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The Gazette talks to One Tree Hill star Tyler Hilton on breaking rules
see pages 17, 19 November 8, 2012
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M a l a h i d e • Carpenterstown P o r t m a r n o c k • • KLaurel i n s e a ly • C l•a Roselawn r eMonth h a lXX, l 2012 Castleknock Lodge INSIDE: A masquerade ball for St John’s Ambulance is a huge success P6
Hurling:
Plunkett’s go through in Leinster IHC Page 31
Football:
Castleknock marching on in provincial run Page 32
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES.......................6 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................27
forever young: Foroige Youth Service celebrates 60 years of service Page 5
New €70k slide set alight by vandals laura webb
VANDALS have left children without the use of a new €70,000 tower slide at a popular Dublin 15 park after it was set on fire. The tower slide in the Millennium Park in Coolmine was set alight on Saturday, October 27. Fingal County Council said they “strongly condemn” the person or persons who “maliciously van-
dalised a brand new piece of playground equipment at Millennium Park in Blanchardstown”. The tower slide was installed just two weeks before it was damaged and, according to FCC, in that short space of time has been a “fantastic attraction for the thousands of young children who use the facility”. Full Story on Page 2
Cookin’ good: North Dublin chef wows judges at food awards A BUDDING chef from north Dublin picked up an award at the Easy Food Home-Cook Hero awards ceremony, which took place at the Shelbourne Hotel recently. Broadcaster Marty Whelan congratulated Castleknock’s Osna
Campbell at the black-tie event, with her unique dish one of three Dublin dishes that impressed judges. Osna’s expert culinary skills make cooking look so easy, said the judges, praising her style and, of course, her delicious dish.
2 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 8 November 2012
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The slide is now closed for safety reasons and the council is waiting for a report detailing the necessary repairs
Vandals set fire to new €70k playground tower
VA N D A L S have destroyed part of a new €70,000 playground tower slide which was recently installed at a popular Dublin 15 park. The tower slide in the Millennium Park in Coolmine was set alight on Saturday, October 27. It is understood that vandals deliberately set a fire underneath the stairs of the newly installed playground equipment. In a statement, Fingal County Council said they “strongly condemn” the person or persons who “maliciously vandalised a brand new piece of playground equipment at Millennium Park in
LAURA WEBB lwebb@gazettegroup.com
Blanchardstown”. The tower slide was installed two weeks before it was damaged and, according to FCC, in that short space of time has been a “fantastic attraction for the thousands of young children who use the facility”. The slide is now closed for safety reasons and the council is waiting for a report detailing the repairs which will be necessary. The slide cost €70,000 and was only
the second such tower slide in a Fingal County Council playground. A spokesperson for the council said: “It’s ironic that two days before National Recreation Week, someone intentionally decided to set light to a brand new play facility like this, and it’s only down to the quick response of the Dublin Fire Brigade that the slide wasn’t completely destroyed. “ S o m e o n e k n ow s who committed this act of pointless destruction, and we appeal to anyone who has any information to contact the local gardai in Blanchardstown at 01 666 7000.” He continued: “The real victims in this are
the many local children who have thoroughly enjoyed this fantastic play facility over the past two weeks.” Dublin West Sinn Fein representative Paul Donnelly said he is “shocked and angered” by the arson attack. “I visited the park and I was dismayed to see at first hand the significant damage that has been caused by the action of the perpetrators. “The new slide was a superb addition to what is already one of the best parks in the city. “I cannot commend Fingal County Council Parks Department enough for the constant upgrading of the parks facilities,” he said.
The local representative went on to say that the slide is a wooden structure and it caught fire “very rapidly” causing “massive damage”. “I would like to commend the Fire Brigade who were on the scene in minutes and succeeded in preventing the total destruction of the slide. “We as a community must play our part in ensuring that our facilities are not damaged or destroyed. “I am calling on anyone who has any information to please pass it on. This attack on our community facilities must be challenged and those who did this must be held accountable,” he added.
Ethnic Network information event THE Fingal Ethnic Network (FEN) will host an information showcase event at council offices this November. The major event is for service providers of interest to ethnic communities in Dublin 15 at Fingal County Council Civic offices on
November 14 from 1pm to 4pm. It provides information on the range of services available in the area for the various new communities now living in Dublin 15. Translation and interpretation services will be provided at the event by a local voluntary group.
Mayor of Fingal Cllr Cian O’Callaghan (Lab) will open the showcase and launch FEN’s three-year plan at the event, which is supported by Fingal County Council’s Community Office, Safer Blanchardstown and An Garda Siochana.
8 November 2012 CASTLEKNOCK Gazette 3
theatre Me and My Girl at Draiocht
development: €8.8m of outstanding fees are recorded ‘in arrears’
€89m in levies still owed to the council Fingal County Council has confirmed that development levies still outstanding a total is currently €89 million, a €40 million reduction since 2010. Last week, this paper repor ted that €129 million in outstanding development levies was owed to the council in 2010. The figures were revealed by Local Government Minister Phil Hogan following a Parliamentary Question by Dublin West TD Joe Higgins (SP). This week a spokesperson for Fingal said the current amount outstanding is €89 million, €8.8 million of which is recorded as ‘in arrears’. According to the
spokesperson, it is policy for FCC to issue invoices in the full amount of the applicable levy on receipt of commencement notices. However, the accounts cannot be “reconciled until planning permission has expired and site left in a safe and satisfactory condition”. Substantial
The outstanding amount also included “a substantial amount that is due to be offset, when final accounts have been agreed, in respect of public works carried out by developers on behalf of the council.” The council spokesp e r s o n we n t o n t o explain their policy is to
invoice the “full amount” saying it is best practice for them and is considered to be the “better accounting policy”. This has resulted in “substantial invoices” recorded as outstanding, even though work may take years to be completed “and, in recent years, large scale developments are suspended or abandoned entirely.” The current outstanding sum is mainly due by single house and domestic extension developers and lenient payment plans have been agreed with the householders. “Where no such payment plans can be agreed, legal proceedings are instituted,” the spokesperson added.
Networking: Showcase to provide information for new communities fingal Ethnic Network (FEN) will host a major showcase event
for service providers of interest to ethnic communities in Dublin 15 at Fingal County Council Civic Offices, Blanchardstown on Wednesday, November 14. The event will provide information on the range of services available in the area for the various new communities now living in Dublin 15. There will be over 30 organisations present including MABS (Money Advice & Budgeting Service), CIC (Citizens Information), Blanchardstown Area Partnership, the Garda and many community and voluntary groups active in Dublin 15. Pictured are Mayor of Fingal Cian O’Callaghan (Lab), chair of Fingal Ethnic Network, Pamela Hagan-Morgan and Blaise Tangamu from Fingal Ethnic Network.
A cast of locals are set to wow audiences with their rendition of Me and My Girl when they take to the stage at Draiocht Theatre in the coming weeks. From November 13 to 17, Coolmine Musical Society brings the acclaimed musical to the Dublin 15 stage. There have been some last-minute changes with director Colin Hughes stepping into play the role of Bill Snibson after ill health meant Karl Dawson had to step down from the lead role. Tickets priced €20 and €17 are on sale now, with an opening night offer seeing all tickets priced €17. For more information, contact Draiocht on 885 2622, or www.draio cht.ie
4 CASTLeKNOCK Gazette 8 November 2012
it’s your story: hot fuzz raises funds
Paul Mullen (centre) with Jerome Moran and Conor Howe
Group raises €1,200 in charity sale All business: Small Firms Association Paul Mullen,
Treasurer, Hot Fuzz Alps Group
Our Special Olympics Hot Fuzz ALP’s group held a big sale on Saturday, October 27, in a unit in Superquinn Shopping Centre in Blanchardstown, where we sold bags, ties, belts and bangles galore. We spent a few weeks collecting the items for the sale and we put up posters in the local shops, schools and churches. Our sale was a great success, and we raised in the region of €1,200 which will be given to local respite services. Some members of the Hot Fuzz ALP’s group avail of these services. Many thanks to all who supported us on the day and all who helped us collect the items for the sale. Hot Fuzz ALP’s group
is a group of young people with an intellectual disability; we are all members of the Special Olympics Sports Club 15. We m e e t o n c e a month in Crosscare in Blanchardstown Village. Each member has a mentor. Our mentors help us to become socially and personally more confident and to help us gain new skills. We do this in a number of fun and interesting ways. This sale was our way of volunteering our time to raise funds and to help contribute to our community. We are always looking for new mentors so, if you think you might like to become a mentor or would like some more information about Hot Fuzz Alp’s group, please contact mentorsdublin15@gmail.com
holds annual lunch at The Burlington
pictured at the AIB sponsored the Small Firms Association (SFA) Annual Lunch held in The Burlington Hotel, were Jim Pender, AIB Blanchardstown, with Barbara McAleese, KBC Bank, and Declan Lenihan, of PGL Accountants. The lunch is one of
the highlights of the Irish business calendar, with 700 people attending each year. Guest speaker this year was Billy Walsh, head coach to the Irish Boxing High Performance Team, who recently achieved phenomenal success at the London Olympics 2012.
Halloween clean-up put at €150k laura webb
It has been estimated that it will cost Fingal County Council in the region of €150,000 to deal with the clean-up following this year’s Halloween festivities. Every year, local councils are left collecting stockpiled material and repairing damaged open green spaces because of illegal bonfires. In the lead up to Halloween, crews from Fingal County Council collect what they describe as a “significant amount of stockpiled bonfire mate-
rials” and for the council, this year has been no different. Removed
For up to 10 days prior to Halloween, crews across the county gathered up and removed stockpiles left on public areas. “However, this did not prevent many people from retaining materials on private property which were then used later on Wednesday evening (October 31) for bonfires across the county,” a council spokesperson told the Gazette.
Since last Thursday, crews have been out in force removing “burnt goods, and disposing appropriately of them”. “Each year, we remind people that bonfires are illegal and dangerous, as well as costing the Council significant amounts of money to gather and dispose of bonfire stocks and also to repair and remediate the public open spaces, playing pitches and grassed areas destroyed by bonfires,” the spokesperson continued. When asked for an exact figure for the cost
of Halloween to Fingal County Council, the spokesperson said they did not have the 2012 figures on the cost or amounts of material removed at the time of going to print. However, the spokesperson did say that estimates from previous years do indicate that it could cost in the region of €150,000 to deal with the lead up and aftermath of bonfires at Halloween. It was reported that fire fighters in the city dealt with over 300 calls on Halloween night.
Santa Claus makes his way to Blanch Centre
Santa Claus is coming to town, and he is arriving in style this weekend at the Blanchardstown Centre. The man in red will touch down in a helicopter in the car park opposite the blue entrance at Blanchardstown Centre at 11am on Saturday, November 10. Everyone is invited to give him a warm welcome.
8 November 2012 CASTLEKNOCK Gazette 5
connection Reaching out to young people
Foroige Youth Service celebrate 60 years laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com
The Foroige Youth Service celebrates its 60th birthday this year and it has fast become an empowering and informative tool for young people, including many in Dublin 15. Not only is it a special year for Foroige, but the Blanchardstown Youth Service in Blanchardstown is celebrating 30 years. Known in Dublin 15 as the Foroige Blanchardstown Youth Services and Associated Projects, there are many different clubs and groups across the community that are having a positive connection with young people. This week, the Gazette caught up with youth officer, Emma McNeely, to chat about the service. To honour Foroige’s birthday, they are conducting research on the needs of young people in Dublin 15 and how they as a youth serv-
ice can respond. The Youth Perspective 2.0 will have youth participating which is one thing that, according to Emma, is “imperative” to the work the youth service does. “We want them to tell us what best suits their needs,” she said. The last time this research was conducted was 10 years ago and, as modern life takes a different direction through technology and social online forums, the service feels it is time for an update. “The key themes will be education and prospects for young people, crime and safety, drugs and alcohol, relationships and sexuality. There will then be a consultation day in December, where 80 young people from different areas will mesh out all the research we found and come together to go through it.” Successful
Last year, Foroige
FastNews
Dining in style for charity Local epicures can dine in style at Luttrellstown Castle at their Decadent Dining In December in aid of St Francis Hospice. There are two nights to chose from, December 7 or 8. Entertainment is provided by the Drawing Room Opera Company. Call Eileen for further information and booking details on 086 804 1342.
Argos offering toy exchange Argos has joined forces with Enable Ireland to raise money for the charity by offering customers a toy exchange. The toy exchange offers customers the opportunity to trade in old/unwanted toys which will be donated to Enable Ireland. Anyone who donates toys to Argos or Enable Ireland will be rewarded with a voucher to save €5 when you spend €40 on toys in store. The charity will resale or recycle the toys and all the money raised will be used to support their charitable programmes. Ask for further information at the local Argos Store in Blanchardstown’s West End Retail Park, or log on to www.enableireland.ie
Paul Maher, chairperson Foróige and Sean Campbell, CEO at Foroige’s Got Talent in June in Phibblestown
set up in Phibblestown which is proving successful, adding to other successful clubs in Tyrrelstown, Hartstown and Castleknock. The ser vice offers young people an array of programmes including performing arts club, a homework club, NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship), a youth cafe, a Big Brother Big Sister programme, a relationship and sexuality programme and a computer club house. Serious talent
The computer club house helps members e x p r e s s t h e m s e l ve s through music thanks to the recording studio that is available. “There is some serious talent here in Dublin 15, and the youth service offers
them the mechanism to express themselves for free and get advice on it,” Emma continued. One group, the Foroige Flames from Hartstown, are currently starring in TV3’s Ireland’s Top Teens programme. They were chosen as one of the top 10 in the country to be part of the programme that will lead to one being crowned Ireland’s Top Teens. Programmes offered by Foroige aim to “empower young children to make an impact in their community”. “They are all outcomefocused and we have proven they work. Mental health is very big issue at the moment. We have a positive health and wellbeing programme. “One part [of the programme] is bullying and
cyber bullying. Times are tough and it’s particularly tough for young people. It is up to us to give them a positive outlook and help them see a brighter future. Learning
“Everything we do is about learning skills in the right environment and having fun along the way,” Emma added. Volunteering is a vital piece of the service because without dedicated volunteers it wouldn’t work and they are always looking for new volunteers. “We do provide training; just a one- or two-hour commitment is needed,” Emma said. For further information on Foroige, log onto www.foroige.ie or just drop in to the club in your local area.
www.gazette group.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away
6 castleknock Gazette 8 November 2012
gazetteGALLERIES
Ciaran Treacy, Julie May Morris, Erica Hennessy, Kyle Whelan, and Bronagh Martin
James O’Higgins Norman, Ciaran Treacy and Robert McGrath
Olivia Murray, Stephanie Murray, Lauren Hollingsworth and Joanna Leonard
masked ball: evening for St john’s ambulance
No disguising good intentions
S
and Edel Tormey
T JOHN Ambulance recently hosted a Masquerade Ball in the Carlton Hotel in Tyrrelstown to fundraise for more life-saving equipment for the Dublin 15 area. Both women and men of all age groups donned their glad rags and fancy masks
Lauren Gillan, Dervla Keane, and Jen McCarthy
Amanda Johnson and Michelle Costello
Louise Harte, Michelle White, Hannah McGrath, Lizzie Tormey, Jennifer Tormey,
at the glamorous event, and they partied while knowing that they were helping to raise money for two Cycle Response Units. The attendees enjoyed a sit down meal and danced until all hours with a DJ rocking the beats until late.
Máire Caffrey, Áine Cody and Gráinne Ui Chaomhanaigh
8 November 2012 castleknock Gazette 7
Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only â‚Ź6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com
Lizzy Tormey and Edel Tormey
Luke Williams and Jennifer Tormey
Karl Wilkins and Simone Doyle
8 CASTLKNOCK Gazette 8 November 2012
council Falling uptake at Coolmine Recycling centre prompts decision
Sales of compost bins to cease laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com
Fingal County Council has announced that it will cease the sale of compost bins after their current allocation is sold. There has been a slow uptake on the number of
people buying compost bins from the Coolmine Recycling Centre, with just two being sold since the start of 2012, prompting the council to cease selling them after their current batch is gone. Last year, just 33 compost bins were sold by
Fingal County Council, 12 of which were sold in the Coolmine facility. Reduction
According to a council report, FCC has over the last few years run various promotions on the selling of compost bins, but since the introduction of the brown bin service to
householders, “there has been a marked reduction in the number of compost bins sold”. “Since August, all compost bin stock has been moved to Estuary Recycling Centre where it is being sold off at half price. “We were selling bins at cost price; even at that, it
was difficult to sell them,” the report said. Adding, when the current batch is sold, Fingal County Council will not be selling compost bins again. Composting garden or kitchen wastes is said to reduce household rubbish by about one-third or even as much as half.
Fingal County Council offices
complaints
Reports of litter offences at 350 LAURA WEBB
Local residents are doing their bit to tackle litter-bugs by reporting almost 350 litter offences since the start of the year. Up to the end of October, some 344 offences were reported in the Castleknock and Mulhuddart area. According to a spokesperson for Fingal County Council, the complaints are generally received by telephone including the litter freephone number 1800 201 093. “Where necessary the litter wardens respond to all complaints to try to collect evidence sufficient to issue a fine.” Difficult
However, the spokesperson went on to say that it is “proving to be increasingly difficult” to collect evidence and issue a fine but it “does on occasion yield results”. In 2011, 483 littering offences were reported to the Inspectorate Division for the same area. The report came following a question during a recent area committee meeting, put down by Fine Gael councillor Kieran Dennison who asked the number of litter offences reported so far in the area.
8 November 2012 CASTLEKNOCK Gazette 9
food Co-founder of Kooky Dough wins big at food fair
Sophie’s cookbook scoops up award laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com
Sophie Morris from Chapelizod is the winner of the Kerrygold Listowel Food Fair Book of the Year 2012
A l o ca l g i r l h a s scooped a national award for her debut cookery book last week. Sophie Morris from Chapelizod was announced the winner of the Kerrygold Listowel Food Fair Book of the Year 2012, and was declared the youngest recipient of the coveted award. The upcoming writer and entrepreneur received the title for her book Sophie Kooks – Quick and Easy Feelgood Food. The 28-year-old is the co-founder of the innovative Irish food company, Kooky Dough. Started in Sophie’s kitchen and initially selling at farmers’ markets in
Dublin, Kooky Dough is now stocked in multiple retailers in Ireland, the UK, France and the United Arab Emirates. Speaking at the ceremony, Sophie said: “I am thrilled to be the winner of the Book of the Year. These recipes mean a lot
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to me and it is wonderful to get the chance to share them with a wider audience and that they have proved popular with readers. I hope that the award will help the book find a place on the bookshelves of kitchens throughout
the country and will encourage more people to get into the kitchen and start cooking.” The book award recognises contributions to food writing which highlight the purity and taste of natural Irish food products.
This is Sophie’s first cookbook and her prize includes a trip to Chicago to meet with Kerrygold’s award-winning marketing team, who will give an insight into their marketing of Irish dairy products in America.
10 castleknock Gazette 8 November 2012
gazetteGALLERY
Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only â‚Ź6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com
Ciara Hickey
Sean De-Claine
Winner of the national women’s marathon championships Maria McCambridge, and her son Dylan, with Georgina Drumm, vice president, Athletics Association of Ireland. Pictures: Sportsfile
So far, so good for Gary Condren
Stepping out to make a marathon effort for fun
T
HOUSANDS of people took to the city centre recently for the annual bank holiday marathon, which attracted runners from every city in the region, as well as from all across the island of Ireland, and,
indeed, all corners of the world. While a number of dedicated athletes had soon taken the lead in a bid to win the Dublin Marathon 2012, most were running simply for the fun and the pleasure of doing so.
Thousands of spectators cheered on the tired but determined runners, walkers and fundraisers taking part, while the clear weather, and wacky costumes sported by some, added to the upbeat mood.
Oliver Geoghan offers an encouraging high-five to Karen Thomas, from Portland, Oregon
8 November 2012 Gazette 11
health P14
asdfsdaf BUSINESS P27 P16
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
hugh lane: gallery’s concert season
Classical ensemble will have audiences flying high As part of the 36th series of free concerts taking place in the Sculpture Gallery of the Hugh Lane Gallery, classical ensemble Concorde will play on November 11. The Sundays at Noon concerts were set up to offer the best of Irish and international musicians who would play the most beautiful music in elegant surroundings for free to the public.
It is run each year from September to June and its popularity is such that the gallery is always full so those wishing to attend are advised to go early to get a seat. Concorde is made up of Madeleine Staunton on flute, Paul Roe playing clarinet and bass clarinet, Elaine Clark on violin, Martin Johnson on cello, Dermot Dunne on accordion and Jane O’Leary,
the artistic director of the group. On November 11, the Concorde group and special guests will play a selection of pieces under the umbrella of Up Close with Music. Among the pieces included in the concert programme are a cello solo called Five Hofer Photographs by Dave Fennessy, Hhmmmm, a bass clarinet solo by
Elaine Agnew, and Con Coro, a violin, cello and tape composition by Rhona Clarke. Concorde: Up Close with Music is on November 11 in Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane, Charlemont House, Parnell Square North. If you’d like to find out more about the event, you can call 01 222 5550 or email info.hughlane@ dublincity.ie.
The Concorde group who will play at the Hugh Lane Gallery
Gazette
disney on ice P12
Gazette
12 Gazette 8 November 2012
dublinlife
Travel with Mickey and friends to Hawaii
Skate into The temperatures are starting to plummet, so why not get the kids ready by taking them to see Disney on Ice this weekend? The ice-skating spectacular show, Passport to Adventure, is set to take centre stage at the RDS until Sunday. This show takes audiences on a fun-filled tour of four exciting destinations filled with their favourite Disney friends. With Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as tour guides, guests will visit the enchanting worlds of The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan and Lilo And Stitch. “It’s an extraordinary
show and a family vacation all rolled into one incredible night,” said producer Kenneth Feld. “You really get a sense you are travelling right alongside Mickey, Minnie and their friends.” The show runs from November 8 to 11. Tickets are available from the Ticketmaster desk in the Dublin Discover Ireland Centre, Suffolk Street, online at www.ticketmaster.ie, and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.
a real treat for everyone If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting a chocolate factory then you need dream no longer, as But-
lers Chocolate Factory is now running tours at its Dublin headquarters. Butlers Chocolate Experience allows the public to explore the inner workings of one of Ireland’s longest-established chocolate factories. Children and adults can learn what really goes on behind their doors, discover how chocolate is made, and how Butlers create their different assortments. Visitors also get the chance to make their own chocolate creations in the Butler’s kitchen. There are two types of tour on offer: The World of Chocolate Tour, which takes in the Chocolate
8 November 2012 Gazette 13
Gazette
diary
winter with a happy face Museum, The Chocolate Movie and the Chocolate Gallery, and The Ultimate Butlers Chocolate Experience Tour, which also offers access to the mysterious Chocolate Experience Room. Tour prices start at €10 and €12.50 respectively. Butlers is located in the Clonshaugh Business Park in Dublin 17.
The musical debuted on Broadway in 1997 and is based on the 1994 animated film of the same name.
The music is by Elton John, and the show features actors in animal costumes as well as giant puppets. It has toured all
Musical roars into theatre The musical production of Disney’s The Lion King is coming to Bord Gais Energy Theatre in April, 2013, and the launch took place last week in the Project Arts Centre in Essex Street.
Explore the inner workings of one of Ireland’s longestestablished chocolate factories
over the world since its initial Broadway run, visiting places as far flung as Rio, Sydney, Russia and Singapore.
At the Dublin launch, cast members performed famous songs from the show in full costume and Thomas Shumacher,
president and producer of Disney Theatrical Group was on hand for the celebrations. Tickets for the show
are already on sale and are available from the box office at Bord Gais Energy Theatre, www. bordgaisenergytheatre.ie
Gazette
14 Gazette 8 November 2012
dublinlife
Psychologist and author Jason O’Callaghan
Turn over a new leaf and live the life you want natalie burke
IF YOU’VE ever wondered what it is you want out of life, or, more importantly, how to get it, a new book recently launched by journalist, psychologist and founder of the D4 Clinic Jason O’Callaghan, could be the key to a new and enlightened future. Get The Life You Deserve: 29,000 Days – What Will You Do With Yours? aims to help readers discover the secret to positive living and offers motivational tips to inspire people to get the life they deserve, whether that is to lose weight, find love or get the job they always wanted. Using research into psychology and hypnotherapy, Jason O’Callaghan uncovered his interpretation of positive living. He discusses how, through taking responsibility, readers can release themselves from the shackles of their old lives and gain the motivation and inspiration to fulfil their dreams. Readers of the book are advised on how stress can kill you faster than junk food, how smiling can help you live longer, and how what “number” of child you were in your family
may affect your success in life. Fellow author Ruth Field was on hand to help with the launch, and praised the newly published book. She said: “[It] really brings home the fact that we don’t have very long on this earth, and yet we are wasting days, months and years being stuck in jobs we hate, or in bodies we loathe, or in relationships that are making us unhappy. -----------------------------------------
‘Readers of the book are advised on how stress can kill you faster than junk food, or how smiling can help you live longer’
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“Through a combination of visualisation techniques and inspiring stories of famous successful people, Jason highlights the value of failure as a necessary stepping stone to success,” she said. Get The Life You Deserve: 29,000 Days – What Will You Do With Yours? is available from all major Irish book shops, with a RRP of €16.99.
With autumn passing us by, and winter just around the corner, it’s time to consider what you can do to stay healthy during the months ahead
health: some top tips to avoid piling on the pounds
Avoid the winter bulge AS THE clocks change and the dark evenings set in, the gloomy weather leaves us yearning for comfort foods, big fires and neslting in front of the TV. Clothes have gone from shaped to shapeless, and the last thing we want to do is face the elements and get active. Shorter days and a lack of sunshine reduce our body’s production of serotonin – a hormonelike substance that promotes feelings of relaxation and happiness. A natural reaction to this is that many people start to eat more carbohydrates, such as pasta, potatoes and rice, helping to raise serotonin levels. With our bodies naturally craving starchier comfort food, it’s easy to pile on the pounds as the weather turns colder. But autumn doesn’t
have to mean adding inches to your waistline, and help is at hand. Motivation Weight Management is best known for its success in helping thousands of Irish people to reach and maintain their ideal long-term weight. Motivation’s success is founded on the company’s approach to weight management, which focuses not just on what people eat, but why. With that in mind, here are some tips from Motivation on keeping your waistline under wraps while you wrap up for winter. 1. Cold comfort: The cold weather makes it the ideal time to start cooking for your autumn diet plan. Use seasonal vegetables to create big pots of warming soups and stews, which are not
only low in fat, but are also cheap and hassle free. 2. Start as you mean to go on: If breakfast has never been a priority, change that now by making it part of your autumn shape-up diet. Short winter days can make us sluggish, and we need that extra energy boost to set us up for the day. Porridge oats are perfect for releasing energy throughout your morning. 3. Shape up: Make the most of the bracing, crisp autumn air. It is a well-known fact that the body expends more calories in the winter to keep warm, so you already have a head start! Take your exercise outside, with long walks or bicycle rides. Change your routine to keep your body on its toes, and to keep it interesting.
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‘With our bodies craving starchier comfort food, it’s easy to pile on the pounds as the weather turns colder’
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Also try to do your exercise in the morning to start your day. If you wait until evening, it will be dark and your motivation might be gone. 4. Spice up your body: Introduce some heatgenerating foods into your diet in these cold months. Use spices such as Cayenne or chilies to help keep your circulation moving. 5. Wonderful Water: Drink two mediumsized glasses of water
with each meal. This will not only serve to hydrate your body, but is also now proven to help with weight loss, according to Discovery News, and the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. Their study shows that obese dieters who drank two cups of water before each meal lost five pounds more than a group of dieters who didn’t increase their water intake. 6. Don’t buy it! Junk food is really no good for anyone, so if you don’t buy it – then you can’t eat it! Special occasion or Christmas treats should be the very last thing purchased, because chances are that if you stock up and buy in advance, it will be eaten in advance, too. For further information, see www.motivation.ie.
8 November 2012 Gazette 15
laura webb
WHEN people think of Ireland, one thing that comes to minds is of course, a leprechaun, but what many might not know is that there is a museum dedicated to their magical and fascinating world. The National Leprechaun Museum is located in the heart of the city centre, in Jervis Street, and has been there since 2010. The first attraction of its kind to be dedicated to Irish mythology, the museum takes visitors through a story of 12
chapters, with each chapter reflecting Irish mythology, or recreates experiences that people would typically associate with leprechauns. People actually get a taste for how life can be for the wee folk, as many items on display are much bigger than average, to help people think like them. Tom O’Rahilly, founder of the museum, talks about why he set up the museum, and what people can expect from it. “T he lepr echauns wouldn’t let me go – they kept coming back to me, so I had to do something
about it,” he joked. The museum was set up as a way of telling the enchanting stories of leprechauns. Tom said: “When I started, I didn’t know much about leprechauns and, the more you dig in, the more you find out about the leprechauns and all the other characters in that other world. So, how would you talk to people about it? “That is where the museum came in. If we can chat to people about them, show them some stuff, and get them to do some things, then we
can begin to explore the whole area. “People come in with different backgrounds and different depths of knowledge from different countries, so it is really about trying to engage people in different ways,” he said. According to Tom, everyone has a different opinion or idea of what the museum might be, and so people get a unique experience. Small groups are set up, and it is a semi-guided experience. “It is also about having an experience with other people. Essentially,
we are getting people to think like leprechauns,” said Tom. A new attraction coming next month is coin making, so people will be able to make their own lucky coins. Asked if he has ever seen one, Tom said the leprechauns have seen him, but every time he turns around they disappear. The Leprechaun Museum is open daily from 10am until 6.30pm. For further information about special events coming up, see www.leprechaunmuseum.ie.
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GAZETTE
16 GAZETTE 8 November 2012
DUBLINLIFE
Q&A
BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
When negative equity strikes Continued from last week
EDDIE WALSH, CHAMPS BARBERS
Cutting edge programme EDDIE Walsh opened Champs Barbers in 1996 in the building where, in 1916, his grandparents lived, and where later his mother was born and lived, in lower George’s Street in Dun Laoghaire. While still at school, Eddie would, at every opportunity, make his way to his uncle’s barber’s shop there, where he discovered his calling. Nowadays, Eddie runs his five salons, and teaches barbering. He is vice-president of the Irish Barbers Federation, whose objectives are to promote higher standards in barber-
ing and qualifications for barbers. With these aims in mind, Champs are also opening a School of Barbering in the New Year. Eddie says: “I believe there is a lack of well-trained barbers, probably because of the lack of good training, or just because the interest is not there. With Champs Barbering School, it will be our aim to train potential barbers to get that job. “With our hands-on programme, and with five salons, we can provide the necessary work experience to get people to the top of the ladder.”
How long have you been in business?
the recession?
For 16 years.
What makes your business successful?
Determination, commitment, hard work and a willingness to change.
What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors?
Champs Barbers and Hairdressers are fully trained qualified professionals who are continually upskilling, which means they have a good understanding of what our clients need. Although all our salons are individual, they all have the same relaxing ambience, which our customers always comment on.
How has the recession impacted your business?
At Champs, we don’t cut corners, so therefore we haven’t cut our prices in spite of the present climate. In a recession, it is the first reaction of any business, but in doing this we simply could not maintain the standards which have made us stand out in the business for so long. Having said that, we do try to give back to our clients by giving different specials and promotions.
What have you changed about your business to combat the effects of
Champs has actually expanded in the last year, which may seem a strange thing to do in a recession, but my motto has always been to look forward and never back.
What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business?
The commercial rates have increased so much that it has put an end to many businesses that were just about hanging on. In recessionary times, bumping up rates by more than 100% in some cases just doesn’t make any kind of economic sense.
How do you use social media (Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin, etc) to help your business?
We have only just signed up to Facebook , after much deliberation, and let’s just say that the jury is still out on that one.
What is your ambition for the business?
To stay at the top of our game is always our aim. We have launched our own range of products, and are hoping to open the Champs School of Barbering in the New Year.
What is the best piece of business advice you ever received?
It’s easy getting there – it’s staying there that’s the hard part.
AS DISCUSSED last week, problems with negative equity can strike if your life circumstances change, such as, for example, you need to change homes, or you lose your job. What happens then? A) You must immediately communicate with your lender. Paying from savings is short-term folly. Complete a Standard Financial Statement, outlining your circumstances and details of expenditure, and make an appointment to see your lender. If you cannot even pay the interest-only monthly repayment (about 60% of the normal capital and interest repayment), request a payment holiday – no payments whatsoever, initially for three or six months. Remember that the normal rule of thumb is that you should only be paying 35% of your monthly net disposable income (that is, after tax) on financial commitments, including your mortgage. Are you paying in excess of this now? You will also need to submit bank statements, P45 etc to back your case. B) EBS and AIB Bank only recently announced changes in their policy regarding negative equity, along with other lenders who had already brought in this facility. This allows families to transfer their negative equity to their next property while, perhaps, increasing the debt in order to buy a more appropriate home for their needs. For example, if you live in a property that sold for
€200K, but you owed €425K, the negative equity – ie €225K – can be added to the purchase price of €300K, so that the maximum loan-to-value is 175%; you would now owe €525K on a property worth €300K but have “traded up”. However, the terms and conditions still apply – all lending is based on the ability to repay. You still have to prove ability to repay the €525K. On the Net Disposable Income method, and if this was your only financial commitment, you would need between you a net monthly income of €8,160 (or just under €100K net per annum), based on an interest rate of 4.3% and a 25-year term. If you do not have the income but must move, your only choice is to rent the existing property and rent larger accommodation until income allows you back in the mortgage market. Of course, the final alternative is personal insolvency or bankruptcy. Talk to you next week ... 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
TWO-DAY EVENT: ENTREPRENEURS SHARE EXPERIENCES
Meeting aims to encourage more women into business NATIONAL Women’s Enterprise Day 2012 has been hailed as a huge success, with hundreds of participants representing every county in Ireland attending the event in Portlaiose. Successful businesswomen shared their experiences with start-up companies and fledgling businesses at the twoday event, which was organised by Ireland’s 35 County and City Enterprise Boards, which support around 12,000 women in business across the country. The aim of National Women’s Enterprise Day was to encourage even more women to set up their own businesses, and to increase national rec-
ognition of the essential role played by Ireland’s female entrepreneurs. A panel of experienced business mentors conducted over 200 one-toone mentoring sessions during the event. Mary McKenna, founder of Tour America, said: “I’m amazed to see the amount of women that are here, and the energy that’s coming from the room. It’s great to see women helping and supporting women. “Ireland is a great country, and there are many opportunities in times like these. The clear message is: ‘It’s okay to try things’,” she said. Michael Johnson, of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Enterprise
Celebrating the contribution of women to business at National Women’s Enterprise Day 2012
Board, said: “Through profiling the success stories of female entrepreneurs in Ireland, we hope to encourage more women to seek out new business opportunities by setting up or growing their own business. “The full programme of workshops, talks and oneto-one mentoring clinics was designed specifically to help boost confidence
levels among women. “The fantastic feedback from the event serves to prove that the inspiring stories and words of wisdom shared at National Women’s Enterprise Day are already having a very positive and motivating effect on women in business today.” For further information, see www.enterpriseboards.ie.
8 November 2012 Gazette 17
gaming P21
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
style P20
Pets can you give bruno a home?
There aren’t many people who would walk away from a recod label to release their album on their own terms, but Tyler Hilton did just that
PEOPLE: former one tree hill star on the challenge of songwriting
Enjoying a musical rebirth paul hosford
TYLER Hilton is relaxed. The one-time One Tree Hill star, who made his name blurring the lines of reality and fiction as a singer-songwriter on the teen television drama show, has released his first album in nearly a decade and, although only 28, is going through something resembling a creative rebirth. After five years recording and rerecording an album that was set to be titled The Storms We Share, Hilton left his record label, started his own record company, and earlier this year finally released his third album, Forget The Storm. Added to that, he is currently headlining his first-ever European tour and, the day we meet, he is preparing to take
to the stage in Dublin’s Academy. We meet in Bia Cafe on O’Connell Street, in the shadow of Dublin’s Spire, and Hilton seems to be enjoying music again, something he admits wasn’t happening under his old deal. “It does feel like a weight lifted. I feel like you need to do what you’re built to do; runners need to run, and singers need to sing, but it had been nearly 10 years since I put out a record, so I felt like I had to put something out. That’s why I left my label to put it out. “Even if I didn’t have the money to promote it the way a record company would, I was like: ‘Let’s put something out’, and it felt really good,” he says. It is refreshing to hear Hilton carries no bitterness towards his former record label, though he does equate the end of
the working relationship to a separation. “It’s like going through a break-up. You go through the heartbreak and then start over. “I ended up liking this record a lot more than the one I’d spent six years [working] on, and I think that’s because I was just thinking instinctually, and wasn’t caught up in picking the perfect song. “[At my old label] there wasn’t any pressure to do one thing or another. I would do something, and they would be like: ‘Cool; what else?’, and I was thinking: ‘Well, I don’t know, what do you guys want me to do?’,” says Tyler. That sense of freedom is evident on the album, as Hilton is given the latitude to do different things with his music.
“It wasn’t a premeditated sound, but when I came out of my heartbreak and, like, coma of despair, I was really angry and directionless. That’s where these songs come from. “There’s a lot of songs about anger, and I don’t know if I’ll ever make an album [again] that’s ‘this rock and roll’, but it’s a representation of where I was at the time. “It’s less of a representation of the last six years than it was the period after I left the label.” While most people are struggling to get to a major label deal, Tyler says that walking away from the comforts of being signed to a major to setting up his own label felt right. Continued on Page 19
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. Don’t let this mature gentlemen’s age fool you, though – he still considers himself to be a sprightly young chap. This super handsome boy has been living at Dogs Trust for nearly 19 months, waiting for someone special to come along and offer him his forever home. Bruno would probably prefer a home without kids where he can be the centre of attention. He is a big fan of cuddles, and would be happy to share the right home with another dog. If you think you can give Bruno a loving home for his twilight years, contact Dogs Trust at 01 879 1000. Further information about their work can be found on their website at www. dogstrust.ie. All dogs that are adopted from Dogs Trust are vet-checked, vaccinated, neutered and micro-chipped before being re-homed
GAZETTE
18 GAZETTE 8 November 2012
OUT&ABOUT
STYLE
Dune €115 Next €93
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Debenhams €18.50
with tailored of the manor, y d la e th n o - this is the A modern take to accessories el fe an ri st eque Awear tweeds and an sual look from ca t ar sm ct perfe
Accessorize €39 Accessorize €34
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BEAUTY news
Getting a seasonal glow - bargains and beauty buys! LAURA WEBB
OK, so Christmas isn’t for another while yet, but many people are already thinking about buying here and there so December isn’t an expensive month. This week Gazette Style has a very rewarding idea that will get you some great gifts while you buy for others. If you purchase two or more products at Lancome, you will get a free skincare essentials gift bag worth €74. Looking after your skin is essential in winter months so it is definitely something to think
about for yourself, so when buying for mum, or even the man in your life check out Lancome products and receive an extra special gift early. Who says Christmas can’t come early? The gift includes a Lancome Makeup Bag, a Lancôme makeup Brush Dou, skin care produts: Visionnaire (7ml), Génifique (7ml), Hydra Zen Moisturiser (30ml), Tonique Douceur (50ml) and Galeteis Douceur (50ml). It also includes Hypnose Mascara (2ml) and L’Absolu Rouge (1.6ml). This gift is available in all Debenhams Department stores Dublin, until Sunday November 18 or while stocks last.
Keep an eye out for offers like this at department stores across Dublin, so you can treat yourself while treating others.
TAKING a look in the mirror, most of us can see the holiday hue has well and truly disappeared, so it’s over to the false tan to give our winter skin a sparkling glow. Fake tan experts He-Shi have a great line of products that make skin luminous, shimmering and soft. The new He-Shi Luminous Shimmer is a subtle and sophisticated bronzer, which offers a gorgeous glittering finish, perfect for enhancing skin on dark evenings.
There is no hideous smell and it’s easy to use. It can be layered for deeper colour and washes off with ease making it a perfect product for any party occasion. Luminous Shimmer is available from selected department stores, salons and day spas for an RRP of €12.60.
8 November 2012 Gazette 19
Gazette
MUSIC FASTtunes
Halloween’s not over: Christmas albums are looming!
Actor and singer/songwriter Tyler Hilton: “I want to rediscover the things I love, so I have more to put into the next record”
PEOPLE: walking away from a record label ‘was right for me’
Breaking the rules Continues from Page 17
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“I’m a pretty patient guy for the most part, but I think people were surprised I stayed as long as I did. I go back to the relationship [comparison]: you stay with someone as long as you can to try make it work, but, eventually, you have to decide to walk away.” Going back to 2005, Hilton was a man on a massive upward swing, recording an album on a major label and having starred as Elvis in the acclaimed Johnny Cash biopic, Walk The Line. It seems odd, then, that a European tour would be so long coming, not to mention a new album.
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‘The industry keeps changing, but this is my favourite time in my career ever. Nothing lasts very long in this business.’ “The industry keeps changing, but this is my favourite time in my career ever. “It feels different, for sure, but I feel like no matter what it is, nothing lasts very long in this business. “You couldn’t have
told me when I first got into the business that not listening to the people telling me what to do would be the answer. “It’s so counterintuitive to everything you learn your whole life, but breaking all the rules ended up being the answer.” As a man who has acted and sung for some 15 years, Tyler doesn’t see any problem with cramming as much as possible into his schedule. “I feel like if you do a lot of one thing, you’re probably missing out on something else. “I want to rediscover the things I love, so I have more to put into the next record, and nobody
wants to hear songs about the life of being an actor. So, when I’m home, I try not to do any of that.” W hen back home, Hilton says that catching up with family, friends and his girlfriend, actress Megan Park, grounds him, as well as hiking and “feeling healthy”. Hilton met Park on the set of the criminally under-rated movie, Charlie Bartlett, and the two have been together for five years now. “The thing is we’ve been together a long time and, fortunately, we’ve been very happy and she’s not crazy! “I could probably date another actress and she’d be out of her mind, or, if
I’d never met Megan, I could date a nurse and it would be fine but, for me, Megan is perfect. “If she was in any other kind of industry, she’d be perfect. The way she handles herself and her temperament teaches me a lot. “She’s very together, or at least she acts that way in front of me! “It’s nice for me to see people who can be so normal, and so together, and be successful in this industry, because it’s not usually that way.” Unfortunately, it’s not usually that way, but thankfully, Tyler Hilton is the exception rather than the rule. And that’s probably why he’s so relaxed.
So, Halloween is over, the nights are good and dark and the fridge is fast becoming a warmer place to be than outside. And with that, of course, comes the annual day that breaks the bank for all of us. No, I’m not talking about when the fat guy gives the presents, rather when the fat cats take them: Budget 2013. And if your purse strings are tighter than Joan Rivers’ face, I’m looking to the people who still have money to see how they’re still bringing in the big bucks in these tough times. The answer? A Christmas Album. When you think about it, it’s made with minimum time and effort, no one will blame you for doing covers, even the corniest ones are going to shift at least a few copies, and there’s almost a guarantee that sales will pick up at Yuletide every year, meaning artists can put their feet up and watch the Christmas cash roll in. Many rockers have turned their hand to the odd Christmas tune: Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, even Phil Lynott, but an entire album is a reputation gamble if ever I saw one. New additions to the Christmas album shelves this year include Rod Stewart, who’s bringing out a festive album which one can only hope isn’t as cringy as the title - Merry Christmas, Baby - while Sandy and Danny themselves, Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta are re-uniting for their Christmas record, This Christmas. The album cover shows the two Grease stars enjoying cups of tea by the Christmas tree - a far cry from Travolta’s Pulp Fiction days. Rod Stewart on the other hand is bringing out the big guns for his album, which includes a virtual duet with Ella Fitzgerald for What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve? Ehhh, probably not listening to your album, Rod! Dee Woods @ Radio Nova
Better be good for goodness’ sake
Gazette
20 gazette 8 November 2012
OUT&ABOUT
CINEMA
more
theatre THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929
Every Little Step… the Rhythm of Hope FROM their critically acclaimed premiere in New York, Dance Theatre of Ireland and Soul Steps bring a stunning, foot-stomping, body-clapping, energizing experience in every Little Step...the Rhythm of Hope, featuring dance, live music and story-telling. In their hottest work to date, a powerful cast of seven performers combine Irish and modern dance with African-American stepping. November 6-9, tickets are priced at €17/€14.
Mill Theatre 01 296 9340 Chris Kent
WHAT do you get when you cross a burnt out electrician with a standup comedian? You get the most high-voltage act on the Irish comedy circuit at the moment. Join multi award-winning Chris Kent for his new positively charged, totally unique debut. In this brand new show, Kent throws some light on the joys of being a negligent electrician and a couldhave-been porn star, as well as an uncanny resemblance to a wellknown, sheeploving soap celebrity. November 16-17 at 8pm, tickets are priced at €10.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 The Nualas
FOR the price of one household charge you and several friends and/or family members can enjoy a night of worldclass entertainment - scintillating vocal harmony, ambitious choreography, kneelength, yet unbelievably glamorous, and shiny, stage attire. November 15 at 8pm with tickets €20 and €16 with €15 and €11 concessions.
Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenaerts take a break from swimming
cinema: A foreign treat in irish cinemas this week
No signs of rust HAVING already been praised with a host of accolades before ever hitting our big screens, winning the title of best film at the London Film Festival and Cabourg Romantic Film Festival as well receiving as a nomination for the much-coveted Palm D’Or at Cannes, I had already assumed high expectations before attending the screening of Rust And Bone last week. Directed by Jacques A u d i a r d , a c cl a i m e d director of ‘A Prophet’, the French-Belgian film stars Oscar-winning actress Marion Cotillard and Belgian actor, Matthias Schoenaerts in the leading roles. Based on a short story collection of the same name, Rust and Bone is
natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com
a story centred around unemployed Ali who, on moving with his son to start a new life in Antibes, falls in love with Stephanie, a character portrayed by the brilliant Cotillard. An unconventional love story, the film defies the tones of a typical romantic movie, instead focusing on the bleak and sometimes dark moments of life and the unexpected turns it sometimes takes. Single and slightly inadequate father Ali takes his five-year-old
son from their home in Belguim to live with his sister in France, where he befriends Stephanie, a confident local who has an enviously unusual career as a whale trainer at a local marine theme park in Antibes. Despite being poles apart, a friendship sparks between the two when they begin to bond around their flawed lives. Ali fails to care for his own son, focusing instead on a road destined to lead to trouble, while Stephanie faces a lifetime of trials as she struggles to rebuild her own life after a life-changing accident, grasping solely onto the unintentional compassion shown by her new friend. Taking a step away from her most recent
Film of the Week: Rust and Bone h h h h h (15A) 120mins Director: Jacques Audiard Starring: Marion Cotillard, Matthias Schoenaerts, Bouli Lanners, Alex Martin, Celine Sallette
OUR VERDICT: WHILE foreign-language films don’t always appeal to everyone, Rust and Bone is one film that we recommend should shake that trend. An unconventional love story, the enlightening tale focuses more on the troubling moments real life can bring and less on the romantic aspect of a blossoming friendship. Having already been awarded prestigious titles in the film world, Rust and Bone is one French film that lives up to its esteemed albeit young reputation.
screen appearance this year as powerful Miranda Tate in The Dark Knight Rises, French actress Marion Cotillard instead slips easily into a role of a woman trapped by a tragic accident, in the deep recesses of a depression and struggling to rediscover her will to live. With few moments to smile about, Marian manages to convey the deep and troubled emotions being no
doubt felt by someone in her position and plays a dramatically powerful performance while still possessing that sense of the natural French grace and poise she is celebrated for. Matthias Schoenaerts on the other hand, becomes a character that is hard to warm to, but one that is portrayed just as successfully. His apparent disregard for the welfare of his son,
his illegal fist-fights and easy disposal of one night stands have a tendency to overpower the real reasons for his adolescent behaviour; a struggle to make ends meet and an insecurity about his real capability as a single parent. To g e t h e r t h e t wo struggling characters unknowingly lean on one another for support as life continues to throw hurdles their way. While the French subtitled film may not be for everyone, and occasionally fails to explain fully the lessimportant tangents of the story, Rust and Bone is one story that if you get caught up in it, will draw you in and leave you feeling enlightened, satisfied and with an appetite for the culture of French film.
8 November 2012 GAZETTE 21
GAZETTE
GAMING ASSASSIN’S CREED 3: A SUPERB SEQUEL
A title that’s worth hunting down in shops SHANE DILLON
EVERY week feels like Christmas for gamers at the moment, with triple-A titles either suddenly on the shelves, or about to hit the market. And, certainly, one of the biggest titles of the year – in more ways than one – comes courtesy of the cross-platform title, Assassin’s Creed 3, which was released just last week but, unsurprisingly, has leapt straight to the top of the charts around the world. Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, AC3 is the latest in the popular series, which has spun off into indirect titles, making this not just the third in the overall series, but certainly the most impressive.
SHANE DILLON sdillon@gazettegroup.com
For “newbies” to the Assassin’s Creed setting, a modern-day protaganist is caught up in a slowly-uncovered, endof-the-world scenario – however, dull-as-dishwater Desmond is merely a means to an end, as, through some high-tech nonsense, he can “relive” the memories of – Oh, look, it doesn’t really matter, does it? Desmond accessing memories of long-dead people is the way to play the game proper, as we
slip back into time to “remember” the character’s actions. This time round, AC3 follows a half-English, half-Mohawk man, Connor, in Colonial America, around the time of the great American Revolution. During 30 or so years of Connor’s life, around the Revolution years, he wanders through several key parts of the Colonial frontier, with vast tracts of land, speckled with small towns, as well as a number of well-known cities in their older, simpler forms, including New York and Boston. Connor’s life brings him into contact with a wide range of historical characters on all sides of the Revolution, with eve-
From snowbound city streets teeming with British Colonial soldiers to verdant Frontier lands full of wildlife, the beautifully realised world of Assassin’s Creed 3 is a memorable, diverting place to wander and explore
ryone from Washington to Franklin shoehorned in, as well as several key historical moments in the battle for America at the time. As an assassin with his own agenda to follow, Connor spends an awful lot of time tracking down – and eliminating – all kinds of people, in line with the previous games. However, AC3 remains, as ever, a game that certainly has a violent nature in parts (albeit for the greater good, once again),
BYTES&PIECES STILL SO FORZA, SO GOOD Franchise spin-off impresses
FIRST things first – yes, Forza Horizons. really does look that pretty, as shown in the screenshot, right. Already a terrific racing franchise exclusive on the XBox 360, where Forza easily roared into pole position as a great cicruit racer, an elite team of developers were assembled for this recently released spin-off with an open-world setting – and, boy, did they deliver the goods. Set around the Horizon Festival in Colorado (an ever-so-slightly naff-feeling central hub), it’s your job to roll into town in the equivalant of a rusty bathtub on three wheels, before taking to the highways and byways of Colorado for all kinds of Horizon challenges. The more you race, the more you rise up the ranks from your lowly starting position of 250th place, as you undertake
The game ships with a photo mode, to create similarly striking shots
set challenges, random races, or simply challenge other, snazzier cars to a race – and what races they are, too. Colorado, here, takes in all kinds of sweeping landscapes and surfaces, with a wide range of beautiful, gleaming motors to unlock and take to gravel roads and wide highways, while the spectacular sunsets and ambient details add to
the overall mood. Indeed, it’s a pleasure to just drive, picking a forest road or desert trail to follow, with the game putting the horizon there for you to reach as best as you see fit. So, for those looking for a meaty racer, or for those looking for a very pretty driving game, or even for those just looking for a great game, Forza Horizons is a winner.
but rewards exploration and observation. While the main campaign missions can be blitzed through reasonably quickly, there are, quite simply, a staggering range of side-missions and distractions to undertake. Whether hunting wildlife to make money, recruiting craftspeople to make your humble home ever grander, exploring the lands and the cities, or even taking to the high seas in well-realised naval sections – and all with a noticeable graphical flair in an already attractive series – AC3 presents a beautiful, challenging and rewarding title. Coupled with a historical (and physical) setting that’s rarely been touched upon in gaming, and with a striking story that resonates with contemporary times – not to mention a lot more features than I have space to even mention, let alone look at here – AC3 has delivered an outstanding title. Available now for several platforms, it’s a terrific title, and one that makes the game’s revolutionary past something to definitely look forward to ...
22 GAZETTE 8 November 2012
GAZETTE
&ABOUT OUT road
MOTORS
NOISE
Skoda drives up the motor ranks SKODA’s drive to become a Top-5 best-selling car brand has taken a big step forward in recent weeks with the recruitment of five new dealerships for its network across Munster and Leinster. The dealerships chosen for their strategic importance in high population centres include Boland’s in Carlow, Sheehy Motor Group in Naas, Co Kildare, Frank Hogan Motors in Limerick, Western Motors in Drogheda Co Louth and J Donohue Motors in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. In addition to the dealership expansion, Skoda has also announced its latest innovative sales incentive programme for Irish motorists. In conjunction with Applegreen, Skoda has launched a unique fuel card offer for Irish motorists, guaranteeing them a set price for fuel in 2013 and saving them hard earned money. Anyone who orders a new Skoda before November 17will receive a fuel card capping the price of fuel at 99c a litre for the year ahead. Skoda was also recently recognised as a leading provider of value for Irish motorists by Motorcheck. ie Value Analysis report which was carried out across a range of car brands and models to determine which cars retain their value providing the best investment. The report which compared almost 12,530 pricing samples between January 2009 and July 2012 revealed that Czech automobile manufacturer Skoda provided the greatest return on investment of any brand. Skoda claimed Number 1 spot in three of these categories, best diesel option for small hatch (Skoda Fabia 1.4 TDI), mid range saloon (Skoda Octavia 1.9TDI) and large saloon (Skoda Superb 1.9TDI Greenline). Over the three-year period the outstanding Skoda models retained 67% (Fabia), 62% (Octavia) and 61% (Superb) of their original value. These valuations are all significantly ahead of the average retained value for each segment with the Skoda Octavia 1.9TDI +12%, the Skoda Superb 1.9TDI Greenline +11%, and the Skoda Fabia 1.4TDI +5% respectively.
Joe Barrett, retail director of Applegreen and Ciara Walsh, marketing communications manager, SKODA Ireland, are all smiles as Skoda announces its latest innovative sales incentive programme for Irish motorists in conjunction with Applegreen
Today’s Beetle transfers the styling of the original Beetle and the 1998 new Beetle into a sportier, more masculine era
VOLKSWAGEN: THIRD INCARNATION OF A MOST ICONIC CAR
The beloved Beetle is back with a bang
CORMAC CURTIS
IT hasn’t been all that long since the 2012 Geneva Motor Show – it was back in March. But it seems like an eternity since I was there to see, for the first time, just how great the all-new VW Beetle was turning out to be. Pearlescent white paint, tinted windows, blindingly bright chrome alloys designed with good ol’ fashioned hubcaps in mind– it had the perfect blend of classic Beetle lines, combined with a dune buggy-like profile. Did I mention the gloss-black door sills with the chrome highlights? The fact that the classic sills were omitted from
the second-generation Beetle still boggles the mind, but their return just makes this model that bit more special. And that’s what the Beetle is all about – special. The entry-level model is already a design classic, but Volkswagen have not spared the whip when it comes to options for those who really want to treat themselves to a top-end motor. The model I test drove recently was a dream. The interior was practically wrapped in leather, with colour panels that matched the Denim Blue exterior beautifully. T he f lat-bottomed leather steering wheel was a multifunction joy, as it gave me control of the simply wonderful
sound system. Made by the classic guitar manufacturer, Fender, the Fender Plus stereo will, on this side of the Atlantic, only be found in the Beetle. The system comprises two tweeters each in the mirror triangle and rear side trim, front and rear woofers and a subwoofer located in a closed bass box in the boot. Heart and soul of the system is a 10 channel amplifier with class A /B end stages and eight speakers delivering a 400 watt output, while ambient lighting around the speakers and door panels creates a relaxed atmosphere. For me at least, this makes the world a better place, it really was a
shame that VW insisted I give the car back. The Beetle is priced at a very competitive €19,995 for the entry-level model, but true Beetle lovers will almost certainly want to spring for some of the top-drawer extras. Personally, I would be a big fan of the optional winter pack that includes heated front seats with three pre-set temperature settings. If I had my way, all cars would be equipped with keyless entry systems, like the one available on here. This system enables you to enter and exit your car without taking the key out of your pocket. Once inside, as long as you have the key on you, the engine can be started
without inserting the key in the ignition by simply pressing a button in the centre console. It’s options like these that keep a car like this one that bit extra special – but don’t forget leather, you really do deserve the leather interior. It’s no coincidence that the Irish love the Beetle, the first one built outside of Germany was on Dublin’s Shelbourne Road and continued to be produced there right up the late 1970s. Beetle lovers had to wait until 1998 for the second generation model to arrive, but this third model is set to bring different generations of motorists together as it is certain to go down a storm.
8 November 2012 CASTLEKNOCK Gazette 23
Gazette
CRAFT craftwork: Dalkey’s winter fair expects over 5,000 visitors
Designer showcase flourishes
Thousands of locally produced craft and design goods will be on display at this year’s Winter Fair in Dalkey, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, November 10 and 11. For the first time, this year’s fair is taking place in the Cuala GAA Hall on Hyde Road. More than 5,000 visitors are expected at the event, which is now in its eighth year, to see work from over 40 design and craftworkers from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, which is emerging as a centre of excellence for the craft and design sector.
Fresh styles and gift ideas, as well as specially-made Christmas items, will be available during the two-day event, which is organised by Dun LaoghaireRathdow n County Enterprise Board. The Winter Fair has grown in popularity every year since it began among locals and visitors to the area, many of who travel specifically to see the wide range of quality products available. With over 40 stands, locally designed fashion, hats and jewellery, photography, bags, candles, furniture, toys and
A sample of Laragh McMonagle’s jewellery
collectibles will all be available at the Winter Fair 2012. Regular exhibitors who are returning to the Winter Fair include Susannagh Grogan Designs, Red Rufus Sock Dogs, Cathy White Vintage Bags, Cadenza Glass Beads, Blue House Studio and Michael Delahunty Photography, many of who have created new work specifically for the event. They will be joined by a record number of new exhibitors – all based in the county – some bringing their new work to the market for the
An example of jewellery from Cadenza Glass Beads
first time. Event co-ordinator S u z a n n e M ay s a i d : “This is such an important event in the design calendar that people are now travelling to Dalkey from all over Leinster. “We are delighted to welcome a number of first time exhibitors to the Winter Fair, in
addition to our regular faces. “The range of local creative talent at the Winter Fair is always inspiring and offers gift ideas for every taste and budget. “Every year, there are new and exclusive collections and the public are always ver y supportive of locally-produced design and craft products.” Laragh McMonagle, a locally-based jewellery designer has participated in the Winter Fair over the last number of years. She said: “This is one of my favourite times of the year, when all our hard work is unveiled to the public. “It gives us a chance to meet our customers face-to-face and it gives them a chance to ask us questions about our craft and hear our design stories, which is a unique aspect of Winter Fair.” The Winter Fair 2012 in Dalkey is open to the
public from 10am to 6pm on both days, and admission is free. Updates can be found on the Winter Fair Facebook page, at w w w.
Red Rufus Sock Dogs
facebook.com/thewinterfair. Further information is also available at http:// www.dlrceb.ie/winterfair2012.
Gazette
24 CASTLEKNOCK gazette 8 November 2012
OUT&ABOUT
fast
TRAVEL
Celebrate Bond with a visit to bonnie Scotland STUNNING locations are a key ingredient of James Bond films and, with the recent release of Skyfall, the fourth Bond film to feature the beautiful surroundings of Scotland, there’s never been a better time to explore the northern country. While Daniel Craig was seen jetting off to the Bahamas and South America in his first two outings, the character goes back to his Scottish roots in Skyfall. In a chase sequence filmed in the Highlands, near the peak of striking Buachailie Etive Mor, the secret agent’s iconic Aston Martin DB5 manages to get upstaged by the stunning atmospheric scenery. Whether you’re a 007 fan or fancy a piece of your own adventure, Scotland boasts a number of Bond-inspired activities to pursue on a visit to the highlands. The Spy who Loved Me, The World is Not Enough and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service are just three of the many Bond films to include skiing scenes, and Scotland has five ski resorts. Why not hit the slopes this winter for skiing, snowboarding or some expert snow-sports tuition? For a combination of breathtaking scenery and exhilarating adventure, visit Highlands Sarafis at www.highlandsafaris.net, and choose from a mountain safari, a cycle through a wilderness trail or try your hand at off-road driving. Get an adrenaline high at the Highland Fling Bungee in Perthsire, Britain’s first static bungee jump, perched above a dramatic gorge and ancient trees, or sail 30 miles from the north west coast to the Outer Hebrides, to its powder-white beaches, Atlantic waves and dark moorland. For further details of these and many other Scottish activities, see www.visitscotland.com.
northern ireland: cookery school serves up some great lessons
Turn into a top chef (with a little Belfast help)
laura webb
SURPRISINGLY, heading to Belfast on a dreary Thursday morning didn’t dampen my enthusiasm for the day ahead. It was the inaugural Belfast Restaurant Week, and anything that involves testing culinary treats is something that I don’t mind doing in rain, hail or snow. Having gone to Belfast before by car, and although it is nice to
have the freedom of your own vehicle so you can pack whatever you can fit into it, taking the Enterprise train from Dublin definitely has its advantages. You leave from central Dublin to arrive in central Belfast – what more could you ask for, really? The day ahead was a busy one. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board had organised some very interesting activities that would test my
own culinary abilities, and get me tasting some very famous ones, too. The Europa Hotel is one of the best-known hotels in Belfast. Just a few minutes’ drive from the train station, it is in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Belfast, perfect for finding your way through the city. Once checked in, it was time to go to the Belfast Cooker y School. This school is Belfast
Belfast Cookery School is the city’s first purpose-built cookery school
Paul Rankin’s restaurant, Cayenne, boasts a relaxing
city’s first purpose-built cookery school, and is ideally located in the heart of the city close to hotels, public transport, pubs and shopping. I t h a s 16 f u l l y equipped individual cooking stations. On arrival, we were greeted by Mourne Seafood Bar’s head chef, Wayne Carville, who was ready to demonstrate the meal we were about to make. The ingredients were all laid out, and we could see by the rice, prawns and other ingredients that it was going to be some sort of risotto, and we were right – seafood risotto. Talking us through the recipe, Wayne made it sound so easy, but I suppose when you are a top chef it’s going to be easy – for you! The flavours of the
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‘We were given a guide to Belfast restaurants, which is a great booklet to have as it outlines the many restaurants this wonderful town has to offer’ ----------------------------------------
garlic, herbs and stock he was using started to fill the air, and I could feel myself getting hungry. All in all, I would say it took about 20 minutes to make – now it was my turn. I found my cooking station and the ingredients were ready to be used. It was the first time I had to peel a prawn,
8 November 2012 CASTLEKNOCK GAZETTE 25
GAZETTE
Travel fast
TRAVEL
Check your travel policy’s coverage
FOLLOWING the arrival of Hurricane Sandy in New York recently, Irish travellers have been given a stark reminder of the risk of travel disruption that can often occur due to serious weather events around the world, and Multitrip.com is reminding people to check the cover on travel policies before purchasing a policy All Multitrip.com insurance policies include cover for travel delay after a 12-hour period, missed departure, missed connections, and catastrophe cover for new accommodation if you are forced to move accommodation as a result of an act of God, along with airline failure and supplier failure cover in the event of company liquidation. The travel insurance company has also created a new additional Travel Disruption Cover. Annual Multitrip policies are available, starting from €19.99 for European cover for an individual with private health insurance, or worldwide from €26.95. For further information, see Multitrip. com, or call 01 247 8900.
ambience, making it a perfect spot for diners (right), whether locals or tourists
and my initial reaction was to cringe, but I did it and it was actually fine. The prawns were used to make a stock that would later be added to the rice to make the risotto. The key to making the perfect risotto, in Wayne’s eyes, is to keep stirring, making sure it doesn’t stick to the pan. O t h er i ngred i ents included white wine, garlic, paprika, chopped tomatoes, herbs, prawn meat, mussels and cockles. After a lot of rice grain tasting and checking for the pin point in the middle of the grain, my dish was ready. What’s great about the school is that you have all the joys of making the dish, without having to clean up afterwards, making it feel like a treat rather than a chore. It was interesting to
see all the differentlooking dishes, but it was time for the taste test – and even if I do say so myself, I quite enjoyed it. After the school we went back to the hotel for a break before heading off to Cayenne – the restaurant of Paul Rankin.
Ambience On the night, he was celebrating local food and wines with an Irish connection. The chilled ambience of the restaurant is apparent when you first walk in. There were a few different local suppliers on hand to talk about their great products, and to answer any questions we might have had. We met renowned chef, Paul Rankin, who talked us through the menu while his friend
and wine expert, Joe Wadsack, talked about what wines suited each course – and his recommendations were definitely on point. For starters, I had a salt and chilli calamari, which was cooked to perfection. For my main dish, I enjoyed venison, which literally melted through my knife, and a chocolate dessert to finish. All in all, it was just superb. We were given a guide to Belfast restaurants, which is a great information booklet to have as it outlines the many restaurants this wonderful town has to offer. For further information on Belfast, contact the Northern Ireland Tourist Board at CallSave 1850 230 230, or see www.discovernorthernireland.com.
Seafood Risotto For one to two people
Ingredients • One quarter onion • One clove garlic • Half celery stick • Pinch-smoked paprika • Half cup rice • 100g mixed seafood (of your choice) • Half cup white wine • Parmesan (amount to your taste) • Chopped parsley for garnish • One pint chicken or vegetable stock • Oil • Butter
Method • Dice the onion, garlic, celery, fennel and garlic and sweat. Add the rice (arborio or carnaroli). • Fry the rice for two to three minutes. Add a half glass of white wine, and cook until evaporated. • Add boiling stock, one ladle at a time, until rice is tender (you don’t have to use all the stock). • Add your diced seafood and any shellfish. Add a knob of butter and parsley. • Add your grated parmesan and serve. Whatever your level of cooking skills, why not try this delicious dish?
26 castleknock gazette 8 November 2012
castleknockCLASSIFIEDS
Bathrooms
planning Notice Fingal County Council
Recruitment
We, David & Nicola Keenan, intend to apply for Retention Permission for 2no. slit windows to the south west side of existing dwelling house and Planning Permission for a single storey extension with 3no. rooflights to the south west side of existing dwelling house and all associated site works at 14 Hollystown Demesne, 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 PlanningAuthority during its public opening hours of 9.30 - 16.30 Monday - Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority 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 mayrefuse to grant permission. Signed: www.tombyrnedesigns.ie 16859
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planning Notice Fingal County Council I, Gavin Willis Intend to apply for planning permission for a.2 st rey detached house b. Widening of existing vehicular access c. All associated site works on site to side of No. 81 Glenville Avenue, Clonsilla, 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 Fingal Co Council, Grove Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 during public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a prescribed fee (20 euro) within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority 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. 16847
DataPlex Irl are applying forpermission fora change of use from factory unit to electronic data storage centre, with external generator compound, office extension and boundary fencing at Building B10, IDA Business Park, Ballycoolin Industrial Estate, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application. 16829
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8 November 2012 CASTLEKNOCK Gazette 27
mountain-biking 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
cycling P29
FastSport Eight locals in hockey panel:
Members of Coolmine swimming club last week celebrate club coach Afric Creedon’s win in the Dun Laoghaire Harbour swim with Eamonn Coghlan also present
swimming: dublin 15 club celebrates the top achievement of club coach
Creedon win inspiring next batch of Coolmine swimmers COOLMINE swimming club enjoyed a special Halloween gala last week when Irish sporting legend Eamonn Coghlan visited the club to present club coach Afric Creedon with her trophy for winning the Dun Laoghaire Harbour swim. It is one of the top two open water swims in Ireland, circumnavigating 2,200m of the south Dublin port, and one which Creedon has been pursuing for the past few years. Speaking to GazetteSport about the event, she said: “The current wasn’t
mild which suited me. It was a really big win for me in our second last event of the season. “I’ve been doing it for years and this is my biggest result, that and the Liffey Swim are the ones everyone wants to win. The best I had done in this one before was sixth and I’d been fourth in the Liffey.” The Clonsilla resident combines her time training in Coolmine pool, getting up at 5.15am three times a week, with coaching the club’s young populace of around 100 members.
She is among six coaches at the club which caters for all ages from as young as six-years-old up to 19 with members welcomed almost as soon as they swim a length of the pool. “We’re always looking for new members . We welcome ages in five sections from tadpoles up to elite level. We’re always aspiring to bring our swimmers up to elite level and then international competition.” To that end, the likes of Laura Fallon among a number of members to excel on the national stage. And Cree-
don’s exploits have also had a noticeable effect on the young swimmers at the club with many younger members following in Creedon’s wake and taking to the open seas. “Five of the girls went on to take part this year in the Dun Laoghaire swim. It really has taken off and I’m so proud of them. “Open water swimming compared to in the pool is totally different. We’ve seen that it has provided some inspiration for them to get involved in both sides of the sport”
FOUR former Wesley College students and four St Andrew’s alumni were included in the Irish men’s hockey squad who travelled to the Netherlands this week to take part in a 23-player camp with a view to selection for the Champions Challenge tournament in Argentina later this month. Wesley’s Mitch Darling, Phelie Maguire, Brian Doherty and Andy McConnell along with Andrew’s David Cole, Davy Carson, David Fitzgerald and Stu Loughrey will all be hoping to impress new coach Andrew Meredith in the squad’s first meetup since the summer. The camp saw Ireland compete in a number of training matches against Dutch club sides.
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 8 November 2012
SPORT
FastSport goldrick makes award shortlist: FOXROCK Cabinteely’s Sinead Goldrick is on the shortlist for the annual LGFA Senior Player’s Player of the Year award. The nominees for the prestigious awards were chosen by the intercounty squads that have played with and against these nominees and singled them out as the outstanding players in their grade. Goldrick is in the running with Cork’s Briege Corkery and Geraldine O’Flynn who were both members of the AllIreland champions dynamic half-back line. The LGFA Player’s Player of the Year award winners will be announced at the TG4/O’Neill’s AllStar awards at the Citywest Hotel on Saturday, November 10. For further information regarding tickets for the event, please call 01 8363156 or email info@fai.ie.
cycling: nicolas roche starts development team for 2013 season
Roche set to launch new team sport@gazettegroup.com
DUNDRUM native Nicolas Roche is set to launch a new Irish cycling squad for junior riders for the start of the 2013 with six places for cyclists based in Ireland. Put together in conjunction with Philip Finnegan, the Nicolas Roche Per formance Team has secured invitations to compete in five international stage races next year, four in France and one in Germany for riders who are either first or second year juniors. Speaking to stickybottle.com about the new initiative, Finnegan said the idea is “to get riders used to riding as a team,
to teach them how to do that and how to get used to that. “When you look at the window that good riders have to get into a big pro team, it’s pretty short. It can be hard to make that step up to a big pro team once you’re 22 and you move out of the U-23s. “So the idea here is to try and get the riders into that way of thinking and that way of riding from the time they are very young; to hopefully get them on the road to making that transition from the time they are first-year juniors.” Beyond those dates on the continent, the team will focus on three day events in Cork and Gorey, the latter on the
Easter weekend, the junior Tour of Ireland, the national championships and the Suir Valley three day. From there, the development of the side will hope to develop into the senior ranks over time. “Obviously there is a good national set-up and juniors are taken into that for the main races and we’ve seen there was a stint with Cycling Ireland for the juniors racing abroad before the European Championships this year. “But what myself and Nicolas are really hoping to do is to get juniors and give them that set-up the whole year round, with the added bonus of the foreign
Former Meadowbrookn resident Nicolas Roche
races we can bring them to.” Finnegan will be the hands-on manager in Ireland while Roche who will link up with the SaxoBank team in the new year - will be the team principal. He will mentor and advise the riders, as well as maximising their racing opportunities abroad. It will run along similar lines to the senior An Post-Sean Kelly team.
And the team is now taking applications to join up with the team from young Irish cyclists, with Finnegan adding: “We’re ver y open to having a look at everyone,” Finnegan said of the process that will be used to find the right six riders for next year. “This is a team structure; we want team players who will understand that cycling is about
working for the team goal. “But they will be young riders and it’s ver y impor tant that ever y single one of them gets chances to win or be the main rider sometimes; we’re going to be very committed to that.” F i n n e g a n wo r ke d with Roche on getting the Nicolas Roche Classic up and running this year.
Local trio star for Republic of Ireland in Euros sport@gazettegroup.com
Orlagh Nolan (pictured), Chloe Mustaki and Emily Cahill were all part of the successful Ireland U-19 side
LOCAL trio, Orlagh Nolan – from Ballinteer – Chloe Mustaki (formerly of St Kilian’s DSD) and Emily Cahill (Peamount United) all played their part last week as they helped the Republic of Ireland to top their group in the first round of qualifying for the UEFA U-19 women’s European championship. Following big wins over Latvia and Cyprus, it set up a top table clash with Serbia for top spot, bouncing back from a 2-1 deficit as skipper Denise O’Sullivan
and vice-captain Emma Hansberry gave Dave Connell’s side a deserved 3-2 win. The result continues the good mood in Irish women’s football as Connell has now led the U-17 and U-19 sides to their respective groups with a 100 per cent record in both cases and, with the men’s U-17 and U-19s also qualifying for the elite phase. Both teams went into the game at the FK Srem Stadium in Jakovo having already secured qualification for the next phase but Ireland were very much the underdogs, having lost to the Serbs at
last year’s U-19 elite phase. Nolan created the first of the day when she swung the ball into McCabe who sent a glancing header into the the net. But Ireland paid for their profligacy thereafter and it cost them in the 36th minute when the Serbian captain Damnjanovic equalised and nine minutes after half-time a penalty led to Cubrilo giving the home side the lead. However, the Irish women responded magnificently and within five minutes were back on level terms when a short free-kick by Clare Shine found Lauren
Murphy and her cross was headed home by senior international O’Sullivan. The winning goal came in the 74th minute when Emma Hansberry curled a 25m freekick around the wall and in off the post as the Irish threat from set-pieces once again reaped rich dividends. With Ciara O’Connell in superb form at the back and goalkeeper Jillian Maloney equal to anything the Serbs fired at her, the Irish were able to hold their lead this time and record a famous victory.
8 November 2012 CASTLEKNOCK gazette 29
Gazette
Downhill dream near the heart of the city
FastSport
Ticknock Hill sits less than a 10-minute drive from the Dundrum shopping centre but offers an oasis for mountainHorse sport and pentathlon bikers just a few miles away from the lights of Dublin city NESTLED in the foothills of the Dublin mountains, it scarcely seems like you’re located just a 10-minute drive from the Dundrum town centre or just a few minutes from a turn-off for the M50. But Ticknock Hill’s mountain-bike trail offers one of the most stunning views of the city while the twisting route around the back end of the Three Rock and Two Rock mountains can quickly transport city folk to a serenity scarcely found in the county. Coillte have been busy up there in recent years, making more and more accessible mountainbike tracks for people to get involved in the sport,
stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com
providing the perfect avenue by which to take in the views. It was there that GazetteSport met up with Stepaside resident Niall Davis – who has competed at the top level of European mountainbiking – who explained the simple beauty of the trail. “There are so many people you take up here and they started pointing down to where their
house is and say ‘I’ve lived down there for 20 years and never knew this was here’. That’s the beauty of it. It’s such an asset and free to use,” he explains. It is a sport that is rapidly growing in Ireland with the growth of mountain-bike trails in Ballinastoe and Limerick newly introduced with the support of Coillte and one which is becoming increasingly more accessible for Dubliners. After an initial grind up the tarmac path, the break from the trees opens up to unimpeded views out over Bray Head and across to Wales on a clear day with the Mourne mountains also in sight to the north. From there, the off-road
Niall Davis, left, traversing one of the turns on the Ticknock Hill mountain bike trails
begins, looping up and around the famous Three Rock mounds from which the area takes its name, the gnarled, rocky trail begins – one purposebuilt by Coillte – with plenty of challenges. The forest road first brings you a vista of Dub-
back of Three Rock and away from the city lights. There a long, straight section bounds along before traversing into some fast twists with lots of ups and downs. Despite the recent wet weather, the course remained reasonably intact though
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There are so many people you take up to Ticknock and they point at their house and say ‘I’ve lived here 20 years and never knew this was here’ - Niall Davis
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lin but once onto the single-track, replete with lumpy rocks, the route soon whips around the
there are plans for Coillte to reduce the pooling of water at the base of various drops. It navigates over 4km of a narrow, custom-built course, cut into two sections formally carved out in the past couple of years and is one that Davis says, while not for absolute beginners, is one that can certainly be an avenue for aspiring mountainbikers. “You’d want to be comfortable cycling on the roads, there’s not a huge step from there to mountain-biking. Once, you’ve got your gear, you’re good to go.”
** If you would like to give mountain-biking at Ticknock Hill a try, you can rent bikes and gear from Stepaside-based Niall Davis’ company, biking.ie
added to Sports Campus
MINISTER for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar confirmed a number of developments at the National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown including the development of high performance training facilities for Horse Sport Ireland and Pentathlon Ireland. Speaking at a briefing in Dublin last week on developments at the National Sports Campus, Minister Varadkar also confirmed that lease agreements have been put in place with the FAI, GAA, IRFU and Irish Hockey Association (IHA), after the ownership of lands at Blanchardstown were transferred from the Department of Agriculture to the Campus Development Authority in August of this year. “I’m very pleased with the huge progress made in the last six months. “I hope this decision by HSI and Pentathlon Ireland will encourage many other NGBs to view the campus as an ideal site for developing facilities and enhancing their own sport. “Following on from the positive announcement on investment in training pitches from the FAI earlier this month, the announcement shows that the partnership approach between Government and sporting bodies which I announced last March is working,” Minister Varadkar said. The National Sports Campus Development Authority will now develop a centre of excellence for Horse Sport Ireland/Pentathlon Ireland for equestrian sports, and facilities for the modern pentathlon. Horse Sport Ireland chairman Joe Walsh said of the announcement: “This move is a very important step for Irish equestrian and affiliated sports. “It not only provides us with the dedicated training facilities which we need, but it also merges equestrian sports with other mainstream sporting disciplines which can only be of benefit to all of Irish sport. “Priority access will be given to high performance athletes, but the facilities will also be used by HSI affiliates and will also be open for private hire by the public.”
Gazette
30 CASTLEKNOCK gazette 8 November 2012
SPORT
FastSport
soccer: castleknock claim amazing 18-goal thriller
St Mochta’s felled by Joey’s in Gilligan Cup first round tie ST Joseph’s Boys progressed to the second round of the Gilligan Cup after a hard fought 4-2 extra-time victory against St Mochta’s at Porterstown Park last Sunday. Mochta’s struggled to keep possession as their opponents continued to press high up the pitch as midfield pair Samuel Keating and Aaron Leonard controlled the tempo of the visiting team’s play and continued to thread through passes for their pacy frontrunners who were proving a tough challenge for the home back line. They weathered the storm, though, and finished the half the stronger with Gavin Smith doing well on a number of occasions, providing a series of half chances but none of which resulted in a clear attempt on goal. Joseph’s manager Paul Massey felt his team “were extremely unlucky” not to be leading at half time but that his “young and inexperienced team” were showing enough signs to push on in the second half. And so it proved when good build up play between Kennefick and McWilliams resulted in Leonard’s curling shot on the edge of the box sailing into the net. Mochta’s rallied though thanks to the efforts of their managerial pair, Brian McCarthy and former Bohemians boss Roddy Collins. They brought on ex-Monaghan United player Cillian Corcoran whose pace and control resulted in the equalising goal. He was fouled 10 yards from the edge of the box and Paul Clare stepped up to superbly lift the ball over the wall and straight in. It forced extra time and Mochta’s looked to have possibly done enough when Niall Kennedy’s corner was met by the head of Corcoran who rose the highest to put the ball in off the post and make it 2-1. But Joey’s responded quickly when a McWilliams deflected cross fell only as far as the edge of the box, where Keating was able to drive home an unstoppable shot on goal to square things up. The visiting team didn’t look back after equalising with Keating grabbing his second and Jordan scoring late on to give Joseph’s a hard-earned victory.
David Kelly scored Castleknock Celtic’s fourth goal in the DDSL U-18 Major 2 side’s 6-1 home win over Parkvale last weekend
Celts down the Dingle NDSL Under-8 Castleknock Celtic Dingle United sport@gazettegroup.com
10 8
CASTLEKNOCK Celtic and Dingle Utd treated the watching crowd to a game of non-stop attacking football with 100% commitment from both sides. Castleknock broke the deadlock when Tom Pool scored with a piledriver into the bottom left corner. However Castleknock’s celebrations were short-lived as Dingle finished off a fine move. Castleknock then took the lead with two quick
goals by Cillian Mooney, but again back came Dingle to reduce the deficit to 3-2 only for the Celts to extend their lead through Mooney who unleashed a stunning shot into the net. Once again, Dingle clawed their way back into the game and reduced the deficit to one before Pool got his second to leave the score at 5-3 with half time looming. Dingle, though, did score their fourth and were it not for a crunching last ditch tackle by Sasha Krylov, the home side would have equal-
sponsorship deal Castleknock look to bury opposition with Jennings JOHN Kennedy of Jennings Funeral Directors Blanchardstown presents a new football kit to the manager, Ray Bowe, and team player of Castleknock Celtic, Mark Keane. Kennedy and Jennings Funeral Directors, Blanchardstown, have a long history with Castleknock Celtic and he told the Gazette that he “is proud and delighted to support the club with a new kit for next season, which will be worn by the club’s AUL Premier C Sunday team”.
ised. The second half saw Celtic’s Essay Okirikpo score from a free inside his own half that flew into the net. Dingle immediately responded but once again Mooney wove his magic to extend the lead to two. Dingle replied once more but Okirikpo extended the lead again with a beautiful right footed shot. As they had done all game, Dingle pulled back the 2 goal deficit to tie the game at 8-8 with 10 minutes left. But the Celts edged ahead following great work from Hughes
who, having woven his way in from the left ,lifted the ball over the advancing keeper and the hard working Daniel Moore made sure the ball went over the line. Minutes later Castleknock were two up when Hughes scored direct from a corner after the goalie just failed to stop it going in at the near post, which left Celtic winners by an amazing 10-8. Castleknock Celtic’s Under-9 blue side overcame Clonee Utd in their league encounter. After a goal-less first half, with only five minutes left Clonee took the
lead and they thought they were home and hosed. But Celtic struck back with Scott Soroghan’s strike from close range and Lee Canavan’s goal with seconds remaining. Celtic’s Under-13s took on Cabinteely in their Murphy Cup game in Porterstown. Chris Alli hit an unstoppable shot into the net off the underside of the crossbar early on en route to a 2-1 half-time lead while David Onitou, Ben Traynor and Ayo Duraioye all shot home in the second half to leave Celtic 5-1 winners.
8 November 2012 CASTLEKNOCK gazette 31
Gazette
Garda set to host Thousandaire event sport@gazettegroup.com
GARDA GAA and its juvenile section Westm a n s t ow n G a e l s i s hostsing a Who Wants To Be A Thousandaire? event in the Westmanstown Sports and Conference Centre on Saturday, December 8 at 7.30pm. Contestants will be
drawn from ticket sales and each contestant will play for €1,000 in a fully computerised show with 50/50, ask the audience and a video-linked phone-afriend. The show is being run to assist in the development of club facilities which benefits the communities of Blanchards-
town, Clonee, Clonsilla and Lucan. The launch night for the event will be held on Tuesday, November 13 at 7.30pm in Westmanstown with new Dublin manager Jim Gavin the guest of honour. There will be an opportunity to meet and greet the new senior Dublin football
manager who was previously a coach of the senior Garda GAA club men’s team. There is still some large screen digital advertising space available for the show, please contact stephen@westmanstowngaels.ie or call 0866082708 for further information about the night.
Club Noticeboard castleknock THE club took yet another massive
play their Leinster junior semi-final
step forward this year when the
against Ratoath away.
Intermediate footballers beat Scoil
Details of both games to be con-
Ui Chonaill to win AFL4 and gain pro-
firmed during the week and the great
motion to AFL3.
support that has been provided all
This is the second time in two years
The club’s nursery is run every
and it also completes the league and
Saturday morning in Tir Na nOg, the
championship double.
green outside Castleknock Commu-
Well done to Tom, Sean and Ray and all of the players involved.
football: plunkett’s into leinster semi-final
year is, as always, welcome.
that the team has been promoted,
Well done also to the minor hurlers
nity College, at 10am, and we would like to welcome all new players and families to join in.
who beat Ballyboden to progress to
After the success of last year, the
the next round of the minor B hurling
club is running another wine tast-
championship.
ing night in the Carpenter pub on
Hard luck to the U-13 Camogie team
Wednesday, November 14 in aid of the
who lost their division one champi-
Dublin 15 Hospice. Tickets are €10 and
onship final on Sunday, but no doubt
if you would like to buy one, please
the girls will come back fighting next
get in touch with Bernard O’Keeffe at
year.
bernard@okeeffefms.ie.
Hard luck also to the U-21 hurlers
Please keep sending any pictures
who lost their first round champion-
and match reports that you have to
ship match to St Kevin’s on Saturday.
info@castleknock.net, and address
There are two big games next week-
them to David.
end as the U-21 footballers get their
Signs surrounding the main pitch in
Championship campaign up and run-
Somerton are now on sale. For more
ning at home to Kilmacud Crokes, and
information on how to get your sign
the intermediate footballers also
seen contact Charlie 085 1101008.
st brigid’s HARD luck to our U-14 camogie girls,
The St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh’s hurlers got the better of Wicklow’s Glenealy last weekend
OP/ER enjoying the Leinster IHC journey peter carroll sport@gazettegroup.com
ST OLIVER Plunkett’s/ Eoghan Ruadh’s hurlers made a great start to their Leinster intermediate championship assault, seeing of Glenealy 0-15 to 0-10 in Arklow last Sunday, putting them through to face a Kilkenny side in the semi-finals. Manager Terry O’Brien commented on the great honour of playing in the Leinster championship for the first time ever at the club. “We’re delighted to be involved in the Leinster championships; it’s the
first time for us at the club and we’re just enjoying ourselves,” he said. O’Brien also commented on the Glenealy game, where some had cited the sending off of dual-star Wayne O’Gorman as the turning point of the match, which the Navan Road manager agreed with, albeit for different reasons. “Well, the sending off of O’Gorman did have an impact on the game but, if anything changed, it was the referee who gave them everything once they lost a man. “I felt before he had gone off we had the bet-
ter of the play and we were quite comfortable. After O’Gorman went off, Glenealy won a lot of soft frees, but that’s the way it goes sometimes,” said O’Brien. Now looking toward a semi-final tie with a team from the breeding ground of Ireland’s most successful hurlers, Kilkenny, O’Brien is remaining confident in his team’s chances of taking the Leinster title. “So far, the standard seems quite comparable to the Dublin championship, but we’re only one game in and we have to be ready for the next test.
“As far as preparation for the Kilkenny team is concerned, the only thing we can really do is watch their county final, but we have a strong side of 24 that are enthusiastic about the tournament. “The problem at the moment is I don’t want to let anybody down by not putting them in the side. It’s a good position to be in. But it’s really into the unknown for us, but we’ve had some good challenge games with sides from Armagh that have had success in the intermediate championships, we’re very capable of winning it,” he finished.
Saturday from 9.30am to 11am.
senior camogie team and U-16 hurl-
New members and families wel-
ers who were all edged out in their
come. Contact Paul on 087 9154748
championship and league finals.
or see the website for more info.
Well done to our U-16 camogie team
A new GAA show featuring a week-
who captured the U-16 championship
ly Brigid’s round-up is on every
with a great win over Whitehall.
Monday evening on Phoenix FM at
Important fundraising event this
7.30pm.
Friday, November 9 - wine quiz night.
The club lotto is €12,600 this week
Tickets now available from Michelle
and takes place in the Roselawn Inn
at stbrigidsgaa.treasurer@gmail.
this Thursday evening.
com.
Our junior hurlers face OP/ER in
A race night is on November 16;
the league on Wednesday evening
hor se s and pr og r amme spon-
at 8.30pm in Russell Park while our
sors are still needed. Contact Tim
U-14A footballers face Clontarf in
O’Mahony on 086 9314532 for more
the division one league final on Sat-
info. Please make sure you support
urday at 3pm also in Russell Park.
each event. St Brigid’s GAA club nursery for four- to seven-year olds runs every
Our club AGM takes place on November 25, nominations/motions must be in by this week.
garda/westmanstown THE end of year fund-raising event and awards night takes place on Saturday, December 8 from 7.30pm. All club members are required to
Centre. Well done to the U-14 boys that defeated Ballyboden to reach their divisional final last Saturday.
get at least one minor sponsor for
In other games, the U-12 girls lost
the night. The deadline is November
by a point in a thrilling encounter
10.
with literally the last kick of their
Meet and greet the new senior Dub-
game against Craobh Chiarain.
lin football manager Jim Gavin who
Many thanks to Na Fianna for host-
launches our fund-raising project on
ing the girls’ blitz event. The U-0s
Tuesday, November 13 at the West-
travelled to Meath and beat Dun-
manstown Sports and Conference
boyne.
GazetteSPORT all of your CASTLEKNOCK sports coverage from page 27-31
Leinster leaders: Plunkett’s get past their first challenge in the Leinster club inter championship P31
NOVEMBER 8, 2012
new developments: Nicolas Roche starts up new elite junior cycling team P29
Castleknock closed out their AFL4 campaign with victory over Scoil ui Chonaill to claim the title and they will now look forward to a Leinster championship date with Ratoath
Knock add league title Castleknock round out year with 3-16 to 2-5 win over Scoil Ui Chonaill, putting the final seal on a famous year for the Somerton AFL4 side Peter Carroll
sport@gazettegroup.com
CASTLENOCK finished off their assault on AFL4 in style last weekend with a big win against Scoil Ui Chonaill, in a winner takes all match-up, confirming their place as league champions to go with their recent county championship success. Manager Tom McCormack admitted that although he knew that Scoil would be a big challenge, his side went in confident and got the rewards for hanging tough in the first half that went more of the way of the opposition. “They are a great team,” McCormack told GazetteSport. “For the first 20 minutes of the
game, they looked like they were going to win it. They did very well and broke us down with ease. “The lads got their act together and, after Dermot Curran put away our first goal, we started playing our game and managed to win by a good margin in the end.” In provincial action too, Castleknock have built on their flying league form, taking wins by massive margins. Seeing off Kilmacanogue in the last round by 3-17 to 0-5, McCormack believes that although the big deficits are encouraging, Scoil Ui Chonaill were a great preparation for the semi-final in which Castleknock will face off against Ratoath on the Meath cham-
pions’ grounds. “It’s great that the lads are getting such big score lines, but as we progress through the competition the calibre of teams we are facing is constantly improving. “The big scores show that the lads are up for the games, but I think Scoil Ui Chonaill gave us the best test that we’ve had in awhile and it was much needed going into the game against Ratoath. “We’ve watched them last weekend as I’m sure they’ve watched us, they’re a very solid side. They’re Meath champions so you have to take them seriously, they’re going to give us a game and hopefully our momentum will continue with another win,” said McCor-
mack. With an eye to next year’s AFL3 schedule, McCormack believes his side are very capable of pushing for another promotion, but admits he would be happy with a season of consolidation for the side who have rocketed through the divisions over the years. “This team has proven their ability to fight for promotions over the years and considering how well they’ve done this season, I think there are well able to get another promotion. “To be honest, I’d be happy with a season of consolidation, if we stay up we’ll definitely looking toward senior football the following year,” he finished.