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SEPTEMBER 6, 2012 Find us on

CASTLEKNOCK • CARPENTERSTOWN • LAUREL LODGE • ROSELAWN

INSIDE: Bernard Dunne helps promote suicide awareness drive P2

TOTAL FARRELL: The Gazette talks to Dublin’s Hollywood hero Page 12

In the pink: Club together for a great cause MEMBERS of Elm Green Golf

Handball: Kennedy undone

by McCarthy in All-Ireland final Page 31

Club were happy to think pink with a special fund-raising day recently to help support Friends of St Luke’s Hospital and, in turn, those with cancer. Pictured enjoying the day are Maria Ginnity, Sindy Augustina, Margaret Finlay and Bernie Phillips It was also a touching way to pay tribute to the late Thomasina O’Neill, a committee member who recently passed away from cancer. About €500 was raised on the day.

Full Gallery on Page 8

Soccer: Castleknock’s Corry switches to Sheffield Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 BUSINESS .................... 18 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Clerys to close with loss of up to 16 jobs Union requests meeting to discuss closure

I LAURA WEBB

CONTINUING losses since the beginning of the recession are to blame for the closure of Clerys Home Furnishing store in Blanchardstown with the loss of 16 jobs.

That’s according to the retail giant. Clerys announced

that its store at Blanchardstown centre retail Park will cease trading on September 15 after incurring losses.

In a statement to the Gazette, a spokesperson for Clerys said: “The unit has incurred significant losses since the beginning of the recession. The closure will

result in the loss of up to 16 positions. Trading continues at all other Clerys Home Furnishings stores as normal.”

SIP TU representatives have requested an immediate meeting with management of Clerys to discuss their decision to close the store.

Full Story on Page 4

2 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 6 September 2012

LOCAL

SUICIDE Dublin 15 support group is officially launched

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60 10 240 United to support and highlight a worthy cause ... Former World Champion boxer Bernard Dunne with Carmel Kenny, Ray Kenny, Martin Donnelly (founder), Mairead Ahern, Katryn Parker and Catherine Kearney

Highlighting a national concern F ORMER World Champion boxer Bernard Dunne was happy to attend the recent official launch of Suicide Awareness Dublin 15 at the Grasshopper pub, Clonee. Convened by the Corduff Community Development Project, the group was established in May, 2010, with the group comprising people who have been

bereaved through suicide, or who have experienced suicidal feelings. Bernard praised the initiative, and the members, for their efforts to support local people affected by suicide. He also praised the upcoming Crossbar Trust Charity initiative on Saturday, September 22, comprising a 40km fundraising cycle for the group.

John Farrell, adding to the upbeat feeling of the group’s official launch

Bernard Dunne with Gary Murphy and Peter Smith

Locals were happy to help the cause

6 September 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 3

4 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 6 September 2012

Dubai seminar is the business CHAMBERS of Commerce from across Dublin come together this month to host a seminar on doing business in Dubai.

The Greater Dublin Chamber announced details of a Dubai business briefing on Thursday, September 13, at 6pm in the Radisson Blu Hotel at Dublin Airport.

The briefing is supported by and organised in association with the Government of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce.

Fayha Sultan, a representative from the department, will speak about the opportunities for SMEs and multinationals in Dubai.

It costs €30 each.

For information, phone Freda on 01-8900977, or email info@fingaldublinchamber.ie.

EMPLOYMENT Target Express jobs may be saved

16 staff to go as local Clerys branch closes I LAURA WEBB

lwebb@gazettegroup.com

THE Blanchardstown branch of Clerys Home Furnishing store will cease trading next week, with the loss of 16 jobs.

Last week, retail giant Clerys announced that its home-furnishing store at Blanchardstown centre Retail Park will close on September 15 after incurring continuing losses.

In a statement to the Gazette, a spokesperson for Clerys said: “The unit has incurred significant losses since the beginning of the recession. The closure will result in the loss of up to 16 positions. Trading continues at all other

Clerys Home Furnishings stores as normal.”

In reaction to the announcement on August 31, SIPTU representatives have requested a meeting with Clerys management to discuss their decision.

SIPTU organiser Graham Macken said: “The announcement came as a shock to the workers at the Clerys store in Blanchardstown. While they were aware of the company’s current financial difficulties, they were not informed until [the announcement on August 31] that management intended to close the store during September.

“The majority of the workers are SIP TU

members. Union representatives are seeking an immediate meeting with management to discuss the possibility of saving at least some of the threatened jobs, and redundancy terms,” he said.

Meanwhile, jobs at Target Express, which has a depot in Mulhuddart, could be saved following the acquisition of some of the company’s assets by Masterlink Logistics.

Last week, the High Court granted approval for the sale.

It was reported that Masterlink Logistics will now seek to re-employ as many former Target Express workers as possible, but gave no indication

Clerys store at Blanchardstown centre retail park will close

of exactly how many jobs will be saved.

A total of 398 jobs were lost nationally when Target Express ceased trading on Monday, August 27.

The decision was made following a move by the Revenue Commissioners to place an attachment on the company’s bank account because of unpaid taxes.

Masterlink Logistics currently employs around 350 people. Its headquar-

ter are based in Blanchardstown, and it said it sought to acquire the assets because there was a “strong fit between both businesses”.

It was reported that the High Court assigned Michael McAteer and Stephen Tennant of Grant Thornton as provisional liquidators for the failed haulage company.

The barrister for the liquidators told the court on Wednesday,

August 29, that the proposed contract from Masterlink was “the best offer” for all concerned. It was one of two offers made to the provisional liquidators, with the other deemed inferior, counsel said.

Counsel went on to say that it was not known how many jobs at Target Express could be saved, as it depended on how much of the business could be retained.

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HSE ROW ‘Staff holding up frontline services with a thread’ €130m budget reduction a ‘disgraceful attack’: Nulty I LAURA WEBB lwebb@gazettegroup.com

A LOCAL politician has slammed frontline cuts to the HSE, saying the health service can take no more and that the cuts should be reversed.

Health Minister James Reilly (FG) came under fire this week following the announcement of €130m cuts to the HSE budget, including a 5.5% cut to home help services to reduce its budget deficit of €259m – although the decision to cut €10m funding for disabled people’s personal assist-

ant hours was reversed following an extended Cabinet meeting.

In response, Labour TD for Dublin West Patrick Nulty said home help cuts were “a disgraceful attack on the most vulnerable in our society”.

“The Minister for Health and senior management in the HSE are directly responsible and should be reversing those cuts immediately. It is totally unacceptable to reduce home help services to vulnerable citizens, many of them elderly, who rely on that support to carry out day-to-day activities.”

Deputy Nulty added that while the concession on personal assistant hours was welcome, it was insufficient given overall budgetary reductions.

“I welcome the Minister’s decision to roll back on the decision to cut the funding for personal assistant hours, but this is not a sufficient response.

“There is no reversal on the decision to make cuts to home care services. Investment in these services is essential and means that people will not be forced into residential care. It is essential economically and morally to ensure that this investment

is retained, and the campaign must continue until these cuts are reversed in full.”

He called for an immediate debate on the issue, saying that the Dail, due to return September 18, should be recalled early to “discuss these disgraceful cuts to our services”.

Deputy Nulty said ordinary staff were “holding up [frontline services] with a thread”, adding that it was vital to lift the embargo on recruitment in frontline services.

“We need to recognise that cuts in health are totally and entirely coun-

ter-productive because without early treatment, intervention and support, people will end up in acute hospital beds which cost more in the long term. That is why cuts to home-help services are both morally reprehensible but also economically illiterate.”

When asked if his party should stay in government, he said the Labour Party should make it “absolutely clear” that these cuts were “unacceptable”.

At the time of going to print, Minister Reilly was unavailable for comment.

Landlord HOUSING: CSO REPORT complies with High Court orders A CA S T L E K N O C K landlord who refused to comply with High Court orders has avoided jail after meeting their terms.

Michael O’Brien, of The Shrubbery, Castleknock Road, Castleknock, had refused to comply with High Court orders and was warned to “bring pyjamas and a toothbrush” to court if he had not changed his mind.

O’Brien was informed

by Mr Justice Gerard Hogan that he was in flagrant breach of court orders preventing him from collecting rents and interfering with NIB bank-appointed receivers to 17 properties owned by O’Brien, his wife, Anne, and daughter, Aoife.

Barrister David Dodd who was counsel for the receivers, Paul McDowell and John Mockler of Frank Knight Management Ltd, told the court the bank was owed €7m.

He said O’Brien failed to deliver keys, books, records, alarm codes and security and access devices of the properties to the receivers as directed by Ms Justice Mary Laffoy.

On Friday, August 31, Judge Hogan was told that O’Brien had fully complied with the orders.

The judge said he would give him credit for that by awarding limited costs against him for the last two court appearances.

Census shows fall in rents in Fingal I LAURA WEBB

lwebbn@gazettegroup.com

THE total amount of housing stock in the Fingal area is over 100,000, with a 7% vacancy rate, according to the latest report compiled from the results of Census 2011.

The report, named The Roof Over Our Heads, was issued by the CSO last week, and examines housing in Ireland in terms of type of accommodation, nature of occupancy and attributes such as central heating, sewerage and water supply.

Under the heading of total housing units, occupied and vacant, the report states that total housing stock in Fingal is 102,793.

This includes 92,951 units occupied by residents of the household, 199 as visitors only, and 2,439 as residents temporary absent. 4,070 are vacant houses and 2,823 are vacant flats, while 311 are holiday homes.

In addition, according to the report, the vacancy rate for the Fingal area is 7%.

T he total average weekly rent for private households in permanent housing units in

Fingal was recorded to be €182.66 in 2011, a 7% drop since the last census in 2006, when the average rent was recorded to be €196.31.

T he average local authority weekly rent for this area is recorded at €70.86, a 22.4% drop from 2006, when the figure was €91.29.

For those living in a house owned by a private landlord or voluntary housing body, the average weekly rent is €208.97, a 12.5% drop from the last census, which was recorded to be €238.75.

Meanwhile, the total number of mortgaged private households in permanent housing units for Fingal is 43,811 on census night in 2011, 1,475 less than the 2006 census.

Of the total, 36,303 residents were at work with a mortgage, compared to 39,695 five years before.

2,857 were unemployed, a 334% increase since the last census which recorded just 853 unemployed with a mortgage.

Those with a mortgage not in the labour force is 4,651 in 2011, 87 less than in 2006.

Further details relating to the report can be found at www.census.ie.

Jump for joy: Castleknock GAA nominated for award in Coca Cola non-profit competition CASTLEKNOCK Hurling and Football club were jumping with joy when they were announced as one of 12 Dublin non-profit organisations shortlisted for a grant in the national CocaCola Thank-You Fund competition.

The GAA club is now in with a chance to be awarded a grant from the fund, which stands at €125,000. The overall winner will be awarded €25,000, with ten runners-up receiving €10,000 in funding.

Voting is open now at www.coca-cola.ie/thankyou, and will close on September 30. The public vote will count for 50% of the total vote with the judging panel awarding the remaining 50% of votes available.

Pictured at the launch were rugby star Alan Quinlan, Hugh O’Reilly, Erica Roseingrave from Coca-Cola HBC Ireland, TD Eoghan Murphy (FG) and Conn McCluskey from the Federation of Irish Sports.

GOT A STORY? TELL US ABOUT YOUR LOCAL EVENT, CELEBRATION OR FUNCTION Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

6 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 6 September 2012

CHARITY: BEWLEY’S GIANT COFFEE MORNING

EDUCATION

Get help in testing times CASTLEKNOCKTuition is offering exam students additional help and support to improve exam results.

Points for college courses increased this year, because of bonus points given to students taking higher-level maths, and, according to the tuition centre, 2013 will be no different.

Castleknock Tuition has been in operation for more than 30 years and aims to relieve the pressure on students by helping them to get as high a grade as possible.

One option to do this is additional tuition. For some, this could be oneto-one lessons, which are very effective but can be expensive. Another more cost-effective option is additional tuition in a local tuition centre.

For further information, phone 086 125 6054, or see www.castleknocktuition.ie.

ICA hosts St Francis event I LAURA WEBB lwebb@gazettegroup.com

Stepping forward to help: Having fun at the launch of Dublin Simon Community’s Fun Run THERE was plenty of support for the official

launch of Dublin Simon Community’s Fun Run 2012, which takes place at the Phoenix Park on October 6, and which is expected to attract thousands of runners of all ages to help support the charity’s crucial work.

Leo Auva’a, Leinster rugby player joined Rebecca Wilkinson, model; Fionn Carr, Leinster rugby player, Niamh Kavanagh, model; Devin Toner, former Castleknock

College player and Leinster and Ireland rugby player and some young supporters for the run’s official launch, which will add to the legacy of the annual Dublin Simon annual Fun Run – the longest running charity event in the Phoenix Park, with this year’s event being its 29th.

The event will feature a five-mile run, kids zone, entertainment, live music, goodie bags and fun for all the family and participants.

THE Blanchardstown Guild of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA), in conjunction with staff from St Francis Hospice, will host a coffee morning as part of a national campaign.

On Thursday, September 20, organisations everywhere are being asked to take part in Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning campaign, sponsored by Bewleys which, this year, is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The hospice, along with the Blanchardstown ICA, will host a coffee morning at St Francis Hospice that day at 10am, as part of the continuing fundraising efforts for the hospice.

“We are honoured to be asked to become involved in the first coffee morning for the hospice,” said Miri-

am Murphy, president of the Blanchardstown ICA Guild.

“We have been involved with the hospice for many years, particularly in the efforts to bring the hospice facilities to Dublin 15. We look forward to welcoming people to what will be a very relaxed morning in the beautiful surroundings of this great facility,” she said.

The Blanchardstown Guild of the ICA was founded in 1955 and is a thriving group with more than 100 members, including one founder member, Brigid Martin, who is now 91 and still attends meetings and activities on a regular basis.

The entry charge to the hospice coffee morning is €2, which includes coffee or tea and home-baked scones. For further information, see www.bewleys. com/hospice.

6 September 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 7

BUSINESS Fingal Enterprise Week aims to be huge help to start-ups LITTER D15 fails to sparkle in annual survey

An inspiring week for entrepreneurs I LAURA WEBB

lwebb@gazettegroup.com

THE launch of the 2012 Fingal Enterprise Week took place recently, sending out a clear message that this region is very much open for new business.

That encouraging theme is coming from enterprise support agencies, business leaders and entrepreneurs as they prepare for the enterprise week’s biggest ever programme for small businesses.

The week, which takes place between October 1 and 5, is expected to attract up to 2,000 small business owners and managers to 15 different events across the region.

The initiative is the brainchild of Fingal County Enterprise

Board, and is being supported by Fingal County Council, Bank of Ireland and Newstalk.

Highlights this year include the food showcase event for the Dublin Food Chain with Keelings at FoodCentral, a business start-up day bootcamp, the All Talk communications, PR and marketing advice seminar, business masterclasses with Paypal and IBM, a Pitching for Investment competition, a Working in the Digital Age conference and, for for senior entrepreneurs, a National 50+ Enterprise Day. The last day of the week will see Sarah Carey from Newstalk chair a panel with Nicola Byrne from 11890, Michael Dawson from the Gift Voucher Shop

and Tom Keogh from Keogh’s Crisps.

The three Fingal entrepreneurs will be revealing how they overcame recent business challenges.

Every day, there will be one-to-one mentoring and business advice clinics. There are also events focusing on exporting, workshops to help businesses become more “age-friendly”, digital media talks, networking nights and taxation tips seminars.

The winner of the annual Fingal Enterprise Awards will also be announced during the week.

Launching the details for Fingal Enterprise Week in Dublin, Oisin Geoghegan, chief executive of Fingal County Enterprise Board, said:

“The Enterprise Board is working in conjunction with other state support agencies, to stimulate new enterprise in the Fingal region. “ W h e t h e r y o u ’r e already in business or thinking of setting one up in Fingal, the schedule of events is designed to help as many small business owners and new start-ups as possible.

“We’ll be showcasing opportunities across food, export and online retailing in particular, in addition to giving practical advice to startup entrepreneurs of all ages,” he added.

The vast majority of events during Fingal Enterprise Week are free of charge and advance bookings can be made through w w w.fingalenterpriseweek.ie.

Oisin Geoghegan, chief executive of Fingal County Enterprise Board, and Tom Keogh, of Keogh’s Crisps, will take part in Fingal Enterprise Week. Picture: Joe Keogh

DUBLIN 15 has missed out on being ranked in the latest round of the annual litter survey conducted by Irish Businesses Against Litter.

The first round of results of the nationwide survey was released earlier this week and there was no sign of Blanchardstown or Castleknock in the litter league.

The last time Blanchardstown was featured in the litter survey was in 2010 when it came in at an impressive 10th place out of 53, being declared “clean to European norms”, and was deemed Dublin’s cleanest area.

The first round sees Swords deemed Dublin’s cleanest area, ranking 13th out of 53. Just behind it is Dun Laoghaire.

Meanwhile, Dublin Airport was ranked the second worst in the survey.

8 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 6 September 2012

CHARITY Ladies at Elm Green Golf Club think pink for a day

Thinking pink to help support cancer services ... Phyllis Breslin, lady president; Joyce Gavin, sponsor of prizes from BodyFirm; Mary Largy; Deirdre Hughes, Friends of St Luke’s; Patricia Errity, lady captain; Bernie Phillips; Miriam Horan and Helen Stokes, lady vice captain

Clubbing together to support a cause HE ladies of Elm Green Golf Club were happy to think pink with a special fundraising day recently to help support Friends of St Luke’s Hospital and, in turn, to help support those with cancer.

By wearing pink on the day, the members and staff were showing support for all men and women at the popular golf club, and elsewhere, who have been affected by cancer.

T

In addition, the day was also a touching way to pay tribute to the late Thomasina O’Neill, a committee member who had cancer and recently passed away.

The members were happy to club together for the great cause, and raised approximately €500 for the hospital, with the upbeat day helping to highlight an illness that touches so many in the area, and nationally.

Joan O’Callaghan, admin office

Felicia McCormack

Maria Ginnity, Sindy Augustina, Margaret Finlay and Bernie Phillips

6 September 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 9

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EVENT LA Make Up Academy hold graduation ceremony

Amanda O’Dwyer and Gavin Renneck

The graduates

Graduates brush up on celebrations A Make Up Academy recently held a graduation for their one-year make-up specialist classes from the 2011/2012 year.

The graduation ceremony was a great success. Students donned their gowns and hats for the special occasion where they received their certificates in front of their friends and families. LA Creative Academy offers a host of

L

internationally accredited courses spanning make-up, beauty therapy, special effects, hair styling, fashion design, fashion styling, millinery, shoe making and photography.

To find out more about LA Make-Up Academy and their range of modules and services, email them on info@lamakeupacademy.com or call +353 (0)1 6751999.

Anca Condrache (winner of best make-up) and Gavin Crona Rooney

Renneck

Anca Condrache, Gillian Hooper, Paula Lynch and Julie Davis

6 September 2012 GAZETTE 11

C O M M E R C I A L F E AT U R E

Spectacular style, excitement and racing at the Moyglare Stud Stakes this Sunday F R E E A D M I S S I O N F O R A L L , C O U R T E SY O F M OYG L A R E ST U D

2004 winner Chelsea Rose, owned by Mrs. A.J. Donnelly, trained by Tracy Collins and ridden by Pat Shanahan

THE much-anticipated Moyglare Stud Stakes will take place at The Curragh this Sunday, 9th September 2012 and promises a day of premier racing, with spectacular style, thrilling entertainment and pageantry and a family friendly atmosphere sure to whet the appetite of seasoned race goers and newcomers alike.

To c o m m e m o r a t e the 50th Anniversary of Moyglare Stud, founder Walter Haefner’s daughter, Eva-Maria Bucher Haefner, is offering race goers free admission on the day in celebration of this momentous occasion.

The prestigious Moyglare Stud is also sponsoring all of the races throughout the eight race card day; with each race named after a famous Moyglare horse.

The highlight of the day will undoubtedly be the Group One Moyglare

Stud Stakes for two year old Fillies, which is now celebrating its 40th year and still carries one of the longest r unning race sponsorships in the world.

To add to the thrilling atmosphere, every race on the day will be a MOYGLARE 50 race, with each winning breeder receiving a €1,000 cheque from Moyglare Stud in recognition and acknowledgement of their success and the challenges that they face.

The MOYGLARE 50 series of flat races for fillies and mares was introduced by Eva-Maria Bucher Haefner in honour of her late father, Walter Haefner, and is a celebration of his love of breeding horses in Ireland.

While the thoroughbreds battle it out on the racecourse, the ladies will raise the style stakes when the Newbridge Sil-

verware Style Icon competition gets underway.

Moyglare Stud is also offering an incredible prize to the winner of the “Style Icon” Competition

ruary.

There they will enjoy luxury 5 star accommodation for one night at the landmark Badrutts Palace Hotel, one of

entry to the Spa Club and the exclusive Kings Club - the most famous nightclub in St Moritz!

The winning Style Icon will also receive a

The White Turf Horse Races, St. Moritz, Switzerland. Photo by Andy Mettler

on the day. The winner is invited to bring a guest to the unique White Turf Horse Races set against the breathtakingly beautiful and unspoiled scenery of St Moritz in Feb-

the leading hotels of the world.

The prize also includes flights, private transfers, one additional night’s accommodation in a top hotel in Zurich and free

Newbridge Silverware voucher to the value of €5,000, together with an exquisite piece from the Newbridge Silverware Vintage Collection.

Judges of the New-

bridge Silverware Style Icon Award will include the newly crowned Rose of Tralee Nicola McEvoy, eminent broadcaster Mr Gay Byrne, Eva-Maria Bucher Haefner from Moyglare Stud and Fashion Editor of the Irish Independent Bairbre Power.

The entire family will be catered for at the Moyglare Stud Stakes at The Curragh, with free entertainment for children and also face painting, bouncy castles, the RACE horse racing simulator and the Giddy Up Club - a chance for children to learn all about horse racing and meet some famous jockeys. There will also be live music and entertainment throughout the day courtesy of the No 1 Army Band.

Singing sensation Mark Boylan will perform a specially commissioned song penned by him celebrating the 50

years of Moyglare Stud in Ireland.

The 14 year old County Offaly native has received worldwide acclaim by composing a number of racing themed songs that have become internet hits and netted him personal invitations to racing festivals including Cheltenham and the Breeders Cup in the USA. He was the youngest person to perform at Vicar Street on his own when he supported the High Kings earlier this year.

An art exhibition of the work of children from local schools will also be on display at The Curragh, depicting their celebration through art of 50 Years of Moyglare Stud.

These masterpieces have been judged by an independent artist and each child will be presented with a prize and will get their mounted painting home on the day.

THE CURRAGH RACECOURSE 9th September 2012, First Race: 2.15pm The Curragh is located off exit 12 on the M7. Free car parking. Trains to Kildare town with free shuttle bus to the racecourse. Dublin coach provides a service, see dublincoach.ie

12 GAZETTE 6 September 2012

GazetteContacts INTERVIEW The Gazette meets Colin Farrell Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251

Managing Director: Michael McGovern email:mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Acting News Editor: Rob Heigh email: rheigh@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater email: sport@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Paul Hosford email: picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Ad Manager: Louise Fitzgerald email: lfitzgerald@gazettegroup.com

Colin recalls his film highlights

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Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

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Castleknock son – and Hollywood A-lister – Colin Farrell and his mother, Rita, at the Dublin premiere of his latest film, Total Recall (right)

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We find the service we received excellent and they always offer us good value for money. The personal touch of having an account manager makes our life so much easier. The Dundrum & Dún Laoghaire Gazette covers

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B E C A U S E L O C A L M AT T E R S

I LAURA WEBB

HOLLYWOOD superstar Colin Farrell was back on Irish soil recently for the European premiere of his latest blockbuster – Total Recall – saying it was great to bring his co-stars to the city that shaped him into who he is today.

During his brief promotional trip for the remake, Farrell took time out to talk to The Gazette about his new movie, and what’s it like to be back home – even if it is just for a short while.

He said: “It’s really great to be able to bring a premiere back to a city that shaped me – as a boy, and as a man.

“Also lovely to have Len [Wiseman], Jess [Jessica Biel] and Kate [Beckinsale] here, too. I think for all of them, it’s their first visit to Dublin.”

Unfor tunately, the busy father of two wasn’t

able to visit his hometown of Castleknock, saying his return for the Irish premiere of his new movie was “a fleeting visit”.

“I normally get back to Castleknock over Christmas when I am in Dublin for longer than this particular promotional pit-stop.”

According to Farrell, there is a little pressure involved in making remakes – memorably, Total Recall was first filmed by Paul Verhoven, and starred Arnold Swartzenegger in1991 – but he feels this version of the classic scif-fi/ action movie works.

“Well, naturally, there is the issue of expectation, and people wondering how similar or dissimilar it may be to the original film, but I think, generally, we made the film we wanted to make.”

In the movie, his character is implanted with

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‘I normally get back to Castleknock over Christmas when I am in Dublin for longer than this particular promotional pit-stop’

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Colin Farrell

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the life memories of someone else.

W hen asked if he thinks the plot parallels his life as an actor, which allows him to play someone else and walk in their shoes, his brief response was simply: “God, no, man.”

He has worked with some of the best directors in cinema during his career, to date, including Stephen Spielberg,

Oliver Stone, Terry Gilliam and Michael Mann, but Farrell says he has no particular favourite.

“Each director brings something unique and different to a film and to a film set. It’s been an honour to work with all those directors that you mention and, indeed, some that you did not, such as Terence Mallick or Niall Jordan.

“Honestly, I don’t have a favourite – you just hope that when you work with these kind of directors, that you do justice to their choice of cast.”

Stepping into the big shoes of the original star of Total Recall, Arnold Schwarzenegger, we asked Colin if Arnie had been in touch to give him any pointers. Sadly, he hadn’t.

“He didn’t call, he didn’t write. Nope – no pointers! But I think that is just as well, as these are two different films made in two different decades,”

said Farrell.

He started out his career on the small screen with some small roles here and there.

His career started to get a little more interesting when he was cast in the BBC series, Ballykissangel, in 1998 and 1999.

His first feature film was in The War Zone, which was directed by English actor, Tim Roth.

However, Farrell’s performance in Tigerland, directed by Joel Schumacher, catapulted his career, which later saw him star in films such as Miami Vice, Minority Report, Phone Booth, The Recruit and In Bruges.

Now a household name, Farrell continues to impress critics with his acting skills, and his latest film has been given the thumbs-up from film critics across the globe.

The 2012 version of Total Recall is in cinemas now.

6 September 2012 GAZETTE 13

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ZOO NEWS: GIRAFFE’S A WINNER

Zoo stick neck out with new name I LAURA WEBB

DUBLIN Zoo’s newest arrival, a female giraffe, has been named following a recent competition held by the popular tourist attraction.

The rare female Rothschild giraffe was named Tamu, which means “sweet one” in Swahili.

The suggestion was submitted by Grainne Byrne of Summerhill in County Meath.

Helen Clarke-Bennet, team leader for Dublin Zoo’s African Plains area, said: “Tamu is doing very well standing tall at six feet with a pale tan coat which makes her easily recognizable amongst the herd. She is an extremely well-adjusted and relaxed calf, following the herd wherever they wander.

“We received an overwhelming number of superb suggestions and picking the winning entry was not easy. We chose the name Tamu as it fits her personality perfectly,” Helen added.

For further information about Dublin Zoo, including upcoming events and news on what’s happening, log on to www.dublinzoo.ie

HERITAGE A special night to celebrate arts, culture across Dublin

Free events for everyone at Culture Night I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

DUBLIN is staying open late on Friday, September 21, for Culture Night – a one-night only celebration of arts and culture in the city, and all over the country.

Museums, galleries, churches, historic houses, artists’ studios and cultural centres will open their doors late into the

evening, welcoming people of all ages to sample their cultural delights for free, and there are some genuine highlights in store for local people.

The Irish Film Institute is celebrating 20 years in Eustace Street by screening Far and Away, starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.

The Irish Film Theatre at Earlsfort Terrace will

show an animated short film at 7.45pm, presented

by Arts and Disability Ireland.

The Culture Night Guided Tour will meander along the historic streets of the capital, retelling old and forgotten Dublin stories from 3pm to 5pm.

Each tour lasts for 90 minutes and takes in the architecture, history and geology of the venues it

will visit.

Establishments throughout Dublin opening late include the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral, the National Concert Hall, the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, the National Museum of Ireland, the Natural History Museum, the Gutter Bookshop, Gaiety School of Acting,

Temple Bar Gallery and many, many more.

There will be plenty of fun for children, too, as Culture Day for Kids runs activities for fifthand sixth-classes at many cultural spots throughout the city.

For an interactive guide to all of the events taking place, there is a Culture Night app available to download for free from

the App Store, Google Play, or by going to www. culturenight.ie.

Culture Night is an initiative co-ordinated

by Temple Bar Cultural Trust, and is supported by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in partnership with the regional arts offices and local authorities throughout the island of Ireland.

Plan for free public wi-fi I LAURA WEBB

Brazil-iant: Brazilian community gathers to show off their style and culture in Dublin FOLLOWING on from the huge success of the inaugural Brazil Day Dublin, another day of music, food, dancing, and fun is on the way.

A day born out of the increasing numbers of Brazilians who reside in Dublin.

On June 17, Dtwo nightclub hosted 1,800 revellers ranging from curious Irish party

goers to the beautiful girls of Brazil. Numbers are expected to surpass the 2,000 mark on September 9 as Brazilians in Dublin will celebrate 190 years of independence.

For more information on the day, see www.facebook.com/brazildaydublin or follow the Twitter account @BrazilDayDublin.

THE Government has announced plans to introduce free wi-fi across the public transport system in 2013.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, L e o Va r a d k a r ( F G ) announced the plans to make wi-fi accessible across almost the entire public transport system. The project aims to encourage more passengers and boost tourism.

Such internet access will be introduced on Irish Rail’s Dart and commuter rail services this autumn, and on 80 new Dublin Bus vehicles

by Christmas.

Wi-fi is already available on Irish Rail Intercity services and most

of Bus Eireann’s fleet.

It is also currently being tested on LUAS services, and should be available across the city by the end of the year.

Commenting on the announcement, Minister Varadkar said: “We need to ensure that public transport remains an attractive and competitive option for passengers.

“Free internet access gives public transport a significant edge over the car, and is already proving popular with passengers, where provided.

“In order for Ireland to compete as a tourism destination, we must offer 21st century services to 21st century tourists,” said Minister Varadkar.

14 GAZETTE 6 September 2012

GOT A STORY? THEATRE The Ark pilot event for families Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

Festival opens doors to first autism event I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

THE FIRST autismfriendly theatre performances for children in Ireland are to be part of the Dublin Theatre festival’s Family Season, which runs from late September to mid-October.

The Dublin Theatre Festival, in conjunction with The Ark, will present a family season of productions tailored for children and schools.

This year, four theatre companies will bring their work to young audiences of children aged two and over and, for the first time in Ireland, there will be an autism-friendly theatre performance included in

the programme – a production of White by the Catherine Wheels Theatre Company.

The Ark is a unique company housed in a building especially designed for children aged two to 12 to explore everything from theatre, music and literature to painting, film, dance and more.

The Ark’s theatre programmer, Maria Fleming, spoke to The Gazette about the initial idea behind the autism-friendly performances.

“This is a pilot project based on autism-friendly theatre in Britain and the USA. We studied best practice in these

countries and there are a number of things to be put in place to make it easier for autistic children and their families to enjoy the performance.

These performances are also known as ‘relaxed performances’.

“We leave the doors open so people can come and go freely if they feel claustrophobic; we flag the audience if there will be any loud noises, so the children can cover their ears or use the earplugs provided. We will also have fidget toys for children to use if they get agitated. Everyone in the venue and the cast are aware it will be a relaxed performance.

Actors from The Ark performing in White

“The parents have no worry about disturbing others if their child gets upset as the space is so accepting. There is also a chill-out space in the foyer if the child needs some time out.

“Families with autistic children really appreciate the idea of the whole family going to something together as a unit and every child should be able to enjoy theatre.

“We offer information

packs online too with pictures of the characters and details of the story to be performed so there will be no surprises on the day as this can frighten some autistic children.”

The family season will run from September 28 until October 14 in the intimate theatre space at The Ark in Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin. Tickets for both public and school performances are now on sale.

6 September 2012 GAZETTE 15

GOLF CLASSIC For Marie Keating Foundation

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Ronan Keating focuses on his game at the Marks & Spencer Marie Keating Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic at the K Club recently. Picture: Adrian Melia

Ronan and celebrity pals in charity drive A HOST of famous names came to Ireland recently to play a round of golf in aid of one of Ireland’s top cancer charities.

The celebrities were in town to play the Marks & Spencer Marie Keating Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic, which took place on the acclaimed Palmer Course at the K Club on August 27.

The annual event, which is now in its 13th year, has become one of the most prestigious Irish charity golfing events.

Once again, the highprofile event saw a host of big names descend on the world-renowned golf course to enjoy a great day of golf, followed by a

dinner at the K Club, all in aid of promoting cancer awareness and raising funds for the Lucanbased charity.

Swords man Ronan Keating, himself a keen golfer, hosts this event every year and as usual, each team of three golfers was joined by an additional celebrity teammate for the event.

This year, the guests rubbed shoulders with we l l - k n ow n n a m e s including: Sir Bobby Charlton, Ronnie Whelan, Steve Staunton, Alan Hansen, Ronan Keating, Bressie, Simon Thornton, Gary Murphy, Brian McFadden, Vogue Williams, James Nesbitt, Allan Lamb, Shane Byrne, Teddy

Sheringham, Charlie Swan, Mick Fitzgerald, Mick Kinane, Darragh O’Shea, Andrew Coltart, Bobby Davro and Paddy Cole.

Retail giant Marks & Spencer are a long-time charity partner of the foundation and were the title’s sponsor. Many of their own staff and suppliers took teams as an added show of support for the work done by the charity.

Speaking at the event, Ronan Keating said: “This is one of my favourite fund-raising events, not only because of the fact that I love to golf myself but because it’s brilliant to see the support it continues to get every year.

“The K Club is an amazing venue and there is always a fantastic buzz about our golf classic. I think it’s that combination that keeps people coming back year after year.”

Also speaking at the event, Carmel Breheny, marketing manager for Marks & Spencer Ireland, said: “Marks & Spencer has proudly been supporting the Marie Keating Foundation since 2002 and has raised well over €1 million for the charity in those 10 years.

“We are delighted to have been headline sponsor of this year’s golf classic, another fantastic event for such a worthy cause.”

16 GAZETTE 6 September 2012

EXCLUSIVE The Gazette catches up with legendary comedian, David Strassman

Master of puppets back for bravura new show I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

AWARD-winning veteran ventriloquist and comedian, David Strassman, is exited at the prospect of “coming home” when he arrives in Ireland this month with a brand-new show, Be Careful What You Wish For, at the Olympia.

The new show, which will run for five nights this September, will see Strassman returning to Dublin: “I lived in Clontarf for a year, my son was born in Mount Carmel’s, and I married a Donegal girl, though we’re now happily divorced.”

Strassman, from Los Angeles, has certainly travelled a long way since his introduction to ventriloquism in junior high school there.

“A teacher, Mr Horowitz, decided to teach ventriloquism as an elective class. I really chose it to get the easy grade.

He saw that I excelled, and then he showed me how to place an

ad in a local paper to do kids’ birthday parties. So, at age 14, I was making $50 for a half-hour show, while all my mates were cutting the grass and raking leaves for five bucks a day.”

David is accompanied as ever by a cast of puppet characters in his new show, and they form the basis and the theme of the production.

“This particular show is truly my most wild, funniest and has amazing production value. It’s basically about my main puppet, Chuck Wood, who wants to take over my brain and tries to get all the other puppets to mutiny against me. One of my puppets, Angel, has the power magically to make wishes come true and when I hear there’s a mutiny about to happen, I say to the puppets, ‘I wish you never existed’.

“Through the magic of theatre, I travel through a wormhole into another dimension where all my puppets exist without my

influence, so each puppet has a doppelganger in another dimension and they don’t know me I’ve to find my way back home.”

Strassman’s technological wizardry, which he first developed with the help of a NASA engineer, is used to great effect in the show. “I’ve developed a technology where in one scene, I have a hand-held wireless device which operates my puppet live.

“I have graduated to a wireless device, enabling me to operate a puppet without using my hands in the traditional way, but 80% [of the show] is still traditional puppetry.”

Strassman’s father was a psychiatrist, and the connection between this and his multiple puppet personalities was something that he was very aware of.

“My dad was a psychiatrist and, well, I call [what I do] ‘controlled schizophrenia’. But my dad never psychoanalysed me.

The characters have always had

their own individual personalities, hopes, dreams and fears.

Each character has parameters of what it would say or do in their imaginary puppet life.

“But there is an element between my two major characters, Chuck Wood and Ted E Bear and real life. The sibling rivalry between those two puppets is very similar to the relationship I had with my brother.

People love to see Chuck pick on Ted E, and Ted E loving Chuck unconditionally - it makes for a great dynamic in theatre.”

And which character did Strassman play in real life? “Oh, I was Chuck! I was the meanest of the two,” he said.

David Strassman’s Careful What You Wish For will run at The Olympia Theatre from September 11 to15. Tickets are available at The Olympia Theatre and cost €28 / €29. For more information, see www. chuckwood.com or www.ticketmaster.ie

Ventriloquist David Strassman, pictured here with Chuck Wood, is back in Dublin from September 11

6 September 2012 GAZETTE 17

GazetteSTYLE STYLE Autumn eyes feature some bright and bold colours COLOUR eyes beautiful this autumn/winter with some fantastic eye-shadow palettes from a range of cosmetic companies.

It’s the time of year when everyone waves goodbye to the summer (if you can call it that) and reluctantly says hello to the autumn, but on the bright side it brings with it some new wardrobe styles and great make-up selections.

This season’s eye makeup range isn’t all about dark and subtle colours, bright bold colours are making headway throughout the catwalk this season with a pop of colour seen across the eyes on many models.

Max factor has mixed the smokey eye effect eyeshadow with pearl beige in

the inner corners, sweeping in a vibrant turquoise over the middle section and adding the pop of colour with ultra violet into the inner upper socket area - a look perfected on the catwalk.

L’Oreal Paros introduces its new Colour Richer Quad eyeshadow palette collection that is designed to make eyes smoulder, add luminosity or make bold statements with palettes including Sumptuously Smokey Collection, Lavishly Luminous Collection and Bold Brights Collection.

The range also has a wet-technology that transforms satiny powder into a luxurious cream.

This palette range is available in eight shades

with an RRP €11.99.

Revlon has palettes that suit every occasion, day or night. Their ColorStay 16 Hour Eyeshadow Quads offer a range of colours from creams to purple.

Each palette contains

shades inspired from the latest catwalks.

Mystic Violet Mono and Heathered Plums Duo create the Dark Romance Look for a/w12 perfectly.

Whilst Precious Metals Duo and Bronze Lustre

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

This season’s eye make-up range isn’t all about dark and subtle colours

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

four expressive, silky, blendable shades that won’t crease, fade or smudge. The RRP price for this range is €11.25.

Elizabeth Arden is offering 20 single and 7 duo eyeshadow palettes that can be mixed and matched to create any look you desire.

The new range offers

Mono can be built up to give the on-trend stunning Sunset look to the eyes.

Elizabeth Arden’s range of Beautiful Colour eyeshadow cost €20 for single and €25 duo palettes.

All collections and colour palettes are available at participating cosmetic stores and pharmacies nationwide now.

Edited by Laura Webb

Make-up master classes MAKE-UP artist to the stars, Shehla Shiakh, is paying a visit to Ireland this month where she will host a number of master classes and one-toone exclusive appointments.

During Brown Thomas’s Autumn Beauty event, Shehla will be at the Lancome counter in Dublin on September 10 and 11.

Her visit also coincides with the launch of Lancome’s autumn make-up collection, Midnight Roses.

To book an appointment with Shehla or attend one of her masterclasses, contact the participating Brown Thomas counter.

18 GAZETTE 6 September 2012

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS Making no bones about treatment Supported

by AIB

Interview: Alan Moynihan, Laurel Lodge Physiotherapy owner

A FIRST-TIME BORROWER

Q – THIS is the last year that first-time borrowers can avail of mortgage interest relief, but is it worth bothering about? I am single, on a salary of €55K, and have no debts. What’s all the fuss? Terry – Wicklow A - IN A word – yes! First of all, property prices have reduced by up to 70% and it is still a buyer’s market.

While money is still “tight” with the lenders, if you meet the parameters and conditions, you will find approval.

First of all, on your income, with no debts, you could be eligible to borrow up to a maximum of €250,000, depending on the lender.

Even if you bought at €200,000 – and there is good value at this level – you would need a minimum €25,000 to cover your deposit (you may obtain a 92% loan – the normal is 90%, while there are some lenders only prepared to lend 80% of the value of the property you wish to purchase), stamp duty (1% ), and legal costs (c. 1%, plus VAT and outlay). You might also want to provide for furnishings.

Now let’s look at the monthly costs on a mortgage of €180,000: - Mortgage repayment (at 3.5% over 30 years): €808.28 per month; - Tax relief (at 25% on the interest paid): €131.25 per month. This relief is available for the next seven years.

- Net payment, therefore, is €677.03 per month.

On the Net Disposable Income method (your financial monthly commitments must not exceed 35% of your net monthly income), you would need to have a net monthly income of €2,309.37, or somewhere around a gross income of €35,000.

If you have the ability and capacity to buy, and you are looking for a home, then now is the time.

Seize it!

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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MAYBE it’s the proximity to the Phoenix Park – it certainly can’t have been the weather this summer – but, whatever it is, the Dublin 15 community are remaining active, running, training and getting out and about, according to Laurel Lodge Physiotherapy owner, Alan Moynihan.

Moynihan, a char tered physiotherapist, is at hand to assist with the treatment and rehabilitation of any injuries that fitness fans may pick up.

Having practiced extensively as a physiotherapist in Britain, New Zealand and Ireland, he returned home and founded Laurel Lodge

Physiotherapy last year, fulfilling an ambition to open his own practice in his native Dublin 15 area.

Moynihan enjoys working with local sports people and says he relishes the challenge of trying to get to the bottom of long-term back and neck pain sufferers’ symptoms.

“Dublin 15 has seen a surge in athletes taking up running and endurance events such as triathlon.

“A lot of these athletes require treatment, particularly in the lead-up to the Dublin City Marathon,” he says.

From his modern, fully

e q u i p p e d cl i n i c l o c a t e d upstairs in Laurel Lodge Shopping Centre, Moynihan specialises in the treatment of lower back and neck pain, joint aches and pains and sports injuries.

He also offers a comprehensive rehabilitation service for patients recovering from orthopaedic surgery, such as knee and hip operations.

Services on offer at Laurel Lodge Physiotherapy include char tered physiotherapy, deep tissue and sports massage, trigger point dry needling, back and neck pain treatment, and post-op orthopaedic rehabilitation.

Alan Moynihan, chartered physiotherapist: on hand in Dublin 15 to treat and help rehabilitate a wide range of injuries

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

A: All the usual ones – astro-

that you once thought you could not pull off?

A: Still hoping to run a mara-

naut, footballer, James Bond

thon in a few years, but enjoying 5-10k races at the moment

Q: What was your first job?

A: Packing shelves in Superquinn, Blanchardstown

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: £50-60 Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: Never Q: When did you start your present job?

Last year Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Meeting new people every day, and trying to help them recover from their injuries

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

A: Mostly nothing – phone answering, occasionally

Q: Have you achieved anything

Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be?

A: A packet of salt and vinegar Tayto, but they won’t be for long!

Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on?

A: Not sure that there is a record on me

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: All of them – football,

car

A: Weekend away in a few

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

A: Neither – you’d have to go

weeks, meeting up with some friends I haven’t seen in two years

with Katie Taylor right now

Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: I don’t have one; I’m still using CDs

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Mostly accounts that tweet Irish news and sports; love @ secondcaptains

rugby, athletics, golf; loved the Olympics

Q: What was your last tweet/ Facebook status?

A: I tweeted about National

Q: What sport can you play?

A: Running, Gaelic, golf

Potato Day, which was on August 25 – big fan of spuds!

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

A: I’ll admit to occasionally playing Garth Brooks in the

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: See above Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to?

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

A: Enda Kenny Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: Holidays – they tend to be short, these days, so I enjoy them

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Definitely not as many as my football boots and runners

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: Loved New Zealand, but woke up one morning with 43 mosquito bites all over my body

A: Seems so far off ... Travel, golf, play poker

6 September 2012 GAZETTE 19

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY CLONDALKIN: THREE-BEDROOM FAMILY HOME FOR €270,000

Superb sale on St Brigid’s Road

BROE Auctioneers are bringing 19, St Brigid’s Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, a threebedroomed family home positioned close to Clondalkin village, for the asking price of €270,000.

Positioned in an appealing location, No 19 holds all the ingredients needed for a family home, and offers a bright, well-proportioned accommodation with further potential.

Set just a short stroll from Clondalkin village and close to an abundance of amenities including shops, schools and leisure facilities and a short distance away from the M50 motorway and Luas light railway, which enables easy access to all parts of the country.

The accommodation includes an entrance hallway which features a storm porch, alarm panel and phone point.

The ground floor fea-

No 19 St Brigid’s Road is on the market for €270,000

tures two large reception rooms, including a living room which features a tiled fireplace and gas fire inset. It also has ceiling coving, a TV point as well as double doors to the dining room, which has a tile open fireplace, ceil-

ing coving, and a patio door leading to the rear garden.

The kitchen also has a tiled open fireplace, fitted wall and f loor units, and contains a door which leads to the rear garage.

Upstairs are three

bedrooms, all of which have built-in wardrobes, and the family bathroom, which was recently refurbished, and contains a WC, wash-hand basin and large corner shower unit.

The bathroom is also

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fully tiled on floor and walls.

To the front, there is off-street parking sided by lawn, while the rear garden is very private and is bordered with shrubs and mature trees.

This property requires light modernisation.

Other features of the property include gasfired central heating, double glazing throughout, and a gated side entrance.

Viewing is by appointment which can be organised through Craig Leap at Broe Auctioneers, who can be contacted at Tower House, Monaster y Road, Clondalkin Village, Dublin 22, and for more information, call 01 459 4433 or log on to www.broe.ie

Kitchen class: New Avalon style added to range CASH & CARRY Kitchens nationwide

showrooms are continuing to extend the range of affordable luxury kitchens with the inclusion of the stylish Avalon kitchen to their range.

Cash & Carry Kitchens also carries a range of accessories to perfect the kitchen keeping it practical yet stunning, with drawer pulls and cupboard handles from top European designers, and much more.

20 GAZETTE 6 September 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS The battle RoadSigns Road Signs of the small cars rumbles on Five-star safety rating for Cee’d

THE all-new Kia Cee’d has been awarded a maximum 5-Star accident safety rating by Europe’s leading road safety organisation, EuroNCAP. The five-door hatchback achieved high scores for adult occupant protection (89%), child occupant protection (88%) and safety assist equipment (86%), recording the maximum possible score in the dynamic element of the child occupant safety test. EuroNCAP testers were also impressed with the inclusion of electronic stability control across the entire new Cee’d range in Europe ahead of it becoming a compulsory test criteria.

“The previous generation Cee’d was the first Kia to achieve a 5-star EuroNCAP rating. In the last five years, testing criteria have become tougher, making it harder for manufacturers’ products to be awarded top marks. It is a testament to Kia’s on going commitment to vehicle safety that we are able to once again achieve a high score for the Cee’d,” comments Benny Oeyen, vice president Marketing and Product Planning, Kia Motors Europe.

Toyota to sponsor Newstalk rugby TOYOTA Ireland has announced that from September 2012 it will become the new sponsor of rugby coverage on Newstalk 106-108fm.

The deal will see Toyota supporting all rugby broadcasts on the station including Newstalk’s innovative rugby analysis on the multi awardwinning Off the Ball, The Right Hook and Weekend Sports as well as Irish international game analysis and its live broadcasting of up to fifteen Heineken Cup games.

Regular contributors to Newstalk’s rugby coverage include a host of former stars and expert analysts like Shane Horgan, Keith Wood, Denis Hickie, Emmett Byrne, Liam Toland and Matt Williams.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Ian Corbett, marketing operations manager for Toyota Ireland said: “At Toyota Ireland, when it comes to sponsorship, we aim to partner with people and organisations that show exceptionally high standards and dedication to their craft.

“The sports team at Newstalk delivers the best rugby analysis and coverage and that comes across in the quality of journalism, contributors and the overall entertainment value of their broadcasts.

“We’re delighted to announce this new sponsorship and look forward to working with Newstalk into the new rugby season.”

CORMAC CURTIS

IRISH motorists have always had great affection for small cars.

They make sense on many levels, and as the marketing departments of the car manufacturers are beginning to realise, small cars appeal to a wide cross section of the market.

Young drivers as well as the so-called “empty nesters” share the same priorities when it comes to choosing their cars.

They demand a very attractive sticker price, low running costs, bottom-dollar road tax, and real fuel economy.

Can this be achieved with an attractive look and a comfortable drive?

T he answer seems to be yes, yes and yes again.

There is a nothing short of a motoring war raging in the small car segment at the moment, and two cars that are really going at it for a piece of the Irish market are the Volkswagen Up and the Skoda Citigo.

Also throwing punches in this particular bout is the SEAT Mii. Skoda and VW are brands that currently share the affections of a great deal of Irish motorists, VW have enjoyed success over the years, with the Golf

and Polo in particular always selling well.

In recent years, Skoda too has begun to capture the hearts of buyers.

They are seen as the plucky underdog, eager to succeed against the odds – the kind of scenario that the Irish will always get behind, probably because our rugby and football teams do the same thing!

As reported earlier this year, I attended the European launch of the Skoda Citigo and got a good look at it ahead of its Irish launch.

Over the summer, I managed to test the Citigo, as well as the Up on Irish roads to really see how they matched up to one another.

First in to the ring is the Up. I must admit, I was really looking forward to this car – I’m married to someone who has a lifelong love of VWs, the Golf in particular, so a new model was an appealing prospect.

Before I get into the details, it’s important to remember that the Up, the Citigo, and even the Mii, all come from the same stable, so there are striking similarities as all three cars share a chassis and many internal components.

Having said that, we are still talking about

cars with a set of unique characteristics.

The Up is certainly a small car, measuring just 3,540mm in length and 1,641mm in width, but don’t let that put you off.

The VW engineers have managed to squeeze more than enough room out of the interior for two adults to travel with plenty of shoulder and headroom, and in real comfort.

Up can be shoehorned in to some seriously small parking spaces.

But just because this car is small don’t think that it isn’t practical – I managed to fit a fullsized law nmower in the back with the seats folded down.

The Up also scores well in the looks department. Clever use of materials and colours really gives the car a lift.

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

‘I must admit, I was really looking forward to this car – I’m married to someone who has a lifelong love of VWs, the Golf in particular, so a new model was an appealing prospect’

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

The test car I drove was the three-door version, which makes it a little tricky for full-sized adults to get in and out of the back – the kids didn’t have any trouble at all, in fact they were even sliding the seats out of the way by themselves within a day.

It goes without saying that this kind of car is not going to break any speed records, but for driving around town, it’s a marvel.

Because the wheels are set at the extremities of the car, it excels in manoeuvrability – the

The exterior colour is matched on the interior, and, in the model I drove; even the dashboard had a highly polished finish in the same colour.

One very nice touch was the flat-bottomed chunky steering wheel, it’s a small feature that adds the driving experience.

Moving on to the Skoda Citigo, and we are faced with a very similar car indeed.

T his was also the three-door version, and again, the kids had no problem getting in and

out and buckling up, so my back was spared the contortions that some three-door cars force it into.

As I said, both cars are based on the same chassis, with the Citigo measuring about 2cms longer than the Up. T he styling of the Skoda is a little more understated than the V W, w h i c h , I m u s t admit, I prefer.

The grille helps to give

6 September 2012 GAZETTE 21

Edited by Cormac Curtis

RoadSigns Road Signs Volkswagen Bank lending set to grow in 2012 to €120m

The Volkswagen Up and the Skoda Citigo

the front end a more complete look and the side windows offer more traditional lines.

The interior finish in the model I drove was a bright affair called Club Reverse in ivory and it gave the already generous interior a greater sense of space.

T here are lots of clever storage compartments and pockets for drinks, documents etc. as well as a park-

ing ticket holder on the windscreen and hooks on the B columns Skoda are offering their City Safe Drive emergency braking feature as an option in the car, which makes a lot more sense than a sat nav in my opinion.

The City Safe Drive feature automatically stops the car when it senses an imminent collision.

When it comes to the

actual drive, to be honest I didn’t really feel an enormous difference between the two cars.

The Skoda was the 60hp version while the VW was the more powerful 75hp.

For city driving, the Skoda had more than enough poke to get around, so I wouldn’t see any real benefit in the 75hp option.

All in all, these cars are attractive, practical

and very good value for money.

Both offer enough options to tick the boxes of almost any prospective buyer, so it really comes down to personal taste.

For me, that would be the Citigo.

I do like Skodas, and the 60hp option makes it a more affordable car to own.

I would definitely recommend the City Safe

Drive feature and without doubt the five-door version is well worth an extra €500.

The Skoda has an entry price of €9,995 while the Up kicks off at €10,995.

So the battle of the small cars rumbles on, and now that Skoda are also offering some ingenious finance and leasing packages, they certainly seem to be ahead on points.

VOLKSWAGEN Bank Ireland, a division of Volkswagen Financial Services, Europe’s biggest automotive finance provider has revealed that in the first seven months of 2012 it has provided approximately €100 million in vehicle finance packages for Irish consumers and expects lending to grow by almost 10% year on year (2011 -€109m) by the end of 2012 with a target of €120m.

The financial wing of Volkswagen Group, this finance has been provided via a range of attractive finance packages through Volkswagen Group’s five car marques which are: Audi, Skoda, Seat, Volkswagen and Volkswagen commercial vehicles.

Providing vehicle finance in Ireland since 2008, Volkswagen Bank currently employs 30 staff at its headquarters in Leopardstown, Dublin 18. Volkswagen Bank has provided over €320m in vehicle finance to the Irish market in the last three and half years and it has viewed a significant surge in lending applications over the last 24 months as Irish motorists become more aware and more familiar with the competitive finance offers available via Europe’s largest automotive bank.

Commenting on the increasing level of finance provided, Mutlu Gur, general manager, Volkswagen Bank said: “2012 has seen surge of consumer interest in Volkswagen Bank. Irish motorists are embracing the Bank as a very real alternative source of finance compared to the traditional banking sector.

“The sound financial foundations of the Bank, enables Volkswagen Group to provide very competitive financial terms and this is reflected in the fact that we are lending record levels of finance so far in 2012 and that 70% of this lending has been provided for new car finance.”

With a market leading acceptance rate of over 80%, approximately 6,500 tailor-made finance packages with a average finance terms of 39 months were provided to Irish consumers by Volkswagen Bank Ireland so far in 2012. Over 20,000 Irish motorists have purchased their cars through Volkswagen Bank Ireland since its launch in 2008.

Finance packages vary across the five brands, reflecting each brands consumer segment with rates starting as low as 0% APR. In total, 40 varying finance packages provided a comprehensive menu of finance options for Irish motorists during 2012 and this trend looks set to continue with a new range of packages currently in planning for 2013, these will be revealed later this year.

For further information on the range of finance packages available across the Volkswagen Group go to www.readywhenyouare.ie

22 GAZETTE 6 September 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Experience an important part of Irish history Discover a unique family theme park with Stena Line

STENA Line has launched a brand new getaway package to the Legoland Windsor Resort Hotel, giving families the chance to enjoy an action-packed trip to London from only €197 per adult, per night (minimum stay two nights). This great price includes return travel from Dublin Port to Holyhead or Rosslare to Fishguard by car, accommodation with breakfast and what’s more – kids go free! Legoland Windsor Resort is a unique family theme park which boasts over 55 interactive rides, live shows, building workshops, driving schools and attractions, all set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland. For further information or to book, call Stena Line on 01 204 77 33 or log onto www.stenaline.ie.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa is the perfect summer escape

EXPERIENCE the wonders and beautiful beaches of Dubai or take a trek on a desert excursion in Abu Dhabi with Gohop.ie. With prices from just €602 per person to Dubai or €608 per person to Abu Dhabi, there has never been a better opportunity to discover the Middle East, without breaking the bank.

Dubai is an extraordinary Middle Eastern destination that has raised the bar time and time again. From first class shopping and spectacular high rise buildings to beautiful beaches, luxury hotels and fantastic golf courses, Dubai has more than enough to offer any visitor. Dubai’s attraction extends to the mix of old and new between the ultra-modern and the enchantingly traditional and is a melting pot of cultures and beliefs that is sure to satisfy even the most seasoned of travellers. Travel on September 22, and stay in a four-star hotel for seven nights on a room-only basis from only €602 per person. Price includes return flights from Dublin to Dubai, accommodation, taxes and charges.

Or travel to Abu Dhabi and stay in a four-star hotel for seven nights on a room only basis from just €608 per person, departing from Dublin on September 19. The unique atmosphere created by the perfect blend of Islamic culture and western charm combined with world class shopping, glitzy hotels and desert excursions make Abu Dhabi a city that stands alone as a premier city break destination. Price includes return flights from Dublin to Dubai, accommodation, taxes and charges.

For more special offers, for more information or to book your holiday, visit www.gohop.ie/specials.

The Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai

DAVE PHILLIPS

A LITTLE trip off the motorway when heading west can bring you to some unexpected places.

One such spot is Strokestown Park, County Roscommon.

The parkwill be familiar to anyone who is native to the region, where it is a popular venue for day trips and wedding snaps, but I found many Dubliners, myself included, were unaware of it.

Located along the N5, making it a perfect pitstop en-route to Westport, Strokestown is a small town which claims the widest street in Europe.

One end of the town is dominated by the entrance to the park and house.

Once on the land you’ll

The photography room

find the impressive Georgian house, which is in a continual process of gentle restoration and preservation.

Other attractions include a restaurant serving delicious hearty food, several miles of woodland walks decorated with sculpture pieces, and a six-acre walled pleasure garden.

Strokestown Park is also the location for the National Famine Museum, which was opened in 1994, a fitting location given that Famine ties together many of the elements of the park, and features heavily in its history.

Major Denis Mahon, a descendent of the Mahon family who was granted the land in 1653, initiated emigration schemes dur-

ing the Famine, which made him massively unpopular with local tenants.

In 1847 he became the first landlord to be assassinated during the period.

The land stayed in the Mahon family until the late 20th century, when it was bought by Westward Garage Ltd. The idea had initially been to expand an adjacent dealership onto the land, and sell off the excess land for agriculture; but having discovered the rich history contained in documents collected in the estate offices, the decision was to preserve Strokestown Park as a historical and cultural monument.

While the divide between the wealth inside

and the poverty outside the walls of Strokestown Park is explored in the museum, a similar divide existed within the house.

Daily guided tours show what life was like both for the family in residence, and for the workers who lived there.

Fans of Downton Abbey will find the stratified system of living familiar: passages and tunnels exist for the staff to move about the house out of sight of the family.

The kitchen is galleried, with a mezzanine level so the lady of the house could visit and deliver orders from above, without needing to physically step into the hustle and bustle of the kitchen.

A tour of the pleasure garden is also highly recommended. Here you can explore several acres of carefully manicured land, where avenues of roses run down to a lily-filled lake. A large knocker sits on a door through which the family entered, and three loud knocks signalled any garden staff to obscure themselves from view.

Today, you’re more likely to surprise the chef – all of the food served in the restaurant is grown in the garden. A large area at the back is dedicated to fruit and vegetables, including the infamous Lumper potato, which still remains

Strokestown Park is a unique visitor attraction in Co Roscommon

prone to blight. Parts of the original walls still contain an original flue system, which piped hot air through them to encourage growth of more exotic fruit.

With its blend of evocative history, carefully preserved beauty, and its wholesome food, Strokestown Park is recognised as one of the most significant private restorations in Ireland.

There’s enough to keep you busy for a day if you’re staying nearby; or if you’re driving to the West, make a point to schedule your stop there. It’s a great way to experience an important part of Irish history, and you can be sure you’ll never settle for forecourt sandwiches again.

For more information on Strokestown Park, log on to www.strokestownpark.ie

6 September 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 23

Edited by Natalie Burke

TravelBriefs

Turkey’s Aegean Coast

Enjoy a sun holiday in September free from the hustle and bustle of the peak family season WITH children returning to school, September brings with it the perfect opportunity for couples to enjoy the fine weather in sun resorts free of the hustle and bustle of the peak family season.

And to make the most of your free time, Thomas Cook Ireland has a range of exclusive post-rush packages with relaxation, romance and all-inclusive luxury in mind on the Turkish Aegean Coast, with prices starting from just €655 per person.

The quaint village of Yalikavak is the perfect resort for a taste of real Turkish life mixed with great tourist services.

The four-star-plus Delta Beach Resort is a real oasis of tranquillity, with its stunning seafront location, magnificent views over the bay and superb facilities. It is available for seven nights from €725 per person on an all-inclusive basis, with drinks and meals included, and departs from Dublin on September 22.

A little further North, Cesme is a charming fishing village which has retained its friendly atmosphere, and boasts two of the best beaches in Turkey. Close to its centre, the four-star Piril Hotel is a relaxing and welcoming property, with stylish rooms and two excellent pools. Thomas Cook is offering seven nights from just €655 allinclusive per person, departing from Dublin on September 22.

The peaceful location and beautiful beach front setting of the four-star Fantasia Hotel in Kusadasi sets the tone for a blissful all-inclusive week, with food, drink and the hotel’s many facilities all included in the price of just €745 per person for seven nights, departing from Dublin on September 15. The great variety of shops and restaurants in the Long Beach area are just 1.3 km away. For more information or to book, call the Thomas Cook team in Dublin on 01 514 0328, or log onto www.thomascook.ie

The beautiful walled gardens

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS The House is unchanged from the time when the Mahons The Famine Museum

lived there

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24 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 6 September 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT GOT A PICTURE? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email picturedesk@gazettegroup.com

Tom Hardy taking aim at the stylist who told him that that cardigan looked good.

I fought the law and...

An all-star cast makes an early run at Oscar glory, but the result is more packed with cliches than plaudits I PAUL HOSFORD

DE PR E S S IO N - E R A America has been a rich picking ground for Hollywood in recent years.

With directors such as Sam Mendes (Road To Perdition) and Michael Mann (Public Enemies) having taken on the era in recent times, it is no surprise that Lawless would be gaining such a buzz.

After all, it has everything a late-year drama needs: hot young cast (Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Jessica Chastain), check; hype from a top festival (Palme D’Or nomination at Cannes), check; interesting writer/ director combo (Nick Cave, yes that Nick Cave, and The Road’s John Hillcoat), absolute check.

So, all the constituent parts are there, the ducks are in the proverbial row.

So why am I so disappointed?

I l ove t h e e r a , I immensely enjoyed The

FILM OF THE WEEK: Lawless ### (18) 115 mins Director: John Hillcoat Starring: Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Guy Pearce, Gary Oldman, Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Dane DeHaan

OUR VERDICT:

THE period elements feel spot on and the young cast, Hardy, LaBeouf and Chastain in particular, are excellent, but the fixation with being gory and on edge takes away from characterisation, leaving the end-product feeling somewhat uneven. It is still a notch above most films this year, however.

Road and I seem to be about the only person on the planet that finds Shia LaBeouf likable, I should have been throwing stars at this like a ninja with an arm spasm.

Yet, here I am, doling out a mid-level film and reflecting on whether the problem is me. Am I just too jaded?

As I enter my 26th year, have I lost my ability to enjoy period action?

Has my love of gangsters, bootleggers and hardboiled police-men lost its lustre?

Or maybe this just isn’t very good.

It’s probably the latter,

to be honest.

Lawless is the true-life story of the Bondurant brothers, a trio of Robin Hood-esque bootleggers who control Franklin County.

With their bar acting as a front for their activities, life is good for the boys.

Of course, the happygo-lucky life of a bootlegging family does not a film make and Guy Pearce is on hand as a special agent intent not on stopping the Bondurants, but on ensuring that he gets his cut.

It is actually the arrival of Pearce, an actor of immense talent, that starts

the film’s shift from almost contemporary commentary on the foundations of American society into a lost narrative on a pantomime villain and a trio of wayward brothers.

Whereas Hillcoat kept The Road, a grand sweeping novel, on a tight leash and focused solely on the relationship between father and son, Lawless bounces between storylines.

The early going is spent gravitating to Tom Hardy’s menace as middle-brother Forrest, who is the head of the operation.

Hardy does a manful job of adding gravitas to a man who essentially only communicates in single syllables and has a penchant for serious violence.

Seeing Jason Clarke, who you may recognise from TV’s Brotherhood or The Chicago Code, in a major film role is a delight, but his character, oldest brother Howard is,

unfortunately massively underwritten.

A World War I veteran who has taken too much of the bootleggers produce, Howard has the most potential to ground the film in something human, but that opportunity is lost.

Fresh-face LaBeouf is obviously the actor most enjoying himself, playing against type and not, for once, playing a nervous teenager. His Jack is almost the protagonist and after witnessing Gary Oldman’s cuty thug Floyd Banner gun a competitor down in cold blood, Jack delves further into criminal life.

His brothers’ reluctance to allow him join the business is another story strand left frustratingly unfinished.

The end product is a violent, uneven, occassionally brilliantly directed film that shows that in a world of villains, heroes are hard to come by.

6 September 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING The right Wei for adventure in Hong Kong I SHANE DILLON

The recently released Sleeping Dogs, a Hong Kong-set title, mixes together lots of gaming tropes with several Hong Kong crime films to create an interesting new open-world game.

Chinese-American police officer Wei Shen goes back to Hong Kong to go deep undercover in the city, with the aim of taking down a local Triad organisation from within.

Of course, to rise further within the ranks

and get closer to the top, Wei has to be a “good” Triad member – and do lots of very bad things, with the tacit approval of the few higher-ups in the police who know his true identity.

Along the way, Wei’s loyalties are tested, as he grows increasinly attached to his Triad brothers, yet can’t forget his duty as an undercover cop, and – Well, at this point, Sleeping Dogs’ plot plays out like half a dozen Hong Kong action films, as this kind of conflict-

ed-loyalties dilemma is a familiar theme in many Asian films.

Turning instead to the gameplay, and Sleeping Dogs is certainly going all-out to establish its own strong identity in the open-world genre.

As you’d expect, Wei is very handy with his, well, hands, with extensive martial arts adding to the typical run ’n’ gun gameplay.

Wei’s barely able to walk down the street with rival triad thugs trying to beat him up, like a mash-up between

Aweebyte Extra Skyrim

Although a little rough around the edges, there’s an undeniable sheen to many of Wei Shen’s travels around neon-soaked Hong Kong, particularly in wet weather

enjoyable Dreamcast title Shenmue II and the PlayStation series, Yakuza.

Hong Kong, too, has set the scene for an interesting playground for Wei’s storyline.

While not quite a true cultural representation of the iconic Chinese city, it is, nevertheless, a fairly faithful intrepreta-

tion of it, complete with many Asian influences that spice up the gameplay, and storyline, quite a bit.

While most gamers will be concentrating on everything from “standard” driving, shooting, sailing, exploration and mar tial ar ts-related antics around the city, others will note the

excellent voiceover work by a strong cast, including Lucy Liu, Emma Stone and Tom Wilkinson, to name but a few.

All in all, it’s a decent late-summer release that will feel instantly familiar to gamers, yet which has a strong visual identity of its own, as well as an interestingly “Eastern” storyline.

MANY games’ lives get regularly extended and enriched through downloadable content (DLC), and one DLC expansion that’s on the way has caught my eye.

Skyrim – the absolutely gigantic multiplatform game set in a pseudo-Nordic medieval land – gets another DLC expansion soon, entitled Hearthfire.

As the name suggests, gamers will be able to buy land in Tamriel, then design and build their dream home to return to as a base – assuming that you’ve always wanted your “dream home” to have a stuffed orc or two, a weapons rack for crossbows and enchanted blades, and other such oddities.

GAZETTE

26 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 6 September 2012

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Permission sought for the change of use of ground and first floors from existing commercial/ office use to use as a crèche/ childcare facility at Ardee House, R iver Road, Main Street, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. For Myles O’Brien. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (20 Euros) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application.

We Tony and Eilish Holmes are applying for full planning permission for a rendered single storey side and rear extension with tiled pitched roof over, including two no. rooflights to side pitch and two to rear pitch, all with associated site works at 9 Riverwood Copse, Castleknock, Dublin 15.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (20Euros) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application

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The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its’ public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Aideen and Gary Connolly are applying to the above Authority for permission to construct a single story extension, consisting of, Kitchen Extension, Utility Room, Toilet and Study at No.25 Sorrel Park, Clonsilla ,Dublin 15. The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its’ public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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GazetteSPORT

SPORT STARS: August’s monthly local award winners revealed: Page 29

SOCCERFEST: PHOENIX PARK SET TO HOST ANNUAL SPORT AGAINST RACISM EVENT

SARI host 16th annual intercultural event

sport@gazettegroup.com

SPORT Against Racism Ireland will host their 16th annual Tesco mobile SARI Soccerfest in the Phoenix Park on Saturday and Sunday.

Soccerfest is an intercultural 7-aside tournament and family event with music and entertainment for everyone that highlights the need to live in a new Ireland that embraces diversity and integration.

It has become the

largest intercultural soccer tournament in Ireland. Established in 1997 initially for members of the new communities to integrate with local communities and give them a platform for mainstreaming opportunities, it has developed into the largest intercultural soccer tournament in Ireland.

It now includes 48 teams for men and women that participate from across Ireland and spectators of over 4,000.

A number of football players from Ireland’s new communities started out at Soccerfest and now play for a number of FAI league clubs and the Irish youth team.

The event has many high profile supporters including former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr, Apres Match’s Gary Cooke and former Shamrock Rovers’ defender Victor Ekanem.

A range of cultural activities including live

Team Rocha celebrate their cup victory in the 2007 SARI Soccerfest at the Garda soccer grounds in the Phoenix Park. The event this year expects to attract 48 teams and over 4,000 spectators

entertainment is provided for all the family.

As part of the activities participants are given advice on mainstreaming into other sports organisations including developing links with soccer clubs.

Soccerfest provides an

environment in which people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures can appreciate their shared passion and compete in a respectful way, recognising the diversity that is among the population and a feature of interna-

tional sport.

Over the weekend, there will be a men’s tournament of 40 teams, a women’s tournament of eight teams and also a boys and girl’s tournament for Under-13’s.

If you are interested in entering a team,

would like further information, or would be interested in working as a volunteer at Soccerfest, contact SARI on 01 873 5077 or email info@ sari.ie.

Admission to the event is free all weekend.

28 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 6 September 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

CYCLING: HUGE LOCAL CONTINGENT TO TAKE ON RAS NA MBAN

Moynihan named in Junior Ryder Cup side GAVIN Moynihan has been named in the European team for the 2012 Junior Ryder Cup, which takes place at Olympia Fields Country Club in Illinois, USA, from September 24 – 25.

The Pobal Scoil Iosa and Island golfer has been in scintillating form this year to earn his place in a team that comprises two U-16 boys, two U-16 girls, four U-18 boys and four U-18 girls.

They will attempt to regain the trophy from the USA after a 13½ - 10½ defeat at the Gleneagles Hotel in 2010. The Junior Ryder Cup was formally introduced in 1997, following an exhibition match between teams of boys and girls from Europe and the United States in 1995. It traditionally takes place just before the Ryder Cup. Moynihan was the youngest player ever to win the Irish Amateur Championship this year to take up one of the U-18 boys’ spot and is joined in the panel by Austrian Matthias Schwab, who played on The European Tour as a 15 year old in the 2010 Austrian Golf Open.

England’s Toby Tree and Sweden’s Victor Tarnstrom make up the U-18 quarter. The girls are represented by Linnea Strom of Sweden, who has dominated junior golf in her country, Quirine Eijkenboom of Germany, Harang Lee from Spain and England’s Bronte Law. The Junior Ryder Cup has been the platform from which successful professional careers have been launched for numerous players.

Spaniard Sergio Garcia played in the 1995 exhibition match and four years later was part of the full European team at the Country Club in Brookline, while Suzann Pettersen played in the Junior Ryder Cup in 1997 and 1999 before becoming Norway’s top female golfer and taking part in six Solheim Cups.

Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy was in the victorious 2004 team, since then he has won two major championships.

Thirty-six women from across Ireland will battle it out with an international field in the Ras na mBan which gets under way on Saturday

Orwell lead Irish push sport@gazettegroup.com

LOCAL riders will provide a large portion of the 36 Irish entrants who will take the line for the An Post Rás na mBan which gets under way in Sneem on Saturday.

With last year’s winner Olivia Dillon absent on international duty at the world championships in the Netherlands, the way has been left clear for the five riders on the Irish team in Kerry to make their mark.

All but one of the selected squad will be making their Irish debut at the event with Lauren Creamer having worn green on her way to 11th overall last year.

The Welsh-based rider will be looking forward to an opportunity to shine having spent last year’s race supporting Dillon, and Irish team manager

Gillian McDarby has plenty of other options in the fight for overall honours.

London-based former Orwell rider Lydia Boylan has been in scintillating form on road and track this season and takes up an Irish shirt on the back of a raft of strong results including fourth at the national road race championships.

Amy Brice and Anne Dalton rode last year’s event on the Ulster and Leinster teams respectively and both have made enormous strides on the national road scene this year.

The fifth member of the team is 20-year-old Fiona Guihen from Navan Road Club, a Rás na mBan rookie whose elevation to the national team comes on the back of impressive form this season.

The Leinster team

includes Caroline Conway, one of the reserves for the Irish team, who rode the event with Leinster last season as did team mates Orla McEvoy and Niamh Stephens.

Charlotte McDonald and Fiona Cooke graduate to the Leinster team having made their debuts with Orwell Wheelers last season.

The mighty Dublin club DTC Orwell Wheelers sends two squads to An Post Rás na mBan this year along with their representatives on the Ireland and Leinster teams.

Star veteran rider Orla Hendron will marshal the troops for a tilt at the County Rider prizes aided

by Ciara Kinch, Lucy Soden and Mags Donnelly. The fifth member of the Dundrum Town Centre supported team is Kerry-born Trish Buckley, an emerging force in

Leinster league racing.

The Orwell Joe Daly’s Cycles team includes a couple of guests: junior European championship rider Lauren Gourlay swaps her Castlebar CC colours for the event while ace vet Monica Marconi rejoins her old club for the week. They are joined by up and coming Orwellians Isabel Cogan, Catherine Downes and Siobhan O’Connor.

One of the stars of the local racing scene this season has been Spain’s Sara Ortiz who leads the Galway-based Black Rose Racing Team. Ortiz, a former Giro Donne competitor, will surely be a force to reckoned with.

Ortiz will be joined in the team by Clare Dallat, the Australian based Irish woman who went within forty seconds of winning the Irish Time Trial Championship when finishing

fourth in 2010.

Backing them will be the in-form road and track star Rosin Kennedy, Derry’s Tonya Moran and Scottish visitor Anne Ewing.

The final local-based team in this year’s race is the Wheelworx 3D TC team made up of triathletes Vanessa Fenton, Aisling Coppinger, Marie Fox, Tania Finn, Maria Mulvany and Karen Robinson.

Riding on the Londonbased Look Mum No Hands! team - but also eligible for the Sneem Hotel County Rider classification - are twice former winner Louise Moriarty and event sophomore Siobhan McNamara.

The An Post Rás na mBan teams face 400km of racing in six stages over five days running from Saturday to Thursday, September 13.

6 September 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 29

DublinGazetteNewspapers SOCCER: CLIFFORD AND MCLOUGHLIN IN U-21S 2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS AUGUST WINNERS

STARof theMONTH KATIE TAYLOR THE PEAMOUNT United club member set the world alight as she became one of the very first female Olympic boxing gold medallists in London early in August. She added the 60kg title to the world title she won earlier this year, indelibly confirming her place in the pantheon of all-time Irish sporting greats.

TEAMof theMONTH FOXROCK CABINTEELY JUST nine years since forming, the southside club claimed the Dublin senior ladies football championship title with a stunning display against reigning champs Na Fianna in Parnell Park. They now move on to represent the county in the Leinster championship for the very first time, another huge step forward in their history.

AUGUST proved to be a massive month for female sport in Ireland as Katie Taylor became the country’s first female Olympic medallist since the controversial Michelle Smith back in 1996 in Atlanta.

With Rathfarnham sailor Annalise Murphy mixing it with the best in the Laser Radial competition, earning the Irish Times sportswoman of the month title, they were among Ireland’s stand-out Olympians in London this time

around.

On the team front, there were a number of notable firsts with Foxrock Cabinteely’s being the greatest of them, edging out St Sylvester’s, both clubs producing truly ground-breaking performances so early in their development on the ladies football scene.

Their performances highlighted a sparkling summer of sport, leading nicely into the autumn sporting calendar.

Chelsea’s Conor Clifford remains an integral part of the Republic of Ireland U-21 side

Local duo get Ireland calls sport@gazettegroup.com

PA L M E R S T OW N ’ S Conor Clifford and Clondalkin man Ian McLoughlin have been included in Noel King’s Republic of Ireland Under-21 team for the forthcoming UEFA U21 Championship qualifying Group Seven fixtures with Hungary and Italy.

The Irish face Hungary in Kecskemet on Thursday, September 6 then meet the Italians in Casarano four days

later.

After the recent defeat

by Turkey in their final home game, Ireland have a very difficult task ahead of them but the Irish boss is confident his side can turn the odds in their favour.

“We have two games to go in our group and the simple facts are that if we win the two of them we’ll get at least second place and hopefully that will secure a playoff place,” said King.

“We can’t concentrate on the Italy game

until we’ve dealt with Hungary. We’ve beaten Hungary before in Sligo so we go there knowing that we are capable of winning the match.

“Of course there was disappointment after our defeat by Turkey last time out. Overall the performance was good and we played well in sections of the game but we conceded a late goal. We have to pick ourselves up now and travel with a positive mindset.

“What has been posi-

Soccer camp: Locals enjoy Bayern prize THE annual Allianz junior football camp kicked-off in Munich, Germany, this week with 63 teenagers from 21 countries taking part in a five-day footballing adventure with Bayern München.

The children, including Lucy Ashmore, Jonathan Keating and Ashington’s Steven Mullins got to take in a private training session with the famous club.

www.gazettegroup.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

tive is that a lot of our lads have five or six more games under their belt since the Turkey game and will be sharper. Fitness wasn’t an excuse for the loss to Turkey but it will definitely be helpful that the lads are a bit further into their season.”

A number of players have returned after missing the Turkey game with Jeff Hendrick, Adam Bar ton, Sean Murray, Samir Carruthers and Rhys Murphy all back in contention.

30

CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 6 September 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Blanch club to raise St Francis hospice funds THE Blanch Wheelies, one of the Ireland’s newest cycling clubs, are organising a fundraising cycle in aid of the St Francis Hospice on Sunday, September 29.

They hope to have over 50-60 riders on the day for the 100km cycle which will start at the Hospice in Blanchardstown at 10am.

Blanch Wheelies recently became affiliated to Cycling Ireland with around 30 licensed members signed up while many more look set to join in the near future. The club will cater for race and leisure (sportive) events and is open to all abilities.

Ongar Chasers ready to go THE newly formed Ongar Chasers have set up a new youthonly basketball club in Dublin 15, building on the recent success of school basketball teams from Colaiste Pobail Setanta, Phibblestown in All-Ireland and Dublin school’s league competitions.

The goal of the club is to build a community team open to youth from other schools and to encourage social integration and multiculturalism through sport.

Initially, the club will have two boy’s teams – U-15s for those born in 1998 and 1999 and U-17 for those born in 1996 and 1997 – entering the Dublin

Leagues for the upcoming season which starts in midSeptember.

During the year, they aim to start forming girls teams as well as working with children of other age group from 10 and up.

Both teams would play home matches at Ongar Community Centre on Sunday afternoons.

The club is inviting players, coaches or ex-players interested in coaching or volunteering as well as potential sponsors to get involved and support this initiative.

An open night will run September 11 from 7-9pm in Phibblestown Community Centre. More information can be found on www.

OngarChasers.com or by emailing info@ OngarChasers.com.

SOCCER: CASTLEKNOCK NATIVE TAKES CAREER TO NEW DEGREE

Paul Corry, left, with fellow newcomers to Sheffield Wednesday, Martin Taylor and Jay Bothroyd

Corry takes flight with Owls I NATHAN KELLY sport@gazettegroup.com

CASTLEKNOCK man Paul Corry completed his move from UCD to English Championship side Sheffield Wednesday last week for an undisclosed fee, signing up for a three-year deal.

The 21-year-old has been a regular for the students in the last couple of years, notching up almost 100 appearances and scoring 14 goals from midfield.

His per formances in the last few seasons have attracted attention from a number of English sides. The Castle-

knock man even rejected a move to Burnley in 2009 aged 18.

Corry moved straight into Dave Jones’s squad and has been handed the number 21 jersey.

Speaking about the move, Corry said: “I have bided my time for the right move at the right time and this is it for me.

“Sheffield Wednesday is a club with huge heritage and history and the stadium just blows you away.

“I really can’t wait to get started and, like everyone else at the club, I have ambitions of playing in the Premier

Brogan’s night walk: Plunkett’s ace cheers on Boots initiative ST OLIVER Plunkett’s/ER star Alan Brogan

was on hand to cheer along some of the over 850 people who took part in the Boots Night Walks for Night Nurses for the Irish Cancer Society this week.

The walk took place in 34 locations around Ireland to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nursing Service, which is available free of charge to cancer patients in their homes. It is hoped that the events will raise €50,000 for the nursing service once all the sponsorship is counted.

League.

“But it’s one step at a time, I know it will be difficult at first but once I settle in and get my sharpness, I have the confidence in my ability to do well for Sheffield Wednesday.”

The Owls new boy was an unused substitute as they slumped to a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend, ending Dave Jones’s 19 - g a m e u n b e a t e n streak. The Hillsborough side are currently just inside the playoff positions going into the international break.

He’ll be hoping to force his way into Jones’s first

team plans when they resume against fourth placed Brighton next Friday night.

Corry was also included in last month’s Republic of Ireland U-21 squad for their qualifier against Turkey, being the only Airtricity League player on the panel.

And former manager Martin Russull believes his decision to complete his education is an example many others could follow: “The signing to Sheffield Wednesday is a significant move for all concerned. He can focus on making his way in the professional

game with a top championship club.

“He has been a valuable team player since his arrival.I know he values the philosophy that the club beholds, and his move for me demonstrates that you can continue your footballing aspirations without sacrificing your education.

“Far too many Irish players leave too early for too little.

“When I originally signed Paul I told him that UCD was the best option for a lad his age and I hope more like him will follow in his steps in the future.”

6 September 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 31

HANDBALL: KINGPINS SERVE UP ANOTHER EPIC

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CASTLEKNOCK HARD luck to the Dublin senior team at

weekend. Well done also to the 2004

the weekend but well done to Ciaran

Boys who had a great day of football

Kilkenny on the first of his, hopefully,

at Croke Park, also last weekend.

many first team starts.

The nursey has also started back

Well done as well to Tom Quinn and

this week so best of luck to everyone

the whole minor panel on their vic-

starting back and if any newcom-

tory against Kerry and best of luck

ers would like to come along, you are

in the final. Best of luck to the Dublin

more than welcome. The nursery is

minor hurlers in the All-Ireland Final

run every Saturday at 10 o’clock at

next weekend and to our own Colly

Tir Na nOg.

Lynch who is on the panel.

Signs surrounding the main pitch in

The club sends its deepest sympa-

Somerton are now on sale. For more

thies to Brian Kelly and his family on

information on how to get your sign

the loss of his sister, Niamh Coghlan.

seen, contact Charlie 0851101008.

Funeral arrangements can be found on the website.

Well done to the 2002 Hurlers who had a great trip down to Clonmel last

Our Somerton family fun day is on this weekend so make the effort to get down for what is bound to be a great day for all.

ST BRIGID’S SAINT Brigid’s GAA club nursery has

The senior hurlers last 16 SHC game

restarted after the summer break

and adult league football fixture is

for four to seven-year-olds and

this weekend, fixtures are now on

runs every Saturday morning from

the website.

St Brigid’s club man Eoin Kennedy was once again undone by Robbie McCarthy in an All-Ireland final

9.30am to 11am. New members and

The club lotto returns this Thurs-

Kennedy made to wait for ninth title

families welcome. Contact Paul on

day in Russell Park with the jackpot

0879154748 for more info.

standing at €10,800.

I sport@gazettegroup.com

sented Dublin last weekend in the

S T BR IGI D ’ S E o i n Kennedy was once again undone in the final of the M Donnelly All-Ireland senior 60x30 softball championship in Abbeylara last weekend, falling to Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy.

For the fourth year running, it was a Dublin v Westmeath title showdown with Kennedy, chasing a ninth title win, entering his first final as the challenger against Robbie McCarthy, who won his first title against the Dubliner 12 months ago.

A capacity crowd packed into the fantastic Abbelyara cauldron in one of the best softball final atmospheres for a few years and, at times, were treated to some of the best action seen in the event.

McCarthy was sensational in the opening exchanges. He controlled the centre-court with

a brilliant overhand lob serve from right to the back left corner and then delivered precision low pass and kill-shots off either hand as if it was “the easy thing to do”.

Kennedy rallied for every ace and ensured some superb rallies but when the Mullingar man shot into a 10-1 lead, it looked very ominous for the eight-times champion.

However, in the typical manner of one of the all-time great softball players, Kennedy then upped his game, altered the dynamic by pushing McCarthy out towards back-court and then himself produced finely tuned and neat corner play and low slicing passing drives.

Incredibly, as the crowd roared with appreciation, the duo were soon deadlocked at 11-11. From there it was the Dublin man who had control and stormed ahead by 16-12. Suddenly a repeat

of the 2011 final was being envisaged by the large Dublin support.

Instead, Robbie McCarthy then signalled why he could be in line to do what his opponent had done through the past decade. The champion drilled out one brilliant kill-shot after another, five in a row to be precise, and went ahead again by 17-16. He sprinted for every pass shot dished out by Kennedy and sometimes produced top class killshots during those retrieves, as he closed out the opening game by 21-16.

The second proved finely balanced for much of the opening part of play as neither player could assert themselves as they were deadlocked at 3-3. McCarthy then led by 5-3 and 8-5 before he pushed into a commanding 12-7 advantage.

There were some brilliant rallies to follow which gave a very clear indication to the capac-

ity crowd that the traditional softball game has few rivals in terms of entertainment.

The players exchanged aces until Kennedy closed the gap to 12-15 but the reigning champion then moved up a gear in the style of a great champion.

Six unanswered aces provided Robbie McCarthy with his second Senior Softball Singles title and certainly on this evidence it will take a while before the title holder is knocked off his perch.

“It’s great to come back and win the title.

This is my ultimate goal every year as I cherish the 60x30 title more than anything else.

“I won last year and that definitely helped my confidence but I felt good today and I had to raise my game as Eoin is a brilliant player and I knew coming here today that he was on the top of his game” said the back-toback champion.

Hard luck to Eoin Kennedy who was

Our minor footballers host their

edged out in the 60x30 All-Ireland

fundraising table quiz this Friday

final on Saturday and to the Dublin

evening, all welcome.

senior footballers also.

St Brigid’s Spleodar Irish club for

Congratulations to Cian O’Sullivan,

teenagers resumes this Thursday

Johnny McGuirk, Kevin Callaghan,

from 7 to 9pm in the club hall. The

Tiernan McGlynn, Davy Hawkshaw

cost is €3 per week and everyone is

and Darragh McKenna who repre-

welcome.

Tony Forrestal Cup.

Best of luck to the Dubs, Paul Winters and to our eight minor Fingal

Great wins this week for our inter

hurlers, Willie Bourke (manager) and

Hurlers, junior camogie and U-15s on

John Bourke (selector) in their All-

a quiet week for games.

Ireland Finals this weekend.

ST PEREGRINE’S WELL done to Eric Lowndes and the

The Penguin Ball is on December 15

Dublin minor footballers in beating

in the Carlton Hotel. Tickets are €50

Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final on

and deposits must be paid by the end

Sunday and best of luck in the hurling

of September

AIl-Ireland final this Sunday.

The junior A footballers have big games this week.

Congratulations to Louise and Fergus on their new arrival.

Our club shop vouchers are now available, details and contacts on the club website CNP.ie. Follow us on Twitter @peregrinesgaa.

Entertainment in the club this Sat-

Memberships are still overdue and

urday is from Chardonnay. Ballads in

must be paid as soon as possible. The

clubhouse with Wallop the Pot after

family fun day is on September 15 in

the hurling final on Sunday from 6.30

the club grounds.

to 8.30pm.

TYRRELSTOWN THERE was no winner of the club lotto

sponsor one of our teams.

this week. The winning numbers were

We always look forward to welcoming

20, 24, 25 and 26. Next week’s jackpot

new members, along with mentors and

rolls over to a whopping €3,400.

anyone elso who is in a position to help

This is vital funding for the club, which helps in the purchase of training equipment, facilities etc. Please keep this support going and, you never know, you might just be lucky.

For more information on the club, or if you would like to join, help out or even

out in this rapidly growing club.

Why not come along, get fit and most of all have some fun.

In each instance, for more information on helping out, or to register your child’s name please contact James on 0834086173.

ALL OF YOUR CASTLEKNOCK SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

OWL’S CALL: Corry completes move to Sheffield Wednesday following degree P30

SEPTEMBER 6, 2012

SPORTS SUPER STARS: August award winners revealed inside P29

GazetteSPORT

Three points and a solid all-round, individual performance were not enough to turn the tide Dublin’s way last Sunday in Croke Park

Kilkenny impresses but Dubs dethroned Castleknock teenager Ciaran Kilkenny became the club’s first-ever player to start in the All-Ireland championship PETER CARROLL

castleknocksport@gazettegroup.com

CIARAN Kilkenny made his much anticipated first senior start debut for Dublin last Sunday in the All-Ireland football championship semi-final, replacing Alan Brogan in the forward line due to the 2011 Player of the Year’s injury woes.

The young Castleknock man looked well beyond his years on the field at the tender age of 18 and gave the Mayo back lines a lot to think about, dropping deep to help break down the Heather County’s attacks while also presenting a good outlet in Dublin’s pursuit of scores, bagging 0-3 just weeks after receiving his Leaving Certificate results.

Despite the match not going the way of the defending champions, Kilkenny’s performance was definitely a positive to take from the game.

The 2012 Cadbury’s Hero of the Future kept the pace of the game very well and lost his marker with ease toward the end of the game when the Boys in Blue pushed to get the game back on terms.

After some appearances from the bench during Dublin’s championship campaign, Kilkenny’s full debut shed light on the usual questions that surround a player making the transition from minor competition to senior.

He played the full 70 minutes, looked equal in all the physical tests he was involved in and still reserved a burst of pace in the dying moments of the game after darting about the pitch throughout the contest.

The young dual player also played the full game in front of a sold-out Croke Park crowd, and showed great determination as part of the unit that tried to hit back after dropping 10 points behind the Mayo side at one point.

He became the first Castlkenock club member to start in a championship match, following a breakthrough year for the Somerton outfit as Rory Corcoran also lined out for the side in the league.

Kilkenny, a very talented hurler as well, the opportunities seem endless for the skilful teenager and maybe it won’t only be Pat Gilroy (if he

remains in the position) that will be vying for his services next season, with Anthony Daly sure to be well in the know as to Kilkenny’s U-21 credentials.

But it isn’t only inter county attention the U-21 All-Ireland champion is receiving, earlier this year the Castleknock kicker was on the radar of Australian Football League team, Carlton who invited the youngster over for a trial in the land down under.

With Kilkenny yet to make a decision on his future, with the obvious draw of a professional wage attached to the Australian sport.

He said this in relation to where his future lies earlier this year: “I did the Carlton camp and they seem interested and I will be going over there for a three-week trial some time between the summer and October to see what it is like there and then make my decision.

“I have no decision made yet so I’m 50-50 at the moment. I’ll go for three weeks and see what the set-up is like over there and after that I’ll make my mind up.”