Castleknock

Castleknock FREE

Gazet te

Get ready for Halloween with creepy costumes and make-up tips

see page 20 October 25, 2012 Find us on

Month XX, 2012 Castleknock • Carpenterstown • Laurel Lodge • Roselawn

INSIDE: Fingal Dublin Corporate Responsibility Network is launched at PayPal Offices P10

inquiry: Hartstown community in shock after road crash death Page 4

Back to school: 40th anniversary for Coolmine CS Soccer:

Castleknock host top quality coaching event Page 30

coolmine Community School in

Clonsilla recently held a reunion at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown to celebrate the school’s 40th anniversary, at which principal Trish McPhillips was joined by former principals Eileen Salmon and Sean O Beachain, as well as many guests who included 50 past and present teachers.

See Gallery on Pages 6-7

Hurling:

Plunkett’s into championship title decider Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES.......................6 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................27

Residents urged to stay clear of illegal bonfires Council warns of the dangers lurking behind some common Halloween festivities

 laura webb

Halloween is almost upon us and residents and businesses across Dublin 15 are being reminded to dispose of waste material safely and stay clear of

illegal bonfires and fireworks.

The council is issuing warnings to parents, business owners and pet owners reminding them of the dangers of bonfires.

Fingal County Council

is reminding people that bonfires “are dangerous, cause injury to children each year and cause damage to your environment”.

Castleknock councillor Peggy Hamill said there

has been a reduction in bonfires because people are alerting the council of material being hoarded.

“Neighbourhoods are very vigilant in this area now.”

Full Story on Page 2

2 CASTLKNOCK Gazette 25 October 2012

dublin GAZETTe newspapers i n f o r m at i o n

council Keeping safe this Halloween

Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publish eight weekly quality free titles, covering the greater Dublin area from Swords to Dun Laoghaire

c o n ta c t s Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Acting News Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Paul Hosford picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sport@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward ads@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240

sales@gazettegroup.com

Find us on

www.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.

Fingal County Council is urging residents and businesses across Dublin 15 to dispose of waste material safely and stay clear of illegal bonfires, bangers and fireworks this Halloweeen

Residents urged to stay clear of illegal bonfires

Residents and businesses across Dublin 15 are being reminded to dispose of waste material safely and stay clear of illegal bonfires, bangers and fireworks this Halloweeen.

Fingal County Council is reminding people that bonfires “are dangerous, cause injury to children each year and cause damage to your environment”.

In the lead up to Halloween last year, litter wardens carried out a number of door-to-door calls to businesses to “remind business owners not to provide waste materials which would be used in bonfires, and

 laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

reminding them of their responsibilities under the Litter Pollution Acts to ensure items such as tyres/pallets could not be removed from their premises.”

According to a spokeswoman for the council, last year before the Halloween weekend, “crews carried out a number of clear ups, removing stockpiled materials and taking them for appropri-

ate disposal. A very small number of these cleanups required Garda support.

“Over the Halloween weekend a number of bonfires were lit across the county, damaging some sports pitches and open spaces which subsequently cost Fingal County Council to repair and remediate.”

This year is no different, with the council saying they issue warnings to the public, including parents, business owners and pet owners reminding them of the dangers of bonfires, and advising them to ensure that pets are kept safely indoors.

The spokeswoman

went on to say that no bonfires are organised

by Fingal County Council. However, there is a full programme of family events over the bank holiday period at libraries, heritage properties and art centres across the area.

Castleknock councillor Peggy Hamill (Lab) said the council has done “tremendous work” over the years in this area. “Over the last number of years there has been a reduction in bonfires because people are alerting the council [to] where they feel there is hoarding of material. Neighbourhoods are very vigilant in this area now.

“It is very important that people contact the council [if they see bonfire material], and they are. In Castleknock, there has been a significant reduction in bonfires and we only have a small handful because people can’t access the material anymore.

“They are also dangerous and can result in injury… this should be a happy time for kids to dress up, but most parents are anxious and can’t wait for it to be over because of bangers. We have read reports about the dangers [of bangers and fireworks] but, unfortunately, people need to be reminded,” Hamill added.

Nando’s to create 50 jobs in Blanchardstown There was a jobs boost for Dublin 15 when the opening of Nando’s at the Blanchardstown Centre was announced for this November.

Nando’s, the international Peri-Peri chicken restaurant, will open its doors at the

Blanchardstown Centre this November 14, bringing with it the creation of around 50 jobs. Another branch will open in Liffey Valley on November 21 and, between the two new stores, there will be approximately 110 jobs created, bring-

ing the Nando’s worksforce in Ireland to 380 people.

According to a spokesperson for Nando’s, the announcement underlines Nando’s previous commitment to “growing its business in Ireland, whilst supporting local employment

and the local communities it serves.”

Alan Snyman, managing director of Nando’s Ireland commented: “We’re really excited about expanding in Ireland with the opening of two new restaurants in great locations.”

25 October 2012 CASTLEKNOCK Gazette 3

commuters

workshop: data from olympics used to promote strategic thinking

Call for shelter at retail park

D15 students show off their maths skills  laura webb

S t u d e n ts a c r o s s Dublin 15 showed off their mathematics skills at a special workshop hosted by the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown.

Last week, first-year students from schools across Dublin 15 attended the Maths and Sport: Countdown to the Games programme as part of Maths Week in ITB. Hundreds of students from Blakestown Community School, Luttrellstown Community College, Hartstown Community School, Setanta Community College, Riversdale Community College, Mount Sackville Secondary School, Ratoath College and

Coolmine Community School took part as they used data from the recent Olympic and Paralympic Games as the basis for their calculations.

The programme is part of the The Millennium Mathematics Project, an award-winning project at the University of Cambridge. Through the programme, students take part in a collection of hands-on mathematical puzzles, games and activities, designed to promote creative approaches to mathematics and strategic thinking.

Mairead Murphy, marketing and development manager at ITB, said: “This event is financed from our access office, which has enabled us to run a number of hands-on

mathematics workshops for local schools.

“The workshops give students an insight into how they can use mathematics on a day-to-day basis. The workshops take place on the ITB campus which also allows students to experience a day in the life of a third level student,” she said.

According to Mairead, the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games offer the students an “extraordinary, exciting and unique opportunity to explore mathematics and science at work in real-world contexts”.

“The Millennium Maths Project will bring to life for students some of the underlying mathematics of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

Style stars: Community Counts Fashion Show helps local charities lolita tumina, Marta Atzori and Siobhan Ward stepped out in

style as the Crowne Plaza, Blanchardstown, played host to the Community Counts Fashion Show.

98FM’s Teena Gates took her turn on the catwalk with organiser and local WeightWatchers’ leader Vera Baker A host of charities benefited from the night as the show raised funds for the Hope Foundation, Concern, and Suicide Awareness Dublin 15.

Why advertise with the Gazette?

Let our advertisers tell you why:

“

Dlr Leisure Services has been using Dublin Gazette Newspapers for a number of years to communicate with our customers on our programmes.

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 the areas in which our centres are located. Dlr Leisure Services would have no hesitation recommending the Gazette to others to promote their company.

“

B e c au s e L o c a l M at t e r s

The management company behind the Blanchardstown Centre has applied for a new bus shelter near the retail park.

Green Property Ltd submitted their planning application for a new shelter on Road E, located adjacent to the Blanchardstown Retail Park, where residents and visitors have complained about the lack of shelters available.

Welcoming the move, Fianna Fail councillor David McGuinness said: “Blanchardstown residents and visitors have been complaining over the lack of shelters beside Captain America’s, where commuters need to wait for buses without any coverage whatsoever.

4 CASTLKNOCK Gazette 25 October 2012

FastNews

Inquiry Gardai investigating the incident roads:

speed limit review

Council works to make bend safer

A weekend of fun, fashion and beauty for locals Calling all fashionista’s, U Style at Blanchardstown is back to bring local residents a weekend of fun, fashion and beauty.

From October 26 to 28, U Magazine and Blanchardstown Centre will team up to create a fashionista’s paradise featuring fashion shows, masterclasses, live demonstrations and beauty treats.

This is a showcase for anyone looking to see the trends for this autumn/winter 2012.

On Saturday and Sunday, there will be fashion shows taking place three times daily, showcasing the latest fashions in Blanchardstown.

Guest speakers, including the U Magazine team, will be on hand to share their beauty and fashion knowledge and expertise.

A Life comes to Draiocht Theatre

Leadership group fundraiser

Coolmine Drama Circle’s latest offering is a production of Hugh Leonard’s A Life, showing at the Draiocht Theatre, Blanchardstown from October 30 until November 3.

Tickets are €16 with €13 concessions, and are available at www. draiocht.ie. For further information on the Coolmine Drama Circle, log on to www. coolminedramacircle. com.

The Hot Fuzz leadership group will fundraise for one day only in a pop-up unit at the Superquinn Shopping Centre in Blanchardstown Village, in aid of Respite services at the Daughters of Charity.

The shop opens on Saturday, October 27 from 10am to 4pm, and sees participants selling items such as belts, bags, bangles and ties.

Flowers are laid at the site of the tragic crash. Gardai are asking witnesses to contact them.

Community in shock after death of men  laura webb

lwebb@gazettegroup.com

The Dublin 15 community is in shock following the death of two young men in a single vehicle car crash in Hartstown earlier this week.

In the early hours of Monday October 22 at around 4.15am, two young men, named locally as 21-year-old Dean Cullen from Clonsilla and 24-year-old Simon Hand from Huntstown, were travelling on Hartstown Road when the car they were travelling in veered off the road, crashing into

a tree.

Dean, a passenger in the car, died at the scene, while Simon, the driver, was taken from the scene of the accident and brought to Connolly Hospital were he passed away a short time later.

Gardai are now investigating the accident and are trying to establish whether speed played a factor in the lead up to the crash.

According to reports, a Garda car was stopped at lights at the Hartstown Road junction when the mini the young men were driving went through a

green light at the junction, but it lost control soon after and ended up mounting the footpath before hitting with the tree.

A detailed examination by the Garda forensic collision investigators was carried out at the scene. Such an examination enables investigators to work out the speed and trajectory of the car at the time of impact, and also looks into the road conditions of the area at that time.

Toxicology tests will also be conducted on the deceased, which is a standard procedure in road fatalities.

Gardai investigating the accident are now asking anyone who was in the area at the time to contact them at Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01 666 7000, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any garda station.

Local councillor Michael O’Donovan (Lab) said the commu-

nity is “shocked and saddened” by the tragic accident.

“I was at the scene and gardai had sealed off Hartstown Road beyond the shopping centre and the school. There were teams from the specialist unit who reconstruct what might have happened… A number of local people were standing around in shock.

It was just so quiet… people are stunned and taken aback by this tragic accident. “[The victims] are both so very young, it’s so tragic. I just want to express my deepest sympathies to their families at this time.”

Dublin West TD and Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar also extended his sympathies to the families involved saying: “As a local TD and Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the families of these two young men.”

Surface work on a dangerous bend in Dublin 15 has been carried out by Fingal County Council in an effort to combat accidents there, while a speed limit review is also being looked into.

Tw o w e e k s a g o , another accident at a bend on Westmanstown Road was reported, adding to the 30 accidents that have been recorded since the start of this year.

Reduction Last week, local resident Terry O’Neill called for a reduction in the speed limit, which is currently 80km/h. He has rebuilt his wall 38 times over 25 years because of road traffic accidents.

At the time, he told this paper he is afraid to let his grandchildren play in the front garden, saying: “I’m even afraid to go out to cut the grass in the front [garden], so definitely not [a place for] the grandchildren.”

In response, a spokesperson for Fingal County Council said the section of the road has now been “sandblasted to improve skid resistance”, adding that a “speed limit review” is being carried out.

According to the spokesperson, the introduction of a reduced speed limit would mean that it “would be necessary for the introduction of speed ramps for this road”.

Meanwhile, flashing warning signs are due to be installed at the location in November.

25 October 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 5

Laurel Lodge Carpenterstown Enjoy a night of fine dining in Luttrellstown Castle

I

F you want to experience a night of fine dining in the majesty and splendour of Luttrellstown Castle while being entertained by a Drawing Room Opera Company read on.

This is an exclusive opportunity on Friday and Saturday, December 7 and 8 to enjoy a Banquet and Musical evening in Luttrellstown Castle.

The night will be a black tie event and it starts off with a champagne and festive drinks reception at 7.30pm, followed by a sumptuous five-course banquet including fine wines. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Drawing Room Opera Company.

The music is mostly light opera and foot tapping songs from well-known

musicals and not only will you instantly recognise them but you will be invited to join in.

Part of the enjoyment of the evening will be seeing the inside of one of the oldest and most historic castles in the country. You will also experience some of the ambience and glamour of life as the aristocracy lived in times past. The best thing of all is that in doing all the above you’re assisting a great cause — St Francis Hospice Blanchardstown.

Eileen Ring and her friends have been organising this function now for a few years now and it has become a very popular annual event. So much so that it is now held on two nights with a limit of 100 dinners on each night.

Given the location, the quality of the dining experience including the finest of wines and the superb entertainment it is not as expensive as one might expect.

A table of 10 costs €1,500 or €150 per person.

I say this each year but it is true – book early as the tickets are snapped up as quick as lightning.

I have personally attended this function and can say it was an out of this world fabulous experience. Bring along family, friends or colleagues for a great night out.

Contact Eileen Ring at 086-8041342 or Leslie McDonough at 086-8030592 or Catherine Hafford at 086-8333189 to make your booking.

Tom Shanahan Photography Competition winners Derek Byrne, Tony McIntyre and Susan Gavin with Mayor of FIngal, Cllr Cian O’Callaghan (Lab) and competition judge Mark Sedgwick

Tom’s photo competition S T Brigid’s Photography Group has been in existence for over 15 years.

One of its founder m e m b e r s w a s To m Shanahan who died eight years ago. Tom worked and lived in the Ordnance Survey Office complex in Phoenix Park.

Tom loved the Park and was a keen photographer and living in the Phoenix Park would provide wonderful opportunities to chronicle the passing of the seasons on camera. It was his love of the area in which he lived and worked and

his interest in photography that inspired him to share his knowledge and interest by establishing St Brigid’s Photography Group.

In memory of Tom, Fingal County Council offered the group a magnificent trophy, a bronze sculpture of a stag symbolising Tom’s connection with Phoenix Park which was originally designed as a deer park.

This trophy is awarded to the photographer who is deemed to have produced the best photograph in the annual Tom Shanahan Photography Competition.

This year’s first prize went to Tom McIntyre’s picture of a young nun taking a photograph. It is entitled A Novice Photographer. It’s a nice picture with a good subject and title.

I believe it was an impromptu shot on the lines of Cartier Bresson’s “decisive moment” style of photography. In fact, Tom McIntyre is himself a keen novice having joined the group just two years ago.

Second place went to Derek Byrne for a picture titled Lady in Red and third place to Susan Gavin for a picture titled

Dyeing Wood. These pictures and many others are being exhibited in Blanchardstown Library for the next three weeks.

The exhibition was formally opened by Cllr. Cian O’Callaghan, Labour’s Mayor of Fingal, who also has a keen interest in photography.

He said he was delighted with the standard and quality of the photographs on exhibition.

The competition was judged by Mark Sedgwith.

The group meet every Wednesday at 6.30p.m. i n B l a n c h a r d s t ow n Library.

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

Annual knitting fair

I

WAS chatting to Sally Palmer recently and she tells me that the knitting fair in aid of St Francis Hospice Blanchardstown will be taking place on December 8 and in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre at the Yellow Entrance. They are looking for volunteer knitters to create all of the products first. The items on sale can be knitted hairbands, baby cardigans, knitted brooches and knitted Christmas decorations and many other woollen creations. Items for the fair can be dropped off at The Oratory in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre.

You can see from the picture that Fr Eugene and Fr Dan Joe have got into the spirit of things.

Fr Dan joked that given the number of times himself and Fr Eugene have appeared in photos publicising the event they are thinking of calling themselves The Nitwits.

So if you can knit and you can spare the time you may like to help raise precious funds for the hospice and if you can’t knit why not pop along and pick up whatever catches your eye.

6 CASTLKNOCK Gazette 25 October 2012

gazetteGALLERIES

The three current and former principals Trish McPhillips, Eileen Salmon and Sean O Beachain. Picture: Ronan O’Sullivan

REUNION: COOLMINE CS CELEBRATES 40 YEARS

It’s back to school for former pupils C

OOLMINE Community School in Clonsilla recently held a reunion at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown to celebrate the school’s 40th anniversary, at which principal Trish McPhillips was joined by former principals Eileen Salmon and Sean O Beachain, as well as many guests who included 50 past and present teachers.

Some of the guests travelled from as far away as America and Australia, and they all had a thoroughly enjoyable evening as they picked up where they had left off so many years ago. The reunion was sponsored mainly by the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre.

Ann Smith, Joan Dunne, Margaret Fagan and Una Delaney

Vanessa Thornton, Jimmy Byrne and Omar Dannielle Byrne and Amy Deacon

Comerford

Caroline, Anne and Val Forrest

25 October 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 7

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only €6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

Evelyn Lyons and Colm O’Brien

Siblings Dermot and Brenda Byrne

Emer Williams, Laura Behan, Aisling McCabe, Renata Higgins, Douglas Shirran and James Brennan

www.

gazette .com

group

Sandra, Carol and Valerie McCrory

Angela Brady and Dympna Beegan

Shirley Doyle and Yvonne Flood

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

8 CASTLeKNOCK Gazette 25 October 2012

social media Local history fan gets people talking about days gone by

Facebook brings Blanch’s past into the present  laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

Local people are being called to help remember Blanchardstown and Castleknock past and present with a new social media group page set up especially for residents to talk about their memories

and growing up in the everchanging area.

The Facebook group page – Past and Present Blanchardstown - was set up by Blanchardstown native, Olivia Leonard. With a keen interest in history, Olivia decided to set up the page and has been working on it for over a year.

“When I look for information about the history of Blanch on the internet it is very basic; even when I go to the library it is quite basic as well. I think it important [to share] these pictures and memories of the place before people forget, or pictures are lost.”

Pictures of old Blanchardstown are already making their way to the page and comments from residents remembering the old village make for interesting reading.

The aim of the group for Olivia is to get “people talking about Blanchardstown days gone by” and “for people to

enjoy and share their memories”.

“It is really to get people together. There is a website called cabra.com, and it has loads of pictures of Cabra and I thought it would be interesting for Blanchardstown and its surrounding areas like Castleknock, too.”

Opening: New cafe for area

FastNews Illegal dumping to be investigated A litter warden is to investigate illegal dumping at Mulberry estate after furniture was left there. Labour councillor Peggy Hamill asked Fingal County Council to examine the suite of furniture dumped at Mulberry in the past number of months.

According to an FCC spokesman, the litter warden for the area will investigate.

Fancy dress Halloween Ball Castleknock Hotel and Country club is hosting its annual fancy dress Halloween Ball this bank holiday Sunday. On the night, there will be a hot and cold buffet, live entertainment, DJ and late bar. Spot prizes for the best dressed attendee will be given out. For ticket information and overnight specials, log on to www.castleknockhotel.com.

O’Connor’s Dublin reading Farmleigh Estate’s Artist In Residence, Joseph O’Connor, will give his only Dublin reading from his new collection of short stories at the Phoenix Park location. On November 9 at 7.30pm the writer will read from his new collection Where Have You Been? Admission is free, early booking is advised.

So far, there are over 250 members in the group and, for Olivia, it’s not about making profit, just “retaining our Blanch heritage, memories and old photos before they are lost through time forever”.

The group can be accessed at https://www.facebook. com/groups/368053791646/

mcdonald’s restaurant

in Blanchardstown has officially opened it’s new McCafe after an investment of €130,000 into the restaurant.

Owner/operator Declan O’Driscoll is delighted to expand the offering in McDonald’s Blanchardstown for all coffee lovers in the area.

McDonald’s Blanchardstown first opened in 1996 and currently employs 75 people.

Pictured are staff Claire Ennis, Fiona Barr and Hannah Ruth.

courts: father of three significantly involved in charitable works

Executive defrauded Tesco of over €100k to pay for trip A Tesco executive who defrauded the company of over €100,000 to cover the cost of his holidays has been given a four-year sentence, with the final two-and-a-half years suspended.

Paul Slevin (47) inflated the cost of a work trip to South Africa to pay for holidays for himself, family and friends to locations including Portugal, Dubai and the Rugby World Cup in France.

Slevin of Woodberry, Carpenterstown Road, Castleknock, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to pre-

tending travel expenses had been incurred to the value of €116,470 for which Tesco were not liable on dates between June 2007 and March 2008. He has no previous convictions and is now unemployed.

The court heard the married father of three is heavily involved in voluntary work in his community and set up a charitable organisation called Woodberry Woodpeckers which fund raises for an orphanage and hospice in South Africa.

Judge Martin Nolan noted Slevin had betrayed

his position of “great responsibility and trust” at Tesco.

He said Slevin appeared to otherwise be an “exemplary man” but felt that justice demanded a prison sentence.

Judge Nolan imposed a four-year sentence but suspended the final twoand-a-half years.

Detective Garda Martin Griffins told Sean Guerin BL, prosecuting, that he began an investigation after a complaint was made by Tesco Ireland of fraud involving Slevin.

Slevin was employed

at Tesco as a scale nonfood director from March 2007 and his role involved managing relationships with various suppliers. As part of his job he organised promotional foreign trips.

Det Gda Griffins told the court Slevin organised a trip to South Africa for 190 people and had fraudulently inflated the price of the trip so it could be used to pay for travel for himself, his family and friends.

He said after Slevin left the company in May 2008 documentation was found in his office with a break-

down of the price charged to Tesco for the trip as well as documentation relating to trips unrelated to Tesco taken in 2007 and 2008.

T hese seven trips included locations such as Portugal, Dubai and the Rugby World Cup in France.

The total cost of the trip, including Slevin’s inflated items valued at €116,470, was €1,496,500.

Slevin met Det Gda Griffins by arrangement in July 2010 and told him: “I stupidly engaged in this activity for which I am heartily sorry.”

Det Gda Griffins

agreed with Caroline Biggs SC, defending, that Slevin had not covered his tracks after leaving the company.

He agreed Slevin was significantly involved in charitable work.

Ms Biggs said Slevin had an extraordinary work ethic and had been working so hard at a stressful job during the time this offence was committed that his family feared he would require medical attention.

She said Slevin was “genuinely deeply appalled at what he had done”.

25 October 2012 CASTLEKNOCK Gazette 9

10 CASTLKNOCK Gazette 25 October 2012

gazetteGALLERY

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only â‚Ź6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

Michael Ryan

Peter Boucher and Terence Sheridan

Chamber president Siobhan Moore of the Dublin Airport Authority addresses the audience

Just the business

T

HE Fingal Dublin Corporate Responsibility Network was recently launched at the PayPal Offices in Ballycoolin Business Park.

Everyone who attended the launch had the opportunity to meet and network with

a large group of business men and women from a wide range of business sectors that evening.

The network is operated and administered through the Fingal Dublin Chamber with a board of trustees to oversee its work.

Helen Daly and Karl O’Neill

Mark Costello

25 October 2012 Gazette 11

schools P14

dublinlife

Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week, as well as the latest from our schools

business P16



Gazette

diary P12

scary words: funtime at the ark, temple bar

Tall tales and spellbinding stories for kids of all ages THE children’s cultural centre, The Ark, in Temple Bar, is holding interactive book experiences every weekend in November called Telling Tall and Tiny Tales.

There will be stories, activities and fun, as well as original artwork from well-known children’s books on display.

Children can learn how to make up their own stories by choosing any one

of a selection of workshops on offer, and there will also be Halloweenthemed storytelling at the Ark every day throughout the mid-term break, with ghost stories to read.

The workshops and special events start on Wednesday, October 31, with a Halloween special storytelling event with Niall de Burca.

Children are encouraged to come dressed up

in their spookiest Halloween costumes.

On the same day, at the National Gallery of Ireland, a Skulduggery Pleasant Extravanza takes place, where author of the acclaimed series, Derek Landy, its illustrator, Tom Percival, and editor Nick Lake will talk about the Skulduggery Pleasant books.

Children are asked to come along as one of the

Skulduggery characters.

In November, there are gigantic illustration workshops with Niamh Sharkey on November 3 at the Ark and, on November 9 and 16, there will be workshops for toddlers with Kate Wilson.

On November 10 and 17, Jole Bortoli will host Plant a Book workshops, and on November 24 PJ Lynch is giving workshops for budding illustrators.

Niall de Burca will host the spookiest Halloween storytelling event

Gazette

12 Gazette 25 October 2012

dublinlife

diary

Travel fun day raises €35,000

THE inaugural Travel Trade Fun Day surpassed its fundraising target recently, when it successfully raised a massive €35,000 for Pieta House and the Irish Cancer Society.

The fun day, which took place last month in the ALSAA Sports Club in Dublin Airport, was the first of its kind in Ireland and saw over 400 people attend.

The Travel Trade Fun Day committee includes

Blue Insurances, Etihad Airways, Travelport, Royal Caribbean, Sunway and United Airlines, who presented the charities with a cheque on Thursday, October 11. Each charity received €17,500.

Commenting on the event, the Travel Trade Fun Day committee said: “We would like to thank everyone in the travel trade who supported us in hosting this inaugural event. We are very grateful for all of the donations

Advertise with the G a z e tt e c a l l 6 0 1 0 2 4 0

received, big and small, and we hope the funds raised go a long way in helping both of these worthwhile charities.”

Sports classes kick off for little champs AWARD-winning ClapHandies, which runs play and developmental classes for babies and toddlers, has joined forces with exercise experts Fit For Life to provide an exciting sport and fitness experi-

Local

Matters

ence for children aged three to eight in venues across the city.

PlayFit classes are designed to develop the crucial basic movement skills, building the key elements of physical fitness endurance, strength and flexibility.

The earlier these skills are learned, the more likely children are to develop an active lifestyle and love of sport.

Mark Sweeny of Fit for Life says: “If a child does not learn how to run, jump and kick a ball adequately

The two cheques of €17,500 each were presented to Pieta House and the Irish Cancer Society after a fund-raising day organised by the travel trade

at an early age, their skill levels soon fail to match those of their peers, and they increasingly participate in sports and physical activity less.”

Play-Fit classes will start in October in a number of locations across Dublin before being rolled out to 10 new venues in January

2013. For further information, see www.playfit.ie.

Dublin taxi drivers voted fifth friendliest in the world HAILING a taxi this week could put more of a smile on your face than usual after the Diary found out that Dublin taxis have been ranked fifth in the world for their friendliness.

The question of our Irish taxi drivers, “Are you bus y tonight?” clearly enhances the Irish charm, with Dublin drivers receiving 5% of the overall vote, in a survey compiled by Hotels. com.

London topped the poll for the fifth consecutive year as the best cabs in the world, with Dublin sitting in 13th place, while New York were named as being the most available.

Hugh Cregan, director of Transport Investment and Taxi Regulation, commented: “It’s great to see that Dublin’s taxi drivers continue to make such a good impression on visitors to our country and I congratulate them on that.

“The taxi industr y nationwide is a vital part of our public-transport network, and good customer service benefits everyone.”

25 October 2012 Gazette 13

Gazette

14 Gazette 25 October 2012

dublinlife

schoolLife

Get involved with the Gazette As part of the relaunch of the Dublin Gazette Newspapers, we are reaching out to all the schools in our catchment areas to become a closer part of our community than ever before.

Schools are the beating hearts of communities – one of the last places around which a community can gather. We are calling on budding writers and photographers from all of our schools to help fill the pages.

In order to encourage the next generation of journalists and snappers to get involved, we are partnering with Harvey Norman to present the Dublin Gazette Newspapers Cub Reporter and Cub Photographer of the Year awards.

For further details, contact me, Rob Heigh, news editor at rheigh@gazettegroup.com, or telephone me at 01 601 0240.

opinion: new junior cycle approach is to be welcomed

A refreshing change of direction  mary slator

Colaiste Bride, Presentation School, Clondalkin

AS A student who has just recently completed my Junior Cycle of postprimary school, and who was also one of the thousands of students to be the last to take the Junior Cert exams, I, myself, was deeply interested in the fate of the next Junior Cycle nationwide.

R ua iri Quinn, the Minister for Education, believes that if the whole

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

‘This new programme offers teachers and students alike a flexible approach to learning and teaching’

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

programme was changed, there would be a lessened likelihood of pressurised students dropping out of school at such a young age, because of the stress that comes with the exams.

Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn examining a project at the annual BT Young Scientist competition. There are hopes that the revised Junior Cycle at schools will see an improvement in academic results nationwide

The majority of settings that provided the JCSP are secondary schools, but it is also available in numerous other facilities,

such as special schools, children detention schools, Traveller training centres, and also Youth Encounter Projects.

I believe that Ruairi Quinn is worried, due to the fact that, countrywide, literacy levels have declined dramatically.

This new programme offers teachers and students alike a flexible approach to learning and teaching, instead of a traditional, subject-based curriculum to follow.

I’ve been told that the majority of the work to be done for the new programme is quite a lot of hands-on and group work. This, personally, sounds like a refreshing development in Irish education.

The two major purposes of this programme statement are: to outline the nature and content of the JCSP, and to present examples of good practice changing for the JCSP. This new programme is completely different from the previous Junior Cert programme, as a certain percentage of your overall grade can be achieved through regular class tests, unlike just having exams at the end of three years in your junior cycle.

As the quality of education and levels of basic literacy has faltered, there is only hope that the Minister for Education’s new techniques will turn the whole thing around and bring a brighter, more intelligent Ireland.

25 October 2012 Gazette 15

Gazette

schools talks: local issues

schoolLife

Students praise DLR Comhairle  charlotte kennedy St Raphaela’s Secondary School, Stillorgan

S T R A P H A E L A’ S Secondary School in Stillorgan, along with other local schools, has taken part in Comhairle na nOg in [the] Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown [region].

The Comhairle, which can have up to two representatives per school or youth club, is a place

where discussions and solutions to problems are made for young people, by young people.

This year, the focus of the Comhairle is on the Lost Years – the years between childhood and being an adult (basically, us moody teenagers).

Many things are being discussed in this topic, for instance, voting at 16, and the fact that there are no student fares on public transport.

Fingal fifth years get a lot out of great Siemens talk

 erica o’sullivan Fifth Year, Fingal Community College

Examining the Comhairle na nOg report

A simpler way to explain the Comhairle is by its slogan: Young Voices, Local Issues.

Charlotte Kennedy, a furth year student at St Raphaela’s, said: “I had

never heard of the Comhairle before, but it was something I was immediately drawn to, as I love to argue and wanted to make my voice heard.

“T he DLR Com-

hairle is a great place to make a change for young people. I have loved my experience so far, and can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings.”

SIEMENS Diagnostics came to Fingal Community College last week and students in Fifth Year LCVP were treated to a talk by Michael Farrell, of Siemens, as part of [the] Enterprise Education [initiative].

He engaged the fifth years in a very interesting talk on the production of highquality and accurate products for the medical industry.

The students were especially impressed by a short film that brought the manufacturing process to life.

All members of LCVP gained an insight into enterprise in the Swords area, learning that Siemens employs 300 people in the town.

Opportunity The fifth years were delighted with the opportunity to learn more about this local industry, and look forward to working with Siemens later in the year.

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 25 October 2012

DUBLINLIFE

Q&A

BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Financial Planning – Part 3 Continued from last week

THE following is a checklist to help decide what you want from your financial planning. What should your financial objectives be? Here are some options:

TOM NAUGHTON, PW THERMAL BUILDING SOLUTIONS

Insulating against the impact of recession TOM Naughton is the general manager at Pw Thermal Building Solutions Ltd, which provide thermal solutions for the energy retrofit market, specialising in powerwall external insulation systems for homes and businesses nationwide.

He studied construction management at GMIT in Galway, and spent the first seven years of his career working in both the residential and commercial construction sector in

both Britain and Ireland Tom joined Pw Thermal Building Solutions Ltd in 2009, having made the internal move from its parent company, The Sherling Group, based in Inchicore, and became general manager in January 2011.

For further information, find them on Facebook at Powerwall External Insulation, email info@pwthermalsolutions.com, or see pwthermalsolutions.com.

How long have you been in business?

We formed our company in early 2009

taken hold when we started our company, we never got too big for our boots and are constantly trying new angles and avenues in search of new business.

What makes your business successful?

I believe the success of our company can be directly attributed to the people working within our company.

They’re hard-working, innovative and hands-on dedicated staff with one common goal: a successful company with satisfied customers!

What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors?

Some of our competitors are part of large multinational companies, supplying products and services all over Europe. We are a much smaller homegrown company, dealing with people on the ground locally and in a manner that is much easier for them to understand.

Our customers find us much more approachable because of this.

How has the recession impacted your business?

We, like everyone else have taken a serious blow as a result of the economic downturn. Sales are down, confidence is down but we are still here, fighting.

What have you changed about your business to combat the effects of the recession?

We are constantly changing and evolving as a result of the recession, but because the recession had already

What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business?

There is a lot of talk at the moment about the residential property tax, which is going to be introduced at some stage in the near future.

Our products and systems are aimed at making homes and businesses more energy-efficient, so I would like to see homes and businesses that are more energy-efficient paying less tax. This would provide an incentive to carry out this type of work, and would create more business and employment, benefiting all involved.

How do you use social media (Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn, etc) to help your business?

We have a Facebook-like page which we use to keep people up to date with our special offers, as well as changes within the industry.

We also upload project photos and details to show people what can be achieved with our products.

What is your ambition for the business?

To survive the current economic turmoil first and foremost, but to also see our company grow into a successful, proud business with satisfied clients.

• Having an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses.

• Paying off any personal loans, credit-card debt, overdrafts, store cards, hire purchase, leases or other debts.

• Building up short-term savings.

• Protecting your most valuable asset – your income – in case you are unable to earn money for any reason.

• Protecting yourself (and, if relevant, your partner) with life cover.

• Starting a pension plan.

• Buying a home.

• Saving for major purchases.

• Planning for education fees.

• Building up your personal investments.

To this, I suppose we could add planning for longterm care. Bear in mind the following principles when deciding what your financial priorities should be: 1. For most people, their greatest asset is their income.

Under the circumstances, you don’t want to risk it, and you don’t want to waste it. There are all sorts of inexpensive insurance policies designed to protect your income.

2. Personal debt, by which I mean everything from store cards to mortgages, will be the biggest drain on your income. If you’ve borrowed money, then you should make it a priority to repay your loans as quickly as possible.

3. It’s vital to have a safety net or emergency fund to deal with those trials and extra expenses that life often throws our way. Also, you want to make as big a return as possible from your investments.

4. If you’ve got a good, secure income, it doesn’t actually matter what other assets you possess. Emotionally, it’s nice to have the security of owning your own home.

But an investment that is just as good and maybe better is a really decent pension plan.

5. Know thyself. There’s no point in setting financial objectives that you’re going to find impossible to attain.

Your financial objectives may involve modest changes to your behaviour, but they shouldn’t require a complete change in your personality.  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

SEARCH: BEST MANAGED COMPANIES COMPETITION

Dublin businesses go on to top Deloitte contest

 NATALIE BURKE

EIGHTEEN Dublinbased companies have been shortlisted to be among Ireland’s Best Managed Companies, according to a recent announcement by Deloitte, the business advisory firm.

Now in its fifth year, the Best Managed Companies Awards recognise Irish companies across the country that are operating at the highest levels of business performance.

Local companies through to the second phase of the competition include Dublin 15 companies, Blue Insurances Limited, NPP Group Limited, and Java Republic Roasting Company, the Now Factory in Sandy-

ford, and Noonan, located in Swords.

For the next stage of the competition, the shortlisted companies will demonstrate to a judging panel how their organisations are meeting their strategic objectives and adding value to their business.

The companies will work closely with coaches from Deloitte and Irish Life Corporate Business and will receive customised feedback, benefiting from the business advice and expertise.

Kevin Sheehan, a partner at Deloitte, said it is “extremely positive” that the competition has such strong contenders this year.

He said: “Feedback we have received from previous winners is that they

Judging panel members David Harney, chief executive, Irish Life Corporate Business; Siobhan McAleer, head of strategic partnerships, Irish Management Institute and Kevin Sheehan, partner, Deloitte

have found this process to be extremely beneficial and practical in relation to their company’s future strategy and it is a considerable benefit of participating in the programme.”

The awards are open to companies from all 32 counties of the island of Ireland.

It is the only awards programme that consid-

ers a business performance from every perspective, not just financial.

The companies that have been awarded the Deloitte Best Managed Company accolade, to date, have total revenues of more than €10 billion, and employ more than 24,000 people.

The winners of this year’s awards will be announced next March.

25 October 2012 Gazette 17

MOTORS P22

asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P24

OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week



Gazette

MUSIC P19

Pets dog’s trust dog of the week

Witching hour can be a lot of fun for all ages

halloween: enjoy ghoulish action with spooky tours, parades and crafts

City fun will be a scream  LAURA WEBB

GETTING spooky this Halloween?

Are you attending one of the attractions around the city this All Hollow’s Eve? Out & About has trawled through the pumpkins and cobwebs to find out what’s on this Halloween mid-term.

From ghostly tours to spooky arts and craft classes, from a horror farm to parades of ghouls, Dublin and its surroundings have every scare covered.

Samhain 2012 is taking place at Marlay Park on Sunday, October 28. Each year, families flock to the park where, for one night only, it comes alive with freaky fog, ghastly spiders, skeletons, creepy pumpkins, chilling witches and demons. Residents are invited to walk in the Haunted Forest in their scariest cos-

tumes. This is a free event for those with wristbands which will be distributed on Saturday, October 27, at CoCo Market in Marlay Park from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday, October 28, from 10am until 3pm behind Marlay House. The Samhain 2012 sessions will take place that Sunday, October 28, at 3.30pm, 4.30pm, 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm. Check out www.dlrevents.ie.

Hidden Dublin Walks presents the Halloween Northside Ghost Walk every Friday and Saturday until November 1 from 8pm to 10pm. According to the organisers, Dublin is one of the most haunted cities in the world and these walks take visitors through one of the oldest parts of Dublin once know as Oxmanstown.

Participants will have the chance to see

sites such as Saint Mary’s Abbey, one of the most powerful monastic settlements in Ireland in medieval times, now just a small ruin down an alleyway, and hear the story of Lord Norbury, the infamous and sadistic hanging judge who presided over the trial of Robert Emmet. Hated in life, in death he returns to continue his reign of terror, so the story goes.

You will also hear tell of the mummies of Saint Michan’s Church, surely the most macabre tourist attraction in Ireland, and a major inspiration to the young Bram Stoker, native of Clontarf and author of Dracula. Tickets cost €13.

Check out www.hiddenwalks.com.

Threshold, the national housing charity, is hosting a Wacky Witches and Wizards Walk on Sunday, October 28, in Tibradden, South County Dublin. Start-

ing at 5pm, this three-hour walk is suitable for adults and children.

Everyone is being asked to dress up and there will be prizes for the most whimsical wizard and wackiest witch among others. Registration is €50 for one adult and up to three children.

Check out www.threshold.ie South Dublin County Council is celebrating Halloween on Wednesday, October 31 with a fun-filled spectacle for families in a safe environment.

Over 200 young people from Tallaght and Clondalkin will create artistic pieces in arts and performance workshops to display on Halloween night from 5pm to 7pm. There will be a parade in Tallaght and a pageant in north Clondalkin with music, dance and games at both events.

Continued on Page 23

Dublin Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dog’s Trust, Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity, to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs.

This week’s dog is Herbie, a 12-year-old crossbreed. This distinguished older gentleman adores his creature comforts and at this ripe age would love a home with a nice big soft bed to put his paws up and relax in.

This independent little man is quite happy to potter around doing his own thing or in the company of other doggies and big kids.

If you think you can give Herbie a loving home for his twilight years then contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000.

More information about their work can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie All dogs that are adopted from Dogs Trust are vet-checked, vaccinated, neutered and micro-chipped before being rehomed.

Gazette

18 Gazette 25 October 2012

OUT&ABOUT

MUSIC

FASTtunes

New night in Tallaght proves hotbed of fresh local talent Two new acts, Lora & Amy and Cash Is King, will be appearing at Brady’s Pub in Terenure next Friday, October 26 as the first showcase of new acts managed by Keith McLoughlin.

Lora & Amy are a songwriting duo from Balbriggan and veterans of the Ballyfermot Rocks festival, while Cash Is King are a four-piece with members from Dublin, Wicklow and Kilkenny.

McLoughlin is involved with community radio and promoting unsigned artists, and this event is an official launch night at the home of The Brady’s Sessions, which is a monthly singer/ songwriter night.

Allo Darlin’ - guitarist Paul Rains, drummer Michael Collins, bassist Bill Botting and singer Elizabeth Morris

MUSIC REVIEW: pop perfection from london-based four-piece

Allo, allo, allo...

AN INVESTIGATION of the current state of the musical firmament would tend to point t ow a r d a c o m p l e t e dearth of new ideas and fresh talent. Some would say we’ve heard it all before. Anyone who has listened to the Jake Bugg album would certainly agree.

T i m e s l i ke t h e s e require ear bleach and a sense of perspective... and then, you hear a band who take all the elements that you love from all the bands you adore, and you really don’t mind a bit of nostalgia-tinged tunesmithery.

Allo Darlin’, a fourpiece based in London, released their second

 ROB HEIGH rheigh@gazettegroup.com

album proper, Europe, earlier this year and, damn, if I’m not annoyed I didn’t know about it before, because it would have been the soundtrack to the summer.

Led by former Tender Trap member, Elizabeth Morris, the band have released a number of top-notch EPs - including the brilliantly titled Henry Rollins Don’t Dance - and their eponomously titled debut

album in 2010, which was singled out as a record of the year by several cognoscenti of the scene.

Written around Morris’ ukelele and guitar, the record holds your attention utterly from start to finish, the combination of the classic tropes of jangle pop with lashings of ginger-beer flavoured slide guitar lines and string sections on the side create something that simultaneously transports you back to a more innocent and shinier time while being completely contemporary and excellent.

Taking the shimmering girl guitar pop of the likes of BMX Bandits, the album contains 10

perfectly crafted songs that are infused with a lyrical wit and mastery of harmony and melody.

Imagine if you will the best moments of the likes of The Magnetic Fields, Sufjan Stephens, The Vaselines, The Pipettes and Teenage Fanclub and you are someway close to what Allo Darlin’ are capable of, but even those comparisons are faint praise.

The songs, from bubbly and wry opener Neil Armstrong to bittersweet closer My Sweet Friend, are uniformly straightfor ward and emotionally genuine, while underpinned by the band’s clearly innate understanding of how to craft a pop classic.

You’re held enraptured listening to where Morris is going to take you next with her words, which are never anything less than beguiling. Going all Louis Walsh for a moment, she reminds me of a young Billy Bragg, when he wrote songs like New England, full of charm and hope and love and disappointment and everything else that great pop music needs to understand as essential.

There’s nothing revolutionary here, except four individuals creating a record that everyone with a pulse and a love of good music ought to hear. Which, in this pop day and age, is pretty revolutionary.

25 October 2012 Gazette 19

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 25 October 2012

R1

OUT&ABOUT

STYLE

Marks & Spencer from €15

Accessorize €5.50

BEAUTY news

Spooky Halloween Makeup Tutorial

! s e m u t s o C C r e e py

e for n is a fun tim ee w lo al H s, d to little ki from Tesco From big kids witch’s outf it y k o o sp is th like €10 dressing up star ting from

 LAURA WEBB

Marks & Spencer from €13

Seeing that it’s the season of dressing up, Gazette Style is dedicating this week’s section to all things spooky. Make-up Forever is sharing one of their best looks - The Ventriloquist Doll, which is easy to re-create and is suitable for adults and children.

Marks & Spencer from €15

HERE IS A STEP BY STEP GUIDE: Step One: Complexion Use pale foundation in Mat Velvet No.15 to whiten the face creating the base for the Zombie look. Seal your foundation with a white powder in Velvet Finish No.21.

Accessorize €6 Tesco from €10 Accessorize €5.50

Step Two: Eyes Use eyeliner in Aqua Black Liner to create shape and widen the eyes for a doll-like effect. Build up your eyeshadow colour into solid blocks to create the false doll look using colours in White Matte in No.00, Pink Matte in No.75, Purple Matte in No.92 and Black Matte in No.40. Recreate the lower lash line using your eyeliner about 1-2 cm lower than your natural bottom lash line and then fill in with white eyeshadow in No.00. Finally add faux lashes to the upper and lower lashes along the false eyeliner line, the more exaggerated the lashes the better the doll effect. Faux Top Lashes: No.110 Bottom Faux Lashes: No.150.

Step 3: Eyebrows Draw in the eyebrows with the same product and extend out the end of the eyebrow using Aqua Black for a very false look.

Accessorize €15 Accessorize €12.50

Marks & Spencer from €13 Accessorize €5.50

Accessorize €6

Step 4: Cheeks Use a pink or red blush in circular motions to apply the colour in Pink Matte in No.75. Add Strass Diamonds to create a speckled diamante finish in Pink Diamonds No.18, Red Diamonds No.19, Black Diamonds No.23 using Due Glue.

Step 5: Chin Using your eyeliner, lightly mark the corner of your mouth down to your chin then once it is straight, take the eyeliner and draw a line down. This creates the effect of the doll’s mouth enabling it to move up and down. Add depth to the false chin look using Sculpting Kit in No.3.

Step 6: Lips Apply lipstick as normal using N31 Bright Pink Lipstick, use a darker lipliner to outline the lips in 12C Aqua Lip liner and finish with Diamond Powder No.09 on top for added effect and sparkle.

Marks & Spencer €3.25

All make up is available at Make-Up Forever, 38 Clarendon St, Dublin, 01 6799043.

25 October 2012 Gazette 21

Gazette

GAMING BYTES&PIECES

A dashing design

XBox 360 interface gets a subtle revamp

In the rapidly deteriorating battle for earth, this team of pumped-up super-soldiers are potentially just a few moves away from mission failure – and being turned into a pile of ashes – in the challenging multi-platform title, XCOM: Enemy Unknown

XCOM Enemy Unknown: strategy classic’s excellent update

Challenging, but a blast  shane dillon

GAMERS and techheads have a busy couple of months ahead, as the predictable deluge of end-of-year goodies has begun.

Indeed, there are some terrific gaming titles due out in the very near future, as the crucial Christmas wars start between all manner of steely-eyed games developers, with a Darwinian battle of survival ahead between several triple-A titles.

It’s hard to think of a harsher battle for survival than the one found in the wonderful multi-platform title, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, which was released very recently.

 shane dillon sdillon@gazettegroup.com

It’s a reboot of a fondlyremembered (and deeply challenging) old strategy game from 1994. Here, aliens have started invading, with Earth belatedly waking up to the everincreasing threat of distinctly hostile foes.

So, it’s time for a secret organisation to organise a crack team of elite soldiers with state-of-the-art secret weapons at a revolutionary base ...

Only to watch them

BYTES&PIECES a starkly stylish work of beauty flies onto psn

die swiftly, and messily, at a variety of locations around the world, as this is a strategy title that demands brains a lot more than brawn.

One wrong move; one step too far; one foolish oversight of a seemingly harmless alien out on the battlefield – which ranges from train stations to garage forecourts – can instantly turn the tide of battle, seeing not just one soldier, but your entire squad swiftly wiped out.

Horribly.

Assuming they survive the mission to hand, your soldiers can level up, gaining new abilities and increasing importance – all of which will make you curse your bad luck, and

miss their specialist skills, if they come a cropper a few missions later ...

Wonderfully detailed presentation, and lots of gameplay flourishes (ranging from base expansion to research), add to the wide-ranging depth and fun of the title.

The main gameplay is also pretty interesting, as you and the aliens take turns to position and attack with troops.

Repeat such moves, until someone – or something – has won the mission, with great rewards to be claimed by the humans, or bitter regret if things don’t go so well. And if you mess up, entire countries begin to

SONY have a very creative title available now via PSN, in the stylish form of The Unfinished Swan. Developed

by Giant Sparrow, this visually striking title is something of a melancholy treat. Starting with a blank canvas, the world is revealed by liberally splashing black paint around, with the paint’s splatters and tracks giving form and depth. More colours, and gameplay mechanics, eventually come into play through its brief life. As its name suggests, although it’s stark and not very long, this is a beautiful title indeed.

go dark ...

As someone who’s routinely saved the world before breakfast, I have to say that XCOM isn’t remotely an easy prospect, which is great, as this is a strategy game, after all – immersive, engaging and explosive in equal amounts, but still something where planning, and thinking five steps ahead, is key.

While there are certainly bigger titles coming out in the next couple of weeks, and months, XCOM deserves to be a hit. It’s definitely challenging and unforgiving, but that only adds to its appeal, making the outof-this-world title a true star on the retail shelves.

MANY people may have already noticed that their 360’s dashboard looks a little different – that’s because an update is rolling out to millions of consoles around the world as I type, with all consoles expected to be upgraded to the new format within a two-week period or so.

The new dash has a number of interesting features, such as its Internet Explorer functionality, the new XBox Music service (with a monthly fee), a merging and reorganisation of tabs, and so on – all within the nowfamiliar Metro tiled format. Perhaps most interestingly, you can now pin favourite content to the dash, to allow quicker access to favourite games, sites, and so on.

There are plenty of changes that you can all Google to your heart’s content – or simply wait for your console to update itself, if it hasn’t already – with the move a welcome one for the console and entertainment hub.

digging the new stuff

Game-changing update finally hits Minecraft STICKING with the 360, and presenting about my 1,278th nod at Minecraft, if you’re one of the literally millions of people who’ve been burning up the internet with impatient questions about when the long-awaited Update 1.8.2 (AKA the Adventure update, mate) would arrive – relax.

It’s here, and deserves the hype. Apart from offering lots of new content, its most keenly-awaited feature is the new Creative mode, placing flight – and infinite blocks – at your blocky fingertips. There’s never been a better time to start building a giant gold statue of yourself, methinks ...

22 GAZETTE 25 October 2012

GAZETTE

& OUT ABOUT road

MOTORS

NOISE

Rob Kearney with the Audi A6 Avant S Line

Try out the 2013 Audi collection AUDI brand ambassador and rugby star Rob Kearney launched the Audi Future Now Sales event recently. Rob was on hand to launch the event as he received the keys to his stylish new Audi A6 Avant S Line.

The Audi Future Now Sales event is effective until December 31st, and offers both existing and prospective customers the opportunity to enjoy the very latest award-winning 2013 Audi collection with significant savings of up to €8,344.

Customers can now choose from a range of unique offers available on selected models across the range.

From the Audi A1 right up to the exclusive A8, features such as xenon lights, automatic transmission and quattro four-wheel drive will now be available at unbeatable prices to those who place their order before the end of December.

The Audi North Dublin event took place on October 20 and 21 where existing and potential Audi customers got the opportunity to experience the Future Now Audi range while families, adults and kids alike, were treated to a few hours of fun.

A cooking demonstration was provided by Bon Appétit Dublin, where guests sampled the very best from Oliver Dunne’s award-winning Michelin Star Kitchen. Other events are being hosted around the country in Kilkenny, Galway and Offaly.

Anyone that takes part in the Future Now test drive at these events will be in with a chance to win an Audi Sportscar Experience where customers will have the opportunity to experience the thrills of one of the world’s most exciting cars, the Audi R8 V10 Coupe, World Performance Car of the Year 2010.

Customers wishing to experience Future Now and test drive the 2013 Audi collection can do so at their local Audi dealer. For information on a Future Now event in your area, visit www. audi.ie/futurenow

The Volkswagen Cross Polo in a shade of Magma Orange which makes it hard to ignore

VOLKSWAGEN: NEW BEEFED-UP CROSS POLO IS A REVELATION

Turning a ‘nice’ car into a mean machine

 CORMAC CURTIS

I DON’T know who came up with the idea of bringing out a beefed-up version of the Volkswagen Cross Polo - but whoever it was, they should be given a corner office and made vice-president in charge of coolness.

Seriously.

W h o wo u l d h ave guessed that VW could take a car as downright ordinary as the Polo and make it so cool?

To be fair, I’m pretty sure that the target audience probably don’t even use the word cool , and if they do they most likely spell it k-e-w-l or some such nonsense.

B u t t h a t d o e s n ’t change the fact that the car has been given a huge new lease of life with

its latest incarnation. I spent a week with the Cross Polo recently and really had a blast.

To be honest, an eyegrabbing motor like this always gives me a kick, but sometimes the highprofile can work against you a bit.

L a t e o n e S u n d ay evening, I needed to get home quickly from the office, which involved some pretty erratic driving from yours truly.

There may have been a few red lights broken, there is a chance I lost my patience with some other drivers, and it is quite possible that I may have even disregarded a speed limit or two.

Despite my questionable driving that particular evening, I remain convinced that the gardai

who pulled me over only noticed me because I was driving the most orange car of all time.

Yes, orange.

VW refers to it as Magma Orange, and it’s so bright it doesn’t even need the metallic treatment.

Did Xzibit bring this car to his paint shop for a little pimpin’? It wouldn’t surprise me if he did.

Styling Colour is one thing, but the styling of this car is absolutely spot one.

Take a Polo, stretch it, pull it, and pump it up until it starts to bulge.

Next, grab some very nifty alloys and give the body a few hunks of matt-finished dark grey plastic panels for a proper urban look and,

finally, give the interior some nice touches so the outside look is also carried inside.

Not forgetting the silver anodised roof rails – there’s nothing I like more than when form and function are brought together with such a stylish approach.

It all sounds so simple, but it’s amazing how many car manufacturers make a right pig’s ear of a model upgrade.

The Cross Polo is also very well powered by a nicely tuned 70hp 1.2l diesel engine that’s matched to a solid 5-speed transmission.

For the size of the car, 70hp might sound a little on the light side, but I found it to be a nice little mover, albeit not laden down with any extra

weight like the family or luggage. Like any car that stands out from the crowd, you do pay extra for the privilege.

In this case, it’s a little over €17,000 but for the money, you do get plenty of kit, including: 17” Budapest alloys, climatic manual air conditioning, electric windows front and rear, ABS with brake assistant, ASR, EDL and EDTC, front fog lights sports front seats, silver anodised roof rails, bumpers in unique ‘cross’ design, silverpainted external mirrors, the ground clearance is increased by 15mm and it has hill-hold control.

Volkswagen should be proud of this latest entry to the Polo family, and I hope we see plenty of them on the road.

25 October 2012 CASTLEKNOCK gazette 23

Gazette

activities halloween: devilish plans are afoot for spine-tingling entertainment for all

Share the scares with lots of ghoulish and ghostly fun THERE is no excuse for anyone to be at home this Halloween thanks to the many events that are on offer.

If your kids enjoy art, why not make some spooky arts and crafts with Imelda at Clondalkin Library on Tuesday, October 30, at 3pm? This is suitable for children aged eight to 12 and booking is essential. Contact Clondalkin Library at 01 459 3315.

Most libraries have events happening throughout the Halloween mid-term to keep the kids happy, or to show them that making a costume themselves can be 10 times more fun than buying a readymade one in stores. So why not go into your nearest library to find out what’s on this Halloween?

Elsewhere, the GAA Museum is being transformed into a spooky den,

with witches, ghouls and wizards there to welcome visitors. Activities include the Trick or Treat Trail, Terrifying Treats, Halloween Crafts, a Halloween Costume Competition and more. Visit www. crokepark.ie for further information.

Even the animals at Dublin Zoo are getting involved this Halloween, but let’s hope all the visitors’ costumes don’t scare them too much.

As part of the celebrations, the team at the zoo have organised the annual Boo at the Zoo which takes place this year on Sunday, October 28, and Wednesday, October 31, from 12 noon to 3pm on both days.

Visitors will enjoy festive face painting, scary arts and crafts as well as spooky Halloween keeper talks. A monster disco will also take place on the lawn for young visitors to

Don’t look now: Drive In Movies at Halloween Horror Nights at Tattersalls Country House, in

Youngsters having fun at last year’s

Co Meath, may leave you feeling a wee bit uneasy in your car

Samhain event in Marlay Park, Dublin

enjoy.

Meanwhile, the Haunted Spooktacular Horror Farm located deep in the Meath countryside is said to be Ireland’s biggest scare attraction and definitely worth the trek.

This is the seventh year of an event that leaves people screaming with fright. With a devilish

plan to create 10 acres of fear, the scream team plan to push the boundaries this year even more with scenarios to produce new frights and claustrophobia. State-of-the-art special effects will also help to create an extreme scream experience. It combines live actors, special effects sounds

that help to create a fourdimensional attack on the senses. This will take place from Friday, October 26, to Wednesday, October 31, starting at 6.30pm and finishing at 10pm. Prebooking is essential and it’s priced at €25. Check out www.hiddendublinwalks.com.

Finally, park your fear

at the door as Tattersalls Ireland presents Drive In Movies at Halloween Horror Nights featuring a haunted village with live actors, Halloween props, graveyards, spooky characters, and a spine-chilling selection of classic horror movies at Tattersalls Country House, Ratoath, Co Meath.

Enjoy a selection of Hollywood’s iconic horror movies while sitting in the comfort of your own car. Park in the best seats of the house for €20 per car, with two screenings per night to choose from.

Tickets are available from the Tattersalls House on 01 886 4300, or visit www. tattersalls.ie/house.

Gazette

24 CASTLEKNOCK gazette 25 October 2012

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL

A bold and interesting menu at the Courtyard  paul hosford

GETTING away from the hustle of Dublin can seem a lengthy enterprise. Planning, driving and organising for a night away isn’t exactly the most appealing to those with busy lifestyles.

Luckily for me, the surrounds of Co Kildare are just on my doorstep and, 10 minutes drive from Clonsilla is the Courtyard Hotel in Leixlip.

Conveniently located in the heart of Leixlip, the Courtyard is a beautifully laid-out hotel which features, unsurprisingly, a large courtyard which is used as an outdoor bar and, as was the case when we visited, is absolutely perfect for a warm day with friends.

Sitting on the River Liffey, the area around the hotel is a great place to take a short walk.

Hotel restaurants can often seem to go one of two ways. Either they play it safe, accept their lot as a convenient eatery for the weary traveller, or they try to be bolder and do something new and genuinely attempt to do excellent food.

Luckily for me, the RiverBank restaurant in the Courtyard falls firmly into the latter category. My rabbit and ham hock terrine starter set the tone for a beautiful meal, while my girlfriend’s duck spring rolls left me wishing I could have had more than one starter.

For mains, I opted for a herb-crusted cod with bacon and tomato salsa which was fresh and full of flavour, while the girlfriend went for a chickpea masala that was a revelation for a carnivore such as myself.

Dessert consisted of a pavlova for the lady and sticky toffee pudding for myself, both of which perfectly rounded off an excellent meal and an ever better short break.

kinnitty castle: offaly hotel and restaurant is taste of excellence

Step back in time to luxurious grandeur  Hiromi mooney news@gazettegroup.com

IF you’re thinking about organising a weekend staycation, why not travel to the midlands and enjoy some of the countryside the Emerald Isle has to offer?

One such place to stay is Kinnitty Castle in the quaint town of Kinnitty, just outside Birr in Co Offaly. The castle has a deep history which dates back to 1209, so not only do you have a chance to relax here, but it is a chance to

get away from the busy real world and feel as if you’re travelling back in time.

Plus, it’s nestled at the foothills of the picturesque Slieve Bloom Mountains, so you can enjoy some breathtaking scenery along the way.

Kinnitty Castle is a completely different experience from the modern hotels that we are more used to these days. From the moment my partner and I drove up the long driveway through the forest to

A beautiful seated area in Kinnitty Castle

the hotel entrance, we felt like we had travelled through to a different era.

This feeling continued as we stepped inside the front door and were welcomed by stone steps which were lined with candles and two knights in shining armour. The walls were decorated with stuffed deer heads, large paintings and mirrors.

The hotel houses 37 distinctively styled bedrooms, so your stay will be a unique experience each time. My partner

One of the distinctive bedrooms at Kinnitty Castle

and I stayed in the lavish Hutchinson Suite, which was an extremely large room that overlooked the entire front lawn.

We were told that Kinnitty Castle is a popular wedding destination, and it is rightly so. There was a wedding planned for the next night, so we had a quick peek at the banquet hall which was set up beautifully.

It was quite a romantic setting for the bride and groom’s special day.

It also seemed like a perfect venue to celebrate any other impor tant occasion like a birthday or communion.

We enjoyed a nice m e a l i n t h e d r awing room, and as the evening progressed and it grew darker outside, the candles glowed more brightly and gave the room a completely different atmosphere.

We later went to the bar in the old dungeons where there was some traditional Irish music playing.

Countryside

After a good night’s rest, we were up bright and early to avail of two of the activities available on site. We first went pony trekking around the grounds, which gave us a chance to explore the area and enjoy the fresh countryside air.

We later tried clay pigeon shooting, which I discovered is not for the faint-hearted like myself. But my other half literally had a blast, shooting most of the clay pigeons that were fired out.

If you’re the adventurous type, you should definitely take a shot, quite literally, and experience it for yourself.

But if you are prone to

25 October 2012 castleknock gazette 25

Gazette

Travel fast

TRAVEL

Five-star city style at a friendly price

THE Dylan hotel, one of Dublin’s leading five-star boutique hotels, is offering guests the perfect opportunity to spoil themselves as the winter temperatures begin to set in.

The sophisticated urban retreat just 15 minutes’ walk from the heart of Dublin’s shopping street, Grafton St, is located on Eastmoreland Place off Upper Baggot Street and is set in an original Victorian building housing 44 bedrooms. A new package from the stylish hotel includes overnight accommodation, complimentary full Irish breakfast, complimentary valet parking and free wi-fi, with rooms available from €179 per night.

With two Experience Suites, three Experience rooms and one Signature suite, guests are offered a unique experience, with each room individually designed in warm, autumnal colours. Bedroom accessories include Belleek pottery, REN products and a Bose sound dock with an iPod. For more information or to book an overnight city break, visit www.dylan.ie.

be easily startled like me, you are better off just watching from a safe distance – it’s just as enjoyable!

There is plenty to do nearby as well, like walking or cycling through the nearby mountains.

But if you’re looking to learn about some of the local heritage, Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre should be your next stop to visit.

It’s only a 20 minute drive from the hotel and it’s easy enough to find. The centre was recently refurbished, and the displays were very impressive. Our tour began with a video in the auditorium which explained the history of Tullamore Dew whiskey and the story of Daniel E Williams.

From here, we were given a guided walk through the process of making whiskey – from

harvesting the crops to the distilling process to when it’s finally made and bottled.

In short, a weekend break in the midlands is a chance to unwind and enjoy the fresh air and countryside activities.

For more information about Kinnitty Castle and nearby activities, v i s i t w w w. k i n n i t t y castlehotel.com.

T he Cosy Castle Comforts package at Kinnitty Castle Hotel offers two nights’ accommodation with a full Irish breakfast each morning, dinner at Sli Dala Restaurant on the evening of your choice, followed by a complimentary night cap at the traditional library bar as well as a Cosy Comforts Hamper on arrival.

The special offer is available from just €149 per person sharing.

The majestic Kinnitty Castle at dusk

A magnificent bedroom with a four-poster bed

26 castleknock gazette 25 October 2012

castleknockCLASSIFIEDS

Bathrooms

Windows

Computers

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 10 OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK Weir Retail Centre, 40 Hills Mill Industrial Estate , Lucan Village, Co. Dublin LUCAN SHOWROOM 01 6217639

!

LORRAINE 086 8385014

You can have this ad for as little as...

...€300* for 12 weeks! *Excluding vat. Subject to pre-payment

Car Services

your local Gazette for The best low cost advertising

COMPUTER REPAIRS & SALES Virus removal, broadband + wireless setup. PC running slow, annoying pop-ups.

Call Damien 0861714713 for a quote NO CALLOUT CHARGE DVD services

DVD TRANSFERS Cinefilms,Photos and Slides transferred to DVD with Music and Titles added. Camcorder and Videotapes edited and transferred to DVD. Phone 01-2807838 Mobile 087-9132265 Email: alleventsvideo@eircom.net

House services

call us now on 01 60 10 240 www.driveshaft.ie

Dental

Call your local sales person,

Imelda Armstrong now on

01 6516239 iarmstrong @gazettegroup.com

We, Mr. & Mrs. B Malone intend to apply for planning permission for a new porch structure to the front of 3 Castleknock view, 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 in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of the receipt by the Planning Authority.

16761

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Want to Talk to your local market?

Talk to us first!

planning Notice Fingal County Council

Gutters cleaned inside and out €30. Power washing services available for Driveways, Roofs, Walls and Houses. Small Gutter and roof repairs carried out. Painting and decorating also.

Call Jim 085 8202238

JT PLUMBING

BEST PRICES IN DUBLIN!!

planning Notice Fingal County Council

We, Fran O’Gorman & Rachel O’Connor, intend to apply for permission for a development at 67Georgian Village, Castleknock, Dublin15.

The development will consist of the demolition of a boilerhouse, a single storey conservatory, a single storey bay window and a front door canopy and for the proposed construction of a single storey extension to the rear of a dwellinghouse, alterations to the existing structure including the installation of new window opes, the construction of a two storey bay window and an entrance porch to the front elevation of the dwellinghouse, the installation of external insulation to the outer façade of the existing dwellinghouse and for associated siteworks.

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 the public opening hours of 9.30am to 16.30pm Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) at : Fingal County Council, Fingal County Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Fingal, Dublin 15 (to inspect Planning Applications on all lands west of the N2).

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of a fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by Fingal County Council of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

16758

We have 135,000* readers each week *based on standard industry measurements

All areas covered. 15 years experience. Free estimates.

BRICK,BLOCK AND STONEWORK 20 years experience, living locally.

Garden walls, sheds, brick piers, patio & paving. Decorative internal brick work, Plastering, Concrete Drives and paths.

New Builds.

Insurance quotes.

Call Dave anytime 0872917647

CARPENTRY & DECOR SERVICES All aspects of carpentry and joinery. Interior. Exterior.

Doors, floors,stairs, fitted units, kitchens, decking.

Painting, papering, tiling, roof repairs, property maintenance & renovations.

Est: 1990. Member of N.G.O.M.C ww www.comiskeydecorating andcarpentry.com

Andrew Comiskey 086 2742869/ 01 8251315

OUTSIDE TAP SUPPLIED & FITTED €70 Water Tanks, Drippings Taps, Radiators, Burst pipes, Cylinders, Pumps, Outside Taps, Showers, Immersions, Bathroom Suites.

For your free estimate call now on 085 7555412 or email: mjrules44@gmail.com

TOP CLASS PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior & Exterior, Damaged Ceilings, Walls Repaired

FREE ESTIMATES Fully Insured

Call Colm 01 457 0829 087 970 0259

advertise your business to our readers call 60 10 240

25 October 2012 castleknock Gazette 27

monthly awards P28

asdfsdaf gaelic games P27 P31

dublinsport Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community



Gazette

MOTORSPORT P29

FastSport taylor named boxer of year:

Members of the Lucan Boxing Club that met the Irish ambassador to Denmark following their exploits at the HSK Cup last week

boxing: local club claims six medals from international tournament

Brabazon hails epic showing from Lucan boxing’s octet EIGHT Lucan boxing club members last week took on one of the biggest competitions in Europe, competing against 330 boxers from 11 nations at the HSK Box Cup in Denmark.

In the process, they claimed three gold and three silver medals, making for an historic couple of days for the west Dublin club with club coach Karl Brabazon proclaiming: “Sometimes the higher the standards are set, the higher we reach to achieve them.”

Team captain Mick Clarke led the way pulling off a sensational knock-out in the first round of his heavyweight

final, a right hook that left his opponent face first on the canvas. It will provide a memorable part of his highlight reel as he intends to hang up the gloves this year.

Luke Byrne produced the fight of the competition by hammering his opponents with his tight skills, regularly using guts, bravery and will to slip big heavy right crosses, brilliantly slipping six inches either way before landing power shots Conor Burke brought controlled work rate to his wins and a gold medal to boot. Brian Haskins and Petru Ursu

brought home silver in close fights that could have gone their way.

Robbie Coyle and John Joyce showed heart, courage and toughness and came into touching distance of that silver medal.

Then Adam Cross stepped up to finish off the tournament with the very last fight with a hometown favourite in opposition. As the shouts came in for the home lad from his supporters, the 10-strong Lucan team around the ring responded “ole, ole, ole, ole” to a thunderous noise that echoed and deafened any other sound in the sports hall. Cross

lost by split decision and one point.

The Lucan team were subsequently hosted by the Irish ambassador to Denmark at the Irish embassy before returning home.

Speaking about his club’s involvement in the competition, Brabazon added: “A quick rundown of these fights doesn’t do these lads justice, the skill, effort and determination put in warmed the hearts of each of us trainers.

“Each of the lads put in all that hard work and dedication; this was a big moment for Lucan sport that they pulled off.”

THE AIBA confirmed that Katie Taylor will receive the 2012 AIBA World Elite Female Boxer of the Year Award for a historic third time.

The 2012 AIBA Award Ceremony will take place in Armenia on December 7. Taylor scooped the prestigious award in 2008 and 2010.

This year, the 26-year-old claimed the Olympic, world, European and European Union lightweight titles, picking up the best boxer award in China and London.

“Katie has won the award three times now and that has never been done before. It’s a great honour and we’re absolutely delighted,” said Taylor’s coach and dad, Peter Taylor.

c o n ta c t s Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@gazettegroup.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@gazettegroup.com Phone: 01 651 6205

Gazette

28 CASTLEKNOCK gazette 25 October 2012

SPORT

DublinGazetteNewspapers 2012 dublin sports awards october nominees

A WET and wild October proved a happy hunting ground for local GAA clubs as near neighbours Kilmacud Crokes and Cuala claimed two of the biggest prizes in the county game, finally ending their respective hoodoos in the senior hurling and inter football championships, respectively, and have Leinster campaigns to look forward to. On the individual front, the local stars have very much been looking to Europe as jiu jitsu star Darragh O’Conaill claimed a European title while Kenneth Egan showed class is permanent with a fourth gold medal from four trips to Finland. John Brophy, meanwhile, is hoping that he can play his way into the Republic of Ireland amateur squad on a more regular basis as they build toward a European championship in San Marino. November has the promise of plenty of other Leinster campaigns with Castlkenock also flying the GazetteSport flag.

H STARof the MONTH

darragh o’conaill

john brophy

kenneth egan

IRELAND’S youngest Brazillian jiu jitsu brown belt continued his fantastic form by claiming two gold medals in the middleweight division – one at the London Open and the other at the Nogi European Championships, which was also held in the English capital

THE Phoenix striker’s recent form with his club and with the Leinster senior league panel was good enough to earn him a first-ever Republic of Ireland amateur call-up, a just reward for his excellent start to the season with the Scribblestown club

BEIJING silver medallist Kenneth Egan showed there is plenty of life left in his career as he swept to a gold medal at the Tammer tournament in Finland.

In a superb Irish showing, Egan was one of four gold medallists at the multi-nation event

kilmacud crokes

cuala

Round tower

THE Glenalbyn club bridged a 27-year gap to claim the Dublin senior hurling championship in excellent style. It could be the first half of a rare double as the club’s senior footballers are a step away from their third Dublin title in five years

AFTER two painful final defeats, the Dalkey club finally claimed the Dublin intermediate football championship title with a fine victory over Fingallians in Chanel College, winning out by four points off the back of a great first half showing

THE Clondalkin club made incredible strides this year at junior football level with both their AFL5 and AFL9 teams earning promotion this month.

The latter did so despite being in danger of folding the team at the turn of the 2012 season

TEAMof the MONTH H

5k event draws huge crowds to Kilbogget Park  sport@gazettegroup.com

Over 800 people took to the startline of the annual DLR Community 5k last week

THIS year’s DLR Community 5K in Kilbogget Park saw over 800 participants of all ages and fitness levels taking part. The event, once again kicked off Social Inclusion Week in the county.

A great family atmosphere was brewing before the start with a mass warm-up run by an instructor from the DLR Leisure Services that had everyone set to go when An Cathaoirleach, CllrTom Joyce (Fine Gael) sounded the starter hooter.

A constant stream of people,

from seasoned athletes to babies in prams, from 80-year-olds to teenagers, past the start line to do the 5km route at their own pace.

Everyone who made it around the picturesque Kilbogget Park to the finish line was a winner with some groups using the event to fundraise for their chosen charity.

With an entry fee of just €5 for adults (children were free) all participants received a t-shirt, medal and goodie bag as well as refreshments to keep energy levels up.

Shane McArdle, co-ordinator with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

sports partnership, commented: “Our key aim was to have an event that was open to everyone, from wheelchair users to joggers, to complete the course and have fun.

“We are delighted to have had such a huge turnout and most importantly wide range of abilities take part and enjoy the family atmosphere.”

The DLR Community 5K is organised by Dún LaoghaireRathdown sports partnership in conjunction with a number of partner agencies to provide a fun, inclusive event for everyone.

McArdle also added “a huge thank you has to go to Cabinteely FC for the use of their facilities, the Parks Department in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for their assistance, the Community Gardai and Dublin Civil Defence for their help on the day and of course the large number of volunteers who ensured that everyone was safe and had fun.

“With their help, and for the fourth year in a row the appearance of the sun, the DLR Community 5k continues to become bigger every year.”

25 October 2012 CASTLEKNOCK gazette 29

Gazette

Cruel twist of fate for D15’s Kennedy Jack Kennedy endured a traumatic end to his second season in the British Supersport championship when his bike gave way and he was denied the title seven laps from the finish CLONSILLA man Jack Kennedy is learning not to beat himself up after round 12 of the British Supersport championships, where a technical glitch forced him to retire, when he only needed a finish to claim the series title.

As soon as championship leader Glen Richards went off the track on that fateful day, a seventh place finish was all Kennedy needed to seal the championship but, on lap eight the Blanchardstow n resident’s bike gave way and the despair of the pilot was seen as he was forced to roll the Martrain Yamaha into the pits.

 peter carroll sport@gazettegroup.com

“I remember seeing my clipboard and knowing that Glen had gone off around the third lap,” said Kennedy.

“I wasn’t trying to go hell for leather, I took it easy and I was thinking about challenging for a podium, but I definitely didn’t want to get involved in any scraps at the top of the field.

“Then I just noticed the bike getting slower, the back brake seemed

to be interfering with the speed and I just knew it was finished then.

“It’s been a tough time since it happened, but I’ve to learn not to beat myself up.

“I had the championship won and it was the first mechanical failure of the year for the team. It was just very unlucky,” said the Supersport ace.

Martrain had invested faith in the young Irishman after seeing him recover from a big injury the year before, with the rider’s comeback being a win at Brand’s Hatch.

Kennedy admits that in signing him,

Jack Kennedy produced an excellent campaign only to fall short at the final hurdle

Martrain knew he was capable of some wins, but the Northern Irish team probably didn’t think that he would be in contention for the title.

“They knew I had won races, they were probably expecting a

even though it didn’t work out in my favour.

“We were the only team that challenged for a large part of the season on a bike that wasn’t running on a Triumph engine and that shows the skill and determination that was

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

‘I’m hungrier, more determined and faster than ever. I’ll be up there looking for podiums. I certainly won’t be making up the numbers’ - Jack Kennedy

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

fifth place finish in the championship, so it was great to be involved in a championship run,

present throughout the whole team.

“To perform the way they did is a big deal for a small team for Northern Ireland, and the fact that the first mechanical fault came in the last race of the year shows how good the team are,” said Kennedy.

Without the finances to re-enter the Supersport stakes for next year, Kennedy is now eyeing a ride in the main event, the British Superbikes championship, as Martrain are in talks to represent Yamaha on their R1.

“I’m hungrier, more determined and faster than ever. If it’s superbikes I’ll be up there looking for podiums, I certainly won’t be there to make up the numbers,” said the confident 24-year-old.

FastSport

French side in driving seat in Leinster group FORMER Ireland and Lions manager Donal Lenihan believes Clermont Auvergne are looking an ominous force ahead of their double showdown with Leinster.

The blues got over the challenge of Scarlets in Wales last Saturday but have still yet to hit top form in the Heineken Cup despite winning twice in succession.

Churchtown resident Isa Nacewa got the blues’ only try of the game while Johnny Sexton kicked the rest of the points in the 20-13 result.

Also included in the side were former Blackrock College men Ian Madigan, Brian O’Driscoll and Leo Cullen, Rathfarnham native Shane Jennings while Castleknock College alumni Devin Toner came off the bench.

But Lenihan says Clermont will be a level above the offering of Scarlets and Exeter Chiefs in the past fortnight: “Clermont look in a league of their own at the moment. Their performance is on a different level. Clermont versus Leinster is the place to be for round three.

“It’s not going to be easy for Leinster to click into gear as they will be handicapped by the autumn internationals. They will probably only have one more match together before Clermont.

It’s a big ask. After two rounds you would have to say they [Clermont] are the team in the driving seat.”

He was speaking about Leinster’s hopes in connection with the Heineken Star Predictor, a competition in which members of the public compete against high profile pundits to see who can predict the outcomes from this season’s Heineken Cup matches.

Among the prizes are Heineken Cup match tickets while the ultimate prize of an exclusive VIP package to the Heineken Cup final at Aviva Stadium. Among those playing the game are Irish cricket star Niall O’Brien, Newstalk’s Ger Gilroy, rugby pundit Brent Pope, former Dublinstar Jason Sherlock and broadcaster Tom Dunne.

To be in with a chance of winning Heineken Cup match tickets, and an opportunity of beating George Hook, play Heineken Star Predictor; log on to www.heineken.ie/heinekencup and register for round three by 5pm on Friday, December 7.

Gazette

30 CASTLeKNOCK gazette 25 October 2012

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: republic of ireland striker mentors castleknock

Hartstown Huntstown continue top run of form HARTSTOWN Huntstown’s Premier C AUL side extended their unbeaten run to six games between league and cup ties while goalkeeper Kyle Delavri took his fourth clean sheet in as many games when they took on Newlands Celtic on Friday night in Hartstown Park.

Taking a 2-0 victory on the night in a game played under lights on the all weather facility, captain Darren McCabe explained how competition for places in the side has led to big results and even bigger decisions for manager Tommy McGuirk.

“We had a big 3-0 win over DCU in the FAI Junior Cup last weekend, and a lot of the players who performed well in that game wouldn’t have been a part of the starting 11 over the last couple of seasons. But they took their chances and it would’ve been hard not to play them again.

“The squad is very strong and the way it is now is, if you don’t show up for training you won’t start the match. We had one of the strongest benches we’ve ever had on Friday night, the likes of Seanie O’Reilly and Jarvis Doolan who are two of our strongest, but the lads played well and got the result,” said the centre half.

One such man taking his chances is striker, Glen Dunne, who grabbed the first for the Blanchardstown men when he nodded home from eight yards after getting on the end of Kevin Farrell cross goal header from a Liam Heffernan free kick 10 minutes from the end of the first half.

Taking the lead, Hartstown Huntstown waited nervously as Celtic had the opportunity to regain parity after winning a penalty, but Delvari was equal to the attempt and his save kept his side in front going in at half time.

Daniel Hannon cemented his side’s advantage with a fantastic individual effort in the second half when he picked up the ball in his own half, showing four defenders a clean set of heels on his way to cutting inside and finishing for his team’s second goal.

McCabe is still confident Hartstown Huntstown can gain promotion from the premier C ranks, and believes his team will be right behind league leaders Donnycarney when they play their games in hand.

Ayoub Mansouri applies the finishing touch as part of his brace for the Castleknock Celtic U-16s in their win over Lusk United

Top coaches at Celtic  sport@gazettegroup.com

CASTLEKNOCK Celtic held an information session for their coaches at Porterstown as part of its new coaching programme last week with a top quality array of coaches on hand.

First up was Neale Fenn, the former Republic of Ireland player and now senior coach of Just4Strikers, who provided the Celtic coaches with an insight into the art of finishing.

Sixteen lucky children from the U-11s and U-12s were treated to an informative and fun-

filled session as Fenn coached the kids on various aspects of striking – movement, shooting, and volleying.

Next up on a busy afternoon was chartered physiotherapist Orlagh Sampson (www.orlaghsampsom.com) who covered areas such as injury creation, prevention and recovery. The insight Sampson created was fascinating and the coaches certainly benefited greatly from Orlagh’s presentation and demonstrations.

The coaches club sessions are for the benefit of coaches and players with

wheelie good spin Blanch club run major St Francis fundraiser the blanch Wheelies, pictured at Straw-

berry Hall, enjoyed a successful Hospice Fundraising cycle with 58 cyclists participating.

Over €6,200 was raised for the St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown while the Strawberry Hall laid on food and beverages on arrival after the 100km spin. It was the Blanch wheelies’ first attempt at a fundraising cycle and is an initiative they hope to repeat in the future.

information gained used to develop the club’s players, not just as footballers but as sports people.

In turn it is hoped that exercises and techniques introduced will create good habits that will help in assisting a healthy and fit lifestyle.

Meanwhile, Celtic welcomed Albion Rovers from the Dundalk league for their SFAI U-15s Evans Cup second round fixture on a morning and a pitch that were perfect for the occasion.

It was obvious from the start that little would separate the teams in the end. Despite chances

for both sides the game remained scoreless until the 35th minute of the first half when Darren Doyle passed to Alessandro Bologna who unleashed an unstoppable shot into the net.

After half-time, Albion came at Celtic as they tried to force an equaliser.

However, a strong back four superbly marshalled

by Ruairi O’Flaherty, with Jack Carolan having his best game of the season so far, and a miraculous save from Celtic keeper Luke Kearney ensured that Celtic kept another clean sheet.

Celtic’s Under-12As,

who won the league and cup double last season, continued their fine start to the season with victory over a plucky Mount Merrion in Porterstown.

Ciaran McGarry brought his goal tally for the season so far to eight. He was joined on the score sheet

by Eugie Rowland on the double, one of which was a delicate chip, and one from Ahmed Khalid.

Celtic’s U-16s were too strong for Lusk United in their league cup game in Porterstown. Ayoub Mansouri scored a brace, while Greg Tobin and Kevin Dalton completed the scoring.

25 October 2012 CASTLEKNOCK gazette 31

 sport@gazettegroup.com

ST BRIGID’S succumbed to an immense second half performance on Sunday to relinquish their Dublin senior football championship title after a brave defence of their crown, falling 2-18 to 2-12 in the semi-final.

It followed hot on the heels of a dramatic, scrap-

py quarter-final victory over Templeogue Synge Street just four days earlier as a late goal from Barry Cahill proved critical.

It came just four minutes from the end of a sodden night in Parnell Park and ultimately saw Brigid’s over the line by two points. The Russell Park men carried much of that momentum into

their date with Kilmacud on Sunday, building a 2-9 to 0-7 lead at the break.

Craig Kilmurray and Paddy Andrews both netted in quick succession to build a commanding lead while John O’Loughlin furthered his claims to be the championship’s player of the competition with two brilliant scores.

But half-time saw a

sea-change in fortunes as Mark Coughlan curtailed Cahill’s influence and it took barely five minutes to reduce the gap as Pat Burke and Cian O’Sullivan combined to bring the sides level.

Further scores from the likes of Adrian Morrissey, Barry O’Rorke and Paul Mannion swung the tie ever further Crokes’ way.

hurling: ashtown club power into b final

Gazette

ASDFASDSAF Brigid’s reign as county champs ends Club Noticeboard castleknock THE club’s AGM will t ake place

Big game also next weekend for

on November 19. Nomination and

the first team as the quarter-final

motion forms can be downloaded

of the Leinster junior championship

from the website.

is on Sunday against the Wicklow

Registration for 2012-13 is now

representatives. The match will

due, and forms can also be down-

be played in Dublin, with details of

loaded from the website.

venue and time to follow during the

Well done to the minor hurlers

week.

who had a great win in their first

The club is once again running a

championship game in Somerton

juvenile Halloween disco this year.

on Sunday. They beat Setanta 3-15

It will take place in CCC on the Octo-

to 0-9.

ber 26 for nine-to 12 year-olds, and

Hard luck to the U-16 hurlers who

admission is €5.

lost their championship semi-final

Please keep sending any pictures

at the weekend but their season

and match reports that you have to

is far from over as they have their

info@castleknock.net, and address

league final in two weeks.

them to David.

Well done also to the Intermediate

Signs surrounding the main pitch

footballers who beat St Finian’s on

in Somerton are now on sale; for

Thursday night. The win means that

more information on how to get

they are just one victory away from

your sign seen contact Charlie 085

winning the league.

1101008.

st brigid’s

St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh conduct a pre-game huddle in O’Toole Park last Sunday

Mullen accuracy aids Plunkett’s progression Senior b semi-final St Oliver Plunkett’s/ER 2-18 Kevin’s 2-11  carl duffy sport@gazettegroup.com

ST Oliver Plunkett’s/ Eoghan Ruadh’s senior hurlers booked their place in the Dublin senior B hurling championship final last Saturday following a seven-point win over Kevin’s in O’Toole Park.

Plunkett’s were out of the traps the quickest, with Shane Bonfil scoring a well-taken point in the opening minute.

Both teams were evenly matched and equally

efficient in the opening 25 minutes, an efficiency reflected in the scoreline with 15 scores put over the bar. The majority came from the righthalf forwards, St Kevin’s Daithi Reid (0-9) and former Dub Stuart Mullen (0-11), with Plunkett’s edging four points clear.

Kevin’s reduced the deficit with a goal from full-for ward Shane Watson, whose powerful drive was saved initially

by Joe McDonald but his full-back line failed to clear the sliotar and it allowed Watson a second attempt which he duly dispatched.

The response was immediate from the Ashtown club as Kieran Sexton (1-1) charged in from the half-forward line, breaking free of the oncoming full back and duly placing the sliotar into the top corner to give his side a narrow lead of 1-10 to 1-9 at half-time.

P l u n ke t t ’s s c o r e d their second goal after the restart following a drive from Bonfil whose deflected shot was tucked away following a goal mouth scramble.

This goal, along with red card show n to Kevin’s Daithi O’Ceiran, allowed Plunkett’s to

assert their superior strength in midfield and take control of the game.

Mullen put his inter county experience to good use by scoring six points in the second half and help give Plunkett’s a convincing win, despite a late consolation goal from Kevin’s.

Manager Terry O’Brien was “delighted with the work rate” of his players and feels his team is ready for the club’s first final in 12 years as they are “equipped with 24, genuine, senior hurlers” going into next Saturday’s game with Ballyboden.

ON Saturday, we HARD luck to our

events coming up: November 9 - wine

senior footballers in the champion-

quiz night; November 16 - race night.

ship on Sunday.

Tickets now available.

Congratulations to our U-16 hurlers

There is a new GAA show featur-

on reaching the championship final;

ing a weekly Brigid’s round-up every

the minor hurlers drew and our U-14B

Monday evening on Phoenix FM at

hurlers recorded a great league win.

7.30pm.

Several important fundraising

The club lotto is €12,200 this week

events coming up: November 9 - wine

and takes place in Russell Park this

quiz night; November 16 - race night.

Thursday. Well done to all our hand-

Tickets now available, please make

ballers who took part in the world

sure you support each event.

championship last week in Citywest

St Brigid’s GAA Club Nursery for four to seven-year-olds runs every Saturday from 9.30am to 11am.

New members and families welcome.

Contact Paul on 087 9154748 or see the club website for more information.

Several important fundraising

with Eugene Kennedy claiming the diamond masters title.

See the website for this week’s adult and juvenile fixtures.

Deepest sympathies to Bernard Prior on the loss of his wife last week.

westmanstown/garda THE end of year fund-raising event

In other footballing news, the U-8s

takes place on Saturday, December

beat St Anne’s while the U-9s lost to

8 from 7.30pm.

Naomh Olaf.

All s e ni o r c lu b m e m b e r s a r e

Me a nw hil e , th e U-10 s h o s t e d

required to get at least one minor

Ballyboden, Lucan Sarsfields and

sponsor for the night. The deadline

Round Tower in their annual blitz

is November 10.

and came out on top.

G l o b a l s t o c k e xc h a n g e s a r e

Finally, the U-12s drew in the divi-

reporting a huge surge in metal

sional play-off and must meet their

prices this weekend. Davy ana-

opponents Cuala again. Thank you

lysts put this solely down to the

to team mentors, children, par-

huge hoard of silverware collected

ents, Gaels supporters that made

by the Westmanstown Gaels girls’

this weekend a weekend to remem-

teams this weekend. The U-15 girls

ber.

won their division final against

A final thanks to the Westmans-

Clontar f on Saturda y while the

town sports and conference cen-

U-16 girls beat Cuala to complete

tre staff that accommodated bril-

the double in a weekend of glitter-

liantly the winning teams at short

ing successes.

notice.

GazetteSPORT all of your castleknock sports coverage from page 27-31

lovely hurling: Plunkett’s fire their way into the Senior B championship final after Kevin’s win P30

october 25, 2012

kennedy’s devastation: Clonsilla man within seven laps of glory P29

St Peregrine’s players Andy Larkin and Michael Barden celebrate on the final whistle as their win over St James Gaels put the cherry on top of a superb 2012 season. Picture: Lorraine O’Connor

Saints soar into AFL5 Peregrine’s Keogh says it is objective achieved as the Blakestown club nailed down promotion last weekend with victory at the Iveagh Grounds

 peter carroll

sport@gazettegroup.com

ST Peregrine’s junior manager Robbie Keogh admitted that although he knew St James Gaels were a tough side, the game that guaranteed his side promotion from the AFL6 was closer than he would have liked with the Blakestown side coming out 2-8 to 1-9 winners, setting up a possible league winning encounter with Naomh Fionnbarra this Sunday.

“Well it was quite close in the end, but we took a great lead at the start,” said the Blanch manager. “We were leading by 1-4 in the first seven minutes with Alan Nolan doing the brunt of the damage for us.

“Gaels just kept pegging the score back and we went in at the break with a two-point lead, and we managed to maintain that until the end. There were some fantastic spells of pressure for them, but we were ready for it because we had watched them play four times this season.”

When Keogh, Declan Patton, John Nolan and Bernard Owens started out this season, they made promotion their priority and the club had been waiting a long time for the move up with the team being buoyed in the AFL6 since 2003.

“Promotion was always our target. We didn’t want to be stuck in the same league for 10 seasons and the players really knuckled down

and showed great enthusiasm for the game.

“It was just a matter of getting everybody committed to the cause, and the dedication the team had was fantastic – we had at least 20 players at every training session,” said Keogh.

One of the strongest aspects to the Blakestown assault on the AFL6 was their backline this year, and Keogh highlighted that the presence in defence was one of the key factors in the hunt for promotion.

“I think we averaged only eight points conceded on us throughout the season – so you’d have to say our backs made a huge difference.

“As much as they have been key to the step up, it wouldn’t be fair not to mention the work of Conor Mackay and David Kitt in the for-

ward line, they have been in fantastic form all year,” insisted the young coach.

Keogh also claimed that he has such confidence in the current form of the team, that if they were to approach their new league like they had this season, they could look at another possible promotion.

“I think we are more than ready for the fifth division. We have a lot of numbers at the moment and we have some great minors coming through.

“Realistically, I think we’re looking at a top half finish, but if the lads want it enough they could challenge again. That would be a great way to pay back the support we’ve had from chairman Paul Harte,” Keogh finished.