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January nu y 26, 2012
INSIDE: Fostering People host an COMPASS: Your unmissable 8-page open day P2 guide to travel in 2012 Pages 17-24
All smiles: President makes a special visit PHOENIX PARK’S most recent
Rugby: Castleknock College alumni takes top role Page 32
new resident, President Michael D Higgins, gave a local D15 school a Monday to remember when he paid a visit to Scoil Bhride Girls’ National School. President Higgins was welcomed in 12 languages, followed by a dance display from different countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. Taking a part in the day’s festivites were Chinwe Nwoga, Alyssa Alcantara and Alexia Datario. Pictures: Ania Sherlock Full Story on Page 4
Football: Castleknock claim first U-21 championship Page 31
ALSOINSIDE: MOTORS ........................14 BUSINESS .................... 16 TRAVEL..........................17 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 25 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26 SPORT ...........................27
Hospital fears of a norovirus outbreak Connolly imposes strict conditions on all visitors
Q LAURA WEBB
VISITING restrictions have been put in place at Connolly Hospital in Dublin15 due to a suspected outbreak of norovirus in a number of wards. The restrictions were put in place on Monday, January 23. A spokesperson for the HSE
said that visiting in all areas of the hospital was now restricted and only permitted at the discretion of the ward manager. “As per the visiting policy, there is strictly no visiting permitted for children at anytime on the general wards. Visitors who have had vomiting and/ or diarrhoea should not visit
the hospital for 48 hours after symptoms have ceased and they are feeling well. All visitors are requested to clean their hands before and after visiting, by hand washing or using the alcohol gels available at the hospital,” said the spokesperson. Full Story on Page 6
2 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 26 January 2012
STUDY: ASSESSING THE FLOOD RISKS TO REGION
Dealing with flooding risk Q DAWN LOVE news@gazettegroup.com
A MAJOR public meeting aimed at highlighting a new study that deals with the assessment and sustainable management of flood risks to the Eastern Region, which includes the Greater Dublin Area, will take place this week. The Eastern Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study, was commissioned in June 2011, and deals with the assessment and sustainable management of flood risk in the Eastern district. The study is part of a CFRAM programme being undertaken by the OPW in line with current national flood policy and the EU Directive on the Assessment and Management of Flood Risk. The programme requires that CFRAM studies be completed by the end of 2015. With a land area of approximately 6,300 km2, the Eastern district accounts for one tenth of the land area of Ireland. It is home to rich agricultural land, extensive coastline, the city of Dublin and the towns which form the Greater Dublin Area and commuter belt. Around 1.6 million people, 40% of Ireland’s population, live in the Eastern district with the majority living in the Greater Dublin Area. The district incorpo-
rates all or part of 12 local authority areas, including Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, and South Dublin. The main rivers in the district are the Liffey, Boyne, Nanny, Delvin, Vartry and Avoca rivers. The Eastern CFRAM Study will examine all options to reduce flood risk. There will be full consultation with individuals and organisations with an interest in flooding and related issues. Pending the completion of the study, the OPW said it will continue to work with the local authorities to identify and implement interim small-scale flood mitigation works in areas at risk from flooding. The public open evening is open to anybody who would like to learn more or share their views and experiences in relation to flooding, flood risk and environmental considerations. Members of the Eastern CFRAM study team will be available to answer questions and to discuss the study at the meeting, which takes place on Thursday, January 26 at 7pm in the Red Cow Moran Hotel on the Naas Road. For further information contact Katie Murphy, Eastern CFRAM Study Communications Coordinator; 01 4882940; info@ eastcframstudy.ie; www. eastcframstudy.ie
EVENT First Golf classic at Castleknock Golf Club
Charity fundraiser for Connolly Hospital Q LAURA WEBB
GOLFING enthusiasts will be teeing off for a good cause when they take part in a charity fundraiser in aid of Connolly Hospital this April. The Golf Classic is being organised by the Blanchardstown Hospital Society, the official fundraising body for Connolly Hospital, which was
formed in 1997 as a limited company with charitable status. Over the past three years alone, the group has raised €35,000 for projects in different departments within the hospital, including services in radiology, cardiology and cancer. This year, fundraising efforts are swinging in a different direction, with the group organising its
first Golf Classic on Friday, April 27 at Castleknock Golf Club. Proceeds from this go to the Stroke Unit, Department of the Elderly at Connolly Hospital. The society’s board is made up of professionals, both internal and external, who assist Connolly Hospital in directing, organising and implementing fundraising activities.
The society aims to inspire, enable fundraising and financial support from the community to develop facilities within Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown and promote exceptional patient care. There are a number of options available for groups or individuals interested in taking part in the Golf Classic. The account number
for making sponsorship is Blanchardstown Hospital Society Golf Classic, Account No. 02291104, AIB Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. Any sponsorship will be acknowledged on all publicity associated with the golf classic. Further information on the golf classic is available by calling Shay Smyth 087 3679377 or Gerry Devine 086 8226398.
20 years of great handwriting Q LAURA WEBB
Fostering People, service manager, Lesley Dale
EVENT: OPEN DAY AT THE DRAIOCHT THEATRE
Agency is seeking new foster carers Q LAURA WEBB news@gazettegroup.com
A NEW fostering agency is to hold an open day this week hoping to find new foster carers in the Dublin area. Fostering People, will host the open day at the Draiocht Theatre in Blanchardstown. The organisation says it’s hoping they will find new foster carers who can provide safe and stable homes for vulnerable children and young people living in care. T h e e ve n t , w h i c h takes place on January 28 from 2pm until 5pm, will have agency members offering advice and information on the challenges and rewards
of being a foster carer. Fostering People service manager, Lesley Dale said: “We hope that by hosting an open event, Fostering People will be able to increase the number of foster carers in Dublin and help give more children secure family homes. “Qualities such as patience and commitment are what really count when it comes to being a foster carer, and I urge anyone who is interested to come along to our event for an informal chat to see whether fostering is for them. “Our aim is to ensure the highest standards of care for foster children so that they can
enjoy happy and fulfilling lives. In order to do this, we must find more foster families who can nurture and guide these youngsters on their journey into adulthood.” Fostering People is a non-statutory fostering agency that acts at a local level and offers foster carers 24-hour professional support and ongoing training. Fostering People in Ireland is a new fostering agency providing high-quality familybased placements for children in need of foster care. The organisation has an established background in Britain delivering positive outcomes for a range of children
and young people. It is part of the Core Assets Group, which has over 17 years’ experience working with children and families around the world. The agency welcomes applications from single, same sex, married and co-habiting couples from all ethnic backgrounds who are over 25. For more information about becoming a foster care with Fostering People call freephone 1800 303 532 or visit the website www.fosteringpeople.ie Fostering People is based at 138A Slaney Close, Dublin Industrial Estate, Glasnevin, Dublin 11.
THE EBS and the Irish N a t i o n a l Te a c h e r s Organisation (INTO) are celebrating 20 years of highlighting the importance of having good handwriting with the launch of the 2012 National Handwriting Competition. EBS, in conjunction with the INTO launched this year’s handwriting competition, which is open to students of Dublin and around the country. The competition attracts entries from over 100,000 children all over Ireland each year. This year, entrants are being asked to write a piece of prose or a poem about their own family, or copy a piece connected to family in some way. Students are not being judged on content but the style, flair, neatness and layout of their handwriting. Children can enter through their local primary schools. Entries are received in categories ranging from infants to sixth class, with a Special Education prize also being awarded. The closing date for entries to the 2012 EBS/ INTO National Handwriting Competition is Friday, February 24. For fur ther details on the EBS/INTO Handwriting Competition visit www.ebs.ie or www.mylocalnews.ie.
26 January 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3
REVIEW Local politician discusses his top reads
Slight drop in dole figures
What’s hot for 2012 in the book world HE’S best known to residents in Dublin 15 as a Labour politician and former Mayor of Fingal County Council, but this week, literary enthusiast Michael O’Donovan discusses what books will top his agenda for 2012. If your New Year’s resolutions involve a bit more reading in 2012, let me present you with a few suggestions. I f , l i ke m e , y o u watched RTE’s crime drama series Love/ Hate with a mix of horror and fascination, then you might be interested in my first choice, Paul Willams’ new book, Badfellas. Williams is Ireland’s most respected crime journalist and has long experience of exposing
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the nasty doings of the gangland bosses. This book goes back to the 1970s, when armed bank robbers made their first appearance in this country, and brings us up to the present day. Badfellas is now at the top of the non-fiction chart, and I can definitely recommend it. On the lighter side of the reading spectrum, Cathy Kelly is at the top of the fiction charts with her new novel, Christmas Magic. Another favourite Cecelia Ahern is in the top five with, The Time of My Life. T hese two w riters have their own array of fans and will sell by the box-load. Cookery books are always popular, and those with a television
tie-in tend to do well. Rachel Allen’s new offering, Easy Meals, is, in my view, one of the best. Because the featured dishes are quick to prepare, there’s a good chance the reader will actually make them rather than just read about them. The book is well-written and well-illustrated. If, like me, you’re into history, you might consider, Voices from the Grave, by journalist Ed Moloney. The book is based around interviews given by Brendan Hughes, of the IRA, and David Ervine, of the UVF. Both men were active paramilitaries and spent long periods in prison before becoming peacemakers.
J0BS
Labour politician and former Mayor of Fingal County Council, Michael O’Donovan
They spoke frankly and in detail to researchers in Boston College on condition the material would only be published after their deaths. Overall, an informative and very readable insight into The Troubles. Incidentally, the Boston College interviews have come to public attention in recent weeks
because the PSNI have tried to get access to the interviews given by other former paramilitaries. Max Hastings’ recently released history of World War II, All Hell Broke Loose, comes highly recommended by the
critics. It’s very well-written, with lots of eye-witness testimony, but it is a very big book. You would need to ask the boss for a few days leave to get through this one.
NEW figures released by the Central Statistics Office have shown that there was a slight drop in the number of people signing on in Blanchardstown at the end of 2011. By the end of January 2011, 8,772 people were recorded on the live register in the Blanchardstown Social Welfare Office. But, by the end of 2011, this figure had dropped by 409. Jobless figures for Blanchardstown in the year 2011 averaged at 8,833. The month with the highest unemployment figure was August, with 9,141 registered. The summer months were the worst for the area, with 9,040 in June, 9,124 in July and 9,141 in August, while December was the lowest in 2011, with 8,363 people unemployed.
4 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 26 January 2012
MEETING
Centre’s AGM LOCAL residents wishing to raise topics at the Castleknock Community Centre Association’s annual general meeting have until January 30 to lodge motions they want discussed. The Castleknock Community Centre Association is a community partnership serving Ashleigh, Bramley, Carpenterstown Park, Laurel Lodge, Laverna and Oaktree. The AGM will take place on Monday, February 13 at 8.30pm and will be held in Community Centre in Laurel Lodge. Anyone interested in putting down a motion should submit it to the Secretary, Castleknock Community Centre Association, Laurel Lodge, Dublin 15 no later than 5pm on January 30. For further information phone 01-8200968 or email castleknockcommunitycentre@gmail. com or check out www. castleknockcommunitycentre.ie
EVENT local school welcomes very important guest
President gives school a Monday to remember Q LAURA WEBB
PUPILS in a Dublin 15 school had a Monday to remember when newly elected President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, paid them a special visit after he accepted their invitation to come to the school. Over 600 students from Scoil Bhride Girls’ National School, Blanchardstown, welcomed the President to their school on Monday. Fifth and sixth class students, who followed the presidential election very closely, had sent the President a card to congratulate him on his inauguration and invited
him to the school. Much to the delight of the pupils, he accepted. The ninth President of Ireland was greeted by music and an array of Irish songs in the front hall, courtesy of the school’s talented pupils. He was then led through the school corridors to see some of the students’ work on display. With 40 different nationalities represented at the school, President Higgins was also welcomed in 12 languages, followed by a dance display from different countries in Europe, Asia and Africa. Speaking to the Gazette this week, Principal Deirdre Kirwan
said she was “really pleased” with how the visit went and how the students received him. “The children’s reception of him was really very good. He has a wonderful way of relating to young people. He spoke to them from the stage and you could literally hear a pin drop in a room of over 600 kids, ranging from four to aged 13 – they listened intensely. He did a super job. He really was so gracious and lovely.” Creative
During his speech, the President spoke of the importance of being creative. “He said that it was great to see the creativity that was coming from the youngsters and that creativity fills you with hope, and he exhorted everybody to enjoy their lives whether it is learn-
The President, Michael D Higgins, addresses the pupils of Scoil Bhride Girls National School (right). A number of pupils dressed in their traditional wear to convey the 40 languages and cultures the school is home to (above). Pictures: Ania Sherlock
ing, studying, playing or whatever, that enjoyment was very important. “He also made reference to the fact that, of his list of things that are very important, is equality and inclusion. He said it was great to see the work being done in schools in terms of students growing and learning together and that
was very important in our society because Irish society has always been known for its generosity and that it was great to see it happening in our schools. “He also said friendship was very important and to be conscious of children who might be on their own and need friendship because it is
very important in everyone’s life. “We have to thank the sixth-year students for his visit. He brought the card they sent him and he said that he was really impressed from the fact it represented all the different cultural backgrounds in the school. It was a great day for the school,” she said.
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6 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 26 January 2012
FastNews
R1
NOROVIRUS Restrictions likely to last several days
Armed masked men rob bookies CCTV footage from a Castleknock bookmaker is being viewed by gardai as they continue to investigate an armed robbery. No arrests have been made following the armed robbery of Pat Toolan’s in Castleknock Village. On Monday, January 16, at approximately 4pm two masked men entered the local bookies. One of the men produced an iron bar and threatened staff before demanding the cash. A window at one of counters was smashed and the cashier handed over an undisclosed amount of cash. Both males fled the scene in what is believed to be a red Nissan saloon car. Gardai are this week continuing the investigation and have confirmed that they are studying CCTV footage as part of that investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact their local Garda station or call the confidential line on 1800 666 111.
Change of A Feast of opening hours Coolmine for library Talent DUBLIN 15’s only public library is to change opening hours as of next month. Blanchardstown Library, one of the largest public libraries in Ireland, is changing its opening hours as of Wednesday, February 1. The popular library will close at 8pm Monday to Thursday inclusive. All other Fingal branch libraries will be unaffected by the change. The library will be open from 10am until 8pm Monday to Thursday and from 10am until 5pm Friday and Saturday. Blanchardstown Library is situated opposite Blanchardstown Shopping Centre and beside Draiocht Theatre.
STUDENTS from Coolmine Community School will take centre stage at Dublin 15’s Draiocht Theatre later this month in their highly entertaining show, A Feast of Coolmine Talent. The 2012 show will take place on Monday, January 30, and Tuesday, January 31, at Draiocht. Audiences can get set to be amazed by the students musical, dance and dramatic abilities. Now in its eleventh year, Coolmine Community School promises a night not to be missed. This event takes place at 8pm with tickets costing €5 on Monday and €8 on Tuesday, and are available from Draiocht’s Box Office, not from the school.
Visiting restrictions have been put in place at Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown
Connolly Hospital fears of outbreak Q LAURA WEBB
VISITING restrictions have been put in place at Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown due to a suspected outbreak of Norovirus in a number of wards. The restrictions were put in place on Monday, January 23. A spokesperson for the HSE said that visiting in all areas of the hospital was now restricted and only permitted at the discretion of the Ward manager. “As per the visiting policy there is strictly no visiting permitted for children at any time on the general
wards. “Visitors who have had vomiting and/or diarrhoea should not visit the hospital for 48 hours after symptoms have ceased and they are feeling well. “All visitors are requested to clean their hands before and after visiting, by handwashing or using the alcohol gels available at the hospital,” said the spokesperson. T he spokesperson added that gifts, such as fruit or flowers are not allowed on wards during this suspected outbreak. For further details on these visiting restrictions, please telephone the hospital at 01 6465000.
T he HSE is also encouraging the public to attend the Emergency Department for emergencies only and would advise people to contact their GP or GP Out of Hours services in the first instance. When contacted by the Gazette, the HSE said the restrictions were likely to continue for several days. Meanwhile, Sinn Fein representative Paul Donnelly, is urging the Government to reverse the cuts at Connolly Hospital “to enable staff to deal with present difficulties and ensure that the hospital can serve the needs of the people when they
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‘It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work that you cannot continue to cut frontline staff and beds in the system’
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need it”. According to Donnelly the D15 hospital is “at the moment” second to Beaumont hospital for those waiting on trolleys, according to the INMO. “I was informed on Sunday morning of the serious outbreak of the winter vomiting bug and that four wards have been closed. “This led to serious pressure in A & E with
one staff member describing it as out-the-door. “It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work that you cannot continue to cut frontline staff and beds in the system. “When a serious incident, like the vomiting bug, arises there is no wriggle room in the system to ensure that patients are treated and allocated a bed if needed within an appropriate timescale.
Top industry award for retailer Q LAURA WEBB
DUBLIN 15 Carry Out retailers have won a much-coveted award at the 2012 National Off-Licence Awards. Carry Out retailer, Kevin O’Brien, was triumphant in taking home the prestigious Responsible Trading Award at this year’s event, which was held in King’s Inn, Dublin.
The new industry award ceremony was introduced this year by NoffLA to recognise the successful launch of its online module of Responsible Trading Certificate (RTC) programme. This programme was launched to enhance training for staff selling alcohol. A thrilled O’Brien told the Gazette: “The staff and management at Carry Out Ashtown,
Mulhuddart and Tyrrelstown, are delighted with the award. We are part of the local communities in these areas and it is important to us that we set the highest standards of responsibility with regard to selling alcohol. The Responsible Trading Certificate (RTC) programme gives us the tools to do this and we would like to thank NOffLA for the opportunity to participate and win this award.
“We would also like to call on the Government to ensure that alcohol is treated in a responsible manner by all retailers. This can be achieved by implementing section 9 of the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008, segregating alcohol from normal groceries in a mixed trading environment. Alcohol is a controlled substance and any purchase should be a conscious decision,” he said.
26 January 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 7
MOTORING ‘No more tolling points planned for M50’
Varadkar does a U-turn on tolling plans Q LAURA WEBB
MINISTER for Transport Leo Varadkar, this week made a U-turn on plans to increase tolling points on the M50. Speaking to the Gazette, the Dublin West TD said he was conscious of the impact that “extra tolls” would have on Dublin residents, as well commuters who live outside Dublin. “I have no proposals to bring in new tolling points around the country or anywhere in Dublin. “Motoring costs are already going up, and will continue to rise. “The current arrange-
ment on the M50 certainly isn’t perfect. It’s not a fair system, where you only have the bridge being tolled. “But my main concern is that multi-point tolling could drive people off the motorway, and back into residential areas. That wouldn’t make any sense. “Realistically, providing new tolling points on the M50 would not have led to a reduction in the toll at the Westlink bridge. It would just have meant more tolls for all drivers. “We may find at some point in the future, a number of years away, that if the M50 becomes
congested we have to move to demand-led use. “But it certainly won’t be when I am Minister for Transport.” M e a nw h i l e , l o c a l councillor David McGuinness (FF) described the decision as a “victory” for Dublin West residents. “Motorists are now levied with increased motor tax, higher fuel costs, higher vehicle registration tax and additional carbon taxes since Minister Varadkar took over as Minister for Transport. “Additional tolling, on the M50 and around the country, would have
Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar,says he is concious of the impact extra tolls would have
been a step too far for already pushed motorists,” said McGuinness. The local councillor said that hard-pressed motorists cannot find comfort in the public transportation services as “fares have increased
on buses and trains and major infrastructural projects have been scrapped, including Metro North, and the electrification of the Maynooth line”. “I am now calling on Minister Varadkar to
give public transport users and motorists a break. “Scrapping tolling plans is a start, but fails to deal with the current difficulties faced by these groups,” Cllr McGuinness said.
EVENT
Marking Chinese New Year FINGAL County Council, in partnership with the Chinese Irish Cultural Academy, celebrated a Dragon Dance with an Irish touch to mark the Chinese New Year last weekend. The event marked the launch of a programme of Chinese-themed events at Newbridge Demesne. Dragon dance is a form of traditional dance and performance in Chinese culture. Amongst those who attended the launch was the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Gerry McGuire. A highlight of the launch was a specially commissioned dragon which recently arrived from China in the colours of the Irish tricolour. Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Chinese calendar, officially beginning this year on January 23 and 2012 is the year of the Dragon.
8 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 26 January 2012
WORKSHOPS: START YOUR OWN BUSINESS FEVER IN FINGAL
Oisin Geoghegan, CEO of Fingal County Enterprise Board
Workshops to assist new businesses Q MIMI MURRAY
OVER 100 new businesses are expected to be set up in Fingal by participants on the Start Your Own Business programme this year, creating hundreds of new jobs, both directly and indirectly. T h a t ’s a c c o r d i n g to the Fingal County Enterprise Board, the state enterprise support agency that helps new start-ups get up and running and also helps existing businesses to grow. The organisation announced details this week of new training programmes aimed at star t-up businesses, including the Start Your Own Business part-time course. Up to 80% of participants on this programme in the past have gone on to set up their own businesses. Aimed directly at those about to start a business for the first time, the Start Your Own Business programme is run over 10 evening sessions at the Fingal Business Training Centre in Swords, over a five-week
period. To cope with expected demand, two programmes have been scheduled, which start on January 24 and on February 15.
Chances
To help increase the chances of business success for the new startups, participants on the programme are taught about effective business planning, finance, marketing, sales, legal issues and funding sources. T he subsidised cost for all 10 workshops is €200, which includes materials and refreshments. For people thinking of setting up a business, but are still unsure if they have a viable idea, the Enterprise Board is hosting an ideas generation workshop in Swords on January 31. The morning seminar runs from 9.30am to 1pm and is completely free of charge. “We’re predicting that at least 100 new businesses will be set up in Fingal by participants on this year’s Start Your Ow n Business pro gramme and each of
those businesses will need access to enterprise supports, delivered at a local level,” said Oisin Geoghegan, CEO of Fingal County Enterprise Board. A new Fingal startup business, Agile Networks in Blanchardstown, recently received a substantial grant from Fingal County Enterprise Board, which secured seven high-value jobs. Agile Networks specialises in network integration and was formed in 2011, after the management buy-out of the Irish operations for Telindus. The new startup is already looking to expand its Fingal workforce in 2012.
Workshop
The Start Your Own Business programme and the Ideas Generation workshop can both be booked online through www.fingalceb. ie or by telephoning (01) - 8900 800. The Fingal Business Training Centre is based at the Fingal County Enterprise Board offices, just off Main Street in Swords village.
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ENTERPRISE Enterprenurial skills rewarded
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George Howlett and Philip Gillen, Safefood 360
Awards for food safety business Q LAURA WEBB
news@gazettegroup.com
TWO Dublin businessmen have scooped the Emerging Business Entrepreneur Award for their online food safety management business, based in Blanchardstown. The award-winning Safefood 360 is run by Malahide’s Philip Gillen and his business partner, Blanchardstown native, George Howlett. The duo were recently announced the winner of the Business Category of the 2012 David Manley Emerging Business Entrepreneur Award. Set up in April last year, the global online
food safety management software solution business will join two other finalists to contest the overall prize in 2012 David Manley Emerging Enterprise Awards, which carries a prize package of more than €100,000. The award ceremony, which takes place on Thursday, February 2, will be presented by Norah Casey, of Dragon’s Den, and by Dr Chris Horn, chair of the panel of judges. George told The Gazette this week: “In the US alone, millions of people become ill from bad food, with 300,000 of those requiring hospital care and resulting
in 5,000 fatalities. “Our software enables food processing plants to set up, record, manage and report on all aspects of their food safety systems necessary to meet legal and commercial compliance requirements.” Meanwhile, David added: “Safefood 360 has already generated huge interest worldwide, and is currently being trialled by more than 250 food plants in 52 countries on five continents.” In their first year, the duo raised €750,000 in financial backing. The David Manley Emerging Entrepreneur Award was established
in 2003, and nurtures the enterprising spirit in business, the arts and in the social community. The overall winner will win mentoring and business advice, valued at €100,000, plus a financial grant of €10,000 in cash. The other two category winners each receive €1,000. The €100,000 in mentoring is provided by leading experts in finance, law, accountancy, management consultancy, payroll and accounts software, corporate and brand identity and public relations. Membership of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce is also included.
Maximise social media skills Q LAURA WEBB news@gazettegroup.com
FINGAL-based businesses are being encouraged to take part in a free event that focuses on generating publicity through social media.. Getting PR Through Social Media will take
place on Tuesday, February 7 The event, organised by Fingal County Enterprise Board through Fingal Business Network, is aimed at helping local business owners get the most out of the many social marketing tools. Presented by Eoin
Kennedy, chair of the Irish Internet Association Social Media Working Group, the event will take place at the Clarion Hotel in Dublin Airport. Kennedy, who is a lecturer in Digital Marketing, with 18 years’ experience in communications, will deliver guidelines on
how social media can be used for more effective business networking. Further information is available from Fingal County Enterprise Board by telephoning 01 890 0800, e-mailing info@fingalceb.ie, or by visiting www.fingalceb. ie/fbn.
26 January 2012 GAZETTE 11
SOCIETY Annual contest calls for entrants
In search of leading social entrepreneurs Q LAURA WEBB news@gazettegroup.com
DUBLIN-based social entrepreneurs are being urged to apply for a 2012 awards programme that will see three such entrepreneurs get support funding, amounting to €600,000. Social Entrepreneurs Ireland launched the 2012 awards programme this week, and is calling for applications from individuals in Dublin developing new, big ideas that will address the social and environmental challenges facing Ireland. A total of €600,000 in funding and support will be presented to three award winners at the awards in October. On top of this, the awards will also support a further five individuals with €35,000, under the Social Entre-
James Whelton, from CoderDojo, was helped by Ben Mac Ionmhain and Laurita Maher Bordalo to launch the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland 2012 Awards Programme
preneurs Ireland Elevator Programme. The call for applications is the start of an extensive eight-month consultation and engagement process that will lead to the award winners being announced in autumn. Social entrepreneurs have until Thursday, February 16 to submit their application. The selection process includes a “boot camp” in
March, where shortlisted candidates will be invited to pitch their projects, leading to interviews from which eight finalists will be chosen. The finalists will then take part in a three-month finalists’ programme, where they will receive some funding and support, prior to final selection of the 2012 award winners in October. Since 2005, Social
Entrepreneurs Ireland has helped support 150 social entrepreneurs, directly investing more than €4 million to individuals. These, in turn, have directly impacted more than 170,000 people, and created more than 800 employment opportunities. Sean Coughlan, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland chief executive, said: “The main criteria is a passion for making a difference, thinking big and using business skills for social change. “We believe that, together, we can change Ireland, and the impact of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland over the past seven years has proved that.” For further details on the programme, or to apply, see: www.socialentrepreneurs.ie.
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GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs
On the run with Continental CONTINENTAL Tyres, the European market leader in the car tyre segment, has used its tyre manufacturing expertise to help global running leaders, adidas, develop a new model of running shoes. The manufacturer was approached by the leading sports brand’s innovation team to apply their resources and expertise to develop an outsole with a strong grip ideal for trail and outdoor sports shoes. The trail shoes, called adidas Supernova Riot 3, feature Continental’s TM Traction Compound Technology – which allows sure grip on all surfaces and conditions. The latest running shoe model that is now available in both men and women’s styles, is the brand new adiSTAR Ride 3, the perfect trainer for urban environment. Further products - for outdoor and street running are in development. The Supernova Riot and the adiSTAR Ride 3 are now available from the online adidas shop at www.adidas. ie.
Badged as an Acura in the US, Honda’s new NSX uses lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V-6 engine
Honda’s New NSX Concept is unveiled AMERICAN Honda has unveiled the new NSX Concept, highlighting the design and technology direction for the nextgeneration supercar. Badged as an Acura in the US, the new NSX, which is expected to go on sale in the next three years, will be developed by Honda R&D Americas and manufactured in Ohio, but is developed for true sports driving enthusiasts throughout the world. The dynamicallystyled NSX Concept gives an indication of the next great performance vehicle from Honda. Making use of lightweight materials and a mid-mounted V-6 engine, the NSX
Concept employs several new technologies, including an innovative new Sport Hybrid SHAWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) hybrid system. Values
Speaking at the Detroit Motor Show, Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor Co, Ltd, who led the development of Honda’s first NSX supercar, explained the values of the new NSX. “Like the first NSX, we will again express highperformance through engineering efficiency. In this new era, even as we focus on the fun to drive spirit of the NSX,
I think a supercar must respond positively to environmental responsibilities.” While most supercars opt for brute force delivered from a large engine, the NSX Concept champions the true racing philosophy of an extremely favourable power-to-weight ratio. Utilising a unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system, the new hybrid allwheel-drive system can instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering, which Honda anticipates will deliver handling performance unmatched by previous
AWD systems. In addition to the handling benefits of the Sport Hybrid SHAWD system, a powerful next-generation VTEC V-6 engine with directinjection, works in concert with a dual-clutch transmission with builtin electric motor, to create supercar acceleration while offering outstanding efficiency. This Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system will make the NSX the ultimate expression of “the synergy between man and machine,” added Ito. “The NSX will make the driver one with the car to enhance dynamic driving abilities without getting in the way.”
Designing vehicles for visually impaired FORD is using Cambridge University’s Vision and Hearing Impairment Simulator to help design its vehicles to meet the needs of people with age-related vision problems Ford has joined forces with Cambridge University to gain a better understanding of visual impairment issues that come with an aging society and to use digital tools to better design vehicles for those with vision problems
With age, the ability to see fine details deteriorates, as does the ability to see in the dark. This means many drivers can struggle to read the instrument cluster while driving, unless they have bifocal or varifocal glasses. To respond to this growing problem, Ford has joined forces with a team of experts from the University of Cambridge’s Engineering Design Centre. The team has developed a Vision Impairment
Simulator to enable designers and engineers to gain a better understanding of the effects of a wide variety of visual impairments. “It allows you to simulate visual impairments on any image. You load in an image, select a visual impairment and it lets you see the image as someone with that impairment would see it,” said Sam Waller, an inclusive design research associate at Cambridge, who developed the software.
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GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS Graduates complete basic IT skills course MINISTER Pat Rabbitte, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, awarded certificates to the first group of successful BenefIT candidates last Friday, January 20. The candidates had completed ICS Skills’ Get Ireland Online programme, under the BenefIT 3 scheme, which is grant-aided by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. As part of this, ICS Skills will ensure almost 5,000 people are provided with basic IT skills in 38 locations around Ireland. Minister Rabbitte said:
Supported by AIB
Ger’s golden giveaway: A lucky winner
“I want to ensure that no one is left behind – that every citizen has the opportunity to embrace our increasingly digital world.” Participants on the Get Ireland Online course are taught how to make use of the web, send email, use internet telephone services such as Skype, and do shopping and banking online during three twohour classes. The training is especially suitable for senior citizens, unemployed people, disadvantaged groups and anyone lacking in basic ICT skills. For further information on the programme, see www.getirelandonline.ie.
IT DIDN’T take Bulmers’ Doing Our Bit winner Ger Norris long to de-cider who to give away his winnings to, when he won €2,500 for a charity of his choice in Bulmers’ promotional campaign. Ger nominated the St Vincent de Paul Society to be awarded €2,500, in addition to winning €2,500 for himself, after he found a “golden apple” in a promotional pack of Bulmers’ cans and longnecks. As a total of 17 apple varieties go into making Bulmers’ Origincal Cider, the company has hidden 17 golden apples in these packs, with individuals, and community projects of their choice, set to benefit from the sweet initiative.
BANKING: ANNUAL AIB CONTEST
Picking photo award winner will be a snap JUDGING of the 2012 AIB Photojournalism Awards is under way, with almost 2,000 images submitted from 120 photographers from right around Ireland. This is AIB’s tenth year sponsoring the competition, which recognises excellence in the field of photojournalism, and is open to all members of the Press Photographers’ Association of Ireland (PPAI). This year’s expert panel of judges is chaired by former picture editor, Dermot O’Shea, and includes two multi-award winning photographers – Peter MacDiarmid, senior news photographer, Getty Images, and Eddie Mulholland, photographer, The Telegraph Group. The nine award categories have been refreshed and, this year, prizes will be awarded in news, daily
life and people, sports action, sports non-action, portrait, nature and the environment, politics, arts and entertainment and reportage, as well as the overall title of 2012 AIB Photojournalist of the Year Award. Brenda Moriarty, head of brand and corporate marketing, AIB, said: “AIB is delighted to sponsor the AIB Photojournalism Awards, and accompanying exhibition, for the tenth year. “The competition creates a tremendous platform for the work of the PPAI to be seen by communities right around Ireland. “We look forward to the exhibition of winning and highly-commended images, which will go on tour following the awards, visiting our branches and other selected venues. “I would like to wish all
PPAI members the very best of luck in this year’s competition,” she said. Michael Chester, president, PPAI, said: “The AIB Photojournalism Awards recognises excellence in our field, and showcases the work of Irish photojournalists. “The PPAI is delighted to be in partnership with AIB, as its branch network allows the work of our members to be seen by wide-ranging communities in Ireland,” he said. The winners of the 2012 AIB Photojournalism Awards will be announced at a ceremony in The Burlington Hotel on Friday, February 17. The winning images will form the 2012 AIB Photojournalism Exhibition, which will tour selected AIB branches and other venues around the country throughout the year.
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WHERE in the WORLD THE WRITE GUIDE TO STOCKHOLM: THE Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is currently making a huge impact on movie fans all over the world and, now, it is making an even bigger impact in Stockholm. The movie, based on the trilogy of books by Stieg Larsson, was shot in Stockholm, and many fans have started visiting the city to walk in the footsteps of the characters. If you wish to explore the story settings on your own, and not by guided tour, pick up a Millenium Map at the City Museum, which lists all relevant addresses. Stockholm City Museum’s popular and award-winning Stieg Larsson Millennium Tour has proved very popular with fans. The walking tour is full of factual information and intriguing stories that tie the real Stockholm with its fictional counterpart. If you are an avid fan of the thriller series, then you may also like to take a private tour, which can be booked by emailing: bokning. stadsmuseum@stockholm.se. SAS flies direct from Dublin to Stockholm, four times a week, from €85 one-way, including all taxes and charges.
Toronto has vibrant indigenous music scene, beautiful scenery, world-class museums, restaurants and architecture and a lot of sports
LONGITUDE 79° 24’ W | LATITUDE 43° 40’ N
Anything and everything you could want in Toronto Q PAUL HOSFORD
LOVE Toronto. It’s not a catchy phrase on (many) t-shirts, but it’s true. I have experienced a lot in my several visits – music festivals, scary amounts of snow, late-night, on-street discussions on the causes of homelessness with a Hasidic Jew in full Shabbath attire, and even being challenged to a fight by a lady drug-dealer (not me, technically, but a friend.) With the full disclosure out of the
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way, you might ask what is the reason for this love? There is everything that anyone could want in a major city – several music festivals all year round as well as a vibrant, indigenous music scene, beautiful scenery, an international film festival for star-spotters, world-class museums, restaurants and architecture, a well-laid out, easily walk able city with good public transport and a lot of sports. To each of those ends, Toronto suits
me down to the ground. In a hockey-mad town, in a hockeyobsessed country, Maple Leafs tickets are the Golden Fleece. Every one of their 41 home games sells out the 19,000-plus seats available and tickets are generally only available from scalpers who man the sidewalks outside Union Station, the central transport hub, which is cleverly located almost on top of the team’s Air Canada Centre. Away from toothless men hitting
each other, the music and arts scene in Toronto is as vibrant as ever. The stunning Roy Thomson Hall is as good a venue for concerts and operas as there is, while the more contemporary venues, like El Mocambo, Lee’s Palace, The Opera House and the world-famous Horseshoe Tavern (which was the first stop on the Rolling Stones’ 1997 world tour) are alive nightly with the sounds of local and international music. Continued on Page 20
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LONGITUDE 37° 51’ N | LATITUDE 27° 15’ E
Kusadasi bound LAURA WEBB
MAKING my way to the airport on a rainy, dreary Sunday evening in Dublin, made the thoughts of staying in a sunny country for a week even more exciting. The chartered Sky Airlines plane wasn’t as spacious as I had hoped, but the friendly staff and the free use of a pillow and blanket made the late night flight that little bit easier to handle. Arriving in Bodrum Airport in Turkey in the middle of the night and having to get a two-hour bus journey to the resort didn’t go down well with my five-year-old son, but, thankfully, the handy portable DVD player was on hand with Toy Story 3 to keep him occupied, and I would suggest something like this in order to keep little ones occupied. We stayed at the threestar Melissa Apartments, and, after a well-deserved nap, we were greeted by the Wings Abroad holiday rep, Sharon Byrne, who was a bundle of knowledge – telling us all we needed to know about our stay in Kusadasi. Visitors to Kusadasi will have no excuse for just lounging around the pool, because there
is something different to do every day, from boat trips across the Aedeon Ocean, Turkish Baths, seeing one of the Seven Wonders of the World, or just enjoying the coastal view at the seafront. My son, Dylan, and I treated ourselves to a trip to a Dolphin Show at Adaland Park, one of two water parks in Kusadasi. Another day we went to Aquafantasy, which was recommended by Sharon for being the best for young kids. She wasn’t wrong. This water park had so many different activities for kids – if they aren’t big enough for the slides, they still had lots of pools and smaller slides to enjoy. We walked around the town a lot and used the local bus service, which runs every five minutes, and runs on an honesty policy. You don’t have to pay straight away, and if you have an infant sitting on your lap, they usually go free. The Melissa Apartment has everything you need for a sun holiday. Entertainment is provided every night, and at the kiddie discos the younger ones are really taken care of. The room is basic and the complex is small, but the staff make everyone
Having some fun in the pool at Aquafantasy water park
feel welcome. There are a few hidden costs that I was unaware of. When arriving at Bodrum airport you must pay €15 per person for a visa
The rooms at the Melissa Aparments in Kusadasi are small, but the facilities and friendly staff more than make up for it
to enter the country. Another strange hidden cost was when we arrived at the Dolphin Show at Adaland Park, I was told that if I wanted to use my own camera to take pictures, I had to pay a further 10 Turkish Lira, crazy when you consider you will be the one paying for the print-outs. As for the Airport’s crazy food prices – when we were waiting for our plane to Dublin at Bodrum, my thirsty five-yearold asked for a drink. Two cans of sprite cost me 23 Turkish Lira – the equivalent of €10; needless to say I made sure we drank every last drop. Other than those couple of surprises, Kusadasi is quite cheap and a shop-
per’s dream for all those ‘genuine fake’ clothes, bags, shoes etc. For a gateway in the Sun, Kusadasi ticks nearly every box. The 3-star Melissa Apartments, on a selfcatering basis, costs from €369. This family-run complex, with its daytime activities and an Irish Style Pub, is suitable for both families and couples. Its central location and easy access to Ladies Beach, makes it an ideal base for those who want to be within walking distance of all of the amenities that Kusadasi has to offer. Price includes seven nights accommodation, return flights and transfers.
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for family fun...
Fun at Aquafantasy, left, and, above, the three-star Melissa appartments
Sunset Beach Club – ideal for sun breaks THE Irish-owned Sunset Beach Club is located on the seafront of Benalmadena Costa on the Costa del Sol, and is easily accessible, being only 20 minutes from Malaga airport. Ideal for a sunshine break, their one-bedroom apartments are perfect for couples or families of up to four, and offer the best of both worlds, combining apartmentstyle rooms with fourstar hotel services and facilities. March, April and May are great months to enjoy the sunshine without the burn, and all the pleasures of the Costa del Sol and surrounding areas, without the crowds. The on-site Golf and
Leisure Desk is also there to help you get the most out of your stay. So, whether you are looking for somewhere to spend a few days lazing by the pool with a good book, play golf, or relax with family and friends, or perhaps an extended visit to explore the amazing sights of Andalucia, Sunset Beach Club provides the perfect base for your holiday. During the Easter school holidays, separate activities are organised every day for five to 12-year-olds, teenagers and adults, making sure the whole family is entertained. For more information, visit www.sunsetbeachclub.com.
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Exotic honeymoon options LAURA WEBB
AS EACH new generation ties the knot and enters the honeymoon market, they bring their own tastes and desires to travel. Destinations, resorts, and activities that thrilled previous newly-wed couples may now be less appealing, or not as attainable due to political and economic reasons. New trends and exotic destinations always emerge, offering Irish couples fresh opportunities
for fun and relaxation. Honey mooning in European Union countries means shorter flight times, old world cultures, the euro and romantic cities such as Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Prague, Istanbul or Copenhagen, to name but a few. Sunny Mediterranean beaches, great food and wine and an endless choice of hotels will suit any budget. For many couples, Africa represents a dream honeymoon and a rea-
sonable exchange rate has made many previously expensive destinations, such as Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana, much more accessible. Other hot destinations include Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Borneo, Brazil and Jordan. All offer unique and unforgettable honeymoons, and have never been more inspiring. So, before planning a honeymoon, talk to GoHop.ie and check out the latest ways to celebrate one.
More deals from GoHop … Also in relation to Toronto and Malta, here are some special offers: CANADA: In every Canadian city, visitors are only steps from good food, great views, and a breath of nature’s fresh air. GoHop.ie are offering holidays to Toronto, flights and five nights, three-star hotel from €519. For more North American offers, visit http://ibe.gohop.ie/offer/group-24 MALTA: Few European countries have such concentrated history, architecture and, yes, beaches in so tiny an area. GoHop.ie are offering holidays to Malta, flights and seven nights three-star hotels from €159. For more Malta offers : http://ibe.gohop.ie/offer/group-9
The CN Tower (left) and Casa Loma, Canada’s famous castle, is complete with 98 rooms, secret passages, stately towers and estate gardens . It was the former estate of Sir Henry Pellatt, a prominent Toronto financier.
LONGITUDE 79° 24’ W | LATITUDE 43° 40’ N
Anything and everything you could want in Toronto Continued from Page 17
For those looking to shop, the Eaton Centre marks the city’s centre point and comprises 330 stores, 160,000 square metres, two food courts and five floors. The centre is currently undergoing a $120 million revitalisation project that will see it upgraded and expanded by the end of 2012. It contains the world’s largest Sears store, which is a haven for downtown shoppers, as well as the Canadian flagship store of H&M. To put in perspective the sheer size of the centre, each of its northernmost and southernmost points has a different subway station serving it (Dundas and Queen, respectively). For those looking to hit the tourist trail, the CN Tower, once the largest
free-standing structure in the world, is worth every cent of the $30 admission, though, for the best value, I would highly recommend the CityPass ($66 available online at www. citypass.com or from any of the attractions). The Pass will give you access to the CN Tower, the massive, impressive and, quite frankly excellent, Toronto Zoo, the Ontario Science Centre with it’s interactive learning exhibits, Casa Loma and the Royal Ontario Museum. The final two are simply unmissable. Casa Loma is a 1911“medieval” castle built on a hill above Toronto’s northside, in an area now known as The Annex. Up to $3.5million was spent from 1911-14 in turning the site into a home fit for a king and queen, but it soon fell into
disrepair and was seized by the City of Toronto in 1937. Its magnificence, its opulence and its sheer scale are breathtaking and, if you get a sunny day, the setting is spectacular, with gardens and views aplenty. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is a world-class museum with over six million items ranging from dinosaur fossils, mummies, world art and Canadian history in 40 galleries inside its
striking, but controversial, crystal entrance. The redesigned entrance is a jarring addition to the Toronto skyline and is still much-talked about, even four years after the Daniel Libeskind design first opened. All in all, the city is a diverse, thriving metropolis, with enough quiet spots, like the Toronto Islands, Trinity Bellwoods Park, High Park and nearby attractions, like Niagara Falls, to make it the complete city holiday.
There is definitely something for everyone in the city limits of Toronto
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Great deals at Holiday World Show LONGITUDE 51° 30’ N | LATITUDE 0° 10’ W WHETHER your dream holiday is the delights of Turkey, an African safari, the excitement of South America, the luxury of Dubai, the fun of the Mediterranean or the warm welcome of a home holiday, The Holiday World Show Dublin 2012 at the RDS Simmonscourt from Friday, January 27 to Sunday,
January 29 is the place to be. The Holiday World Show will provide expert advice to those seeking a well-earned escape from reality, with “affordability” being the key word, and many great offers are available to purchase on the spot. New this year is the Over-55s Holiday Show,
joining The Holiday World Show and The Caravan and Motorhome Show, offering three shows in one. The format of the show gives visitors the opportunity to explore the globe under one roof – Africa and the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe and the Mediterranean, The
Americas, Home Holidays, Cruise Lines and Ferries, alongside Adventure Travel. Visitors will have the opportunity to talk faceto-face with many leading travel organisations, and can take advantage of some exclusive “showonly” offers. For further information, see www. holidayworldshow.com.
A luvverly excursion to London Q SHANE DILLON
LONDON retains a charm and character that make it a delightful destination for all visitors, allyear-round. Joining some colleagues, I recently set off for a couple of days there, keen to see some new sights in a city that I know very well. Taking my seat for a British Midland International (BMI) flight to Heathrow, there followed the smoothest flight of my life – honest – as well as the softest landing, and all on my very first BMI flight, marking a great, relaxed start to my trip. BMI fly from Dublin to London Heathrow oneway, including all taxes and charges, from €28, which also includes a 20kg baggage allowance. For further information, see www.flybmi.com. Upon arrival, my colleagues and I were soon whisked away into the centre of London, courtesy of the swift Heathrow Express (Heathrow to Paddington in 15 minutes;
prices from £18, one-way; www.heathrowexpress. com), leaving us close to our luxurious hotel, The Cavendish London (81, Jermyn Street, St James’s, London SW1Y 6JF; www. thecavendishlondon. com; telephone 0044 20 7930 2111). The Cavendish London’s superb location (just the shortest of hops from busy Piccadilly Circus) proved an excellent location to explore the city centre on foot, and it was great to be surrounded by historic Jermyn Street’s charming shopping arcades. After checking in and unpacking in our welcoming executive rooms, my companions and I set off for Madame Tussauds (Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LR; prices from £15; www.madametussauds.com). You’ll forgive me for waxing lyrical, but the hit tourist attraction left us delighted, fascinated, amused and entertained. Later that evening, we made our way to The Riding House Cafe (43 – 51
Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 7PQ; www.ridinghouse.co.uk) for a light evening meal – my generous portion of crumbling fish proved a great choice for my authentic fish and chips experience in London. The night’s musical, Rock of Ages (Shaftesbury Theatre, 210 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8DP; prices from £20; see www.rockofagesmusical. co.uk) left a self-avowed musical-hating colleague singing a different tune the next morning, saying that Rock of Ages was “bloody brilliant” . Quite! Finally, it was time to finish the day with cocktails, courtesy of the famous Mahiki Bar (1, Dover Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4LD; www.mahiki.com). Next morning, we strolled to nearby cheesemongers, Paxton and Whitfield (93, Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6JE; www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk), originally established in 1742. The store serves everyone, from Japanese
Helen Mirren was happy to see Shane at Madame Tussauds, left; Irish cheeses are also on sale at historic Paxton and Whitfield cheesemongers
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A view of one of the luxuriously-appointed executive rooms at The Cavendish London
The Cavendish London is located Even January’s gloomy weather couldn’t dampen the stunning views
conveniently close to Jermyn Street’s
of London and her landmarks from the EDF Energy London Eye
neatly-presented arcades
tourists to celebrities (or celebri-cheese?), as well as many leading London hotels, exporting to clients and, of course, serving Buckingham Palace. Next up, the Thames RIB Experience made quite a splash (Embank-
ment Pier, Victoria Embankment, Greater London, WC2N 6NU; prices from £32; www. thamesribexperience. com), where a brightyellow, inflatable speedboat boat soon took us on an exhilarating, white-
knuckle dash downstream. Ditching our sea legs, we rejoined the landlubbers at Knightsbridge, joining diners at Harvey Nichols’ Fifth Floor Cafe (109 – 125 Knightsbridge; London SW1X 7RJ;
w w w.har vey nichols. com/fifth-floor-london), where afternoon tea awaited in the form of Picnic Chic tea and sandwiches (£18 per person). Later that evening, we set off to Vinopolis (1, Bank End, London SE1
9BU; www.vinopolis. co.uk), a complex of venues dedicated to alcohol. There, Brew Wharf (Brew Wharf Yard, Stoney Street, London SE1 9AD; www.brewwharf. com), our chosen restaurant, served up a delicious evening meal, leaving us ready for the “afters” – a beginner’s introduction to whiskey, courtesy of Tom Forrest, wine and spirit education manager. Tom’s detailed whiskey-
tasting (www.vinopolis. co.uk/monthlyevents/ whisky_masterclass.php) presentation left us feeling like experts in The Whisky Exchange next door, where a vast selection of whiskies awaited. Next morning, we walked over to the EDF Energy London Eye (County Hall, London SE1 7PB; prices from £17.01; www.londoneye. com), where the city, and her landmarks, were a
fine sight to behold, even on a January morning. All that was left was a return to Heathrow, another painless BMI self-check-in, and a short while later, we were once again on board a surprisingly smooth flight, which concluded in Dublin with another soft landing. Londoners may be annoyed with my mangled accent, but all in all, it turned out to be a luvverly trip to London ...
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Family fun with American Holidays THINKING of Florida for your family holiday this year? American Holidays has the best offers whether this is your first time to experience Orlando or you are a repeat guest. With the best hotels, resorts and apartments on offer, great holiday prices, and a huge number of attractions to choose from, Florida is a must for families, so be sure to check out the new Florida brochure or view online This year, Orlando is all about value and American Holidays have some of the best prices going. Offers start from €595pp for 14 nights, three-star accommodation and flights ex Dublin, for family of four sharing. And when you book by January 31, you can book your Florida holiday for as little as €100pp deposit. However, Florida is not all about family holidays – there are superb beach destinations such as Naples, St Pete’s / Clearwater and more. There are two new Fly drives for those who are looking to hit the open road and experience what the USA has to offer such as: New England Explorer – starting and ending in Boston taking in the MidCoast of Maine, White and Green Mountains, as well as Connecticut River Valley, from €509pp (flights extra). Or maybe the Golden California Self-drive, beginning in San Francisco and taking in the famous landmarks of Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Malibu, Los Angeles and Las Vegas from €599pp (flights extra). To look at any of the new 2012 brochures, drop into your local travel agent for your copy, or request directly with American Holidays on 01 6733875.
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LONGITUDE 53° 00’ N | LATITUDE 80° 00’ W
Make this Valentine’s day a little bit special IT’S just around the corner, and it’s the best excuse of the year to get away for a special weekend... it’s Valentine’s Day! So, we have chosen some of the most unique and beautiful locations around the country, all of which are offering something a little different to steal away with your other half for a romantic weekend. PICK N’ MIX AT THE THE 5-STAR G HOTEL
OVERLOOKING Lough Atalia on Galway Bay, a city break at the five-star g Hotel is the ideal getaway for Valentine’s weekend surrounded by absolute opulence and comfort. Spend two nights with full Irish breakfast each morning, savour a special five-course Valentine’sthemed meal served in the intimate setting of Matz at the g restaurant, and all
from €245pps. The g even has a pink room - one of the hotel’s signature lounges which is perfect to relax and enjoy one of the hotel’s special love potions cocktails. To ensure your weekend of love is a bespoke occasion, pick and mix from a selection of treats to create that loving feeling, including ESPA bath oil selection €12; Strawberries dipped in chocolate, €16; Handmade chocolates: €16.00; Rose petal turndown with tea lights,€25; Buck’s Fizz cocktail breakfast, €28; Champagne, from €80 per bottle For further details visit www.theghotel.ie or call (091) 865200. SPEND VALENTINES WITH ‘THE ONE’ AT NO. 1 PERY SQUARE, HOTEL AND SPA LIMERICK
CHECK into your opulent guest room where a bottle
of pink bubbly and homemade chocolates awaits you and your loved one on arrival. Indulge in a sumptuous dinner on one night in the intimate surroundings of Brasserie One, overlooking the streetscapes of the Georgian Quarter of the city. Cherish pure relaxation in the thermal suite followed by a taster treatment in The Spa @ No.1– Ireland’s largest organic urban retreat nestled underneath the .boutique hotel. There is even a Private Spa Suite designed with total privacy and wellness for couples to enjoy together. As a special Valentine’s treat, couples can enjoy late check-out until 2pm, with the package priced from €169pps. For further details visit www.oneperysquare.com or call (061) 402 402. OUTDOOR FUN AND FINE CUISINE AT ASHFORD CASTLE
The comfortable and and friendly surroundings of Ballymaloe House
ENJOY a luxurious Valentine’s weekend in Ashford Castle Hotel where an array of outdoor activities can be enjoyed, and delicious cuisine prepared by award-winning chef, Stefan Matz, is on the menu. One- and two-night packages are available. For €247.50 per person,
Ashford Castle, top, Castle Leslie, above, and No 1 Pery Square, right right, are just ery Square three of the special places to spend Valentines
you can enjoy one night’s accommodation, full Irish breakfast, dinner in the renowned Geoorge V dining room, a dozen red roses and a bottle of chilled Gremillet Canteneur Champagne. This is valid on February 14, 15 and 16. Two nights’ package costs €395 per person, including all the extra treats and dinner on one night. For more details call 094 954 6003 or go to www.ashford.ie. A SPECIAL GETAWAY AT THE MAGICAL CASTLE LESLIE
ENJOY two nights accommodation in the stunning Castle Leslie estate with a romantic candlelit Valentine’s dinner on one evening of your choice in Snaffles restaurant along with a glass of bubbly. Chocolates and a single red rose will await you in your bedroom and a delicious full Irish breakfast is served each morning. Located in the castle, their heritage bedrooms
are steeped in history and are full of character and each boudoir has been restored with relaxation and privacy in mind. Uniquely decorated and retaining their original features, the bedrooms and bathrooms are scattered with antiques, heirlooms and curios that have been lovingly collected throughout the centuries. From €270 per person sharing, contact Castle Leslie on 047 88100. SAY ‘I DO’ TO VALENTINE’S WEEKEND IN WESTPORT
BOASTING luxurious guestrooms with kingsize beds and jacuzzi bath as standard, intimate dining options in Restaurant Merlot and a range of glorious treatments in Spa Sula, the Westport Plaza, Co. Mayo, it’s the perfect retreat for couples. Especially for Valentines weekend, the 4-Star Resort is offering a twonight break with breakfast each morning and an
evening meal on a night of your choice all from €149pps. For further information, or bookings visit www. westportplazahotel.ie / +353 (0)98 51166. BALLYMALOE HOUSE – THE PERFECT GETAWAY FOR VALENTINE’S
YOU can enjoy the comfortable and friendly surroundings of Ballymaloe House, take a stroll on the grounds, wander along their walking paths, passing the spring flowers in the woods or relax by an open fire. The rate includes two nights’ bed and breakfast with a special dinner on Valentine’s night. Included is a complimentary bottle of rose on arrival in your room and dinner is followed by music in the drawing room with Rory Allen and Friends. From €230 per adult per for two nights includes bed and breakfast and two evening meals. For more information call 021 4652531.
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GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929
Goldilocks and the Three Bears CONTINUING its commitment to a wide range of communityand family-friendly entertainment, the Pavilion presents a delightful presentation of the classic children’s tale, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. However, this tale is told from the bears’ point of view, as they try to deal with teenage tearaway, Goldilocks, and the worsening honey shortage ... Running from Thursday, January 26 to Saturday, January 28, at 7.30pm, with tickets priced €16/€12.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Ger Carey Live
THE Mill Theatre is continuing its diverse range of shows, with the upcoming return of Ger Carey Live one to look out for. Ger’s show for teenagers, Stand-Up For Teenagers, is set to deliver a fascinating – and hilarious – insight into the difficulties and delights of being a teenager in Ireland today. Although some years past his own teenage years, Ger’s shows promise to be hilariously insightful. Look out for his show on February 8, with tickets priced €10/€7.50.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 The Three Tenors
Matt King (George Clooney) has, in many ways, a dream life in Hawaii. However, with the pressures of looking after an important land deal for his extended family, and looking after his two children while his wife is in hospital, waves of problems begin to crash in around him ...
Should make waves This Hawaiian-set tale sees plenty of twists and turns as a family man faces all sorts of unwelcome pressures ... Q KATE CROWLEY
PERHAPS Ye Olde Mayan that I wrote about a few weeks ago was right, given the claims that 2012 would mark the end of the world. After all, it’s with more than a faint shudder that I note Clive Owen is back on our screens, followed closely by Nicolas Cage on the distant horizon. Alas! Alarum! Seeing one of these guys charging into view is enough to spook even a stunning film reviewer such as, ahem, you know who, but two? It’s an omen! Time to start building an emergency shelter out of discarded DVD cases, I think! That, or ignore the grim reality of a world that keeps giving Messrs Owen and Cage films to star in, and turn instead to a kind of paradise on Earth – Hawaii. I’m probably now getting drowned out by enthusiastic cries of “The
FILM OF THE WEEK: The Descendants ++++ (15A) 111 mins Director: Alexander Payne Starring: George Clooney, Matthew Lillard, Patricia Hastie, Beau Bridges, Nick Krause, nobody nicknamed “Dog”
OUR VERDICT: A LIGHT-hearted film with moments of darkness, The Descendants is a reliable Clooney vehicle, seeing him deliver the complexities of character that he’s capable of away from his usual crowd pleasers. Part drama, part shootin’-the-breeze fluffiness, there’s enough change in tone and direction to appeal to most audiences, and add a breezy start to the year’s films.
Bounty Hunnnnterrrr” by enthusiastic followers of certain aspects of modern Hawaiian (pop) culture, but, dear readers, this week I’d like to take you both to Hawaii with me to share a little of Gorgeous George Clooney’s life. Or, rather, to call in on the life of Matt King (Clooney); a middle-aged Hawaiian running one of those megabucks set-ups that lots of people are relying on, thanks to his family’s wealth and landowning good fortune. All Matt has to do is sign over the land he’s ultimately responsible for (as
one of The Descendants of the original landowners – geddit?), and lots of people will be rrrrrrich. Of course, this doesn’t sound like that involving a plot ... so, moving things right along, his wife (Hastie) has one of those A Terrible Accident plotdevices that tend to crop up in films like this, leaving Matt in charge of their daughters while she’s in a coma ... Under pressure to close the land deal, and dealing with a teenager daughter and her younger sister, Matt’s in a muddle in the middle of all this pressure,
with his cousin (Bridges) piling on ever more demands to sign ... Sheesh. This sounds like a perfect time for Matt to discover – SpoilerAlert! – that his wife was also having an affair, which, perhaps, he’d not exactly prevented, thanks to his detached ways. Okay, you can all start reading again. (Yes, the both of yus.) Matt’s life is a mess, with what seems in many ways to be an idyllic setting only serving to shine the Hawaiian sun on the problems he faces. His family and legal pressures and duties are all indirectly linked to the state of his marriage, creating a clumsy relationship with his daughters, and meaning that this particular descendant is simply King of a whole lot of pressures. (Geddit? See what I did there?) There must be some way that everything is connected, that Matt can
turn everything around to reach the happy Hawaii ending that everyone’s looking for. But what ...? Hmmm ... it’s an interesting film, if not quite truly great, but then, just as it’s pretty difficult to find O**n and C**e starring in great films, it’s hard to find Clooney starring in a terrible one, and The Descendants is a bright enough way to get 2012 going. It’s mostly interesting for the shades of grey in the characters – or, at least, as much grey as the Hawaiian sun permits – as we see nice people doing questionable things, and others who’re halfway jerks also being nice enough, instead of the usual clear heroes/villains that most films have. And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a bunker to build from DVD cases, hopefully before O**n and C**e clip-clop into view with their latest offerings. Adieu ...
MUSIC fans will love The Three Tenors’ body of work when they take to the stage at Draiocht, ready to delight with a wide-ranging selection of songs. The trio – Declan Kelly, David Martin and Morgan Crowley – will cover everything from classic singers such as Sinatra and Elvis through to Simon and Garfunkel, Leonard Cohen and Joseph Locke. Catch The Three Tenors on Friday, January 27 at 8pm, with tickets priced €27.50/€25 conc.
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GazetteSPORT
HIGH STANDARD:
London beckons for Ava Hutchinson after epic Houston run Page 28
SOCCER: FAI LAUNCH ALL-IRELAND PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ COMPETITION FOR 2012
Five-a-side cup set to bring schools together sport@gazettegroup.com
ASPIRING Dublin schools’ soccer teams are being invited to take part in this year’s FAI Schools’ five-a-side competition. FA I S c h o o l s a r e expecting over 15,400 children from ever y county in Ireland to compete in the event of 2012. The games kick off in March and April, with Provincial Finals in May
and the National Finals concluding on June 7. The winners from each county will go forward to their Provincial Finals and they then will battle it out at the National Finals. The competition has been running since the mid 1990’s, the event is more popular than ever with nearly 1,000 schools currently involved. There are five divisions to suit all school sizes, and a number of
teams can represent one school depending on the size of their student body. While FAI Schools encourage boys and girls to play on the same team, there is also a separate competition for girls’ schools. Last year, St Oliver Plunkett NS, Malahide, won the B Girls’ Schools category. S e a n C a r r, FA I Schools chairman said: “The competition is growing at an incredible
The FAI Five-A-Side competition will see some 15,400 children across the country taking part
rate with the standard of football improving each year. We must pay tribute to the local teachers and competition organisers in ensuring the success of the competition each year.”
The growth of football across the country can be attributed to the FAI’s Regional Development Officers, who have been vital in increasing the number of schools playing the sport, and to
the dedication of local organisers who volunteer to run competitions. To enter your school in the competition, contact the competition organiser in your locality. Details of the coun-
ty and regional finals currently taking place around the country can be viewed by clicking on www.faischools.ie or www.faischoolsdublin. com for further information.
28 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 26 January 2012
in association with
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
Joy on the road as Ava makes grade
After disappointment in Dublin, Dundrum athlete AVA HUTCHINSON is revelling in the glow Coolmine weather storm of qualification for the London Olympics 2012 and gain sweet revenge COOLMINE RFC’s first team took revenge for their away defeat by Enniscorthy last weekend when they replicated the margin of victory over their visitors at Ashbrook last weekend. The away leg in Ross Road had seen Coolmine lose a bruising affair by two points, where the home side subjected Coolmine to a last minute try to take the spoils. Coolmine entered the field of play looking to set the record straight and take the game to Enniscorthy. Enniscorthy’s lack of discipline in the ruck resulted in Coolmine’s outhalf Shields putputting them ahead in spite of a swirling wind. However, it was Enniscorthy who scored next when, after being held up by Coolmine’s defence, Enniscorthy got the breakthrough, crossing Coolmine’s line to take the lead. Enniscorthy further extended their lead, converting a penalty, but this seemed to spur Coolmine on and Shields stepped up to slot over a second penalty to leave them trailing the visitors at half time, 6-10. It was Enniscorthy who started better after the break and, when Oliver Prunty went to the sin bin, it seemed it would only be a matter of time before Enniscorthy crossed the line. Coolmine held their line well and the defence was strong but Enniscorthy got the breakthrough after spreading the ball far right to cross the home line for the second time. Further infringements in the ruck saw Coolmine punished further with Enniscorthy extending their lead to 6-18 after Coolmine went down to 13 men. This appeared to spur Coolmine into action as they probed the Enniscorthy defence for weaknesses, and back to 14 men, Coolmine crossed the line. It was Prunty who touched the ball down after some great work from the Coolmine pack. The resulting conversion was successful, bringing the score to 13-18. Coolmine upped the pace even further and, having done well in the lineout, the ball was spread to the left-handside and Coolmine crossed the Enniscorthy line a second time, with Dave Steacy touching the ball down to tie the game at 18 each, before Shields slotted the conversion. Coolmine weathered a spirited Enniscorthy fight back in the final minutes of the game but held out to take the spoils at Ashbrook.
MARATHON runners rarely describe what they do as fun. Tales abound of hitting the wall and hours toiled overcoming inner demons on the road. Ava Hutchinson, though, cannot think of anything more enjoyable. Her first effort at the distance ended in disappointment in Dublin last October. Running well on course for an Olympic qualifying time, cramps set in after eight miles, and became severe enough by the half-way point to leave her stretching against road-side kerbs. The DSDAC runner ended five minutes outside the Olympic A standard. The result proved to spur her on and, last week, she made the qualifying time in Houston in brilliant fashion. “I finished Dublin in two minds – I was devastated with the result but I did think about having
broken 2:42 with all those problems. I’m was adamant that if I could keep the body in control, then I could qualify,” she told GazetteSport. Bouncing back, she approached last week’s Houston marathon with the same plan formulated by legendary coach, Ray
going to do it, you have to embrace being tired, the long miles, the bad weather. “If you go into it with that attitude, you do get a lot of enjoyment out of it. It is hard, there’s no doubt. The training can be tedious with the repetition but there’s so much
--------------------------------------------------------
‘The rewards of running a marathon are even better than on the track. It’s a different feeling to anything I’ve done before’
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Treacy, her mentor and the head coach at Providence College in the US. He was the man to impress on Hutchinson the value of fun to cope with the most rigorous physical challenge in athletics during her formative training sessions. “That was the first thing Ray said to me. If you’re
Ava Hutchinson in action for DSDAC
enjoyment to be had. “I’ve always wanted to go up to marathon level, but didn’t know when the right time was. Obviously, this season is a great opportunity. “The rewards are even better than on the track, and the feeling I had after the weekend was just so good. It’s a huge sense of achievement for anyone to finish a marathon. It’s a different feeling to anything I’ve experienced before.” The 28-year-old’s step up to the iconic distance was always in her longterm plans, but was accelerated by Marathon Mission’s support. The Mission was formed in 2009 to raise Ireland’s performance in the 26-mile event and has since provided Hutchinson with the funding to travel to Providence for five weeks away from her Loughborough base in England. Similarly, nutritionists, blood-testers and other
supports offered her the chance to commit quickly to the new regime, and it has borne instant fruit. Learning the ropes came naturally after an international background in middle-distance and cross-country running. Ava won her first halfmarathon in Waterford last September. Dublin followed a month later, a painful experience that provided the vital lessons for her stunning fourth-place finish in Houston, running 2.35.33 in a remarkably consistent performance, passing halfway just past the one hour and 17 minute mark. “I really enjoyed it. The actual atmosphere was absolutely brilliant. It was so much, the crowds were huge – I’d suggest if anyone was doing an American marathon, it is the one to do! “We had a strict plan. The first couple of miles were quite slow as I hadn’t much time to warm up. “But then I got into a really nice rhythm, got a really good group of about six. For about 18 miles, I felt really good and thought, I shouldn’t have a problem here. “From 20 on, I had a few issues with cramps in my calves but pretty much felt good the whole way. It was a big relief coming down the home straight when I saw the clock.” The success of Marathon Mission, however, means that while Hutchinson has gone well under the Olympic standard,
there is a possibility she could miss out on the Games. Indeed, it may even be a full set of clubmates could steal her dream. Fellow DSDAC runner Linda Byrne won the national title in Dublin – albeit a minute slower – which could place her higher in the pecking order. Gladys Ganiel finished eighth in Houston but intends another qualifying run in Rotterdam, while the experienced Maria McCambridge will have a go in Seville. It is a far cry from 2008 when just one B standard runner ran in Beijing. It is a remarkable turnaround but one which lost out in the publicity stakes as Martin Fagan’s admission of taking EPO took the athletics limelight. Hutchinson says it does not unduly affect her glee at running inside the qualification time, but hopes it will not cast a black cloud overwhat has been serious success for the women’s long-distance runners. “There are so many aspects of it that are so sad. It’s sad for Irish athletics and sad for the athletic world as a whole. There are two sides to it. It’s great that the drug testers are doing the job and the sport has been kept clean. “I’ve met Martin but I wouldn’t know him well so I don’t know about his personal situation but you have to take each individual case as it is and it’s nothing else to do with any other Irish athlete.”
26 January 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 29
30 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 26 January 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
SOCCER: CASTLEKNOCK MAKE THE GRADE IN LEAGUE TIES
Celtic in comeback drama NDSL UNDER-13C Castleknock Celtic Corduff United
3 2
Q sport@gazettegroup.com
Dublin supporting SOS with sponsor swap deal DUBLIN’S footballers and hurlers will wear the Suicide or Survive Charity (SOS) logo on their jerseys instead of regular sponsor Vodafone for their first league games next month. The initiative was launched by Dublin stars Micheal Fitzsimons, Conal Keaney; CEO of SOS Caroline McGuigan; former WBA world champion Bernard Dunne and James McCarthy. Vodafone and Dublin are asking customers across all networks to donate €2 to the SOS charity to help fund its ongoing work in the area of mental health. Subscribers can make the donation by texting the word ‘SOS’ to 50300.
CASTLEKNOCK Celtic registered a dramatic comeback victory against near neighbours Corduff United, who visited Porterstown with an air of confidence that was ultimately dispensed. A strong wind was always going to have a big bearing on the outcome of this game, which was definitely a game of two halves. Corduff took full advantage of the conditions in the first half and took a 2-0 lead with goals from Ciaran Kelly and Ryan O’Donoghue.
Celtic knew that the second half would bring them some chances, and James Smith was the first to pounce when he slotted home from close range. That goal lifted Celtic spirits and they began to play quality football to retain possession and control the game. Corduff were on the back foot and when they conceded a 25-yard free kick, Vladic Kryloc stepped up and launched the ball into the six-yard box, only for it to be cleared and returned to his feet. He duly struck a sweet half-volley and planted it high into the Corduff net beyond the reach of the keeper. Not willing to set-
Castleknock Celtic’s Aaron Cunningham scores for the Under-13s
tle for the draw, Celtic pushed on, and Sean Ryan provided a perfect pass for Aaron Cunningham on the right wing to run on to. Aaron cut inside and shot and the ball hit the back of the net to the delight of the assembled
supporters. This was a fantastic victory for Celtic and they will hope to kick on in the final months of the season. Elsewhere, Celtic’s DDSL Under-13B’s were involved in a cracking 1-1 draw against their
local neighbours, St Mochta’s, in what was a tightly contested fixture. Celtic will feel a little unlucky having led for a long spell through Cormac Downes’s goal, who also hit the woodwork on a couple of occasions.
26 January 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 31
in association with
FOOTBALL: CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE FOR YOUNG SIDE .
CLUB NOTICEBOARD CASTLEKNOCK Castleknock GAA New Year’s News-
for details or check the website for
letter is now available online.
contact information on each Men-
Congratulations to the U-21 foot-
tor.
ballers who started Castleknock
Signs surrounding the main pitch in
GAA’s year on a high when they took
Somerton are now on sale; for more
home the U-21 Championship Cup
information on how to get your sign
last Saturday. They beat Naomh
seen contact Charlie 085 110 1108.
Barróg by three points in an epic battle that went to extra time.
The adult awards night is scheduled for January 28. Limited numberp
Let’s hope they can inspire the
of tickets left, from Finbar Brady
U-21 hurlers who play this Saturday
0872378529, Mags Heelan 0862577461
in the quarter-final against Kevin’s
and Pearse Tolan 0862478961 .
in Dolphin Park at 2.30pm.
Our 2012 club calendar is now
Our clubhouse appeal is commenc-
available to purchase for only €5 in
ing: For more info see castleknock.
club shop, open every Saturday in
net/fundraising or call Pearse on
Somerton 10 to 11.30am.
086 247 8961.
Lotto jackpot now at €7,400, with
New players at all ages and levels
the next draw in Kavanagh’s. Thank
are always welcome. Contact our
you to everybody who supports and
club coach, Brendan, on 085 132 9397
facilitates our club’s lotto.
ST BRIGID’S Castleknock’s Under-21s stayed strong into extra time to claim their first Under-21 championship title
First title glory for Knock Under-21s LEINSTER COLLEGES Dublin North Dublin South
1-19 3-11
Q sport@gazettegroup.com
IT WAS another proud day for Castleknock GAA last Saturday when the U-21 footballers, led by John MacMenamin,Tom MacMenamin, Gerry Kelly, Steve Lynch and Damien Griffin won the club’s first ever U-21 championship title after beating Naomh Barrog in an epic battle. Barrog began the game the stronger, piling on the pressure from the throw-in. A blustering wind made it very difficult for the Castleknock defence to clear their lines and Barrog were on hand to punish Castleknock for early mistakes and go ahead. Castleknock started to come alive as Martin Brady began to dominate the midfield. They then managed to put some scores on the board, with free kicks
from Mikey Galvin and a sensational point from Matthew Griffin. At the end of the first half, David Sweeney made a powerful run to pick up possession in the forward line. After losing his marker and spotting the Barrog keeper off his line, he skillfully lobbed the ball over the netminder’s head and into the net, giving Castleknock a 1-5 to 0-5 advantage at the break. Castleknock came out strong after the turn and increased their lead, but a persistent Naomh Barrog were not ready to submit to defeat. An inspiring comeback from the K ilbarrack men brought them within three points of the home side approaching the final whistle. A bursting run from the Naomh Barrog forward ended with the ball in the Castleknock goal. A point was then well taken from the Naomh Barrog corner forward
to give them the lead approaching the final whistle. Just when it seemed the title had slipped from the hands of the Castleknock men, Ros Mullins took on a group of defenders and stuck the ball high over the bar for an heroic point, tying the game at 1-9 to 1-9. T he two teams swapped scores and their share of the lead during extra time, with points from Shane Boland, Mikey Galvin, Mathew Griffin and Stephen By rne. Castleknock found themselves with a two-point lead that they
were not going to lose. The Castleknock defence, inspired by a cool-headed Graham Hannigan and a hardhitting Tom Quinn did not sacrifice another point as captain Jack King made a magnificent block in the dying minutes to keep a certain score away from Barrog. As the dying seconds ran down Jamie Tunney was on hand to put the icing on the cake after a man-of-the-match performance when he stuck the ball over the bar with his left foot and to claim the win.
ST BRIGID’S would like to extend our
NHL League, Dublin SFC and U-21
deepest sympathies to the family
Leinster trophies will be present
of Ciaran Carr and the members of
on the night.
Round Towers (C) on Ciaran’s tragic passing this week. Membership for 2012 is now due for all members and should be paid
Contributions loan scheme for our new state-of-the-art grass pitch are still needed. Application forms on website.
via the club website ASAP. Those
The club lotto resumes this Thurs-
who pay their membership will be
day in Russell Park, jackpot is still
automatically entered in a draw for
€15,000.
an IPod Touch. Juvenile camogie training from U-8s upwards, continues every Tuesday from 7pm. Juvenile handball training for all ages is on Wednesdays at 7.15pm.
A reminder that the club bar and hall are available for social functions. Contact Mick on 820 2484. Please keep dropping in your old mobile phones behind the club bar for new AED.
Big Trad night with live music from
New players are always welcome
the Dublin City Folk Band this Friday
at the club, please contact our club
night. Entry €5. Finger food, draw
coach, Paul on 0879154748 or email
for premium tickets for Spring
info@stbrigidsgaa.com for more
Series as well as the Sam Maguire,
information.
GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN GAELS TRAINING continues for Interme-
Westmanstown Gaels are pleased
diate and Junior mens’ teams at
to announce the appointment of
7:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Declan Jennings as the new club
at Westmanstown.
GPO. “Declan eat s , sleeps and
First pre-season game for Inter-
drinks GAA and we are really excit-
mediates is next Sunday morning,
ed about his involvement with the
January 29, at 11am when we wel-
club,” sa ys PRO Stephen Byrne.
come St Finians to Westmanstown.
“The club is growing rapidly and
The ladies’ pre-season training
Declan’s appointment is hugely
continues on Mondays at Parkwest
important in establishing the Gaels
and Wednesdays at Hills Industrial
as a significant GAA force in West
Estate in Lucan, both sessions at
Dublin.”
8pm, and in Westmanstown on Saturday morning at 9am.
He pla yed senior football for Breaffy GAA in Co Mayo and rep-
Annual club membership for all
resented his county at all levels on
members is now due and should be
a number of occasions. He finished
paid forthwith to club treasurer
the 2011 season with another sen-
Alan Lynch.
ior football medal in his pocket. It
New players, both Garda and non-
is clear that he will be missed down
Garda are welcome to join all men’s
in Mayo but their loss is definitely
and ladies’ teams.
Westmanstown Gaels gain.
ALL OF YOUR CASTLEKNOCK SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
KINGS OF THE CASTLE: ’Knock heroes claim first U-21 football title P31
BREAKTHROUGH Hutchinson rejoices in Olympic standard P36
GazetteSPORT
Castleknock man Michael Kearney will hope to play a role in helping Ireland in their upcoming Six Nations’ campaign
JANUARY 26, 2012
Kearney lands major role with Irish rugby Castleknock graduate steps into management post as Ireland plot their 2012 Six Nations campaign castleknocksport@gazettegroup.com
CASTLEKNOCK College graduate Michael Kearney has been appointed as the new manager for the Ireland international team. Kearney replaces Paul McNaughton, who has officially stepped down from the role, and comes into the position with a strong record in both rugby and as a successful business man. Educated in Castleknock College, his rugby career continued after school as a long-term member of Lansdowne FC. The full-back-cumwinger won both cup (1981) and league (1976) medals with the club and enjoyed involvement in Leinster final trials and the Ireland U-23 sides before a knee injury forced him to retire at the age of 24. Outside of rugby, his business career has seen him become one of the top franchising specialists in Ireland. After leaving school he contin-
ued his education in agricultural college and worked in the family business, before emigrating from Ireland to Australia in 1982. His involvement in rugby administration continued through the 1990s where he acted as chairman of Rugby for Lansdowne FC before becoming the youngest President of the club for the 1999-2000 Season. He soon moved into the management of representative teams after that, acting as team manager for the Leinster A and under-20 teams from 2004, before succeeding Phil Orr as Manager to the Ireland Under-20 team in 2009, winning the Six Nations title in 2010 and being involved in two Junior World Championships. He continued with the side last season, working closely with Ireland U-20 coach, Mike Ruddock. Kearney will join up with the squad next week in their Limerick camp as preparations
begin for the start of the RBS 6 Nations Championship. Commenting on the appointment, IRFU chief executive, Philip Browne, said: “Michael has a proven record over the last 30 years in rugby, but also as an independent business man of a particularly high standing.” Kearney said of his new appointment: “I am obviously delighted to take up the position as well as honoured to be involved with the team. My focus now is to get up to speed as soon as possible and give whatever support is necessary to Declan, the coaches and players as we head into the championship. The role is multifaceted, but I am looking forward to the challenge. “The transition is somewhat easier having had the experience of working with the IRFU, who have an incredibly professional staff working around the team, who will, I am sure, help me adjust quickly.”