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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: Local business celebrates 50 years P4

February 16, 2012

OPPORTUNITIES: Jobs and advice fair on the way to D15 See Page 6

Rolling back the years: Marking local club’s amazing legacy Rugby: Tough tie ahead for College in the Senior Cup Page 32

THE illustrious history of Castleknock Celtic, which was founded in 1987, will be celebrated on February 25 in Castleknock Hotel. The club has enjoyed some great successes over the years and has also had the odd “star” in the team like Hollywood heart-throb Colin Farrell, (second-right, front) with his Castleknock peers.

Full Story on Pages 8-9

Hurling: Local stars help Fingal to first title in Kehoe Shield Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS .................... 21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

39 members of staff due to leave council Losses are set to cause problems for local authority

I MIMI MURRAY

FINGAL County Council is set to lose 39 staff by the end of the month, a loss that is set to cause problems for the local authority.

The public sector staff are due to leave the council before the Government’s

deadline for those wishing to take early retirement, on February 29.

Fingal County Manager, David O’Connor, said plans are in place to make the council as resilient as possible when these people leave.

However, he did say there will be problems, and FCC will

find themselves with gaps.

Commenting on the loss, Socialist councillor Ruth Coppinger said: “The idea of taking out such experience from the public sector at such close proximity… is proving to be an absolute disaster for public services.”

Full Story on Page 2

2 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 16 February 2012

TEAGASC Debate over planned move of Research and Development Centre

TD says centre move will cost taxpayers millions role. This is just not good enough. Of course the Minister has a role. This organisation is funded from the public purse and operates under his Department. Reiterating statements made previously by Teagasc management is not good enough, particularly when it has

been alleged that this move will cost the state millions in unnecessary expenditure for facilities that already exist in Kinsealy.

“In fact, contrary to what the Minister said, that combining operations will involve cost savings, everything needed

exists in Kinsealy. The Minister failed to answer why €2.5 million is being spent to upgrade classrooms in the Botanic Gardens, when these classrooms already exist in Kinsealy. The practical work will have to continue in Kinsealy because the Ashtown site is too

small and more land will have to be acquired.

“In these austere times, when budgets are being cut and ordinary people faced with vicious cuts, this is even doubly disgraceful. These matters are already before the Dail Public Accounts Committee. All further

works should stop until it is fully investigated.”

She concluded: “Fine Gael and Labour promised reform. Before the election, Minister Reilly said if elected he would ensure that this move would be halted. A year on, and the sound of silence is deafening.”

THE planned move of the Teagasc Research and Development Centre from Kinsealy to Ashtown will cost the taxpayer millions, according to Socialist Party TD, Clare Daly.

She was commenting on a debate she had on the issue with Minister Simon Coveney for Agri-

culture in the Dail last week.

“The Minister totally dodged the issues posed.

On the one hand he said that these matters were for Teagasc to deal with and it would be inappropriate for him to interfere. On the other, when pressed, he admitted that he had a

EVENT

SCHEME: EARLY RETIREMENT TAKES ITS TOLL ON LOCAL AUTHORITY

First wedding fair for hotel CASTLEKNOCK Hotel and Country club is hosting its first wedding fair of the year with a range of wedding exhibitors taking part.

This Sunday, February 19, the Spring Wedding Fair will take place from 1pm until 5pm. Wedding cake suppliers to wedding singers will be on hand to offer advice and their service to soon-tobe married couples.

Ballroom The hotel is setting up the main ballroom as a wedding reception for 150 people, complete with chair covers and cutlery, to enable couples to see how their wedding will look on the day. The room can accommodate over 200 guests in total.

Visitors to the fair can view the new Bridal Suite, Smoking Terrace and Mood Lighting System. A civil ceremony room is also located in the Castleknock Suite and the stunning intimate wedding venue, The Park.

The hotel and country club’s next wedding fair will be in the autumn.

Huge blow as council loses 39 staff in one week I MIMI MURRAY

news@gazettegroup.com

THE loss of 39 staff in Fingal County Council within the space of a week is likely to be a huge blow to the local authority.

The public sector staff are due to leave the council before the Government’s deadline for those wishing to take early retirement, on February 29.

C o u n t y M a n a g e r, David O’Connor said they have put plans in place in order to make the council as resilient as possible when these people leave. However, he did say there will be problems, and the council will find themselves with gaps.

February 1 was the

closing date for applications for the Government’s early retirement scheme, and 39 staff took the deal, which will mean they can retire early, on pensions based on their pre-pay cut salaries.

“It would have been my preference to list all 39, but it is not my choice to do so as a number of them do not want it known, they just want to slip out the door because the retirement option is being taken very much against their own judgement.

“Though they would prefer to continue working, it is so significantly against their financial interest, they have no choice but to retire.

“Some of those would be very well-known to councillors, especially

people delivering local services. We didn’t have to put any implementation teams in place in order to deal with this because we put our implementation plans in place about 2.5 years ago and restructured the organisation in order to try to make it as resilient as possible in dealing with the kind of changes we will have.

“That’s not to say we won’t have problems, and we won’t find ourselves with gaps, and the institutional memory that will leave with them, but we will deal with it,” O’Connor said.

Socialist Councillor Ruth Coppinger said: “The idea of taking out such experience from the public sector at such close

Fingal County Council say they will find themselves with gaps after retirements

proximity… was proving to be an absolute disaster for public services.”

She said that these are people who have a huge wealth of experience and knowledge who have basically had a “gun put to their heads”.

One high-profile loss is the head of Finance, Pat Keane. All parties paid tribute to the man whose legacy is that he never once went into the red whilst being

at the helm in Fingal’s finance depar tment, something the county manager said is virtually unheard of.

“Anyone who looks at a recent history of banking would thank us for not availing of that (overdraft) service,” he said. He said Pat Keane’s catchphrase was: “If you don’t take money in, you can’t spend it out.”

Mayor of Fingal, Gerry McGuire, said Keane was

an astute and prudent manager, but he also had a human side to him and was mischievous.

“W hen we invited the Dublin team out, strangely, a green and gold flag got under the Sam Maguire and all one had to do was throw an eye in Pat’s direction and you could see the mischievous grin. He will be sadly missed and it was a pleasure working with him.”

16 February 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3

PEOPLE Billie hasn’t looked back after career change

D15 residents get in touch with their inner chef I LAURA WEBB

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castleknock@gazettegroup.com

‘I think the key thing is that people don’t have the disposable income people used to have; people have gorgeous kitchens and they aren’t using them now they want to show them off’

RESIDENTS from all over Dublin 15 are getting in touch with their inner chef, and taking time out to brush up on their culinary skills, with a little help from Fairyhouse Cookery School.

Established in 2005, the school, based in county Meath, has broadened its appeal as both kids and adults e n j o y i n g t h e m a ny courses it has on offer.

Founder and owner, Billie O’Shea, took her career path in a different direction, from nursing at Connolly Hospital to pursue her first love – cooking.

After moving to Meath from Castleknock, Billie decided to build her own cooker y school right beside her country home, and she hasn’t looked back since.

“When I moved out here and decided to change careers. Cooking has always been a hobby of mine, it was never really a big life plan. I went back to college to study business management. I was teaching for a long time at the hospi-

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tal, and I love teaching, so I wanted to combine the teaching with the food element,” Billie told the Gazette.

Fairyhouse Cookery school has been lucky enough through the years to keep a good customer base, which, according to Billie, has “made the recession easier for us”.

“The thing is more and more people are cooking at home and entertaining at home.

There is also an increase in the number of children using the facility; we have seen a 50% increase in the last year with children’s birthday parties, one-day workshops and food/fitness camps. It has worked well for us.”

Adult classes also continue to be a hit with a number of one-day

courses, night courses, Men in the K itchen course and demo classes all on offer. Courses on entertaining in the home are also a hit, thanks to T V programmes like Come Dine With Me. “The most popular at the moment is entertaining and baking.

People are entertaining and cooking a lot more at home, and I think once you get a TV programme [like Come Dine With Me] it makes it very trendy. I think the key thing is that people don’t have the disposable income they used to have; people have gorgeous kitchens and they aren’t using them; now they want to show them off,” she said.

Many par ticipants come from the Blanchardstown and Castleknock area, and a

Founder and owner of Fairyhouse Cookery School, Billie O’Shea

number of primary and secondary schools from the area have used the cookery school to host events.

“What’s great about where we are located is that we are literally 10 minutes from Castleknock. People can’t believe how close we are. I think people like the fact the school is built beside the house, there is that feel of being in the country without going too far.”

Billie trained at Bally maloe, Alix Gardner, Ghan House and the National Baker y School.

She has the Advanced Certificate at the Wine Development Board.

Her expertise of cooking has also featured on TV3, the most recent being with Sybil Mulcahy from The Morning Show paying the Fairyhouse Cookery School a visit to record a segment on Eating Al Desko – what to make for lunch to work.

For further information on the cooker y school and its courses, log onto w w w.fair yhousecooker yschool. com

ROADWAYS Speed limits to be audited DUBLIN West TD and Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar is set to engage with the National Roads Authority and local authorities to conduct a nationwide audit of speed limits across Ireland.

Speed limit bands are set by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. However, specific limits applied on particular roads are determined by the local authorities, in consultation with the Gardai and in respect of national primary and secondary roads with the NRA. The aim of the audit is to start overhauling the inconsistencies between different counties and regions, and put an end to confusion among drivers.

The NRA and local authorities will be asked to conduct the audit in consultation with the Department of Transport.

4 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 16 February 2012

EVENT

Evening with the Angels INTERNATIONAL best selling author, Francesca Brown, is hosting An Evening with the Angels next month in her native area of Dublin 15.

On March 15, Francesca, the author of My Whispering Angels and The Voices of Angels, will host the evening at Westmanstown Conference Centre from 7.30pm until 9.30pm.

Francesca was first in contact with her own angel some years back when she fell ill. Since then she has travelled the world and speaks to people about their own angels. During an Evening with the Angels, Francesca talks to the audience about herself and how she came to where she is today. She then channels the audience and interacts in a question and answer session.

For booking details, or further information, contact: 086 1241313.

FOOD Local business is celebrating 50 years

Macari’s five decades of delicious foods I LAURA WEBB

news@gazettegroup.com

A FAMILY-RUN business has been providing locals with a range of delicious foods for five decades, and hopes to continue to tickle the taste buds of residents for years to come.

The Macari Group has been in the heart of Blanchardstown Village for over 40 years and has since branched out to a number of locations across the Dublin 15 area.

In 1959, Italian native Libero Macari opened his first fish and chip shop in Bolton Street, Dublin. Five decades

later, the family-run business remains open for business and, in the D15 area alone it has four branches, Marcari’s in Blanchardstown Village, Marcari’s in Carpenterstown, Romayo’s in Clonsilla and Gino’s Blanchardstown.

Libero’s son, Dominic, is now the man of the chipper house, and with help from his wife, Patricia, and the next generation of Macaris, Dario and Lydia, the p o p u l a r t a ke - aw ay group remains on steady ground despite continuous competition from new food chains opening in the market.

Speaking to the

G a z e t t e t h i s we e k , Dominic said the secret to remaining open in such a competitive market is quality products at the right price.

“We think we offer fantastic quality at reasonable prices; we are constantly adjusting our prices to ensure that they are the most competitive around.”

A recent survey conducted in Britian will leave the health conscious nicely surprised with findings showing that the fish and chip shop menu is much healthier than other take-away options. Findings from the survey said: “An average serv-

Libero Macari believes remaining competitive, and quality food is the secret to remaining open

ing of chips contains more than double the amount of fibre found in an average serving of brown rice or bowl of porridge.”

It also states that the average portion of battered cod and chips has fewer calories, at least half the saturated fat and

just a tenth of the salt of a cheese and tomato pizza and also, that thick chips absorb less oil than thin ones, so chunky chips are healthier.

“A lot of people think a bag of chips is fattening, when really it is just potatoes. These potatoes come in that morning and are sold the same day. A breakfast roll has a much higher fat content then our food. I seriously think we are selling the next best thing to homecooked food. It is all fresh food, prepared and sold on the same day,” Dominic said.

The group offers customers a variety of options on its menu and the most popular is still fish and chips.

“We are renowned for our fresh fish, and chicken fillet burgers, and southern fried chicken are also very popular.

The best new selling product is our grilled chicken wrap.”

To show their gratitude to loyal customers, the Macari group is running a great competition. “We are now running a competition in the four shops [in Dublin 15] for a €500 voucher for Blanchardstown Centre. At this time of year, people are finding it tough after Christmas and we thought there would be nothing better than a chance to win this great prize. This could be someone’s groceries for a month. We also wanted to keep it local and that’s why we went for Blanchardstown Shopping Centre.

“We want to give something back, our way of saying thanks to our customers. With every purchase the customer can enter this free draw,” Dominic said.

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16 February 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 5

6 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 16 February 2012

SUPPORT CASTELKNOCK BUSINESS

EVENT Helping families to get back on their feet

M

SHOP LOCALLY Opera Gala to help raise funds

CALL THE GAZETTE ON 60 10 240

A LOCAL volunteer-based programme has been helping families in the community get back on their feet by providing emotional and practical support.

Home-start is an independent, local, volunteer-based programme working to prevent families with young children from falling into crisis and breakdown.

This Saturday, as part of fundraising efforts for the programme, an Opera Gala with Good Works Opera Company is taking place in St Brigid’s Church of Ireland, Castleknock at 8pm.

Tickets for this event cost €20 and are available to purchase at the door or at the Parish Office in Castleknock.

Located in Blanchardstown, the programme gives emotional and practical support to parents with at least one child under five.

It provides weekly home visits through trained volunteers, who are usually parents themselves, offering a listening ear and reassurance in a non-judgemental way. It aims to breakdown the sense of isolation and loneliness, to build greater resilience

and confidence. Apart from its programme in Blanchardstown, this programme also operates in Lucan, Swords and Athenry.

Internationally, it is active in 17 countries and on all five continents.

The programme focuses on parents but more specifically on mothers. Findings have shown that pre-school mothers are often the most socially isolated members of society, and that when a mother is better able to cope, the whole family is stronger and better able to withstand life-difficul-

ties. According to a spokesperson for Home-Start, being volunteerbased, the programme is a “very low-cost, high-impact support model”.

“However we would like to very gratefully acknowledge the funding support of the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration, Fingal County Council and our teams of volunteers and donors to ensure that we can continue to help families to help themselves. Our website, www. homestartireland.ie, gives more information”.

The public is being invited to attend a major jobs fair at the Blanchardstown Centre in March

EVENT: OPPORTUNITIES FROM LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES

Jobs and advice fair on the way to D15 I LAURA WEBB

A MAJOR jobs and advice fair, featuring local and international companies, is making its way to the Blanchardstown Centre, offering job opportunities and advice.

The International Employment Services, in association with Fingal Dublin Chamber and Blanchardstown Centre, will set up the fair at the shopping centre for two days, from Thursday, March 1 from 4pm-9pm, and Friday, March 2, from 12-5pm.

Organisers are inviting all members of the public to head down to the cen-

tre to find out more.

Speaking to the Gazette this week, Kevin Quinn, manager of International Employment Services at the Department of Social Protection, said this is one of a series of events the service runs around the country.

“We are inviting all members of the public who want to learn about jobs locally, jobs nationally or jobs internationally.

“It is for local Irish people but also foreign nationals living in the area who might want information on their own countries.

“We have employment experts from 17 EU

member states coming to the event.

“We run between three and five of these events throughout the year in Ireland.

“The last event we ran was in Carlow shopping centre. Shopping centre’s are handy because people can do their shopping, but at the same time drop in and get information. People know where it is and it is very accessible. Such fairs have been enormously successful,” he said.

Opportunities According to Kevin, it is ideal for anyone seeking information on job opportunities but also to get advice on one

essential tool – the CV. “We have a CV clinic there, where people are invited to go and have their CV updated, which is important.

“There is an accepted CV format in Ireland, which is a two-page CV, but, for example, if you want to work in Germany there is a different format, they expect a photo with the CV, all that kind of information is available.

“They are essentially designed to be local, regional events and, normally, we would expect to get about 5,000 people visiting the fair over the two days.

“We would ask people to come down on

the day, it’s very informal and relaxed atmosphere.

“It’s handy to have your CV with you; if you see a job you’re interested in then they can give it to the employer on the spot.

“We have 12 Irish companies coming with a wide range of jobs, including video testers, management, supervisors, hotel staff, IT jobs and call centre jobs.

“T here is a whole range of jobs on offer.

There is no harm getting advice on your CV at the clinic before handing it in. The emphasis is on jobs but also good advice is also available,” Kevin said.

16 February 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 7

R1

COUNCIL Timetable to fit ‘key population’

EVENT

Win your wedding

Pupils get the most out of mobile library I LAURA WEBB

PUPILS are accounting for the bulk of members using the Fingal mobile library service, according to figures from Fingal County Council.

A report shows the highest level of mobile library memberships is the school-going population, at 75%.

Recent changes to the mobile library services timetable have now been made to fit around this “key population sector”.

According to a spokesperson for FCC, the number of schools the service has visited this year has already increased, with the inclusion of Scoil Phadraic (Donabate), Powerstown Educate Together and Blanchardstown North Educate Together.

Changes to the services timetable were imple-

mented on the basis of “changing local needs and an enlarged and dynamic network of branch libraries.”

“The new timetable currently operates as a daytime service only, with some (busier) stops visited on a weekly basis and the remainder on a fortnightly basis.

“Library usage statistics also show that there are occasions throughout the day and, more importantly, in the early evening when footfall (library visits) wane, averaging less than nine users per evening stop.

The recent mobile library timetable changes reflects this current pattern of usage/under-usage and ensures that our valuable resources are available to provide a high standard of service and customer care, at alternative times and locations,

throughout the county.

These statistics are produced and assessed monthly,” the report said.

“Throughout 2012 Fingal Library Mobile service timetable will be subject to continuing review in line with changing needs. The service will grow and change according to these needs which will include increasing demands for additional school visits,” the report said.

Meanwhile, since February 1, 2012, Blanchardstown Library is the largest and busiest library in the country, with an average daily footfall of 1,500.

“Whilst some elements of the library service have been re-thought other areas have grown tremendously and many new services have been introduced e.g. the introduction of ebooks is immi-

nent and online training and an online magazine services will be coming very soon.”

The report went on to say: “The library service of today is as much about the provision of a democratic community space, about storytelling and story writing, about events and exhibitions, about information provision as it is about books and borrowings.

“With this in mind we continue to grow and to develop our services; we offer free internet and wi-fi access; some of our more recent highlights have included the introduction of a selfservice system, downloadable audio books, the addition of computer games for the WII, X-Box and Playstation for our younger (and not so young) library members.”

Getting in on the fun run: Kate and Eamonn CASTLEKNOCK’S Kate O’Neill, of Metropolitan Harriers and St. Brigid’s Athletic Club, joined Senator Eamonn Coghlan at the launch of the 2012 Kleinwort Benson Investors St. Patrick’s 5k Festival Road Race recently. Kate joined the Irish track legend to help promote the fun run that takes place in Dublin on Sunday, March 18. In a recent speech to Seanad Eireann, Senator Coghlan stressed the importance of exercise if young people are to fight off the risk of obesity, diabetes and other related conditions that come from poor diet and lack of physical activity.

DUNBOYNE Castle Hotel is extending the Valentine’s Day celebrations for Dublin couples, by offering them a chance to win a wedding of their dreams.

The popular hotel is celebrating the month of love, and this weekend one lucky couple will get a wedding for free. Couples who book their wedding at the hotel’s wedding fair this weekend will be in with a chance to win this great prize.

The wedding prize package caters for up to 130 guests and includes refreshments and Prosecco on arrival, a fourcourse dinner with wine and bar extension. The winning bride and groom also receive a complimentary tasting menu.

To be in with a chance to win the prize just head down to the spectacular wedding fair this Sunday, February 19, at Dunboyne Castle Hotel. See www. dunboynecastlehotel.com for further details.

8 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 16 February 2012

Laurel Lodge Carpenterstown

Celebrating local club’s CASTLEKNOCK Celtic was founded in 1987. That year, Irish people were delighted to see Ireland’s Soccer team qualifying for Euro 88 – the first major international soccer event of its history.

That year saw Stephen Roche winning the Tour de France, and Johnny Logan winning the Eurovision Song Contest, with Hold Me Now. The average weekly wage paid to employees in Punts was, when converted to Euro, €249.56, and a pint of black was €1.73.

In the beginning there was Laurel Lodge FC, started up by Tony Jordan and Tom Moore. Tom was team captain, and Tony was secretary, while Tony Dalton was club chairman.

A set of jerseys donated

by Pete Mahon, who later took his team of St Francis FC to the FAI Cup, set them on their way.

Laurel Lodge FC was an adult side but they needed to expand their catchment area and they also wanted to develop a schoolboy team.

So, Castleknock Celtic evolved from those decisions. Pat Dempsey, from Park Drive, was the first chairman, and the earliest schoolboy managers were Tony Jordan, Tom Moore and Jim Geraghty.

Many great volunteers worked very hard and devoted huge amounts of time into building and developing the club into what it is today – one of the biggest soccer clubs in the country.

They cater for more than 800 players, and more than 40 teams, and also have a fine children’s soccer academy – FUNdamental Football.

The club have their own all-weather pitch in Laurel Lodge. With the assistance of the Nation-

al Lottery Sports Grant, and the unstinting hard work of many volunteers and the support of the community, they built a beautiful clubhouse in Porterstown, adjoining their playing fields.

Tony Jordan says that Premier Credit Union organised the necessary sary loan finance for the project, with the facility costing almost €1 million to build and fit-out.

It was designed by local architect, Shay Fenton, and is the envy of many football.

Tony Jordan tells mee that they are lookingg forward to their 25th h birthday celebrations ns in Castleknock Hotel el and Country Club on Saturday night, Februuary 25.

No doubt the existsting members and their supporters and friends, including many former members, will enjoy the nostalgia on the night, reminiscing and reliving the thrilling encounters at various hard-contested matches over past years.

They will recall with pride the first Schoolboy International Cap, won

by Barry Maguire, from Rushbrook, in Blanchardstown, when he played for Ireland against Wales in 1992.

Hollywood star Colin Farrell played alongside Barry in that team. Collin’s father, Eamonn, coached the team and Eamonn himself donned the famous Hoops’ jersey as a Shamrock Rovers player in the 1960s.

He was on the Rovers’ team that beat Shelbourne 4-1 in the FAI. Cup Final in Dalymount in 1962.

Castleknock Celtic also has cherished memories of winning the double,

Tom Moore’s 1988 team, above; Bern Brogan on tour, Luton, below

A young Hollywood star, Colin Farrell (second-right, front) with his Castleknock peers; below, a team of managers line up, 1995

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‘The club have a fantastic website, at www.castleknockceltic.com.

‘The site is continually updated, and you can follow the progress of their various sides.’

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both the League and Cup, in 1996 at Senior Level, under manager Brian Cummins.

They will also remember the over-35’s team that won the league, with local lads Alan Clarke, Derek Barrett, Seanie O’Hare, Brian Arkins, Derek McGivern, Michael Kelly, Bernie Hennessy and Stan (Paul) Matthews.

The club, being a “Community club”, sees

the role of developing all the players that join the club as of utmost importance.

A programme is in hand whereby all the teams in the club will have appropriately qualified coaches within the next two years.

Recently, 16 manager and four team assistants qualified for Kick Start 2 certificates.

The club have a fan-

tastic website, at www. castleknockceltic.com.

Log on to find out much more about their activities. The site is continually updated, and you can follow the progress of their various sides.

Good luck to Castleknock Celtic, and may your next 25 years be as successful as the previous 25.

On a personal note, three of my boys played

with Castleknock Celtic, and I always found that the management of the club was superb.

The coaches and mentors encouraged the children to play the game – and to enjoy the playing of the game. The emphasis was on teaching the skills and enjoying the sport and, while winning was very important, it was not the sole interest.

That is the essence of sport, and communitybased clubs have this ethos. This ethos of playing the game fairly, and playing it well, can, I believe, be practised not

only on the playing fields of sport, but the playing field of life and the playing field of business.

Sports clubs such as Castleknock Celtic do their bit for society in helping mould and turn out young people of that calibre – the type of people this country needs to lift it out of recession.

I feel sure many readers will support our wish on the 25th anniversary – that the club keeps up the wonderful community work it does so well for the children and youths of the area, whom it looks after so well.

16 February 2012 CASTLEKNOCK ASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 9

A SPECIAL REPORT

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

outstanding legacy ...

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‘The club caters for more than 800 players and 40 teams, and has a children’s soccer academy’

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Visiting the club, the late Brian Lenihan; FAI’s John Delaney and Packie Bonner; (right) a fun duck race as one of the club’s fun non-soccer activities

10 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 16 February 2012

EVENT Schools take part in exciting first stage of contest

Students battle it out in quiz for top prizes SEVERAL Dublin 15 schools went head-to-head in the first round of this year’s Credit Union Schools’ Quiz competition last week.

A number of schools from the D15 and D7 areas battled it out in the first stage of the countrywide competition, organised by Community Credit Union. The schools were joined by parents, teachers and friends at

Major funding to link paths A FUNDING allocation of half a million euro has been made available to link up and extend cycle paths in areas across Dublin 15.

This week, the Department of Transport has allocated €500,000 to link priority cycle routes throughout Dublin 15.

The funding will go to linking up and extending the existing cycle routes in Blanchardstown, Clonsilla, Ongar and Coolmine.

Cycle network will link up schools, village centres, parks and community facilities in residential neighbourhoods.

New cycle paths are also being considered to link Dublin 15 with key employment centres in the city centre and elsewhere, and is likely to be provided over the next few years.

Construction work on linking the current routes is hoped to start later this year. The funding is part of an overall funding allocation for sustainable transport projects of €1.5 million in the Fingal County Council area.

Commenting on the allocation this week, Minister for Transport and Dublin West TD, L e o Va r a d k a r s a i d : “Dublin 15 is largely residential and has a g r ow i n g p o p u l a t i o n of young people, so it makes sense to promote cycling as an activity and as a means of getting around. We’re keen to encourage people of every age to cycle more often.”

St Peregrine’s GAA Club on Monday, February 6.

Over 130 national school pupils from St Ciaran’s, St Philips, St Mochta’s, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mary Mother of Hope, Saint Brigid’s, Castleknock Educate Together, Mary Help of Christians, St. John Bosco’s and Scoil Thomais went head to head to win some great prizes and get a place in the second stage

of the national competition.

Winners on the night were Mary Help of Christians (Navan Road) winning the Quiz A (U-11) and Saint Brigid’s National School (Castleknock) were declared winners of Quiz B (U-13). St Philips NS (Mountview) and Mary Help of Christians NS were runners up following a nail-biting tie-breaker.

Now in its 21st year, the

event has become the highlight of the school calendar, attracting over 25,000 participants in over 300 venues throughout the 32 counties.

The aim of the quiz, organised by the Irish League of Credit Unions, is to encourage teamwork among young schoolchildren under the age of 13. Questions for the quiz are compiled by primary school teachers and cover a

range of topics like geography, history, music, literature and sport. Local winners now progress to the Chapter Level Final in ALSAA on Sunday, March 4.

Commenting on the first stage of the competition, Community Credit Union CEO, Aidan O’Brien said: “As a community-based Credit Union we are delighted to participate in this excit-

ing annual event, which has become the highlight of the school year. At Community Credit Union, one of our key objectives is to encourage a healthy savings habit in the youth from an early age. If your school would like to participate in next year’s competition, please contact us or visit our website www. communitycu.ie for more details.”

CHARGE: DUBLIN 15 RESIDENT TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE A ‘CRIME’ NOT TO PAY

Household tax objector gets a ticking off from Minister I LAURA WEBB

A F OR M E R p r i s o n officer, who voiced opposition to paying the household tax to a local TD, was surprised by a response that said it would be a “crime” not to pay and that he would “expect more from a prison officer”.

Since the announcem e n t t h a t a € 10 0 household charge would be charged to every home owner in the country, there has been mixed reaction to the tax. Opposition to the tax launched a national campaign against household and water taxes, urging people not to register and not to pay.

One Dublin 15 resident, a former Fine Gael voter, wrote to her local TD Leo Varadkar to inform him that he has lost her vote because the government “have gone back on election promises” and “neither are any of the Government ministers, or indeed the Taoiseach, being honest with us – the people.”

In the correspond-

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

‘I am a retired prison officer dedicated to doing things right and upholding the law. However, I am tired. I will not pay and I will encourage as many people as I can not to register and not to pay’ --------------------------

ence, the resident said she is campaigning against the household charge and water taxes: “I am a retired prison officer dedicated to doing things right and upholding the law. However, I am tired. I will not pay and I will encourage as many people as I can not to register and not to pay.”

In response to the resident, Dublin West TD Leo Varadkar said he was sorry to hear the contents of the email:

“Fine Gael supports water charges and is was in our election manifesto. Nobody likes paying taxes but not doing so is a crime. I would expect better from a prison officer. If you refuse to pay you should not use local services like sewerage, local roads, etc.”

When the local resident met with the Gazette, the resident was “surprised” with his response. “I liked him as a politician, I voted for him. I think they [the government] have gone back on their promises.

I defended them at the beginning; they took over 15 years of bad, corrupt government, but they are not being honest with us now.”

Enough is enough

Asked if the resident would consider paying a contribution in household charges to help pay the national debt, the resident said “no contribution at all should be made. People can’t afford to pay. Enough is enough.”

In response a spokesman for Minister Varad-

TD for Dublin West, Minister Leo Varadkar

kar said: “Minister Varadkar always makes an effort to respond individually to constituents, whenever he can. The lady in question, who is now campaigning against the household charge, made a point of referring to her former status as a prison officer in her original email.

The Government has already led by example by cutting pay for the Taoiseach, Ministers and judges. However,

even this measure raises nothing close to the €160 million that will be raised by the household charge.”

Minister Varadkar commented: “The household charge is paid directly into local government funds for services such as sewerage, local roads, libraries, playgrounds and public parks. People refusing to pay the charge should bear that in mind.

“We all have a duty to

uphold the law and pay our taxes, including the household charge, even if we may not wish to do so.

“Those who are paid from the public purse have a particular duty to do so. If everyone refused to pay their taxes there would be no money to pay salaries, pensions or social welfare; I do not support any campaign which encourages people to break the law.”

16 February 2012 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 16 February 2012

GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW!

Water look: Fair to make a big splash THIS bridal model couldn’t

Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

hide her delight at testing the waters of the luxurious pool at the four-star Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel in Killiney – just one of the attractive features that the hotel is highlighting at its upcoming wedding fair on Sunday afternoon, February 19.

The Castle Hotel’s wedding fair promises to make quite a splash with attending couples planning for their big day, with a complimentary glass of champagne to help put those attending in the mood, while the hotel’s wedding fair will be on hand to run through the hotel’s many fine features, including its banquet suite and fine views over Dublin Bay.

APPEAL: INFORMATION EVENING TO HELP SUPPORT CHARITY

Irish Guide Dogs are looking for volunteers IRISH Guide Dogs for the Blind is calling on Dublin north community members to “Get Going for Guide Dogs” and volunteer in 2012.

The national charity is hosting a volunteer information evening at Croke Park Hotel at 8pm on Tuesday, February 21, to highlight the many ways that volunteers can get involved to help support their work.

Irish Guide Dogs is on a national drive to find volunteers willing and

able to help.

More than 80% of the organisation’s income is raised through voluntary donations, and all services for people living with sight loss or autism are offered free of charge.

Guide dog owners, Tom and Breege O’Neill, from Balbriggan, have been supporting Irish Guide Dogs for more than 30 years.

They know first-hand the life-changing impact a guide dog makes, and

have worked tirelessly for many years to help fundraise so that more people can avail of the organisation’s services.

Tom says: “Without fundraising volunteers, Breege and I would not have the mobility and freedom we currently enjoy through our guide dogs.

“In the last few years, Irish Guide Dogs has needed to do more with fewer resources. Fundraising, in particular, is an area needing additional support.

“We’re hoping that the information evenings will

Guide dog owner Tom O’Neill is pictured with Santa Sabina, Sutton, students during his educational school visit about the work of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind

highlight the value of the organisation’s work, and inspire more people to

support it.”

Nick Palmer, director, Kingston Technology International, has been an active fundraiser for Irish Guide Dogs for more than ten years, and says it’s his love of dogs that got him initially started.

An active volunteer for the charity’s Balbriggan Branch, Nick says: “I like to describe Irish Guide Dogs as a ‘feel-good’ charity, because you get to see the positive outcomes of your efforts as a volunteer.

To find out more, call Finbarr Roche at 1850 506 300, e-mail finbarr@ guidedogs.ie, or see www. guidedogs.ie.

16 February 2012 GAZETTE 13

CHARITY Raising vital funds for Suas programme

Face-painting fun for St Patrick’s Day Ireland, India and Kenya.

In Ireland, Suas runs the Bridge 2 College programme, which assists children in designated disadvantaged secondlevel school areas in reaching third level.

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

‘Last year in Kenya, Suas was responsible for training 183 teachers ’ --------------------------

Suas provides an interactive third-level learning experience for these children and helps to focus their aims for the future.

L e av i n g C e r t i f i c a t e results have improved due to involvement with this course, as the stu-

dents learn about college life and aim to achieve the best results in order to get there.

Last year in Kenya, Suas was responsible for training 183 teachers and played a vital hand in setting up and strategically effecting new educational initiatives in India and Kenya.

Simple

Simple, but crucial, things, like the electrification of classrooms, also falls under Suas’ sphere of activity.

To help Suas to continue their sterling educational work here in Ireland and abroad, support their Saint Patrick’s Day Fundraising Campaign this year by volunteering or donating what you can.

SPRING... ...YOUR BUSINESS INTO GROWTH

ADVERTISE & WATCH YOUR BUSINESS GROW WITH THE GAZETTE CALL US NOW ON 60 10 240

M

S UA S E d u c a t i o n a l Development is holding its annual St Patrick’s Day face-painting to help raise funds for vital educational programmes at home and abroad.

Hundreds of volunteers help out every year in Dublin, Cork and Galway.

Suas is seeking the help of the public again this year.

So, if you want to take up the brush and facepaint for the charity, organise something different, or just help out in general, now is your chance.

Simply log onto www.

Suas.ie, email: info@suas. ie or phone: +353 1 662 1400 and volunteer in your area.

Suas targets underfunded communities in

Oh, MINI! A look at one of the cleanest car brands in Ireland

Rose of Tralee, Clare Kambamettu, at the launch of the Suas Shamrocks for Schools campaign with the Suas Shamrock, Shay Coughlan

MOTORIING PAGE 20

14 GAZETTE 16 February 2012

By Laura Webb

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Aging is toast with Ziaja Rose Butter HERE is a time in our life when we have to face the inevitable – we are getting older – but that doesn’t mean we can’t age gracefully and fight back against unwanted wrinkles.

A new range of anti-aging face care for woman in their 30s and older vows to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Ziaja Rose Butter is a derivative of rose oil, which contains higher quantities of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Here comes the science – these skin omegas are important nutrients that stimulate collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid (the skin’s very own natural plumper) and, together, they help to maintain skin firmness and elasticity.

Many women, from the age of 30, begin to notice fine lines and wrinkles appearing, and that’s all down to the reduction of collagen and elastin.

The key to tackling the first signs of ageing is incorporating collagen and elastin with supporting ingredi-

T

Ziaja Rose Butter Moisturising Day

Ziaja Rose Butter Skin-Firming Night

Ziaja Rose Butter Micro Peeling –

Cream – €6.99

Cream – €6.99

€4.79

Ziaja Rose Butter Water – €4.50

ents into daily routines, and regular exfoliation with a gentle scrub or athome peel.

The Ziaja rose butter range uses ECO-certified ingredients, and its floral scent is designed to give skin a great sensual experience.

What’s great about this range is that it doesn’t have to break the bank, with the full range available under €25.

ing film of moisture that restores the skin’s natural protective barrier.

This rich but light-feeling cream soothes redness, and encourages the skin to repair and restore, smoothing out lines and wrinkles.

and hyaluronic production – plumping the skin from within, helping to visibly reduce lines and wrinkles.

Formulated to be mild and nondrying, this gentle cleanser will leave every skin type fresh and clean.

It removes make-up, surface grime and oils, softens the skin, reduces skin tension and soothes irritations.

Dermatologically- and ophthalmologically-tested, it is colourants, parabens and fragrance-free.

Ziaja Rose Butter Moisturising Day Cream – €6.99 This product gives skin a nurtur-

Ziaja Rose Butter Skin-Firming Night Cream – €6.99 This fast-absorbing and intensively-moisturising cream works to refine and firm skin texture while you sleep.

The active ingredients combine to boost moisture levels in the skin,

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Ziaja Rose Butter Micro Peeling – €4.79 This delicately cleanses and massages the skin, and peels off dead skin cells.

It stimulates oxygen circulation, and reveals a visibly revitalised complexion, restoring natural smoothness and softness.

Ziaja Rose Butter Water – €4.50

This range is available at McCabes pharmacies and independent pharmacies nationwide. Shop online at www.originalbeauty.ie.

16 February 2012 GAZETTE 15

16 GAZETTE 16 February 2012

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC Time for a spring clean in your music collection I DEE WOODS

LIVE REVIEW: A NIGHT OF SUBLIME MAGIC AT THE SUGAR CLUB

Sweetness and soul I JESSICA MAILE

I CAN’T believe it’s the middle of February already. And although it may not feel like it, spring has sprung and what better time for a spring clean...of your music collection?

We all have a favourite band or artists who we won’t hear a word against. We collect their albums and re-issues and wear their logo emblazoned across a t-shirt, while simultaneously guffawing at a friend who records Glee every week (I’m not really sure why we’re still friends, actually).

Working in a station that plays classic rock, it’s striking how strongly our listeners feel about the music we play and what it means to them. One listener will say: “If it doesn’t have Peter Green in it, then it just isn’t Fleetwood Mac,” while another will name Rumours as their favourite album.

Everyone’s got an opinion, which is what makes it interesting, but if working in a station where listeners are so passionate has taught me nothing else, it’s that all music has something to offer.

Try it yourself: Venture out of the Rock section in the music shop or borrow that album your mate keeps banging on about. You could be pleasantly surprised.

I HAVE literally thousands of songs on my iPod, but I have been left wanting for something new, something fresh and definitely something real.

Since the beginning of 2012, I have been searching for some real voices, something that rings strong and true.

Voices that sound good in the recording studio, as well as live, and whichare not manufactured for a vapid TV talent show.

Artists that pay their dues in small venues and work their way to the big time because they can actually perform.

Luckily for me, I made my way to The Sugar Club last weekend, where

I was priveleged to see The Staves and Michael Kiwanuka.

The Staves — Emily, Jessica, and Camilla Staveley-Taylor — are sisters from Watford, England, blessed with amazing voices. They weave intoxicating three-part harmonies through songs about love and longing with a folk flair.

Songs like Mexico and I Try, from their debut EP are enough to make anyone melt, as their voices cast their spell.

The Staves have a purity all of their own and are a joy to listen to.

After being completely delighted with The Staves, I was introduced to Michael Kiwanuka.

Michael is a 23-yearold Londoner who has

Michael Kiwanuka brought the soul to the Sugar Club last week

soul without compare.

He has been compared to the likes of Bill Withers and Otis Redding, which you can definitely hear in the richness of his voice, especially in

songs like Tell Me a Tale and Home Again.

Although his style is not exactly original, and has been labelled retro-soul, his strong but soothing voice captures

the spirit of the music of the past and brings it up to date with his poetic lyrics and catchy melodies. His album, Home Again, will be available March 12.

WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240

16 February 2012 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

FACTS: OLDER CATS HAVE A FULLY-FORMED PERSONALITY MAKING THEM BETTER PETS

Feline like you need some company?

ARE you looking for the puurrrfect partner?

Feline like you need someone to keep you company; to be kind to you on those lovely spring evenings?

A companion who adores belly rubs and enjoys squeaky toys?

Pawtastic! We’ve got the cutest companions for you, right here at Ireland’s oldest and largest animal rescue shelter.

Why not drop up and see for yourself, because the Dublin SPCA animal shelter is bracing itself for the onset of kitten season and would dearly like to re-home some special older felines in order that they can free up space in preparation for orphaned kittens.

Interested? Then read on…

• Annette is a sevenyear-old domestic shorthaired tabby and white female who’s looking for a quiet, relaxed life partner.

This independent woman doesn’t like fuss and, although she may appear to be shy, interested parties will soon realise Annette loves to play and, most of all, looks forward to spring evenings spent huddled by the fire.

If you can provide Annette with candle-lit suppers, we guarantee, she’ll soon be eating out

of your hand.

• Angel and Gucci – A couple of swells, these wise guys are strictly exclusive and must be re-homed together.

Why? Because the brothers refuse to be separated; besides Angel is only 10 months and needs big bro Gucci (4) to keep him in check.

T hese magnificent moggies would ideally be suited to a family with older children who can provide them with a stimulating, fun environment.

• Fatboy and Sullivan – Two siblings who like to live it large like the Lord and Lady of the manor.

You see, the pair, who are the best of buddies, are like a comedy duo with fun and f lir tatious Sullivan playing the adventuress who likes to drink from the tap before exploring her territory, while Mr Smooth, Fatboy, is a laid back moggy who gets his kicks snuggling under the duvet and purring for cuddles.

An older cat’s personality is fully-formed making them far less likely to provide any nasty surprises to their adoptive family in the future.

So, what the new owners sees, is what the new owner gets.

If properly intro duced, the older cat is less likely to upset an already resident cat or dog than a rambunctious kitten.

Older cats are usually litter- and scratch-post trained so their owners don’t have the hassle of

teaching them, there are fewer messes to clean up and the furniture is more likely to be left intact.

For more

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

The Dublin SPCA has a whole range of cute companions for you

18 GAZETTE 16 February 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs

PUNTO VAN AND AMAROK WIN BIG WITH IMWA: THE Fiat Punto Van and Volkswagen Amarok have been named Category Winners of the Continental Irish Van of the Year 2012 title by the Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA) Van Jury.

All nine voting members of the IMWA Van Jury took part in the vote. In deciding on these category winners, the jury members took into account such attributes as load capacity, reliability, overall versatility, cost of ownership and drive comfort.

Presenting the awards to Adrian Walsh, Fiat Ireland; and Paul Burke, Volkswagen Ireland, Paddy Murphy, of Continental Tyres said: “In today’s tough commercial vehicle market, these two great vehicles have won the valuable endorsement of the Irish Motoring Writers Association. I am sure that winning this Continental Irish Van of the Year Category Award will be a huge boost for both the Punto Van and Amarok.”

Michael Moroney, chairman of the IMWA van jury, said: “The Continental Irish van category awards are of particular interest to Irish van / commercial drivers and fleet managers, as they highlight the niche models best suited to the particular requirements of the Irish market.”

Brigita Moloney holds up the keys to her new Ford Fiesta presented to her by Dr Senan Mullins, CEO The Care Trust; Mary Kennedy, Care Trust Ambassador, and Eddie Murphy, managing director and chairman, Ford Ireland

Happy winner in Ireland’s largest car giveaway DUBLIN’S Brigita Moloney, a Ballinteer local, was this week announced as the winner of a Ford Fiesta in The Care Trust’s fundraising draw, which, as Ireland’s biggest car giveaway, will see 36 cars up for grabs in 2012.

Picking up the keys for her new car, a delighted Brigita said: “What a way to start 2012, I am absolutely thrilled to win a car as part of The Care Trust draw. I love the sleek and sporty look of the Fiesta

and I can’t wait to get behind the wheel.”

Dr Senan Mullins, CEO of The Care Trust said: “Congratulations to Brigita – we wish her many years of safe and happy motoring. Without the support of Brigita, and thousands of other Irish people, The Care Trust wouldn’t be able to provide funds for its valuable work. Think of it, for a little more than the cost of a cup of coffee per week, our contributors

have the opportunity to win a lovely new Ford Fiesta, or one of many generous cash prizes in each of our 36 draws.”

Clondalkin native Mary Kennedy, The Care Trust Ambassador, was also on hand at the prize draw and had nothing but praise for the work the trust carries out: “With all that The Care Trust does to raise funds, the most incredible part is seeing how many people have been helped – and

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

‘With all that The Care Trust does to raise funds, the most incredible part is seeing how many people have been helped’

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just how the services and support for children and adults with disabilities have improved.”

Set up more than 50 years ago, The Care Trust fundraises to provide essential funds to the

Central Remedial Clinic (CRC), Rehab and the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital.

The money raised helps fund these organisations in their work with the many thousands of

children and adults with physical, medical or intellectual disabilities, those who are socially disadvantaged and those requiring medical care.

The Care Trust’s prize draws take place three times per month with all winners notified by post.

For €3.50 per week / €15 per month, contributors are eligible for all draws. For more information, see thewwwcaretrust.ie or phone (01) 200 0060.

New Porsche Centre Dublin opens in Dun Laoghaire PORSCHE presence in Ireland steps up a gear this month with the opening of Porsche Centre Dublin, adding new car sales to the existing pre-owned and after-sales business. This positive development is supported by local customer demand for new Porsche models and represents a vote of confidence for

future business in the Irish market.

The new centre expands the existing Porsche Service Centre site on Rochestown Avenue and comes at an exciting time for Porsche enthusiasts in Ireland, following the recent launch of the all-new 911 Carrera, and forthcoming introduction of the new Boxster.

The powerful line-up of sports cars available at Porsche Centre Dublin also includes the mid-engined Cayman coupe, versatile all-wheel drive Cayenne and four-door Panamera Gran Turismo. The Cayenne Diesel and Panamera Diesel models benefit from road tax of €677, thanks to their low

emissions of 189 and 172 g/km CO2 respectively.

Porsche Centre Dublin is located just off exit 16 of the M50 at Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire. Customers can contact the Centre on 01 235 3375or by email at info@porschedublin.ie

16 February 2012 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 16 February 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS DRIVING

Proper training not being offered MORE than half of businesses operating vehicle fleets do not offer their employees training on safe, cost-efficient driving a new study has revealed.

According to research, commissioned by fleet management specialists TomTom Business Solutions, 54 per cent of companies have not introduced formal training to improve their employees’ driving style – even in the face of rising fuel prices.

The study discovered that 35% of companies do not even offer their drivers fuel-saving tips, even though 83% believe their staff is guilty of speeding.

“Appropriate driver training can have a significant impact on a fleet’s cost base,” said Giles Margerison, director UK and Ireland for TomTom Business Solutions.

“Heavy acceleration, braking and excessive speed have the biggest negative impact on fuel economy and it is important employees are made aware of the knock-on effects caused by bad driving habits.

“Alongside company-set benchmarks for performance, fleet management tools are a cost-effective way to promote greener, safer, more efficient driving. Globally, our systems account for savings of around €1.5 million each day.”

A further 80% of those questioned believed their drivers were involved in harsh driving practices, but only 27% offered incentives for employees to improve their miles per gallon – and cut costs as a result.

See http://youtube/ aR7IF-OkPTk for advice from TomTom Business Solutions on how to promote greener, safer, drivers by giving them immediate feedback on their performance behind the wheel.

MINI has the lowest average CO2 emission’s (117.1g/km) making it the cleanest brand in Ireland

Another reason to enjoy MINI A

RECENT CO2 survey of Irish new car registrations in 2011

by Motorcheck.ie has revealed MINI to have the lowest average CO2 emission’s (117.1g/km) making MINI the cleanest brand in the land.

Motorcheck.ie CO2 measurement is a true-to-life survey of the 89,000+

vehicles registered in Ireland last year.

Combining this significant achievement with MINI’s competitive pricing, made all the more affordable through MINI Financial Services and low-cost road tax, is it any wonder that January 2012 saw a 100%+ increase in MINI registrations versus the same month last year. The best-selling model, the

MINI First, is currently available for just €299 per month with a €299 deposit*.

The survey was carried out by the car history experts Motorcheck.ie.

Motorcheck.ie provides vehicle history information for any vehicle registered in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK.

See http://www.motorcheck.ie/ blog/mini-is-the-cleanest-car-in-ireland/ * Available through MINI select with MINI Financial Services over 36 months at 10,000km per annum with 3.5% APR. Optional Final Payment (inluding €75 fee) of €8,394.

New Ford B-Max to be revealed in Geneva FORD will throw open the doors to its all-new production-ready B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle when it is revealed at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Ford president and CEO, Alan Mulally, will be in Geneva to unveil the new B-MAX, which promises to set new standards with its unique design and best-in-class technological features. Its return to Geneva, in full production form, comes just a year after the concept was unveiled at the Geneva show.

According to Stephen

Odell, chairman and CEO of Ford of Europe: “The B-MAX combines an exciting, innovative design, with features that only previously have been found in bigger cars.

“It’s a brand new car that responds to the needs of an increasing number of customers who want much more from their small cars,” he said.

Bringing the B-MAX to production demanded a new approach to door construction, which has resulted in wide-open access for drivers,

passengers and luggage – with the centre pillars integrated into the doors themselves.

The B-MAX also will deliver superior craftsmanship and high-quality materials rarely found on an affordable compact car, together with flexible seating and class-leading load-space.

Ford’s new 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, with its advanced combination of power and efficiency, will be available on the B-MAX, as will Duratorq TDCi diesels.

The Ford B-MAX goes on sale in Europe later this year.

The new B-MAX promises to set new standards with its unique design and best-in-class technological features

16 February 2012 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

ENTERPRISE: NEW SPONSOR FOR THIRD-LEVEL COMPETITION

A NON-EURO CURRENCY ?

Q – While many commentators say the euro will fail or go to a two-tier system, I know you are still positive about the euro. But if you had to put some of your money abroad, which currency would you invest in, why and what about the Norwegian Krone? Alison – Co Dublin A – I am on record as saying the euro will not fail, nor go into a two-tier system. I do, however, agree with you in the diversification philosophy. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, etc. However, as you saw from the Swiss Franc, too much investment caused the currency to strengthen, exports started to fall and the Swiss gov-

At the announcement of AIB’s sponsorship of the Bolton Trust / DIT Student Enterprise Competition, were Rea O’Neill, chairman, Bolton

ernment intervened and devalued the Franc by 10% - so

Trust; Nick Donnelly, regional director AIB; Paul O’Sullivan, dean of the DIT College of Business and Paudie O’Donnell, DIT

much for safety ! So, the biggest worry is that exchange rate. There is no point in moving it to another currency, whether it be Canadian or Australian dollars, Sterling, US dollars because unless it is a permanent move, you will be repatriating the funds eventually and probably anxious at the rate it will then be. One solution and what I would recommend is a Danish Krone account: - Minimum € 20,000 to open the account - Investment period : 2 years 6 months - Interest rate : 1.25% per annum

AIB teams up with DIT in enterprise awards

- Exit rate is guaranteed to match the entry rate or better (you cannot lose)

STAFF REPORTER

- Covered by the Deposit Protection Scheme (€100,000 per person ) Call or email me for details. This is only available with Danish Krone – if you want Norwegian Krone, you have to take the exchange risk and ask is it worth it ?

CREDIT UNIONS Q – I took out a car loan with my credit union at 6.7% for five years nearly three years ago. I am now in the middle of a contract payment and got a letter to say they are increasing this rate to 8.9%. Can they do this ? Am extremely annoyed, feel cheated and wonder do I have any rights ? Mary – Co Dublin A – I really empathise with you as it does seem unfair.

You are on what is known as a variable rate loan. This gives your credit union the right to increase rates not only as they increase in this country, but when they feel additional margin is required. With the recent events – the Financial Regulator had ordered over 300 of the 409 credit unions to stop paying dividends and interest as both liquidity and bad debts were issues – including the Newbridge Credit Union situation where an outside accountancy firm was appointed by the Central Bank to manage the office. On the bright side, any monies held are safe as they are covered by the Government’s Deposit Protection Scheme up to € 100,000 per person.

Go back to the credit union and renegotiate. If they do not lower the rate to the original rate, ask them to extend the loan so at least you are making the same repayments as before. Extending that loan to six years would DECREASE your repayments by € 8.42 per month !

Good luck with the negotiations.

Contact John with your money questions at

jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

THE Bolton Trust/ DIT Student Enterprise Competition has announced a three-year sponsorship agreement with AIB. The Bolton Trust is an independent voluntary trust, actively committed to assisting people in creating sustainable business.

It was established in 1986 by staff of the Dublin Institute of Technology.

As part of its commitment to encourage and promote new business enterprise in Ireland, the student enterprise competition was set up in 1993.

It is a business plan competition and is open to the 20,000 students of DIT and has been running for 19 years. In that time it has grown to be the largest third-level competition of its kind in Ireland.

The competition promotes innovation and entrepreneurship amongst the students, and encourages them to apply their course work creatively to the

demands of real-life enterprise.

This year is the first year of AIB’s involvement with the competition in a sponsorship role. Sharing a commitment to students and enterprise and innovation, it is an exciting and promising partnership.

N i c k D o n n e l l y, regional director of AIB Dublin South said: “We are delighted to be able to partner such a dynamic and innovative college as DIT, and applaud their work in providing students with the practical skills required for an everchanging workplace.

“In conjunction with DIT, the hard work and dedication of the members of the Bolton Trust provides a platform for potential entrepreneurs to flourish.

“AIB recognises the importance of nurturing this emerging talent and, through our support of the Student Enter prise Competition, would like to encourage the creativity and innovation which is essential for any successful business.”

22 GAZETTE 16 February 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL Travel EXTRA HE year 2012 is Northern Ireland’s time to shine and emerge as an international mustsee tourism destination, according to Howard Hastings, chairman of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).

Speaking in Dublin last week, Mr Hastings urged people throughout Ireland to head north and play their part in making this a year to remember for Northern Ireland.

“This really is our time and our place to change global perceptions of Northern Ireland and put ourselves firmly on the global tourism map,” said Hastings.

NITB’s new £2 million marketing campaign, spearheaded by a new TV ad highlighting the exciting year ahead, was launched across Ireland in recent weeks, and is proving a big success, according to the board’s market manager (ROI), Fiona Cunningham.

“The reaction to our all-Ireland marketing campaign in the first two weeks has been phenomenal,” Fiona said.

“The new advert is proving to be a huge success, not only on TV but also on YouTube, where it has picked up more than 34,000 views already.

“The opening of the world’s biggest Titanic exhibition in Belfast, and the associated Titanic Belfast Festival, kick-start a remarkable programme of historic events,” she said.

A new website, www. ni2012.com, contains everything visitors need to know about attractions and events in Northern Ireland this year.

For now, we have compiled a breakdown of some must-visit attractions happening in 2012.

T

Scott Wylie-Dob finds a short cut at the launch of GraboneEscapes.ie

GrabOne Escapes sends Dubliners off packing BUDGET-SAVVY travellers in Dublin will be grabbing bargains galore on the new GrabOne Escapes website, www.GrabOneEscapes.ie, which launched last week.

Dubliners can save over 50% off everything from city breaks to scenic retreats, family attractions, romantic getaways, spa breaks, cultural activities and outdoor adventures.

GrabOne Escapes will feature a range of fantastic daily offers for staycations and short breaks in Ireland, along with a selection of international escapes.

The launch comes on the back of the hugely successful deal website, GrabOne.ie, which is already a winner with shoppers from Grafton Street to Dundrum, Temple Bar to Swords (and all across Ireland) who have saved over €6 million in less than a year.

Commenting on their new travel venture, Ruairi Doyle, general manager of GrabOne said: “GrabOne Escapes is a dedicated travel website, working with the best tourism and travel operators to offer outstanding value on breaks throughout the country and further afield.

GrabOne Escapes makes taking a break in Ireland or abroad even more affordable. And it is also a fun way to discover new places you may never have even thought about visiting.”

The launch is well-timed, with a recent survey by the National Consumer Agency indicating 57% of Irish consumers have already signed up to an online discount site, with an estimated 32% of the adult population having made a purchase and travel is, by far, one of the services in most demand.

Clontarf Castle in Dublin, Pillo Hotel in Galway and Irish Landmark Trust with properties across Ireland, are just some of the tourism trade who have already signed up for the initiative.

How does it work? Simply sign up to www.

GrabOneEscapes.ie to view the great deal that’s on offer. If it takes your fancy, click buy and you’re ready for your next trip - all for a fantastic price.

GrabOne Escapes is built on the back of their hugely successful deal website GrabOne. ie which is currently available in Dublin, Cork, Belfast, Galway, Kerry, Limerick and the South East, and has saved Irish consumers over €6 million in less than a year.

Titanic Belfast Festival 2012: Belfast, April-May

A FUSION of international-scale events worthy of the great ship her-

self is planned to mark the centenary of Titanic’s fateful maiden voyage.

From the opening of the multi-million pound Titanic Belfast visitor attraction, through to commemoration services on the 100th anniversary of the ship’s sinking, there will be something for everyone. A range of plays, tours, talks, films and major musical events will all position Belfast as the “home” of Titanic.

Peace One Day concert: Derry-Londonderry, June 21

THE Peace One Day Concert on midsummer’s day will attract massive media attention and the biggest names in music.

It’s one of the kick-off events for the UK-wide London 2012 Festival, the finale of the four-year Cultural Olympiad which complements the sports at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

T his concer t will showcase the iconic new public space at the historic Ebrington site in Derry-Londonderry, which is linked to the city centre via the new Peace Bridge. Massive Attack have already been confirmed to play at the gig, and other acts will be confirmed shortly.

There has never been a better year to discover Northern Ireland

2012 Irish Open: Portrush, June 28 – July 1

THE 2012 Irish Open will be hosted by Royal Portrush Golf Club, bringing the world-class event to the Northern Ireland venue for the first time since 1947. Home-grown golfers Darren Clarke, G r a e m e M c D owe l l and Rory McIlroy have enjoyed recent major successes and have firmly established Northern Ireland as the golfing capital of the world.

Land of Giants: Belfast, June 30

LAND of Giants will celebrate iconic Northern Ireland giants on an epic scale, with a spectacular

show featuring music, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, special effects and a cast and crew of over 500 people, all in front of an audience of 20,000 on Belfast’s newest events space, the Titanic Slipways.

The event takes inspiration from some of the giants found in our local history, literature,

society and landscape – Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver, the legendary Finn McCool, Harland and Wolff’s iconic Samson and Goliath, the ships, Olympic and Titanic, industrial achievements and, of course, the Giant’s Causeway.

Funded by Legacy Trust UK, Land of Giants will be a highlight of the

London 2012 Festival and will play a key role in the lead up to the 2012 Olympic Games.

Peace Camp, by Deborah Warner: July 2012

C R E AT E D b y t h e renowned opera and theatre director, Deborah Warner, in collaboration with actor Fiona Shaw and creative producer

16 February 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray M

FastTravel A wealth of craft, food and small businesses on show in Meath CRAFTERS Ireland’s hugely popular Meath Craft and Food Fair are a great day out for the whole family, and will be taking place in the Newgrange Hotel, Navan, on February 26 from 12 noon until 5pm.

Visit over 30 of the best crafters, foodies and small businesses in the area, including restaurant-quality curry sauce, wickless candles, the best cakes and biscuits Meath can offer, woodturners, hand made jewellery, the forever living company, plus much much more.

For those who want to exhibit at this event, please contact Scott on 085 28 28 420, or check out www.craftersireland.ie.

and d take k part iin the h cell ebrations to welcome to Northern Ireland yacht crews from around the world.

FLAGS by Hans Peter Kuhn: The Giant’s Causeway, August/ September

THIS is the year the Giant’s Causeway unveils the visitor centre worthy of its giant reputation as a must-see destination.

FLAGS by Hans Peter Kuhn, a London 2012 Festival event, is an installation embedded in the dramatic landscape of the Causeway, creating a new visitor experience, drawing on the natural power of the elements. A series of flags, randomly positioned along the banks of the cliff face, will rotate freely in the wind, creating a flickering pattern of yellow and red set against the backdrop of this spectacular landscape.

Artichoke, this major new living artwork has been co-commissioned

by Derry~Londonderry Culture Company 2013 for the Cultural Olympiad.

Installations will appear simultaneously from dusk until dawn at locations around the coast of the UK and Ireland. These glowing,

murmuring artworks are a poignant exploration of love poetry and a celebration of the extraordinary variety and beauty of our coastline.

Clipper Homecoming Maritime Festival: Derry-Londonderry, July 5-8

THE Clipper Round The World Yacht race will

make its homecoming leg from Nova Scotia to Northern Ireland, arriving in Derry-Londonderry in late June 2012, and welcomed by a four-day maritime festival at the end of the following week to celebrate the visit of the world’s longest race.

This is an opportunity to be inspired by the endeavour of the crew

50th Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s: Belfast, October 19 – November 3

DANCE, music, theatre, visual arts, film, classical and world music will all come to life in many forms during this autumnal event.

This year promises a world of talent on your doorstep, and, in 2012, an extended programme will dramatically increase its visibility and Northern

l d cultural l l offering, ff i Ireland’s including Belfast’s worldclass cultural venues.

For full details on the key events in ni2012, visit www.ni2012.com.

24 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 16 February 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT and

GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 The Glee Experience

STRAIGHT from two sell-out shows at The Olympia Theatre, The Glee Experience is a musical tribute to the smash hit TV show featuring all your favourite characters, songs and storylines.

The workshop is at 3pm and 7pm on Saturday, February 18, with tickets priced €15.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 The Magic of Musical Theatre at The Mill THE Mill Theatre is delighted to present this benefit with some of your favourite performers in a tribute to musical theatre. Guest artistes include West End star Roisin Sullivan, Sandra Oman, Eoin Cannon, The Glencullen and Kilmacud Musical Societies, Garry Mountaine, Jack and Mac, Joe Conlon, Alison Vard Miller and many more make this a truly magical evening.

This performance takes place on February 18 at 8pm.

Admission: €20/€18

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Eddi Reader CONSTANT touring with her band has created a magical organic chemistry between Eddi and her players. Whilst renowned for her technical vocal ability, it is Eddi’s passion and instinct that combine to ensure she connects emotionally with her audience.

She famously harmonised with Annie Lennox, touring with the Eurythmics, after her time with successful punk outfit Gang of Four. It was the short-lived but warmly remembered Fairground Attraction that really brought Eddi Reader into the limelight though.

February 20 at 8pm. Tickets €20 / €18 conc

Oskar (Thomas Horn) is destined to spend all his inquisitve, highly-focused energy on uncovering his wise father’s (Tom Hanks) last mystery when he discovers a mysterious key following his father’s death in the 9/11 attack in New York. Can Oskar discover the key’s importance?

Highly calculating Despite being a somewhat manipulative tale, the central actors’ performances elevate the film, to great effect I KATE CROWLEY

WITH the aura of Valentine’s Day still lingering, I know that my dear readers are, most likely, expecting me to produce a luvverly film or two for your consideration.

Well, tough – you’ll both have to pick something “rosemantic” yourselves to go and see.

Instead, Nicolas Cage is back with his sequel to Ghost Rider, and, with Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, Cage delivers a tour-de-force bravura performance, as – Oh, who am I kidding.

You both know very well that I can’t abide Mr Cage, and so, I’m moving on to something less tragic… …or, well, to something actually much more tragic. We’re now at the point where what’s simply referred to as 9/11 is – just about – acceptable as a plot-driver in films; something that’s far enough back, yet still close to

FILM OF THE WEEK: Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close #### (12A) 129 mins Director: Stephen Daldry Starring: Thomas Horn, Tom Hanks. Sandra Bullock, Max von Sydow, John Goodman, the ghost of 9/11

OUR VERDICT: BASED on the best-selling (and highly controversial) book of the same name, this post-9/11 tale can feel pretty manipulative in parts. Still, young newcomer Thomas Horn delivers a knockout performance which rises above the somewhat calculated direction of the film, with his memorable character lifting the entire film by a grade, while Hanks and Bullock also deliver strong, memorable roles.

today, to have resonance with many viewers, yet to almost be comfortably removed from the events of those awful days.

Here, 9/11 is the catalyst for Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close; the film loosely based on the top-selling book of the same name, by Jonathan Safran Foer.

Oskar (Horn) is a bright, talented and inquisitive young boy, drifting through life in New York with his mother (Bullock) since the loss of his father (Hanks) in the World Trade Center attack, where dad had

been at a meeting in one of the Twin Towers, but never made it home.

However, Dad’s never really far away, as much of Oskar’s life continues to be shaped by his decent father’s shadow, with the memories of their life together continuing to shape Oskar’s life.

Finding a mysterious key, Oskar knows – he just knows – that he has to find what it unlocks, somewhere in the city, and thus uncover his Dad’s last secret.

Dad also pops up regularly throughout the film, courtesy of flashbacks,

further reinforcing the family life and father-son relationship that drives Oskar forward in his mysterious quest.

And so, with this mystery key to inspire him, Oskar’s afoot in the big city, off to explore and try and work out what the key unlocks, and where to find such a place.

Whatever about the dangers of a nine-yearold boy wandering New York’s boroughs by himself, Oskar finds that, although the puzzle of finding where Dad’s key belongs could, perhaps, be beyond him, his journey to find its resting place will bring him to lots of other people who have their own 9/11 stories …

Straight off the bat, I should say that Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is certainly not “the” definitive 9/11 film – no doubt it’ll be decades, if at all, before such a film comes to pass – but, in a

somewhat manipulative way, it’s a striking film nonetheless.

Considering that the film’s puppetmaster – or director, Stephen Daldry – has orchestrated a terrific performance from newcomer, young Thomas Horn (with Hanks and Bullock exercising their acting chops a little, too, and with decent turns from the likes of the legendary Max von Sydow, and John Goodman, among others), it’s hard not to feel too bad about having heart strings, err, strung, and being manipulated into caring for Oskar, and the assorted characters he meets.

Despite the very bookish-feeling that underpins it all – and without making any pun or wordplay at all – Horn’s towering performance, and the interesting, if slightly calculated, direction of the film raises it above the bog-standard movies also out this week.

16 February 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 25

NEW MEDIA Bytesandpieces Challenging a Twitter precedent

Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, is faced with the difficulty in funding RTE as the State’s public service broadcaster, while, at the same time, many citizens now access national and international programming online, rather than watch television

Problem of imposing a broadcast charge SHANE DILLON

TODAY, more than one state broadcaster around the world is wondering what the future holds for their national resource.

Here, Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, faces some cold facts, regarding the fractures running underneath RTE, and the state broadcaster’s finances, resources and remit.

The population is growing – now up to 4.8 million, as per the latest census – yet RTE continues to face people switching off their television sets and increasingly meeting their entertainment needs through their laptops, smartphones and games consoles instead.

I n c r e a s i n g l y, t h i s means that – for example – people may watch RTE online, even if “online” means sitting on the Luas from Dundrum or Tallaght, via an app on their phone.

Meanwhile, many other

citizens are also tuning in online, or on the move, to a wide range of international broadcasters, such as the BBC, C4, Sky et al, ignoring RTE altogether.

Traditional TV viewing now accounts for an ever-decreasing share of people’s personal time – and decreasing audiences also means further decreasing finances, once advertisers start pulling back from shows, or demanding revised rates.

Finances Minister Rabbitte has to consider the state of RTE’s finances, its public duties as the state broadcaster, and issues of both how to engage with the entire population in a fair and transparent manner – as well as what stick to wave for those with no intention of propping up what is, for many, an irrelevant matter that they feel no connection to.

As such, the Government is still mulling over a new broadcast charge, which, as many read-

ers may know, is being mooted as a possible replacement for the television licence, as a catchall new system to target everyone, and a means to ensure compliance from everyone to support public service broadcasting in the country.

It’s certainly an interesting proposition, on the face of it, as everincreasing numbers have clearly abandoned watching many RTE programmes on an actual television, only to watch these shows online, or via an app, instead.

However, while this issue is still far from the fore of the public consciousness, a number of thorny issues immediately spring to mind – including, for starters, the issue of charging citizens for whatever content they access online.

After all, whatever about people watching RTE online, if an Irish citizen (or resident, say) watches BBC programming online, or America’s

NBC, or China’s CCTV, or Qatar’s Al-Jazeera, or even a multitude of publicly-available content on YouTube – how, then, can the Irish State charge citizens to access internationally-available content that does not originate in the State itself?

When such online programming does not contribute one cent to the Irish purse, it must be asked how Minister Rabbitte, and the Government, expects to charge for such access.

Access This is especially relevant to ask, considering that such individually-selected content is not otherwise available within, or provided by, the Irish State – yet a broadcast charge would, in effect, constitute a tax, by another name, for internet access.

This raises further, interesting points about civil liberties, which I’ll leave for another day, but I cannot help but wonder

if such points are being duly considered.

In addition, I wonder how these international organisations (ranging from the aforementioned BBC to Al-Jazeera et al) would feel about the Irish Government, in effect, making money off their online broadcasts via a broadcast charge.

We can all agree that the State must charge for public service television, and that the Minister has to take steps to streamline revenues in line with the rapidly-changing viewer model, and the continuing decline and fragmentation of audience share in Ireland today.

However, the issue of what, exactly, a possible broadcast charge would constitute, as well as the issue of how to implement it – and then to police it, particularly regarding concerns over, in effect, creating a de-facto tax on internet access – could well be a sleeping dog with quite a bark for this Rabbitte, if awoken ...

MANY readers know how Twitter is being used as an alternative means of communication around the world, with interesting questions emerging about Twitter’s use in the future, by both citizens and authorities alike.

In Britain, Doncaster man Paul Chambers’ legal case continues following his conviction for a January, 2010 Tweet, where he Tweeted to friends and followers that Robin Hood airport (which was closed by heavy snowfall, thus preventing him from travelling to Northern Ireland to see his girlfriend) had a week to reopen, “otherwise I’m blowing the airport sky high!”

However, authorities were not amused, and he was subsequently charged and convicted of causing a menace under the Communications Act 2003, in what is believed to be Britains’ first criminal conviction for the content of a Tweet.

At the time of writing, Chambers’ case was due to go before Britain’s High Court to appeal against his conviction under a number of freedom of expression, and civil liberty grounds, with Chambers having already been given a £1,000 fine and losing his job. It’ll be interesting to see how Chambers’ case concludes.

Ah, for the good old, pre-Twitter days, when one could mutter unlikely threats without a legal precedent being set!

GAZETTE

26 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 16 February 2012

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GazetteSPORT

DUBLIN ALL-STARS: All the winners from the Dublin Sports Awards: Pages 28-29

TELEVISION: US EXPERIENCE INFORMS INSIGHTFUL PROGRAMME ON NEW YORK SIDE

Setanta to air GAA diaspora documentary sport@gazettegroup.com

THE player drain caused by the recession has been one of the bleaker stories for the GAA in the past few years, with clubs losing stalwarts to Australia, Canada and the US, thinning their ranks.

On the flip side, that drain has been acting as a link to the homeland for many Irish abroad.

It is a connection which Ballinteer man, Cillian O’Chonchur, delicately

helps portray in the documentary, An Exile’s Home in the Bronx, which debuts this week on Setanta.

It follows the fortunes of the 2011 New York side and their struggles to prepare for a Connacht senior football championship date with Roscommon, hoping for a maiden win.

The result did not materialise but, along the journey, O’Chonchur and directors Niall and Steven McCann, amassed over

80 hours of footage from within the camp, with heartfelt, personal interviews with the players.

O’Chonchur, a sports journalist, came up with the original premise whilst on a Fulbright scholarship in New York, and says the story told became very much that of the players and their situations.

“The New York team, itself, would not have any major stars in it. Dan Doona played minor and U-21 for Kerry, and a few

The New York team prepare for their match against Roscommon in the Exiles documentary

of them did similar but didn’t pursue it. One of them sums it up: ‘If football was their main goal, they’d be back in Ireland’,” he told GazetteSport.

“Although it’s based around the game with Roscommon, it hopefully comes across as not a straight, sports documentary but as one which sees these guys having to leave

Ireland for New York while at the same time trying to cling on to their only bit of Irishness.”

O’Conchur – whose brother Padraic lines out for Ballinteer St John’s senior footballers – had initially looked at making the documentary in 2010, centring on the American side’s tussle with Galway.

He and another Irish

masters’ student at New York University initially put together a piece for a college television project, building a rapport with the players and team management and approached Setanta with a view to broadcasting it.

They backed it and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland came through with funding for the

project in March of 2011.

“I came back to Ireland in May [2010] and started writing up a treatment and then found out last March we got the funding so, from then until two weeks ago, it was pretty much all I eat, dreamed and slept. There’s no better way to learn something than doing everything yourself.”

28 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 16 February 2012

GazetteSport Sport

Insaka FC’s James Igwilo and coach Uby Ufoh

Sports Awards

Team of the Year - Castleknock’s celebrations begin. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Every one’s a winner

HE third annual Dublin Sports Awards took place recently at the Clarion Hotel Liffey Valley and once again proved to be a true celebration of the best of Dublin’s sporting communities.

The gala night saw Olympic athlete Deirdre Ryan and Somerton club Castleknock GAA rewarded for their achievements in 2011 with the Sports Person and Sports Team of the Year prizes.

The event will form part of a programme to air on Setanta Sports in the coming weeks, and we will keep you posted as to air dates and times as soon as we have them.

Cricketer George Dockrell and Sarah Sarsfield

T

Fingallians’ Paddy Kelly

Wigan star Conor

for the junior hurlers

Sammon’s father, Hilary

Lucan Sarsfields’ camogie mentors, Thomas Dowling, Mary Rigney and Joe Whyte Swords Celtic’s Vincent McGrath

Camillus and Maura Muldowney representing golfer Sheena McElroy

Deirdre Ryan’s father, PJ

Motor star Gary Thompson talks to Paul Dempsey

16 February 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 29

in association with

FastSport CMH Ballon’s Tomas Ilves and captain Majuydas

Mountview’s Cian McGrath

Hannah Tyrrell

Canoe stars Neil Fleming and Peter Egan

’Rock image wins world recognition AN ICONIC image from the match between Old Belvedere and Blackrock College in the Ulster Bank All-Ireland League Division 1A match at Anglesea Road was awarded the second-place prize in the Sports Singles’ Category at the 55th annual World Press Photo Contest.

Sportsfile snapper Ray McManus’ picture was chosen from over 100,000 entries worldwide.

McManus said: “It’s a huge privilege for both Sportsfile and myself to be honoured on an international stage. This is the third time that we have been awarded for our work at the contest, and underlines the hard work and dedication of the Sportsfile team.”

Paul Dempsey chats to Mick Lynch of Castleknock GAA

Annalise Murphy’s Brian Murphy

brother, Finn

Bohs back depression awareness charity BOHEMIANS showed their support for the Lean on Me depression awareness last Monday night by wearing the Lean On Me logo on their jerseys in their Setanta Cup match against Portadown.

Bohemians are currently without a long-term shirt sponsor and are using the opportunity to promote the campaign, which is supported by Lundbeck and Aware.

The Professional Footballers’Association of Ireland (PFAI) and the

Dublin footballer Kevin Nolan with Lorna Atkinson, Paul Ryan

Ryan O’Dwyer

Fiona Waters and Hazel Nestor

Leeanne Royle with dad, David, and mum, Tina, with St Brigid’s Kevin Bonner, Alan Daly and Graham Norton

Kim and Mark Maguire

Irish Rugby Union Players’ Association (IRUPA) have also announced their partnership with the depression awareness campaign.

General secretary of the PFAI, Stephen McGuinness, said: “The PFAI have come on board with the Lean On Me campaign to try and encourage our members and the wider public, to open up and talk to someone if they think they might be struggling with symptoms of depression.”

For more information, log on to www.leanonme.net, or contact the Aware loCall helpline at 1800 303 302.

30 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 16 February 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

SOCCER: LEAGUE WIN, CUP REVERSE FOR UNDERAGE SIDES

Coolmine reach final of the Jim Byrne Cup COOLMINE RFC’s second XV secured a place in the Jim Byrne Cup last week with a decisive win over Skerries at Ashbrook.

Coolmine had a great start to the game scoring a try in the opening minutes with Michael Kilduff crossing the line to take the first score of the game.

This spurred Skerries to come back into the game with a series of penalties, and they crossed the line to take the lead 8-5 with half time approaching.

Coolmine picked up the pace and, when Skerries had a lineout just outside their own 22, the ball fell to John McCullough who side-stepped his marker to power home through the last line of defence to put Coolmine back in front at the break at 10-8.

Skerries opened the second half with a penalty, but that was their last visit to the scoreboard and Coolmine started to play to their potential and within minutes Fionn Lacey had crossed the line.

Coolmine were pressing on the Skerries line again and McCullough once again was on hand to offload to Dazz Kenna to score Coolmine’s third of the evening just right of the posts.

However, Coolmine were not finished and when Colin Durkin collected the ball just inside his own half he ran a diagonal line through the onrushing defence, beating the whole team to score what was the try of the match under the posts.

The conversion was successful to leave the final score at Coolmine 31 – 11 Skerries, and with the Ashbrook side facing a final tie against Guinness, who defeated Malahide in their semi-final encounter.

Meanwhile, Coolmine’s Under-13s had their last Leinster league game on Sunday against Bective at Asbrook last weekend.

Having already won the league, the game was predicted to be a walk in the park, but nerves got the better of Coolmine in the first 20 minutes.

Bective crossed the line almost from the kickoff, scoring what was only the fifth try Coolmine have conceded in the league this season.

It took Coolmine another 20 minutes to get back into the game, and at half time the score was 7-5 to Bective.

The second half was played mostly in Bective’s half, with Coolmine scoring three well-worked tries over the course of the half to leave the final score 22-7 to the home side.

Coolmine’s victory away to closest rivals Greystones last week secured the title.

One of Hugh Caffrey’s two goals for Castleknock Celtic’s win over Rush Athletic in the NDSL U-12s’ league game in Porterstown

Celtic suffer mixed fortunes sport@gazettegroup.com

LEAGUE and cup ties saw reversals of fortunes fo Castleknock Celtic l a s t we e ke n d w h e n their Under-18 Premier and DDSL Under-17 Premier League sides won and lost their ties respectively.

The Under-18s got back to winning ways in fine style with a 5–1 win over Dublin Bus on the new all-weather facilities for South Dublin Football League.

Dublin Bus started the brighter and would have taken the lead except for a superb save

by Patrick Dunne.

Celtic then upped the tempo with Tom Fogarty playing a pivotal role in central midfield.

T hey deser vedly took the lead when top scorer Luc Cautley fired home a magnificent shot from outside the area, which thundered off the underside on the bar and over the line. At this stage Luc Cautley was on fire, causing the Dublin Bus all sorts of problems, and it was no surprise when he was taken down for a penalty. Conor Byrne’s trusty lefty foot converted the spot kick.

Number three came before half time when

Eoghan Bradshaw blasted the ball home from close range after good work from Sean Conroy.

Castleknock took their foot off the gas in the second half and Dublin Bus scored 10 minutes, but Celtic got the insurance goal when Luke Lynch passed to Luc Cautley wide on the left. He waltzed past the two defenders to slot the ball into the bottom corner for a fine goal.

Meanwhile, in the Leinster Youths’ Cup, Celtic took on Stella Maris of the DDSL Premier League Under-17

in the fourth round of the LFA Youths Cup in Porterstown.

Celtic took an early l e a d t h r o u g h Ky l e Turner and the home side were looking good value for their lead.

They were pressing their Premier oppo nents and creating opportunities, and had one great opportunity to put daylight between the sides in the second half when Peter Objakebi broke free, but he was thwarted by Stella’s goalkeeper.

Stella became stronger as the game progressed, and when Celtic lost their dynamo

on the right hand side, David Beatty, in the second half, the visitors took charge.

They took their chances when they arose, with strikes from Ola Adeyamo, Brian McNamara, and former Castleknock Celtic player, Toyeeb Mustafa, who jinked beautifully in the box before shooting into the far corner, giving the other wise excellent Kevin McGovern no chance.

Celtic will have to bounce back next week in the league where they are chasing promotion to the top flight of the DDSL.

Phoenix rise to take Lucan FAI tie at last sport@gazettegroup.com

PHOENIX finally shook off the challenge of Lucan United, but were taken the distance by a side three tiers below them in the LSL register in their FAI Intermediate Cup fourth round replay.

Sean Gleeson proved the match winner when he struck in extra time to finally seal a date with Cork side, Everton, in the quarter-finals, edging a 3-2 classic.

As with the first tie a fortnight earlier, Lucan showed

they have the quality to compete with sides higher in the food chain, with Chris Dunn picking up the man-of-thematch award.

Indeed, it might have been even better for them when League of Ireland legend, Mark Rutherford, had a chance from the penalty spot and the score at 1-1.

But Rutherford was not able to repeat the trick from the initial date in Scribblestown when he earned his side the replay from the spot.

The clearance from that pen-

alty went straight up the pitch and ’Nix won a penalty of their own which Derek Swann duly converted.

It was Swann’s second of the day but Lucan fought back to force extra time when they nabbed a goal three minutes from the end of normal time.

But Gleeson got the vital strike with a speculative effort from 25 yards out which got the better of Conor Barco.

Lucan did not have the stamina to mount yet another comeback to continue their FAI Cup adventure.

16 February 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 31

in association with

HURLING: LOCAL PLAYERS PLAY PART IN SUCCESS .

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CASTLEKNOCK OUR clubhouse appeal has commenced. Please log onto the website for more info: castleknock. net/fundraising, or call Pearse 086 247 8961.

in Somerton from 10 to 11.30am.

The Tree Fundraiser has raised €4,540 so far.

We’re delighted because every cent will go to the clubhouse. We’ll

Basic Life Support and Defibrilla-

be printing name tags in the coming

tor training in February and March:

weeks and then planting the trees.

For more details, see website or

If you wish to get on the list, simply

contact Mags 086 257 7461.

download the form from the web-

Signs surrounding the main pitch in Somerton are now on sale. For

site and return to club shop or to your mentor!

more information on how to get

Lotto jackpot now at €8,000 with

your sign seen, contact Charlie

the next draw in O’Shea’s on Feb-

0851101008.

ruary 16.

Spring Series tickets are still

2012 registrations are now due

available from Lisa Kiernan on

and the deadline for payment is

086 102 2296; orders by text only

Friday, February 17. After that date

please.

players not registered cannot play

Our 2012 club calendar is now

or train as they are not insured.

available to purchase for only €5 in

Form can be downloaded from web-

the club shop, open every Saturday

site.

ST BRIGID’S Conor Corcoran, left, with the Kehoe Shield after Fingal’s success in the final. Picture: castleknock.net

Fingal bring Armaghgeddon to claim title KEHOE SHIELD FINAL Fingal Armagh

4-11 1-13

I sport@gazettegroup.com

CASTLEKNOCK man Conor Corcoran played his part as Fingal’s hurlers picked up their first piece of silverware when goals in either half from John Matthew Sheridan saw them stride to a confident victor y in Sunday’s Kehoe Shield final at Lawless Park.

They were joined in the starting line-up by St Brigid’s Mick Cussen as Armagh did their best to stay in touch through the dead-ball expertise of Declan Coulter, but, with Graham Dillon always a threat, Fingal had a 2-7 to 0-5 halftime lead.

In the closing stages, Fingallians’ man Peter Daly scored his team’s four th goal. Coulter scored a late penalty for Armagh, but it was merely a consolation.

Sheridan amassed a

brilliant return of 2-8 but was incredibly outscored by Coulter who ended with 1-13 with ten frees, a 65 and a sideline to go with that penalty.

T he side bounced back from an opening day defeat at the hands of an impressive DCU to pick off a couple of wins and the silverware, a decent start under the management of St Brigid’s man Willie Bourke.

P l u n ke t t ’s , m e a n while, will be cheering on local favourites Bernard and Alan Brogan as both were included in the Leinster panel for the Railway Cup semifinal against Munster on Sunday in Parnell Park at 2pm.They are among a group of ten in the 25-man squad.

Ladies on the march T he Dublin ladies continued their fine start to the season with a 0-10 to 0-7 win over Meath in the second

series of NFL division one games.

The win over Leinster rivals Meath in front of a large crowd in the impressive surroundings of Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA Club made it two wins from two on the road in 2012 for the Jackies.

Meath full forward Aoife Thompson got the opening score of the match with a fine strike from just outside 25 metres. Down at the other end of the field Dublin’s three-time All-Star Sinead Aherne was beginning to show her class in the forward line.

Aherne got the Jackies’ first score and soon followed up with a second, this time from a 20-metre free. The tie went back and forth with Katie O’Brien equalising but Boden’s Natalia Hyland and Niamh McEvoy came more into the game earning a couple of

frees that Aherne duly despatched.

It appeared to give Dublin the upper hand but Meath nipped back into the tie to make it 0-5 to 0-4 at half-time.

Dublin upped their game, though, in the second half, with the half-back line of Ailish McKenna, Sinead Finnegan and Fiona Hudson in full control of any threat that came their way.

This defensive edge, combined with the link role being displayed

by Dublin midfielder, Sinead Goldrick, helped Dublin spread the ball using the full width of the ground to their advantage.

Meath at this stage were relying on the free-taking skills of St Ultans star O’Brien as possession did not lead to many clear unpressurised shots, while Orlaith Egan’s point added insurance to the scoreline.

VOLUNTEERS are needed for work on our new gym.

Adult medal presentation night is this Saturday night. There will be a

Membership for 2012 is now due

sit down meal, entertainment and

and should be paid online or by using

a raffle. Tickets are €20 and can be

the traditional forms ASAP.

bought from team mentors.

U-21 hurlers had a great championship win over Thomas Davis. Final details TBC. The U-13 A and B, U-14A and U-15s

New times for juvenile handball are now on the website.

The club lotto is in Myo’s this Friday, with the jackpot still €15,000.

all had good league wins. The Inter

New players are always welcome,

1 and Inter 2 footballers both drew

please contact our club coach, Paul

their opening cup games.

on 0879154748, or email info@stbrig-

Well done to our Dublin ladies on their win over Meath.

idsgaa.com.

Finally, a special thanks to Drum-

Well done also to Tomas Leen,

lane GAA club in Cavan who hosted

Ciaran Flanagan and Donal Timoney,

our Inter footballers over the week-

who represented the Dublin hand-

end. A great weekend was had by

ballers over the weekend.

all.

GARDA/WESTMANSTOWN GOOD opening day for the club last

Kingswood at 2.30pm.

Sunday, with the Intermediates and

Training continues on Tuesday

the junior Bs both victorious in their

and Thursday in Westmanstown at

opening fixtures of the season.

7:30pm.

The Intermediates emerged with a

Ladies’ training continues at Park-

one-point win over Kilmacud Crokes

west on Monday, Lucan on Wednes-

in the Joy Cup at Westmanstown

day and Saturday morning in West-

and the Juniors beat Ballyboden St

manstown at 9am.

Enda’s in the Duffy Cup. The junior A game against Kilmacud was postponed.

Next Sunday sees all three teams in action, with the Intermediates

This weekend saw all of the juvenile teams kick off their season. Well done to the U-10s and U-14s beat Templeogue Synge St and St Maur’s respectively.

are away to St Brigid’s in the Joy

Westmanstown Gaels field teams

Cup at 12.30pm, the junior As are

from U-8 and U-9s in football and

home to Templeogue Synge St in the

hurling, while U-10s, U-12s and U-14s

Stacy Cup at 12.30pm and junior Bs

play football. Membership is open

play away to St Kevin’s Killians in

to all.

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ALL OF YOUR CASTLEKNOCK SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

FLYING FINGAL: Corcoran helps North Dublin region to maiden hurling trophy P31

YEAR IN REVIEW: Dublin celebrates its sporting heroes P28-29

GazetteSPORT

Castleknock produced a brilliant performance to get the better of St Mary’s in the first round of the competition before half-term

FEBRUARY 16, 2012

College ready for Clongowes date Castleknock have been drawn to face Leinster schools’ rugby giants in the second round of the Senior Cup castleknocksport@gazettegroup.com

CASTLEKNOCK College face a huge challenge next Tuesday when they take on Senior Cup champions of the past two years, Clongowes Wood, in the second round of schoolboy rugby’s showpiece event in Donnybrook.

It follows their superb victory over St Mary’s in the opening round of the competition as they proved too powerful for the Rathmines’ school with an 18-3 result.

It was a resounding result, capped by scrumhalf Darragh Henry’s brilliant late try as he spotted a gap from the back or a ruck just past halfway after a couple of fast phases of possession.

He zipped away from the cover defence for a vital try that killed off a competitive battle in Donnybrook. Earlier in the date, skipper Thomas Farrell was central to his side’s performance, bulldozing his way forward with a series of strong runs while his side’s ability to offload in the tackle kept them moving forward at pace.

Acting as a decoy in the centre his presence drew a string of defenders, allowing Michael Mellett to come in from the wing and rush on to Robert Troy’s slip-pass and get in under the posts.

Troy added the conversion before Conor Corcoran cleared the bar with a penalty to leave the scores 7-3 at the break.

But their defensive line was not to breached again in the second half while their lead was extended by a pair of Troy penalties to move out of range, and Henry’s superb try capped a fine day.

Next up, though, is an imposing challenge with Clongowes who had far too much in the tank for Belvedere in round one with a 43-10 victory, announcing themselves as the keepers of the throne they have held for the past two years.

Nonetheless, it offers Castleknock the chance of a major upset, one which could put them in a position to close in on a first Senior Cup title since 1965.

Indeed, one of the school’s alumni, Peter Reilly, helped cause a major surprise last week.

He played in Ireland’s U-20s brilliant 6 Nations win over France in Grenoble, winning 13-12 to make it two successive wins in the competition for Ireland, this one greeted by a cacophony of boos by the French crowd as they had a lastminute try ruled out.

Reilly’s schoolmate Ross Jones was also part of the side that beat Wales a week earlier.

At Junior level, Castleknock were hit late on by St Michael’s with a pair of tries from back-rowers Gavin Croke and James Ryan to take a 28-10 win, a slightly one-sided final reflection on what was a tie tussle throughout.

Just three points separated the sides at the break as a late try from right wing Jack O’Hagan was converted by full back Marc Boucher.

Just one score remained the difference until Croke wriggled into the right corner while Ryan poured salt into the wound with a try, running in from halfway.