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INSIDE: Carpenterstown residents tidy up local area P2
April 26, 2012
THAT’S THE SPIRIT: Teens are getting ready to rock See Page 6
Tickled pink: School’s delight at having a special visitor Dublin Feile: Impressive Castleknock reach Div 1 final Page 31
PICTURED at a recent awards ceremony at Mount Sackville Secondary school are principal Eileen Higgins, Baroness Nuala O’Loan, Caroline McMullan, chairperson, Parents Association and Bernie Prendiville, department principal. The Baroness was on hand to present the academic awards much to the delight of all who attended. Picture: Ian Fleming
Full Gallery on Pages 8-9
Soccer: Celtic ladies secure season’s first silverware Page 30
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ..................... 2 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
Protest is held over problems of pyrite Fed up residents say their pleas are being ignored
I LAURA WEBB
FED up owners, who have been affected by pyrite, protested outside the registered address of the company that built their homes, claiming their pleas to fix the problem are being ignored. The Dunshaughlin house-
holders stood outside the registered address of Seskin Properties Ltd in Castleknock, who built their homes at Coldricks Pass. According to one of the homeowners, when the director of Seskin Properties was first notified of the problem a few years back he said he would fix it, but did nothing.
“We’ve had enough; something needs to be done.” When contacted, the director of Seskin said the issue is in the hands of the insurance company, and said the protest took place outside his home, not the company’s registered address, which is in Tallaght. Full Story on Page 7
2 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 26 April 2012
EVENT: HOST OF GREAT FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
EVENT Carpenterstown residents tidy up local area
Festival gets set to return CASTLEKNOCK Order of Malta is joining forces with Castleknock Community Centre to bring back the Castleknock Community Festival and officially open the community gardens. The local voluntary ambulance and first aid organisation will co-host the Castleknock Community Festival on May 7, from 12pm till 6pm. It took a break last year but is back again this year with a host of great family entertainment. On the day there will be demonstrations from local clubs and groups, including Karate demonstrations from Shotokhan Karate club, Ballet from Miss Casey School of Ballet, Langan School of Irish Dancing and a first aid demo from members of the Order of Malta, Castleknock, to
mention but a few. There is also an array of arts and crafts on display courtesy of the local art and craft group. Kids will be entertained by a bouncing castle, a toddler play area, and they can get their face painted too. Food will also be available to purchase and a great BBQ will definitely tickle most taste-buds. The Castleknock Community Festival is in aid of St Francis Hospice in Blanchardstown. Admission for this event is free. The Order of Malta is a provider of first aid training, ambulance transpor t and community care services and assistance to other charities in most of the major cities and towns throughout the island of Ireland.
Loretta Jennings, Gerry Tynam, Ewa Smolaga, Anatasjia Kurnalidze, Sarah English, May English, Marie Butterly, Maeve McCann, Maura Hosford, Sean Hosford and Dabmey Melia. Pictures: James Devon
The big cleanup gets underway I T was that time of year again when the residents of Carpenterstown got to grips with nature, wielding scythe, shovel and spade to give the greens, hedges and shrubs their biannual haircut and manicure. The Spring Clean, which was organised by Carpenterstown Park Residents Association, saw volunteers assemble with bags and gloves and their favourite gardening implements. The work consisted of clearing weeds from kerbs
and between walls and footpaths. The volunteers then picked up any litter in the area and then go on to weed the planters and flowerbeds around the estate. Sweeping footpaths and removing broken glass (with care) was followed by weeding and removing rubbish from the roundabouts and cutting back grass and mowing margins and verges. It was a great fun day out and the estate looked great afterwards.
Sean Hosford and Maura
May English and Sarah
Anatasija Kurnalidze, Ewa Smolaga and May English
Hosford
English
Brian and Kate Hickey
Aisling and Sean O’Neill
26 April 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3
ROADS Residents experience heavy traffic
Fingal Volunteer Expo
Bad weather causes chaos as road opens I LAURA WEBB
ADVERSE weather conditions and new road layouts caused traffic mayhem during the first few days of the opening of the long-awaited Porterstown link road. Last Tuesday morning, local residents using the Diswellstown Road heading to Porterstown road junction experienced some unusually heavy traffic during the school run. It was the first morning of the new traffic sequence and opening of the new Porterstown Link Road, which many thought would ease traffic.
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However, according to a spokesperson for Fingal County Council, adverse weather conditions made it difficult for the new traffic signal to cope with the heavy traffic flow. “The primary traffic flow is expected to be in a north/south direction, from Blanchardstown to Lucan, and the traffic light sequencing, i.e. timing settings, was set to cater for the projected flow rates. “Unfortunately, the adverse weather experienced that morning caused a disproportionate increase in traffic using the Diswellstown Road to access and return from St Patrick’s school, thus the
traffic light sequence was not able to cope with the volumes arriving at the junction in the morning peak hour,” the spokesperson said. T he spokesperson went on to say, as standard practice, FCC was observing the traffic patterns and was aware of the problems, and promptly issued instructions to their contractor that the lighting sequence be adjusted and monitored for the coming week, until the traffic patterns regularise themselves. Additional work is still required at the junction to enhance the performance of the traffic signals,
EVENT
Labour councillor, Peggy Hamill and the new Porterstown link road
and this work will be ongoing for the next few days. Labour councillor, Peggy Hamill, who received a number of complaints from local residents about it, said it was a pity the road was not open during the Easter Holiday period so any problems could have
been looked then. ed at then “The mid-term would have given ample time to adjust lights and timing, it would have given more time to get it right.” According to Cllr Hamill, the removal of the roundabout and installation of traffic lights was the “safer” option. “We are going to have
a whole new school campus there, so safety will be of the utmost importance. There is so much activity in the area.” She went on to say it is likely there will be “teething” problems during the first week and the new traffic lights will have to be adjusted so that the timing is right.
ALL not-for-profit volunteer organisations are being invited to this year’s Fingal Volunteer Expo. Taking place on Thursday, May 17, in the Blanchardstown Centre, the event is aimed at helping organisations attracting people interested in becoming volunteers but who may not know exactly where or how to go about it. Organised by Fingal Volunteer Centre last year, they held two such events. According to the centre, the expo is a great opportunity for organisations to showcase volunteer opportunities, to let the community know about the work of an organisation and to network with other organisations. Exhibition stands are limited and are available on a first-come, firstserved basis. For further information contact Fingal Volunteer Centre on 820 9550.
4 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 26 April 2012
EVENT Over 60 artists to take part in Bank Holiday show
Three days of arts and crafts coming to Farmleigh I LAURA WEBB
castleknock@gazettegroup.com
FARMLEIGH is getting arty this May Bank Holiday when it hosts Art in Action, a three-day event demonstrating the skills and talent of artists and craftsmen. Over 60 artists are taking part in the event which showcases work in ceramics, sculpture, fine arts and crafts.
The event includes a range of art classes for adults and children; there is also a series of talks on liberal arts and musical performances. Artists from across Ireland and Britain will demonstrate their techniques, and offer their work for sale at “direct from the artist” prices. Since the inaugural event in 1995, over 100,000 guests have visited Art in Action and the move to Farmleigh
in 2012 hopes to bring the event to a wider audience. British artist Tom Coates, gold medal winner for his portrait of Irish writer and playwright Ulick O’Connor, is one of the many artists taking part. Tom is a long standing distinguished member of the Federation of British Artists societies, the Pastel Society, the Royal Society of British Artists, the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and the cur-
rent President of the New English Art Club. Looking forward to hosting the event in Dublin this May, Michael Ryan, chairperson of the organising committee of Art In said: “We are delighted to bring this event to the fantastic setting of Farmleigh and look forward to a weekend of showcasing a range of artists and enabling people to get involved in a range
of disciplines, including painting, pottery and much more. “With plenty of entertainment and fine foods, Art in Action will be a fun-filled day out for the family.” Admission for this event is free, and has been hailed as a great family day out. Art in Action will also include a range of farmer’s marketstyle food and drink vendors. Classes are booked on
Weekend of fashion and beauty BLANCHARDSTOWN Centre joins forces with U Magazine to create a fashionista’s paradise featuring fashion and beauty tips. Fashion lovers everywhere are being invited down to U Style, which showcases the latest in fashion trends for this season. Fashion shows, master-classes, live demonstrations and beauty treats are all on offer this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, fashion shows with the spring summer fashion lines, will take place four times daily. Guest speakers include the U Magazine team, who plan on sharing their beauty and fashion expertise. Live demonstrations and master-classes will take place three times daily over the weekend, including stylists, Courtney Smith, and Blanchardstown Centre’s in-house stylist, Shirley Lane and Gary Kavanagh giving customers the low-down on the fashion, hair and make-up trends this season. The U Cover Girl stand allows customers to be part of U Magazine’s cover pages and take home a unique memento, plus, each day one lucky customer will be crowned the U Street Style Cover Girl. U Style runs from April 27 to 29, U Style @ Blanchardstown. The festival will commence on April 27 with a VIP evening and a screening of Dirty Dancing.
a first-come, first-serve basis for a fee of between €5 and €10 per person and similar for children. Art in Action takes place in Farmleigh, Phoenix Park from Saturday, May 5 - Monday, May 7, from 10.30am until 5.30pm. Log onto www.artinaction.ie for a full schedule of classes, talks and entertainment or check out www.facebook. com/ArtinActionFarmleigh
We have a winner: Abbie’s art wins prize THE WOODIE’S DIY Child Celebrity win-
ner is Abbie Flood, from Scoil Mhuire Senior National School in Blakestown, Mulhuddart. She was the winner of the Be a Celebrity for a Day Woodie’s DIY and Dulux Colouring Competition. There were thousands of entries from surrounding schools in the area, with the standard so high it was difficult for judges to pick a winner, but they were unanimous in choosing Abbie. Woodie’s have a great day lined up for Abbie and lots of prizes. Abbie will be picked up by chauffeur-driven car and will officially open the new store in Blanchardstown Retail Park. She also wins a computer for herself and one for her school, plus numerous other prizes.
FUNDING: OVER €1M PROVIDED UNDER THE TRANSPORT MEASURES PROGRAMME
NRA allocates funds to FCC for 12 improvement projects I LAURA WEBB
castleknock@gazettegroup.com
THE National Roads Authority (NRA), has allocated over €1 million to Fingal County Council for 12 projects in the area, under the Sustainable Transport Measures Programme 2012. The allocation is part of a €12 million funding for more than a hundred projects to improve road, bus, cycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area. FCC was allocated €1,395,000 under the scheme. T he largest allocation of funding is for the N3 Mulhuddart
Interchange Upgrade, with €1 million being approved for the project. Projects in the Dublin 15 area include: €35,000 for Toucan Crossing at Castlecurragh for planning, design and construction of signalised crossing for pedestrians and cyclists; €40,000 for planning, design and constr uction of new unsignalised crossing and missing part of footpath network at Luttrellstown Road/ Somerton Lane in Castleknock and an allocation of €10,000 for a new footpath to improve access to a bus
stop on Ladyswell Road in Mulhuddart. Welcoming the investment, Dublin West TD and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton said: “As a keen walker myself, I welcome this investment in walking and cycling which will improve the quality of life for people in the area.’’ M e a nw h i l e , o t h e r areas in Fingal receiving a portion of the 2012 allocation is Toucan Crossing at Applewood Drive in Swords with €35,000 allocated for planning, design and constr uction of signalised pedestrian
crossing; a new signalised crossing at Jamestown Road/St Margaret’s Road in Finglas for mobility impaired/ disabled users and pedestrians at a cost of €75,000, while €50,000 has been allocated for the same signalised crossing at Dublin Street/Old Market Green, Balbriggan. Allocations have also been given to the council to complete missing parts of footpaths, with €40,000 for Rathmore Road in Lusk, €40,000 f o r H ay e s R o a d i n Rush and €25,000 for footpath completion at Kinsealy Church in Malahide.
A further €30,000 will go to the design and construction of footpath upgrade to improve access to Church Road – Burrow Road School in Sutton and €15,000 to carry out road user audit focusing on walking and cycling, and role of HGV’s at Kilshane Road (Cappagh Road to North Road). Welcoming the allocation, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar said: “This Government is committed to investing in public transport and encouraging more sustainable ways of travelling. “The projects range
in size from large-scale junction changes to small-scale pedestrian crossings, but each will make a real difference i n t h e c o m m u n i t y,” Minister Varadkar said. “ T h i s i nve s t m e n t shows that real progress can be made, even in difficult times. “It’s important that the Government does what it can to encourage more people to take the bus, train, Luas or bike to work, school or college and to make walking more attractive for short journeys. That’s what this investment is all about,” Minister Varadkar said.
26 April 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 5
NCH Council makes submission to Review Group
Funding grant is welcomed
Nine areas are submitted for hospital site castleknock@gazettegroup.com
FINGAL County Council has made a submission to the National Children’s Hospital (NCH) review group outlining nine sites in the area suitable for the proposed hospital. In its submission, FCC identified the nine sites that have the potential to accommodate the muchneeded hospital. The council made the submission following An Bord Pleanala’s rejection of the Mater Hospital site to house the hospital because of overdevelopment. The sites noted as suit-
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able in size and scale for the NCH are: Connolly Hospital (regional) at Blanchardstown/Abbotstown; Former Phoenix Park Racecourse on Navan Road; Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital and lands at Dunsink; BRL lands Ballymun; Connon’s lands Merryfalls/Sillogue; MetroPark Dardistown; Clonshaugh/ Belcamp; Belcamp and Lissenhall in Swords. According to the council, the sites “meet the original criteria as outlined in the McKinsey Report, Children’s Health First”. Fianna Fail councillor, David McGuinness, welcomed the submis-
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I LAURA WEBB
sion and was particularly happy with the submission looking at Connolly Hospital as a suitable location for the NCH. McGuinness said he will “continue to work in outlining Connolly as the site which meets, and in many instances, exceeds criteria that featured in the original McKinsey report. “Connolly has an abundance of land, academic hospital status, access for pedestrians and motorists and does not have planning difficulties. “Fingal’s submission highlights the many positive aspects of what Connolly has to offer.”
Fianna Fail councillor, David McGuinness, supports Connolly as a site
Meanwhile, Fine Gael councillor, Kieran Dennison, said: “It is becoming increasingly obvious that the Mater site is no longer suitable for the new National Children’s Hospital. “Having read the submission made by the Fingal Planners, it is clear
that the site at Connolly Hospital is superior in many ways and meets all the criteria. “The recent merger of Connolly with Beaumont and the Royal College of Surgeons fulfils the need for co-location with an adult academic hospital.
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“The lands at Connolly are already owned by the State and the only significant cost involved is in building the proposed ten-storey structure. “The other sites identified in the local D15 area were at Cappagh hospital and the Phoenix Park Racecourse.”
A CASTLEKNOCK politician has welcomed investment in pedestrian and cycle facilities throughout Fingal. Dublin West Green Party representative, Roderic O’Gorman, welcomed the allocation of funding grants for sustainable transport in the Greater Dublin Area announcement, which includes new pedestrian and cycle crossings throughout Fingal. “I am pleased to see that Minister Varadkar is continuing the policies initiated by the Green Party in rebalancing transport spending in favour of public transport, cycling and pedestrians. While a modern roads network is crucial, for too long other forms of transport were ignored. This has changed in recent years and Minister Varadkar should be congratulated for not rowing back on this,” O’Gorman said.
6 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 26 April 2012
Laurel Lodge Carpenterstown
With Jim Lacey Phone: 087-2401308 Email: jimlacey@eircom.net
Teens get set to rock The Olympia I
WAS talking during the week to Marie King, who is one of the organisers involved in Laurel Lodge Teen Choir, and she tells me that the upcoming Teen Spirit T concert promises to be a really special event. Over 160 young adults will be involved in the show. The singers and musicians are from Manor House Secondar y School, Raheny, St Mary’s Secondary School, Glasnevin, Mar-
ley and Ballinteer Parish, Collinstown Park Community College, Bush Secondary School Dundalk, Arklow Parish, Prosperous Parish and all the way from Dublin 15 The Laurel Lodge Teen Choir. Marie tells me that the show will be a unique and inspiring combination of spiritual songs and chart hits from the last five decades. It will be an emotional rollercoaster for the audience, touching the limits of the human soul.
It will be a representation of sacred music e x t e n d i n g t o r o c king hits fresh from the charts – or, as Marie says, from Panis Angelicus to the K ings of Leon. A similar project in the Kerry Diocese over the last four years has been a huge success playing to full houses in Cork Opera House. Marie hopes that this project will attract as much support from the public in Dublin as it did in Cork and Kerry.
The upcoming Teen Spirit T concert promises to be a really special event
Projects like this are a great focus for hope for teenagers and is great encouragement to them, raising their self-esteem and harnessing the power of peer pressure
in a most positive way. T he concer t itself will be a top-quality, professional presentation and the audience can look forward to a great night’s entertain-
ment and, if you don’t believe me, log on to www.teenspirit.ie and see the footage of last year’s show! The concert is in the Olympia Theatre on
Sunday, April 29, at 8pm. To book telephone Olympia Theatre at (01) 6793323. Well done to Marie K ing, Therese Flynn and all concerned.
Carpenterstown residents get stuck into big cleanup rounding margins of the park. The volunteers then picked up any litter in the area and then went on to weed the planters and flowerbeds around the estate. Footpaths were swept and broken glass and cans removed. They then went on to weed and remove rubbish from the roundabouts and cut back grass and mow margins and verges. The work started at 11am and was scheduled to finish at 2 o’clock but many people continued on till late. Indeed some stragglers - yours truly included
- who were away on the day will be catching up during the week. I spoke to Marie Butterly of the Residents Committee who was delighted with the amount of work done and she paid tribute to the many children who turned out and who really worked hard. The numbers participating in the clean up were a little down when compared with previous years but the content and quality of the work ensured a successful outcome on the day. The Carpenterstown Park Residents Association are holding their next meeting on
Monday, April 30 at 8p.m. in the Community Centre, Laurel Lodge. They are looking for volunteers to help with the running of the association. It only involves attending a meeting once a month for one hour. If you can set a little time aside it would be much appreciated. However, not everyone can participate on the day but if you can’t and are willing and able to, you can still do your bit at some other time during the week. The estate looks really great after all the work and congratulations to all concerned.
Sean Hosford and Maura Hosford at the cleanup
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T’S that time of year again when local residents of Carpenterstown get to grips with nature wielding scythe, shovel and spade to give the greens, hedges and shrubs their biannual haircut and manicure. The Spring Clean organised by Carpenterstown Park Residents Association took place at 11am last Saturday, April 21. Volunteers assembled at the Tennis Court, equipped with bags and gloves and their favourite gardening implements. The work consisted of clearing weeds from kerbs and between walls and footpaths and the sur-
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26 April 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 7
HOUSING Residents claim company is ignoring them
Annual awards concert
Householders protest over pyrite problem I LAURA WEBB
A GROUP of householders affected by pyrite in their homes, protested outside the registered address of the company that built their property, claiming their pleas to fix the problem are being ignored. Last Saturday, April 21, Dunshauglin householders stood outside the registered address of Seskin Properties Ltd in Castleknock, the company that built their homes at Coldricks Pass. T h e h o m e ow n e r s first encountered the problem of pyrite five years ago, and since
then nothing has been done to fix it. According to one of the homeowners, when the director of Seskin Properties was first notified of the problem he said he would fix it, but did nothing. “There is a six-year gap in which builders can respond to structural problems. He dragged it out, and now the six years have expired,” the homeowner said. “He won’t deal or engage with us.” When contacted by the Gazette, director of Seskin, Sean Connolly, said the staged protest took place outside his home, not the registered
address of Seskin Properties, which he said is in Oldcourt Centre in Firhouse, Tallaght. According to a directory service, the address given was in Castleknock while the company registration office confirmed the Firhouse address. Asked if Seskin Properties is going to fix the pyrite problem, Mr Connolly said: “It is in the hands of the insurance company [Providence] and they are dealing with it at the moment. “It is a slow process. We didn’t go out to buy infill for the houses of a defective nature. A lot of estates are affected
Dunshauglin householders hold a protest
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‘It’s heartbreaking living in a house like this. New cracks appear every day’
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by this.” He had been co-operative with householders and in his absence others had been dealing with this. The householder told the Gazette that a number of homes were tested by Homebond
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OPTICALROOMS is a new optical service within the busy Meridian Clinic in Roselawn shopping centre. This service provides a comprehensive eye examination and to then facilitates people to purchase their glasses and contact lenses online. They offer the tradition service also for people not interested in the online element. The benefit is the huge savings to be found in their glasses and in all their optical products. “Due to the fact we do not have all the expenses related to a store we have passed on the savings to our customers,” says Mr Stack the owner and
founder of Opticalrooms. com “All eye examinations include an assessment for Glaucoma, Diabetes, Macular Degeneration and Cataract development. Our virtual store at www.OpticalRooms.com will have pre-populated information for each individual patient following their consultation. Here patients can view their prescription, what was recommended and order or repeat order glasses or contact lenses as they require. “Using the latest technology and equipment on the market our non invasive imaging system produces images of the
eye from the layers of the cornea right back to the retina and the choroid body. In addition, we use an FDA approved Henson visual field analyser. This has a multitude of visual field tests that allow early and accurate detection of glaucoma. “It is fully compliant for the proposed RSA driving license requirements for both Group 1 and Group 2 applicants.
Mr Don Stack F.A.O.I. The founder Mr Don Stack F.A.O.I. is an Optometrist with over 20 years experience. He has been running his own Practices since 1994 and brings with him a wealth of
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and confirmed pyrite was present in the foundation. However, according to the householder, Homebond said they were not liable because they cover the actual foundation and not the infill. “We have got to a
stage where we have just had enough of being nice; we spent five years being civil and polite but we keep being fobbed off. Something needs to be done. “It’s heartbreaking living in a house like this. New cracks appear every day. “All we want is someone to talk and to be honest with us. It is now up to us to fend for ourselves,” the householder added.
CASTLEKNOCK School of Music is set to host its fifth annual awards concert, offering audience members a great concert with a competitive edge. The award concert will take place at Westmanstown Sports and Conference Centre on Sunday, May 13 at 2pm. Professor Anthony By rne, lecturer and pianist at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, will be present to adjudicate and participants will be categorised by age: Under 8, 10. Under 14, Under 18 and 18+ years. Eileen Brogan, school director, said all students performing at this concert are winners by just participating. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Jilly Kiely at 8261100 or email info@castleknockschoolofmusic. com.
8 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 26 April 2012
EVENT Baroness Nuala O’Loan attends and presents awards
Enjoying an award ceremony OUNT Sackville Secondary school had a very special visitor recently for their award ceremony. Students and teachers gathered in the sports hall and there was great excitement as Baroness Nuala O’Loan presented the academic awards to students. There was also tributes paid to teacher Gerard O’Leary who recently left the school. The award ceremony was enjoyed by all, especially since the school was very privileged to welcome such an inspiring role-model for young women.
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Junior Science Award - Laura Cullen, Fiona Stinson and Seana Carty, Third-year. Pictures: Ian Fleming
Hannah Brown , sixth-year Business Department Award Laura O’Grady and Rebecca Noonan present a bouquet to the Baroness
Katie Coady, Deanna Kahlout and Eadaoin Bake
The Baroness with Ava Kirby, sixth-year, Senior Home Economics Awards
Dearbhla Murphy, Ellen Gillespie, Clodagh Walsh, Isobel Olden and Anna Kerrison listen intently to speakers
26 April 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 9
at the Mount Sackville Secondary school academic occasion
Principal Eileen Higgins, the Baroness, Caroline McMullan, chairperson, Parents Association and Bernie Prendiville, department principal
Cathy Ann Goulding and Eva Raleigh Gemma Cooney (Buisness) addresses crowd
Mairead Kennedy, Christina Rahill and Elena Cassidy
Roisin McManus, Olwen Kennedy, Michaela Lynch and Laura Nolan
English Department Award - Junior
Young Scientist - Caoimhe Ryan,
Sixth-year English Department
Zara Khan, third-year
transition year
Award - Senior - Aisling Galvin
Art Award for Creative Endevour - Siobhan Kelly, sixth-year
10 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 26 April 2012
EVENT
Bavaria City Racing App launch campaign
Sandra Dodd, Brian Kiely and Ciara Hennessy
Appy time at a launch UBLIN’S D2 nightclub was the venue for a very glamorous launch of the Bavaria City Racing App for the Bavaria City Racing event, which will be held in June. The event will feature five hours of nonstop motorsport action for everyone to enjoy in the heart of Dublin city centre. Caterham F1 Team will line up alongside an ever-growing list of international and domestic motorsport talent that includes the Vodafone McLaren F1 team, the Aprilia Superbike team, the Motorbase British Touring Car team and the GP2 Teams.
Rebecca Tyrrell, Niamh Kavanagh, Emma Stafford, Adzee Merai, Megan Buggy and Brian Kiely. Pictures: Ian Fleming
Stewart Connolly with Adzee Merai
D
Ciara McAlaree and Jayne Owens
Jack Tune, Ceoladh Pratt, Robert Rogers, Lisa Murphy and Daniel Lafferty
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SNAPSHOT The stories of the day from around the capital
Getting into the spirit of things at a festival THE Spirit of Folk festival launched with a bang recently as festival goers, musicians and some famous faces flocked to Whelan’s of Camden Street, to celebrate the unique event. TR AZ , Bunioscionn, T he Young Folk and The Hot Sprockets took to the stage with an attentive audience taking in the folky-inspired tunes ranging from traditional Irish to country rock. Spirit of Folk, now in its second year, aims to create an event where lovers of folk, trad, bluegrass and country can come and revel in the best Ireland and Britain has to offer. It doesn’t stop there, however, with living history, storytelling, archery, falconry, games, ancient druidic rituals, as well as a mind, body, soul area filling the grounds at Dunderry Park, County Meath, where it will be held from September 21 to 23. As one punter put it: “If the quality of music tonight is anything to go by, the festival should be a stomper!” Spirit of Folk early bird tickets are now on sale starting at just €65 for the weekend. See www.spiritoffok. com for more details.
A sweet move to raise funds A DUBLIN hairdresser is hoping to raise €10,000 for St Francis Hospice when it gives every penny made on May 13 to the charity. Brown Sugar, on South William Street, in Dublin’s city centre, will open its doors on May
Kathryn Thomas, Emily Duffy and Natasha Duffy at the launch of the Spirit of Folk Festival held in Whelan’s on Wexford Street recently
13 to fundraise for the hospice in Blanchardstown and Raheny. The salon offers make-up and brow treatments, as well as the usual hair styling and pampering. From 12pm until 5.30pm every cent made on the day will go to the hospice. To book an appointment at Brown Sugar book, Tel: 01-616 9967 or see brownsugar.ie. St Francis Hospice provides palliative care for patients suffering from cancer and motor neurone disease.
Bressie boost for very good cause WATCH out, Bressie’s about, and he is coming to Castleknock to help raise money for a very good cause. This May 3, the singer/songwrit-
er and Voice of Ireland judge, aka Niall Breslin, will lend his celebrity status to charity. He is set to host a charity lunch at Brasserie 15 in Castleknock with all proceeds going to cancer support centre - Lakelands Area Retreat and Cancer Centre (LARCC). He will be joined with special guests to host the event, which is offering a three-course meal with wine, plus some great entertaining. The charity lunch takes place on May 3 at 1pm. Tickets cost €65 and are available by calling Brasserie 15 on 01-828580. The LARCC Centre, Mullingar, gives support and holistic help to people living with cancer, providing a supportive environment where patients and family members can participate in their courses, obtain information and experience complementary therapies.
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Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: IT DOESN’T TAKE MUCH AT ALL TO KEEP YOUR PET CAT KEEN
Keeping your cat smiling ELL, well, well, who’d have thought there were so many lovely cat people out there and I’m delighted you’re all regular readers of my column. I’d like to start this week by thanking you for your phone calls regarding my FIV piece; I’m so glad it was of help to you. With that in mind, and since cats appear to be so popular, I thought I’d dedicate this week’s column to cat toys and cat play with an aim to help you make your home a more stimulating environment for Miss Kitty. First of all let me say that, when it comes to self amusement, cats are experts and it doesn’t take much to keep them keen. For example, if you have a balled up piece of paper or a little rubber ball you can flick, well Miss Kitty will be in puurrfect heaven just chasing and swatting it.
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When it comes to self amusement, cats are experts
In fact, the clever cat may actually like to play “fetch”, by placing an object in your lap, expecting you to throw if for her. And, yep, I know, pets’ toys can be expensive; I’ve got dogs who have managed to shred every single “guaranteed unbreakable”, toy I’ve purchased, but with a cat it’s different; you don’t need to raid the piggy bank to keep her happy. Below are a few of my very simple, but doable, hints for playthings for you to make Miss Kitty Claws. • An empty cardboard box is a great way for cats to investigate and play hide and seek. Or make a cat apartment by attaching boxes together and cutting out doors and windows. • Make it a family affair and set the kids a project by getting them to make felt mice stuffed with catnip. • Used paper towel, or toilet roll, tubes are great for Kitty to unwind. • Paper bags are fab but
make sure you remove the handles. Never, ever use plastic bags, they are a suffocation risk and sometimes cats can chew and choke on the plastic. • Plastic golf balls… you know the ones hubby uses for practise. Steal one from his stash and place it in a dry bath tub and let Kitty play. • Cats love anything that moves so why not get a tub of bubbles and blow them through the air and let Kitty catch and burst them. • Turn off the lights, get the torch out and play shadows on the wall by dangling cat toys back and forth encouraging your cat to leap up at the wall trying to catch her prey.
Keep it safe Cat-proof your home and keep objects, such as pins, needles, plastic bags, chewable items, elastic bands, including hair bobbins, paper clips, staples, dental floss, etc., out of reach of your cat.
Keep it interesting Like all good relationships it’s good to keep your playmate happy so, if Kitty has a favourite toy, keep it handy but do rotate the others in order to provide her with a bit of variety. You know, toys to roll, toys to pounce upon, toys to cuddle and toys to wrestle with. You could also try hiding a few and letting her find them. Remember, play strengthens the bond between pet and parent, so make sure your toys are interactive. Catnip First of all, what is catnip? It’s a type of herb, it’s perfectly safe, it’s a member of the mint family and it contains a chemical that, when crushed, gives off an odour that attracts cats. It’s worthwhile remembering that cats who have access to catnip on a regular basis tend to become bored with it; so get creative and rotate those toys. Petting your cat We’ve discussed ways to entertain your cat but never underestimate the power of petting Miss Kitty. It’s beneficial for both pet and parent and for best results, pet her on the side of the head and, between the eyes and ears where her scent glands are located, that way she can deposit her special scent on your hand. Remember the above are simply guidelines that I hope will improve your cat’s playtime and stimulate her mentally and physically, giving your feline hours of fun. For more information, contact your local equine vet or log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie
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GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY YSL’s bring a Touche of magic WITH celebrity fans such as Julia Roberts, Rhianna and Katy Perry, it’s no wonder Touche Eclat is still Yves Saint Laurent’s best seller 20 years after being released. To celebrate this milestone, YSL has launched a collector’s edition of its Touche Eclat. The complexion enhancer is an essential tool for every make-up bag and is widely known as a magic wand. It places an invisible layer of light, erasing dark areas of fatigue, lines and hallows. Yves Saint Laurent 20th Anniversary Collector Edition has a RRP of €35.
Light, luminate and lift-off for No7 new skincare range OSMETIC giant No7 is setting new standards in anti-ageing skincare with its new Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum for women aged 45 and over. The serum was launched this week and, according to No7, it is proven to tackle three key signs of ageing for women aged 45 and over – lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness and uneven pigmentation. “No7’s innovations are always developed having identified and understood women’s skincare needs and wants,” a spokesperson for No7 said. “These insights have made No7
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the leader in the antiageing category with products that work, to make women look and feel good. “With proven solutions for women of all ages, No7 now has a range of serums which specifically address all three key signs of ageing.” Boots experts consulted with leading scientists and dermatologists to understand pigmentation, the current solutions available and the emotional impact on women. Dr Katherine Mulrooney, Cosmetic Dermatologist at The Clinic, Sandymount Green in Dublin said: “There is no doubt that skin
ageing has a significant effect on patients, particularly women. “Signs of skin ageing tend to manifest in the 40-plus age group when patients present in my clinic with concerns about irregular skin tone, such as hyperpigmentation and age spots, broken veins, fine lines, wrinkles and dull, lax skin. “Effective treatment options, such as IPL and FR AXEL Laser, chemical peels, and prescription creams are available. However, they require patient compliance during and after the treatments for long-term results. “I would gladly welcome a specific, safe, at-
home skincare regime to tackle this problem,” said Dr Mulrooney. To ensure the new ser um met the high standards women expect from No7, Boots experts worked with world leaders in antiageing to create the formulation. No7 Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum has been tested in over 20 studies, i n cl u d i n g a b r e a kthrough clinical trial, two supporting clinical trials and on over 1,200 women. No7 Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum (2 x 15ml) is available exclusively in Boots stores nationwide priced at €34.
No7 setting new standards in anti-ageing skincare with its new Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum
26 April 2012 GAZETTE 17
Edited by Laura Webb
Armani arrives with burst of colour AZETTE Beauty is getting lippy this week, and is taking a look at Giorgio Armani Cosmetic’s new sheer rouge range. More and more lips are being treated to great colour block this season, and Rouge d’Armani Sheers are keeping up with the trend with its a range of vibrant and stylish shades. Three such colours delighting the palette include straight orange to pink-orange — Acid Tangerine 300, Tokyo Coral 301 and Orange Mutation 302. Reds are available in Red Car pet 400, R ipe 401 and Scarlato 402, and there are three lively transparent pinks: Ecstasy 500, Vita 501, Blush 502, and
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our favourite, as well as three purple shades of variable intensity: Bitten 600, Tulipe Noire 601, Black Laquer 602. The lipsticks are resistant to water and lock in hydration on the lip surface for over eight hours. With a creamy texture and feather y lightness, the new range acts as a great balm. Linda Cantello, Armani’s cosmetic director said: “The Sheers are a revolutionary new lipstick hybrid. The vividness of lipstick with the translucency of a gloss and the comfort of a lip balm — colour like you’ve never seen before.” Giorgio Armani Rouge Sheer range of lipsticks is available from Brown Thomas, Dublin, and Brow n Thomas, Cork, with a RRP of €26.
Maybeline launches new range of bronzers for summer market SUMMER has yet to come, so, in the meantime, staying a shade darker than milky is still a look we are trying to achieve, and with a little help of some feline inspired bronzers - it’s possible. Although most of us are still covering up from arms to legs, faces and necklines are still on show. Looking at most Spring/ Summer catwalks they are simmering with spicy colours such as burnished gold, warm bronze and molten copper. Taking some inspiration from this trend, Maybelline has brought out a new feline inspired Dream Terra Sun Bronzer for a great golden, safari glow – even if we can’t make the real thing. The Dream Terra Sun Bronzer is available in three shades – Light Bronze, Tiger and Golden. Test the shade before you purchase and chose the one that is closet to your skin tone to give it a healthy glow. The Light Bronze and Tiger shades have a natural pinkness ideal for fair to medium complexions, while Golden is more copper, perfect for olive skin tones or as a blush for darker skin tones.
Megan Fox, the face of Giorgio Armani’s Beauty Visual Rouge d’Armani Sheers range
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18 GAZETTE 26 April 2012
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods
NEW BANDS: MICROSOFT AND MUZU PARTNER FOR CONTEST
Unsigned acts battle for ultimate prize I ROB HEIGH
EASTENDERS, Corrie, Fair City, you can keep ‘em. Their plot lines pale in comparison to the outrageous soap opera drama that surrounds Axl Rose. The plot thickens as the Guns N’Roses frontman pens yet ANOTHER open letter following his refusal of the invitation and induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this month. Now he’s written an apology to the city of Cleveland for snubbing the prestigious ceremony but, in the same breath, says he doesn’t understand what the Hall is or how or why it makes money. (There are those who wonder the same about you these days, Axl.) The G N’R lead singer also thanked those fans who are standing by him, but, funnily enough, he left out the people who did attend the gig when the rest of his band were inducted into the Hall of Fame, and who booed every time the word “Axl” was mentioned. He ended the statement with this: “I once bought a homeless woman a slice of pizza who yelled at me she wanted soup. We got her the soup. You can get your own.” Ehhh...so he’s not cooking for us any time soon?? I still have high hopes for The O2 gig with Thin Lizzy on May 17 — just bring your own soup.
WITH bands trying every way possible to break through and get the attention their music deserves, Microsoft and MUZU TV, in association with IMRO, are opening the doors for new unsigned bands to compete via online media and try to win the grand Unsigned and Online prize. The initiative, which is designed to promote independent Irish music, challenges unsigned Dublin bands to creatively use a suite of Microsoft products, social networking and a smart online presence to promote their band, to rise up though the MUZU TV leader board and compete for the prize. The band that secures the biggest online fan base at the end of the eight-week initiative will be crowned the winner of the inaugural Unsigned and Online competition. This band will win a prize that is designed to help them to bring their music to the masses, valued at over €10,000. The prize consists of a digital marketing campaign for the band across the major Microsoft platforms, including Windows Live and
Banks can use their online savvy to land a digital marketing and promotional prize
MSN. They will also win an acoustic session in the MUZU TV studio, and a slot in the line-up at Dublin’s Academy, giving a real profile boost to the winning band. Speaking at the launch, Orla Sheridan of Microsoft Ireland said: “Through our consumer research, and on the ground work in third level campuses across the country, we know that music is a passion and consumers are increasingly accessing it via digital channels. “What is interesting is despite the fact that this audience is techno-
logically enabled, many have only scratched the surface of what can be achieved through technology and the web. The truth is that musicians can now creatively script, shoot and edit a film-quality video and syndicate it to their community with just a few clicks. “It is for that reason that we decided to partner with MUZU TV. We want to merge the best of what Microsoft technology offers with MUZU TV’s reach, capability and music expertise to create an initiative that will make a real differ-
ence to unsigned Irish bands and those who love up and coming music acts.” Ciaran Bollard, CEO of MUZU TV added: “We are delighted to come together with Microsoft to provide an engaging platform for unsigned bands to get their music out there. “Unsigned and Online will enable bands to explore new ground with their music and will help music lovers discover new bands. “There are so many talented new Irish bands out there with little or no platform of support out-
side their city or town. Microsoft and MUZU TV would like to begin to change that with an initiative that opens up the full potential and reach of the web to bands that want to embrace and explore it.” For details on how to enter log onto www.facebook.com/unsignedandonline. The competition will close on June 13 when the top act on the MUZU TV leader board will be crowned the winner. Music lovers are invited to track the progress of their favourite band on www.muzu. tv/unsignedandonline.
26 April 2012 GAZETTE 19
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Niamh Bownes, Company Director, Carpet and Flooring Concepts
Niamh’s rolling out the business plan NIAMH Bownes is happily continuing a longstanding family business association with Dun Laoghaire. Combining being a busy mother of two small children and running her, and husband, Mark’s successful business, Carpet and Flooring Concepts, based at Number 95, Lower Georges Street, Niamh’s days are always busy. Her preferred field of expertise is carpet colour and quality selection, having been a professional fashion buyer in her previous career, and utilising her eye for coordinating colours and textures. She has also gained a professional knowledge of carpet, laminate and timber flooring, resulting in a formal, flooring consultant qualification. Niamh and Mark pride themselves on maintaining excellent customer service, along with expert advice and fitting on all types of carpet and flooring, and Niamh is always looking for new, innovative flooring products. She was thrilled to recently become Dun Laoghaire’s only stockist of Adore Touch luxury vinyl tiles, which are available in a selection of wood finishes along with its unique, patented Uniclic fitting system and 25-year guarantee. Adore Touch is a wonderful addition to an already excellent product range, says Niamh. Niamh Bownes, Carpet and Flooring Concepts
Q: What was your first job? A: Cutting my parents’ grass and ironing my dad’s shirts
Q: What sport can you play? A: I could play them all, I am sure (ie: none at all)
Hmmm, should I admit that?
Q: When did you start your present job? A: 2010
Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: I think it’s Jedward . They
ter at them
A - It is really important to examine all the financial circumstances before locking away money erations include: - Rainy Day Fund - you should have circa three to six months’ net annual income in an accessible account for emergencies, sudden loss of income or that investment opportunity. This € 10,000 might be best invested in a demand account (best currently is 3.25% - email me for details) if you do not have the required threshold for your RDF.
Age may be a factor - Age - a 60s investor will have different investment views than one in their 20s. - Family - you might not realise the expensive years ahead of you if you have, or are, thinking of having children. Third-level costs for one child top €42,000 – and that is without fees (source: Bank of Ireland). - Income - are you living within your means? Perhaps you may be put on a short week or, worse, be made redundant. - Investment types - There are many forms of investment, not all attributable to deposits. The rate of return is an important factor ... forestry can give up to 10% per annum, tax-free, but you may have to wait 10 to 12 years to realise it.
To be considered Gold, while expensive, is best as part of a portfolio of investments (they say 10% is the recommended percentage), and the stock market itself should be considered as a long-term investment. Safety wise, you are well under the protection threshold of €100,000 per person for deposit takers in Ireland, and, as regards State savings (this includes National Savings Certificate – five
ing deposit takers; there is nothing better for this
Q: What sport do you follow? A: None
and 50p a shirt
Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’? A: The measures – Mark is bet-
Any suggestions? John –Drumcondra
equivalent to 5.04% per annum from DIRT- deduct-
Q: What is your guilty music/ TV or movie pleasure? A: Oh, it has to be Dr Phil ...
helping people to find what they want at the right price
don’t mind locking it away for up to five years.
years and six months, offering 21% tax-free and
Q: And your first pay cheque? A: Five pounds for the grass,
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: Dealing with the public, and
Q – I have €10,000 to invest from savings, and
that you may need sooner than you think. Consid-
Q&A Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: Eddie Macken - showjumper
WHERE COULD BE THE BEST PLACE TO INVEST MY €10,000?
look a bit disorganised; I think they are clued in, and moving in the right direction.
Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: If you buy me one, I will tell you!
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: Carpet and Flooring Con-
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: I plead the fifth, and admit
cepts
nothing
Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update? A: “Adore touch, luxury vinyl
Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: Not really had a bad one –
tile now in store; patented click system for ease of fitting; no subfloor prep required!”
touch wood!
Q: Describe your dream meal? A: A quiet night out for two for Mark and I, and not having to worry about what time to be home for the babysitter
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Dame Edna Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: On my children
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: Disney world with the kids, or a safari
Q: What would be your dream job? A: I love what I do, and wouldn’t really want to change it
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Travel, hire a motor bike and drive down Route 66
term), the protection comes in the form of sovereign debt – an unconditional direct obligation of the Government of Ireland. 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 26 April 2012
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GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs
Citroen readies a fresh new DS line FRENCH motor manufacturer, Citroen, has announced details of a move that the company describes as a fresh look at the Citroen DS line.. Marketed in parallel alongside Citroen’s main range, the company claims the DS line explores new automotive territory. Just two years after its launch, the DS line – comprising the Citroen DS3, DS4 and DS5 – has already notched up more than 200,000 sales worldwide. The DS line will be launched in China this year and, to mark the event, Citroen has designed a new concept car, Numero 9, which will be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show. The concept signals the styling cues of the next three DS line models: a C-segment premium sedan, an SUV and a D-segment executive saloon. A new take on the shooting-brake body style, Numero 9’s concept is designed with plug-in full-hybrid technology; an ultra-efficient system that boasts remarkable levels of performance – 166mpg fuel economy, 50km range in ZEV mode, 295hp, a “boost” function and 39g/km of CO2. Designed in Paris, it is hoped that Numero 9 will open a new chapter in the styling of the DS line. Subtly combining the proportions of a coupe with those of an estate, Numero 9 hints at exceptional driving sensations, with its taut lines, long bonnet and ultra-low stance (1.27m tall) on 21-inch wheels. It also promises unique on-board comfort with its generous proportions (4.93m long and 1.94m wide, with a 3m wheelbase) providing plenty of room for rear occupants. Numero 9 features new-generation microhybrid technology, designed to switch the combustion engine to stand-by whenever it is not required. When the driver requires speed and torque, a “boost” function combines the power of the combustion engine and electric motor to enable high levels of performance (up to 295hp). Numero 9 takes just 5.4 seconds to go from 0 to 62mph, and 25.3 seconds to travel 1,000m from a standing start. When grip is lacking, the car switches to fourwheel drive mode, with the electric motor driving the rear wheels and the combustion engine powering the front wheels. In particularly difficult driving conditions, the driver can manually select 4WD mode.
The VW Golf Cabriolet 1.2TSI is described by our correspondent as “pretty, sleek and beautiful”, as well as “the return of something great”
So much more than simply aspirational CORMAC CURTIS
OME glorious sunshine decided to grace the skies a b ove D u b l i n just before Easter, and I was lucky enough to be test-driving the latest Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet at the time. I couldn’t have asked for a better week to put this gorgeous little convertible through its paces. Apart from the fact that my two young daughters actually squealed with delight at the idea of a car with no roof, I also got the chance to compare a very up-to-date version of a car I used to drive before it was discontinued a decade ago. Far be it from me to second-guess our German automotive overlords, but the idea to call a “halt” to the production of the Golf convertible in 2002,
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SPECS: VW GOLF CABRIOLET 1.2TSIY Engine: 1.2-litre TSI, 105BHP, six-speed manual gearbox Top speed: 188km/h 0 – 100km/hr: 11.7sec Economy: 5.7 ltr/100km CO2 emissions: 132g Road Tax Band: B Entry Price: €28,465 (to €34,700)
and to offer the Beetle convertible in its stead, seemed ludicrous to me back then. But that’s what they did, and the soft-top Golf was shelved indefinitely. It came as a pleasant surprise when VW announced at the 2011 Motor Show in Geneva that they were reintroducing the Cabrio, and I have been chomping at the bit for a chance to test one ever since. As I mentioned, there is a little history between
myself and the Golf Cabrio. Back in 1999, the future Mrs Cormac Curtis realised a dream come true – not only did she meet me in a cosy little pub in West Cork, but, that same year, she bought herself a brand-spanking new VW Golf Cabrio, in midnight blue with a black, manual soft-top roof. For a certain generation, the Golf was the perfect car; the GTI version was the Holy Grail for young, petrol-headed males – but the convertible? Well, that was something very special. So special, in fact, there was only one insurance company even willing to quote for such a farout automobile – but I digress. In my world, this particular soft top was so special that it was even used as one of the wedding cars
on our wedding day. My first opportunity to see the all-new model in the flesh was in a showroom window in Dublin 4, and, to be fair to VW, they couldn’t have hit the design nail more squarely on the head. Being as unbiased as I can be expected to be, the new model is a masterclass in understated motoring elegance. It is lower, and a good deal sleeker than its previous incarnation, with a selection of tasty alloys to chose from. The car has all the elements from VW’s current style book, but it is put together in such a way that gives it a look and presence that is unmistakably Golf. It is a classic example of an object that is greater than the sum of its parts. No individual element grabs you; there aren’t
any “aggressive” design features; you will not find any “flowing yet contrasting visual statements” ... it is simply a beautifullydesigned car. The interior, too, doesn’t go about trying to reinvent anything, either; there are dials and displays that you will find in other cars in VW’s stable, such as the Skoda Superb. But everything just sits so well together that it really works. The chunky steering wheel with stitched leather, the gearstick with stitched leather, the brushed steel accents almost everywhere ... all pretty standard ideas, but the balance is right, and comes together in a simple, understated and incredibly comfortable cabin. The model I drove had leather and suede upholstery with red con-
26 April 2012 GAZETTE 21
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SUPPORT
LOCAL BUSINESS
Motoring correspondent, Cormac Curtis, top, takes his daughters on a ride in the new VW Golf Cabriolet 1.2TSIy, a motor which, among several other points, he praised for its storage capacity (above)
trast stitching, as well as red mesh panels on the seats – which really gave the interior a little more punch. I really, really want to say that the interior is stunning, but it falls a little short of that, which is a shame. You won’t get much change out of €29,000 for the entrylevel Golf Cabrio, and, for that money, a little more wow-factor in the cabin wouldn’t go astray. What you do get for €28,465 is the 1.2-litre TSI engine, generating 105BHP, coupled to a sixspeed manual gearbox. This is a nice combination with just enough oomph and, combined
with VW’s BlueMotion Technology, means pretty low running costs. Back in the 1999 model, we had a thirsty 1.8-litre petrol engine that wasn’t even fuel-injected, which made for some pretty hairy moments trying to overtake tractors on West Cork roads. The powered hood comes down with the touch of a button in about eight seconds (I didn’t use a stop watch, so that’s a rough count my kids gauged for me), and there are no latches or handles to twist and turn – so, top marks for the roof design. We have established that the Golf is pretty, sleek and beautiful – but
can you live with it? The target market for this car will be predominantly female, most likely with a few kids in tow, so it better have a practical side. And, believe it or not, it has. In short, as we prepared for an Easter break out of town, I managed to get a bag of clothes, a camera bag, a box of food and drink, pillows, bed linen, a large toolbox, a car battery booster pack, a big bag of toilet rolls, a heavy coat, jackets, kids’ coats, two car seats, two kids, a huge bag of kids’ toys and myself all into the car, with just a little imagination. Getting the kids in and out of the rear seats was a
doddle (even easier with the roof down), and the seats could tilt and slide with ease. There are, of course, a dizzying array of options and specs associated with this car, but most of them won’t mean an awful lot to those who feel strongly enough about it to buy one. The attraction here is the return of something great, something aspirational, something with motoring heritage that brings back memories of youth ... something you simply can’t pick out of the list of options. Those who really want one will get one, and they won’t be disappointed.
A NEW study released by Ford shows that nearly half of European drivers admit they have read texts while driving – a highly-distracting habit that has been proven to contribute to traffic accidents. The study was commissioned by Ford to underscore the safety issue as the company prepares to introduce its SYNC in-car connectivity system, which can read aloud incoming messages through a text-to-speech feature, and enables drivers to send a text reply by voice from a predetermined list of responses. An average of 48% of motorists surveyed from Germany, Spain, France, Great Britain, Italy and Russia confessed to checking their texts while driving. Despite the prevalence of the practise, drivers surveyed agreed overwhelmingly that reading texts on the move was dangerous. A total of 95% of drivers across the six countries agreed that texting affected driver ability and safety. At least half of those surveyed in each country said they believed driver response was 50% slower when checking messages from a mobile phone. Christof Kellerwessel, chief functional engineer, Electronic and Electrical Systems Engineering, Ford of Europe said: “Smartphones have so quickly become an essential part of many people’s day that it’s hard to imagine life without them. “However, text messages can be a distraction for drivers, so the benefit of a system that can read messages aloud from compatible smartphones is obvious.” Ford SYNC will debut this summer on the allnew B-MAX and will roll out quickly to other vehicles in Ford’s line-up, including Focus and Kuga. The text-to-speech feature on SYNC, powered by Microsoft, retrieves messages using a simple voice command from Bluetooth-connected compatible smartphones. SYNC also enables drivers to send a text reply from a predetermined list of responses, helping motorists to remain focused on driving while staying in touch with contacts. The responses include: “I love you”, “Send directions” and “See u in 10min”. SYNC’s text-to-speech feature will be compatible with an increasing range of smartphones, thanks to Ford’s adoption of the emerging Message Access Profile standard (MAP) for Bluetooth device-to-device connectivity, which is already used by leading mobile device manufacturers including Blackberry producer Research In Motion. More than four million Ford vehicles in the US already feature SYNC, and Ford anticipates 3.5 million new vehicles in Europe will be equipped with SYNC by 2015.
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Ford study shows SHOP danger of car texts LOCALLY
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22 GAZETTE 26 April 2012
GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Plenty of places to stay for May bank holiday A host of special offers available with Concorde Travel for a wellearned Springtime break
CONCORDE Travel have an array of special offers available for the next month, allowing those with a keen eye for a deal and some holidays coming up a luxurious break at a fraction of the cost. See www.concordetravel.ie
MADEIRA Spend springtime in beautiful Madeira.Depart on May 6 for seven nights, stay at the 3-star Dorisol Hotels, on a b&b basis, from only €640pp, the 4-star Lince Lido Hotel, on a b&b basis, from only €715pp or the 5-star Hotel Melia Madeira Mare, on a b&b basis, from only €800pp. THE ALGARVE Depart from Knock on May 5, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the 3-star Praia Sol Hotel, Vilamoura, on a b&b basis, from only €430pp. SARDINIA Escape to Alghero’s Medieval town and enjoy the Italian way of life. Depart on May 3, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the 2-star Buganvillea Apartments, on a self-catering basis, from only €399pp, stay at the 3-star Hotel La Playa, on a b&b basis, from only €564pp or at the 4-star Hotel Punta Negra, on a b&b basis, from only €669pp MALTA Travel to the amazing island of Malta, and enjoy its great sights, history, delicious food and beautiful weather. Depart on May 4, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the three-star plus Hotel Santana, on a b&b basis, from only €449pp or stay at the 4-star Hotel Dolmen, on a b&b basis, from only €589pp or for four nights, stay at the 4-star Hotel Marina at the Corinthia Beach Resort, on a b&b basis, in a sea view room, from only €549pp CROATIA Stay in Dubrovnik Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and experience the enchanting atmosphere of its marble streets, red roofs and the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Depart on May 2, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the 3-star Antuniska Apartments, based on two sharing a studio apartment from only €499 per person.
MIMI MURRAY
THE weather may have been bitterly cold over the last few weeks, but we are all holding out hope that summer will be in the air come this May bank holiday weekend. With that thought in mind, there are plenty of places offering deals around the country. Longueville House is offering one where children go free. Stay for two nights and dine on one evening in their Presidents’ Restaurant. Sit back and enjoy gourmet cooking by chef/proprietor, William O’Callaghan. Enhance your experience by tasting their new housebrewed premium cider, house-distilled brandy or delicious garden berry liqueurs – a true delight for all gourmands. The offer is subject to availability, and dinner is served between 6:30 to 8:30pm, weekends. Traditional Irish and Continental Buffet Breakfast is served each morning until 10.30am. A table D’hote menu is included on both evenings. Up to two children, aged up to 13 years, go free in a family room, but meals are extra. The price is from €220 per person sharing. For bookings, email info@longuevillehouse.ie
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‘Following a leisurely breakfast on Monday morning, meet Frances, who will accompany the group to Woodville Gardens – a Victorian walled garden; Coolaught Garden and Nursery; a farmhouse garden and woodland, and the Potting Shed – a small nursery garden’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next, why not enjoy a Wexford garden tour with Frances MacDonald at Marlfield House? Check in on Sunday, May 6, and enjoy a stroll in the garden before a glass of wine and dinner with the other attendees. Following a leisurely breakfast on Monday morning, meet Frances, who will accompany the group to Woodville Gardens – a Victorian walled garden; Coolaught Garden and Nursery; a farmhouse garden and woodland, and the Potting Shed – a small nursery garden. The following day, visit Frances’s own garden, The Bay Garden, and Springmount Garden Centre. Marlfield House is now offering massage and facial treatments. The package includes a glass of wine before dinner on Sunday; dinner on Sunday and Monday night; lunch on Monday, and lunch in Marlfield on Tuesday, as well as transport to the gardens and back to Marlfield.
The cost is €370 per person sharing; for full details, see www. marlfieldhouse.com. Full bloom
Meanwhile, Rathsallagh House is in full bloom, and their thousands of mature trees are in full leaf, roses are in bloom, the lawns have been cut and the walled garden has come into its own. Included in the Rathsallagh package is a discount voucher for the nearby Kildare Retail Village, and a gift certificate for Newbridge Silverware. Available on May 5 and 6, as well as May 11 and 12, two nights cost from €190 per person sharing in a standard room. This package includes two nights’ bed and breakfast. For further information, see www. rathsallagh.com. Escape to the West this bank holiday and slow down with three night’s bed and breakfast at the Ice House Hotel, in Ballina.
Take a stroll on the beach with a complimentary picnic with wine. Unwind with unlimited time in their thermal suite, including steam room, laconium and two outdoor hot tubs, and soak in a candlelit bubble bath. Whet your appetite with a glass of bubbly on the terrace, followed by dinner on one evening from their 2AA Rosette A La Carte menu. The price costs €325 per person sharing; for further details, see www. icehousehotel.ie. Finally, also in the west, why not consider a twonight weekend break at Cashel House? Experience the wonders of Connemara, including walking, riding, golfing, scenery and dining. The package includes two nights’ accommodation, and breakfast, with dinner on one evening, and costs €185 per person sharing. For further information, see www.cashelhouse-hotel.com/.
The idyllic setting is just
Longueville House
26 April 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
TravelBriefs
Passengers can relax and avail of the new choice of private lounges on the Stena Nordica as she undertakes the Dublin Port to Holyhead route
New suites designed to help the Nordica’s passengers cruise to Holyhead in luxurious comfort STENA Line has launched two private lounges on the Stena Nordica, which sails on its Dublin Port to Holyhead route. One lounge accommodates up to two people and the second lounge holds up to four people. Each lounge is equipped with luxury leather seating, a flatscreen 3D TV, a Playstation 3 console and games, as well as tea and Nescafe Espresso-making facilities. In addition to this, passengers will also be able to take advantage of waiter service from Stena Plus. Jamie Christon, Stena Line Dublin Port/Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead route director, believes the private lounges will appeal to all types of passengers, whether they are travelling for business or pleasure. He says: “The two new cabins provide fantastic facilities for people wanting to relax in private.
a taste of the relaxation on offer at Marlfield House.
Cashel House
Space “They are perfect for people travelling on business, as they provide a quiet space to get work done and, with the Sky News channel available, passengers can keep track of what is happening around the world. “The second cabin accommodates up to four people, and is perfect for families, as the children can be kept entertained with the TV and games console, and the adults can sit back, relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, with the whole family arriving in Holyhead relaxed and ready for their onward journey.” The Stena Nordica sails twice daily from Dublin Port, at 2.30am and 4pm, with return sailings from Holyhead at 8.20am and 9.30pm. Prices start from €79 single for a car plus driver, and passengers can book the private lounges from only €30. For further information, or to book, go to www.stenaline.ie, call Stena Line on 01 204 7777, or visit your local Stena Line office or travel agent.
24 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 26 April 2012
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Faulty Towers Dining Experience
DISCERNING diners are cordially invited to attend Basil and Sybil Fawlty’s three-course meal at The Pavilion theatre, with fine fare to savour. Basil, and his loving wife, Sybil, will be ably assisted by Manuel – one of Barcelona’s finest waiters – to ensure the evening runs perfectly smoothly, and without any possible chance of mishap or mayhem whatsoever. Your Fawlty evening can be enjoyed nightly at 8pm from Friday, April 27 to Sunday, April 29, with the price for the three-course meal, and Basil’s attention, set at €45.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Encore! Showtime 2012 THE stage is all set at The Mill for Encore! Showtime 2012, courtesy of the Encore! School of Performing Arts. This highly-polished production 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, and showcasing some of the students’ diverse and impressive skills in a number of performing arts discipline. For full list of dates for the great shows, see www.milltheatre.ie.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Romeo & Juliet FEW will need an introduction to the tale of Romeo and Juliet, yet this startling production will thrill audiences, as Ballet Ireland is set to restage its hugely successful production of Romeo & Juliet, choreographed by Morgann Runacre-Temple. With rave critic reviews, and a superb production, Shakespeare’s timeless tale will delight all at the 8pm shows at the Civic Theatre’s Main Auditorium, running from Thursday, May 3 to Saturday, May 5, with admission costing €20/€16 conc.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 I Hear You Calling Me A MUSICAL night of pure entertainment awaits at Draiocht, chronicling the extraordinary life story of the legendary Count John McCormack, and features such memorable numbers as Macushla, Because, Roses of Picardy, Somewhere a Voice is Calling and many more. Narrated by radio and TV presenter, Kevin Hough, and featuring Waterford tenor Frank Ryan as John McCormack, and Cork soprano Linda Kenny as Lily, the concert can be seen at 8pm on Friday, April 27, with tickets priced €20/€18.
If you ever wanted to see Titanic looking even-slightly-more-realistic than before - well, now’s your chance, given the special anniversary re-release of the film, with its 3D upgrade making a great difference to certain parts but nothing much, for most other parts
Sails along nicely Unlike the poor unfortunates aboard her decks, the film once again sails along smoothly enough to its tragic end I KATE CROWLEY
APPARENTLY, some readers didn’t quite care for my A-to-Z quickstep runthrough of the film, Gone, in my blink-andyou-missed-it review, last week. However, if you missed it, just to recap what I said about that particularly one-star film: “With the police not believing a young woman’s story of her sister being kidnapped by a serial killer, just as he’d tried to kidnap and kill her earlier, she tracks him down, saves her sister, and kills him. The End.” There. That’s sunk that particular film plot in one easy go, saving you some of your precious euro in the process. And, speaking of sinking, and of revealing film endings, that neatly takes me (via a slightly tasteless link) on to Titanic 3D, which was recently released in 3D. Which
FILM OF THE WEEK: Titanic ### (12A) 195 mins Director: James Cameron Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, James Warner, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Bernard Hill, Gloria Stuart, an iceberg
OUR VERDICT: FORGET the watery romance between Jack and Kate – once again, the star of the film is the Titanic herself, as she cruises along to her fate. The 3D effects go largely unnoticed (but pack a punch at some crucial moments), while the classy ship gets a classy cast, courtesy of the late Gloria Stuart and (still very alive) Bernard Hill. It’s Titanic – mostly as you’ve seen before – and still a pretty huge achievement.
explains the name. It’s my solemn duty as a film reviewer (all right, all right, you can put down that hefty stick now, Gazette ed) to at least nod at such passing ships in the night, with Titanic being about the biggest bloody boat to splash by our screens in some time. (With apologies to the recently-released film, Battleship.) There’s not really very much that I can say about this, other than it’s Titanic back on our screens, but in 3D this time – and, hey! – that’s at least one more dimension than
it had, first time around (though, sadly, I’m afraid that the plot, characterisation, and so on are as rigidly two-dimensional as before). So, once again, we get the doomed young lovers on board the doomed young ship, but now with some kind-of-a-bitdecent 3D effects tacked on. Nothing too jazzy, mind, as they’re just boosting certain key shots in the film – anyone looking for Jack and Rose to start playing a game of frisbee in Steerage, say, will be sorely disap-
pointed. So, yet again – and look away now, dear readers, if, somehow, as bizarrely unlikely as it sounds, you don’t know what happens to Jack, Rose, the Titanic, Billy Zane, the girl with the china doll, the drunk chef, the girl at the bow of the ship, the eel in the bathtub, et al – the Titanic sinks, and Celine Dion caterwauls at some length. In 3D. I can’t say that the 3D helps the film (not least as I’m not a fan of 3D effects anyway, as they tend to both dim and blur films, detracting from their visual impact), but, whatever about the adequate that’ll-do romance at the centre of the film, there’s no denying the real heart, and star, of the film – Titanic, herself. The appeal, and attraction, of Titanic and her enduring, yet awful, legacy is effortlessly laid bare once again on the gleaming decks of the
ship, inviting audiences to stroll along through the lost world of 1912’s society and standards. A century on from the tragedy itself, and whatever about the film’s weaknesses, today it’s hard not to return to Cameron’s Titanic one last time, 3D gimmick or not ... Finally, I’d like to dedicate this review to the retiring chief sub of the Gazette, who swears blind that he remembers strolling about the promprom-promenade of the Titanic back in 19-niminy-two, but doesn’t quite convince whippersnappers such as yours truly. However, this old tub respects that old sea salt, who’s prevented me on many an occasion from revealing here what I really think of Madonna’s acting ability, the everpresent threat of Steve Martin trying to return with a comedy, and much more – titanic achievements in themselves.
26 April 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING Has Web 3.0-oh, oh, oh already arrived? SHANE DILLON
DEBATE is stirring over whether Web 3.0 is really here, or is on the way, and, indeed, whether Web 3.0 is something radically different from what we understand as the internet today, or represents a more subtle shift in how the internet will work. Perhaps we should look at a very brief history of the internet (or, at least, what the terms Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 generally mean to people, today). People from their mid-to-late-twenties and upwards will recall how Web 1.0 saw the first mass stirrings of the modern internet across the world, approximately 15 years ago (although the internet had existed in other forms for decades – but that’s a whole other kettle of fish). Web 1.0, as “we” understood it, saw the inexorable rise of the internet
– a largely static experience of plain pages, basic design and minimal user interaction. Flash for ward to approximately ten years ago, to the first evolutionary steps of Web 2.0, as new programming and design elements began to maximise the slow rise of broadband. Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, the rise of Google and PayPal, et al – all very much products defined by (or at least strengthened by) Web 2.0. In its simplest terms, Web 2.0 has seen a vast divergence of what the internet “is”, how we interact with it, and how it’s delivered – the rise of the always-on, alwayswired world. What, then, could be the next step forward into Web 3.0, and are we already reaching – or have we reached – this next great evolutionary stage in the internet?
FeelingtheForce WE HAD a great response to our recent Kinect Star Wars for Xbox 360 competition, which saw five copies of the great new Kinect game up for grabs. In it, we asked you to tell us the correct answer to the following statement: Complete the following Kinect for Xbox 360 tagline: A. You are the boss B. You are the controller C. You are the best [The correct answer was B.]
China’s Great Firewall - designed to keep certain foreign influences and topics away from Chinese internet users, as well as to protect officially-sanctioned state views on the internet, and to block others - is but one “frontier feature” as the world moves towards Web 3.0: the next significant sea-level change for what the internet is, and how it may be used and accessed. Illustration: Shane Dillon
As ever, hindsight is 20:20 vision, and, while experts and the common man understand the stages of 1.0 and 2.0, nobody is entirely certain what 3.0 represents.
User-tailored While some think that Web 3.0 will be a more unique, user-tailored experience, drawing upon, and somehow collating the vast banks of data that most of us leave in clear trails around the internet to create individual-specific search,
Anotherweebyte... Ceefax service joins the Dodo PIXEL lovers may have been crying into their cornflakes last week at the news of the long-expected death of Ceefax (or, for young readers: what the internet was before we had the internet, for millions of people across Britain and Ireland).
As a child of the 1970s and 80s, I vividly recall turning to Ceefax to look for information – only to find that the television had loaded, say, page 17 of 43, and I had to wait ten minutes for the page I wanted (usually, one that had just passed, such as page 16) to slowly loop its way around to being displayed again. Happy days.
Now, after decades of presenting a wide variety of news and listings, presented in slow fashion, in giant, blocky letters and with basic pixel pictures, and all buried behind tv channels (and running as a forerunner to comparable systems, such as Aertel), the BBC has consigned Ceefax to history’s dustbin, joining the Dodo ...
data and product results, others think that Web 3.0 does not represent a new methodology in serving users but, rather, a fight back against what the internet stands for. Perhaps Web 3.0 represents not something to drive the internet forward for individuals, but is (or will be), instead, an intellectual, political and economic battlefront for corporations and governments alike to skirmish over – all seeking to reshape, redefine and protect (or, in some cases, destroy) how and what people can access on the internet. There’s already plenty of evidence of such attempts to ringfence and control the internet (as, indeed, there has been from day one), but never before has there been such a determined push by companies and corporations, in line with governments, to define, control and monitor what the internet is, and how users access it. From China’s regular updates of The Great
Firewall to restrict what her citizens can access online, to Apple’s self-appointed definition of (and subsequent indirect censoring) of what it terms as “inappropriate” content, to continuing cyber skirmishes on a range of national security agencies’ fronts, it appears in several ways that the giddy days of free-for-all data are coming to an end. And so, perhaps that’s what Web 3.0 represents – the evolution into a new, more refined (and defined) state of information access and flow, rather than how it’s delivered, as well as representing the rise of political, civil and intellectual battles for the right to access/ police data (depending on which “side” you’re more engaged with). As we look back at these next stages in the internet’s development, let us hope that whatever changes are underway they don’t give us any regret, or reason to lament the rise of Web 3.0-oh-oh-oh …
Thank you to everyone who entered and, of course, congratulations to the five lucky winners, who were all selected at random after sending in the correct answer. The winners are: Eileen O’Flaherty, Killaloe, Co Clare; Emer Breen, Goatstown, Dublin 14; Jennifer Beaton, Clondalkin, Dublin 22; Ciaran Roche, via email and Diarmuid McCourt, via email. A copy of Kinect Star Wars is being posted out to each winner. Congratulations again, and keep an eye out for more great competitions in The Gazette!
GAZETTE
26 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 26 April 2012
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Pat and Pauline Cassidy are applying for planning permission for a first floor extension over existing garage, new tiled roof over existing porch and all ancillary works at 15 Glenville Grove, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. The application may be inspected or purchased for a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, during it’s public opening hours, 9.30 - 16.30, Monday to Friday and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by Fingal County Council of the application.
Mahmood Khan is applying for Planning Permission for the construction of a single storey extension at ground floor level to the rear elevation of 22 Blackwood Crescent, Ongar Chase, Ongar, Dublin 15. To include internal alterations and all associated site works. In addition to the retention permission of 3 No existing roof windows to the front roof elevation and 4 No existing roof windows to the rear roof elevation all at second floor level. The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its’ public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (20euros) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
Liam Boyle intends to apply for permission for a detached singlestorey garage at Seychelles, Castleknock Road, Dublin 15. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (20Euros) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application.
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GazetteSPORT
APRIL ASPIRANTS Dublin Sport Awards nominees for the month announced: Page 29
WATER POLO: WORLD’S FINEST TEAMS COMING TO NAC TO PREPARE FOR LONDON 2012
International tournament comes to Dublin sport@gazettegroup.com
THE IRISH Water Polo Association is set to host a pre-Olympic men’s water polo tournament in Dublin, prior to the London Olympics at the National Aquatic Centre from July 5 to 8, which will feature the top four teams in the world as they prepare to challenge for gold in 2012. Current Olympic champions, Hungary, will take part, as will current
European champions, Serbia, who won their title at the recent European Championships in the Netherlands. Also participating are Great Britain, Montenegro, and Croatia, with a final team to be added to the list, depending on the outcome of upcoming Olympic qualifiers. Water polo is the main sport and passion in a number of these countries, and with this being the last chance for the
teams to meet before London, as well as London being a sell-out, it is expected that the tournament will attract significant travelling support from all across the international water polo fraternity, as well as teams, delegates and referees as they get set for their turn in the pool in the Olympic Games. Minister of State for Tourism and Spor t, Michael Ring, who is also chairman of the London
The four best sides in the world are coming to Dublin for the pre-Olympic tournament
2012 Coordinating Committee, congratulated the Irish Water Polo Association in attracting such high-calibre Olympic teams for this tournament. “This is another exam-
ple of Ireland benefiting directly from the Olympics and adds to the number of Olympic athletes from 13 countries who have already decided to train in Ireland ahead of the London Games.
This promises to be an exciting event,” said Minister Ring. Tickets for the event are available from the event website, www.dublinwaterpolo2012.com. Ticket prices range
from €4.50 for a child’s ticket, to €90 for a fourday pass, with €25 for a day pass. Matches take place daily in the early evening, with the addition of a morning session on Friday, July 6.
28 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 26 April 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
RUGBY: LADIES SET UP PROMOTION DECIDER THIS WEEKEND
GAA stars get on their bike for charity in Ras A HOST of top GAA stars, including All-Ireland winners Bernard Brogan and Barry Cahill, joined forces in Croke Park last week to launch the Race The Ras charity cycle event for 2012. This is the second year of the race, which will see almost 150 amateur cyclists and a host of current and former GAA stars lining up to cycle across Ireland from May 20 to 27. All the money raised will go to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Aware. The amateur cyclists will start three hours ahead of the professionals taking part in the Ras each morning and will travel through 13 different counties, before arriving in Skerries on the final day. Broadcasting legend Micheal O Muircheartaigh was on hand to help to launch the charity race. “I am delighted to be here today to officially launch Race The Ras, which we hope to be an even bigger success than last year. I would ask for those to donate, no matter how small, as it will make a huge difference to NBCRI and Aware.” Chairman of Aware, David Carton, described this event as an important one for the organisation. “This is a nationwide event and depression is something which affects every community in Ireland. We hope people all over Ireland will support this event and the cyclists who are taking part. We wish them well. Money raised from this will help us to get more information and support to people who need it.” To register for the cycle, please log on to http:// racetheras.com/event-registration/. With eight stages to choose from, cyclists can opt to do all eight stages or a single stage or opt for a combination of two or three stages. Those wishing to donate can do so by visiting www.racetheras.com/donate.
The Garda RFC ladies’ team secured the league title this term with eight wins from eight outings
Garda take the league title WOMEN’S AIL DIVISION 2 Garda RFC Cavan RFC
44 0
I sport@gazettegroup.com
THE GARDA women’s rugby team capped what has been a fantastic season for them with an impressive victory over Cavan RFC at Westmanstown last Sunday to secure the Women’s All-Ireland League Division 2 North title. Garda, coming into the tie with a 100% record in the league to date, having won all seven of their seven ties, needed the victory to see off the challenge of Belfast Harlequins, the only team in a position to spoil their title bid, and ensure a league title for two seasons running, having secured promotion from the Leinster League last year.
The Westmanstown ladies set to the task from the off, and were ahead inside ten minutes when a high tackle on wing Michelle Stafford yielded a penalty, with the resulting quick tap allowing No 8 Sharon Lynch to crash over for the opening score. With the initial nerves settled, Garda took advantage of their territorial superiority and good link-up play from lineouts to yield tries for lock Lorna O’Connor and wing forward Fiona Morrison inside the half hour. Wa v e s o f G a r d a attacks left the Breffni Belles unable to get out of their own half and, when their single foray into Garda territor y broke down, Michelle Stafford latched on to a wayward pass to score a breakaway try under
the uprights. Impressive kicking from out-half Chrissy Doyle left the half-time score at 27-0. With the tie almost ove r a s a c o n t e s t , Garda’s intensity seemed to drop momentarily at the beginning of the second half, and a solo effort from the Cavan hooker almost yielded a score, but for a tremendous tackle from centre Alana Lowe. Coach Ray Murphy reinvigorated the Garda juggernaut with the introduction of three substitutes, and fresh legs gave the desired effect, as captain Aine O’Sullivan drove over f o r t h e t o u c h d ow n shortly afterwards. A good break from Sharon Ly nch pro vided the platform for a try clinically finished by substitute wing Louisa Healy and Healy
grabbed a second at the end, thanks to some excellent mauling from the Garda forwards. Presenting the Acheson Cup, contested between the two clubs at various levels since 1991, incoming Garda Rugby Club president, Alfie Acheson, commended both teams on an entertaining contest and congratulated the Garda Ladies on a fantastic squad effort, which has seen the team rise from the
lower ranks of the Leinster League to the upper echelons of Women’s rugby on the island over the last few years. Garda now go on to face the winners of Division 2 South, Tralee RFC, this Saturday, April 28, in Nenagh, with the winners being promoted to Women’s AIL Division 1 for the 2 01 2 / 2 013 s e a s o n , a prize that Garda’s ladies’ performances t h i s s e a s o n wo u l d merit.
26 April 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 29
in association with
2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - APRIL NOMINEES
FastSport
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
# STARof the
Basketball blitz at NBA in Community Games
MONTH
CIARAN KILKENNY
CAROLINE RYAN
SEAN MARI
CASTLEKNOCK’S prodigy continues to shine in the Dublin line-up, contributing vital scores and an on-field presence that has seen the U-21s into the All-Ireland final
GARDA’S cycling sensation claimed Ireland’s first elite world track medal since Harry Reynolds back in 1897, winning bronze in Melbourne
MARI claimed Whitechurch BC’s first-ever male AllIreland title in the 27kg category at the National Stadium after a string of impressive performances
MALAHIDE CS
FOXROCK CABINTEELY
COLLINSTOWN PARK
AN all-ages golfing machine, Malahide calmly saw off the challenge of Kilkenny in the Irish Schools’ Matchplay competition this month
SOUTH COUNTY LADIES’ football is a hotbed of talent, as proved by the young Foxes annexing the Dublin Feile title, adding to titles at all levels
COLLINSTOWN Park came from behind to become Leinster champions when they got the better of O’Fiaich College in an eightgoal thriller
# TEAMof the MONTH
Super Olympians: Taylor backs Terenure run to aid SO athletes KATIE Taylor recently took time out from her
intensive preparation for the London Olympics to meet some members of the Special Olympic South Dublin Sports Club, as part of endorsement of the Terenure five-mile run on Sunday, May 13, which aims to raise €10,000 for Special Olympics. €5 of the entry fee goes direct to Special Olympics, and a big turn-out is expected. Those wishing to have an enjoyable run while helping athletes can register by logging on to www.terenure5mile.com
LAST week saw an action-packed feast of Community Games basketball when the preliminary rounds of boys and girls’ Under-13, and the finals of the boys’ Under-16 competitions took place at the Basketball Arena in Tallaght. The girls’ Under-13 took to the court last Monday, with teams from Donabate/Portrane, Malahide, St Jude’s, Drimnagh, Knocklyon, Ballyboughal and Clondalkin all looking to secure a place in the finals. The teams were split into two groups, with a number of electrifying games being played with fine skills on display from all of the teams. Malahide and Drimnagh emerged from group 1, while Clondalkin and Knocklyon emerged from group 2. Malahide will play Clondalkin in the final, while Drimnagh face Knocklyon in the play-offs on May 12. The boys’ Under-13s were in action last Tuesday, with seven teams taking to the court, with the teams matching each other pointfor-point and producing exciting games and results. The final on May 12 will see Clondalkin play Malahide in the final, while Drimnagh face Knocklyon in the play-off. The boys’ Under-16 matches dominated proceedings last Wednesday night and, with only four teams entered, a round-robin system was played. Each team played three matches and medal placings were only decided by the results of the last two games such was the standard of the teams. Gold medals went to Drimnagh, while Palmerstown took silver, Bronze medals went to Knockmitten and fourth-place medals went to Clondalkin. May is set to be a busy time with competitions taking place in rugby, tag rugby, rounders, soccer, hurling and futsol. Entries are now being taken for these competitions. Entry forms available from your local area secretary, or www.dublincommunitygames.ie. For more information on competition entries, contact your local secretary, or Dublin Community Games Secretary, Maureen Quinlan on 872 8203, or check out www.dublincommunitygames.ie
30 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 26 April 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
SOCCER: MEADOW CONTEST SEES CASTLEKNOCK CLAIM CUP
MSB register results on track and road Castleknock Celtic Under-15 Girls who won the Girls in the Meadows Cup Tournament in Enniskerry last weekend
METRO St Brigid’s AC enjoyed a strong weekend of results as they performed well in various races throughout the country. In the ladies’ race at the national road relays in Raheny, Kate O’Neill, Adrienne Jordan and Mairead McCann came fourth in a combined time of 22:30. In the men’s races, in the O-40 category, Dave Carroll, Mel Hilliard and Gerry Watt finished sixth in a combined time of 22:01 Gerry Quinn, Paddy Parrott and Tom O’Neill came third in a time of 22:39 in the O-50 category. In the Irish universities athletics association meet in Athlone, Liam Tremble qualified for the final of the 800m final and ran a time 2:02 in the final. In the 5000m, John Coghlan came first in a time of 14:57 and, in a remarkable third, after running in the 800m, was Liam Tremble in a time of 15:21.
Celtic girls are Wicklow Belles sport@gazettegroup.com
CASTLEKNOCK Celtic’s U-15 girls won the club’s first silverware of the season by coming out on top in the annual Belles in the Meadow tournament in Enniskerry at the weekend. First up against the hosts were Castleknock Celtic, whose captain, Emma Boyle, got things under way when she hammered the ball home from the edge of the penalty area for the opening goal. This was quickly followed by goals from Ciara Brady, Lyndsey Kearney and another
from Boyle to give the girls a perfect start in a comfortable 4-0 victory. There was a long wait before the girls started their next game against old rivals, WFTA. In a tough match, Aoibheann Lynch scored a brace, and the match ended all square at 2-2. However, the girls were soon back on track with back-to-back victories over Broadford Rovers (2-0 with Lyndsey Kearney scoring a brace) and Newtown Juniors (1-0 with Boyle scoring the decisive goal). The Celtic girls now had a semi-final berth, but they still had one
more league match to play, in a match that ended 0-0 against Templeogue United. The Castleknock girls met Newtown Juniors in the semi-finals, and they displayed all of their footballing talents to run out comfortable 4-1 winners. The scorers were Boyle, Lynch with a double and Brady, who set up the side for their final match of the tournament and silverware in sight. The Castleknock girls were in control from the start against Templeogue United. Kellie Boyle performed well as stand-in keeper, while
Sarah Brady and Rebecca Kearney gave nothing away in defence, which meant that the scores were 0-0 come halftime. The only goal of the game came in the second half when Lynch got on the end of an Boyle corner to force the ball home. The girls saw out the remainder of the game in a very professional manner to get their hands on the cup. Elsewhere, Celtic entertained Greystones at Porterstown in the Gerr y Mur phy Cup semi-final. Both sides started brightly, but Celtic start-
ed to dictate the play early on. They took the lead through Max Trigub, and the game stayed a tight affair until ten minutes into the second half when Max got his second Greystones now had to come out of themselves, which left gaps at the back, one of which was exploited by Jack Bradshaw to side-foot the ball into the corner of the net. Greystones pulled one back from a free kick about five minutes from time, but Celtic saw out the last few minutes to win the game.
Lee and Crotty on Leinster panel sport@gazettegroup.com
COOLMINE’S Johnny Lee and Donal Crotty (right) have been included in the Leinster Juniors r ugby panel, who will kick off this year’s interprovincial campaign when they take on their Munster counterparts at Edenderry RFC this Saturday (4pm). Leinster then travel to Loughrey RFC on Saturday, May 5, to take on reigning champions, Connacht, before finishing with
Ulster away on Saturday, May 12 in Larne RFC. This year’s squad sees a big turnover of players, with a total of 20 uncapped players being selected for the series. Saturday’s fair at Edenderry RFC – which will mark the 100th game between the two provinces - coincides with Edenderry’s 60th anniversary celebrations, and it promises to be a great day out for all the family. Also taking place in the club on the day will be an
army parachute display, as well as plenty of kids entertainment, including a bouncing castle, face painting and train rides all star ting from 2pm onwards. The occasion is also an ideal end of season day out for youths and minis. The day will be capped off by the Leinster Provincial Seconds Towns Cup Final between Newbridge RFC and Tullow RFC which will kick off at 6pm.
26 April 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 31
in association with
FEILE: FINAL MATCH A GAME TOO FAR FOR U-14S .
CLUB NOTICEBOARD CASTLEKNOCK THE Clubhouse Appeal is continuing
day, April 30, upstairs in The Car-
to grow. If you would like to make a
penter at 9pm. All members and
donation please contact a member
non-members welcome. For more
of the Executive Committee. For
information, see web or email bar-
more information on the clubhouse
baraoneill@eircom.net.
appeal, log on to castleknock.net/
Congratulations to Ciaran and the
fundraising or call Pearse 086 247
U-21 Dubs after beating Cork in the
8961.
All-Ireland semi-final on Saturday.
Well done to our Intermediate
Signs surrounding the main pitch
footballers who beat Innisfails 4-15
in Somerton are now on sale; for
to 0-4 in the championship on Sun-
more information on how to get
day. The second team lost narrowly
your sign seen, contact Charlie on
to Ballyboden.
085 110 1008.
Congratulations to our U-14 girls
To subscribe to our e-Newsletters
who reached the final of the Div 1
and text alerts, send email address
football Feile. The girls were beaten
or number to pro@castleknock.net
on the day, but they had a lot of fun
or 0877532030.
and represented the club extremely well all weekend.
Castleknock’s Under-14 side came up just short of the mark against Foxrock Cabinteely. Picture: GAApics.com
Brave Castleknock just miss out on title FEILE DIVISION 1 FINAL Foxrock Cabinteely Castleknock
3-8 0-2
I sport@gazettegroup.com
CASTLEKNOCK’S b i d f o r a f i r s t- e ve r Dublin ladies’ football Feile title came up just short when an excellent weekend’s showing ended with a tough final against an immaculate Foxrock Cabinteely side last Sunday in Parnell Park. The Somerton club had battled brilliantly on Saturday to come through the group phase, and they beat Ballyboden in the first game 2-5 to 0-9, narrowly lost to St Sylvester’s 1-5 to 1-4, and beat Robert Emmet’s in the final game 3-5 to 0-1. But the Foxes were too strong in the final, continuing a run which has seen this side win each league and championship title since Under-10 level. T hey handled any
weight of expectation, though, with plenty of elan, as Foxrock team manager Imelda Callaghan said her side dealt with any pressure admirably. “We got a really tough draw – we always do in the league and championship – with O’Toole’s and Crokes, and we picked up an awful lot of injuries but we came out of it strong. “There was an awful lot of expectation but, today, they went out and did it, all 24 playing on the day, and they were all absolutely super,” she said. It was the fledgling South Dublin club’s third success at Dublin level, winning the AllIreland back in 2005, but although they had not been in a final since then, the opportunity was grasped with both hands. Castleknock scored the first and last points of the decider but in
between those scores from Claire Murray and Emma Ivers, the Foxes were on fire. They responded with five points in as many minutes – shared b e t we e n A my D o n nelly, Rachel Mahon and Tarah O’Sullivan – before Donnelly and Mahon combined beautifully with a series of quick hand-passes to set up Doireann Shaffrey who finished adroitly to the net.
Platform With Megan Duffy starring at centre-back, the perfect attacking platform was set to pick off another couple of points before the break, and Donnelly was a superb target in the fullforward line. The second half provided slight relief for Castleknock, but Foxrock carried on exactly where they left off, with Hannah O’Neill scoring the sec-
ond goal straight from the tip-off. I t w a s a p i vo t a l moment according to Callaghan: “What sealed it for us was in the second half when we came out straight from the restart and Hannah O’Neill blasted it into the back of the net and you thought, well, that’s it.” The weekend itself brought together over 900 players from 33 teams across 25 Dublin clubs with each taking part in the group phases in Mearnog and St Sylvester’s grounds on Saturday The festival reached its epic conclusion on Sunday with the six divisional finals taking place at the home of the Dubs in Parnell Park. St Sylvester’s Sarah Whalley was the skills winner for the top division while St Brigid’s Laura Page – division three – took the overall skills title for the Feile.
New players at all ages and levels are always welcome. Just contact
A Comhra night is being orgas-
our club coach, Brendan, on 085
nised through Castleknock GAA for
132 9397 for details or check the
anyone interested in brushing up
website for contact information on
on their cupla focal, starting Mon-
each mentor.
ST BRIGID’S THERE were great championship
28. Text your name to 087 633 9238 to
wins for our Inter 1s, Inter 2s, Junior
enter. First prize of €100, sponsored
Bs, Under-16 footballers and senior
by TalentBase.
footballers in AFL 1 over the weekend.
Membership deadline for players has now passed.
Adult hurling championships begin
The annual club golf classic takes
this week, fixtures on website along
place in Royal Tara on May 25. Team
with juvenile and ladies fixtures.
entry is €400, while tee boxes and
There were great wins for our adult
greens can be sponsored for €200
camogie teams, U-12s and U-13s
or €100. For more info contact Phil
hurlers, as well as our U-15 and U-14
on 0867733693.
footballers this week as well.
Club lotto is still €15,000 and takes
Congratulations to Laura Page
place in Myo’s this Friday. Well done
who won the overall skills competi-
to Philip Ryan and the Dublin U-21s
tion at the Dublin ladies’ Feile and to
on their great performance over
St Brigid’s NS who reached the Corn
Cork.
Marino final this week. Club snooker tournament on our new full-sized table starts on April
New players are always welcome, please contact our club coach, Paul on 0879154748.
GARDA The intermediates lost to St Finian’s,
Naomh Mearnog next Wednesday at
Swords, by three points in Balgriffin
7.15pm.
2-09 to 0-12, but the junior 2s had a
Training continues on Mondays at
successful outing against Crumlin in
7pm and Saturday mornings at 9am.
the junior D championship, coming
All club members interested in buying
out on top by 0-12 to 0-5.
club tops or windcheaters contact
The junior 1s lost their midweek cup fixture by one point.
your team mentors or any member of the committee.
There are no games next weekend,
The Gaels U-8 and U-9 hurlers played
but the intermediates have a chal-
Liffey Gaels and Crumlin respectively
lenge match away to Ballyboden St
away while the U-14 boys footballers
Enda’s.
played and beat O’Dwyer’s in a high-
The junior 1s and 2s both play chal-
scoring encounter.
lenge matches on Thursday night at
The U-14 girls reached their Feile
Westmanstown at 7.30pm. A full turn-
football semi-final, only to lose by one
out of both junior panels is expected.
point to the eventual divisional win-
The ladies lost their away league
ners, St Margaret’s.
fixture to Ballinteer St John’s last
Thank you to the Feile organisers
Wednesday night by 2-9 to 1-6. Their
for organising a great day out for all
next fixture is a cup match away to
involved.
32 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 26 April 2012