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INSIDE: Elegant fashions at a fundraising show for Ethiopia Pages 8-9

April 19, 2012

OPINION: Why Ireland should ratify the Fiscal Compact Treaty See Page 6

Lacing to help: Launching a Funky campaign Hurling: St Brigid’s take bragging rights in derby tie Page 31

Soccer: Castleknock Celtic progress in Top Flight Cup Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ..................... 2 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ........................21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

CASTLEKNOCK’S Jason Sherlock was joined by rugby legend Malcolm O’Kelly to help launch the Funky Feet Friday fundraising campaign, in aid of Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital.

The two sports figures laced up to help out with the campaign, joining with lots of other sports stars and familiar faces to help the hospital raise funds for the repayments of its 3T MRI machine. The nationwide Funky Feet campaign asks people to buy, or wear, multicoloured shoelaces for €2 on the day, Friday, May 11.

FCC pays out €4m for public liabilities Council’s claims cost for past three years is revealed

I LAURA WEBB

PUBLIC liability claims have cost Fingal County Council more than €4 million in the past three years, new figures have revealed.

In a report to councillors, the local authority has paid out €4,329,500 in compensation

claims between 2009 to 2011.

It was revealed that, in 2009, the council had its highest payout in the three years, with claims costing €1,917,300. The lowest payout was in 2010, when claims cost the council €836,000.

However, last year, the council paid out €1,576,200

in public liability claims.

The claims arose in relation to fallen trees, footpaths, roads, manholes, social housing, parks and open spaces, environment (including burial grounds), flooding and others not specified in the report.

Full Story on Page 3

2 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 19 April 2012

OPW: PLAN TO CLOSE CHESTERFIELD AVENUE

SPORT Local schools enjoy a Skills’ Challenge event

Cllr blasts Park road proposals I LAURA WEBB

PROPOSALS by the OPW to close a section of the main route road through the Phoenix Park to traffic at weekends would mean the recent upgrading work on the road was a “waste of public money”.

That’s according to Fianna Fail councillor David McGuinness, who believes the proposal to close the section of Chesterfield Avenue at the weekend will also seriously affect local businesses.

During the Easter bank holiday weekend, the OPW closed a section of Chesterfield Avenue, between the Phoenix roundabout and the Mountjoy roundabout, to accommodate an outdoor event. This closure was the first week of the OPW’s pilot pedestrian-only area which is to last for the spring/summer period.

Speaking to the Gazette this week, councillor McGuinness said: “The OPW reported that this stretch of road took five months to repair while they said it would only take three - and then bizarrely blamed bad weather. This was during the mildest winter spells in recent years.

They can hardly impact business and community life in Dublin 15 for half a year and then try to make local residents swallow this latest proposal. Not to mention that these works would be nothing short of a scandalous waste of public money.”

According to a spokesperson for the OPW, the closure from 10pm on Friday to 10pm on Sunday will “facilitate greater public recreational use of this area and allow pedestrians to cross Chesterfield Avenue safely and utilise the amenities on both sides of the Park”.

“The specific objectives and actions relating to the restriction of unnecessary and/or through traffic at weekends are recommendations within the Phoenix Park Conservation Management Plan 2011.”

Adding: “The benefits or impact to the public will be closely monitored and in order to minimise disturbance to commuters.”

Cllr McGuinness went on to say: “Whether the OPW like it or not, Chesterfield Avenue is a major access route to city centre - seven days a week - particularly for residents of Castleknock and Carpenterstown. In addition, the closure at weekends will invariably mean that business in Castleknock village, particularly the food and drink establishments, as well as opticians, boutiques and others will be seriously affected.

“It’s time for the OPW, and Minister Hayes, to see sense. Their undesired, misguided, policy for the Phoenix Park will be fought. MinisterVaradkar, in opposition, was hugely critical of any works in the Phoenix Park. In Government, his silence is worrying,” he said.

St Patrick’s NS principal Padraig Clerkin, Ger Haskin, AIB Blanchardstown, Colm Cooper and St Francis Xavier principal TP Parker.

Pictures: Ania Sherlock

Top tips from class act Cooper T IR Na nOg park was the venue for a special Skills’ Challenge event which saw pupils from St Patrick’s NS and St Francis Xavier NS compete in some friendly games. Kerry Gaelic football player Colm Cooper, was in attendance to support the chil-

dren and pass on a few hints and tips, to the delight of all who attended. The emphasis on the day was firmly on fun and it certainly was enjoyed by both sets of pupils, as well as showing support for local clubs and communities.

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Fifth and Sixth class pupils were invited to the Skills’ Challenge morning with Colm Cooper passing on some great tips

19 April 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3

LAUNCH Toddle and Learn Roadshow

Expert nutrition advice for toddlers COW & Gate is set to launch its Toddle and Learn Roadshow in Dublin 15 this weekend, where experts dish out nutrition advice for the little ones.

This Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21, the roadshow will be at Blanchardstown Centre all day at the Upper level between H&M and Fields.

The aim of the road-

show is to educate parents on the importance of toddler nutrition and provide expertise and advice on it. Parents of toddlers can talk to Cow & Gate expert nutritionists about their toddler’s diet and eating habits.

While parents seek advice, the little toddlers will be entertained with interactive, fun and edu-

cational activities.

Cow and Gate’s Jaime O’Shea said: “We’re delighted to launch the roadshow. The toddler years are a time of such quick and frequent change and it is important that parents ask questions around the health and nutrition of their toddlers in order to establish healthy life-long diet hab-

its. This can be a difficult stage for some and it is important to ensure toddlers are getting adequate nutrition.

“The free-of-charge roadshows will be lots of fun with an interactive and educational focus for both parents and toddlers.

If you’d like more information on the events, visit www.feedingforlife.ie”

Between the years 2009 to 2011, €4,329,500 has been paid out in compensation claims

REPORT: COMPENSATION FOR THREE-YEAR PERIOD

FCC paid over €4m in public liabilities I LAURA WEBB

FINGAL County Council has paid out over €4 million in public liability claims during a threeyear period, a report has revealed.

Between the years 2009 to 2011, €4,329,500 has been paid out in compensation claims. The cause of claims includes fallen trees, footpaths, roads, manholes, social housing, parks and open spaces, environment (including burial grounds), flooding and others not specified in the report.

In 2009, it was revealed that the council paid out €1,917,300 in public liability claims

for the year, the highest pay-out during the three-year period. The lowest pay-out over the three years was in 2010 when the council reported a pay-out of €836,000. However, the lower rate of payouts did not last long, with figures revealing that last year – 2011 the council had to hand over €1,576,200.

Broken down into the causes of public liability claims in 2009, roads came in as the highest area of payouts with €701,200. This reduced in 2010 to €130,500 and rose again in 2011 to €270,300 Last year, the council had to pay out €697,600 because of footpaths.

This figure is the highest for this cause over the last three years. In 2010, the council paid out €314,400 for this, while in 2009 it was reported to be €540,400.

Flooding was another big payout in 2009 with €341,600 being claimed.

The following year it was just €46,500 but bad weather in 2011 brought it up again to €140,500.

T h e l owe s t cl a i m consistently over the three years was for fallen trees. In 2009, the council paid out €4,000, but this rose to €27,000 in 2010 and went down again in 2011 to €24,000.

Manholes were responsible for the council paying out €158,700 last year,

€107,200 in 2010 and in 2009 €144,500 was claimed.

Social housing claims have gone down since 2009. That year FCC paid out €53,200 and a further €54,400 in 2010.

This went down last year with the council paying out €43,700.

Public liability claims in the category, Environment, which includes burial grounds, h a s r i s e n ove r t h e three years. In 2009, it amounted to €48,200 in claims that year, rising to €68,700 in 2010 and to €70,300 in 2011.

O t h e r cl a i m s n o t specified amounted to €8,700 in 2009, €23,300 in 2010 and in 2011 to €120,700.

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4 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 19 April 2012

RETAIL: EXPANSION

Clonsilla Blinds’ new Navan store CLONSILLA Blinds has extended the family-run business with the opening of a new showroom in Navan.

Located at the roundabout on Cannon Row in Navan, the new showroom brings with it all the top-quality fabrics, styles and price tags that Dublin 15 locals have encountered at the showroom in Clonsilla. Each blind is tailored and made to measure for each customer, suiting individual needs.

Accordingly, 90% of their products are crafted in a local manufacturing plant in Ballycoolin.

Clonsilla Blinds is the largest supplier of window dressing in the greater Dublin area. It’s a fully-Irish-based company employing local people in their organisation.

T he show room in Navan is open from Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm and Saturday, 10am till 5pm, call 046 9029002 to chat to the team.

Clonsilla Blinds, Dublin 15, is located at Unit 9, Coolmine Industrial Estate; Clonsilla Rd. Phone: 01 824 3613.

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FCC Emergency works are to be main priority of budget

Over €140k set aside for roads upkeep OVER €140,000 has been set aside by Fingal County Council for the maintenance and upkeep of the national road network across the county.

In a report to local councillors, a council spokesperson broke down where the council will be spending its budget allocation of €145,119 received by the National Roads Authority for the

national road network in the area.

The highest portion, set at €67,626, is for emergency works. Work on safety barriers and fences have a budget of €55,784. Verge/ median maintenance is allocated €8,899, while minor pavement maintenance has been allocated €4,086. Road sweeping and litter removal is given a budget of €4,724.

The report came after a question from councillor Anthony Lavin (FG), asking FCC management to initiate a programme of litter-picking along the main motorway and approach roads in Fingal.

Responding to the question, the spokesperson for FCC said the effect of the budget allocation is that the council is in a

position to carry out one litter-picking and grasscutting operation during 2012 on the national road network, adding the most significant cost relates to health and safety.

“As the work is being carried out on high-speed roads, the safety of council staff and other road users is paramount. Crash cushions will be required to ensure the safety of

crews, in addition to which Garda vehicles may be required to ensure effective speed controls are in place as the work is carried out.”

The council spokesperson went on to say that work is also at an advanced stage in preparation for a litter-removal programme on the onoff ramps at a number of high-profile locations on

the national road network.

“Again, as this work is being carried out on highspeed roads, a detailed risk assessment and Safe System of Works Plan (SSWP) is required for each of the locations chosen. It is hoped to sign off on the risk assessment in the coming week and commence the work in the middle of April.”

HSE: FEES BROUGHT IN €4 MILLION FOR THE HOSPITAL LAST YEAR

Call made to scrap parking fees at Connolly Hospital I LAURA WEBB castleknock@gazettegroup.com

A CALL has been made for the HSE to scrap parking fees at Connolly Hospital, which brought in €4 million for the hospital last year.

Dublin West Sinn Fein representative, Paul Donnelly, is calling on the HSE to remove all parking fees within Connolly.

According to Donnelly, almost €4 million was collected from parking fees paid by patients and visitors in 2011.

“I find it shocking to see how much money is being extorted by the HSE through this parking charge from patients and visitors to friends and relatives of sick people. I spent some time in Accident and Emergency recently and it was a common complaint from people waiting that the last thing they wished to be concerned about was being clamped,” he said.

The Sinn Fein repre-

sentative wants the parking charge to be scrapped “immediately”.

“People do not make a choice to attend hospital; they either must attend as an emergency patient, an outpatient or visiting a relative of a patient attending the hospital. They are then subject to a parking charge or, failing that, their car is clamped, as happened to over 700 cars last year. This is upsetting and unnecessary.

“T he health ser vice must be properly resourced for the benefit of the people and this is not an appropriate way to fund hospital services, one simple measure would be a 48% tax band for those earning over €100k that would raise over €420m,” he said.

In response to the Sinn Fein representative, a spokesperson for Connolly Hospital said: “Paid car parking was introduced in Connolly Hospital on November 1, 2009, after several months of con-

Connolly Hospital

sultation and research by a Hospital Car Parking Working Group.

“A car park management company are contracted to enforce the hospital parking regulations. They have a clamping appeal procedure in place whereby the clamping can be appealed firstly to an appeals officer in that company and to an independent appeal officer. The hospital does

not have any role in the clamping or returning release fees. Assistance is given to patients who are unable to attend to their vehicles while undergoing treatment to ensure they are not charged further periods of parking.

“A pay-by-phone system is operated by the private company and allows drivers to pay or extend their parking by credit/debit card via

mobile phone. The calls are charged at local call rate,” the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile, a protest took place outside Connolly Hospital on Friday, April 13 to mark the closure of the 31-bed ward at the hospital. Paul Donnelly led the protest for one hour to mark, what he called, the “shameful shutting down of the ward” that will put the

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hospital staff and patients under more pressure.

Speaking in advance of the protest, Donnelly said: “The closure this week of the ward is another serious blow to health service provision in Dublin West. I am calling for the full restoration of services cut over the past year and the implementation of a universal health care system that puts people first.”

19 April 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 5

SPORT Phoenix

Park hosts SPAR Great Ireland Run 2012

Dundrum woman Linda Byrne, after winning the AAI Women’s National 10km Championships

Mark Kenneally, Six-year-old Aoibhinn Dunne shows her two-year-old sister, Orlaigh, and Fiona Murphy how to run in style

Best feet forward to have a great day UNNERS from all across the city and county of Dublin – and from much further afield – took part in the SPAR Great Ireland Run 2012 at the Phoenix Park last weekend, which saw an estimated 10,500 runners of all ages and abilities set forth on the run.

While some athletes used their impressive

R

skills to compete for the best times, for most participants, the event was a fun event indeed, as all kinds of colourful characters joined parents, children, fundraisers and walkers to complete their chosen routes, with the mild weather helping everyone to stay one step ahead of any tiredness they may have felt.

after winning the AAI Men’s National 10km Championships

Joesph Sexton makes like a banana and splits

Former Dublin footballer, John O’Leary, and Leinster rugby star, Eoin O’Malley, lend their support to Emilian Kiba and Edelle Monahan (both in orange) of the Jack & Jill Foundation

Max O’Neill

6 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 19 April 2012

TREATY

Minister Joan Burton gives us her view

Why I will be voting Yes on the Fiscal Compact JOAN BURTON, Minister for Social Protection and newly-appointed Director of Elections for the Yes campaign, tells us why Ireland should ratify the Fiscal Compact Treaty and why it works for us WHEN I speak to big multinational employers, many in Blanchardstown in my own constituency, they tell me that one reason they continue to locate in Ireland is because they believe the country is committed to the European Union.

We have punched well above our weight when it comes to attracting foreign direct investment here.

One of the reasons companies like PayPal, Google and Facebook come here is because they see Ireland as a committed member of the eurozone.

I believe that voting Yes in the referendum will show that Ireland is willing to play its part in building a more financially stable European Union.

Stabilising Voting Yes will help stabilise the euro and boost investor confidence in Ireland.

To vote No would bewilder American and other foreign companies that are planning their European investments.

It could threaten the hard-won business opportunities we are

building in China and elsewhere.

There is a big advant a g e o f s t ay i n g t h e course with Europe.

For starters, collective action to boost growth and investment offers a much better prospect to restore the health of national budgets than sole reliance on austerity.

Our previous experience of such joint European action through the Regional and Social funds was entirely positive.

Our roads and colleges are the legacy of those funds that we continue to enjoy today.

Ireland is not alone in its current troubles.

Bank debts and unemployment haunt many European economies.

Inside the tent There is more to be done to help beleaguered countries.

I believe we are far better off making that case along with likeminded Governments inside the European tent than being a lone voice outside.

T h i s G ove r n m e n t has put painstaking effort into rebuilding Ireland’s reputational capital in Europe, in the

USA and the emerging global powerhouse that is China.

There are some indications that this effort is bearing fruit, notably in the confirmation by leading international companies that Ireland continues to be as much a magnet for inward investment as it was a decade ago.

A N o vo t e wo u l d upend that process.

Countries don’t have friends, they have interests.

That is particularly true of a small country that has successfully chosen to base its development and prosperity on being a trading nation.

It is in our interest It is in our interest to be inside every European Council, committed to national budget discipline as one significant – but far from exclusive – part of a strategy to promote growth and job security in every corner of Europe.

It is entirely contrary to our interests to take a reckless gamble now that would leave Ireland isolated, perplex our friends and exasperate those who are currently funding our State till we

Joan Burton: “Voting Yes will show Ireland is willing to play its part in building a more financially stable Europe.”

restore our capacity to do so ourselves.

Plugging the gap We a r e c u r r e n t l y borrowing €50 million a day to plug the gap between what we raise in taxes and what we spend.

There is no escape,

one way or the other, from fiscal restraint in our present situation.

To pretend otherwise is dishonest.

Voting Yes gives Ireland an insurance policy in terms of access to a special European assistance fund if needed.

A No vote may give the appearance of independence.

But it could require Ireland to negotiate emergency funds that might have tougher conditions attached.

It will be up to every voter, every family and ever y community to

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consider very carefully how they cast their vote in the referendum on 31 May. For the reasons I have explained, I will be voting Yes.

Joan Burton TD Minister for Social Protection

LOCAL

MATTERS

19 April 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 7

EVENT Dublin Rose 2012 at the Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown

Applications are now open for this year’s Dublin Rose. Pictures: Ian Fleming

Search gets under way

HE search for the Dublin Rose and Rose Buds is now on, and this year organisers have changed the format for choosing the capital’s rose by dedicating a three-day festival to finding someone to represent their county at the Rose of Tralee later this year.

Applications are now open and everyone who applies will be featured in the three-day festival in May. Girls aged 6-12 years can also experience the festival by becoming a Rose Bud. As part of the selection process, the Gazette is running a colouring competition in association with Dublin Rose. For further information on Dublin Rose log onto www.roseoftralee.ie/centres and click Dublin, or find Dublin Rose on facebook for dates of information evenings.

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Dublin Rose, Siobheal Nic Eochaidh, with Rose Bud, Ava Duignan

8 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 19 April 2012

EVENT At a fashion show and wine reception in aid of the

Helping a worthy cause

HERE were plenty of the latest trends on show for followers of fashion to enjoy at the recent Fashion Show organised by Castleknock College. The event was held in the beautiful surroundings of Luttrellstown Golf Club and the money was raised in aid of the Vincentian Immersion Project in Ethiopia.

This was a very worthy cause and a great opportunity to meet up with friends and have a very enjoyable evening. The host for the evening was past pupil and Dragon’s Den mogul, Bobby Kerr.

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Michel Brannigan, Pauline Greville, Catherine Salmon. Pictures: Ian Fleming

Grainne Hawkes and Eimear Keane

The event featured the latest trends available in shops

19 April 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 9

Vincentian Immersion Project in Ethiopia

Trish, Pat, Joanna and Angela Malone

Fr John Kelleher, Bobby Kerr and Grainne McConville

Laura Donnell and Margo Murphy

Monica McGinn and Sharon Mohan, Shamon Boutique

Thresa Hawkes and Noreen Keane

Rosemarie Stafford, Louise Casey, Eilish Stafford, Phil Bergin and Paula Downey

Modelling some stylish fashions

10 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 19 April 2012

EVENT Students present art piece to St Francis Hospice

Ann Farren, Danielle Palmer, Kim Ward, Sophie Boucher and Sarah Baird

Magerate Cashman, director of nursing Steven Dredge, Joan Cullen, Pamela Cullen, Threasa Garty, Melissa Finnegan and Fiona Buggy.

Pictures: Ian Fleming

The picture of happiness RANSITION Year students in Mount Sackville recently handed over a piece of art that will hang in St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown. The school is following on from an initiative from St Mochta’s NS, who themselves presented the hos-

T

pice with a piece of art that will hang on the walls of the centre.

Dee Kinane, of St Francis Hospice, said that the art works “are great story pieces to have hanging on the walls” and that the work had been warmly received.

Students present Art to St Francis Hospice, Sarah Baird, Sophie Boucher, Sarah Cashin, Meg Elwood, Deirdre Fallon, Sabrina Gavin, Clodagh Kiernan, Sadhbh Kenny, Clodagh Knight, Ellen McDermott, Kiva Mc Namara, Lisa Moynihan, Danielle Palmer, Aoife Prendiville, Rebecca Sweeney, Sarah Towers, Kim Ward, Laura O’Grady, and Eimear O’Donovan Ryan

Art teacher, Mrs Brady

19 April 2012 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 19 April 2012

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Time to get on your bike Taoiseach Taoiseach Enda Kenny with former Irish Rugby international Mick Galway, Michael Dawson from One4all, founder of the Soul of Haiti Foundation and TV3 presenter Aidan Cooney, help kick start Haiti Week 2012

Gearing up to go in Cycle4Haiti CALLING all cycling enthusiasts.

Make 2012 the year you give something back by taking part in the Cycle4haiti challenge this May. There are just three weeks left until the third annual Cycle4haiti charity which aims to raise €300,000 for the Soul of Haiti Foundation.

The cycle will take place during the May bank holiday weekend, beginning on Saturday, May 5 at three locations – Dublin, Sligo and Tipperary.

All three will then meet at Athlone for an overnight rest to start again on Sunday, May 6 for further 85kms to finish line in Eyre Square, Galway.

Anyone interested in taking part from Dublin still has time to register at www.cycle4haiti.com, and there is also information on training events across Ireland in the run-up to the cycle.

Some of the large number of teams taking part from Dublin include Rowdy Riders, MRFC, Topbuzzers, Team Smiles, Global Diagnostics, Kellogg’s, TBA, Team Slattery and The Cyclepaths.

DIARY ROG meets dog, asks you to get involved IRISH rugby legend Ronan O’Gara was on hand with TV star Sinead Desmond to launch the Pedigree Adoption Drive, which will run through to May 31.

Recent statistics released by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, have shown that 1,058 dogs were abandoned in Dublin City in 2010 with 79% of these dogs finding new homes.

This is a slight drop on the previous year’s figure when 80% of abandoned dogs were re-homed.

On a national level, statistics have shown that, on average, 44 dogs are abandoned and a further 10 dogs are put to sleep every day in Ireland.

In order to help curb these shocking figures, Pedigree has once again launched the Pedigree Adoption Drive.

Now in its fifth year, the Pedigree

Adoption Drive continues to raise awareness of animal welfare.

To find out more on dog adoption, from how the adoption process works, from training to everyday care, visit www.Facebook.com/ PedigreeIreland

Joining Jamie to run 10k for Calcutta’s poor THE 2012 Calcutta Run was launched by Irish rugby star, Jamie Heaslip in Dublin last week.

The run is being held once more to raise money for the homeless in Dublin and Calcutta.

The 10 km route is from Blackhall Place, through the Phoenix Park and back to the start.

There will be a great post-race party and barbecue waiting for all of the participants at the finish line.

Now in its 14th year, the popular fun run has raised more than €2 million for the Peter McVerry Trust and GOAL since 1999.

The 2012 Calcutta Run will take place on Saturday, May 26. People can register at www.calcuttarun. com.

19 April 2012 GAZETTE 13

EVENT

A breathtaking display of piano music

Petmania reminds sponsors

Tinkling the ivory in this jubilee event I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

THE 25th anniversary of the Dublin International Piano Competition takes place in May. The prestigious competition is a member of the World Federation of International Music Competitions and is ranked in the top five piano competitions in the world.

This year, 60 pianists from four continents, all under the age of 30, will compete in Dublin from May 4 to May 15 for the acclaimed title and generous monetary prize.

Artistic Director and co-founder John O’Conor said, “We have received tremendous suppor t since the foundation and the 25th Dublin International Piano Competition

promises to be our most exciting to date.”

The competition has been running since 1987 and takes place in Dublin every three years.

To date there have been eight competitions.

The first two preliminary stages of the four stage competition is open to the public and will be held in The Royal Dublin Society, from Friday May 4 to Thursday May 10.

The National Concert Hall will host the semifinal and final, both of which will be recorded

by Radio Telefis Eireann and offered to the European Broadcasting Union for transmission throughout Europe.

This event is esteemed throughout the world and attracts enormous attention.

CHARITY

Some of the contestants in this year’s Dublin International Piano Competition

The semi-finals will take place on Saturday, May 12, and Sunday, May 13, in the National Concert Hall.

All twelve semi-finalists must perform one of the five specially commissioned Irish pieces of music for this year’s competition.

After this, four finalists will compete for the title in the final concerto performances taking place on Tuesday, May 15, with the RTE National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland under the baton of James Cavanagh.

Steinway and Sons are providing all of the pianos for the 2012 com-

petition and, over the 12 days of the competition, 60 hours of music will be performed in total.

The competition affords young pianists the opportunity to compete at an elite level. In addition, it offers Irish contestants an opportunity to hold their own on home ground.

T he competition’s first phase will go on for four days after which 24 competitors will be selected to go forward to the second stage of 40-minute recitals over two days.

The Dublin International Piano Competition is adjudicated by

illustrious international members of the music profession, chaired by John O’Conor.

The winner of this year’s competition will be offered a number of international engagements, including debut recitals at Carnegie Hall in New York, the Wigmore Hall in London and other prestigious venues around the world.

To find out more information about the event and for ticket details, you can go online at www.dipc.ie.

Tickets for the RDS rounds are €5 per session, or €12 per day.

They are available at the box office in the RDS Concert Hall on the day before each event.

Tickets for the semifinals in the National Concert Hall cost €10 per session, or €30 for all four.

Choir Balcony tickets are €7 per session and are available online at w w w.nch.ie or at the NCH Box Office 01-4170000.

Tickets for the finals in the National Concert Hall are €45 and Choir Balcony tickets cost €20.

All are available from the National Concert Hall Box Office.

MANY people and dogs braved the harsh weather on Easter Monday to take part in the Petmania National Dog Walk 2012.

Wa l ke r s a r e n ow reminded to return their sponsorship cards before Sunday April 22 to claim their walker rewards.

For those that registered to take part, but who were unable to make it on account of the weather, Petmania are urging them to take their four-legged friend on a 5KM walk over the next few days and collect the sponsorship, which could get walkers a number of rewards.

Walkers can collect a €10 Petmania Store voucher if they reach €50, while getting to €120 will get 10% off Allianz Pet Insurance, €200 will get a free bag of breed specific 12-15kg Royal Canine Dog Food, €400 will get a €40 voucher for Petmania Grooming Studios and €800 will get a fabulous break for two adults and one dog at Harvey’s Point Hotel in Donegal. This break includes two nights B&B plus one evening meal, and is worth €400.

Sponsorship cards can be returned to any local Petmania store, or online by debit or credit card at www.petmania.ie

14 GAZETTE 19 April 2012

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN YOUR CHILD ASKS FOR A HORSE

Horseplay can cost, so beware o your little darling thinks it would be “fun” to saddle up and ride her own pony. Ah, bless. I mean, you’ve scrimped and scraped your few euro together, sacrificed your monthly manicure and sent her to horse-riding lessons every Sunday morning for the past six months.

But it’s backfired. Now she’s begging you until y o u ’r e a t b r e a k i n g point. What’s a hassled mam to do?

S

Should you buy her a pony, I mean; it’s nice for her to have an interest in animals. Right?

To be honest, as a mam I would want to make sure my child had a “passion” for horses, rather than just an “interest”.

Yo u s e e , h av i n g raised two children to

adulthood, I know that an “interest” is nearly always just a passing phase, that will fizzle out and become so last year; kinda like that whole major Blondie look you had going on when you were 14. (Or was that just me?).

So mammie dearest, before you take your daughter horse shopping next Saturday, keep the following guidelines in mind.

Riding lessons for at least six months to a year.

This will give your daughter the opportunity to learn from a professional who will be familiar with her abilities and who can be available in case she requires help. It will also give her an insight into grooming, handling, safety, etc., as well as the obvious, riding.

What type of horse does she want? Can you afford it?

A mare or a gelding should only be considered. A stallion will be far too difficult for her to handle and can prove dangerous.

Remember there is no such thing as a bad horse and all horses need training; patience and quality time is the key. Personality is impor tant. Ask your daughter to have her instructor give her a selection of horses to ride over the course of her lessons, and have her list the things she likes/dislikes about individual ones.

Does she like the quiet, laid back animal or does she feel the need for something a tad feistier? Would a pony be better suited to her needs?

Horses can cost and be time-consuming, so weigh up the pros and cons before buying

What type of riding is your child interested in?

Competitive show jumping? Trail riding?

Does she just want a companion animal?

Where will she keep her horse?

Do you have a boarding stable on your land? If not, is there one locally?

Can you afford the rent?

Remember mam, if W W 111 b r e a k s o u t ever y time you ask your daughter to clean her bedroom or do her homework; is she really likely to give a commitment to this horse?

She’ll need to give the animal two hours a day, five days a week – minimum. Half an hour to groom and tack up, at least one hour to ride (remember a happy, healthy horse is the one that is ridden at least five times a week), another half an hour to cool him down and settle him back into his stable.

Monthly Budget?

Boarding! Do you have a stable at home?

Do you need to rent stables? There will be a cost for feed, hay, stall bedding, etc.

What happens if your horse becomes ill? You’ll need to have

access to an equine vet.

They cost money. You’ll have recurring expenses like a farrier, vaccinations, worming, tack and other supplies such as grooming brushes, first-aid kit, a good quality shampoo, etc.

Worst Case Scenario?

When you take ownership of a horse, or any animal, you give an undertaking to care for him for the entire duration of his lifetime. However, what if something happens to your daughter and she can no longer ride her horse; or you lose your job and can no longer afford his upkeep.

You can’t just abandon him and hope for the best. Abandonment is cruel and punishable by prosecution.

Horses can live until they are 30 years old so, in the event you can no longer take care of him, it’s your responsibility to find him a new home in an environment best suited to his needs, with an owner you can trust implicitly.

Remember, finding that special new owner can take time and lots of research.

For more information, contact your local equine vet or log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie

19 April 2012 GAZETTE 15

CHARITY Enable Ireland and TK Maxx join forces to raise €250,000 for charity

Slim down your bulging wardrobes I LAURA WEBB

SLIM down bulging wardrobes while helping a good cause, as Enable Ireland and TK Maxx join forces to raise a quarter of a million euro for charity this month.

Give Up Clothes for Good, is Ireland’s largest charity drive, which aims to raise €250,000 throughout April. Dubliners are being asked to drop their unwanted quality clothing, accessories and household items to any TK Maxx store. Donations received throughout the month of April will go on to be sold in Enable Ireland shops to raise funds for vital services for children with disabilities across the country.

A recent survey carried out by TK Maxx

revealed over half of Dublin shoppers have clothes, shoes and accessories in their wardrobes that they have not worn in over a year.

This revelation exposes city slickers to have the highest quota of unworn cloths in Ireland. Dubliners were also exposed to be the worst impulse buyers in the country, with a third of residents admitting to splurging on a whim.

T he research was conducted in support of the Enable Ireland/TK Maxx initiative, Give Up Clothes for Good.

The survey, which was carried out by Amarach Research, found that over 40% of Irish adults experience buyers’ remorse. It also showed 20% of Irish women have more than six pairs

of trousers and of shoes that they have not worn in over a year. This suggests there are many top-quality items perfect for the cause. Each bag filled with clothes could potentially raise up to €30 for Enable Ireland, so every donation makes a difference.

Fionnuala O’Donovan from Enable Ireland commented: “We are delighted to be working in conjunction with our partner TK Maxx on Give Up Clothes for Good this year.

“We are confident that the Irish public will really get behind the campaign with their generous donations of clothes and homeware.

“We urge the Irish public to clear out their wardrobes and cupboards and part with

items that they may not have worn or used for a time.

“We will put your gifts and donations to good use in the Enable Ireland shops to support our work for children with disabilities and their families.”

Founded in 1948, Enable Ireland provides services for 3,541 children and 219 adults. The charity also supports people with disabilities and their families in 15 counties.

TK Maxx is Enable Ireland’s biggest retail partner. Since the partnership began back in 1997, the retail giant has raised over €900,000 for Enable Ireland.

Give Up Clothes for Good donation bags are available in all TK Maxx stores but any bag can

Pictured are Chloe Monaghan, aged 6, with RTE 2 Children’s presenter, Diana Bunici, at the launch of Give Up Clothes for Good

be used, from supersize carrier bags to bin bags.

For the nearest store, or to find out more, visit www.tkmaxx.ie Enable Ireland cannot accept any electrical

goods, furniture or any items that are broken or require repair due to health and safety regulations.

There is an added incentive to this year’s

initiative, as those doing their bit by bringing in a donation will be given a chance to enter a draw to win €1,000 TK Maxx gift card via www. tkmaxx.ie

16 GAZETTE 19 April 2012

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY Discover a delicious new scent for summer with Emporio Armani TAKE in summer’s scent through an explosion of fresh smells with Emporio Armani’s new fragrance, Diamonds Summer for women.

The spring/summer season is when great smells come to life, from flowers to newly cut grass. It’s also the time when people find their own signature smell by choosing the right fragrance. One fragrance for Gazette Beauty this season is Emporio Armani’s Diamonds Summer for women. The fragrance is a musky, floral scent that gives a sense of freshness to the air.

Hints of raspberry and green apple sorbet turn it into something that is good enough to eat.

What’s even better about this fragrance is that it is also available for men – Diamonds Summer for Men. This scent awakens the senses with its crisp, fresh mint and iced lemon aroma.

Each Emporio Armani Diamonds Summer is enclosed in a special limited edition bottle which sparkles – exquisitely faceted to assert the audacity of a true summer scent, loud and full of delight, and Emporio Armani Diamonds Summer for Men comes encased in a bottle inspired by ice sculptures radiating light and a sparkling energy.

Falling in love with Vernis in Love’s bright, block colours GAZETTE Beauty has never been one to shy away from a manicure, or let nails go unnoticed, so when we saw Lancome’s new range of striking nail colours we knew we had to put our hands up and take notice.

Bright block colours are the way forward this summer, so why not accentuate that fact with even bolder nails.

Lancome’s new Vernis in Love range claims to reinvent nail polish application by making it simpler, faster and more stunning than ever. The collection takes chic neutral colours and combines them with captivating brights – just like our summer wardrobe.

Innovative

Its innovative patented brush, a grooved stem, allows the nail polish to flow directly to the centre of the brush.

The round base and flat bristles allows the nail contour to be perfectly followed and a uniform coat of varnish to be applied in just a single stroke. The fluid texture creates a smooth, streakfree finish and a flawless film of colour.

“The bottle is a fantastic shape and size, which fits perfectly into the palm of your hand.

The stem of the brush is the right length, which allows you enough time to place the brush into the bottle pick up your polish and apply it to the nail plate without it running down the stem causing drips and flooding the nail plate,” said Glenis Baptiste, celebrity manicurist.

The collection is

Love Rose Manicure

availabel in 20 stunning shades and has been divided into three colour universes to suit three different moments of the day.

JOLIS MATIN: All the beauty of an awakening dawn in Paris is captured in fresh and featherlight shades for luminous, natural colour.

B OU D OI R T I M E : Deep, vibrant and euphoric shades, perfect for early evening cocktails with friends.

TONIGHT IS MY NIGHT: A Parisian night, infused with promise, is mirrored by intense and magnetic shades.

Here are two stunning coloured manicures by Lancome to try at home: French Rose Manicure

1. Apply a drop of the darker Bleu de Flore

French Rose Manicure

polish to the base of the nail. Paint a neat crescent, paying particular attention to the outer borders, as if “framing” them with a rose petal.

The brush should be held at an almost vertical angle.

2. You now need to perfect the inner and outer borders using the branchwood stick wrapped in cotton wool.

3. Next, apply Rose Boudoir to the centre of the nail to create a colour contrast, using the flat of the brush.

4. To finish off, apply a top coat to achieve uniform shine. This will also allow you to even out the surface texture.

Love Rose Manicure with contrasting on trend shades “Aquamarine” blue and “Rouge in Love” red:

1. Apply a block of red all over the nail (2 coats for sufficient coverage).

2. Next, apply a coat of Aquamarine on top so that only a “comma shape” of red remains visible.

19 April 2012 GAZETTE 17

Edited by Laura Webb

Indulge in a little bit of chocolate for your skin EASTER brings out the best in chocolate, so why not indulge in it for a bit longer with Organique’s Chocolate collection.

Ok, it’s not the edible kind, but anything that smells and looks like chocolate must be good, right? Organique is an award-winning international cosmetics company. The Chocolate collection uses real cocoa butter that aims to relax and firm skin, calm irritation and stimulate blood circulation. Not only does it do this, but it also moisturises and contains anti-cellulite elements.

The chocolate pigment of the product is also known to give a natural bronzing effect that leaves skins looking healthy with a lasting glow. The collection is packed with

endorphins to stimulate the release of serotonin – also known as the happy hormones. Any sweet smell from these products will instantly put you in a better mood after a long day.

In a bid to help people get the spa experience at home, the chocolate collection from Organique includes: Organique Chocolate Sugar Peeling 200ml, RRP €40: Perfectly cleaning and soothing the skin, this sugar-peeling product is the ideal way to prepare your skin for treatments.

Its sugar crystals gently remove excess oils and dried skin, while its shea and cocoa butters will leave skin moisturised and elastic.

Organique Chocolate Bronzing Body Butter

200ml, €49: What better way to indulge after a long day than covering your skin in chocolate!

Suitable for all skin types, the shea butter content of this product intensely moisturises and soothes the skin while the cocoa extract contains firming and anti-cellulite properties.

Organique Chocolate Endorphine Serum, RRP €27: This serum is easily absorbed into the skin to leave it feeling strong, firm and moisturised. The high cocoa content stimulates, nourishes and firms the skin, while also helping to soothe irritation.

Enjoy this treatment at top spas nationwide or visit your local Organique supplier to try these fabulous products for yourself.

Helping to manage your medicines WE all have difficulty remembering to take our tablets, especially if we are required to take a variety of drug treatments. Around 20-30% of elderly patients take three or more medicines daily and, to ensure optimum treatmentoutcomes, good compliance is important.

Non-compliance is a major health issue, resulting in significant increase in the risk of disease and mortality. If you, or someone you know requires help with your medicines, then have a chat with your pharmacist. They can give you appropriate advice and prepare your medications in a suitable way (for example the blister packing of medication) helping you to ensure that you never forget to take your tablets.

With Thanks to the Staff of Lucan Village Pharmacy Organique’s Chocolate collection which uses real cocoa butter

18 GAZETTE 19 April 2012

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods WHAT a week in the rock world: an ageing rocker is shunning the limelight while a deceased one is asked to appear!

Axl Rose refused to show up for last weekend’s Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame induction of Guns N’Roses after refusing the invitation and the induction - via Facebook.

It seems the frontman wanted to distance himself from the awkward situation of being faced with old band members and fans’ calls for a reunion at the ceremony.

In a lengthy statement, the prickly singer said: “People get divorced. Life doesn’t owe you your own personal happy ending especially at another’s or, in this case, several others’, expense.”

No reunion then.

Is the Rose beginning to wilt? After a string of disastrous gigs a couple of years ago, including one at The O2 where he threatened to walk off stage amidst booing and heckling, I wonder if Rose is just a thorn in some fans’ side these days?

Time will tell if he’ll redeem himself at this summer’s gig, again at The O2 on May 17.

With Thin Lizzy supporting, and another Academy-Award-worthy Axl outburst a possibility - it’ll certainly be interesting!

Another reunion that will definitely NEVER happen is that of the original line-up of The Who. But try telling that to the organisers of the London Olympics. They contacted The Who’s manager asking if Keith Moon could perform at the opening ceremony this summer. Bill Curbishley replied saying they could find the legendary drummer at Golders’ Green crematorium...where he’s been since 1978. There are no words!

Three-vival: Trio of albums on way from Green Day FRESH from inducting duties at the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame last week, Green Day have announced that they are to release three new albums between September and January 2013, entitled Uno!, Dos! and Tre! “We are at the most prolific and creative time in our lives. This is the best music we’ve ever written, and the songs just keep coming,” said the band.

“Instead of making one album, we are making a three album trilogy.”

REVIEW: NEW RELEASE FROM ENDURING ROCK ‘N’ ROLLERS

Spiritualised reach for the light and the heart I ROB HEIGH

IT’S BEEN almost a quarter of a century since I was first introduced to Jason Pierce.

At that time, he was J Spaceman, co-lead singer and creative force behind the psych-pop noise of Spacemen 3.

Their epic track, Revolution, six minutes of drone and a guitar phrase that made you think that it was The Stooges from another planet, was a signature tune that would appear in DJ sets from that day to this.

It’s fine to be nostalgic, but we all grow up, and so J became Jason and, in the course of the Nineties, made what was one of the most inventive and epic records of the decade, the pharmaceutically-inf luenced Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space. Record of the year it came out, record of the decade for me, and still one of the most life-affirming and soulful records ever made in the genre.

That was, until now, and Pierce has returned after a decade that has seen his health becom-

Spiritualised’s Jason Pierce: Sweet Heart Sweet Light is an impressive and enveloping work of genius

ing the creative fodder for his output.

Having technically died twice during a bout of pneumonia, and having been diagnosed with acute liver problems that led to him being housebound for a year in which he was treated with cutting-edge, but untested, drugs.

The focus and clarity that such life-threatening experiences bring has led to Pierce once again making one of the most impressive and uplifting records of his

career.

W hile Ladies And Gentlemen was driven by a broken heart, Sweet Heart, Sweet Light is shot through with the sound of a body and soul being rebuilt after the most harrowing of experiences, and it is such an emotional and powerful record that at times it can be overwhelming.

Once again, using a combination of the psych tropes that Pierce has relied upon throughout his career,

gospel choirs and a canny understanding of what makes a good pop melody, Sweet Heart is a record like very few that will be released this year, for the simple reason that it is utterly heartfelt and created with uplift in mind.

Lead single, Hey Jane, recalls the Velvet Underground, but the constant here is the archetypal Spaceman template, where the naive melody is almost lost and overwhelmed by layers and layers of sonic coating,

which builds to a monumental conclusion, or breaks down to a sweet heartbreaking minimalism that is just as effective and just as involving.

It is no accident that the first Spiritualised album was called Laser Guided Melodies; it’s a motto that Pierce still holds close to his creative heart and this album strikes as another incredible summation of his talents at a time of hardship, and salvation is close at hand.

19 April 2012 GAZETTE 19

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Chantal Fay, senior consultant, Bond Personnel Group

Fay’s way helps Bond CHANTAL Fay is a sales and marketing graduate with more than 11 year’s recruitment experience.

She joined Bond Personnel Group Ltd five years ago and, as a senior consultant, she recruits for positions at all levels across various industries, including sales, customer service, IT and telecoms, finance, hospitality and engineering.

She is a preferred supplier for numerous organisations, from small and medium businesses to large multinationals, based locally and countrywide, and through her professional approach

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO SORT OUT MY DUAL MORTGAGE TYPES?

she has established many enduring client relationships.

Chantal is also the go-to person for jobseekers who are searching for a new position, or in need of advice to veer their career in the right direction.

Applicants can be assured that they will receive full guidance and support through every step of the recruitment process, resulting in increased success rates.

Putting her clients first, Chantal’s work ethic matches Bond Personnel’s company motto: “Our word is our Bond”.

Q – What is the best way to sort out insurance for both commercial and domestic mortgages?

My current lender is desperate to get me to talk to their in-house consultant. Tom – Artane A - Life cover on your home loan is mandatory, unless ill health precludes you taking it out (some lenders will waive cover if the premiums are loaded ... higher because of the greater risk). Over-50s could also ask their lender to waive it but, ordinarily, it is prudent to take out on your home, especially if you have dependents. Residential investment properties do not have to have life cover attached, but

Q&A

most lenders look for it. Commercial properties are the same – some coercion can be applied by lenders

A: I am a bit of a con-

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

A: A ballerina.

trol freak and perfectionist, so I like to do as much as I can myself.

Q: What was your first job?

A: At 15, after school

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Football and the Six

and at weekends, folding clothes and sweeping floors at a local department store.

Nations’ rugby.

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: It would be the

type, although I recently started jogging (again), and have signed up to run the 5K John Davis Run at Malahide Castle in aid of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital this May.

equivalent of €1.96 now ... Seems like peanuts, and it’s not even that long ago!

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: January, 2007.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: It always gives great satisfaction when you helped someone find their dream job, or an employer find their perfect employee.

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

Q: What sport can you play?

A: I’m not the sporty

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

A: I have seen all epi-

for borrowers to take out life cover on commercial

tures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: The likes of Rod-

loans. You should always ask for a quotation, and check with an authorised adviser. You can always go back to your lender and say you have now put cover in place, but cheaper and hand them the policy.

rigo y Gabriela, Paolo Nutini, Jack Johnson, Caro Emerald, Coldplay, etc.

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Lots of industryrelated people and companies.

Q: What was your last Tweet/status update?

A: Undoubtedly something positive that is happening on the jobs front.

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: A table full of tapas/

Life cover should really be a simple exercise. Confusion reigns when advisers start to add in the bells and whistles that complicate the cover. Here are Chantal Fay, senior consultant, Bond Personnel Group

some of the issues:

ently in this country.

ence?

A: Six years ago, we

• Mortgage protection/decreasing cover – only

went camping in France. Thunder, lightning, rain, hailstones – we had it all. After the third night, I insisted on checking into a B&B

balance ... This is the cheapest type of cover. Curtail

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

A: That’s a long, long

•Dual life/joint life – dual life means even after the

time away, but I hope to be healthy, surrounded by people I love and have invested enough money in my pension to enjoy my well-deserved time off.

second party dies.

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: I rarely splash out, but when I do it is always on nice clothes or accessories – you have to treat yourself, sometimes.

sodes of Doc Martin.

meze and a good glass of red wine makes me very happy.

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: I’d have to go home

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

A: David Norris.

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

A: Enda Kenny. I would

and count them, but I’d say I have collected about 20 pairs over the years.

tell him what I think should be done differ-

Q: What was your worst holiday experi-

Q: What music/pic-

covered at the time of death for the outstanding the term of the policy to the term of the loan.

• Level term cover – for when you are not repaying capital and the outstanding amount owed never decreases. This is more expensive than decreasing term, but is convertible (you can tinker with the term or amount during the life of the policy – with decreasing term you cannot); first party has died and the policy has paid out, it will also pay out the same amount again when the

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

20 GAZETTE 19 April 2012

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY CASTLEKNOCK: A FIVE-BEDROOM HOME IN CASTLEKNOCK

Classic casa on sale in Mulberry Drive

WEEE love electrical waste

RECYCLING: DLRCC TO HOLD TWO FREE EVENTS

Get rid of all your electrical clutter for good We all have those discarded items that hide in cupboards and sheds — the kettles, toasters and lamps that have come to the end of their lifecycle but that, for some reason, we have trouble parting with.

Now, there is an opportunity to have a clear-out, when WEEE Ireland, the Irish compliance scheme for electrical and battery recycling, hold two free recycling events in April in association with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.

The collection events will take place at the Nutgrove Shopping Centre from 10am to 4pm on next Saturday, April 21, and at Dundrum Village Centre car park from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, April 28.

These free WEEE Ireland events allow people to get rid of any household electrical equipment and batteries in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

Anything in the home with a battery or a plug can be recycled at these collections.

Waste collection specialists from WEEE Ireland will be there on the day to help you send your toasters, vacuum cleaners, fridges and every other electrical item imaginable to a better place.

As a consumer of electrical items, you are entitled to bring your waste electrical equipment to your electrical retailer when purchasing an item of similar type, i.e. on a one-for-one, like-for-like basis.

Waste batteries can be brought back to any battery retailer that sells similar batteries, even if you don’t purchase anything.

All WEEE and waste batteries can also be brought to your local civic amenity site free of charge.

For further information on all future recycling events in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, or to find your nearest civic amenity site, please log on to WEEE Ireland’s website www.recyclefree.ie.

SHERRY FitzGerald are bringing No 1 Mulberry Drive, Castleknock, Dublin 15, an extended double-fronted, fivebed family home with a south-west facing rear garden and patio area, to the market for the asking price of €370,000.

The property is situated in a cul de sac and is presented in showhouse condition throughout.

Upgrades that have been carried out to the property are a light-filled kitchen/ dining room, a large utility room and solid oak timber flooring, all ensuring a quality finish throughout.

The accommodation comprises entrance hall with a feature hardwood staircase with understairs storage, solid oak timber floor, and decorative coving. The living room also features solid wood oak timber flooring, as well as a timber surround fire-

place with cast iron and tiled inset, bay window, and double doors to the kitchen, dining and family rooms. There is also a playroom with oak timber floor and a bay window.

The kitchen-cum-dinimg room is a large open plan kitchen/breakfastroom space, which features a fully-fitted oak shaker-style kitchen with granite worktops, integrated oven and grill, gas hob, extractor, dishwasher, plumbed for American style fridge freezer, feature breakfast island. The kitchen also has a tiled floor, recessed lighting and feature skylight Velux windows with black-out blinds.

There is also a utility room with fitted worktop and shelving, stainless steel sink, and which is plumbed for washing machine and dryer.

Upstairs, the master

Number 1, Mulberry Drive, is on sale for €370,000

bedroom boasts an attractive bay window, wall to wall fitted sliderobes, feature bay window, semisolid oak floor. The master bedroom has an en suite, which is fully tiled, with WC, WHB and an electric shower.

The other bedrooms all feature solid oak timber floors and most feature fitted wardrobes.

The main family bathroom is also fully tiled, with a WC, WHB, a feature jacuzzi Vogue bath, and an electric shower.

Outside, the garden enjoys a sunny southwest-facing orientation and a high degree of privacy. The front garden is bordered by trees and flowers and also offers off-street parking.

Mulberry Drive is in close proximity to Castleknock village, with its growing choice of shops and restaurants, along with having Mount Sackville, Castleknock College and Castleknock Community College close by.

For more information, contact Michelle Curran at Sherry FitzGerald on 01 820 1800.

FOREIGN RENTALS: HOLIDAY-MAKERS AND OWNERS’ OPPORTUNITIES

Get away from it all with PVR WITH property rentals at a premium, and getting away from it all becoming a more attractive proposition all the time, there is good news for those looking to do just that.

Private Villa Rentals have announced a range of seven-day deals on their range of quality holiday properties to suit any budget, in quality villas with pool facilities in Portugal, Greece and Lanzarote.

The company, which has been running for 30 years, is fully-bonded agency and is run by highly-experienced professionals in the field.

Villas start as low as €525 per week for

Vista Golfe Vilamoura in Portugal is one of the properties for rent

a three-bedroom with pool in Vilamoura, Portugal, ranging up to €10,000 per week for a super luxury property in Quinta Do Lago.

There is also a great

selection of villas throughout Greece, Corfu, Zante, and Mykonos.

Potential renters can choose from three to seven-bedroom villas

from a wide selection of properties – plus they have a villa in Vilamoura that will accommodate up to 20 people. A selection of villas in Greece even come with your

own personal cook.

Private Villas also provide a ser vice to owners of foreign properties, and can act as an owners personal online marketing, sales and service team, handling every facet of the vacation rental marketing process - creating listings, reaching a network of travellers, and offering a seamless booking process with full traveller support.

For more information on properties and overseas rental service, contact Brian Nevin on 01 5543641, or email privatevillas@gmail.com.

You can also visit www. privatevillas.ie for more information.

19 April 2012 GAZETTE 21

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS

Cormac Curtis reports

RoadSigns Road Signs TOMTOM HAVE RELEASED NEW APPS: SAT NAV

The Mazda3 Sports SE 5-Door Hatchback got a sport make-over which includes improvements to handling and stability

New presence for Mazda3 HAVE a habit of comparing the cars I test to other models before I even finish my first sentence. There’s every chance it doesn’t please the manufacturers one little bit, so, in an effort to change my ways a little, this week I’m holding off on the comparisons until paragraph two at the very least.

W h e n BM W f i r s t launched their 1 Series, there were more than a few comparisons made with the Mazda3 – doubtless Mazda were happier about this than BMW. While such comparisons can be flattering, they can also take away a little of the character and individuality of a car.

So it is very encouraging to see how the Maz-

I

SPECS: MAZDA3 SPORTS SE 5-DOOR HATCHBACK Engine: 1.6L (115ps) Diesel Economy: 4.3L/100km (65mpg) CO2 emissions: 115g Road Tax Band: A Price as tested: €23,645 Price range: €19,795 €23,895

da3 has been given so much presence in its latest design.

I recently took the Mazda3 Sports SE for a week and got a taste of what it had to offer.

When I first set eyes on it, I was gobsmacked by how attractive the rear of the car was.

The light clusters have an aggressive, swooping design with lines that

are closely followed by the rear bumper that sits proud of the boot, leaving a kind of shelf at the back.

Along with the boot spoiler, all of this makes for a very eye-grabbing look.

The design of the bodywork suggests that glass was at a premium when they were putting this car together. They really have gone minimal with the side and rear screens – which makes the look that little bit more menacing.

At the front end, another set of beautifullydesigned lights add to the flared wheel arches and rally car-like air scoop that finished off the exterior’s menacing look.

Mazda say that this new front bumper design improves aerodynamics,

either way – it looks the business.

This model carries a few nice touches as standard, including 17” alloys, automatic air con, bluetooth, cruise control, rear LED lights, sports seats and sports trim, heated seats, rear spoiler, side skirts, front fogs, all topped off with a five-star Euro NCAP rating.

I was not looking forward to being squeezed on all sides by the sports seats in this car, but the seating afforded my largerthan-normal frame with a comfortable amount of room.

This car is labelled as a sports model – and it doesn’t let the name down.

Under the hood is a 1.6litre diesel engine twinned

with a six-speed manual gearbox – all of which provides a drive that you could describe as,well, a little mad.

You can scoff at a company’s press release when they claim to have “Mazda’s agility and handling carried over, with improvements to ride quality and stability. Changes to suspension, a more rigid body, optimised dampers and stiffer wheel contribute to improved handling,” but, I must admit that, whatever they have done, this car is a blast. And they haven’t skimped on comfort.

As I said, the seats are a delight, and are heated for the winter months.

The overall trim has a far better level of quality than I was expecting, but

certain points of contact do let it down.

For all the fuss made about improved handling, stability and control, they could have come up with a more inspired steering wheel. For me, the wheel speaks volumes about a car and how we feel about what we drive.

In this case, it’s just a bit limp. It has a plastic feel and it’s very thin in your hands. I think a special edition car, like the Mazda3 Sports SE, should have spotted this as a potential let-down.

That aside, we are talking about a sexy, fast and practical (five doors) car that comes in well under €24,000. Compared to some of its peers, this is a very attractive prospect indeed.

Ford is giving more value with special offer to customers GIVEN how expensive everyday motoring is becoming, it comes as no surprise that many manufacturers are doing everything they can to offer more value to their customers.

This month sees Ford announce a package of special offers that should keep their showrooms busy for a while.

The package comprises a special 4.9% low finance offer for models across the range; fuel vouchers of up to €1,300 on Mondeo; a “no worries” for three years package and extended warranty, roadside assistance and free servicing for three years on selected models, including Ireland’s top-selling car – the Ford Focus.

“This package is designed to show customers that there is still some very good value in the market,” said Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director of Ford Ireland.

“With fuel prices becoming an even more weighty burden for motorists, our offer of a voucher for 400km worth of fuel for anyone who test drives a

Mondeo is sure to strike a chord.

“Equally, we have been hearing back from customers that access to good value finance is an ongoing problem and, to rectify this, we have worked with our finance house, Ford Credit, to provide an attractive 4.9% low APR loan rate available for deals on all of our passenger models.”

giants, TomTom, have released the latest version of its app for iPhone and iPad. The update includes the addition of TomTom Places, and fully integrates TomTom navigation with social media applications.

TomTom Places provides a navigation-based search facility, helping drivers to find nearby shops and restaurants and choose the best places to go.

According to Gerard Hinds, Director Mobile at TomTom: “Searching with TomTom Places whilst on the move is a big time-saver.”

The TomTom navigation app for iPhone and iPad is now available for purchase from the Apple App Store for €59.99.

Existing customers can download the update for free.

22 GAZETTE 19 April 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel A Titanic event in heart of Belfast LAURA WEBB

Enjoy unspoiled Mediterranean landscapes and enchanting towns on the historic island of Sardinia SARDINIA, the second largest island of the Mediterranean, has successfully escaped mass tourism and offers a unique combination of unspoilt Mediterranean landscapes, historical sites, enchanting towns, history, traditions and, last, but not least – superb cuisine.

This wonderful city of Alghero maintains a year-round economy outside of the busy summer months. To the north of the marina is the fine sandy beach of Alghero, which provides good bathing opportunities and is just a short stroll from the historic centre.

Go with Concorde Travel this April and stay at the two-star Bouganvillea Apartments, Alghero, on a self-catering basis from €383pp; Stay at the three-star Hotel La Playa, Alghero, on a B&B basis, from €560pp, or at the four-star Hotel Punta Negra, Alghero, on a B&B basis, from €682pp. If five-star is for you, stay at the Hotel Carlos, Alghero, on a B&B basis, from €696pp or the Hotel Villa Las Tronas, Alghero, on a B&B basis, from €1050pp.

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THE sky was alight at Belfast’s Slipways, when a cutting edge digital experience presented a light show to thousands as part of the Titanic Belfast Festival 2012.

Northern Ireland tourist board and Belfast City Council joined forces to mark the centenary of one of the world’s most famous ships – Titanic.

The Titanic festival saw a number of events commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the ship’s sinking.

But the must-see Titanic Belfast at the Slipways is not just open for the festival, it is open all year round for all to visit. The six-floor building is located in the heart of Belfast, right beside where the famous ship was constructed, definitely something worth taking a trip to.

One event during the festival, which officially ends on April 22, was a light show on April 7, which took place at Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.

Before heading to the show that night, there was a pre-event in the original Titanic drawing rooms, where engineers worked on plans for the doomed ship.

A number of local talents entertained the crowded room, which looked just as it was 100 years before. Information about the room was available to see across the walls allowing everyone to take in some knowledge of what went on all those years before.

One talent that shook the room – in all the right ways – was Silhouettes, the band behind the ad soundtrack for the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

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

‘The slipways went black and then blue spot-lights lit the new Titanic Belfast visitor attraction.

Music filled the air and the show began’ --------------------------

After a great set, we left the drawing room and went outdoors towards the slipway at the waterfront.

Crowds led the way and, on the way out, we received much-needed plastic ponchos to keep the rain away. Ear plugs were also provided in case the noise got a bit too much for the kids – thankfully, there was no need to use them.

Fire-breathers entertained while the crowd waited for the spectacular show to begin. There was also a bunch of performers wandering through the crowd on stilts dressed in Victorian clothes.

World’s biggest

What was being touted as the world’s biggest light show was about to begin.

The slipways went black and then blue spotlights lit the new Titanic Belfast visitor attraction.

Music filled the air and the show began.

The introduction to the show was a bit long, but once it kicked into overdrive and it was definitely a sight to see. Colours gleamed on the side of the visitor centre and, to the surprise of many, an explosion of fire-

The Titanic festival saw a number of events commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the ship’s sinking

works filled the air. Kids shouted with delight and the crowd “wowed” at every firework that shot into the sky. Each stage got better than the last and the show finished with a spectacular array of lights.

The Titanic projec-

tion show was produced

by Culture Creative and designed and creatively directed by seeper.com, will use 3D motion graphics, synchronised pyrotechnics and bespoke sound design all inspired by the RMS Titanic. It aimed to cre-

ate an unforgettable 40 minute audio -visual performance to celebrate Belfast’s culture, heritage and bright future.

Check out discovernorthernireland.com for further information on the tourist attraction – Titanic Belfast.

19 April 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

The five-star Hayfield Manor in Cork’s university district and their luxurious spa (right)

A perfect pampering for mothers-to-be

ELIZABETH CAROLAN

BEING a mother-inwaiting can be tough. The morning sickness, headaches, growing pains and hormones are enough to derail the best of women.

So, it is no wonder mumto -be pamper packages have become more prevalent in recent years around some of the best hotels in Ireland.

I recently sampled Hayfield Manor’s spa package, which is new to the hotel, but has really taken off and is proving to be very popular.

The five-star hotel is located in the university district of Cork city, which is really pretty and mostly Georgian.

We arrived on a sunny Saturday and the hotel

was buzzing with tourists. Our executive suite was drenched in light and sunshine and was tastefully decorated with lots of nice extras like a Nespresso machine, fairly standard in hotels nowadays, but always a welcome sight.

The outside jacuzzi is out of bounds for pregnant women, but my husband made good use of it, whilst I swam a few laps.

It was almost time to start the pampering and the spa is conveniently located just off the pool area. I was asked what dessert I would like following my treatment (part of the package) but passed on this lovely offer, instead looking forward to dinner in Perrotts

Garden Bistro.

The mum-to-be package includes a pedicure and leg massage, a facial and a back neck and shoulders massage. It lasts around two-and-ahalf hours and really is very relaxing.

Soothing Elemis products are used, which are perfect for pregnant women as the scent in not particularly overpowering. I certainly enjoyed it and so did baby, as it became very active during the treatments, kicking away happily.

After over two hours of bliss the relaxation room allows you to prolong the experience with some herbal tea and fresh fruit.

I was so relaxed afterwards that I really wished we had ordered room

service, as I was practically falling asleep during dinner and all I could think of was my bed.

Dinner consisted of fish and chips for me and Turbot for him, before making a hasty retreat to the room.

I was sleep-walking by the time I got into bed, the sign of a really excel-

lent treatment.

I would highly recommend this trip for any weary pregnant ladies.

After all,, it could be the last me-time you get in a long, long time!

For more details on Hayfield Manor’s Spa Treatments and rates go to www.hayfieldmanor. ie.

An executive suite at Hayfield Manor

24 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 19 April 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Comicbook with Maeve Clancy

COME along to The Pavilion and find your inner (comic) artist, courtesy of Maeve Clancy. The Dublin-based artist and writer, who produces comics, illustration and animation in a variety of ways, will be hosting a great 1.5-hour workshop for eight to 12-year-olds on producing comics, with her whirlwind of a workshop covering everything in comic book design, from devising the initial concept to a completed four-page book. Ink this midday event in your diary for Saturday, April 21, priced €10.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Encore! Showtime 2012

FRESH from clearing away the comic cooking calamity of the Faulty Towers Dining Experience, and The Mill promises an equally entertaining upcoming event, courtesy of the Encore! School of Performing Arts. There’ll be nothing Faulty about this highly-polished production, which features a wide selection of work and shows from the school’s many talented young performers, running right through from Friday, April 27 to Saturday, May 5. For full list of dates for the great shows, see www.milltheatre.ie.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Tea Chests and Dreams

Amr Waked and Ewan McGregor can be seen discussing the finer points of salmon fishing, and how bestt

REGARDLESS of the year, one things remain universal – the hopes, nerves and dreams surrounding moving house, and (re)making a home, where “moving in” also means “moving on”. Dermot Bolger’s tender new play examines the process; how we begin again once the last box is unpacked, and, each night, an audience member’s experience will help to enrich the deep tapestry of the play. Axis: Ballymun’s production plays at 8pm on Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21, with admission €16/€12 conc.

to create this timeless sport back in dry, dusty Yemen in Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, while, right, run

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Baglady

FRANK McGuinness’s rarely-performed play has an extra poignancy in the current economic climate, given the social exclusion that some citizens continue to face. Here, True West, in association with Eska Riada, take a “baglady” (as memorably played by Maria McDermottroe) – someone you might walk past in the street – and reveal the person inside, stripping away the layers of alienation to find the isolated woman inside. Catch this moving play at 8.15pm on Wednesday, April 25, with tickets costing €15/€12.

as she might, Amanda Seyfried is still trapped in a pretty duff movie, in Gone

Goes swimmingly Our first film’s tale seems a little bit fishy in Yemen, but it’s tasty enough, compared to our second film’s offering I KATE CROWLEY

OH, TALK about tough choices. Faced with not exactly stellar choices of new films opening this week, what’s a gal to do?

I feel like taking a leaf from Brucie’s book (Forsythe, that is), and asking all my lovely readers to start shouting what they’d like to know about, this week: Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (Obi Wan Kenobi goes fishing), or Gone (Charles Blondeson vigilante thriller).

What’s that? One from the top? Higher? Lower?

Cuddly toy? Fridge freezer? Coffee maker? Teddy bear? Higher? Lower?

What? Oh dear, this’ll never work – I can’t decide with both of you shouting at the same time.

Tell you what – as neither of them is particularly great, I’ll do a quick runthrough on both.

In Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, Obi Wasorry, Ewan McGregor

FILM OF THE WEEK: Salmon fishing in the Yemen ### (12A) 106 mins Director: Lasse Hallstrom Starring: Ewan McGregor, Amr Waked, Emily Blunt, Kristin Scott Thomas, Yemen, lots of fish, more Yemen

OUR VERDICT: THESE two tales couldn’t be much more different; however, the first, main film seems plausible enough, concerning attempts to grow a previously overlooked indigenous sector in a country’s economy, and – wait, come back! It’s also a decent enough date film, or for McGregor’s fans. However, the second film will probably make you wish that you’d gone fishin’, or something else, instead ...

stars as Fred Jones, a man who knows a thing or two about fish. This proves especially handy, as he’s soon dispatched by ’Er Majesty’s Government to Yemen – not a country especially known for its wonderful salmon expanses, on account of it being a desert country.

A rrrich local sheikh’s passion for fishing soon sees Fred working with similarly fish-friendly locals (oh, including Harriet, AKA Emily Blunt), whose fish-whispering ways are able to work wonders, with both governments reaping kudos

from the watery wonder of salmon fishing in Yemen.

If everything kept going so swimmingly, your interest might go paddling towards the expert but, like a rock thrown into a pool, there’s soon an almighty splash or two – in the form of Harriet’s justfound, had-been-missing boyfriend, as well as some meddling militants.

However, Fred’s pretty much fallen hook, line and sinker for his new life, so can he overcome all the obstacles in the project’s path and end up with a fin-tastic outcome for him and his fishy friends?

Short of me walking off to Cineworld with a tin of red paint to start sloppily painting “Date movie” all over the posters until the Gardai show up, it’s pretty obvious that this film expects to reel you in with its gentle plot, mild melodrama and lovely shots of Yemen’s dusky desert landscape.

There are certainly worse things to splash out on at the cinema, so three stars it is.

Charles Bronson would turn in his grave with the maverick-vigilante-seeksjustice-or-retribution-orvengeance-or-whatever genre that keeps staggering on, like one of the Walkers in television’s The Walking Dead.

Why? Because here comes another Bronsonite, in the pretty form of Amanda Seyfried. Poor old Mandy, as Jill, is having a tough time, in Gone.

Why, not only had someone abducted and tried to kill her a year ear-

lier (where she learned he’d killed others, too), only for the police to disbelieve her (on account of her having had mental health problems, previously), but the would-be killer’s only returned and snatched her sister, in what seems like a warmup to having another stab at her? Err, yes.

With no one to turn to, Jill’s soon out of control, living on the edge, as she tracks down the kidnapper-killer. And kills him, and saves her sister, and now the police know that she was right all along.

The end.

There you go – I’ve just saved you all your hardearned clams by going straight from A to Z with this one, as even the least demanding bumpkin who’s never seen one of them-tharr Talkies afore would feel short-changed with this violent, nonsensical, one-star flick.

(You owe me some Moonshine, Jethro.)

19 April 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces EEven more value Forza money

Although there are several photography apps available, Instagram has worked k d iits way to the h forefront f f as a genre lleader, with users sharing photos that can be simple point-and-shoot shots, or have one of a large number of filters applied. For instance, this Pacman Ghost figure (made of Post-it notes - the author’s own creation) has had basic shots (far left) presented in alternative, filtered form (subsequent shots); all of this image-sharing interest among the app’s current 30 million users led Facebook to acquire the tiny company for one billion dollars.

Worth a beel-yunn?

SHANE DILLON

SEEING as I randomly step aside to look at tech and internet-related content, what better time than to look at an interesting story featuring Facebook?

Many readers may have noticed the somewhat eyebrow-raising news last week (at the time of writing) of Facebook’s one billion dollar acquisition of Instagram, the popular 18-month-old photo-sharing app that has 30 million users – but which doesn’t actually make any money. Yet. With a cheque for one billion dollars on the table, it’s no wonder that Instagram’s two founders sold up, with Facebook now adding the tiny company to its roster of services.

No doubt the company has a strategy in place to monetise as much as possible of the current 30-million-plus users, as well as to grow and develop revenue streams through bringing hundreds of millions

more users to the app’s charms.

With a Dr Evil-ish price tag of “One Beel-yunn Dollars!”, it has to.

Still, industry pundits have been busy chattering about the deal, with various amounts of head-scratching going on, given that, for many of Instagram’s users, you take your photo, and then post it to Facebook (or other sites) – and that’s it. A distinct termination of “the engagement process’” Currently, anecdotal evidence suggests that users aren’t expecting to, or looking to, somehow “monetise” their Instagram usage through, say, seeing a cool pic taken by their friends/someone, and then buying a poster of the picture. Or a keyring with it on it. Or a cup, a jigsaw, a t-shirt, and so on.

How then, is Facebook to create one billion dollar’s worth from something that, before selling, made zero dollars in revenue, and had no advertising? (And that’s just to

start with – it has to make one billion dollars just to break even with the deal, let alone add to Facebook’s coffers.)

Let’s look at this from another point of view.

Facebook has an integrated suite of methods, primarily based around advertising, designed to pick up on what you’re generally interested in, or which seems most likely to suit you as an individual, and encourage you to follow the ad, clickthrough and, ideally, purchase something.

Trend This kind of advertising, and tangible monetising of product, is a natural fit for Facebook, which follows the user’s own data trail to suggest goods and services of interest to them – a similar trend for YouTube, also a young company with enormous worth, which also tracks, and then suggests, similar targeted advertising.

However, Instagram presents a more challenging landscape to stripmine for value, whether

in the short-term or longterm.

For example, users’ pics may be helpfully filed with one or several identifying tags, such as ‘london’, ‘red’, ‘bus’, ‘routemaster’ and so on – which could suggest to Facebook (now) that, say, the user is a Londoner, interested in public transport – in which case are they (say) aware of a special and unique Facebook/Instagram-only travel card deal offering 10% off public travel, Monday to Thursday?

A rejigged Instagram /Facebook delivery system – or “advert”, in other words – could thus be triggered, generating relevant charges and data for both Facebook/Instagram and London Transport, in this example.

However, on the other hand, many millions of Instagram users don’t tag their pics with anything – they simply take, or later edit, a photo and either post it online somewhere (again, not necessarily through the Facebook platform) , or simply

download to their own hardware, cutting out the middleman – now Facebook – altogether.

Although such economic theories and practises are sound, it still seems like an awfully high price to have paid for something with, currently, no fiscal worth, in the present day.

Still, while Instagram currently – and one would expect this to change very sharpish – generates no revenue, Facebook has something in abundance that does.

It’s called “You”.

With hundreds of millions of its users to draw upon, and no doubt major plans under way to integrate Facebook and Instagram together in mutually beneficial ways, you, the Instagram user (whether current or future) can be relied upon to start generating payback for the $1 billion deal in the very near future.

Perhaps Instagram’s future under Facebook looks like a pretty picture, after all ...

F FORZA Motorsport 4, , the terrific Xbox 360 racing game that’s left plenty of competitors in its ra wake, has been enjoying a number of great DLC w (downloadable content) packs recently, adding (d to the already hefty oomph h under than u particular franp cchise’s bonnet.

Even though I’m someone who, more or less, thinks “car” and doesn’t get much further than a mental picture of Del Boy’s banana-yellow Reliant Regal, I’ve been pretty impressed by Forza’s ever-growing stable of top-notch motors, which have added greatly to the already huge amount of content available on the premium racer for the 360.

For instance, take the 2013 SRT Viper, above – now you can, just one of a number of cutting-edge cars available to test drive, courtesy of a DLC pack. With such packs proving a pretty reliable cash cow for developers, and considering that these packs of stunning vehicles to race (and race badly, in my case) are as close as you’ll get to the real thing, these seem like a great way to park your Xbox points in the 360’s Marketplace.

GAZETTE

26 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 19 April 2012

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Notice to Contractors Project Description: “Roof Repairs to: Sacred Heart of Jesus N.S., Huntstown, Mulhuddart,D.15 Applications are invited from suitably qualified contractors as listed above who wish to be considered for inclusion on the approved tender list - (Building Contractor). Applicants should forward by post their Company CV with full particulars, please see below their Name & Address, Company Information and References to “Ann Blackwell, Ann Blackwell Associates, 95 Sandymount Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4.” (Tel: 01-667 3639). The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 12 noon on 04/05/2012 It will be a condition of the award of the contract that the tenders are able to promptly produce. (include copies in CV). 1. Current Tax Clearance 2. Insurances 3. Evidence of Membership of the CIF 4. Knowledge of Health & Safety 5. Availability to work during the summer period.

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GazetteSPORT

KING OF EGYPT James McGee hails defining moment in his tennis career: Page 29

ARC MEN’S MARATHON: TRIATHLON RECORD BREAKER SIGNS UP FOR PHOENIX PARK

Ultra-runner Duffy supports mini marathon sport@gazettegroup.com

ULTRA-marathon man extraordinaire Gerry Duff y has signed up f o r t h e A R C M e n ’s mini-marathon 10km on the May Bank Holiday, Monday, May 7, in Dublin’s Phoenix Park at 10am.

An incredible story, Duffy was 50lbs overweight when he started running in 1995 and has gone on to take up the triathlon and complete

three Ironmans (3.8km swim, 180k cycle, 42km run).

In 2010, with his friend Ken Whitelaw, Duffy set himself the challenge of running 32 marathons in 32 consecutive days – a feat described in his book, Who Dares Runs.

He followed up last June by winning the UK Deca-Enduroman after completing ten Ironman distance (25.5km swim, 102km triathlons)

in ten days – he swam 38km, cycled 1,800km and ran 420km. His t o t a l t i m e w a s 16 0 hours, 10 minutes and 37 seconds and he finished 19 hours ahead of the runner-up.

Duffy is appealing to runners of all standards to join him, not only in helping raise muchneeded funds for ARC Cancer Support, but in encouraging men to look after their health by keeping fit and hav-

Ultra-runner Gerry Duffy is preparing for the mini-marathon on the May Bank Holiday in support of ARC

ing regular check-ups.

ARC House is located in Eccles Street, Dublin – opposite the Mater Hospital – and its counselling and support ser vices are on offer free of charge to

men and women living with cancer, as well as to their families, friends and carers.

The charity was recently named as the Bay and Paypal Charity of the Year and also

support the Flora women’s mini marathon on Monday, June 4.

To register online, go to www.arcchallenges. com. Chip timing and prizes for the first three men and women are all

on offer while walkers are welcome, too.

Entry fee is €22 online or €30 on day.

Contact Mairead on 01 8307333 or mairead@ arccancersupport.ie for more information.

28 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 19 April 2012

GazetteSport Sport

Former Ireland and Leinster rugby star, Shane Byrne, Ed McGinley, from Annadale Striders, and Thomas Fitzpatrick, Tallaght AC, in action

with wife, Caroline, and twins Kerry and Alex, age 9

Daniel Branigan in action during the SPAR Junior & Mini Great Ireland Run 2012

Great Ireland Phoenix Park hosts 11,000 great athletes AST Sunday,11,000 athletes of all abilities from all over the world converged on Phoenix Park for the 2012 SPAR Great Ireland Run. On a great day for running, Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele was the first home in the men’s race, recording a course record of 27.49 for the 10 kilometres, with Olympic marathon qualifier Mark Kenneally (Clonliffe Harriers AC) winning the national title in a time of 29:23, while Britain’s Gemma Steel was first placed woman in a race that saw DSD’s Linda Byrne as the first Irish lady home in sixth place.

There was also a well-attended children’s and junior’s event on a day that was a celebration of athletics.

L

Former Dublin footballer, John O’Leary, and Leinster star, Eoin O’Malley, lend their support to Emilian Kiba and Edelle Monahan from the Jack & Jill Foundation. Pictures: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE

Linda Byrne, Dundrum South Dublin

Joy Warner, from Bray, Co Wicklow, and Sarah Lamb, from Dublin

19 April 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 29

in association with

Blessed moment for king of Egypt James McGee capped a draining two months with a beautiful crowning moment to rescue Ireland in the Davis Cup, writes STEPHEN FINDLATER WHEN James McGee looks back on his professional career, one picture will tell a thousand words.

The Castleknock man produced a truly inspired weekend’s work in Cairo to help Ireland maintain their place in Group II of the Davis Cup, completing the job in the fifth set of the final rubber of the tie with what he told GazetteSport was “the best shot” of his life — a diving volley that slipped over the net.

The rest of the Irish team duly broke from the stands of the Gezira stadium to mob McGee, leading to a pile-on and a rendition of “Ole, Ole, Ole”.

Once done, though, McGee remained on the Cairo clay, draped in the Irish flag, exhausted but soaking in a seminal moment in his career.

“I was actually on the ground praying. I had blessed myself before that match point. I was obviously nervous – everyone was. At that point, I was just thinking: ‘Oh my God,

hardcore grind on the not-so-glamorous ITF Futures tour.

Since representing Ireland in February against Hungary, McGee has spent just one night in his

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‘You’re playing for bigger things; a big moment, not just in my match but in my career.’

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I am bloody wrecked!’

“You always have it in your head. You’re playing for yourself but also for bigger things. It wouldn’t be something I’d do in every match but the occasion was there. It was such a big moment, not just in my match, but in my career. It seemed natural almost to bless myself.”

Closing out the epic win was not just the end of an amazing weekend but a two-month run of

own bedroom, taking in tournaments in Morocco, Turkey, Spain and Bahrain.

Finding form took time. “It was only the last tournament in Bahrain, I ended up not dropping a set all week and it was a great confidence booster and I went on to play three unbelievable matches to win it.”

The Castleknock man had to take on a bigger responsibility as Irish

James McGee takes a moment to savour the moment on the Cairo clay

number one, Conor Niland, fell victim to a hip injury, losing his rubber before pulling out of the second singles ties.

McGee defeated Karim Maamoun before working well with Sam Barry in the doubles to put Ireland in pole position.

Barry looked well set to close out the match but a five-set Egyptian surge meant, late in the day, McGee was forced back to the court.

He played controlled tennis to generate a big advantage before the referee deemed the light too dull to continue against Sehrif Sabry. It broke his momentum.

“I left the court two sets to one up and was disappointed we had to leave the court because I had all the momentum.

My opponent was clearly tired and all I hear is the ref saying we had to stop due to bad light.

“Everyone was patting me on the back at the hotel but, in the back of my head, I was disappointed. I was fairly nervous I didn’t get a great night’s sleep because you’re still in the match.

“The next day, I had a good warm-up but Sabryt came out playing incredible tennis. I don’t think he actually missed a ball in that fourth set.”

It once again left the game on a knife-edge, with the partisan Cairo crowd baying for blood, filing the stadium with

incessant whistles and screams.

He bounced back in style, breaking serve early in the set to lead and was poised for victory.

“I had a smash right on top of the net to finish it. I just aimed too close to the line, missed it by an inch.

Two of the Irish guys on the team are already running on the court to celebrate and the mark was literally just an inch wide on the clay; I just looked at them and said ‘I missed it’.”

Sabry fought back, got a break and the game was back on a knife-edge, on serve at 5-4.

But McGee defied his nerves to win another couple of match points, the last of which he took a moment to bless himself.

A McGee drop-shot looked to be too deep, offering the whole court to hit into. But the Dubliner predicted the line of flight perfectly.

“I just leaped from one side of the court to the other and, at full stretch, the ball just tipped onto my racquet and went over the net.”

The delicate nature of the touch was directly contrasted by the raucous celebrations, marking a beautiful end to two months of effort.

“It was a huge adrenaline rush. Because I’ve been on the road so long, I’m not going to lift a racquet for ten days and just live a normal life!”

FastSport

Marathon conundrum as Jennings qualifies CATRIONA Jennings became not only the fourth Irish athlete to achieve the ‘A’ standard women’s marathon qualification time for the London Olympic games but also the fourth with a connection to the greater Dundrum area.

The Rathfarnham athlete ran 2:36.14 in the Rotterdam Marathon, almost 45 seconds inside the ‘A’ standard.

As such, she leaves Athletics Ireland with a tough decision over who to take to the Games, which get underway in late July.

She joins DSDAC duo Linda Byrne (2:36:23) and Ava Huthinson (2.35:33) and former DSD runner, Maria McCambridge, (2:36:37) in achieving the Olympic standard.

Byrne also became the Irish 10km champion by finishing sixth in the Great Ireland run at the Phoenix Park but now has the third quickest of the four qualifying times, which she set first back in October in Dublin.

Hutchinson is the quickest with her 2:35.33 in Houston in January, while Linda Byrne ran 2:36:23 and only last month Maria McCambridge ran 2:36:37 in Rome.

They all now face a nervous wait for Athletics Ireland to decide which way the axe falls with May 13 the cut-off date for qualifying times with the three marathon entrants to be named a day later.

In their selection document, the governing body states that where more than three athletes attain the A-standard in the one event, selection will be based firstly on quality and consistency of performances in 2011 and 2012; secondly, on statistical data (ranking/ performance lists, etc); and thirdly, on history of performances at previous championships.

Jennings won the women’s mini marathon last June and then recorded a 2:43:08 in her marathon debut in Dublin last October.

“I knew that if I did the proper work that I could make it,” she said. “I put in eight weeks of very solid training and I was very hopeful coming here.”

30 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 19 April 2012

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GazetteSport Sport FastSport

SOCCER: MORE UNDERAGE SUCCESS IN CUP COMPETITIONS

Promotion procession continues for Brendan’s ST BRENDAN’S Phoenix Park ladies’ first eleven gained promotion to Division 6 for 2012/13 season when they snagged their fifth promotion in seven years.

Coached by Tony Lowe, and captained by Emma Morley, they continued the excellent run of form they have been in since Lowe and Martin Keane revamped the coaching set-up.

The team won Division 11 on the last day of the season in a nail biting winner-takes-all fixture against neighbours, Botanic.

From there, they rose though the divisions to Division Seven by 2009/10. An initial attempt at Division 7 saw the team ending the season in sixth place, but the addition of new players, Deirdre Murphy, Philippa Leahy and Maeve Farrell to the squad for 2011/12 aided the side in pushing for the title from the off, and they vied with UCD III for the top spot to the very end.

This team has benefited from having a core group of players who originally learnt their skills in St Dominic’s College, and who tasted success there in their early hockey-playing years.

Four current team members — Carol Nolan, Claire Martin, Catherine Murphy and Captain Emma Morley — were with the team when the Division 11 title was won, and have since been joined by other St Dominic’s alumni.

Midfield has remained a key area of dominance for this team, with consistent performances from Sharon Finn and Alva Molloy throughout, both of whom have won their team-members’ vote for player of the season on separate occasions. Isolde Veld joined the team in recent years, and has added power up front as the team’s first-choice centre forward.

The Fitzsimons sisters, Caroline and Mairead, have injected an element of pace on the left side, balanced on the right by Emer Brogan’s skills, which the Plunkett’s player adapts with ease from camogie to hockey.

The team’s defensive record has also been impressive over the seasons, reinforced by goalkeeping stalwart Yvonne McEneff and backed up this season by substitute keeper Emma Jane Morrissey, who has doubled up and stepped out from the sticks to play outfield.

The squad is looking forward to the challenges that Division 6 will bring and welcomes new players to assist in this task.

Catherine Murphy can be contacted on 086 377 6507 for further information on how to join the team for the coming challenge.

Castleknock Celtic’s Under-11Cs who are challenging for runners-up spot in the Dublin District Schoolboys League

Celtic Under-13As in Top Flight I sport@gazettegroup.com

CASTLEKNOCK Celtic’s Under-13As entertained Celbridge Town in Porterstown in the fourth round of the DDSL Top Flight Cup last weekend.

Playing into a strong wind, the home side went at the visitors from the off, and got their reward with a well-taken goal from Max Trigub.

Celtic held the upper hand and went in at halftime 1-0 up. The second half was more of the same, with Celtic scoring two very early goals, courtesy of Ruari Patton, which puts them into the quarter-final of the Top

Flight Cup. In the NDSL Under-10s league, Celtic welcomed Rivervalley Rangers to Porterstown. The home side took an early lead when Mark Hughes’s fine corner was toe-poked home by Leigh Reilly.

However, Rivervalley raised their game and started to dominate.

Sean McClean was repeatedly called into action. Midway through the half, Rivervalley scored a deserved, though fortunate, equaliser which left the sides level at halftime.

Celtic turned on the style in the second half.

After the break, Alex San

Tourist season 2: Coolmine travel to Huddersfield COOLMINE Under-21 squad and representatives of the senior team embarked on a tour to Huddersfield over the Easter holiday weekend.

From their early start, the group took in a Huddersfield Giants’ rugby league tie before their friendly match against Huddersfield YMCA, and were thrilled to welcome Lions’ 1997 legend John Bentley, who made an appearance and chatted with everyone present after he watched his son line out for YMCA.

Emeterio, was well served

by Leigh Reilly and Mark Hughes. San Emeterio got the breakthrough second goal with a good finish from the left and, from then on, it was all Castleknock.

Reilly scored his second shortly after following a great run by San Emeterio who unselfishly played the ball to the unmarked Reilly who coolly finished from yards out.

Castleknock continued to dominate, with Kane in good form. Although there was always a threat from the hard-working Rivervalley team but, thankfully, Rogers, Turner and the impressive Dylan

McDonagh, who had been out for a month with a serious eye injury, were in good form and their strong interventions were inspirational to their teammates.

A clever ball was played in by Reilly to release San Emeterio but the Rivervalley defender got his head. However, San Emeterio kept running and from the left hand side burst through to hit a venomous shot into the right-hand corner.

Castleknock Celtic’s DDSL Under-16As comfortably saw off the league challenge from Cambridge Boys on a dull and chilly Ringsend morning.

In a competitive first half, Castleknock struck the front when Tony O’Leary pounced on a loose ball in the Cambridge penalty area and found the top corner 1-0. The lead didn’t last long as Cambridge came straight back and levelled within minutes.

As the half wore on, Castleknock enjoyed a period of dominance that was made to count when, firstly, Luke Lynch superbly volleyed to the Cambridge net from just outside the box.

Tony O’Leary latched onto a through ball, rounded the keeper and slotted home.

19 April 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 31

R1

in association with

HURLING: RIVALS PLAY EPIC AT PORTERSTOWN

.

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CASTLEKNOCK OUR clubhouse appeal is continuing

per person. If you are interested,

to grow. If you would like to make a

contact the secretary@castleknock.

donation, please contact a member

net or text 086 102 296.

of the Executive Committee. For more

Please keep sending in your match

information on the clubhouse appeal,

reports and photos. All entries are

log on to castleknock.net/fundrais-

entered into a draw to win prizes

ing or call Pearse 086 247 8961.

each month.

Championship football action this

Signs surrounding the main pitch

weekend, best of luck to our three

in Somerton are now on sale; for

adult teams. All club fixtures can be

more information on how to get your

found on the website the week before

sign seen, contact Charlie on 085 110

the game.

1008.

Good results for the Adult hurlers as the first and third team had league

All club fixtures can be found on the website the week before the game.

wins. The second team were narrow-

Club lotto now stands at €3,200,

ly beaten in a smashing game against

with the next draw in The Carpenter

St Brigid’s on Thursday evening.

on April 19.

We wish Ciaran and the U-21 Dubs

2012 Registrations are now due.

the best of luck in the All-Ireland

Form can be downloaded from web-

semi-final against Cork on Satur-

site.

day.

To subscribe to our e-Newsletters

CHFC is offering a cardiac screen-

and text alerts, send email address

ing service to males and females,

or number to pro@castleknock.net

aged from 14 to 35, at a cost of €45

or 0877532030.

Elsewhere, St Brigid’s minor hurlers were in action against Thomas Davis. Picture: Chris Lynam

Hurling derby goes to down to the wire AHL 8 St Brigid’s Castleknock

2-12 0-14

I sport@gazettegroup.com

ST BRIGID’S claimed their third consecutive league win with victory over rivals, Castleknock, in this enter taining AHL8 clash in Porterstown Park.

The hosts started the brighter, winning the early exchanges and were four points up inside the 20-minute mark.

But points from Ciaran O’Reilly and Neil Plunkett steadied the Brigid’s ship, though scoring opportunities from play were limited, with both defences on top.

With free taker John Carey on song, the Somerton men punished the Brigid’s defence to finish the first half strongly, and led by six points at the break.

A revitalised Brigid’s

team took to the field for the second half, with Alan Thyne and Eoin Mulvihill setting the tone in the midfield area.

A long ball driven in by Rory Dunne was picked up by James Campbell, who fed Alan Thyne for the first score of the second half to kickstart Brigid’s comeback. Shor tly af ter, Neill Plunkett and John Cussen scored points to close the gap to three.

Castleknock added a score to extend their lead again but John Cussen’s energy and pace was causing problems for the Castleknock defence, and when he was hauled down, the referee was given no choice but to award a penalty midway through the second half.

Neill Plunkett’s attempt was saved, but he made no mistake with the resulting 65 and pulled Brigid’s back to within three again.

Suddenly it was all one-way traffic, and a fantastic run from Fergal Counihan split the Castleknock defence.

He laid it off to talisman Neill Plunkett who made no mistake from 14 yards to level the game.

Brigid’s were dominant, and with Ciaran O’Reilly and Mossy Sweeney winning great ball around the middle, Plunkett again added a score to put Brigid’s in front.

Both sides exchanged scores as the game entered the final ten minutes to set up a grandstand finish.

Castleknock broke the Brigid’s resistance with two quick scores to retake the lead with five minutes left on the clock.

And, just when it looked like that might h ave b e e n e n o u g h , Thyne raced through the Castleknock defence and fired home,

sending the Brigid’s line into raptures.

Castleknock pressed hard for a goal in the final minutes and it took an immense block from Damien Fitzsimons to keep Castleknock at bay.

The Brigid’s defence stood tall, aided by the gallant defending of Mark Hanley and David Grogan.

As the game entered injury time, Plunkett put the icing on the cake and fired over the security score to ensure that Brigid’s would come away with all two points.

Both sides can now look forward to their opening championship fixtures, which have been fixed for Sunday, April 29.

In AHL 1, St Brigid’s senior hurlers gained their first league points of the 2012 season with a vital two-point win over St Jude’s in Tymon Park.

ST BRIGID’S THANKS to all those who helped run

The annual club golf classic takes

the very successful Easter camps

place in Royal Tara on May 25. Team

last week.

entry is €400, while tee boxes and

Great league wins for our sen-

greens can be sponsored for €200

ior hurlers v Jude’s and our junior

or €100. For more information, con-

hurlers v Castleknock. The inter

tact Phil on 086 773 3693.

hurlers’ game was postponed.

New players are always welcome,

Huge week of adult football ahead,

please contact our club coach,

with four of our six teams opening

Paul, on 087 915 4748 or email info@

their championship campaigns.

stbrigidsgaa.com.

Fixtures on website.

Club snooker tournament on our new full-sized table starts April 28.

Details on website.

The member ship deadline for

Brigid’s-produced coaching DVD also now available from Paul.

Club lotto is still € 15,000 and takes place in the Roselawn Inn this Thursday.

players has now passed. Players

Best of luck to Philip Ryan, Daire

who haven’t paid their membership

Plunkett, Alan Nolan and Dublin this

will not be allowed train / play until

Saturday in the U-21 semi final and

membership is paid.

NHL 1 play-off.

ST OLIVER PLUNKETT’S BEST of luck to our intermediate,

table quiz last Friday.

Junior B and Junior C footballers, all

Membership Fees for 2012 are now

of whom begin their championship

overdue. Any player who does not

campaigns this Sunday.

pay their membership is not be eli-

Gaelic4Mothers and Others contin-

gible to play for the club and is not

ues this Friday from 6.30 to 7.30pm.

be covered under the GAA Injury

Training sessions are held every Fri-

Scheme.

day with a biltz on Sunday, June 10.

All player injuries to be notified to

Cost is €30 per person. Fantastic fun

TommyOFriel@hotmail.com within

and craic guaranteed!

seven days.

Congratulations to Denis O’Donovan and Lindsey Haley on their wedding.

The club Golf Society’s next outing

Need a physio? The club recommends the services of Roy Brennan (087 781 1540).

is to Hermitage this Friday, April 20.

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 5, 7,

Tee times: 1 to 2.30pm. Contact John

9 and 10. There was no winner. Next

O’Donovan (087-680 2743) for further

week’s jackpot: €2850. €150 winner

details.

was Brendan Carr. A Direct Debit for

Thanks to all who supported our Junior C footballers fundraising

the club Lotto of €5 per week can be set up to play three lines.

ALL OF YOUR CASTLEKNOCK SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

DYNAMIC DERBY: St Brigid’s prevail in AHL encounter with Castleknock P31

APRIL 19, 2012

PHAROAH-NUFF: McGee’s run leads to Egyptian glory P29

GazetteSPORT

Fingal were awarded the NHL Division 3A title but missed out on a big day out due to Mattie Lennon and Monaghan’s row with their county board

Fingal take title without a final

Monaghan action hands Division 3A league to Fingal but manager Bourke frustrated by unplayed decider castleknocksport@gazettegroup.com

FINGAL boss Willie Bourke was left feeling “flat and stale” despite his side being awarded the Allianz NHL Division 3A title last Saturday evening in Lawless Park.

The north Dublin region was given the trophy after Monaghan withdrew from the scheduled final in the wake of manager Mattie Lennon’s resignation.

He stood aside following a row with the county board over a clash between football games and his side’s training times.

His players duly followed suit on a point of principle, leaving Monaghan to forfeit last Saturday’s final date, which was set to be the curtain-raiser for Dublin’s national league relegation battle with Galway in O’Connor Park.

Fingal were awarded the title – adding to the Kehoe Shield also won in 2012 – but Bourke said the success is underwhelming when compared to the positives which could have been accrued, even if they had been defeated.

“Long-term, it could have a hugely adverse effect on the Fingal project,” he told GazetteSport.

“The lads are devastated. It has such an effect on them; they were building up to a league final.

The goal at the start of the season was to try and win the Kehoe Shield and the league; we’d won the first and were in the final of the league and had the chance to play before the Dublin-Galway game with probably the biggest crowd the lads have ever been in front of. It was all just taken away from them.

“You had the like of the Friends of Dublin Hurling and a number of the clubs organising buses to go down early who would have gone to the match.

The kids going down, we could have promoted the whole Fingal idea and, down the line, there might have been an U-21 or minor team these kids could have aimed for.

“This would have been an ideal opportunity to promote it. Looking at sponsors, the DAA came on board this year and that would be a nice payback for them, a league final down in Tullamore.

They don’t get the benefit out of it either.”

He had sympathy for Monaghan’s stance but was concerned with potential damage to the Fingal project, especially as their season has already been trimmed as they are no longer involved in the Nicky Rackard championship.

“We’re victims of the by-product of it. The lads have put serious commitment in, trained at all hours of the day and the morning and have really progressed, but now we don’t get the final push.

“At the start of the year, the lads were concerned there was no championship to play for. Realistically, it’s a fixture problem within Dublin, and the county board had a call to make otherwise the club championships would be held up.

“But we said if we were to be successful this year, it could put pressure on for next year [to get back into the Nicky Rackard].

“We knew what we were going in for at the start of the year but we didn’t expect to be finishing this year, flat and stale.

“I think it’s a great project. There’s still a bit of tweaking to be done with it to get the utmost out of it, but it has great potential.”