janet Caswell, Tina Tierney, Suzanne Dunne and John Dunne

Helen Walker and Dr Johnny Walker

Eamonn Fitzgerald, Dr Regina McQuillan, Ethal Mc Kenna and Justice Peter Kelly

10 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 8 December 2011

FASHION Test your colouring skills to win a €100 voucher!

Don’t miss out on a special Geox event THIS weekend will see an actionpacked children’s event at Arnotts in Dublin’s city centre.

Captain Geox himself will be in attendance, ready to meet his young fans!

Captain Geox will be encouraging kids to take part in an exciting colouring competition, the winner of which will take home a €100 prize.

There will be face-painting and

watches with every purchase of children’s shoes and clothing on the day.

Printed on this page is an outline of a Geox kid for aspiring young urban artists to colour in and enter into the Geox competition.

On the day of the event, Geox helpers will have copies of the outline to hand out.

The closing date will be this Saturday, December 10, 2011 and

the winner will be notified by telephone or email.

The 1st prize will be a voucher €100 to spend in the Geox Children’s Department in Arnotts’ Department Store on shoes or clothes.

The voucher must be redeemed by the December 24, 2011 and excludes sales or promotion. There will also be 10 runner-up prizes of a Geox watch.

8 December 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 8 December 2011

INITIATIVE FreeYour Business Day clinics THE Science Gallery, on Pearse Street in the city centre, will become an enterprise hub for the day on December 9 for Your Business Day 2011.

A day-long programme of free business seminars, business mentoring clinics and exhibition displays, in addition to expert advice and information, is on offer at the Science Gallery that day, from 9am to 5pm.

The enterprise initiative, which is the brainchild of Dublin City Enterprise Board, is aimed at anyone thinking of setting up a business in Dublin, those already running their own business and anyone considering a move from unemployment into selfemployment in the city.

Enterprise Ireland, Plato, The Small Firms Association and New Communities Partnership are just a few organisations exhibiting on the day.

THEATRE Sister Act comes to the Grand Canal

Get ready to dance your socks off Q LAURA WEBB

GET ready to stand up and dance your socks of with the cast of Broadway’s Sister Act when they take centre stage this Christmas at the Grand Canal Theatre.

The hit film, which starred Whoopi Goldberg, has been transformed into a lively and funny production for theatre-goers and, after a hit run in Britain, is coming to Dublin this December.

The story of disco diva Deloris Van Cartier (played by rising new star Cynthia Erivo) turned nun in hiding has been brilliantly adapted.

The show, produced by

Whoopi Goldberg and Stage Entertainment, has played to over a million people at the London Palladium during its West End run and is currently a huge hit on Broadway.

Playing Mother Superior, who helps to keep Deloris in hiding at the nunnery after she witnesses a murder, is Denise Black. Best known for her role as siren hairdresser, Denise Osbourne, in Coronation Street, Denise is having a ball at the show.

“The film is fantastic, but I have to see we do it proud, and I think we do it even better,” she laughs.

“What people might not expect is that for the musical it has all new

songs. The music is written by Alan Menken [eight-time Oscar winner], he is Mr Broadway, he has won loads of Tony Awards, the lyrics are absolutely brilliant and the songs are a mixed bag, with ones that just get up and dancing in your seats, very funny songs and wonderful dancing – it’s just brilliant.”

The cast have been touring Britain for the past number of weeks and are well in tune with their characters at this stage: “Dublin is our fifth city, so we are well rehearsed,” says Denise.

Denise is relishing her role as Sr Clarence, saying: “The Broadway director

A scene from Sister Act

reworked the book very much to the better, better plot driven and also - for my pleasure - built up the Mother Superior part. I have brilliant songs to sing and wonderful funny one-liners. I really enjoy playing this character.

I have always enjoyed making people laugh and it’s even better now I get to sing and dance.”

A lady of many hats, Denise performs across Britain with her band, The

Loose Screw, and says she will be bringing her guitarist and co-writer with her to Dublin.

“For the first week in Dublin he will be playing in the pit. We have 12 musicians in the pit, all the horns, trombones, trumpets, saxophones, guitars, bassists – I just love that.

They make a huge noise, it adds so much to the show.

“I absolutely love Dublin you have the best audi-

ences, and I am so looking forward to spending Christmas and the New Year here. I am importing my entire family over from England for it. My husband loves the show and I know Dublin will too,” Denise said.

Sister Act is at the Grand Canal Theatre from December 20 until January 7. Tickets from €20 are on sale now, for more see www.grandcanaltheatre.ie

8 December 2011 GAZETTE 13

14 GAZETTE 8 December 2011

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: HOLIDAY FOOD AND DECORATIONS CAN BE DANGEROUS TO ALL ANIMALS

Keeping your pets during Christmas

Keep your pet safe and happy during the holiday period

THE CHRISTMAS countdown commenced last weekend when poor hubby was sent to the attic crawl space to retrieve tangled giant sparkly, glittery fairy lights.

And yep, I’m listening to Christmas FM as I write and I wish I had a mug of marshmallow laden, hot chocolate sitting on my desk also.

You got it, I love Christmas. So, if, like me you’re busy decking the halls for the run-up to festivities-and let’s face it we need all the glad tidings we can get nowadays-

Then read on, because I’m going to give you a few helpful tips for making sure your pets also benefit from Santa’s visit by staying safe and happy during the holiday period.

Warning Signs

Keep an eye on the Christmas tree; dogs don’t differentiate, so a tree in your living room looks the same as a tree in the park. Familiarise him first.

If you have a real tree, sweep up fallen needles as these can get stuck in your pet’s paws or throat.

If possible, fence off the

tree from your pet.

Presents

Dogs love colourful boxes, so don’t put gifts of food or treats under the tree until it’s time to open them. Pets can’t read gift tags but they can smell a box of chocolates, (highly toxic to them), at 20 paces and may decide to open that interesting, treat and have their own, private, but potentially, deadly party.

Decorations

Christmas decorations: We all enjoy looking at beautiful lights and

adorning trees, fire places, and so do our pets; Only they see them as chew toys. Stray cables and wires may be tempting for your pet to nibble on also.

To remove the risk of electrocution, ensure all cables are out of reach of pets.

Cats love knocking baubles from the tree so try to use unbreakable decorations. Tinsel, ribbon, cling film and tinfoil should be avoided, or at least confined to the higher branches.

Toxic treats

It can be tough and

8 December 2011 GAZETTE 15

safe time you’ll need eyes in the back of your head when it comes to guarding the leftovers. Don’t leave the turkey or ham on top of the worktops; instead put them into the fridge.

Many a pet parent has spent a fortune on a vet’s out-of -hours emergency visits to their home following the dog’s midnight feast of turkey bones.

Pets can choke and/ or experience internal damage from snacking on bones, even cooked ones can prove fatal.

Pets and guests

When you have guests, secure your pet in a safe place. The more people you add to the equation, the more you place your pet in danger.

Small breeds like Yorkies are often accidentally stood on; especially if you get distracted by company and lose track of your pet’s whereabouts.

When it comes to visiting my home, I make sure my guests know my house rules.

My pets are not to be treated as novelty toys and are kept out of harm’s way-no exceptions!

Never leave cups/glasses where pets can drink from them, especially if they contain alcohol.

Toys Don’t forget about the little toys you get in Christmas crackers!

They’re choking hazards, mistletoe causes vomiting, laboured breathing, shock, and even death from cardiovascular collapse if ingested. Seek immediate veterinary treatment if you think your pet may have ingested parts of any of these plants.

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

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

16 GAZETTE 8 December 2011

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC INTERVIEW: DUBLIN’S RADIO REVOLUTION

Dee sees key to the super Nova success Q ROB HEIGH

Portmarnock’s Dee Woods is thrilled at the reception Radio Nova has received

PORTMARNOCK native Dee Woods has found out in the last year that everywhere Radio Nova reaches, the people want to rock. The station has been on air for over 12 months now, and their listenership is increasing every week, exceeding their own expectations and bringing a new and under-represented niche to Irish radio.

Dee covers the evening slot and Radio Nova has become her permanent home after having cut her teeth in stations around the city.

“I did journalism at DIT, and always had loved music. It was always around the house; my parents were into Sinatra and classical music, and my sisters were into everything from U2 to Michael Jackson. But I never really thought it could pay the bills. In my last year, we had a radio course, and I caught the bug — radio was where I wanted to be.”

From East Coast Radio in Bray to 98FM, Dee has had quite a progression through the ranks, eventually ending up on a Friday night talk and music show, Friday Night Live,

which was where she found her voice.

“I had great experience in the newsrooms, but I found that I was most comfortable when I was in music presentation.”

After returning from a year in Australia, Dee heard about Radio Nova, and it was an opportunity she jumped at.

“It was great to be somewhere from the beginning and watch it grow — and still growing! — and it’s special to be a part of because we’re playing music people want to hear, that noone else is playing. People are delighted to hear

their kind of music on the radio.

“We’re not tied down to playlists, and there is more room for personality. Music is the key at the end of the day, and we’re playing what people want to hear.”

One of the highlights for Dee was the recent oneyear anniversary party that saw fans and presenters mingle and share their enthusiasm for the station, as well as celebrating the great listenership figures the station has attained since its launch.

“People are really loving what we are doing at the moment, and it was great to talk to people and get their feedback in person. People are sick of bad news, and we are proving a kind of switch-off from their problems, reminding them of better times.

“The music we play has so much more meaning for people, it goes beyond the music and the lyrics.”

Dee is finding that being a part of Nova is also developing her tastes and knowledge of music, especially being in the enviable position of playing a classic album from start to finish every weeknight on Radio Nova.

“Having the opportunity to be able to play a full album, it’s something you don’t get a chance to do anywhere else. It’s a chance to go a bit deeper, Listeners contact us to say they will be going out to buy that record the next day, and appreciating how good it sounds.

“Nova can do that, and, hopefully, we will be growing more and more every year - people keep asking if we are going to go national, but it’s baby steps and keep on going in the direction we’re going.

We have a lot of people listening around the country and the world, and it can only increase.”

8 December 2011 GAZETTE 17

18 GAZETTE 8 December 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS Ford opens in Rathfarnham THIS week marks the opening of Rathfarnham Ford on Whitechurch Road, which sees the return of the blue oval to the Rathfarnham area, and brings with it employment for 20 people. The outlet is being headed up by Aidan Kane, a well-known figure to Ford customers in the locality, with almost 20 years of car retailing under his belt.

Rathfarnham Ford is located on the site of the previous South Dublin Ford Centre on Whitechurch Road. With a modern showroom and dedicated service area, the full-service dealership will cater for new

and used car and commercial vehicle sales, as well as providing a complete service offering and a full range of parts for Ford and other makes.

Rathfarnham Ford is part of the Fort Motor Group, which celebrated 50 years in business in 2009.

“The greater Rathfarnham area has long been a strong one for Ford and I’m sure the local customers will welcome the return of a dealership in their area,” said Paul Molloy, of the Fort Motor Group. “With more than half a century of experience behind us in the Group, these customers can be assured of the

very best of service from the team on Whitechurch Road.”

Alan Nolan, chief executive of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, said: “It goes without saying that news of a new dealership opening is especially welcome in the current climate, not least for the jobs it promises. I want to wish the team at Rathfarnham Ford every success in the New Year market and beyond.”

The opening coincides with Ford’s Open Event promotion, which offers a range of special packages for customers who order their 2012 Ford within a limited period.

Aidan Kane of Rathfarnham Ford

These include free extended warranty, servicing and roadside assistance for up to 4-years in the case of the Mondeo, C-MAX, S-MAX and Galaxy, or an ultra-low

2.9 per cent APR loan rate for prospective Fiesta and Focus customers.

The 2.9 per cent rate is currently the lowest APR rate of the top four car brands on the Irish

market and is provided

by Ford’s own finance house, FordCredit.

The sale and service teams at Rathfarnham Ford can be contacted at (01) 495 4445.

8 December 2011 GAZETTE 19

Ten new mercs on the way OVER the next four years, Mercedes-Benz is to undertake an ambitious new model development programme, the aim being to broaden its appeal and extend its reach into segments of the market in which it is not currently represented.

A total of 10 completely new models are being introduced, none of which will have any direct predecessor. Mercedes-Benz groups them under five broad headings – compact, mid-sized, full-sized, large-sized and large SUV. In the compact segment, the most significant development will see the introduction of a completely newA-Class - a completely new model which, other than name, will bear no resemblance whatsoever to the outgoing model.

The Mercedes-Benz Concept A-Class Coupe

Described as a “the pulse of a new generation”, it will be built on an entirely new platform with front-wheeldrive and a new range of engines.

The new A-Class is aggressively sporty in its design and interior appointments with features that echo some of

its senior stable-mates in the Mercedes-Benz range. It will go into production in the latter half of 2012 with first models scheduled to arrive here in early 2013.

Derived from the new A-Class will be two additional new models, both constructed on the same

platform. Carrying the model designation BLS, the first of these will be a four-door coupe with body styling inspired by the larger CLS version. The third new model based on the A-Class platform will be a 4-wheel drive premium compact SUV version expected in 2014.

In the mid-size category, two new models are planned, while, in the full-size segment, one new model will be introduced alongside the popular E-Class range.

Three additional models will take their place alongside the S-Class within the large-size segment while one additional model will join the M-Class in the large SUV segment.

Taken as a whole, this new model offensive is seen by Mercedes-Benz as underlining their plan to grow market share and broaden their appeal beyond their traditional customer base. As one insider commented, Mercedes-Benz is “taking the stiffeners out of their collar” by designing cars that will attract a more youthful clientele.

RoadSigns Road Signs

SEAT AND SHAMROCK ROVERS ARE GOING PLACES WITH NEW DEAL: SEAT Ireland and Shamrock Rovers FC have announce that SEAT will be the title sponsor of the club for the 2012 season.

The deal reflects the brand’s global soccer platform and SEAT, who already work with Shamrock Rovers’ midfielder Stephen Rice as a brand ambassador, are delighted to extend its support to the full squad. Woodies DIY will continue its support of the club and will work together with Shamrock Rovers and SEAT to ensure the club’s continued success.

20 GAZETTE 8 December 2011

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY BLACKROCK: DETACHED FOUR-BEDROOM HOME FOR €725,000

Room to extend at Lindenvale home The features of the Belarmine apartments

STEPASIDE: VARIOUS APARTMENTS ON OFFER

Time for last release at Belarmine Castlethorn Construction is releasing the final apartments at “close-out” prices at Belarmine Hall, Stepaside. This phase comprises one-, two- and three-bed apartments that offer good value for money.

One-bedroom apartments are priced from €119,950, (approx. 452 – 502 sq ft), two-bedroom apartments from €159,000 (636 – 700 sq ft) and three-bedroom apartments from €189,000 to €199,000 (775 – 968 sq ft).

All units are completed and ready for occupation.

Over 650 homes are already occupied in Belarmine, creating a thriving community with a number of on-site facilities. Belarmine Plaza has a retail centre which includes a pharmacy, dry cleaners, a cafe and The Market convenience store with in-house bakery, butcher, fishmonger and off-licence. Giraffe Childcare runs the on-site creche. A new primary school, Gaelscoil Thaobh Na Coille, opened in September 2009. There are approx. ten acres of parkland with mature trees at the front of the development fronting Enniskerry Road.

Located at the foothills of the Dublin mountains Belarmine has easy access to all the major transport links, including the M50 and the N11.

Locally Stepaside has become a well established village with a choice of pubs, restaurants, shops, golf courses and football grounds. Leopardstown racecourse and Dundrum Shopping Centre are also close by.

For more information, contact Geraldine Ruane of Sherry Fitzgerald Ballsbridge on 01 6671888 or email: geraldine.ruane@sherryfitz. ie.

DNG in are bringing No. 5 Lindenvale, a detached family home off Proby Square in the heart of Blackrock, to the market for and asking price of €725,000.

Offering beautifully maintained accommodation of c153 sq m, this home offers a fine location coupled with an exclusive address.

The accommodation comprises entrance hall with timber floors and stairs to the first floor.

There is a front-facing reception room and a large, open plan living area and dining room overlooking the front garden with French doors leading to the rear garden.

This area also benefits from solid timber floors and a marble fireplace.

The kitchen and breakfast room features tongue-and-groove timber floors and recessed

lighting, with a selection of floor- and eye-level fitted units, tiled splashback and a door leading to the utility room, which has provisions for a washing machine and dryer.

Upstairs, the property has a spacious landing with hotpress and storage cupboards. Access to the attic is via a pull-down ladder.

There are four double bedrooms, the master of which is en suite, with a power-shower and WC and WHB. Most feature fitted wardrobes. The main bathroom, which was recently upgraded, has a jacuzzi bath with shower connection over, WC and WHB, fully tiled walls and floors and a storage with a vanity unit with recessed lighting and a heated towel rail.

The garden, which surrounds this home, is larger than most others in the

Number 5, Lindenvale is on the market for €725,000

neighbourhood due to its location in the corner of this small enclave, enjoying privacy and seclusion.

The front garden has a long driveway which is bound by sculptured hedging and provides parking for three or more cars. A gated entrance on either side of the property leads to a rear garden which is mostly lawns and

has a raised deck, a paved patio area and a storage shed.

The extra benefit this home has to offer is the scope that comes from its large rear garden. Full planning permission has been granted (Ref: D07B/1020) for an extension of almost 50 sq m to comprise a large kitchen / family area extension

to the rear at ground floor level, a living room extension, along with an extension to the rear double bedroom at first floor level, extending the accommodation to c 198 sq m.

To arrange a viewing of this property, contact Brian Dempsey at DNG on 01 283 2700, or email stillorgan@dng.ie

LUCAN: FOUR-BEDROOM FAMILY HOME WITH GUIDE OF €325,000

Magnificent offer at Mt Andrew MCDONALD Brothers in Lucan are bringing No. 3 Mount Andrew Close, Lucan, an excellent 4-bedroom family house extending to almost 1,600sq ft in an attractive cul-de-sac location, to the market with a guide price of €325,000 The property, located in a popular residential estate within St. Mary’s Parish, convenient to the N4 and M50 roads, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, and Lucan Village, has double glazed uPVC windows throughout and an attractive open-plan layout. It benefits from a new boiler system which was recently installed and under-floor heating

Number 3, Mount Andrew Close, Lucan is on the market for €325,000

in its sun room.

The accommodation comprises entrance hall with uPVC hall door, stairs and an under-stairs store as well as a tiled floor. The living room features a solid wooden f loor, bay window, a

cast-iron open fireplace, and an open arch to the dining room, which also has a wooden floor and access to the rear of the property.

The kitchen has a tile-effect laminate floor, fitted units, and

timber-panel ceiling with sunken spotlights.

There is a Velux window, a Whirlpool Americanstyle fridge/freezer, and a Belling double oven and gas hob.

The property also benefits from a family room

and a sun room, which features a tiled floor and French doors to the rear.

Up s t a i r s a r e f o u r bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, of which the master bedroom is en suite, with a tiled floor, WC, WHB and a shower cubicle.

The main bathroom has a jacuzzi bath and a Triton electric shower.

Outside, the rear garden has a large decking area, and there is a concrete shed for storage.

Viewing can be arranged by appointment with Barry McDonald of McDonald Brothers Real Estate Alliance at The Mall, Lucan, on 01 6280625.

8 December 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: David Swaine of Property Partners, O’Brien Swaine

Knowledge of the property market Gerry Murphy, CEO, National Transport Authority and Alan Kelly TD, Public Transport Minister

One step closer to integrated ticketing Paul O’Brien and David Swaine, of Property Partners, O’Brien Swaine

PAUL O’Brien and David Swaine have over 19 years experience between them at the highest level in the Dublin property market, and have both successfully managed offices for some of Dublin’s leading auctioneering firms before opening Property Partners, O’Brien Swaine, in 2008.

Talking about the firm’s approach to customers, David says: “Our proven track record, experience and knowledge of the

market will ensure that our clients receive the very highest levels of customer service and care whether buying, selling or letting your property.

“We pride ourselves on offering a professional service to vendors, purchasers, landlords and tenants alike. Our reputation as one of Dublin’s leading estate agents - IAVI (Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute) has been earned over many years by our

results.

“We offer an all-round property service which includes residential sales, residential lettings, property management, professional valuations and free and independent mortgage advice.

“If you are considering selling or letting your property, then call an agent who will be entirely focused on your move, allowing you a stress-free transaction.”

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

A: A businessman like my father

Q: What was your first job?

A: Working in my dads garage.

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: Not very much Q: When did you start your present job?

A: I started auctioneering in 2002, but I’ve been here with Property Partners since 2008

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: The joy on your owner’s face when you’ve just sold his house and seeing buyers come in to pick up the keys

to their new homes

A: Bruce Springsteen

A: I don’t really, to be honest

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

A: I like to get in early,

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Property Partners, OBrien

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Four or five

Swaine on facebook

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

around 8.30am, and get a lot of those little jobs done before the phone starts ringing

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Rugby and football Q: What sport can you play?

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

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

A: Jedward (hee hee hee) Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad?

Q: What was your last Tweet/status update?

A: We offered anybody who recommended a friend to us that had a property to rent €50 cash and €100 cash if they have a house to sell

Q: Describe your dream meal?

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

A: Enda Kenny Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: When we were kids we went to Wales in the middle of Hurricane Charlie

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: My honeymoon in South Africa

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: Coach to the Leinster Rugby Team

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

A: Relax and spend time with my family

PUBLIC Transport Minister, Alan Kelly, has announced a major step forward to integrated transport ticketing for the people of Dublin.

The National Transport Authority has enlisted the support of over 500 customers to use the system – which will be known as Leap Card – in advance of full public launch.

The customers signed up to take part in the test on a dedicated website, www.integratedticketing. ie earlier in November.

They are currently using their Leap Card to pay for travel on Dublin Bus, Luas, DART and Commuter Rail services.

The Leap Card is going to make paying for travelling around Dublin much easier for commuters, as well as less frequent users of public transport.

Customers will top up their Leap Card with travel credit at shops, Luas stops, or online.

Then, their card can then be used to pay for travel by holding it against an electronic reader. The readers are located on board buses, on Luas platforms, and in DART

and commuter rail stations in Dublin’s short hop zone. The card will be durable and reusable so customers will be able to repeat the cycle of topping up and using as often as they like.

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

The full-scale roll-out will take place on a phased basis

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

The full-scale rollout will take place on a phased basis. The first stage is scheduled to take place later this month, once the final phase of customer testing is complete.

It will allow customers to pay-as-you-go on the participating transport operators. Once the system is up and running, additional complementary services will be made available during 2012.

These include the capacity to top up the Leap Card with integrated period tickets, as well as a facility that can automatically top up a user’s card when it starts to run low on travel credit.

22 GAZETTE 8 December 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL WinterTravel Stunning seafood from the culinary capital See what Scotland has to offer for the perfect action-packed winter getaway destination

IF you’re looking for a snowy break that won’t break the bank, then look no further than Scotland. Offering great value and surprises around every corner, Scotland is the perfect destination for an action-packed winter getaway. Thanks to its close proximity to Ireland, Scotland is ideal for a weekend break. For a longer holiday there is an array of surprising winter sports available from snowshoeing in the Western Highlands to whizzing through the Cairngorms in a dog sled.

Here are some of the best things to do in Scotland this winter.

Grab a gondola at Nevis Range

Offering a mix of runs for expert and novice skiers, the breathtaking Nevis Range ski area near Fort William offers something for everyone.

Visitors can grab a gondola up to the north face of Aonach Mor, the eighth highest mountain in Britain where they can enjoy spectacular views of the Highlands.

As well as skiing there is a host of exciting and novel activities, including snowshoeing which involves wearing special snowshoes and trekking through the Scottish wilderness.

Enjoy a husky ride through the Highlands.

Many might think that dog-sledding is something that only takes place in distant winter destinations but the Cairngorm Sled dog Centre is home to 30 sled dogs from all over the world.

For those looking for an adventure in the snow, a visit here is a must.

Visitors can experience the awesome thrill of being led through a Highland landscape by a pack of world-class sled dogs currently in training for European events and mountain expeditions.

The centre allows participants to interact with the dogs before sitting in comfort on a sled-dog buggy and enjoying unrivalled views of the Cairngorms. For something really

unusual visitors can travel at night by floodlight, possibly spotting herds of red deer roaming in the wild.

Eat at Scotland’s highest restaurant

As Scotland’s most renowned ski destination, Cairngorm Mountain ski area offers surprises around every corner. With more than 30km of ski runs, a snowboard park, a sledging park and cross-country ski, it also features acres of alpine scenery that will appeal to avid walkers and families keen on outdoor pursuits.

Visitors can scale the heights of Cairngorm Mountain without too much exertion, as it features Scotland’s only funicular railway. This relaxing traverse up the mountain transports passengers to The Ptarmigan, Britain’s highest restaurant.

From here unprecedented views of the mountains can be enjoyed whilst receiving some Highland hospitality.

Take a magic carpet ride in The Lecht

Sitting high in the eastern Cairngorms some 2,000ft above sea level is the Lecht ski area. Although it is the smallest and most compact of the Scottish ski centres, surprisingly it offers some of the most consistent snow in Scotland. Here you will find five beautiful green-graded runs, including the Magic Carpet, a conveyer-belt style lift which is ideal for stepping out onto the snow for the first time.

Beginners can also try out the unusual sport of snow tubing, which involves sliding down purpose-built slopes on an inflatable tyre tube.

Travelling from Ireland to Scotland:

There are some excellent discounts to be had on ferries from Belfast and flights throughout Ireland, making Scotland even more accessible. Keep your eyes peeled for deals coming your way on www.visitscotland.com/surprise

MIMI MURRAY enjoys a

trip to the south-west WEST Cork is constantly in the headlines, and for good reason.

It is up there as the culinary capital of Ireland, with several stunning restaurants and bars as well as some amazing scenery.

East Cork is often seen as the poor relation and one of the main towns, Youghal, is one of those places that is definitely in need of a bit of a revival.

The beach is lovely but the town is showing signs of faded grandeur and the building of a Tesco store just outside of it has affected local businesses.

Unfortunately, this is the case country-wide and it is such a shame because some of the classical old buildings and shop fronts are stunning and, with a lick of paint, an instant facelift could be given.

There is plenty to do and see close by and if you cross the border into Waterford, don’t tell the locals. We did, and went on a visit to Lismore Heritage village with its

stunning castle. We also stopped off in Dungarvan, another pretty little town with a lovely marina.

Another option would be the short trip west, further into county Cork to Middleton, and the home of Jameson.

We stayed in Aherne’s in Youghal, a lovely little

with lots of lovely little nooks and crannies. We were given a great table away from a large party celebrating a 70th birthday, which added to the atmosphere of the place, but, not in an intrusive way.

We did not realise the fish fest we were about

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

‘Again, it was one of the freshest pieces of fish and was so delicate and light that I am still dreaming about it’ --------------------------------------------------------

townhouse with a fish restaurant and bar underneath.

The owner said that on a visit to Padstow years ago and seeing what Rick Stein had done with his place, he decided he had to add bedrooms above the restaurant.

Our room had lots of old-world charm and, after a long day sightseeing, we decided to read and take a little nap.

The restaurant itself is very nice and cavernous

to embark on but, being on the coast, you would expect the seafood to be good and we were not disappointed. I started with the tastiest, freshest prawns in a delicious garlic butter whilst my husband had Galway Bay Oysters served naturally with just a squeeze of lemon and Tabasco.

Yum. For my main I went for the Black Sole which, again, was cooked the best way - simply- on the bone with lemon, oil and

Aherne’s in Youghal was

butter. Again, it was one of the freshest pieces of fish and was so delicate and light that I am still dreaming about it.

Brian had a trio of fish, prawns, scallops and monkfish cooked in a moreish sauce made from the scallop roe. Heavenly.

For dessert I had a coffee meringue, which wasn’t to my taste but my husband liked it, and finished off most of that as well as his own rhubarb parfait. The meal was a triumph and I will definitely return to east Cork for Aherne’s fish alone.

Breakfast was also a winner with more fish on the menu. Brian had panfried cod and had to ask the chef for the recipe, it was so good.

I went for scrambled eggs and smoked salmon.

Lots of juice and coffee set us up for the long drive home. See their website at www.ahernes.net

8 December 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs Lanzarote is proving as popular as ever with Irish holidaymakers

Banish the post-festive January blues with a selection of winter sun destinations FOR those looking to get away from the post-festive gloom in January, Direct Holidays have a selection of winter sun offers, with prices starting at €359.

Proving their enduring popularity with the Irish holidaymakers this year are the destinations of Lanzarote, Egypt and Gran Canaria, each with average temperatures reaching 20 degrees during the winter months.

With year round sunshine, the island of Lanzarote promises clear blue skies and long, wide beaches to relax on. Stay at the two-star Los Hibiscos in Puerto Del Carmen on a self-catering basis for seven nights from €409 based on two sharing, or from €359 for three sharing, departing January 15. Upgrade to the fourstar Hotel San Antonio, in Puerto Del Carmen on a half-board basis for seven nights from €589 per person

the perfect venue for a weekend trip

SUPPORT

LOCAL BUSINESS

SHOP LOCALLY

CALL THE GAZETTE ON The fish restaurant offered fresh ingredients and some of the very best seafood

60 10 240

sharing, departing January 22.

Direct Holidays are also featuring deals in Egypt, where seven nights in the four-star Joleville Maritim, in the popular resort of Naama Bay, is available from €559 per person departing January 5 on a bed and breakfast basis. The three-star St George Resort in Hadaba is available for €539 per person all inclusive, departing January 12.

A seven-night stay in Gran Canaria at the three-star IFA Interclub in the relaxed resort of San Agustin starts from €599 per person on an all inclusive basis, for January 21 departure, or for three sharing from €569.

To book, or for more details on any of the discounts on offer call (01) 514 03 41 or log on to www. directholidays.ie. Offers subject to availability, prices correct at time of issue.

24 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 8 December 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929

The Nutcracker Suite and The Snow Queen THIRTY-SEVEN of Ireland’s most talented young dancers will perform this Season in Celebration of its 15th Anniversary. They will delight and dazzle everyone from the youngest to the most seasoned theatergoers.

Snowflakes, flowers and sweets, Snow Queen, Ice Maidens and Doves all wrapped up in Tchaikovsky’s and Stravinsky’s glorious music scores. Catch the show at 8pm on December 9, and 3pm and 8pm on December 10.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 A Christmas Carol

DIRECTED by Geoffrey O’Keeffe, this is a heartwarming tale of transformation and joy. It is one of the best loved and most quoted stories of the “Man who invented Christmas” English writer Charles Dickens. A Christmas Carol debuted in 1843 and has touched millions of hearts since.

The show opens with the townspeople milling about, singing Christmas carols and enjoying each other’s company. This show runs until December 20 at 7.30pm. Admission:€18/€15 Family of 5:€55

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622

Scheherazade and 1001 Arabian Nights BETRAYED by his former wife, King Shahriyar vows to marry, love and then behead a new bride each night, never to be betrayed again. Having murdered thousands of women, he encounters the beautiful and wise Scheherazade, who pleads to tell a story before her impending execution. For 1001 nights, he postpones her execution enthralled, as he awaits her next tale of love, lust, hilarity or sorrow. Catch the show on Saturday, December 10 at 8pm. Tickets €20/€15 conc/€12 (under 16s)

Lonely Parisian orphan, Hugo (Butterfield) and his new friend, Isabelle (Moretz) are keen to uncover what his late father’s automaton may reveal, once all its parts are restored and replaced – but will it be the write mystery that he’s looking to have answered?

Hugo’ll and see it This film for children has much to offer older viewers, as it’s also almost a loving tribute to the beauty of cinema Q KATE CROWLEY

SPEAKING of horrors – well, I was, in last week’s review, which is a lazy way to link something together, but I’m sure I can rely on my dear and loyal readers (yes, both of you), not to let the cat out of the bag – even a hardened reviewer like, ahem, myself hasn’t quite the stomach for the recently released Happy Feet Two. You see, the thought of seeing even more singin’, dancin’, wisecrackin’ CG penguins is a little upsettin’ to yours truly.

I mean, of course I love penguins, but I couldn’t eat a whole one – or, rather, I just can’t quite stomach this CG sequel to the not-exactly-brilliant earlier film.

And so, splashing away from that okay-ish children’s film, I’m making a beeline straight towards, um, another children’s film instead, which doesn’t smell quite as

FILM OF THE WEEK: Hugo +++/++++ (PG) 125 mins Director: Martin Scorcese Starring: Jude Law, Christopher Lee, Asa Butterfield, Chloe Grace Moretz, Ben Kingsley, Ray Winstone, Frances de la Tour

OUR VERDICT: BASED on a best-selling book, Hugo is a visual delight from a director back on top of his game – despite this being his first children’s film. Perhaps it may be a little too thoughtful for children to fully warm to – Parisian orphan boy versus the appeal of singing chipmunks, anyone? – but it’s also a richly-detailed tribute to the power and emotion of cinema, making it also a film about film ...

fishy. (Ah ha! See what I did there?)

In an interesting career move, Martin Scorcese has made his first children’s film, Hugo, and created it with his typically masterful style.

His train of thought appears to have taken him right back to the very roots of cinema, and to many themes that have endured throughout cinema for the past century.

Hugo (Butterfield) is a lonely orphan, living in a vast Parisian railway station at the start of the 1930s, where he ekes out a living amongst its great

clocks, surrounded by the station’s oddball characters.

(As a random aside, I quietly thrill to any film starring the legendary 287-year-old Christopher Lee, who seems to be about twice the age of Mr Crowley, yet twice as awesome. But I digress.)

Hugo’s clock-winding ways are partly to do with his obsession – an old curio belonged to his late father (Law); one of those curious writing automatons that Le Rich People used to amuse themselves with, once upon a time.

However, the automa-

ton (which Hugo is convinced can reveal some secret of his late father’s) doesn’t work. Alas!

In fact, through Hugo’s, ahem, “liberation” of clockwork parts from around the station (to the chagrin of its shopkeepers and oddball characters), the automaton has been fully restored – all save the final part that’s needed to make it work, and to reveal whatever secret it may “know”: a heart-shaped key.

N ow, y o u d o n ’t suppose that Isabelle (Moretz), the daughter of a fed-up toy shop owner, might be able to help Hugo find this key, do you, and thus reveal what it may, or may not, be programmed to reveal from dear old dad?

Hugo isn’t the kind of routine children’s film that we’re used to, and that’s because it’s almost like two films jostling for attention, which makes me magnaminously

bestow upon it a twograde system, depending on who’s going to see it.

(And good luck to the production boys back at Gazette Towers on working out how to show what I mean.)

As a children’s film, it’s more thoughtful, and not quite as “commercial”, as most children’s films are these days, as it’s definitely more intellectually loaded than most. This can make it a little ... slow, I suspect; undoubtedly entertaining for kids, but not always rivetting.

However, many adults will probably be thrilled at this homage to cinema itself, as Hugo is jammed with all kinds of nods at cinema itself, with the film absolutely packed in visual symbolism that mirror a lot of cinema’s “greatest hits”.

An okay film for kids, Hugo is a visual delight for any cinema fan, making it a film well worth making tracks for.

8 December 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING When visionaries look to move on ...

SHANE DILLON

AT THE time of going to press, ripples were spreading out across the gaming press at the news surrounding a littleknown (to the greater gaming public) but greatly-respected (to the gaming press and critics) figure, and the news of his reported decision to leave Sony, where he’s been responsible for some outstanding titles.

Fumito Ueda is one of a number of Japanese games figures who has had a big impact – with critics, and devoted fans – despite only leading his team to create a meagre body of work. But what work!

The Japanese games’ developer has overseen a small canon of titles, but such was the unique vision and high quality of his previous games – the legendary PlayStation 2 titles, Ico, and Shadow of the Colossus (both available in a HD-remastered compilation for the PS3,

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

‘Quieter’ titles in stores are just as important as all of the triple-A titles that get all the biggest headlines

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

as I’ve written about previously) – that his latest, long-delayed project for the PlayStation 3 has kept an awful lot of people around the world maintaining a determined vigil.

However, his delayed current project, The Last Guardian, has missed one release deadline after another, and keeps slipping back in terms of when it may be released – 2012 is still a likely date, but, as fans know with an Euda-san title, that’s not guaranteed.

With his reputation as a focused visionary, and

as something of an auteur, it’s not quite a huge surprise that there would be great speculation about how long he would stay making games for Sony, or, indeed, how long Sony might want to continue that partnership.

After all, where some key titles can come out every year or 18 months, Ueda-san’s games can take three, four or five years to appear, and, while they’ve been lauded by critics, and raved about by some gamers, they’ve not exactly set the sales counters on fire.

Why should the news of a Japanese games’ designer’s purported – yet, at the time of going to press, not fully authenticated – decision to leave Sony matter to Dublin gamers, even if he is, apparently, to continue to bring this latest project to fruition in a freelance capacity?

It matters because, despite all the razzmatazz that surrounds all the major games titles and series on all the plat-

forms, “maverick” designers creating singularly unique titles are just as important, doing much to craft the art, passion and thoughtfulness that gaming can feature at its very best.

Away from all of the fast cars and big guns that dominate much, if not most, of the gaming coverage in almost every mainstream paper, titles such as those that Uedasan has been responsible for have done much to add to the critical kudos of the platform they appear on.

For all of the blockbuster titles that all gaming platforms promote – and should, perfectly understandably – the “quieter” titles that don’t sell anywhere near as many copies at retail, but which impress critics more than the triple-A titles, as well as making a lasting impression on fans, are just as important, and generally bring a memorable quality to their titles that their big-

budget brothers often lack.

For example, I’d struggle to recall and describe a single Call of Duty mission from just two years ago, but I could ramble on for hours about Ryo Hazuki’s wanderings around Yokosuka Harbour in Shenmue, which came out on Sega’s fondly-recalled Dreamcast back in 1999.

Of course, even if Uedasan does leave Sony, I’ve no doubt that his (potential) swansong title will be something really unique for the PS3, and if he remains, but moves to another division, that he’ll continue to strengthen the console’s appeal.

For now, it seems that the speculation will continue to mount as to whether or not The Last Guardian will be a last work of gaming genius from an almost obscure (but highly-influential) gaming guru, or just the next step to something even greater for Sony, and for cool titles.

Get Kinect-ed to this great competition prize HERE at The Gazette Group, we’ve teamed up with XBox to offer readers a great prize.

Following on from the recent launch of Kinect Sports 2 for Kinect for Xbox 360, five lucky readers can be in with a chance to win a copy of the games, Kinect Sports 1 and Kinect Sports 2.

Kinect Sports 2 expands on the Kinect Sports experience, using the Kinect sensor for the XBox 360, and its rare and big park games include six of the most popular and exciting sports: tennis, baseball, darts, golf, football and skiing.

To be in with a chance to win your copies, simply email The Gazette with the answer

to the following question: Which of the following sports can you play on Kinect Sports 2?

A. Darts B. Rugby C. Water Polo Email your answer to competition@gazettegroup.com, with the subject line “Kinect”, before Friday, December 16.

All correct entries will be entered into a draw, and five winners will be selected at random to win one of the prizes, which will be posted out. For more information on Kinect Sports, see www.facebook.com/xboxie.

Five readers can win a copy of Kinect Sports 2, for the XBox 360

While fans and industry figures wait to see what Fumito Ueda may move on to next – if he indeed moves on from Sony – in the meantime, the wait continues for his next PS3 title, The Last Guardian (inset)

GAZETTE

26 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 8 December 2011

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8 December 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

GOING FOR GOAL: Eamonn Coghlan launches Christmas Mile appeal Page 29

GAELIC GAMES: TG4 DOCUMENTARY SHOWS DUBLIN CLUB MEMBERS IN ACTION

Local vocals fire the Choir for charity sessions sport@gazettegroup.com

THE vocal talents of members of several clubs from Gazette country have been gracing the screens of TG4 in recent weeks, and will shortly be available to buy just ahead of Christmas in aid of good causes.

T he Pitch Per fect choir, selected from local GAA clubs and parishes all over Ireland, were followed by the documentary crew

as they came together to realise their dream of performing at Croke Park, singing in front of a crowd of over 82,000 people on the day of the All-Ireland football final on September 3 this year.

The choiristers come from all over the country, and include the local talents of Gemma Moody from Clondalkin’s Round Towers, Oliver Plunketts/Eoghan Ruadh

clubman Terry Bushe, Kilamcud Crokes stalwart Matt Cahill, Sheila Pollock from Lucan Sarsfields, Kieran Kilbride and Eibhlís Organ from Churchtown.

Two mentors, international soprano Niamh Murray and composer and former musical director with R iverdance, Colm O’Foghlu, weeded out their selection of altos, sopranos, basses and tenors and trained the 30 voices

The members of TG4’s Pitch Perfect choir

over an eight-week period and moulded them into a choir representing clubs from all corners of Ireland.

Pitch Per fect also provides an insight into how top county teams

work and train to reach their ultimate footballing stage, Croke Park, with the GAA backdrop being offered by the voices of such notable former GA A playing stars as Coman Goggins

of Dublin.

Filming took place at locations from Maynooth College to the Gaiety Theatre to the National Concert Hall.

The recording of some of the songs from

the programme, Songs of Shelter, are being released next week, and proceeds from the sale of the record will go to the charity, Focus.

For more information, see www.tg4.ie.

28 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 8 December 2011

GazetteSport Sport

Castleknock nursery were honoured by a visit from Sam earlier in the day

The Doherty family with some famous silverware

Sam On Tour ’11

Castleknock salute AllIreland year ASTLEKNOCK GAA Club were delighted last weekend when Sam Maguire paid a visit to Somerton, and many club members and friends got some memorable pictures with the All-Ireland trophy.

The club wish to thank John Quilter, from Blanchardstown Ford, local garda Mickey McCoy and Fr Mick Cullen from Laurel Lodge for facilitating the visit.

Young Castleknock players, Niamh and Catriona Doherty

C

More Castleknock nursery players with Sam

The Gilley Family at the clubhouse

8 December 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 29

in association with

SWIMMING: LOCAL CLUB HEADING FOR TEST ABROAD

FastSport Sailing duo start at disadvantage in Perth

Phoenix members Barry Dunne, Isabel Collins, Adam Lynch, Anne McAdam, Bernard O’Sullivan and John Fortune

Phoenix chilling ahead of Riga trip sport@gazettegroup.com

MEMBERS of the Phoenix Swim Club in Clondalkin will be travelling to Riga, Latvia, to swim in the World Winter Swimming Championships in January.

The nine members of the team are in for quite a challenge as they will be swimming in a 25-metre outdoor pool cut into the ice on a frozen lake, and they will take part in the 25m breaststroke and front crawl, 50m breaststroke and front crawl, and a 450-metre endurance swim.

In preparation for this, they are swimming at the

40ft in Sandycove every Sunday morning.

The club, formed in 1999, has over 50 members and they normally train in the Clondalkin Leisure Centre. It boasts several members who hold and have held national record holders in Masters competitions, travelling to Casablanca Morocco, Belgium, Austria, Czech Republic, as well as in national competitions.

Phoenix Swimming Club compete each year in the Leinster Open Sea Races along the coast of Dublin. The two most prestigious races in the summer are the Dublin

City Liffey Swim and the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Swim. Valerie Spollen won the Liffey Swim, while John Fortune, Anne McAdam and Anne Marie Kendrick have won the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Race.

Phoenix has a tradition of going to the sea at least once a week, summer or winter. Hardy swimmers are known to walk across snow or ice to take their weekly plunge, and in January 2012, nine of these swimmers are planning to go to Riga, Latvia and participate in the World Winter Championships.

The competition will take place where the river

and the Baltic Sea meet, where the air temperature can be below -20 degrees.

The pool is cut out of thick ice with a chainsaw.

A motor keeps the water moving in order to stop it from freezing over. The first race involves swimming 25m breaststroke with head up, diving is not permitted nor is tumble turning. The swimmer is permitted to wear a swim cap or, if they wish, a woolly hat and a normal swimsuit. No wetsuits are allowed. After that, swimmers can compete in a 450m swim.

For more information, contact AnneMarie Kendrick on 087 282 1175.

Leaping for to see UCD in friendlies Win tickets charity: Eamon launches Mile

Villarreal finished UCD AFC have announced recently that fourth in last seasons La they will host two friend- Liga and so are qualifiers next season’s Chamly METRO matches St at the Belfield Brigi’d legendfor Eamonn pions Bowl against Scotland’s Coghlan prepares to hurdle a League. As well as this, they have a wide Stfence Johnstone FC on July raceat Leopardstown range 10,course, and Spain’s Villarreal the new venue for this of talented footballers CF on July 16. year’s flagship GOAL Mile. Theat their disposal with Barcelona target St Johnstone finished Mile will be held at Leopardstown and former eighth in the SLP last on Christmas morning from 10am Manchester United player, Giuseppe season, and have a long to 12 noon. More than 100 GOAL Rossi, on tradition in Scottish miles will be held throughout Ire-the top of the list. Visit football.

Former playersperiod. land over the festive GazetteSpor t and include Sir Alex Ferguson www.goal.ie for more details.

UCD are giving lucky and Ally McCoist.

readers the chance to win pairs of tickets to these matches.

Simply answer the following question: Where was Villarreal striker Guiseppe Rossi born?

Send your answer, together with your name, address and mobile phone number, to sport@ gazettegroup.com, with “UCD Friendlies” in the subject line of the mail.

UCD’s Robbie Benson

MALAHIDE’S Scott Flanigan and Booterstown’s Ger Owens’ beginning to their Olympic 470 sailing qualifying campaign got off to a tough start as the pair’s rigging, ropes and spares were lost en route to Perth.

They are currently in Australia aiming to secure a place inside the top 20 nations at the world championships to hand Ireland a berth at the London Olympics.

Flanigan, the youngest member of the Irish team at the competition carried the flag at last Friday’s opening ceremony while Owens is aiming to create a bit of unique history by becoming the first Irish 470 sailor to compete in the three Games.

Rathfarnham’s Annalise Murphy claimed victory in her second race of the laser radial regatta to get off to a superb start. Competition continues for the next week.

Ireland trio make the team of World Cup ’11 LEINSTER ‘S Brian O’Driscoll, Ronan O’Gara and Paul O’Connell were the Ireland players who made the official Rugby World Cup dream team, voted for by international fans of the New Zealand celebration of the sport’s Facebook page.

Ireland captain O’Driscoll took nearly 50% of the votes to make the Dream Team. A

consistent performer for Ireland, O’Driscoll added to his impressive tally of international tries with a well-taken try in the pool match against Italy.

Based on suggestions from the online community, a shortlist of names per position was created each day and put to the vote, with over 160,000 votes being cast along the way.

The other players in the XV were made up of players from the semi-finalists, Wales, New Zealand and France.

30 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 8 December 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

SOCCER: CASTLEKNOCK DRAW AND LOSE IN HOME LEAGUE TIES

Coolmine register a nervy league victory COOLMINE reached the midway point in their league campaign and met Monkstown for the third time this season last weekend.

Previous encounters left the sides at one victory each, but Saturday’s match was a lot more important to Coolmine than simply winning the statistics.

Coming off two heavy league defeats, this match was a potential defining moment in their season.

A good performance was vital, but a victory would be the icing on the cake.

A dogged Coolmine side managed to live up to both, and started the match at a thundering pace, leaving the home side on the back foot from the whistle.

Their efforts were rewarded early and a series of infractions from Monkstown led to a number of penalties. Coolmine choose to scrum down each time as they were dominant up front.

Yet another scrum was chosen and, this time, scrum half Alan Cousins sniped round the side for the first try of the game.

From the restart, Monkstown had their own purple patch and 11 minutes into the half went ahead with a converted penalty of their own.

On the 20-minute mark Monkstown went 10-5 ahead with another penalty. However, a great take from Geoff Mullen from the restart secured possession for Coolmine and they were soon making ground into Monkstown territory. The gap was narrowed to two points after a Donal Crotty penalty sneaked over.

It was a game of two halves, and Coolmine dominated the second period, but couldn’t manage to convert their dominance into points.

A miss-kicked Coolmine penalty fell short of the mark on 25 minutes, but the ball was fumbled and Monkstown failed to clear the danger. Multiple phases later, the defenders gave away another penalty, and Donal Crotty made no mistake.

It took a moment of individual brilliance to give Coolmine some breathing space on the 32nd minute. Captain Brian Moran took the ball with nothing on. A wide sweeping run looked like it was going nowhere but he managed to outpace the Monkstown defender on the left wing for Coolmine’s second try.

It was a matter of running down the clock but not for the first time this season, Coolmine left their supporters on tenterhooks after Monkstown mauled over a try in the dying minutes. The conversion sailed wide much to their relief.

Gareth Healy scores the equalising goal for Castleknock Celtic at home to Leicester Celtic in their Under-11s game in Porterstown

Celtic sides slip at home sport@gazettegroup.com

A DRAW and a reverse at Porterstown were the results that Castleknock’s NDSL and DDSL sides took from last weekend.

St Columban’s visited Porterstown for their clash with title-chasing Celtic. Having conceded a soft goal early on, they struck back with Shane Grouse’s strike following Conor Mooney’s cross.

It was nip-and-tuck throughout the game, but things looked good for Celtic when Jamie Farrell’s glancing header found the back of the net from Brian McDevitt’s cross.

Celtic had a number of chances to kill off the game, but they found the visitors’ keeper in rare form. A sucker punch was delivered when a Columbans’ free kick eluded the home keeper. That left it 2-2, and a Columban’s strike was cleared off the Celtic line by man-of-thematch, Brian McDevitt.

It was a clash of the top two in Porterstown Park as the unbeaten Cabinteely won an excellent game of football and ended Celtic’s long unbeaten run in the DDSL Under-12C. Goals from Winston Wang and Franklin Izundu weren’t enough to stop

Cabinteely consolidating their position at the top.

Celtic dominated for long periods but didn’t take their chances and couldn’t break down a strong Cabinteely side who showed why they were unbeaten in the league this year.

It just wasn’t to be for a frustrated Celtic side but was a excellent game to watch from start to finish.

Well done to the southside visitors.

Elsewhere, Castleknock Celtic once again continued to define the true sense of a community club when it held an open evening last week for the next generation

of Shay Givens at their Laurel Lodge all-weather pitch.

Last year, Castleknock introduced its ow n Coaches’ Club, a forum to introduce coaches to new and innovative techniques.

In recent months, the club has welcomed Academy Director of the NDSL, Mitch Whitty, Coerver Football, who work with a number of Premier League clubs, Athletic Development, conditioning coaches to leading teams in soccer, rugby and GA A and include a number of prominent League of Ireland clubs as clients.

This week, Matt Gregg of Just4Keepers came along to share his wealth of knowledge and experience with the club’s coaches and netminders.

Matt is an experienced goalkeeper, having spent many years in the UK, and now with Bray Wanderers. Having himself learned and benefited from top coaches over the years, Matt was anxious to give something back and now heads up Just4Keepers in Ireland. Club Secretary Tony Jordan said that this emphasis on goalkeepers at present is part of Celtic’s ongoing development programme for its members.

College’s O’Neill named in U-18 squad sport@gazettegroup.com

CASTLEKNOCK College’s Jack O’Neill has been included once again in the Ireland Under-18 schools’ rugby squad that been selected for a training camp which will be held in Dublin from December 28 to 30.

T he squad will be under the direction of head coach Terr y McMaster and assistant coaches Kenny Hooks

and Paul Barr, for an intensive and instructive three days.

The camp is set to culminate with a competitive game against the Ireland Under-18 clubs’ squad at Wanderers FC’s grounds on Friday, December 30, at 12.30pm.

The Under-18 clubs squad will be announced in the coming days.

Both squad selections are the product of the recent national talent

screening camp that took place in Clongowes Wood College in October, which forms part of the IRFU’s Elite Player Development Pathway.

Opportunity IRFU High Performance manager, Allen Clarke, feels the camp and game is important for both squads in their development this season.

“It is a further opportunity for the coaches

t o wo r k w i t h t h e i r respective squads in developing collective understanding, unit and individual skills, all of which will be benchmarked through the game on the 30th of December.

“A f t e r t h a t , p l ay ers will be monitored and supported in their schools and clubs leading into the international campaigns in March and April for both teams.”

Jack O’Neill

8 December 2011 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 31

in association with

FOOTBALL: MINORS MISS OUT ON CHAMPIONSHIP .

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CASTLEKNOCK WELL done to both our U-21 teams for progressing to the next stages of the championship.

house fundraiser.

Castleknock GAA extends its sincere sympathies to Naomh Fion-

Hard luck to the minor Bs who lost

nbarra GAA Club on the tragic death

to Fingal Ravens in the championship

of their young player Conor Hickey,

final.

RIP.

Sam paid a visit to the club last

See w w w.ca stleknock.net for

weekend and many a club member

details of our novel Tree for Christ-

and friend got a memorable pic with

mas fundraising initiative. A Somer-

the famous trophy. Many thanks to

ton tree for Christmas would make a

John Quilter from Blanchardstown

great present.

Ford, local garda Mickey McCoy and Fr Mick Cullen from Laurel Lodge for facilitating the visit.

Lotto jackpot now at €6,200 with this week’s draw in Brady’s.

Don’t forget to buy a Christmas Tree Postcard to support the Club-

Lotto jackpot now at €6,000, with this week’s draw in Myo’s.

Registrations are now due and form can be downloaded from website.

New players at all ages and levels are always welcome, contact club coach Brendan on 085 132 9397.

ST BRIGID’S A HUGE win for our senior footballers over Portlaoise last Sunday in the Leinster Championship semiCastleknock’s minor footballers were unable to match the well-drilled Fingal Ravens at Somerton

Kehily family.

The club AGM has been rescheduled for Sunday, January 8.

final. It was a terrific game and

Minor footballers final vs Lucan

the spirit of our lads really shone

will now take place on Sunday at

Castleknock denied a premier trophy

through.

11am in the 12th Lock.

MINOR E C’SHIP FINAL

dressed up.

Castleknock Fingal Ravens

0-7 4-13

sport@gazettegroup.com

CASTLEKNOCK GAA club hosted this year’s Minor E football final at their new grounds in Somerton last weekend, but the hosts were denied a first trophy when a welldrilled Fingal Ravens pulled clear of the Knock side with an assured display.

Despite heavy rain through the week and prior to the match, the main pitch was in immaculate condition, thanks in no small part to the grounds team led by Mick Lynch.

Ravens, last year’s champions, were hot favourites and were not daunted by playing on Castleknock’s home turf.

Castleknock were represented by their B team, seeking to emulate their illustrious A team colleagues by bagging a second county title.

However, it was not be, even though Castleknock started the brighter with three early points by Cian O’Dualaing, Dara McCormack, and Colin Lynch.

Ravens settled and started to exert control of the game shortly thereafter.

Led by midfielder Malachy Griffen, Ravens scored two points, and then went into a deserved lead, scoring a goal after a well-worked move through the centre of the field.

From then, they were fully in control, scoring another goal and four points, with Castleknock replying with a point of their own.

Most of the Castleknock team have been together for 12 years, yet this was their first final, and even against first-rate team opposition, they never gave up as the game slipped out of their grasp.

Half-time gave a welcome opportunity to regroup and go out with

renewed determination.

Ravens, though, started brighter, putting over two more points. Castleknock replied with three of their own, from Kevin Harnett, another from Lynch, and then one from Luke Lynam.

The game was going to be decided by who scored the next goal. Try as they might, it would not happen for Castleknock. They had two good chances, one from Dara McCormack, which was saved by the Ravens’ goalie, and the other from Lynch which came off the post.

As the saying goes, games are won and lost by the inches. Ravens then began to exert their own pressure on Castleknock, and their superior strength and ability began to show through. They had two chances of their own and put them away clinicially.

Tr y as they might Castleknock could not work the openings, with attack after attack una-

ble to break the Ravens’ defences.

Ravens, on the other hand when they gained possession scored a number of points at the end to put a clear gap between themselves and a gallant Castleknock team.

The final whistle blew and Ravens were worthy champions.

Castleknock were disappointed but could hold their heads high, each player coming off the pitch exhausted having tried their best.

The team was helped in no small part by a number of Under-16 players, without them the B team would never have been able to field a side.

The experience they gained will help them in no small part as they move into the minor ranks proper next year. For most of the other Minor panel, they now move onto the new challenges representing Castleknock in the adult ranks.

We now face Garrycastle of West-

Senior 2 footballers also face St

meath on Sunday, December 18 at

Mark’s in a crucial relegation play-

2pm in Tullamore.

off on Sunday at 11am in Russell

Our best-dressed suppor ters

Park.

on Sunday were Michael Gilvarry

The kids’ Xmas par ty will take

(Juvenile - €40 voucher) and Patsy

place on Sunday. There will be a SVP

Powell (Adult - €60 Voucher).

Christmas Food and Toy Appeal at

It was terrific to see everyone It was a very emotional day for

the party, with members urged to bring down anything they can and drop it into the appeal box.

the club with the passing of former

We have collected 220 old mobile

Chairman Frank Kehily. Our deep-

phones so far. We need 30 more to

est sympathies are extended to the

get our new AED. No matter how old

GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN GAELS The Garda GAA Club AGM took place

of luck for the forthcoming season.

on Tuesday, November 29 at West-

The club Christmas par ty and

manstown Sports Centre. The fol-

annual awards took place in West-

lowing officers and Committee were

manstown on Saturday, Decem-

elected to run the clubs affairs for

ber 3. Congratulations to all of the

the 2012 season - President-Jim

award winners and many thanks

Mu r p hy, Vi ce -Pr e s i d e n t s- O l l i e

for your contribution over the past

Hanley, Fintan Fanning, Chairman -

season - Young Player of the Year

John Kissane, Vice Chairman-Paul

- Michelle Carroll; Ladies Player of

Cur tis, Secretary-Brian Keville,

the Year - Sinead Connolly; Men’s

Treasurer - Alan Lynch, Assist-

Junior Player of the Year - Mark

ant Sec - Julie Kavanagh, Assist-

Lenihan; Men’s Intermediate Player

ant Treasurer - James King, PRO

of the Year - Donal O Connell; West-

- Eugene O Sullivan, County Board

manstown Gaels Club Person of the

Delegate - Paud Curran, Commit-

Year - Ger Bradley and Garda GAA

tee members - Mick O Connor, PJ

Club Person of the Year - Eugene

Gallagher, Jerome Twomey, Frank

O’Sullivan.

White, John Stinson, George Kyne,

The final Committee meeting of

Kevin Doherty, Richard Lynch, Mar-

the year is on Tuesday, December

tin Clavin. We wish them all the best

13 in Westmanstown at 8pm.

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32 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 8 December 2011