Castleknock GAZET TE FREE
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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER
INSIDE: Enjoying the launch of a Toddle and Learn Roadshow P2
May 3, 2012
OPINION: We should reject the Fiscal Compact Treaty, says Sinn Fein Page 6
Anniversary: Local scouts celebrate 80 years Football: Kilkenny set for Dubs’ All-Ireland U-21 decider Page 32
PORTERSTOWN Scouts are, this year, celebrating 80 years in scouting. To celebrate this milestone, they held an Anniversary Ball last weekend in the Castleknock Hotel. Pictured here are Scout leaders, Paul Kelly, Orla Manscier, Michael Lawlor and Clare Egan. Picture: Conor O Mearain
Full Gallery next week
Sports Awards: April winners are announced inside Page 29
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ..................... 2 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
Residents warned on bogus callers Thieves are impersonating Sierra staff
I LAURA WEBB
RESIDENTS are being asked to be cautious when answering the door following complaints that thieves are impersonating staff from a well-known communications company. Sierra Communications issued a warning last week not
to allow anyone suspicious into homes after being informed that men are wearing the company’s high-viz vests and are claiming to be staff. Dublin 15 councillor, David McGuinness (FF), received complaints about the issue and contacted Sierra Communications.
The company told the councillor there was no doorto-door activity in the area, and said anyone calling to private homes on behalf of the company would have made appointments in advance and would have appropriate identification. Full Story on Page 3
2 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3 May 2012
DRIVING: PLANS TO DEVELOP AIB BUILDING
EVENT Cow & Gate Toddle and Learn Roadshow
Testing centre proposals
considered I LAURA WEBB news@gazettegroup.com
PROPOSALS to redevelop the former AIB building in the heart of Blanchardstown village into a driving test centre needs to be revisited and considered as the best option for the vacant site. That’s according to Castleknock councillor Mags Murray (FF), who began the campaign to get a driving test centre in Dublin 15. Planning permission for the driving centre at the formerAIB building in the village was given the go ahead by Fingal County Council in April 2008. At the time, the OPW and the Department of the Environment worked on the plan to convert the former bank premises into a driving centre, which was granted. The proposed centre included public contact, interview facilities and staff offices, as well as demolishing all annex structures to the rear to provide parking for 16 spaces for test applicants. According to Cllr Murray planning permission for the development has now lapsed, and an extension for the planning permission should be considered. “This was worked on by the OPW and the Department of the Environment, who progressed my idea. There is a need for a driving centre in the Dublin
15 area. Fingal County Council also gave it the green light,” Cllr Murray told the Gazette. “I am now asking the Minister [Phil Hogan] to apply to extend the period of the planning permission.” A Department spokesperson told this newspaper that driving test centres are now under the remit of the Department of Transport and have been for the past number of years. The Department of Transport then informed this newspaper that the Road Safety Authority deals such issues. In response to Cllr Murray, a spokesperson for the RSA said: “The RSA is satisfied that there is adequate coverage of driving test centres in the Dublin area for the demand at present and has no plans to establish a driving test centre in Blanchardstown.” Cllr Murray went on to say: “There is 100,000 people living in D15, and we have the largest young population in the country. There is always a need for people to learn to drive, but people would prefer to drive in their own area. For some people, going to the Finglas test centre is like going to a foreign country to do the test. “We have it all, roundabouts, slipways, traffic calming – all the components needed for modern driving,” she said.
Top advice for your toddlers OCAL parents of toddlers enjoyed the recent launch of the Cow & Gate Toddle and Learn Roadshow which took place in Blanchardstown. The aim of the roadshow was to educate parents on the importance of toddler nutrition and to provide expertise and advice on the nutritional issues facing parents today. At the roadshow, parents of toddlers could speak to Cow & Gate’s
L
expert nutritionists about their toddler’s diet and eating habits, and could avail of advice on any matters they might have concerning their toddler’s nutrition. Toddlers were entertained with interactive, fun and educational activities. Complimentary Cow & Gate Growing Up Milk Goody bags were distributed and parents had the chance to win a growing up milk hamper.
3 May 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3
CRIME
Sierra issues warning after complaints
Thieves posing as workmen to enter homes I LAURA WEBB
THIEVES are impersonating the staff of a well known communications company to get in to Dublin 15 homes. A warning was issued last week by Sierra Communications not to allow anyone suspicious into homes, following complaints that men are wearing the company’s high-viz vests claiming to be staff. On Friday, April 27, Mulhuddart councillor David McGuinness was contacted about the men wearing Sierra Communications vests visiting homes in Blanchardstown, who may not be
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from the company. When he contacted the company, field operations director, Sierra Support Services Group, Ciaran Martin informed the councillor they received a couple of complaints that day regarding the issue. He confirmed the company had “no activity ongoing in the Blanchardstown area at present that would involve door to door calling,” adding, “we have reported these complaints to the gardai”. Martin went on to say: “Anyone calling to private houses on behalf of Sierra would have appointments made in advance and would all have photographic ID. It’s possible
that someone has got their hands on a Sierra viz vest and is making false representations.” Cllr McGuinness is now warning everyone to stay vigilant and not to let anyone into their home. “Check anyone who calls for identification and report any suspicious activity in your estate to the gardai.” Meanwhile Cllr McGuinness said the surge in burglaries in the Dublin Metropolitan Region West Division, which includes Dublin 15 is a real concern for residents. The issue of burglaries in the area was raised by a number of constituents to him. Figures from
Cllr David McGuinness (FF): “Report any suspicious activity ... to the gardai”
the Central Statistics Office revealed a 26% increase of non-aggravated burglaries between April to December 2011. “The number of burglaries rose from 486 in Q1 2011 to 611 in Q4 2011. These are the most up to date figures available and confirm the rise in burglaries in our area.
“Just last week the President of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) accused the Minister for Justice and the Government of being ‘soft on crime’. Based on the huge rise in burglaries, I believe that they were not overstating the problem. “It is now vital that the
Minister for Justice brings forward measures and legislation which makes criminals pause for thought before they burgle another family home. “A key component in those measures must be not proceeding with the closure of more Garda stations,” Cllr McGuinness added.
FUNDRAISER
Eddie’s walk for charity A DUBLIN 15 man is tracing his roots and leading a walk along the Royal Canal this Bank Holiday Monday in aid of MS Ireland. Clonsilla man, Eddie Byrne, will lead the walk by family and supporters along the route of the Royal Canal this M ay B a n k Ho l i d ay weekend. Eddie’s walk is motivated by two factors. The first is his family, who come from a long line of Royal Canal and Mullingar railway workers and he wants to increase awareness of the rich heritage and amenity of the canal. The walk is raising money for the multiple sclerosis charity, which is close to his heart. The walk will start at Mullingar on Saturday, May 5, and will end in Ashtown on Monday, May 7.
4 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3 May 2012
€1m grant for roads project
A CONTRACT to commence construction work on a major new interchange at Mulhuddart could be signed this year following the allocation of a €1m grant for the project. Last week, this paper reported that the National Roads Authority (NRA) allocated in the region of €1.4 million to Fingal County Council for 12 projects throughout the county. The highest grant for a single project was for the upgrade of the Mulhuddart Interchange. This week, FCC said it was “pleased” to receive the grants allocated by the NRA, and that these grants will enable the council to “improve accessibility in areas with missing footpaths, or difficult road crossing points”. In response to the Mulhuddart Interchange grant allocation, a spokesperson for the council said this funding will go towards the construction of the much-needed upgrade. “This grant, together with an allocation of €2.5m received from the NRA, enables the council to commence the procurement process for these improvements. “The upgrade scheme has been put out to tender and it is the hope of the council that a contract to commence construction could be signed this year,” continued the spokesperson. The upgrade works include the provision of a new bridge across the N3 adjacent to the existing Mulhuddart Bridge.
EDUCATION Philip is chosen from more than 350 applicants
Student delighted at Washington trip I LAURA WEBB
A CASTLEKNOCK student was chosen from hundreds of applicants to participate in the Washington Ireland Programme (WIP) that offers participants the opportunity to live and work in Washington DC. Philip O’Callaghan, is a postgraduate student of education at National
University of Ireland Maynooth. The Castleknock native was selected from more than 350 applicants to participate in the programme. Participants complete leadership training and public service projects. It awards each student a prestigious two-month internship ranging from Capitol Hill to government agen-
cies, entrepreneurial businesses and the non-profit sector. Delighted to be chosen for the programme, Philip said: “I am really honoured and privileged to be chosen to be on the programme. Work in Washington with other leaders is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I’m determined to make the most of it.
“The other 30 members of the 2012 team all have unique skills and come from different backgrounds, this I hope will make this summer in DC so engaging and challenging.” WIP executive director, Bryan Patten, said: “This year’s class are extremely accomplished, have a track record of community service and
have demonstrated their capacity for leading in their communities. They truly exemplify the quality of our young people in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Washington Ireland Programme will give them the opportunity to work with those who are leading on a global stage. This experience will further hone their skills and help create a peaceful, sta-
ble and prosperous future for Northern Ireland and Ireland.” Now in its 17th year, WIP selects 30 students from Northern Ireland and Ireland who are in third-level education. Anyone interested in tracking the progress of this year’s team can do so by logging onto the programme’s website: www. wiprogram.org
Crossing funding is welcomed
Cheque it out: Ciara claims top prizes for being the 50,000th passenger CIARA Gaughan, ITB digital media student, receives her prizes for being the 50,000th passenger on the ITB Shuttle Bus. Ciara’s prizes included a cheque for €250 from ITB and a voucher from Alan Martin Coaches for the use of a 16-seater
Hummer Limo with free entry into the Penthouse in the Wright Venue. The ITB shuttle bus service is currently in operation between the Coolmine Train Station - Blanchardstown Centre (Starbucks)- National Aquatic Centre - ITB. Congratulations Ciara!
FUNDING for a muchneeded pedestrian crossing to a local football and hurling club that will ensure safer access has been welcomed. The National Roads Authority recently allocated almost €1.4 million to Fingal County Council for 12 projects in the area, under the Sustainable Transport Measures Programme 2012. Included in the allocation was €40,000 for planning, design and construction of a new crossing and missing part of a footpath network at Luttrellstown Road/Somerton Lane in Castleknock. According to Castleknock Cllr Mags Murray (FF), this allocation is good news for the area. Welcoming the funding she said the Castleknock Football and Hurling club was within walking distance for team members but most drive because it’s safer. “Children walking down Somerton Lane are competing with cars,
and the club has actually made the decision not to let them walk down there.” A spokesperson for FCC said it intended to provide “a good quality continuous path from the residential side of the Luttrellstown Road at a point known as the ‘Mass Path’ to a defined new pedestrianised crossing of the Luttrellstown Road to the playing pitches at Somerton”. The project is to proceed to more detailed design including further consultation with the club to determine the most suitable location of the crossing point. The council expects to complete the project by end of the third quarter of 2012. Speaking during a recent area committee meeting, Cllr Murray, who has been calling for a safer crossing at this point for the years, said the desirable location for the crossing was “across from the clubhouse when it is built”.
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3 May 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 5
IT’S YOUR STORY Adrian’s dramatic weight loss
A journey to a leaner, fitter, healthier life I LAURA WEBB
IT’S been six years since Dublin 15 man, Adrian Deane, began a journey that would dramatically change his outlook on life. This week, he talks about his journey with a weight loss programme, System 10, which helped him to lose 8 stone, and keep if off. H e r e i s A d r i a n ’s story: “My journey to a healthier and happier life began in May 2006 when I came across System 10. “I had tried ever y other diet under the sun but none seemed to work for me and I always put
the little weight I lost back on and more. “I came across System 10 in a local newspaper and decided to give it a go, at the time I was hitting nearly 20 stone and was feeling quite down that I couldn’t shift this weight. “I had always been around 12 /13 stone but with a hectic workload I began to skip meals and eat the wrong food at all the wrong times. “Unlike other fad diets, System 10 fixes your metabolism so with easy to follow food and exercise plans. I began to see results within a matter of weeks which motivated me to carry
on. To date, I have lost over 8 stone and now weigh 11st 7lbs. “I have so much energy now and my body is in better shape then it has ever been. “I’ve regained my confidence and now enjoy clothes shopping and generally doing all the things that other people take for granted, things I used to feel very uncomfortable doing because of my weight. “System 10 is an Irish company based in Limerick with a team of professional consultants and dieticians, who are on hand to help, support and motivate every client as and when they need it.
System 10 helped Adrian to lose 8 stone
“Because of my success with System 10, I have been a consultant for the past five years to help other people that want to lose weight in the correct way. “This will be the last plan you will ever have to do, the weight I lost
shows just how powerful fixing your metabolism can be. I have maintained my weightloss to date. “System 10 weight loss and health plans are for men and women and are available in a number of different
plans. “Private weigh-ins, constant tracking and motivation are all included in the plans.” For fur ther information on System 10 contact Adrian on 086 2598867 or log onto www.leaneryou.ie
TRAFFIC
IED shuts Phoenix Park TRAFFIC through the Phoenix Park got back to normal on Tuesday afternoon after the Army Bomb Disposal Team made safe a viable explosive device. On Monday, April 30, the Defence Forces were called out by gardai to a wooded marshland area in the Phoenix Park, known as Quarry Lake. However, the team were unable to commence operations until first light on Tuesday, May 1, at approximately 5.30am. Traffic through the Phoenix Park was diverted for several hours. A spokesperson for the Defence Forces said: “The viable IED was made safe in situ and the scene was declared safe at 10.40 am. “The team returned to base and the component parts of the device have been handed over to the gardai to assist in their investigation.”
Commercial Feature
Innovation in eye care with Opticalrooms.com Using state of the art technolog y Opticalrooms.com is offering a level of eye examinations, only previously available in private hospitals, to the general public. The specialized camera in their practices allows three dimensional cross-sections scanning of the eye to be taken, in one sitting. T his allows us to instantly diagnose a number of common eye conditions. This scan is pain free, simple and quick to perform. W h a t ’s m o r e t h e software can automatically detect even the most subtle changes to the retina and compare them to previous images, thus allowing us to build up an image profile for patient’s overtime, highlighting any change in their condition and subsequent treatment changes, if necessary. Common conditions identified with these
scans are age-related macular degeneration. This is a breakdown of the central portion of your vision most critical for clarity. The scan will enable the optometrist to distinguish from the various different types of macular degeneration, its proliferation and its management over time for those patients receiving treatment. Diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of visual impairment and with the OCT examination it is possible to detect early signs of this disease. Early detection greatly improves the prognosis for the patient and significantly limits the damage caused to the eye. Glaucoma is a disease of the eye where the pressure increases, damaging the optic nerve at the back of the eye. The most common form of this condition is pain free and unfortunately, a lot of patients only find out they have
the condition, when extensive damage has already occurred. The OCT scan can confirm if you are at risk of glaucoma and at what stage the condition may have progressed to. Macular holes are frequently caused by vitreous detachment, where the jelly like substance within the eye pulls away from the retina sometimes taking a piece of the retina with it. There is a very dramatic and instantaneous drop in someone’s vision as the macula is responsible for the central detail vision of the eye, (see AMD above) Everyone as they get older will experience some form of vitreous contraction. This has various effects on the eye; it is often confused with a retinal detachment as the symptoms initially can be similar. With the OCT scan, the integrity of the vitreous and its effect on
Use of advanced technology like the 3DOCT-2000, helps in the early detection of disease
the retina can be clearly identified. The areas under pressure can be monitored and treatment can be initiated promptly when necessary.
As part of a full eye examination, Opticalrooms carries out this OCT scan on all its patients. It is also possible to
book an OCT scan irrespective of whether you are in need of a full eye examination at present. Appointment can be arranged within the
surgery at the Meridian Clinic Roselawn Blanchardstown or book online at www.opticalrooms.com (alternatively, call 01 779 0999).
6 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3 May 2012
TREATY Sinn Fein’s Paul Donnelly gives us his view
Why the Fiscal Compact is extremely dangerous PAUL DONNELLY, Sinn Fein representative, Dublin West, tells us why Ireland should not ratify the Fiscal Compact Treaty and why it will not work THE Fiscal Treaty will not work, what’s worse is that it will enshrine cutbacks and austerity policies into our constitution. This, in my opinion, is extremely dangerous for us all. Article 3 of the treaty is the most important. It states that government budgets must be balanced or in surplus. The article makes significant changes to the existing EU treaty rules on fiscal policy known as the Stability and Growth Pact.
However, by placing them in an inter-governmental treaty, they are more binding and permanent. This means that, if ratified, future governments will have to implement pro-austerity anti-stimulus budgets in perpetuity. This significantly limits the freedom of decision making of governments in the future, irrespective of the mandate they receive from the electorate. Interestingly, if the Fiscal Treaty had been in force over the past
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number of years, it would not have prevented the current crises and collapse of the economy in Ireland because we had a budget surplus of billions of euro each year. The Fiscal Treaty is very clear, it will embed cutbacks and austerity into our future budgets. We will have to endure more stagnation in our economy and, despite promises at the last General Election by Labour and Fine Gael to provide a jobs stimulus package, we still have massive
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unemployment that currently stands at close to 500,000 and the resultant mass exodus of our young people through emigration. There will be more cuts to public services in areas such as health. This will result in more bed closures similar to the recent closure of the Redwood ward in Connolly Hospital and the now annual closures of day surgical and outpatient services. It will mean that the current waiting list for speech and language therapeutic ser vices will either remain at 15 months or will indeed get worse. It will mean more cuts to our children’s education from primary schools to third level. Sinn Fein was at the forefront of the recent campaign against the cuts to DEIS schools; we have lost SNAs by the hundreds. Dublin West was particularly hit with the massive reduction in English support teachers. “ [ T h e Tr e a t y ] i s the worst imaginable response to the challenge of recession and stagnation. The agreement will have a far reaching effect on people’s lives by reducing pension provision, cutting public services, eroding people’s rights at work and driving down the cost of labour.” These are not my words but the words of SIPTU president Jack O’Connor. With just a year away from the 1913 Lockout anniversary, public service and private sector workers are faced with the same attacks on their rights, their terms and conditions, as recently experienced by workers
Paul Donnelly: “I am urging the people of Dublin West to come out strongly against this treaty”
in the GAME store in the Blanchardstown Centre and the workers of Vita Cortex in Cork. The Fiscal Treaty will not deal with the debt or the banking crisis. It will mean at least more than €6bn in cuts from future budgets. As we approach the centenary of the 1916 Rising, one wonders what the leaders of that rebellion and all those men and women who fought and died so that we might be free to determine our own future would make of this treaty and how it significantly undermines our sovereignty.
Solving the Eurozone Crisis We need to solve the Eurozone Crisis by investing in jobs and growth, sorting out the debt crisis by not paying the promissory notes of €31bn to Anglo and unguaranteed senior bondholders in Anglo and other banks. We need to get the exchequer deficit sorted by taxing the massive wealth still in this state and those on higher incomes, eliminating waste whilst protecting those on low and middle incomes. We need to support Ireland getting back into the bond markets,
through existing EU treaties. The European Central Bank must take action to stabilise sovereign bond interest rates and ensure market access for all members. After all, the foundation stone of the EU was to build a Europe of partners. This has been sadly lacking over the past four years. I am urging the Irish people and in particular the people of Dublin West to come out strongly against this treaty.
Paul Donnelly, Sinn Fein representative, DublinWest
3 May 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 7
WRITING
FUNDRAISER: FUNDRAISING FLOWERS AND MORE IN AID OF CASTLEKNOCK CC
National glory for students
Plant yourself at this great sale I JIM LACEY
IT IS easy knowing that spring has sprung – and it’s not the Biblical downpours of the past week I am referring to; it’s my Diary for the past three weeks. First, we had the story about the Community Garden in the grounds of St Thomas the Apostle Church. T hen, we had the planting of trees in Connolly Hospital by children from St Brigid’s National School, courtesy of Castleknock Lions Club. Finally, last week, we had the big estate clean up in Carpenterstown Park. This week, it’s the very popular annual plant sale at Castleknock Community College; one that the organis-
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ers are describing as a “mega sale”. As a fellow who knows the difference between an aesculus and an agapanthus, I can vouch for the quality of the produce on sale, and I regularly attend the event. Most readers will be aware of the severe cutbacks in the education sector and Castleknock Community College is no different.
Top-quality We all have slimmeddown wallets and purses, so here’s an idea – the plants on sale are at very keen prices, they are top-quality and, by supporting the sale, you are saving money and contributing to a local school for the benefit of all. Marion Dooly, of
Castleknock Parents’ Committee, sent me two lovely pictures of last year’s sale and the palette of colour would do justice to Claude Monet. The items on sale will be summer bedding plants, hanging baskets, window boxes, tubs and shrubs and wooden, ceramic and terracotta garden accessories. If you feel tired after all your shopping, you can put your feet up and have a steaming hot cup of coffee or tea, and a nice slice of home-made cake to eat or take away. So, do pop along on Saturday, May 12 or Sunday, May 13, between 10am and 5pm, and my little tip is to go early – but, hush! Keep it quiet! For further information, telephone 085 754 0888.
Banding together: School soul group hits all the right notes on brief ‘tour’ PICTURED are some members of Castleknock College Soul Band, who recently embarked on a brief (but busy) tour of a number of schools across the area. Starting with a performance in the Castleknock College foyer at 8.15am, the 13-piece band performed a number of songs, ranging from Rehab to Moves Like Jagger, before moving on to three local primary schools: St Brigid’s NS, Castleknock; Castleknock Educate Together, and Scoil Bhride Boys, Blanchardstown. The band’s performance at each of the venues certainly hit all the right notes for their many appreciative fans.
LOCAL students set an example in handwriting after winning first- and second-place at the 2012 INTO/EBS National Handwriting competition. Anastasiya Shumanska, from Scoil Bhride Cailini, Blanchardstown, and Inor Majak, from St Mochta’s NS, Clonsilla, picked up first- and second-prize at the competition. Now in its 20th year, the competition focuses on keeping the art of handwriting alive and is open to all national schools. Participants were asked to write a piece of prose or a poem about their own family, or connected to family in some way. Students were not judged on content but on the style, flair, neatness and layout of their handwriting. In total, 21 prizes were awarded at a ceremony held at Dublin Zoo.
8 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3 May 2012
EVENT At a special charity event at the Crowne Plaza hotel
Enjoying a dinner dance
HE Crowne Plaza hotel in Blanchardstown was the venue for a special charity event hosted by the Vecchio family and organised by Marisa Macari in aid of St Francis Hospice. Having seen first hand the care and support provided for the patients and their loved ones by the hospice and its staff, they felt that this was a truly worthy cause. The event included a dinner dance with entertainment by the Kaye Twins, a six-piece instrumental band. There was also a raffle on the night sponsored by Tower Jewellers. Marty Whelan and Hazel Nestor were on hand to host the event.
T
Filomena Borza, Giulia Macari Kierans and Nikita Vecchio. Picture: Una Williams
Anna and Sorin Vecchio
Alessia Macari, Stefania Borza and Jessica Borza
Ethel McKenna, Marisa Macari and Bernadette Gillis (reps of St Francis Hospice)
Antoinette Borza and Anna Vecchio
Marisa Macari and Marty Whelan
3 May 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 9
in Blanchardstown in aid of the St Francis Hospice
Aldo and Mina Fusco
Daniella Macari and Peter Vecchio
Giovanni Borza, Clara Coletti and Mario Borza
Rebecca Rabbite and Daniella Macari
10 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3 May 2012
SPORT: HEINEKEN CUP
CAMPAIGN Being an ambassador of Irish language
Bod is voted greatest player BRIAN O’Driscoll has been voted the greatest Heineken Cup player of all time in a study conducted by Heineken that analysed the latest opinions, habits and trends of Irish Heineken Cup fans. In the all-Ireland study, a massive 76% of fans voted Brian O’Driscoll as their favourite Heineken Cup Player, while team mate and Munster rival Ronan O’Gara pulled in 15% of the votes. Martin Johnson and Diego Dominguez each snagged 1% of the fans votes and the remaining 7% of nominations was made up of votes for Rocky Elsom, John Hayes, Peter Clohessy, Yannick Jauzion, Peter Stringer and Stephen Ferris. The study found that rugby in Ireland is very much alive and kicking, with fans considering themselves to be very passionate when it comes to their favourite sport – 39% of them rate themselves on top of the scale when asked to rate how big a rugby fan they consider themselves to be on a scale of 1 to 10. Heineken rewarded the fans’ passion last weekend when Heineken Cup Green Zones were set up in a number of participating Dublin pubs, to enhance the excitement and experience of the semi-final which was held on Saturday. W h e n a s ke d h ow important it was that their province did well in the Heineken Cup, over half of Irish rugby fans surveyed admitted it was “a matter of life and death” while only 2% claimed it wasn’t important. When asked if their own province was eliminated would they support another Irish province, a massive 66% said they would support another Irish province while a diehard group of 10% said never, choosing to stick by their province no matter what.
Bernard Dunne’s Brod Club was a huge success when it aired on RTE
Dunne delighted with the reaction to show I PAUL HOSFORD
HE is best known as a former WBA Super-bantamweight champion, but Neilstown hero Bernard Dunne has taken on a new role in recent months, as an ambassador of the Irish language. Bernard Dunne’s Brod Club was a huge success when it aired on RTE in recent months and Dunne was delighted with the reaction the show received, especially from people who had forgotten their native tongue through the years. “It’s been amazing. I’ve had people coming up to me on the street saying how they were inspired by the show to start using the Irish again. They say things like they wish
they had the Irish again or that they wish they’d never lost it and the show has given them a way to get it back. “It’s been really positive and I think that starting it at St Patrick’s week was a big thing because people are generally feeling more patriotic around then,” says Dunne, who rose to fame as a fearless and gutsy fighter, but took on a completely different challenge. The campaign is founded on the belief that there are people with a huge sense of latent pride in the Irish language, people who don’t use Irish but would like to. It is an appeal to show your pride or your “brod” in the language. However much or
however little you have, the message is to use it. Use What You Have is the motto of the show. While the series may have ended, the campaign lives on. There are still a number of events and activities that can be signed up for on the website, w w w.rte.ie/ brodclub The show reached over 1.2 million viewers in its run and Dunne is keen to highlight the importance of a national language. “I think it’s extremely important that we have our own language. It’s part of our identity, part of who we are. “I think the show approached it well in that we asked people just to use the cupla focail that they had. Just start
to throw it in to conversation and see what you can pick up yourself. It’s amazing what people remember of the language once they get going,” says
up a meaning wrong, but you soon become more and more comfortable as you realise that all those years in Irish class were not solely leading up to
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‘I think it’s extremely important that we have our own language. It’s part of our identity, part of who we are’
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Dunne. Indeed, speaking to him is enlightening as he tends to drop in and out of Irish, which is unsurprising given how he has spent the past few months. It honestly can feel somewhat intimidating at first, as you worry that you miss a word or pick
writing a letter about your summer holidays. On that point, Dunne feels that, from his experience, school children and students want to learn Irish, but as a mode of communication, rather than as a school subject. “The schools we were in, the kids would tell us that they wanted more
conversation, that they wanted to be able to speak the language, as well as write it. “We’ve talked to a lot of schools and a lot of people involved in education and we feel like it’s important that it is taught as a spoken language.” Asked whether putting Irish back in the mainstream would be as big an achievement as a world championship, Dunne looks at it another way. “It’s not about that, really. It’s about doing your own little bit. I’m speaking Irish at home with my kids and getting better at it every day. I’m not fluent yet, but I would love to be.” For more information on the Brod Club, log on to www.rte.ie/brodclub
3 May 2012 GAZETTE 11
12 GAZETTE 3 May 2012
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SNAPSHOT The local stories of the day
Jamie to open food festival TASTE of Dublin 2012 is back with a bang for its seventh consecutive year this summer with world renowned chef, Jamie Oliver, opening the festival. Taking place from Thursday, June 14 to Sunday, June 17, in the stunning Iveagh Gardens, this year the stylish and popular food spectacular is acknowledging all things Irish with a stellar line up of restaurants, suppliers, produce, food and drink. Visitors can look forward to great dining opportunities from some of Ireland’s lead-
ing eateries, enjoy high-calibre wine tastings, learn from the best home-grown and international talents, get involved at live chef demonstrations and meet with over 100 industry experts and taste exhibitors. Paying homage to Ireland’s strong reputation on the international culinary scene, Taste of Dublin 2012 will showcase the stars of the Irish food industry as well as welcoming international culinary guests, who believe in the philosophy of using only the best Irish produce on offer.
Well-known chefs, Catherine Fulvio and Clodagh McKenna, officially launch Taste of Dublin 2012
Commenting on his visit, Oliver said: “Taste of Dublin is a fabulous platform for showcasing the best in Irish produce and cuisine and I can’t wait to kick-off the summer in true Irish style at Taste of Dublin this June.” Home-grown talent including Rachel Allen, Clodagh McKenna and Neven Maguire, along with Darina Allen, Paul Flynn and Catherine Fulvio, will join forces with internationally acclaimed chefs, Jean
Christophe Novelli and Valentine Warner. Together, each will aspire, not only to entertain casual dining guests throughout the weekend, but also tantalise the taste buds of the most discerning of food lovers. Watch out as Volvo, the official car partner of the festival, whisks them across the city throughout the weekend in a fleet of stylish Volvo Ocean Race edition cars. This year’s new headline sponsor, Electrolux,
will bring the Electrolux Cookery School and Electrolux Chef’s Theatre, a must see for any food enthusiast who wants to learn from the experts. Tickets are on sale now at www.tasteofdublin.ie or call 0818 30 00 30; with all advance standard tickets only €20 discounted from the 2011 price of €25. Sign up to the Taste of Dublin Newsletter at www.tasteofdublin.ie for special ticket offers and event information.
3 May 2012 GAZETTE 13
MILESTONE A number of events planned for Dublin Fire Brigade anniversary
Celebrating 150 years of service LAURA WEBB
THE Dublin Fire Brigade is celebrating 150 years servicing the citizens of Dublin city and county, and to mark the milestone anniversary a number of events have been organised for the coming months. Serving the community since 1862, Dublin Fire Brigade is one of the few fire services in the world whose members are all trained paramedics. Each year the fire brigade receives over 133,000 fire, emergency ambulance and rescue calls. To honour the fire fighters, commemorative events have been organised, with the first kicking off on May 31 at the Mansion House. Some of the highlights include the reception with the Lord Mayor of Dublin, a Dublin Fire Brigade Colour Party and visiting pipe band
parade throughout Dublin’s city centre and an An Post official commemorative stamp. Not only are there events happening across Dublin, but there is also a TV series called Fire Fighters scheduled for autumn on RTE1. Support
The series goes behind the scenes with the men and women of the Dublin Fire Brigade as they support the community and embark on life saving missions, rescues and non-stop action responses. The series was created by the same production company, Moondance Productions, which brought the successful series The Zoo to our screens. Stephen Brady, chief fire officer, commented: “Dublin Fire Brigade has a long and proud tradition of serving the citizens of Dublin city and
county since its early beginnings in 1862. “The brigade has experienced many changes throughout its history from the early steam fire engines and h o r s e - d r aw n a m b u lances to the current modern fire, rescue and emergency ambulance service. Proud
“Our 150th anniversary gives us the opportunity to celebrate all aspects of our service both past and present and I am proud to be chief fire officer during this momentous year,” Stephen added. To find out more about the Dublin Fire Brigade 150th Anniversary Celebrations please visit http://www.dublinfirebrigade150.ie or like them on https://www. facebook.com/pages/ Dublin-Fire-Brigade150
Fire fighters Cormac Wickham, Derek Clare and Dermot Murray from Tara Street Fire Station
14 GAZETTE 3 May 2012
GazettePETS PETS THE FACTS: DEAFNESS CAN CAUSE CONCERN, BUT
Dealing with the fact E all know that cats can be wonderful, yet stubborn creatures. I mean, all you lovely cat owners reading this will know how frustrat-
W
ing it is when you call Kitty and she simply ignores you, kinda like you don’t matter at all. But have you ever stopped to think that perhaps Kitty is ignoring you because she is
If your cat ignores your call – she may be deaf
unable to hear you? Perhaps Kitty may be deaf! Deafness in animals is not unusual, and sometimes at the shelter we rescue dogs, cats, horses and ferrets
that already have this condition. However, while it may cause concern initially, and bring about certain challenges, there is no reason whatsoever why both owner and pet cannot adapt and lead happy, healthy lives together; especially where a cat is concerned because felines generally deal pretty well with physical impairments. Here are some guidelines which I hope you’ll find useful.
How will I know if my cat is deaf? • She doesn’t respond when called. • She doesn’t realise you’re in the room unless you physically touch her.
3 May 2012 GAZETTE 15
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
OWNERS AND PETS CAN ADAPT AND LEAD HAPPY, HEALTHY LIVES TOGETHER
that your feline friend could be deaf • You have difficulty wakening her up from her nap. • Her walk is unbalanced. • She appears to be disoriented.
Why are some cats deaf? Ver y of ten, white cats are born deaf. It’s usually hereditary and is associated with the same gene that makes the cat’s fur white and is common among those white cats with blue eyes. It’s believed the problem happens at around three to four weeks of
life and is linked to the cochlear blood supply. However, loss of hearing can be associated with illness, old age or other health-related problems like ear mites, polyps, or even a side effect to certain medications, a visit to your vet will determine this.
Communicating with a deaf cat • Many owners parenting a deaf cat will be amazed they even have the condition. This is because Kitty’s sense of feel is amazing and highly developed and she will pick up the vibrations of
other animals as well as humans. • A deaf cat will be easily startled so make sure to pound your feet heavily on the floor. • Try wearing the same per fume or deodorant every day; after all, there’s nothing wrong with Kitty’s sense of smell and she’ll immediately recognise your approach. • All cats flick their ears when they react to noises but your deaf cat will flick and move in unison in order to communicate with you and other household pets. Watch her and study the
signs in order to understand what she wants to say to you. • Make sure you give your deaf cat the space she requires. All cats like to climb, however, a deaf cat will feel more comfortable climbing higher and sitting on a high shelf will give her security. Try building a shelf or
seating area in the hot press or suspended from your ceiling; that way she can survey her territory. • If she’ll allow you, (and make sure she is totally comfortable with this), gently place your mouth against her tummy or her head but do take care not to startle her and whisper some terms of endearment;
over emphasise certain words so that she will know you love her. Once she associates this action with love, she will purr. • Touch your cat gently every time you enter or leave the room; this will alert her to your movements. • Never allow your hearing impaired cat outside on her own.
I do hope you’ve found this article helpful; however, please bear in mind, it should be used as a guideline only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. For more information, contact your local equine vet or log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie
16 GAZETTE 3 May 2012
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY Refreshing scent of Yves Saint Laurent’s elle WE already love the signature smell of YSL’s elle, but when limited edition smells come out to play, we have to get our hands on them. The 2012 limited edition of Yves Saint Laurent’s elle frangrance will be on shelves this May 16. Always stylish in its bottling, the water colour bottle looks great, with its artistic brushstrokes of vibrant flashes of the YSL shades. The scent, according to its makers, is sensual and refreshing, with its sparkling notes of grapefruit, sambac jasmine and a spicy savour of pink pepper berries. For YSL, the woman who wears this fragrance is radiant, impulsive, who plays with light and colour. Don’t forget to try it for yourself when it hits stores this May 16. RRP for YSL elle Limited Edition is €45 for 90ml.
Showing off that beach body SHOWING off beach bodies means firming and toning hips, thighs, bums, tums and bingo wings, but that doesn’t mean wasting energy in the gym. A new range of skin products by quirky skin care range, Cowshed, has the answer for anyone a little gym-shy. The new Slender Cow Range is, according to its makers, “a functional, targeted three-step program to detoxify, firm and tone skin – the ultimate pre-bikini skincare ‘workout’, designed to tone the parts that other treatments can’t reach”. The Cowshed Slender Cow range consists of: detoxifying body scrub €39.95, body sculpting serum €44.95, extra firming body butter €34.95 According to a spokes-
person for Cowshed, this range contains: “A bespoke seaweed blend of fast-working functional ingredients; Norwegian kelp to help detoxify, pearl moss to rejuvenate and bladderwrack proven to improve skin elasticity. Slender Cow’s body sculpting serum and Slender Cow’s extra firming body butter each contain the unique super-ingredient dermochlorella – a freshwater micro algae, clinically proven to improve skin tone and firmness by up to 46% and decrease the appearance of stretch marks by up to 32% after 12 weeks continual use.” Here are Cowshed’s three key steps to getting that bikini ready body: Step 1: use detoxifying body scrub – to detoxify, tone and smooth skin,
The Cowshed Slender Cow range consists of the detoxifying body scrub, body sculpting serum and extra firming body butter
with this lu xurious Himalayan pink salt and Dead Sea salt scrub. It purifies the skin, removes toxins and prepares skin for the next sculpting step. Step 2: use body sculpting serum – to target cellulite, firm, nourish and tone. This
cellulite boosting formulation contains a trio of nourishing oils including tamanu, macadamia nut and borage seed to help strengthen skin, whilst reducing the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. A blend of uplifting essential oils of sweet orange and petitgrain,
ylang ylang and carrot seed oil all effectively target stubborn areas, stimulating and conditioning the skin, whilst also breaking down vexing toxins. Step 3: Use Extra Firming Body Butter – to target cellulite, firm and condition.
3 May 2012 GAZETTE 17
Edited by Laura Webb
Shop until you drop with Wonderbra’s brand new website
The new Heidi Klein spring/summer swimwear collection is now available at Brown Thomas
Stylish swimwear for summer ST YLISH swimwear can be hard to come by, but when you find the perfect match it boosts confidence for holidaying in the sun, one brand bringing confidence to the beach is Heidi K lein and the new collection is now available. T h e d e s i g n s h ave been worn by celebrities all over, from Sienna Miller to Kate Moss, Kelly Brook to Gwyneth Paltrow, just some of the stylish women working the brand. Launch
To launch the fabulous spring/summer collection Heidi Gosman, co -founder of Heidi Klein brand, will visit Brown Thomas Dublin on Thursday, May 10. The visit coincides with the launch of Oh Buoy! The summer event at Brown Thomas. Heidi will be on hand to meet customers to chat about the best styles for the many different body shapes that are out there. What’s great about this design of swimwear is that her designs feature hidden suppor t functions to flatter and enhance. The look of the 1960s French Riviera is inspi-
ration for both resort and summer collections. These timeless styles h ave c o n t e m p o r a r y details that add to the elegant shapes and pieces designed for the
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‘What’s great about this design of swimwear is that her designs feature hidden support functions to flatter and enhance’
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collection. The hidden support and secret padding with under wiring ensures every fit is perfect for each unique body shape. Colours of olives, golds and elegant dark grey provide rich earthy colours, while the turquoise of the Mediterranean Sea is referenced in the best selling signature coral and snake print. Nautical navy and white are always well suited to the summer season. The new collection is available exclusively at Brown Thomas.
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SHOP til you drop online with Wonderbra, after the global brand re-launched its website for customers in Ireland and the UK. Let’s face it, if we are not shopping in the high streets, we are shopping online to find the latest in fashion, beauty, and eyeing up what is on trend. Knowing this was the best tool for its Irish customers the world’s most well known underwear brand – Wonderbra – has done tailored to our needs. www.wonderbra.eu showcases the full Wonderbra collection, replacing the previous site wonderbra.co.uk. The new site is transactional, allowing Wonderbra to effectively meet the needs of its target consumers who are heavy online users. On the site there is a store finder and it features the full range of products modelled by face of Wonderbra, Adriana Cernanova, with simple navigation for ease of shopping.
18 GAZETTE 3 May 2012
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods
HOMETOWN GIG: THREE OF BEST NEW BANDS COME TOGETHER
Dublin’s finest join up as JD supergroup I ROB HEIGH
EVER hang out with Adam Clayton in Malahide Village? Did you audition for a band at Mount Temple along with Paul Hewson and Dave Evans? Ever make music with Larry Mullen Jnr in the Artane Boys’ Band? Then congratulations: you know one of the fifth richest musicians in the world! U2 are sitting at No 5 in The Sunday Times’ Musical Rich List. Bono, Edge, Larry and Adam collectively worth a whopping €625 million. Although there is a sense of pride (excuse the pun) to see our lads so high up on a list of mostly English and American richies, I do have to wonder — in these tough times — what is the point of publishing a list that may as well be called “People That Will Always Be Richer Than You But Probably Work A Lot Less”? Yes, I know the likes of U2 and Paul McCartney are worth millions. Sure, haven’t I been giving them my cash since I was old enough to walk to the record shop on my own? But in case you don’t mind having your nose rubbed in others’ wealth: Just ahead of U2 on the list is Andrew Lloyd Webber with a wealth worth singing about at €720 million; Paul McCartney’s in at No 3 with wife, Nancy Shevall, with €810 million; the second richest musical figure is theatre producer, Cameron Mackintosh, with €885 million, and top of this very high pile is record executive Clive Calder, with €1.65 billion in his pockets. Maybe I’m being excessively sensitive to this annual printing tradition. If I’m honest, my biggest problem with this Musical Rich List is the fact that David and Victoria Beckham are on it (in at joint-tenth place with Daniel Ek with €232 million) In fairness, I’d say David’s pre-match mumbling of England’s national anthem has contributed more to the music world than Victoria ever did. I wonder does he ever serenade her at home? “God save the Lean”, maybe?
DUBLIN has been long recognised as a hotbed of talent for young bands who make the jump from the local scene to the international stratosphere, and that tradition looks set to continue with the success and buzz about upcoming new bands, including Delorentos, The Minutes and We Cut Corners. These alt-rock pioneers are set to take the stage in salute to their hometown roots as part of JD Roots, an innovative new music initiative by Jack Daniels that celebrates the unique influence of home towns on the music and character of some of the most exciting and talked about bands on the current music scene, which takes place in a unique, one-off, free live performance in The Button Factory, Dublin on Friday, May 18. In what promises to be an intriguing process, the three bands will collaborate for the first time ahead of the gig to explore artists and songs from Dublin who have inspired and influenced their musical style and direction. The bands will then play what promises to be a thrilling show in The
Delorentos, The Minutes and We Cut Corners line up ahead of their JD Roots gig
Button Factory, where they will perform a selection of songs from their own set lists as well as a selection by Dublin artists who have made the greatest impact on them and their music. This unique show - the first and possibly only time all three acts will perform on the same stage together - is sure to make its own contribution to Dublin’s rich and evolving music scene. Fresh from the critical acclaim of their third studio album, Little Sparks, released in Januar y, Delorentos are at the very top of their game.
Lauded as ones to watch in 2012 among music critics across Ireland and the UK, The Minutes have been blazing a trail on the live music scene over the past 12 months, and they were personally picked by Noel Gallagher as support for his first-ever solo live show with The High Flying Birds at The Olympia. We Cut Corners were winners of The JD Set Unsigned in 2009 and the Dublin duo have been amassing fans ever since, and received a Meteor Choice Prize nomination for their debut album,
Today I Realised I Could Go Home Backwards. Delorentos co-lead singer, Ronan Yourell, said: “We are genuinely excited about the chance to work closely with two of Dublin’s great new bands, The Minutes and We Cut Corners, on JD Roots. “Dublin as a city and a place has a magical and powerful history, something which has had a massive influence on all of us for different reasons. Through our conversations to date, we’ve all got just a little bit excited about the possibilities and the chance to pay tribute
to some of the artists, which have been shaped by Dublin was too tempting to resist for all of us. “The challenge will be to settle on a shortlist of songs and then bringing something new, fresh and personal to them. It should be a really exciting live show.” Tickets for this exclusive JD Roots performance at the Button Factory are free and are available now at www.jdroots.ie. All those who register will go into a draw for tickets. A limited number of tickets will also be available on the Jack Daniel’s Ireland Facebook page.
3 May 2012 GAZETTE 19
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Ronan Doyle and Tony Mallon, partners, Compositedoors.ie
Only the very best in doors and windows COMPOSITEDOORS.IE have opened a new stateof-the-art showroom, conveniently located at 3 St Gall Gardens South, Columbanus, in Dundrum, The business, owned by partners Tony Mallon and Ronan Doyle both locals to the Dundrum area, has grown so much over the past 18 months that they decided to open the showroom so that prospective clients can see the superior quality of the Palladio composite doors at first hand. The partners realised that after the severe winter conditions of 2010 – 2011, there was a market for energy-efficient products, particularly since most of the business in the construction market was now to do with refurbishment/retro fitting. Home owners have also become more knowledgeable about the need to conserve energy in their homes. They also realised that there was no website on the Irish internet which was user-friendly for home owners thinking of changing their entrance door or back door. Tony has been involved in the manufacture, supply and installation of “A” rated windows and doors to the domestic market throughout Dublin and the surrounding areas for over 15 years, and also supplies to the window and building trade. Ronan has been involved in the hardwood flooring business for 12 years and has supplied and installed plank and design floors throughout the Dublin region.
REPOSSESSION Q – The arrears on my mortgage will never be paid, let alone the normal repayments. Currently, I am on an interest only facility but this ends next month. My partner lost his job and we can just about afford to feed our two children and ourselves. If our home is repossessed, how long does the process take and can they still pursue us for any outstanding debt on the property? Theresa - Mulhuddart A - My sympathies to you on your situation. First of all, you are not alone. There are many many borrowers with similar stories. Like Robins Williams in Good Will Hunting AND Enda Kenny said “it’s not your fault” and what is really important is your family and surviving this period of time. Cash is king and income is your number one asset and you have to protect and prioritise both. Under the Central Bank guidelines, lenders are holding off repossession of homes for up to two years. What is crucial is both budgeting – put down on paper all your expenditure irrespective of income – and communication. As regards outstanding debt, your names are already on the Irish Credit Bureau for missed payments – and stay there for five years – and if you have a judgment against you, it stays there for life. But, you may never want to borrow again. If there is a deficit on the home after the lender has repossessed, sold the property and put the proceeds against your mortgage, you then have three options:
Compositedoors.ie is a new venture by Ronan Doyle and Tony Mallon, supplying doors, floors and windows
1. The outstanding balance may be written off by the lender if it is decided not to pursue a bankruptcy
Q&A
course. 2. The lender may ask you to repay an unsecured
When you were a kid, what did you want to be? Ronan: A fireman. Tony: A pilot. What was your first job? Ronan: Helping the milkman on his rounds delivering milk. Tony: Grocery shop assistant. And your first pay check? Ronan: £14. Tony: Half a crown.
Ronan: Too many. Tony: 35.
Ronan: Volkswagen Passat Estate. Tony: Lexus.
At what time does your working day begin and end? Ronan: Begins at 7am, when I get up and it doesn’t end! Tony: 8:30am to 7pm.
Would you ever bungee jump? Ronan: No. Tony: Yes.
What is the greatest thrill of your working week? Ronan: Confirmed sales. Tony: Getting great feedback from happy customers.
When did you start your present job? Ronan: After being made redundant in 2010, I started my first business Architechural Flooring, and then set up Compositedoors.ie with Tony at the beginning of 2011.
And what part of your job do you dislike the most? Ronan: I don’t dislike any of it. Becoming self-employed was the best move I ever made. Tony: Making the tea.
Tony – I have been supplying and installing windows for 15 years, but set up Compositedoors.ie with Ronan in early 2011.
Do you fly Ryanair or anybody else but Ryanair? Ronan: I’m not fussy, once I get there I don’t mind who brings me. Tony: Whoever is cheapest.
How many people do you have to talk with every day?
What car do you drive?
Do you play any sport? Ronan: Golf. Tony: Golf. What is your favourite food? Ronan: Steak and chips. Tony: Seafood. And drink? Ronan: Heineken. Tony: White wine. What is the name of your favourite shop? Ronan: Compositedoors.ie Tony: House of Fraser. How many times each week do you go the “hole in the wall”? Ronan: No idea. Tony: Twice
How many times each year do you shop for clothes? Ronan: Three. Tony: 10. Where is your favourite holiday destination? Ronan: South of France. Tony: Laguna Beach, California.
loan over an agreed period for the outstanding balance on a monthly basis. 3. You can go to court via the personal insolvency route, declare bankruptcy whereby the debt is wiped and after three years, you may start afresh. Whereas in the past, there was a stigma attached to being declared bankrupt, over the coming years it is going to be a norm. In the US, they nearly clap you on the back on bankruptcy (at least they tried) and they dust themselves down and start all over again.
How many pairs of shoes do you own? Ronan: Three. Tony: Six. What other job in the whole world would you really like to have? Ronan: Professional golfer. Tony: Taoiseach. When do you wish to retire? Ronan: Never. Tony: As soon as I can afford to. What will you do then? Tony – Play more golf!
Keep communicating with your creditors – they cannot get blood from a stone but compassion has to be the order of the day. 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
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20 GAZETTE 3 May 2012
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs
Range Rover Evoque-s Car of the Year Award with writers THE Range Rover Evoque has been named Supreme Winner of the Women’s World Car of the Year 2012, as well as the top-ranked model in the luxury car category. This latest success sustains the exceptional acclaim with which Evoque has been greeted around the world, reflected in more than 110 separate honours. The Women’s World Car of the Year is judged by a panel of 17 women motoring writers from around the world. Each vehicle considered for an award is rated according to criteria which reflect issues that are important to women car buyers. These include practical elements, such as safety, the amount of storage space, childfriendliness, environmental performance and value for money, and also elements such as design aesthetics. Having achieved the highest marks in the luxury car section, the Range Rover Evoque went on to be named their Car of the Year. Although the results have been announced this week, official presentation of the trophy to Land Rover will take place at the Paris Motor Show in September. Responding to the news of this latest honour, John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand director said: “The Women’s World Car of the Year title further reflects the great market reach of Evoque. “Across the world, women are a customer base in their own right, so it is vital for any manufacturer to ensure their products meet their preferences and requirements. “As a vehicle designed, engineered and built in Britain, the Range Rover Evoque continues to demonstrate its world-class appeal. “We are delighted that as well as the 111 honours it has received for its design, engineering and performance, it has proved just as successful in terms of excellent global sales.”
Mazda’s new compact SUV, the CX-5, is an exceptionally complete car
Mazda’s impressive new compact SUV I CORMAC CURTIS
INBA Ittai… don’t worry, when I first heard those words at April’s launch of Mazda’s new compact SUV, the CX-5, I hadn’t a clue what they were on about either. But, according to Mazda, Jinba Ittai is the state of “oneness between car and driver” that the company has gone to great lengths to achieve. Such a lofty and ambitious target is admirable, and, no doubt, the suits in the top-level boardroom at Mazda HQ all nodded their approval when the concept was pitched. But, as with all visionary developments in the motoring world, it was the engineers and designers who were, no doubt, left scratching their heads when this new and innovative direction was decreed. It has to be said, those same engineers and designers really did push the boat out on this one.
J
Working from a completely clean slate, the company’s new direction was approached with four key elements in mind: emotional and appealing design, interior functionality and craftsmanship, predictable and responsive driving dynamics, and sustainability. All of which makes for quite a mouthful. Lucky for us, all of this “blue sky” thinking has brought together each of Mazda’s Skyactiv technologies together into an all-new and very impressive compact SUV. The Gazette was lucky enough to be invited to the launch of the CX-5 in Vienna, where two variants were available for test drives. Easing into the day, my driving buddy and I opted for the less powerful option, a two-wheel drive, 150bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine with an automatic transmission. This is Mazda’s first foray into the segment, but everything about the
car suggests that they are past masters at it. Starting with the allimportant looks, we are talking about something that is unmistakably Mazda, but with an allnew excitement and edge to it. For me, the design of the CX-5 is absolutely spot-on. My first glance at the car – well, about 50 of them actually, all lined up at the launch – was a side profile of the “black mica” coloured version. Even though it’s their first SUV, you wouldn’t mistake this car for anything other than Mazda, while at the same time, it has just as much impact and presence as a BMW X5, but a whole lot more current. We’re told that the inspiration for the front end of the car is the cheetah, and, even if you never see the resemblance, the look does evoke a slight sense of menace. All-in-all, pretty much every box in the looks
department is well and truly ticked. The power comes from a choice of engines, and those available in the Irish market are set to be a 2-litre petrol with 165bhp, a 2.2-litre diesel with 150bhp and a 2.3-litre diesel with 170bhp. The days of SUV cars coming with 3-litre, gas guzzling engines would appear to be a thing of the past, and the 165bhp automatic version of the CX-5 we tested is rated to achieve a combined fuel consumption of 5.3l/100km, whereas the higher-powered 175bhp version with the manual six-speed transmission can still achieve an impressive 5.2l/100km. These figures are partly due to the 14:1 compression ratio that the engines achieve – a world-leading achievement in a massproduction vehicle. Clearly Mazda’s engineers have put some serious work in to the performance and efficiency of these new engines, but putting
all these stats and figures to one side for a moment, it’s also worth noting the features that Mazda have included elsewhere in the car. It may not be something you will need to use all that often, but the sat nav system in the car is of the TomTom variety – one of my personal favourites. The interior of the car offers some very useful cargo space, with a threeway split for the seats, all folding down with ease to cater for a variety of load options. With the seats up, the CX-5 actually offers classleading space in the boot, with space for four fullsized suitcases, beating both the VWTiguan (twothree cases) and the Ford Kuga (three cases). For those moments of musical indulgence, there is a terrific Bose sound system with nine highperformance speakers and background noise compensation technology. On the safety front,
3 May 2012 GAZETTE 21
SUPPORT
LOCAL BUSINESS
Mazda’s smart City Brake support feature is also included – offering automatic emergency braking at a 6-metre distance when travelling between
4 and 30 km/h. Other safety features are a rear vehicle monitoring system, that lights up an LED in your rearview mirror when another
vehicle is passing, as well as a lane departure warning system, where the steering wheel vibrates if you stray too far from the centre of your lane.
This is an exceptionally complete car, and with prices starting at €25,195 for the petrol version, it will appeal to an awful lot of people.
Donation: Raising funds for Guide Dogs IRISH Guide Dogs for the Blind officially
launched their annual fundraising car draw at the Cork City Ford Centre recently. The winning prize is a brand new Ford Focus valued at €20,000 donated by Ford Ireland. A number of Irish Guide Dog’s staff and their dogs took time to attend the launch. Tickets can be bought on the charity’s website at www.guidedogs.ie or from volunteers who
are selling them nationwide. Tickets are €5 each and the draw will take place on Saturday, December 1. Pictured are Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director of Ford Ireland, and Padraig Mallon, chief executive of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, at the launch the car draw with a little help from dogs in training: Hector, Megan, Kuta and Creem.
SKODA have announced their new compact saloon will be called the Rapid. The car will make its debut in Europe before the year is out. A Chinese version of the Rapid will be built and sold in China from 2013. The close to series concept car MissionL China, which Skoda are displaying at Auto China 2012 in Beijing, provides a specific preview of the new Chinese model. “As part of its growth strategy, Skoda has initiated the largest model offensive in its corporate history and will bring a new vehicle to market every six months on average in the years ahead,” Skoda CEO, Winfried Vahland, said at the brand’s press conference in Beijing. “The Rapid is our next new model at the starting gate. It has a central importance for our growth and will provide us with a strong tailwind on international markets,” said Vahland. With the Rapid, Skoda offer an attractive and family-oriented model in a world’s growing segment between the Fabia and the Octavia. The MissionL design study provides a specific preview of the car’s design and concept. For the design of the interior Skoda did an extensive research in China and asked customers about their individual wishes to build for them a car they exactly want. MissionL China and the future compact sedan are the ideal combination of Skoda genes and Chinese demand. Skoda showed the MissionL’s European variant at IAA 2011 in Frankfurt and are displaying a version modified for Chinese market in Beijing. “MissionL China is true Skoda. It perfectly embodies the brand’s values: fresh design, functionality, roominess, ingenuity, and price to value ratio typical for our cars,” Vahland added. “This car makes a clear statement: precise and emotional. Lots of room for the driver, passengers and luggage. An ideal car for families. Simply clever.”
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GazetteTTRAVEL
Edited by Mimi Murray
Bath’s Pulteney Bridge (above) and The Old Parsonage (right) highlight the beauty and history in the town, while Bristol (top right) is a walker’s dream, with plenty to see and do. Pics: VisitBath/Dave Pratt
WEST COUNTRY: WITH COUNTRYSIDE IN TOUCHING DISTANCE, BRISTOL AND BATH HAVE IT ALL
West is best with breaks, shopping and sightseeing RAVEL to the west country couldn’t be easier these days with direct flights to Bristol, your gateway to the region. Whether it’s a short city break to Bristol or Bath you’re after or seeking out the lush quaint honey coloured countryside of the Cotswolds, the English west country offers a fascinating and diverse range of experiences for all travellers. With a plethora of things to do and see, visitors are also spoilt with excellent quality accommodation, places to eat and drink, histor y, culture, the great outdoors as well as exciting shopping outlets, sure to provide genuine retail therapy. After your short flight
T
to Bristol (less than an hour from Dublin) , the first port of call for any dedicated shopper is the Clifton Village area of Bristol, offering up many up-market independent shops and boutiques selling jewellery, art, gifts, furniture, fashion good food and more. For those after a genuine bargain, try one of the many outlet stores in the region, including the Mulberry Factory shop which is close-by. If your legs haven’t given in, you will be spoilt for choice with a wide range of award winning and reasonably priced restaurants and gastropubs in the area, ser ving some of the many locally brewed craft beers and ciders
from the region.
A relaxing Bath After taking in the sights and sounds of Bristol, the next port of call has got to be the jewel in the crown of the region, the Roman city of Bath. Built around the only natural hot spring in England, the entire area of the city is a UNESCO world heritage site. Take a lazy stroll around the streets of this architectural treasure and view the stunning Royal Crescent, the Circus, Pulteney Bridge amongst other gems and finish up with a trip to Thermae Bath Spa, Britain’s original and only natural thermal spa where you can enjoy the warm,
mineral-rich waters as enjoyed by the Celts and Romans over 2000 years ago, now that is real therapy! A trip to the west countr y wouldn’t do the region justice without exploring some of delights the countryside has to offer. For golfers there is some of the finest golf courses England has, offering easy great choice and beautiful scenery. With over 6,100km of dedicated walking and cycling tracks, along with 1000s of acres of national trust parkland there is plenty of ways to find the inner explorer in you. Such amenities also provide an excellent area for bird watching
and other green pursuits. The west country is also steeped in pagan, Christian and mythical history, legend and landmarks. A number of must see experiences includes Stonehenge and the village of Glastonbury whose abbey houses the first Christian sanctuary, visited by none other than our own St Patrick and where King Arthur’s final resting place lies, so the legend goes.
No cheesy pun! For the foodies amongst us, a visit to Cheddar, the home of cheese is top priority. Spawning many excellent artisan cheese makers, a visit to Cheddar
offers the opportunity to sample real cheese which is creamy and delicious with a choice of pasteurised and unpasteurised. You’ll soon forget the rubbery stuff in supermarkets! A good base for all of these places is a lovely old bed and breakfast called The Old Parsonage just outside Bath, a grade II sandstone house built in the 1680s. They provide great cooked breakfast with home made bread served on Wedgwood Devon Rose china, continental coffee, yogurt, fresh fruit and various cereals. For details log on to www.theoldparsonagebandb.co.uk.
3 May 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23
24 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3 May 2012
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Nubes (Clouds)
EVER watched a cloud turn into a sheep right before your eyes? Enter an enchanting, joyful world full of moving objects and dream-like imagery. Nubes (Clouds) takes a wildly imaginative approach to the theme of clouds, inspired by the surrealist artist Magritte. Audiences of all ages will delight in watching vibrant dances and inventive scenes involving flippers, ladders and puppets in suits. This show can be enjoyed at 2pm and 4.30pm on May 12 and 13. Tickets start at €40 for a family then range from €14 to €8.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Opera d’Arte
EXPERIENCE all the passions of opera in one spectacular production, featuring leading voices of the Irish and International operatic stage. With piano accompaniment by musical director, DAVID WRAY (musical director: Opera in the Open, Music Theatre Ireland), Immerse yourself in a diverse programme of musical masterpieces including selections from La Traviata, Carmen, Cosi Fan Tutte, Bohème, The Magic Flute, Die Fledermaus and The Barber of Seville. May 9, 8pm, tickets priced at €26/24.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Fruitcake
STARRING Mary McEvoy (Biddy in Glenroe) as Della Dolan, Fruitcake starts off as a cookery demonstration but develops into an account of one woman’s life with each ingredient reminding her of past memories and decisions made which ultimately change the course of her life. For two shows at 8pm and 3pm, in the Civic Theatre’s Main Auditorium on May 8, this show is guaranteed to go down well. Tickets are priced at €15 with a €12 concession. There will be €10 special Bealtaine tickets for the matinee.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Thought Once Was
THIS double bill promises to be a visceral feast for the senses. The Space Where Thought Once Was, is an exploration into Dementia. The second work is entitled Scatenato, from the Italian musical term, meaning wild, unchained, and loose. Joining the dancers on stage will be the Contempo String Quartet, Galway’s Ensemble in Residence. There will be just one show, on May 8 at 8pm and tickets priced at €16 or €12 concession are sure to sell fast.
Many captions might ask is it a bird? Is it a plane? But this paper knows the difference between the Marvel and DC multiverses
Gods and heroes The biggest film of the year so far crashes, bangs and wallops its way to our screens. And boy, is it mighty I PAUL HOSFORD
YOU could be forgiven for thinking, with the past week’s inclement weather, that summer is an age away. Or maybe, if you’re like myself, you know that a much better bellweather of the seasons in Ireland is the arrival of certain films. Oscar-worthy contenders mean that it is one month either side of Christmas, Adam Sandler’s latest execrable offering means you are either side of the summer. And the long, hot, rainy days of summer well and truly arrive when the first blockbuster finds its way into cinemas. This year, the first one up is Avengers Assemble, the Marvel dream team movie that many thought would never see the light of day and has essentially had it’s
FILM OF THE WEEK: Avengers Assemble ##### (12A) 143 mins Director: Joss Whedon Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddlestone
OUR VERDICT: THIS is it. If ever there was confirmation that nerds had inherited the earth it is this. Creator of Buffy and Firefly directing? Check. A faithful comic book adaptation high on action? Check. Scarlett Johannson in leather for much of the film? Check and check. Avengers Assemble is pitch perfect action. It never stops to take a breath and will leave audiences absolutely thrilled.
story being told since the final scene of Iron Man in 2008. Since Tony Stark’s first outing, Captain America was brought to life as The First Avenger, a reboot made The Hulk Incredible again, Thor flexed his Mighty muscles and Iron Man got a second run. All of these films had neat crossovers and, if you’ve seen the lot, the early pace of Assemble won’t confuse you. I f y o u h ave n ’t , i t doesn’t matter because there are super heroes on screen. Lots of
them. Of course, the biggest reservation to be had with a project such as this is that there will be too many super-cooks to spoil the super-broth, as it were. But, with the foundations already laid, director Joss Whedon takes the ball and just runs with it. Not a ponderous run, either, this is full on, balls-to-wall sprinting for over two hours. This is as close to joy as summer cinema will ever get. Whedon’s script is peppered with
comedic gold and the actors all seem to be having a blast. Dow ney Junior as Tony Stark is a marriage made in heaven. Downey has made a superhero role his own to the extent that many associate the hero with the actor, not the other way around, a trap that Val Kilmer and Michael Keaton know all too well. His acerbic barbs, particularly to Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, are a pleasure, as is the warmth and sweetness that is inherent in Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner. Ruffalo is the third actor to don the stretchy pants of the verdant monster with anger issues in only nine years. In lesser hands, the role would be a throwaway or an attempt to ape predecessors, but this is Mark Ruffalo.
The man is simply too good to let a role like this slip by. Evans’ Captain America keeps the group honourable, while Samuel L Jackson’s Nick Fury keeps them all in line, acting as the world’s largest babysitter. But, what use is a cadre of heroes if they have nobody to fight? Enter Loki, Thor’s brother and a reject of Asgard. He is thoroughly evil and Tom Hiddlestone injects him with a smirk and a swagger that genuinely make you believe he can topple the finest collection of heroes ever. Overall, this is what you want from the summer. Fun, breathless and frenetic, it has an emotional depth that few directors could have attained. Assemble some friends and go.
3 May 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING Breaking down the plays for Madden’s latest run PAUL HOSFORD
WITH the NFL draft having dominated the US media - both sports and mainstream - last weekend, fans of American Football are licking their lips in anticipation of what their new players will bring to the table. But, with free-agency, the draft and Bountygate put to bed, football fans need the next milestone to look forward to. For a fan of the gridiron who lives 3,000 miles away from the nearest professional stadium, the marker that the season is here has traditionally been the arrival of NFL Madden on whatever console I fancied it. From owning it on an oddly-shaped cartridge on the Mega Drive, through PS One and PS2 iterations, it is the one game franchise to which I am oddly loyal. Part of it is knowledge based. Before I knew the game, the easiest way of getting to know who the guys on the less glamorous squads were was to fire up the XBox and go through the rosters of teams like the Chiefs, Browns and Jaguars. But, mostly, it is blind faith. Every year, I go back to Madden hoping and praying that it will deliver the deep, enrich-
ing football experience that I, and many others, crave. Last year was not the year. Don’t get me wrong, the 2012 vintage was a perfectly serviceable game, but with no real competition anymore, Madden seems to have gotten lazy. The absence of the 2K series has allowed EA Sports more or less phone it in. Think of the renaissance of the FIFA franchise and you think of the years the EA behemoth spent in the doldrums at the expense of Seabass Takatsuka and Konami’s Pro Evolution series. With that in mind, Madden 12’s major selling point was an improved presentation system. Yes, seeing your players led onto the field by mascots and announced by position and college attended was nice the first couple of times, but was it really worth a year’s development? The commentary became repetitive to anyone who played the game regularly and a complete lack of presentation for created or modified teams meant the diamond lost its lustre fairly quickly. The game’s biggest failing, however, was the franchise mode that was as shallow as a Kardashian and about
Bytesandpieces Nintendo continues its losses DESPITE dominating the Asian marketplace with its new handheld console, Nintendo posted its first annual losses this week, but the $460 million figure wasn’t as bad as first feared. The losses, which were included in financial results up to March 31, were caused by poor hardware sales. The company’s net sales dropped 36.2pc compared to the previous year. While Nintendo said it cut the price of its Nintendo 3DS console below its cost price, sales were slower in Europe and the US during the Christmas period than previous years. It sold 13.53m Nintendo 3DS consoles and 9.84m Nintendo Wii consoles. Nintendo has said it believes it will make an operating profit of 35bn yen (US$429m) in the coming year, and that it will release games such as New Super Mario Bros. 2 and Animal Crossing to drive up Nintendo 3DS software sales. It expects to sell the 3DS above its cost price by the middle of the financial year and will also launch the Wii U at the end of 2012. Madden 13 will let you live the dream – if your dream involves being Matt Cassell
half as much fun at times. The thrill of unearthing a draft steal in the fourth round was lost because of a clumsy scouting system that requires you to whittle down all seven picks to just 75 players’ physical attributes and then five that you could get full disclosure on. As anyone who has read War Room, Michael Holley’s seminal account of the New England Patriots success in the mid 00s will know, making a team capable of collecting a championship takes a lot more than knowing that a quarterback tipped to be a highround pick has a weak arm and poor stamina. The amount of effort an NFL franchise actually puts in to drafting players coming from college is staggering and the art of guessing what each team will do is itself a multi-million dollar industry. For EA to boil it down to the bare minimum makes the franchise mode feel like a lottery. It hurts that there is no feedback on likely
weak positions in the following season, nor is there an option to see upcoming free agents like there is in the NHL series, which continues to set the bar for EA games. While the exponentially superior NCAA Football got all of these things more or less spot on, Madden trailed. But the good news is that EA appears to have listened to the fans, in an attempt to win back the fans deserting its star title for what is essentially meant to be a little brother. Changes this year include:
Dropbacks The days of all snaps being identical are gone. Quarterbacks are getting seven-step drops, five-step drops and so on, which will make the game feel more realistic on both sides of the ball. Trajectories As someone who plays the game (www. rhinos.ie since you asked) , my greatest frustration has been the inability to throw a pass in anything other than a
laser or a lob. This year, there will be 25 trajectories to get the ball to the receiver in the most appropriate way.
QB Avoidance Moves You’re going to move more slowly in the pocket this time around – at least when looking to pass – but now you have the eight directions of the right stick to move your quarterback. These little stab moves buy you time to get free and make the play. Receiver Awareness Receivers never make mistakes. I say this as a card carrying member of the club. But, this year, the icons over receivers will light up when a player is expecting a pass. This doesn’t mean he’s open. This just means the receiver is looking for the ball. Similarly, you can throw when the icon isn’t lit up, but the chances of a catch are lower. Other changes include read and react defenses and better special teams. All of which sound good, whether you know what Green Right Slot Spider 3 Y Banana is or not.
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26 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3 May 2012
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28 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3 May 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
RUGBY: MORE SUCCESS ON THE ROAD FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
Local winners from the Great Ireland Run 2012 DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers is once again delighted to announce the winners of this year’s local prizes for participants in the Great Ireland Run, which took place in the Phoenix Park on April 15. Here is the list of the top local male and female finishers in the race, who win a specially designed plaque as well as prizes of sports gear - we will be in touch with you shortly. Blanch Gazette Sean MacSeoin 34:39 Dervila Holmes 39:04 Castleknock Gazette Kieran Gallagher 35:19 Kate O’Neill 36:51 Clondalkin Gazette Mohammed Dahir 38:57 Deirdre Daly 46:56 Dundrum Gazette Peter Toomey 36:41 Aoife Clarke 44:57 Dun Laoghaire Gazette Flavio Rea 40:46 Lindsay McMillan 47:42 Lucan Gazette Karl Fitzgerald 37:40 Niamh Maher 41:43 Malahide Gazette Niall McArdle 35:55 Michelle Tyrrell 45:24 Swords Gazette David Gargan 37:06 Suzanne Sheehy 40:17
The Coolmine Under-9 panel who travelled to Limerick earlier this year had an equally successful trip to Armagh recently
’Mine lift blitz title sport@gazettegroup.com
A TRIP up north proved to be a big day in the young rugby lives of C o o l m i n e Un d e r- 9 s when they came away from the Armagh Blitz as winners recently. The Under-9s took their impressive form up north having already enjoyed a very successful tour of Limerick in March 2012. The players arrived in Armagh just before 10am and played their last match just before 4pm, on a beautiful spring day. Coolmine Mini Rugby has a long and successful history in this competition. N i n e t e e n p l ay e r s from the Under-9 age group made the trip to Armagh. There were 16 teams in total at the Under-9 age level on
the day, from clubs such as the hosts (Armagh) Boyne, Navan, Dundalk, Dungannon, Mullingar and Monaghan. Games were ten minutes long and were refereed by representatives from clubs other than those involved in the individual games. Since rugby at this level is uncompetitive, games were not awarded to the winner on the scoreline alone, but on a Fair Play system, based on a number of criteria including score skills and discipline, with three match points up for grabs based on the referee’s findings. Coolmine started brightly defending their line with vigour and scored some wonderful tries on the day. All games were played in great spirit and were
keenly contested by the players. Coolmine knew from the outset they had the measure of the ver y well-coached sides from a variety of Ulster and Leinster clubs. Each of the two Coolmine teams played seven games each over the day with pitch and weather conditions ideal for fast flowing rugby. The two Coolmine teams had minimal subs which were rotated during the games, every player made a big contribution to the Coolmine cause. It would be unfair to name individuals but suffice to say everyone gave their all, scoring an impressive number of tries and conceding the minimum. Just after 4pm teams gathered at the front of the Armagh Club House,
at this stage Coolmine Under-9s knew they were in the shake-up for the Cup. When Coolmine Under-9s were announced as winners, parents and players were delighted at what was a wonderful achievement for the club. Rory Best, the Ireland star and Ulster captain, presented the Coolmine Under-9 team with the winners’ cup. A special word of thanks goes to the City
of Armagh Rugby Club who hosted the event and provided refreshments for parents and kids on the day. A particular word of thanks to Armagh Mini Coaches who organised an enjoyable day’s rugby and ran the matches off in quick succession. The Coolmine Under-9 players can feel rightly proud of their achievements on a very successful days rugby in Armagh.
3 May 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 29
CRICKET: LADIES OPEN CAMPAIGN IN ECB DIVISION
2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS APRIL WINNERS
Batting for Ireland
STARof theMONTH CAROLINE RYAN GARDA’S cycling sensation claimed Ireland’s first elite world track medal since Harry Reynolds back in 1897, winning bronze in Melbourne, as well as setting a personal best and new Irish record for the women’s individual pursuit on the final day of the 2012 world track championships in the Australian city.
TEAMof theMONTH MALAHIDE CS
AN all-ages golfing machine, Malahide calmly saw off the challenge of Kilkenny in the Irish Schools’ National Matchplay competition to add to the schools’ impressive run of sporting achievements at Naas Golf Club in a thrilling final set of games. SUMMERTIME, and the living is...soggy. In spite of the rain, the sun came out and shone on some great performances by our sports stars last month, and it’s time to honour them with the Stars they deserve. An incredible length of time had passed between successes on the track for Ireland’s cyclists, and Caroline Ryan was a deserving candidate to revise that trend, which she did in style at the world
Ireland’s ladies Elena Tice, Emma Flanagan and Isobel Joyce at the launch of the new national cricket kit
sport@gazettegroup.com
I R E L A N D wo m e n ’s cricket team will begin their competitive season with a double header in Division 3 of the ECB County Championships this Bank Holiday weekend. The side features an array of talent from Dublin, with representives from Malahide, Pembroke, Merrion, and Rush, and they play their matches in the English county structure, on the proviso that
they play all of their matches in England. First up for Isobel Joyce’s side is a clash with Leicestershire on Sunday at Bardon Hill, which has a 12pm start, followed by Huntingdon and Cambridgeshire on Monday at Sawston at 11am.
Results Following their promotion last year, the side have worked hard during the winter under the watchful eye of head coach Jeremy Bray, and
are hopeful of another successful season. Bray said: “The squad has got a great blend of youth and experience, and I’m sure will be rewarded for all their efforts during the close season. “It’s an exciting time for Irish cricket in general and you can feel there’s a real buzz about the game at the minute. I’m sure it won’t be too long before the women are emulating the men’s team in terms of results.”
Tag for greatness: Coolmine’s charity rugby event championships. Meanwhile, Malahide CS golfers claimed the national title with a consummate performance at Naas that belied their young years, and pointed to a long and successful future in the game. Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin. Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes.
COOLMINE RFC in Dublin 15 recently hosted a charity tag rugby day for Mount Sackville secondary school to benefit Focus On Romania, a charitable organisation which aims to focus world attention to the inadequate care of children and young adults in state institutions in Romania. This year more than 370 boys and girls descended on the club for a day of tag rugby, and with so many teams to look after, the Irish Tag Rugby Association stepped in to help with the organisation of the day. This year’s Tag Day raised over €3,000.
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The squad in full is: Isobel Joyce (capt) , (Merrion); Clodagh Conway (Rush); Laura Delany (Leinster); Emma Flanagan (Pembroke); Cecelia Joyce (Merrion); Shauna Kavanagh (Pembroke); Louise McCarthy (Pembroke); Rebecca Rolfe (Leinster); Melissa Scott Hayward (Merrion); Clare Shillington (Malahide); Alison S m i t h ( P e m b r o ke ) ; Elena Tice (Merrion); Mary Waldron (Malahide).
30 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3 May 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
SOCCER: CELEBRATIONS AS FIFTH TEAM REACH FINAL STAGES
Corduff Centre hosts Fingal cricket events OVER 200 school children attended a number of Easter coaching camps held within Fingal cricket clubs and sports centres. The Easter camps were run over five-day periods at different venues within Fingal, namely The Hills CC, Rush CC, Malahide CC and Corduff Sports Centre. The growth of cricket in Fingal was clear to see during the running of these camps, with over 50 children experiencing club cricket for the first time. All the camps experienced record numbers attending and this is mainly due to the great work that local clubs, Fingal County Council and the Leinster Cricket Union are doing through the schools coaching visit programme, that has been running for some time now, which helps to introduce potential new players to the game in a safe and fun environment. A new coaching programme has now started after Easter within Fingal primary schools and will continue through till June. Schools will also partake in Leprechaun Cup matches and several cricket blitzes being held at Malahide and Swords, Rush and Blanchardstown. As a result of these activities, there will be more children participating in the game and the organisers of the initiative are hoping that the success of the Fingal programme will continue to rise.
Castleknock Celtic’s goal scorers, Oki and Wale, celebrate in their win away to Malahide United in the semi-final of the Under-18s Bradshaw Cup
Celtic reach Bradshaw final I sport@gazettegroup.com
CASTLEKNOCK Celtic’s NDSL Under-18 Premier team’s match against Malahide United proved to be a very close affair, but ended with Celtic progressing to the final of the Bradshaw Cup with a thoroughly deserved 2-1 win. It took goals from Oki and Wale to give Celtic their win. Wale, who has been a great servant for Celtic for many seasons, beat three players before blasting a rasping shot past the man of the match, Malahide’s goalkeeper. Oki continued his fine run of scoring form with
another crucial goal. This Celtic team, which is chasing two cups and the league title, now look forward to a meeting with league leaders, Ratoath Harps, in the Bradshaw Cup final. Elsewhere, Castleknock Celtic are continuing to celebrate their 25th anniversary in style with some great events coming up shortly. Next up for the club is the honour of welcoming Republic of Ireland team manager, Giovanni Trapattoni, to Porterstown on Sunday, May 6. The Italian maestro will join in the celebrations at what will be a fam-
Get bowled over: Westmanstown hosting Open Day WESTMANSTOWN Bowling Club are hosting
an open day on Sunday, May 13 from 2 to 6pm. The club are offering the day as an opportunity for people thinking about taking up bowls or joining a bowls club, and beginners and experienced bowlers of all ages are welcome. Westmanstown are always looking for new members to join them, and for more information, contact Joe Coghlan 087 284 4874 or Marie Magner 086 224 6520, or see www. westmanstownbowls.ie
ily day at the club’s home ground, which will feature a penalty shoot-out competition. The shoot-out is a great fundraiser for Castleknock Celtic, who continue to be a big part of sport in the local community. It promises to be a fantastic occasion, and all are welcome to come and meet the man who will lead Ireland in Euro 2012. Club secretary, Tony Jordan, said: “Castleknock Celtic is extremely proud to welcome Mr Trappatoni next week and the whole community is excited about his visit. We are also honoured that the FAI has chosen
Porterstown as one of its venues for their Summer Soccer Schools.” There will also be a chance to show your support for the Boys in Green as the club will be raffling off a number of tickets in advance of Ireland’s final game at home before heading to Poland, as well as lots of other activities on the day. Following on fast is the cup finals weekend in Dublin’s Schoolboys Leagues on May 12 and 13, where Castleknock will have five teams in action at their respective age groups. The NDSL U-18 Premier team were the final
team to qualify from the club with a pulsating but fully-deserved 2-1 victory over Malahide United. Celtic also has teams at Under-11, Under-13, and Under-17 level participating in cup finals in what has proved to be a very exciting climax to their season. Castleknock will continue the football theme when it hosts its annual Mini-World Cup from June 5 to 9. The theme will be Euro 2012 and, again, weather-permitting, all participants are guaranteed to have fun. More details will follow on the club’s website at www. castleknockceltic.com.
3 May 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 31
HURLING: SAINTS MISS OUT BY POINT IN EPIC TIE .
CLUB NOTICEBOARD CASTLEKNOCK THE Clubhouse Appeal is continuing
Castleknock to make safer access to
to grow. If you would like to make a
Somerton Park.
donation please contact a member of
Our Oiche Comhra has started
the Executive Committee. For more
with great success and we hope to
information on the clubhouse appeal,
get together monthly. Anyone inter-
log on to castleknock.net/fundrais-
ested or with any ideas/suggestions,
ing or call Pearse 086 247 8961.
please email barbaraoneill@eircom.
A fantastic weekend of champion-
Signs surrounding the main pitch
win their games over Cuala, White-
in Somerton are now on sale; for
hall and Raheny.
more information on how to get your
The Castleknock GAA annual golf classic will take place n Castleknock
St Brigid’s were unable to match St Jude’s in a tight encounter at Russell Park last week. Pictures: Chris Lynam
Brigid’s open 2012 campaign with loss I sport@gazettegroup.com
THE senior championship season began last weekend with St Brigid’s lining out against St Jude’s in the hurling group stages. There is rarely much between these two sides and this tie was no different amid windy conditions. Jude’s had the gale at their backs in the opening period, but Brigid’s hung tough in an evenlymatched opening quarter, the Russell Park men coping well with the pressure, while Paddy McAvinue and Daire Plunkett kept the scoreboard ticking over. But Jude’s began to gain a stronger foothold around the middle third and stretched their lead to 0-9 to 0-4. With the wind at the Brigid’s backs in the second half, the opening minutes were always going to be crucial. Conor Ryan set the tone with
a point within a minute of the restart, while further points from John O’Loughin and McAvinue reduced the deficit to 0-10 to 0-7. Jessie Kennedy nabbed a vital goal for Jude’s on the 40-minute mark which proved to be their last score of the game, but the decisive moment. It left Brigid’s with six points to make up and they reduced it down to the bare minimum in the final five minutes, Daire Plunkett finishing high into the net following Alan Nolan’s lengthy delivery. But time ran out before they could grasp another score, meaning there will be plenty of pressure to succeed in the second series of games against Crumlin in Parnell Park next week. Meanwhile, a youthful St Peregrine’s produced battling performances in the ladies football Feile – the first of four Under14 festivals in the coming
month – in Portmarnock last week. Using players from the Under-13, 12 and 11 sides, they produced an excellent start to the campaign with victory over Beann Eadair, before the young warriors came through a tussle with neighbours, Westmanstown Gaels. The upshot of these two victories earned them a place in the semifinal, facing off against Na Fianna, but they eventually succumbed to a barrage from the Glasnevin side. With two wins from the competition and the vast majority with one or two more years of Feile football to play, it bodes
well for the Blakestown club. The competition now switches to the boy’s football with Peregrine’s hosting Division Three of the competition on Saturday, with action beginning at 10.30am. It will see the home club compete against St Vincent’s, Erin’s Isle and O’Toole’s, while four of the divisional finals will take place at the club on Sunday, too. The programme of events starts with the division six decider at 10am. Should Peregrine’s make it through their group, their divisional final is currently set for 4pm in Parnell Park.
net. Beidh gach duine failte roimhe!
ship hurling saw all our adult teams
sign seen, contact Charlie on 085 110 1008.
Golf Club on June 22. Team of four
To subscribe to our e-Newsletters
costs €400 and tee-boxes can be
and text alerts, send email address
sponsored for €100. For more infor-
or number to pro@castleknock.net
mation, contact Mick 086 253 1600.
or 087 753 2030.
Funding of €40,000 has been pro-
New players at all ages and levels
vided by local TD and Minister for
are always welcome. Just contact
Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo
our club coach, Brendan, on 085 132
Varadkar for a new footpath and
9397 for details or check the web-
crossing at the junction of Luttrell-
site for contact information on each
stown Road and Somerton Lane in
mentor.
ST BRIGID’S IT IS A big week of championship foot-
ment on our new full-sized table. Text
ball, with our Inter 2s playing Clontarf
your name to 087 633 9238 to enter.
in JAFC, while our junior B and C foot-
First prize of €100, sponsored by Tal-
ballers face Naomh Barrog and Fingal
entBase.
Ravens away on Thursday evening at 7.15pm.
Membership deadline for players has now passed.
Well done to all our juveniles involved
The annual club golf classic takes
in the Dublin handball championships
place in Royal Tara on May 25. Team
last week, with Stephen Jordan win-
entry is €400, while tee boxes and
ning the U-11A title, Darragh Schmidt
greens can be sponsored for €200 or
and Ruairi O Neill winning the U-11B
€100. For more information, contact
doubles title, and Conor Levesley
Phil on 086 773 3693.
claiming the U-13B title. Great league wins for our minor
Club Lotto is still €15,000 and takes place in Russell Park this Thursday.
footballers and junior camogie team
New players are always welcome,
while our junior hurlers drew with
please contact our club coach, Paul
Parnell’s in the championship, and the
on 0879154748.
inter 1s beat Ballyboughal in the cup. Final call for club snooker tourna-
Send your match reports and photos to info@stbrigidsgaa.com!
WESTMANSTOWN GAELS MUCH of last week’s action was dis-
Many of the Gaels’ juvenile games
rupted by weather conditions, with
were also postponed, but the U-9s
the Intermediate challenge against
(shared the honours) and U-10s (won)
Ballyboden and the ladies’ cup game
both played Lucan Sarsfields.
away to Naomh Mearnog both rained off.
To view pictures from recent events (Easter camp and weekend fixtures),
Hopefully, this week’s activities will
visit http://www.westmanstown-
go ahead with both junior men’s teams
gaels.ie and follow the links on the
in championship action. The junior 2s
home page.
are at home to St Oliver Plunkett’s in
Everyone is looking forward to the
Westmanstown on Thursday night,
Bank Holiday Feile Peil na nOg this
with the throw in also at 7:15pm.
weekend, May 5 and 6, where West-
The ladies have training on Saturday morning at 9am. Please come out and support all our teams.
manstown Gaels will host Lucan Sarsfields, St Mark’s Tallaght and Skerries Harps. All offers of help are welcome,
If anyone is interested in buying
please contact Feile coordinator
club tops or wind cheaters, please
Colm McNicholl or any committee
contact team mentors or any com-
member if you have some free time
mittee member.
next weekend.
ALL OF YOUR CASTLEKNOCK SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31
KINGS OF THE CASTLE: Celtic reach the final of the Bradshaw Cup P31
MAY 3, 2012
APRIL ACCOLADES: Winners of Dublin Sports Awards announced P29
sport@gazettegroup.com
CASTLEKNOCK dual star Ciaran Kilkenny said this week he has not yet made a definitive decision over his future sporting life following plenty of interest from Australia. He has been one of Dublin’s stand-out players in the run to next Sunday’s All-Ireland U-21 football championships final when they will meet Roscommon (O’Connor Park, 2pm). Kilkenny’s performances for the Dubs’ footballers – as well as with the hurlers – at minor level in 2011 and the early phases of this year have catapulted him to the GAA public’s conciousness. Furthermore, combined with an immense physicality, Kilkenny drew
approaches to try out with Aussie Rules clubs, leaving the teenager with a decision whether he wishes to pursue a professional career Down Under or stay in Dublin. It is a big life choice but Kilkenny says he will hold over making a definitive decision until the summer at the earliest. “Everything can wait until after the Leaving Cert. It is 50-50 at the moment. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher and that’s one dream I have. “Professional sports is obviously going to attract me as well. Some time between now and October I’ll go for a three-week trial over in Australia, see what it’s like over there and make my decision then.
“I’d look at Aussie Rules and I would kind of know what’s going on. I know how hard it is to make it over there. I know how a lot of people have struggled to make it over there.” He adds, though, that being thrust into the media spotlight has been an irritating experience at times. “It’s hard enough to manage, it affects the people around you as well. It is hard at times but I suppose you have to deal with it. Sometimes it is a bit annoying. “I would try and keep away from talking about GAA now these days, especially coming up to matches, I wouldn’t really want to talk about it. “I’d prefer to just keep to myself, concentrate,
like, I would stay away from papers, Facebook, Twitter and stuff like that. Just keep away from all that stuff. Just concentrate on my game, visualise about that.” The success of the Dubs U-21 side has caused a second postponement to the first round of the county senior football championship with the first round now pushed back to dates between May 16 and 20. The intention was to get a couple of rounds played before Dublin enter the Leinster championship but it now looks as if the county board will schedule club games during the campaign to alleviate the back-log which occurred last year, especially for county champions St Brigid’s.
Castleknock man Ciaran Kilkenny will delay making his decision on his future until after his Leaving Cert
GazetteSPORT
Kilkenny delays Oz decision