Castleknock

Castleknock FREE

Gazet te

March 7, 2013

Find us on

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: Schools invited to show off rocket designs for Intel Rocket Challenge P10

big splash: National Aquatic Centre set to celebrate 10 swimming years Page 6

Chic boutiques: GAA club holds a night of fashion castleknock gaa held a Night of

Camogie:

Castleknock CC claim debut league double Page 32

Sport Awards: February nominees announced Page 28

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES..................... 10 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................27

Fashion recently which featured local boutiques Shamon, Lisa Baker, Eve, Ciara White, Bests, Gents of Distinction, Mex, CT2, Suits are Us and O’Neills Sportswear in the Castleknock Hotel and Country Club. The event was held in aid of the club’s clubhouse development at their new facility in Somerton. Pictured at the event are Monica McGinn, Niall Dalton and Sharon Mohan.

Council protest deemed ‘violent and intimidating’ Impact trade union condemns actions of property tax demonstrators

 laura webb

A recent protest in the foyer of the Fingal council buildings has been described as a violent, intimidating and aggressive action against staff there.

The Impact Trade Union Fingal Branch condemned the actions of members of the Campaign Against Household and Water Taxes (CAHWT) at a council meeting in Swords on Monday February 11.

Labour councillor Michael O’Donovan said he has “no problem” with legitimate protests. “It is a bit disruptive but I don’t mind because I think people have the right to protest. I know people are upset about taxes, and peo-

ple are under pressure.”

The CAHWT members were campaigning against the property tax and according to one protester, the group were left “with no option” but to stage the protest.

Full Story on Page 8

2 CASTLeKNOCK Gazette 7 March 2013

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

access Local reps ‘livid’ over move

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

c o n ta c t s Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com News Editor: Mimi Murray mmurray@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Paul Hosford picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Suzanne Sheehy ssheehy@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240 sales@gazettegroup.com

Find us on

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

The council said the restriction is to reduce the level of littering, fly-tipping, vandalism and anti-social behaviour within the cemetery

Anger as council insists on cemetery restrictions Local representa tives are “livid” that Fingal County Council has restricted vehicular access to the Mulhuddart Cemetery including all-day closure on Sundays despite telling them they would wait until it is discussed at a full council meeting.

The proposals to restrict opening hours for vehicular access first came to the fore at the end of January when the council erected signs outside the cemetery stating vehicular access closures after hours and full closure on Sundays.

Subsequent to this, local residents and local

 laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

representatives voiced their objection to the Sunday closure and the sign was removed.

Last week the issue was brought up at an area committee meeting and a number of councillors asked management not to proceed with the Sunday closure as this is “traditionally” the day that most people visit their loved ones.

Following a discussion

at the meeting, a council spokesperson said they would like to proceed with it on a trial basis and if it “creates any difficulties for people… we will review it.”

It was then suggested that the issue be discussed again at the next full meeting where they will “decide what to do” which was agreed by councillors. However, since the meeting, the proposed restrictions have been put in place and a spokesperson for the council told the Gazette this week, that it was “agreed to proceed” with the proposal and report back to the Area Committee again

on March 28.

Cllr Mary McCamley (Lab) said she was “livid”.

“We were promised in the council chamber that this would come up again for discussion at the next area committee meeting. Instead the notice was placed without prior notice for a second time.”

During the meeting, Cllr Kieran Dennison (FG) said: “People want to be able to access it on Sundays and I ask to consider allowing access on Sundays... I think it is only fair.”

He went on to say that their was certain “annoyance” in the

locality that the original sign was put up without prior notice.

Cllr Pegg y Hamill (Lab) said the people most affected by it are the elderly.

The council said the restriction is to reduce the level of littering, flytipping, vandalism and anti-social behaviour taking place within the cemetery outside of normal working hours and due to “staffing issues” the vehicular access will remain closed on Sundays but “pedestrian access will be maintained at all times” with parking available in the parking bay on Church Road.

Probation Service joins council to tackle graffiti The Probation Service is working with Fingal County Council to remove graffiti as part of a Community Service programme.

The service, which has been in existence for a number of years in Dublin City, South Dublin and Dun Laoghaire

Rathdown councils, was tried out in Fingal over a year ago. It began in the Dublin 15 area in late 2011/early 2012. Since then it has been rolled out across the county.

According to a spokesperson for FCC, the council uses this service to “supplement” their

“existing graffiti removal programme”.

Explaining how it works, the spokesperson said: “Fingal County Council’s role is to notify the Probation Service with details of the location of graffiti on public walls/buildings, and we arrange for purchase of the

necessary chemicals. Once the graffiti has been removed, the Probation Service report back to the council to confirm the work is completed.”

This is the only community service initiative offered by the Probation Service used by FCC.

7 March 2013 CASTLEKNOCK Gazette 3

council

dublin 15: information card to raise awareness about services

‘Report graffiti to gardai’

Groups collaborate on suicide initiative Safer Blanchardstown and the Dublin Fire Brigade branch in Dublin 15 have come together to work on a support information card for those affected by suicide and to also raise awareness about services.

The initiative was put forward by Suicide Awareness Dublin 15 and will have the details of organisations that help those bereaved by suicide and those affected by suicide or self harm.

During Safer Blanchardstown week, coordinator Philip Jennings got talking to local fire fighters about the issue of suicide. Speaking to one local fire fighter, Philip was told there could be anything from five to

seven cases of potential suicides or people self harming over a 24-hour period in the Dublin 15 area. However, Philip said the fire fighters, who also work on the Dublin Fire Ambulance service, are not considered to have the qualifications to deal with this issue and they feel helpless knowing some people need help.

It was then decided that a card full of useful information about organisations which deal with this issue could be given out by the fire fighters as a prompt support system for anyone affected by the issue.

“Very often people are crying out for help and this is just one way of giving some help to them,”

Philip said.

“This is our attempt to raise awareness of the services. It is letting people know what’s available like bereavement support agencies such as LivingLinks and Console. There are numbers on it and it’s in various languages to say if you need help call these numbers. There is the suicidal prevention side with numbers for Aware, Pieta House and Suicide Awareness Dublin 15.

“This is for the Blanchardstown area and we hope it will go citywide soon after that.” Philip added.

The two organisations are now working on a launch date for the card.

Write on: Author helps launch free books for World Book Day seven-year-olds, Emer O’Connor from Clonsilla (front) and Bonnie Leahy, from Castleknock couldn’t keep the excitement off their faces as they met best-selling children’s author Sarah Webb at the recent launch of upcoming World Book Day, which starts this Thursday, March 7. Until March 24, children can exchange a special World Book Day token at many bookshops around the country, and receive one of a number of specially-written children’s titles.

Residents are being urged to report anyone seen spraying graffiti in public areas as Fingal spends thousands of euros removing it in just one area.

Fingal County Council recently spent €4,000 cleaning graffiti from 442 small and 28 large road and street signs in one area alone.

Any graffiti in public areas is classed as criminal damage and residents are being asked to report anyone carrying out this act to the local gardai.

The council acknowledges that graffiti, if done in the right context, can brighten up an area and so facilitates projects to create community murals.

For information contact the Environmental Awareness team on 8906236.

4 CASTLeKNOCK Gazette 7 March 2013

FastNews Mini makeovers for mum

expansion Business moves into presbytery

potholes: work set to begin

Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Blanchardstown Centre with free mini makeovers for mums and daughters.

On Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10, the centre is offering these free makeovers between 1pm and 4pm.

So why not take mum down to the centre for a little extra treat. Don’t forget Mother’s Day is Sunday, March 10.

Road repairs for the Phoenix Park

New pedestrian crossing A new pedestrian crossing is set to be complete at the Coolmine Industrial Estate in September 2013. Funding of €35,000 for the pedestrian crossing was approved by the Department of Transport.

According to a spokesperson for Fingal County Council, the proposed crossing will be included in the annual new signals contract.

A detailed design and tender documentation is currently being prepared and it is set to be complete by September.

 laura webb

Eadaoin Cunningham, Cllr Michael O’Donovan (Lab), Cllr Mary McCamley (Lab), Patrick Nulty TD (Lab), Robin Cunningham, Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Peggy Hamill (Lab), Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton , Michael Cunningham, Cllr Eithne Loftus (FG) and John Burns of Burns Construction

Cunninghams open new funeral home in Blanch

 laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

A family business running for over 100 years has expanded its service to the heart of Blanchardstown Village in the beautifully restored old presbytery.

The Cunningham family have been funeral directors in Dublin, Kildare and Meath for over a century and are now in their fourth generation.

The Edwardian redbricked building has been sympathetically restored by brothers Ian, Robin, Michael and Andrew Cunningham. It includes an extension to the rear that is flooded with natural light and includes beautiful stonework

Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton (Lab) visited Cunninghams Funeral Home, Blanchardstown last week to launch it jointly with local councillor Peggy Hamill (Lab), Deputy Mayor of Fingal.

Minister Burton commended the family for the sensitive restoration of the building and the tranquil space they had created for families in mourning.

The chapel will cater for multi-denominational services for people of all faiths. Michael Cunningham pointed out there is a webcasting facility available. This allows people who are far away or unable to travel for a funeral to be part of the

service.

Managing director Robin Cunningham said “Our family have served the people of Blanchardstown, Castleknock and the surrounding areas for over 100 years. My grandfather started the business. My father and his brother followed in his footsteps and Michael and I have continued the tradition. It is a very proud day for us to open our new funeral home, right here in the heart of the village and we promise that the Cunninghams will continue to care for families in this area for many, many years to come.”

Cllr Peggy Hamill met some of the fourth generation of Cunninghams

coming into the family business. Eadaoin, Ashling and Zoe Cunningham have grown up as part of the business and already demonstrate the empathy and compassion of the generations that precede them.

During the event, local TD Patrick Nulty (Lab) chatted with John Burns of Burns Construction and commented that it was great to see that a local firm with local crew had won the contract for this restoration and development project.

Other represenatives in attendance included councillors Michael O’Donovan (Lab), Mary McCamley (Lab) and Eithne Loftus (FG).

Repair work on potholes around the Phoenix Park is set to begin, the OPW has confirmed.

Work is due to start on repairing a number of potholes on Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park and on the back roads around the park.

Welcoming the news, local TD and Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar said: “Although this hasn’t been a particularly severe winter, Chesterfield Avenue is the main road through the Phoenix Park and is heavily used by local and through traffic. Some sizeable potholes have developed on Chesterfield Avenue near the Castleknock Gate.

“The OPW informed me this week that work will start on repairing these potholes as soon as possible. This is welcome news for the local community, including the many people in Blanchardstown and beyond who travel through the park.

“Repair work will also start this week to remove potholes on the back roads around the Phoenix Park,” he added.

Software firm announces 75 new jobs  laura webb

Blanchardstown has received a jobs boost following the announcement of 75 new jobs at Guidewire Software.

The jobs announced add to the existing 50 employees the company has at its Global Services and Regional Development Centre in Blanchardstown.

Guidewire established its

Dublin location in July 2011.

Since it was founded in 2001 in Silicon Valley, the software company has grown to become a market leader in the provision of core system software for the global general insurance industry.

The new jobs are for consultancy support and additional product development resources to support Guidewire’s custom-

ers which now span 16 countries and four continents.

Niall Lalor, who leads the Guidewire Services Centre in Dublin, attributes this growth to the outstanding results delivered by the Dublin-based team.

“Our team has quickly gained the confidence of Guidewire customers globally, to such an extent that in our 18 months of operation we have significantly

expanded the scope of projects we work on. We now expect to add 75 new team members to meet additional expected demand.”

The jobs announcement is supported by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation IDA Ireland, the Government agency responsible for the attraction and development of foreign investment in Ireland.

7 March 2013 CASTLEKNOCK Gazette 5

animals Animal care team are looking to public for a creative name

Dublin Zoo’s Family Farm welcome a new Friesian calf  laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

It’s a baby moo-m at Dublin Zoo with the arrival of a new Friesian dairy cow calf at the Family Farm.

The Family Farm, developed by Agri Aware and Dublin Zoo, welcomed the new arrival a couple of weeks ago.

Bella, the Friesian dairy cow who lives at the farm facility at the zoo, gave birth to a female calf on February 20.

Now the animal care team at the Family Farm are looking to the public to help them to name Bella’s new calf.

The person with the most creative name will win a Dublin Zoo family

pass, but not only that, they will also be lucky enough to win a two night stay for two people at an FBD hotel of their choice.

Regular visitors to the Zoo will know Bella, as she has been there since the farm was redeveloped in a joint effort by Agri Aware and Dublin Zoo back in 2010.

Team leader at Dublin Zoo Eddie O’Brien said: “Bella is a great mother to her new calf, you can see there is a real bond between them.”

Name

Now the new arrival is in need of a fitting name and the staff at the farm are hoping this competition will help. Anyone

with a name suggestion should submit it through the Dublin Zoo Facebook page at www.facebook. com/dublinzoo or post it to Agri Aware, Waverley Office Park, Old Naas Road, Bluebell, Dublin 12.

For more information on any of the animals at Family Farm, visit www. familyfarm.ie

Dublin Zoo’s new Friesian dairy cow calf

Appeal for info on shots fired in estate Gardai are appealing for information after shots were fired in an estate in Clonee on Monday night.

No one was injured in the incident which happened at around 8.20pm on Monday, March 4 at Hazelbury Park in Clonee.

According to Cllr David McGuinness (FF), a local man was in contact with people who were interested in buying something he was selling online.

When the people turned up at his home they were armed with a gun and fired a number of shots into the air while trying to rob him.

“This is a worrying and bizarre incident. Many people engage in online selling and buying. The passing of personal information within this process has clearly shown up to be incredibly dangerous.

In shock

“Blanchardstown residents are in shock tonight,” he said.

At the time of going to press, no arrests had been made. Anyone with information should contact Blanchardstown Garda Station on 6667000.

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

6 CASTLeKNOCK Gazette 7 March 2013

video

Finnie dancing for centre Finnie the Frog, the NAC mascot, shows the world his own dance moves when he creates his own Harlem Shake, the video phenomenon that has taken over the internet.

Finnie got the team at the NAC to come together for a dance video to promote the NAC. The video sees Finnie dance with a few extras in the background doing a TRX workout.

He then goes a little crazy when more staff and members join in for the song’s big finale.

The video was uploaded on the NAC’s very own YouTube channel on Tuesday, February 26 and within a week it had almost 2,000 hits.

celebrations Aquatic centre looks back on a

NAC plan  Laura Webb

The NAC is the country’s fourth most popular paying tourist attraction

Time flies when you’re splashing around having fun, and that’s how the close-knit team at the National Aquatic Centre (NAC) are feeling this week as they get ready to celebrate the facility’s 10-year anniversary.

On March 10, 2003, the centre was officially opened. At the time, it was said that it would attract the world’s top swimmers and was expected to transform competitive swimming in Ireland for Olympic standard athletes.

Over the past decade it has done just that and last year’s Olympic Games, held in London, was a huge boost for the centre as they hosted

pre-Olympic training camps for a number of teams.

“We had 16 countries, and 119 Olympians last year, and we have won awards because of that.

We report to the department of sports and tourism, so they were over the moon.

“When London won the Olympics, it was to be a huge boost for sport in Ireland, it was for us. We had some of the world’s biggest teams here,” Robbie Whelan, NAC marketing and sales manager told the Gazette.

Of the many athletes who used the facilities, the US synchronised swim team were one of the first and they ended up performing at the

7 March 2013 CASTLEKNOCK Gazette 7

successful decade of promoting water sports

to splash out for 10th year NAC to a packed out stadium, which holds 2,500 spectators.

The South Korean swimming team were also there, as well as the Hungarian waterpolo team and the British waterpolo team, who played a friendly against each other.

“Getting the British teams to come here was a big deal, because it was their Olympics.

There was an unbelievable atmosphere here,” he said.

When it opened in 2003, the centre played host to the Special Olympics.

“This was a huge event and we will be having an event later this year to acknowledge that with Special Olympics Ire-

land.”

Swimming is Ireland’s highest participative sport, so it’s unsurprising to hear that the NAC is the country’s fourth most popular paying tourist attraction.

Last year, 813,406 people walked through the doors to use the facilities. Already this year, the centre is up 5% on the first two months.

“There is great diversity here. We have a 50-metre pool that can be split in three for line swim, kids swim and scuba diving.

“A movie was shot here last week, and we were in three episodes of Love/ Hate. We get so many requests from different things for projects – it’s never dull. People think

The centre has won many awards over the years

the NAC just looks after swimmers – not so, there is so much more happening,” he explained.

There is also a colourful area for kids to have an alternative birthday party, which has proven successful since it started last September.

There is a great diversity of activities at the NAC

Not only is the NAC home of Swim Ireland, but it is the base for the Dublin GAA Football team and Cricket Ireland.

“On any given day you could see players from the Dublin team or Kenneth Egan in the gym –

it’s great like that.”

ToneZone, the gym at the NAC, now has 4,700 members and its most popular class is spinning. Robbie says there is “something for everyone” at the NAC. To celebrate its anniversary, tickets for Aqua-

zone are half price during March 9-10 and to find out how to avail of this offer contact the team at the NAC on 01-6464300.

For further information on the centre and upcoming events see www.nationalaquaticcentre.ie

staff

Sports campus leads way There are 11 team members at the NAC that have been there since the start, including Yvonne Gaule and Maeve Arthurs.

Gaule, who started as a lifeguard and is now a bookings administrators said it’s a “great facility”.

“It’s leading the way for the sports campus with work on the access road to the HQ already started. There is a lot happening.

“Blanchardstown has an international facility on its doorstep – it’s great,” she added.

Maeve Arthurs said the centre has gone from strength to strength.

“We have had our difficulties, but we have always bounced back stronger.”

8 CASTLeKNOCK Gazette 7 March 2013

enterprise Last-minute preparations under way as event draws closer

Dublin 15 schools get set to impress at awards Ten schools from across Dublin 15 are busy getting their last-minute preparations ready for their projects’ entry into the 2013 Fingal Student Enterprise Awards.

On March 12, the secondary and primary schools will compete against another 17 schools from across Fingal

for a chance to win prizes in their respective categories.

The secondary schools showcasing their small business project from the Dublin 15 area include: Luttrellstown Community College, Coolmine Community School, Castleknock College, Castleknock Community College,

Mount Sackville Secondary School, Colaiste Pobail Setanta and Hartstown Community School.

The Dublin 15 primary schools taking part include: Mulhuddart National School, Tyrrelstown Educate Together and Huntstown National School.

The event, organised by the Fingal County Enterprise Board, takes place on March 12 at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown.

Since last September enterprising primary schools and secondary schools from all over Fingal have been running their own small busi-

nesses, as part of the Fingal Student Enterprise Programme.

During the county final on March 12, three category winners will be selected from secondar y schools to represent Fingal at the National Finals in April at Croke Park.

Ready, steady: Action for Life launch

FastNews

St Mochta’s bid for fourth flag Local students will be shown how an e-car works as they work towards getting their fourth Green-Schools Flag.

The students at St Mochta’s National School will have the e-car at their school on March 14, the school’s Travel Action Day. This is part of their work on sustainable travel for their fourth Green-Schools Flag.

The children will receive a Green Machines workshop, and on the day the students will receive an e-car demo in the yard.

Students to flee school for charity Local students are to embark on a journey of a lifetime as they attempt to get as far away from their college in 36 hours with no personal funds.

Elaine Foran and Padraic Rowley are taking part in the Trinity College St Vincent de Paul Jailbreak 2013.

Last year’s winners got as far as LA. This year’s competition starts on March 9.

All money raised goes to Vincent de Paul.

To donate see http:// www.mycharity.ie/ event/elaine_pardaric_jailbreak/ or see www.facebook.com/ TrinityJailbreak2013 for further info.

Two of Dublin 15 schools winners last year were for the Intermediate Category which was won by Blakestown Community School for their Capture It business and Christmas Delivered from Castleknock College claimed the runner-up prize for this category.

irish sprinter Ailis

McSweeney joined Senator Eamonn Coghlan to get young hearts pumping at the launch of the Irish Heart Foundation’s Action for Life physical activity resource for primary schools recently.

Pictured with Ailis and Senator Coughlan are (l to r) Ciaran Hughes, Oisin Lawlor, Adam McCann and Olivia O’Driscoll.

motion: fingal mayor called on to censure councillors involved in action

Local Impact rep criticises protest at council buildings  Laura Webb

lwebb@gazettegroup.com

A recent protest in the foyer of the Fingal council buildings has been described as a violent, intimidating and aggressive action against staff there.

In a letter this week, the chairperson of the Impact Trade Union Fingal Branch condemned the actions of members of the Campaign Against Household and Water Taxes (CAHWT) who disrupted the February council meeting in Swords by staging a pro-

test in the foyer on Monday, February 11.

An emergency motion was brought before the Fingal branch annual general meeting saying members “condemn any councillors from any party who through their actions sought to disrupt the council meeting and in so doing placed staff in danger and resulted in injuries to staff”.

The motion went on to call on Fingal Mayor, Cian O’Callaghan (Lab) to censure councillors involved.

“In order to ensure the safety of staff it is impera-

tive that all councillors adhere to an agreed safety plan,” the motion said.

He added that they “call upon the county manager to ensure that council staff can carry out their duties in safety”.

The letter was discussed during an organisation and procedures committee meeting with councillors on Monday.

Cllr Michael O’Donovan (Lab) said he has “no problem” with legitimate protests at all and they have had people at council meetings making noise, chanting and blowing whistles

and so on.

“It is a bit disruptive but I don’t mind because I think people have the right to protest. I know people are upset about taxes, and people are under pressure.”

However, he did see one incident when a staff member was “pushed up against a door” and that behaviour is “threatening and frightening”.

“They are ordinary workers. I myself suffered no intimidation. I think what Impact wants to do is put down a marker for the future and that they expect the council

to have a level of security in place so members don’t feel threatened.

It was relatively good humoured, the only issue I had was when they tried to surge the council chambers despite staff members stopping them at the doors,” he added.

The protest, which saw approximately 25 to 30 members bring the council meeting to a standstill on Monday evening, occupied the council lobby for over three hours and saw members of An Garda Siochana called to the building.

The CAHWT mem-

bers were campaigning against the property tax and according to one protester, the group were left “with no option” but to stage the protest.

“They [politicians] won’t come and listen to us, so we must come to them.”

The campaigners are believed to have arrived at around 4.30pm and their presence caused the meeting to be suspended.

Although the meeting resumed soon afterwards, the campaigners remained in what they described as a “peaceful protest” until 8pm.

7 March 2013 CASTLEKNOCK Gazette 9

tv Mentor Kian Egan pulls plug on Derek’s dream

The Power’s out as Derek leaves show  Laura Webb

Dreams of becoming the next voice of Ireland have been cut short for Blanchardstown resident Derek Power who lost out on a chance to proceed to the live finals following the battle round at the weekend.

Derek (41), who has been compared to rock icon Bono, was paired up with 18-year-old Daryl Phillips to battle it out for a place in the next round of the sing-

ing competition.

The duo’s mentor, former Westlife singer Kian Egan, chose Coldplay’s song, God Put A Smile Upon Your Face, for them to sing during the battle show on Sunday night (March 3).

Speaking on the show before the performance he said he would be “nervous” before going on but that he’d be okay.

“I think my performance experience will give me an edge on the night.”

Derek is the front singer for U2 tribute band The

Joshua Tree and sings for virtual band Electro Dolls. He said he wants to be recognised for his “own music”.

He is currently working on a debut video for his virtual band. There are five members in the band but they are all cartoon characters like successful virtual band The Gorillaz.

“I’m getting a very good reaction about Electro Dolls. People like the music. It’s very punky, electro, like The Prodigy, Depeche

Mentor Kian Egan failed to put Derek Power (above) into the live finals

Mode and Kasabian,” he explained.

However it was his likeness to Bono that went against him. Following the performance, a number of judges commented on his dance moves, with Sharon Corr saying it was a “distraction”.

Bressie, another judge

on the programme, said the problem Derek has is that people will keep comparing him to Bono.

“Your moves, your voice - I’m sure you’re finding it hard to get out of that,” Bressie commented.

Kian Egan said the whole idea was to pull him away from “the

whole Bono thing”. “I needed to see you in a different light, to see you do something that isn’t the typical thing we see you do.”

Un f o r t u n a t e l y f o r Derek, Kian didn’t get to see that and he put Daryl, who he also mentors, through instead.

fundraiser New location for walk The annual Darkness to Light fundraising walk in aid of the suicide and self harm crisis centre, Pieta House, has added an extra venue due to the high number of participants.

The fifth Darkness to Light fundraising walk will, as always, take place in the Phoenix Park, however, due to the great response an extra venue had to be added. The new Dublin location is Newbridge House Demesne in north County Dublin.

This unique event sees thousands of people gather in the darkness at 4am in locations across Ireland to walk or run the 5km route as dawn is breaking.

This event takes place on Saturday, May 11. To register see www.pieta.ie

10 CASTLeKNOCK Gazette 7 March 2013

gazetteGALLERY

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

Korbyn Flanagan and Bronagh Cara Adderley, Erin Ruddy, Carlo Healy and Eoghan Wall from Scoil Mochua in Celbridge, Co Kildare

We have lift off!

I

NTEL recently invited various primary schools to their plant at Leixlip, Co Kildare, to show off their rocket designs for the Intel Rocket Challenge.

The challenge was held as part of Engineers Week 2013. Engineers Week is a weeklong programme of nationwide events,

to celebrate the world of engineering in Ireland.

The week aimed to create a positive awareness and spark enthusiasm about the engineering profession among people of different age groups with little or no engineering background.

Cathal Ennis from Scoil an Linbh Iosa

O’Mahoney from St Finian’s National

in Prosperous, Co Kildare

School in Newcastle, Co Dublin

Caitlin Kavanagh, Doireann O’Brien, Fiona Ennis and Daniel Kretsu from Scoil an Linbh Iosa in Prosperous, Co Kildare

7 March 2013 Gazette 11

FEATURE P13

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



Gazette

diary P12

slainte: a unique festival experience at george’s dock

Irish craft beer to quench thirst on St Patrick’s Day The Irish Craft Beer Festival is partnering with the St Patrick’s Festival this year to create a unique festival spirit for 2013.

This St Patrick’s weekend, organisers are bringing Irish craft beer to the heart of Dublin City Centre by setting up an Irish Craft Beer Village along George’s Dock, where the best homemade beers will be served up with accompanying Irish artisan produce and local

musical talent.

Craft beer production and innovation in Ireland are on the rise, with new breweries and individual brewers cropping up on a regular basis. These new brewers are showcased at the festival, as well as some of the more established craft breweries, such as Franciscan Well, which was bought by the drinks industry giants, Molson Coors.

The craft beer industry

is a thriving one in Ireland at the moment and the Irish Craft Beer Village has become its official platform to give the public a sample of what is being produced and for specialist brewers to network.

The Craft Beer Village will appear on March 13 and will be open until March 18, and over 10 different Irish breweries will have their finest produce on tap for the five-

day event.

The village is open from 12 noon daily, and until 10pm on Wednesday and Thursday and from noon until midnight on the other days. Admission is free from 12pm until 7pm, from Wednesday 13 to Friday 15 and then €5 at the door after 7pm. On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, the €5 admission fee will apply all day long.

For more information, see www.irishfest.ie

Organisers are bringing Irish craft beer to the heart of Dublin City Centre by setting up an Irish Craft Beer Village along George’s Dock

Gazette

12 Gazette 7 March 2013

dublinlife

diary

Aoife Clarke, who will be running the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon for her daughter Alice and all the children in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin

Go the extra mile for Crumlin

The Children’s Medical and Research Foundation at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin are calling on all those thinking of running in this year’s Flora Women’s Mini Marathon to use the event to raise money for the hospital.

Organisers began a campaign last year to raise €8m to renovate the cardiac and cancer facilities at the hospital.

To date, they have raised half the amount, so are hoping the mini marathon will help to raise a good portion of the remaining €4m needed, and their 2013 campaign, Go The Extra Mile For Crumlin Hospital, was launched last week.

To receive your fundraising pack, log onto www.fixcrumlin.ie and to sign up to run the 10km route on behalf of Our Lady’s Children Hospital, Crumlin.

You can register to run in the race at www.

florawomensminimarathon.ie.

All Fix Crumlin marathon runners will be invited to a celebratory drinks reception in Café en Seine after the race on June 3.

Support the daffodil day campaign The Irish Cancer Society and Dell, the lead partner for Daffodil Day, are calling on the people of Dublin to help support their Daffodil Day campaign on Friday, March 22.

In 2012, the society’s cancer information service helped over 200,000 people in Ireland, which included a massive 124,600 in Dublin.

In order to continue to provide and expand its support services, the society aims to achieve its ambitious target of €3.4m with the Daffodil Day campaign and are asking people to volun-

teer, organise or donate to the cause.

To date, Daffodil Day – the society’s biggest fundraiser – has made it possible for the charity to expand its cancer information service into hospitals, making it easier for those with, or affected by, cancer to access their free and confidential services.

To help out on Daffodil Day, for more information or to make a donation, callsave 1850 60 60 60 or visit www.cancer. ie/daffodilday.

Cadbury ready to hop down bunny trail Easter egg trails have become a huge part of family celebrations each year and Cadbury is preparing to support some of the country’s best egg hunts this year.

With Easter just around the corner, Ireland’s most famous chocolate company Cadbury has

announced plans to support up to 20 events of all different sizes across Ireland that add to the cultural life of their community, by providing them with up to 1,000 tasty Cadbury Easter Eggs.

If you are an event organiser for a big or small group in Dublin and feel your Easter egg trail would benefit from the support of Cadbury’s help, you can apply by filling out the entry form on the Cadbury Facebook page.

Entries can be submitted now, until midday on March 13, with winners being announced during the week of March 18.

For more information or to apply, see www. facebook.com/CadburyIreland. .

eyezone hopes to improve eye health for teens

Op ticia n s a c r o s s Dublin have launched

a campaign calling for improved eyecare services for 12- to 16-yearolds who they claim are falling into a gap in current services.

Ey e Z o n e , w h i c h represents almost 100 independent opticians nationwide, has called the situation unacceptable and is writing to the Minister for Health and HSE to address the issue.

EyeZone chairman and Dublin spokesperson Diarmuid Keane said that approximately 10% of children up to the age of 12 require glasses or contact lenses, while more than 20% do by the age of 16.

“The fact that the number wearing glasses or contact lenses more than doubles between the ages of 12 and 16 highlights the critical

importance of a wellplanned and dedicated public eyecare scheme for this age group.”

To help address the issue, EyeZone members are offering a free full eye exam to all children between 12 and 16 for the month of March.

Details of all participating opticians are available at www.eyezone.ie.

Fair City actress Martina Stanley (left) and model Tiffany Stanle were all heart as Operation Transformation’s Sergeant Mulcahy put them through their paces in preparation for the women’s mini marathon in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation

7 March 2013 Gazette 13

FEATURE Feis Ceoil to fill the RDS with music

festival: from russia with love

Dublin reinforces links with Moscow  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

THE Dublin City Festival of Russian Culture will run be held in several locations across the city from Saturday, March 9 until Thursday, March 14, and begins on the orthodox feast day of Maslenitsa (Pancake Day), March 9.

The festival is held to welcome the arrival of spring and is an opportunity for Dubliners to strengthen their links with Moscow City and Russia, that include educational partnerships between TCD and Moscow State University.

It aims to enhance the political, economic and cultural connection between the two nations.

A wealth of traditional Russian activities are on offer across Dublin City from traditional music, dance and children’s activities, to chess challenges, artisan food and cookery, contemporary cinema, exhibitions and lectures.

On Saturday, March 9, the official opening of the festival will take place at Hugh Lane Gallery. Sunday’s highlights include a family day with children’s art workshops from 11am until 2pm in

Smock Alley Theatre, a children’s disco with DJ Daron at Wood Quay.

For children, there will be Russian folk tales and fairy tales told in both English and Russian at the Gutter Book Shop in Cow’s Lane from 11.40am. Later in the day, a selection of movies, as yet to be confirmed, will be screened at the Meeting House Square in Temple Bar. An economic seminar will be held at the Morrison Hotel on Monday, March 11, and on Tuesday, March 12, Trinity College will host numerous events including lit-

Dublin City Festival of Russian Culture runs in several locations across the city from March 9 until March 14

erary talks and a student night.

On Wednesday there will be a public chess challenge at the Ilac Library with grand master Alexander Baburin, as

well as a teenagers’ chess workshop with him.

On the final day of the festival, there will be a performance of Carmen by the Moscow State Opera at the Bord Gais

Energy Theatre, and an evening of Irish and Russian music in Temple Bar from 7.30pm.

For more information, log on to www.russianfestival.ie.

The Electric Ireland Feis Ceoil will fill the RDS with glorious sound this March when almost 200 classical music competitions are expected to attract over 5,000 competitors from across the country.

Categories include piano, voice, strings, wind, brass, choir and orchestra, and a team of distinguished adjudicators will judge the entrants.

Feis Ceoil will run from March 11 until 22 from 9am until 10pm daily in the RDS. Day tickets cost €5 and entitle the bearer to wander among all five halls involved, or you can get a season ticket for the entire two weeks of the competition for €30.

Gazette

14 Gazette 7 March 2013

dublinlife

rosemont: easter camp added to after school

schoolLife Calling all budding writers and photographers – get involved with our Gazette schools pages As part of the relaunch of the Dublin Gazette Newspapers, we are reaching out to all the schools in our catchment areas to become a closer part of our community than ever before.

Schools are the beating hearts of communities, one of the last places around which a community can gather.

We are calling on budding writers and photographers from all of our schools to help fill the pages and, in order to encourage the next

schools

generation of journalists and snappers to get involved, we are partnering with Harvey Norman to present the Dublin Gazette Newspapers’ Cub Repor ter and Cub Photographer of the Year awards.

For more details, contact rheigh@ gazettegroup.com, or on 01 601 0240.

Educational and sporting fun at school in Sandyford Rosemont A f ter School, for local pupils from third class up, is hosting an Easter Camp during the Easter holidays, which will run from March 25 until April 5 (excluding Good Friday and Easter Monday).

The After School is located in the school’s newly-built modern school campus in Sandyford. The Easter Camp will open at 10am

until 3pm each day, with early drop off and late collection being available from 8.30am to 6.30pm to give parents added flexibility.

The After School aims to take the stress out of the Easter break for parents, and students will benefit from taking part in educational and sporting activities.

Students at the Easter Camp will play sports

Maura Farrell, principal of Rosemont

such as tennis, basketball, uni-hockey and table tennis.

They will also take part in baking, arts and crafts, science and computer classes, an Easter egg hunt, excursions and lots of fun and games.

Attendees will also be treated to an Easter Party which will be held on the last day of the second week.

Jennifer McPhail, co-

ordinator manager of the After School, said: “The Easter Camp is a great opportunity for local students to spend their Easter holidays in an exciting way. They will be taking part in a wide-range of activities that will ensure that they have brilliant experience.”

For more information, log on to www.rosemont.ie

DublinGazetteNewspapers cub reporters - FEBRUARY 2013 winners

H Reporter of the

MONTH1

H Reporter of the

MONTH2

jen maguire donahoe Jen came into the Gazette Towers on a work experience programme with ourselves and her school, Colaiste Brid from Clondalkin, and wrote an excellent piece on her time spent in the newsroom and in the field with our star journalist team.

Jen really made an impression with her commitment and judging by her article, should keep on this path to a career in journalism in the future.

Bhadrajee Hewage Bhadrajee, from St Benildus College in Kilmacud, reported on his and his schoolmates’ experience in creating a bank in the college as part of the AIB Build-ABank challenge. The Solid Savings Bank has proved to be a huge success and manager Bhadrajee ably conveyed his enthusiasm for the task in his submission to the schools pages.

7 March 2013 Gazette 15

feature Keep pace for Irish Heart Foundation

recycling: junk kouture is back

From the scrapheap to the top catwalks  Laura Webb

STUDENTS from across Ireland have transformed junk material into couture fashion items as part of the annual Junk Kouture competition.

This year, 39 Dublin students have made it through to the regional finals. Designs using every sort of reusable material imaginable were used in submissions to the competition.

Regional finalists have now been chosen and these finals will take place on March 8, 11, 14 and 20 across Ireland.

Elizabeth O’Donnell,

co-founder of Junk Kouture, said: “Congratulations to all semi-finalists of the Junk Kouture Recycled Fashion Competition 2013. The standard this year was exceptionally high which made our decisions extremely difficult.

“We are very much looking forward to our live shows across the country and we hope everyone will come support their local talent.”

The Junk Kouture’s competitors’ creations will take to the catwalk in The Helix, DCU on March 11.

Pieces will be judged

by Junk Kouture’s expert judges, who are responsible for finding and crowning the winner of Junk Kouture Recycled Fashion Competition 2013, in association with the European Recycling Platform (ERP) The four judges are Environmental Awareness judge Yvonne Holmes, international model Faye Dinsmore, stylist and TV presenter Darren Kennedy, and art and design expert Tracey Fahey.

The competition is now in its third year. Last year’s winning entries included Re’juicing, a

Conducted by Bebhinn Sheridan, Caitriona McGovern and Aine Duffy from Scoil Iosa in Malahide at last year’s Junk Kouture competition

dress made entirely from orange peel, and Punkture, a black evening dress made from bicycle tyre tubes and steel nails.

Some of the designs even made it as far as the red carpet for the London

premiere of Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit last December.

Now that the semifinalists have been found, judges will have to narrow down the search to find the budding design-

ers who will walk away with over €20,000 worth of prizes.

For more information, visit www.junkkouture. com or visit the Facebook page at Facebook.com/ junkkouture.

FAIR City actress Martina Stanley is asking women to put their best running foot forward for the Irish Heart Foundation, by taking part in the Flora Women’s Mini-Marathon on June 3.

The actress, who plays Dolores Molloy, was joined by model Tiffany Stanley and Operation Transformation’s Sergeant Mulcahy to call on ladies across Dublin to take part in the race. There is exclusive training sessions by the Sergeant for those who sign up to run or walk in aid of the national charity, which relies on donations for more than 90% of its income.

Sign up at www.irishheart.ie.

Gazette

16 Gazette 7 March 2013

dublinlife

business

Ensure you’re insured to deal with life’s problems

Q&A

THIS week, I will start examining insurance.

Paul Graham, founder of Phlok

Encouraging shoppers to keep shopping local Phlok is a new platform designed to make social media easier and more profitable for local business. Phlok uses incentives to create connections between local businesses and their local community.

Paul Graham, founder of Phlok, wants to give local business tools to help regenerate the local high street.

“It’s not enough to say to people that they should shop local, we need to make it worth their while. Phlok solves this problem by providing a platform that rewards consumers for shopping local and ensures that the local business can charge their normal prices for their goods or services.

How long have you been in business?

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

We have been building Phlok for around 18 months, and recently launched after extensive user testing.

What makes your business successful?

Phlok solves a very common problem for local business. Not only do we encourage shop local, spend local we make social media easier and more relevant for local business.

Everyone that sees Phlok loves it.

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

We have created a new sector of social commerce. Deal companies and discount apps are basic in that they expect retailers in particular to fund heavy discounts to the consumer and the large profits of the deal company, leaving a massive cost to the business.

I think we have all heard of the examples of local businesses having to shut down after running a deal.

Phlok provides a method of the consumer getting value, the business selling at a normalised price and Phlok making some money. It’s win-win-win.

How has the recession impacted your business?

Probably it’s because of the recession that we have the opportunity to help. Phlok provides a brilliantly cost-effective way of connecting and trading with the local community.

Phlok is connected into Facebook and that enables our local business customers take advantage of the user population of Facebook without it feeling like an empty room.

What is your ambition for the business?

We have aggressive growth plans to be across Ireland in the next 12 months gaining a critical mass in each town we focus on. After that we have a clear plan and strategy for international expansion.

What is your favourite thing about doing business in your local area?

Getting to know the people, and seeing them get benefit from what we are building. I love it when I see the light bulb moment of someone recognising what Phlok can do for them.

What is the best piece of business advice you ever received?

Cheesy, but the harder you work, the luckier you become.

What living person do you most admire?

Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla cars. He has made electric cars cool and fast, and I love the way he reacts to negative criticism to what he is trying to achieve.

Insurance made simple Life is a dangerous business – and so, insurance was born. Every day, all around us, terrible things are happening.

Some of these terrible things happen to possessions (for instance, houses burn down, cars crash, roofs are blown off, holidays are cancelled because of strikes and bicycles are stolen).

Some terrible things happen to people (for instance, people fall ill, get hurt in accidents, and die).

Obviously, some of the terrible things that can happen are worse than others. Having your bicycle stolen is hardly as serious as breaking a leg, and, generally, nowhere near as bad as dying!

Anyway, every terrible thing that happens will have financial consequences; for instance: • If you own something that is lost, damaged or stolen, you will have to spend money to replace it.

• If you are ill or have an accident, you may be off work and unable to pay for all your living expenses.

• If you die (especially when you have a family), you may leave people behind who were depending on you to support them.

The idea of insurance is to make sure that when something terrible happens, money is there to help pay for it. Broadly speaking, insurance divides into: • General insurance – this pays out when something

happens to possessions such as cars, homes, pets, motorbikes, valuables and so forth.

It also includes things such as holiday insurance, accident insurance.

• Life or health insurance – this pays out when people fall very ill, or die.

It is worth remembering how insurance works. In many ways, it is like a savings plan.

A group of people who are worried about the same terrible thing happening, say, their houses burning down, decide that they will join forces.

Together, they save money and build up a pool of cash. Then, if the worst does happen and one of their houses does burn down, there is money available to pay for re-building. In the beginning, insurance plans were run like clubs. Then business people got involved, and started insurance companies.

These insurance companies expect, of course, to make a profit. More soon.  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

event: National Business Expo comes to the RDS

Aiming to help fledgling firms expand and prosper  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

The National Business Expo takes place this weekend in the RDS and is focusing on assisting Dublin and Ireland’s fledgling businesses in expanding their horizons and prospering in their fields.

The event, supported

by Grant Thornton, Bank of Ireland and Vodafone Ireland, will be making some of Ireland’s best business brains available to give free practical advice to small and medium-sized organisations.

According to organisers, many people with good business ideas have technical backgrounds rather than business ones. The expo will offer entrepreneurs the chance to meet others who have made a success of their ideas and benefit from their experience.

Visitors can also learn about finance and see how technology can help get their business to get on the right track.

There will also be an opportunity to add skills to a business portfolio by attending Vodafone’s

Smart Start Up Network to learn about ecommerce and social media.

Grant Thornton and Bank of Ireland will be giving financial guidance and there will also be opportunities to investigate other important business development areas such as brand and product localisation, overseas marketing and technology.

Some of Ireland’s top venture capitalists including Delta Partners, Kernel Capital and Lucey Technology will be available to provide advice on how to attract

investment in business.

Chartered management accountant Damien Downes will outline the key corporate models, which can set a company on the road to financial and commercial success.

The National Business Expo runs this weekend on March 8, from 1pm until 6pm and on March 9 from 10am until 4pm.

You can claim free tickets for the expo by registering online at www.businessexpo.ie/ free-tickets; Otherwise, a daily ticket costs €10.

7 March 2013 Gazette 17

MOTORS P23

asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P24

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



Gazette

MUSIC P22

Pets can you give Rosco and bessie a new home?

The Imperial Ice Stars, are bringing their unique production of Swan Lake on Ice to Dublin at Bord Gais Energy Theatre

entertainment: Imperial Ice Stars bring unique production to dublin

Olga brings cool grace to Swan Lake  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

The Imperial Ice Stars, are bringing their unique production of Swan Lake on Ice to Dublin for the first time this month.

Swan Lake on Ice opens at Bord Gais Energy Theatre on Tuesday, March 5 for a limited run of only eight performances, and is a must for lovers of ice dancing.

The artistic director of Swan Lake, Tony Mercer, is widely recognised as the world’s leading creator of theatre-onice and the 26-strong cast members are Olympic, world, European and national championship skaters.

Appearing on the Dublin stage fresh from her stint on BBC TV’s Dancing On Ice, leading lady Olga Sharutenko is a former junior world champion from

Russia who has been skating professionally all her life.

Olga joined The Imperial Ice Stars in 2004 for their world tour of Sleeping Beauty on Ice and played the lead role of the Lilac Fairy and has played several leading roles since then.

Olga spoke to The Gazette about her upcoming Dublin performance in the skating version of the classic Tchaikovsky ballet.

“My competitive career finished around 14 years ago and it was difficult to leave figure skating as it is a sport I really loved. The good part was that I’ve had regular work skating ever since.

“At the beginning, as a child I always loved dancing and to merge dancing and skating is perfect. My parents always encouraged me and brought me

wherever would stimulate my interest so I joined ballet at around the same time as figure skating, when I was six.”

“With figure skating you are bringing dance to the ice and that requires style.

You have to be very graceful but the work is also very physical, too.

“Figure skating is a very dangerous sport, so much depends on concentration, you have to be attentive to everything you do and this is still true after 20 years of doing it.

“Of course, it’s also great fun and I’ve been lucky in that I have never broken anything. I’ve only ever got cuts and bruises.”

On the subject of Swan Lake, Olga waxes lyrical as she champions what is, to her, a new art form.

“Tony Mercer, the director and pro-

ducer of this show, has brought all the ideas. When he first spoke of his wish to bring such a skating ballet to theatres around the world he was told it was impossible. Yet, he achieved his goal and has successfully brought it to the small stage.

“To me, skating is almost an art form in that we create a performance with figure skating which becomes the language with which to tell the story. We have done many famous titles in our own way and recreated great classics with ice.

Olga is looking forward to visiting Dublin and was here once before. “I love that part of the world, I can’t wait.”

Swan Lake on Ice runs until Saturday, March 9. For more information, log on to www.bordgaisenergytheatre.ie.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week this week is, in fact, husband and wife duo Rosco and Bessie who came in to us together.

Beautiful Bessie, a fouryear-old female Rottweiler is a wonderful and gentle lady with a loving soul.

She is fully aware of her stunning good looks and takes time to maintain her appearance by taking bubble baths and long walks to keep her trim figure.

Rosco, also a Rottweiller, is a younger man at two years of age. He is a smart boy and has learnt his ‘sits’ and ‘stays’ and would really love to continue his education by attending training classes.

This handsome man is a very big softy at heart and would love to be in a home without kids where he can get lots of love and attention. This gorgeous couple would like to go to their forever home as a pair or individually, to be honest they would just be happy to have their own place to call their very own.

If you think you could offer them the loving home they so deserve then please contact Dogs Trust at 01 879 1000.

J

18 Gazette 7 March 2013

OUT&ABOUT

Gazette

18 Gazette XX Month 2013

LANCY Yellow Jeans, Pepe Jeans €95

LOHRI Designed Jeans, Pepe Jeans €125

CUPID Floral Design Jeans, Pepe Jeans €99

THE JEAN SCENE with PEPE Jeans

Jeans, jeans and more jeans! If you opened most women’s wardrobes you would find a collection of jeans bundled to one side. But on checking a little closer, you might be surprised to see that most of them are in and around the same colour. There may be dark jeans, light jeans, but by and large they are all just still blue jeans – the safe jean colour.

This week, Gazette Style is looking at adding variety to wardrobes across Dublin by introducing an assortment of colour and prints. We take a look at an old favourite, Pepe Jeans London, to see the great range they have in their spring/ summer 2013 collection.

So, whether it’s to go to a rock festival in the middle of summer, or a lunch-date

this spring, consider breaking away from the norm and look to making your jeans that little bit more interesting. Rather than trying to get a statement top, make your jeans the statement this spring/ summer and team it up with a plain tee.

From rock-chic styling to boho chic prints, it’s time to make the jean scene a little more versatile.

ELORA Torn Jeans, Pepe Jeans €115

CANDY CANE Grey Jeans, Pepe Jeans €105

BUBBLE YUM Salmon jeans, Pepe Jeans €105

STYLE

Merumaya – thirty years in the making  laura webb lwebb@gazettegroup.com

It’s not easy prising hands away from skincare products that we are so used to using, but sometimes change is good, and there is one new skincare line that is hoping to entice our interest.

Merumaya is a new integrative effective skincare range that has been almost three decades in the making by Maleka Dattu.

After working with top beauty brands such as Clinique, Origins and Lancome, her understanding of skincare products has grown to help make her dream of creating an affordable and effective skincare product line.

The brand use antiaging ingredients that exacerbate adult spot prone skin with antispot treatments but don’t undermine antiageing efforts, it also uses high end potent formulas with accessible pricing.

T he brand’s must have is the Iconic Youth Serum. This is a rich gel-serum that leaves skin looking radiant and with a soft velvety finish.

This product is applied to a cleansed face and is best used day and night, with a generous amount being used at night to ensure a better feeling the following morning.

The RRP price for this product is €43.50.

Maleka says this product is the “heartbeat of the brand” and leaves the skin feeling “dewy and radiant”, which

1

Maleka Dattu

after a few weeks of use I would have to agree. “If you have radiance you look and feel so much better. Feeling young and vibrant radiates confidence,” Maleka comments.

Another product in the line is the Melting Cleansing Balm (RRP 18.50). This balm is massaged on to dry skin, then further massage with warm water to make a light milky texture and remove with a warm wet facecloth.

The line conveniently has a daily cleansing cloth pack with seven cloths to ensure the use of a fresh one everyday – leaving behind dry scrunched up cloths in sink corners.

Using cloths ensures there is cleansing right up to the hairline, under the jaw and into the contours of the face and neck.

On using this product, I felt the balm like substance was easy to apply and once washed off with cloth, skin instantly felts silky smooth. This brand feels “effective cleansing is a cornerstone to beautiful and vibrant looking skin”.

There is a special double cleanse method to use here. First you remove make-up and grime, and a second use actually helps to clean

Gazette

J

7 March 2013 Gazette 19

Beauty news Best of Lancome in perfect travel size

Thinking about going on holidays?

Then develop the perfect travel size make-up bag for your getaway with a Lancome gift exclusively at House of Fraser at Dundrum Town Centre.

From Thursday, March 7 to Sunday, March 24 get the travel size Lancome essentials when you purchase two or more Lancome products. The complimentary gift is worth €109, and is exclusive to House of Fraser, Dundrum Town Centre and with the purchase of a third product, you will receive a bonus gift of a full-size Body Royal Nutrix.

The Gift Includes Genifique (7ml), Visionnaire (7ml), Hypnose Mascara (5ml), Juicy Tube or L’Absolu Rouge (1.6ml), Galateis Douceur (50ml), Tonique Douceur (50ml), Choice of skincare: Renergie Multi Lift, Renergie Yeux Multi Lift, Renergie Multi Lift Plasma or Hydra Zen Day Cream, Hydra Zen Nuit, Hydra Zen Eye Cream The gift is available while stocks last at House of Fraser, Dundrum Town Centre, Dundrum

2

Vichy launches new weapon against spots 3

Merumaya 1. Iconic Youth Serum

3. Youth Preservation

30ml

Moisturiser 30ml

2. Daily Cleansing

4. Melting Cleansing

Cloths

Balm 100ml

the skin – so wave goodbye to make-up stains on towels.

Other products in this line include: Intensely Youthful Eye Cream, Yo u t h P r e s e r v a t i o n Moisturiser with SPF15, Luxury Facial Wash, Skin Brightening Exfoliating Peel, Pure Radiance Mask, Concentrated Spot Treatment and Confidensual Hand-

4

wash.

When asked about when people should start using anti-ageing skincare products, Maleka said the earlier the better. “Prevention is better than cure… and moisturising with a product with an SPF is a good idea”, this helps discourage signs of ageing.

After using some of the products over the

past number of weeks, it’s plain to see why Maleka is proud of her line. So if anyone is thinking of switching products, or trying something new, why not give this line a go and see how your skin can look radiant.

Merumaya is available now at Arnotts.

It’s not just an issue that affects teenagers. Adults, too, get spots, pimples and blemishes that usually appear at the worst time, so Vichy Laboratories have introduced a new weapon against spots.

The new Normaderm Hyaluspot aims to target spots, well, on the spot! There are so many different reasons why spots can appear, but they are developed through bacteria present on the skin. The more bacteria there are, the easier it is for spots to develop. Think about how many times you might touch your face or spot? When this happens, more bacteria are transferred from hands to skin.

This new product is a fast acting targeting spot care with anti-bacterial invisible bandage technology which isolates the imperfection and reduces bacterial contamination. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and encourages the skin’s own natural healing processes. It’s a fresh, nondrying gel that is invisible upon application.

Vichy’s Normaderm Hyaluspot is available in pharmacies now for RRP €10.

Gazette

20 gazette 7 March 2013

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

Theatre THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 The Crucible

PAVILION host a performance by stars of the very near future from the IADT Drama Society.

Arthur Miller’s The Crucible takes place in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. It recounts the events surrounding the Salem Witch Trials. March 13, tickets are priced at €15/€13.

Draiocht 01 885 2622 Pageant

THERE is pageantry in everything we do. Inspired by life and the extraordinary of the everyday, Pageant celebrates the performer in us all. Dancing to a powerful score with music from Bowie to Ravel, the stellar CoisCéim cast will delight with passion and pathos as they weave an exhilarating journey from choreographic mayhem to military precision. March 7, tickets are priced at €18/€16.

Mill THEATRE 01 296 9340 Guys and Dolls

FOLLOWING a very successful season taking home the Best Chorus award at National AIMS awards for Fiddler on the Roof, Kilmacud Musical Society are back for another exciting year with the fantastic upbeat show Guys and Dolls.

Catch the show from March 12 to 16, tickets are priced at €20/€15.

Jennifer Lawrence, Ang Lee and Daniel Day Lewis all claimed big prizes at the Academy Awards

reaction: appraising the winners of this year’s academy awards

Oscar worthy?

AND so another movie season ends. Long after the confetti is swept up, the tears of losers (and winners) dried and unused speeches thrown in waste paper baskets, all that’s left to debate is the fairness of the results.

The 2013 Oscars were not a surprise in any way; the winners could be seen from a good distance out, but that is the Oscars lot.

As the jewel in the Hollywood crown, the Oscars is the last awards show in the season and the momentum that is built up throughout the early months of the year can make the movie industry’s big night feel like something of a foregone conclusion, which is unfair because generally films are considered awards front-runners because the consensus is that they are ver y good, which makes sur-

 Paul Hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

prises very rare.

So, with the shocking snubs of the likes of Expendables 2 and Bullet To The Head out of the way, the usual Oscar suspects made their way to the podium last Sunday.

Of the big winners, there were few collecting a first statuette and of those, both Jennifer Lawrence and Anne Hathaway had been nominated previously.

Argo (right) collected the Best Picture award, with producer Ben Affleck taking his second award, George Clooney collected his second award on his eighth nomination, while Grant Hes-

lov took his first award on his second nomination.

Ang Lee, taking his second Best Director prize, was possibly the night’s biggest surprise, his Life of Pi is a wondrous creation, but better than Spielberg’s Lincoln?

Just no.

Lee’s nod seemed fitting in the category, given that Affleck and Kathryn Bigelow wer both snubbed from the nominees.

While there can be no arguing that Lee did a fantastic job adapting Yann Martel’s book, Affleck’s work on Argo deserved at least a nomination and the Academy needs to get over whatever grudge Spielberg engendered in them (Munich losing out to Lee’s Brokeback Mountain in particular).

Affleck being left out of the directing nominations may have given Argo a boost as Academy voters looked to redress the balance somewhat,

but whatever their motivation, they arrived at the correct conclusion.

The film is expertly told and is, all round, better than its competitors.

In the acting categories, both Cristoph Waltz, taking his second Supporting Actor Award in four years, and Anne Hathaway took awards without any serious competition, with only perennial nominee Amy Adams really a challenger.

In the Best Actress cat-

egory, Jennifer Lawrence deservedly triumphed, but Jessica Chastain can rightly wonder what more she could have done, such is her performance in Zero Dark Thirty.

Ireland’s own (kind of) Daniel Day Lewis took his third gold man for his peerless performance in Lincoln.

So, while there were few sur prises, there rarely are.

And that’s fine because that’s not what the Oscars are about.

7 March 2013 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

GAMING TOMB RAIDER: FRANCHISE REFRESHED

BYTES&PIECES

The return (and reboot) of a legend ...

LONG seen as another gaming franchise that had gone off the boil, or jumped the shark, or otherwise completely lost track of what made it a hit to begin with (yes, yes, sit down, Resident Evil), Tomb Raider has returned to shops now with a desperately-needed reboot.

Rather cheaply marketed too often on the basis of its “sultry” lead character (rather than, y’know, on the actual game), the globe-trotting adventures of rich archaeologist Lara Croft floundered in the past decade, as the likes of Nathan Drake (in the hit PlayStation Uncharted franchise) bounded into the limelight and easily stole her crown.

Bar a couple of competently made smallerscale games, Tomb Raider seemed to be so over ...

Following the recent trend of cinema “reimag-

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@gazettegroup.com

inings”, Tomb Raider has been redesigned, working in a number of currently popular gaming themes to create a game that feels more, well, relevant, while also feeling fresher, too.

Gone is the cool and collected Croft of old, replaced with a young and rich Lara, embarking upon her first archaeological adventure.

However, it’s not long before Lara, and friends, are marooned on a mysterious island – a place littered with wrecks and hulls from throughout the ages, with a mish-mash of pan-Asian/Oceanic civilisations represented on the island – not to men-

tion plenty of dangerous locals, not keen to have what Enid Blyton might have called “meddling kids” running about.

Actually, that makes it sound as though Lara’s free to roam around, and happy enough to – but this is where the “reboot” comes to the fore, as her character is explored, rather than just her abilities.

At the start of the game, Lara – via narration, character interactions and cutscenes – is presented as a frightened young woman (as, indeed, pretty much anybody would be, shipwrecked and in danger on a lost island full of thugs).

However, as the game progresses, Lara’s character changes, as she adapts to the island’s challenges and locals, pushed to her physical and mental limits – and then overcoming them, to triumph against

ACTUALLY, I’m just joking as, despite all the

A FIRST LOOK hoopla over the past couple of weeks following the initial “reveal” of the new console, AT THE NEW nobody, err, actually knows what it looks like.

Sony certainly created acres of media coverage it revealed lots of details PLAYSTATION about thewhen PS4, but apart from showing the controller (not exactly a radically dif4 CONSOLE next ferent design, let’s put it that way), the

???

?

company doesn’t as yet have a finished console design to show.

While, of course, there are lots of impressive facts and figures about the new console – I hear it’ll make you cups of tea, an’ all – what seems most interesting is how the internal architecture has been reworked, to make it easier to design for. This should mean even more incredible titles to play ...

D E S CLO GAME OVER FOR 1UP.COM

Plug is pulled on a 10-year-old gaming website THE chill winds of the recession continue to swirl around, with online media platforms feeling their icy pinch just as much as their hard-copy counterparts.

This being so, 1up.com is the latest such domino to tumble, as the long-standing gaming website has been shut – oh, it’s still running, and still has a number of features yet to be uploaded, but the site is effectively now shut, and locked into an irreversible death spiral, as its parent company has chosen it, and a number of other sites, to be closed, preferring to divert assets elsewhere.

While many readers won’t have heard of 1up.com before, it belongs (belonged?) to a cadre of games websites that offer (or offered, in its case) a pretty diverse range of content, covering everything from the the art of creativity within games, key industry movers and shakers, retro reviews of long-lost classics, insight into key titles, reviews and previews and so on, giving them a wide-ranging scope.

In a world where gaming gets scant coverage in mainstream print media – if at all – the fact that it’s now game over for 1.1up.com is something to regret ...

In her new guise (above), the initially timid yet determined Lara Croft is far from the confident (and blockier) Lara seen in her 1996 debut (below)

the relentless adversity she faces, realising that she has inner strengths.

As such, Tomb Raider almost presents the game as an exploration of Lara’s character as much as of the physical landscape of the island itself, stripping away the casually blase confidence of old to create, as our Hollywood friends would say, “a more relatable character”.

As Lara explores the island, desperately attempting to engineer both a rescue, and survival, for her and her friends, she gradually learns or unlocks new abilities, gradually empowering her to access previously locked-off areas of the island, and thus undertake or complete various missions.

While

not quite a truly open sandbox to explore, it’s an interesting and modernenough nod at accessibility, further removing her from her strictly levelbased exploits of old.

And what of tomb raiding? Well, there is some, though not as much as some fans may wish for, while puzzles, too, aren’t exactly the most taxing to undertake.

However, while being another title for mature gamers – Little Jimmy doesn’t really need to be playing games where young women face menacing male thugs, after all – the multi-platform title is a welcome return to form.

With such a confident and decent step back into the gaming world, it’ll be interesting to see Lara’s next adventure ...

GOT A PICTURE? SHARE IT WITH US!

A PICTURE TELLS A STORY GOT A GREAT PICTURE, EMAIL IT TO US!

EMAIL YOUR PHOTO TO picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Or call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2

22 Gazette 7 March 2013

Gazette

& OUT ABOUT road

Citroen: The current C3 gets a very pleasant restyle

NOISE

Peugeot gives a preview of what the future holds

Peugeot’s 31-vehicle display at the Geneva Motor Show this week includes the world-premier of the new Peugeot 2008 Crossover, the groundbreaking Peugeot 2008 HYbrid Air, a concept Peugeot 208 HYbrid FE, the new 208 Gti and XY models, the new-look RCZ and the award-winning concept Onyx.

Taking centre stage will be the all-new Peugeot 2008. This practical, versatile vehicle is testament to Peugeot’s strategy of developing its crossover range and attracting new customers. A truly global car, it’s the first vehicle produced by the Marque which has been designed, developed and engineered simultaneously by employees based in Europe, China and Latin America.

The 2008 brings together the expertise and experience of two acclaimed Peugeot vehicles; it blends the success and design of the award-winning 3008 crossover with all the features, performance and state-of-theart engines of the new

TRAVEL MOTORS

compact 208 supermini. The result is an innovative new vehicle for the B-segment.

With a characterful on-the-road presence and high levels of comfort and quality, the 2008 is intended for young city-dwellers who love the urban environment but who also enjoy escaping from it at every opportunity. Power comes from the latest generation of low fuel consumption Peugeot engines. With e-HDi diesel and threecylinder petrol technology, Peugeot’s urban crossover stands out from the competition thanks to CO2 emissions starting at just 98g/km.

The ground-breaking 2008 HYbrid Air model combines tried and tested systems from Peugeot’s new generation of threecylinder petrol engines with compressed air technology. The compressed air system will assist, or even take the place of, the petrol engine during the phases which consume the most energy, i.e. acceleration and moving off.

The ground-breaking 2008 HYbrid Air

Picasso perfectly at home in the city or on motorway n Cormac Curtis

It’s always a battle when you are looking for a car that will fit the bill for family life and at the same time not look like little more than a box on wheels.

Citroen gave the family MPV a real run for its money when they introduced the Zsara Picasso in 1999, and it has been through more than a few makeovers since, each time refining the design making it that bit more appealing.

The current C3 Picasso has been given a very pleasant restyle and went on sale last month.

It may be far less streamlined in appearance than the original Zsara Picasso, but it has an unmistakable, beefy, muscular character all of its own as a result.

On the outside, new styling features include a revised front bumper and the latest Citroen chevrons; together with the addition of LED daytime running lights for a fresh new look as standard on VTR+ models.

Two new body colours have also been introduced; Ink Blue and Pearlescent White.

Inside, not only does the spacious cabin offer an exceptional view of the road, it has also been updated with a sophisticated new trim called Mistral Mixou cloth, which is specified as standard on all VTR+ models.

An electro-chrome rear view mirror is now included in C3 Picasso’s Automatic Pack option at no extra charge and the new-look C3 Picas-

The Picasso’s spacious cabin offer an exceptional view of the road

so comes with new 16” Blade alloy wheels as standard on VTR+ versions.

The version of the car I tested was the Special Edition C3 Picasso CODE, which comes with an array of additional equipment; including striking black or white Clover 17” alloy wheels, a stunning panoramic sunroof, chrome door mirrors and roof bars; all for a step-up cost of just €500.

I must admit, if I was financing a C3 Picasso over a few years, this would be a very sensible option pack – especially considering the car already comes with Bluetooth, cruise control with speed limit, LED daytime running lights and air conditioning as standard.

In terms of space and size, the car measures just 4.08m long, with an

innovative design that creates one of the biggest cabin lengths in its class – at 1.6m long, it is a rival for some MPVs in the segment above.

And, access to the C3 Picasso cabin is made easy with straighter and more rectangular doors, which, thanks to the long wheelbase, don’t intrude on the rear wheel arches, thus creating a larger opening for rear passengers to enter/exit.

The functional design of the C3 Picasso achieves one of the best ratios of internal space to external size of any vehicle in its class, delivering impressive standards of adaptability, space and convenience together with surprisingly good visibility.

Just a few inches longer than an average supermini, the C3 Picasso offers class-leading passenger space and a 500-litre

boot, one of the biggest in the sector.

In developing the C3 Picasso, Citroen laid down demanding quality and reliability standards.

Other key aspects of the design process were to ensure that the C3 delivered a smooth and comfortable ride, together with high standards of handling and road holding.

In the metal, the C3

Picasso delivers these design objectives with high standards of fit and finish, as well as providing responsive yet comfortable on-road performance.

This ensures that it is as much at home in the city as on the motorway.

Whatever, the road, the C3 Picasso’s driver benefits from the vehicle’s compact dimensions and exceptional visibility.

7 March 2013 CASTLEKNOCK gazette 23

Gazette

MUSIC FASTtunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

interVIEW: Paddy casey muses on his career and future

A not so secret life PADDY Casey has been around the music industry for quite a lot longer that his looks would suggest.

He laughs in mock horror when you remind him of this fact, but his experience has made him something of an odd beast in the Irish music scene; a refreshingly honest, uniquely driven perfectionist.

He continues to pack venues around the country, attracting a mixture of die-hard fans and newly-won converts.

Having released his fourth studio album The Secret Life Of... in November, Casey will take to the stage in The Queens in Dalkey on March 8 and says that the reaction to the new album has been positive so far.

 Paul Hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

“It hasn’t sold a million copies or anything, but the reaction has been good so far.

“People who have picked up the album have been positive about it.

“It’s only got a couple of bad reviews, and I know I shouldn’t, but I’m too curious to not read them.

“You have to remember to tell yourself that it’s just an opinion, but if it pops up online, I end up clicking on it!”

The album is a return to a method of record-

ing that Casey is comfortable with, the bulk of the work being done in his kitchen.

It is a departure from Casey’s last effort, Addicted To Company.

That effort was done in a studio in Los Angeles and resulted in Casey’s most polished effort yet.

Back in the kitchen, each song on The Secret Life Of... was recorded on the day it was written.

“I had a definite plan when we started.

“My friends say I have demo-itis apparently. I like the demo of a song more than the recorded versions.

“I really wanted to make each song on the day it was written, to capture something.

“I preferred this to any

other record I’ve made.

“The songs came when they came, as opposed to trying to hash it out.

“I don’t think I dislike any songs on the album.

“It’s weird, I don’t really like or love any songs; I like what they represent.

“It’s fairly honest and a lot of stuff that is on it is first takes.

“I wanted it to be direct.

“I think I love the way it was made and what it stands for.”

Picking singles as a singer is an unenviable task, one that Casey says he has handed off to others.

“I let other people pick out the singles, I’m [crap] at picking singles.

“I would never have put out Saints and Sin-

ners (his biggest single).

“I go for songs which I’m happiest with.

“For me, the chorus isn’t as important as the verse.

“I realise that’s not the way that people say to write songs, but it makes me happy.”

As a veteran of the Irish music scene, Paddy says that he has seen a big change in the industry year on year.

“The music is better now, there’s a lot of great bands.

“Irish bands are a lot more eclectic and interesting.

“The only problem is that there’s nowhere to play and no money being made.”

Paddy Casey plays The Queens, Dalkey on March 8, tickets are priced at €17.

He’s sold millions of albums and is hailed as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation, so you might forgive Slash for doing the whole rock star bit by swaggering about the stage, playing guitar over his head and chugging booze in front of the crowd. But none of that went on at The Olympia Theatre last weekend.

Slash strolled on stage with an unassuming demeanour that stayed with him for the evening, despite an introduction from Hollywood bad boy Charlie Sheen (who proceeded to hyper-enthusiastically bounce along to the gig from one of the theatre’s boxes).

Slash appeared like he’d just stepped out of a poster from the 1980s: his trademark top hat covering his mane of black curly hair, dark glasses, jeans and black Converse runners - and he tore straight into it.

The hat and glasses never came off, so the only clues to his ferocious hard work and stamina were his lightning fingers on guitar and the constant pouring of sweat from his face, drenching his black t-shirt (and possibly those in the front row, too).

There were four others on stage with the main man- note-perfect vocalist Myles Kennedy, drummer Brent Fitz and bassist and guitarist Todd Kerns and Frank Sidoris. Tracks from Slash’s last album Apocalyptic Love mixed with Guns N’ Roses’ classics meant his fans were loving every minute, with Paradise City getting the biggest reaction of the night. And those on stage were loving it, too. At one point, Myles Kennedy could clearly be seen shouting to Slash: “Oh man, this is one f****** crowd!”

And Slash agreed, one of the few times he directly addressed the crowd, was to tell us how awesome we were. Tweeting after the show, @Slash said how great it was to be back in Dublin, thanking the crowd for a great night. You’re welcome, Slash, now come back soon.

24 CASTLEKNOCK Gazette 7 March 2013

Gazette

OUT&ABOUT fast TRAVEL Wet the oul shamrock your way on Patrick’s Day holiday: painting the town, or city, green

One million Irish have flown with Etihad

ETIHAD Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has passed a major milestone after flying the one millionth passenger on its Dublin route.

The airline launched its services from Dublin in 2007, and since then the Irish capital has frequently featured in its top 10 most popular routes. The flights have also helped enhance commercial and cultural ties between Ireland and the UAE. The one millionth passenger, Alacoque O’Connor, from Athlone, Co Roscommon, was randomly chosen from flight EY42 last week, and was presented with a prize of two Pearl Business Class return flights and four nights’ accommodation in Abu Dhabi, as well as corporate tickets to the Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship final.

The landmark comes as Etihad prepares to boost capacity in the Irish market with the introduction of a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft on six of its 10 weekly return flights from July.

For more information or to book your flights with Etihad, visit www. etihad.com.

 natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com

Being Irish is something that is celebrated almost every day of the year but with the arrival of St Patrick’s Day, it is one excuse for the world to really paint its towns and cities green.

Whether you’re tempted to celebrate all things Irish in the Big Apple, enjoy a not-so-typical pint of Guinness on a Spanish city break or fancy making the most of the emerald isle and all it has to offer, there are plenty of special offers and shenanigans to choose from this month.

St Patrick’s Day celebrations are considered serious business in New York City.

Go Hop abroad for Paddy

The grass is greener here in Ireland WHERE better to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and all that is green than the land of the man who started it all? With the biggest parade in the country taking place in Dublin, and various parades marching through towns across Ireland, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a getaway this Paddy’s Day weekend, without leaving our own shores.

Spend St Patrick’s weekend on the banks of the River Shannon at the very heart of Ireland by staying at the waterfront Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone. From just €139 per person sharing, enjoy two nights’ accommodation, a super-buffet breakfast each

morning and a delicious dinner at Element’s Restaurant on the evening of your choice.

Explore the town and revel in the St Patrick’s Festival before chilling out with a drink at the Quayside Bar and Lounge. For more information, visit www. radissonblu.ie/hotel-athlone or call 090 6442600.

Visit the five star Castlemartyr Resort in Cork this St Patrick’s weekend from March 15-18 and enjoy two nights accommodation at one of Ireland’s largest bedrooms (535sq ft), breakfast each morning as well as dinner on the night of your choice in the two AA Rosette award-winning Bell Tower restaurant, followed

by a warming Irish Coffee at the hotel’s Knights Bar. Available from €195 per night. See www.castlemartyrresort.ie or call 021 4219000.

If you fancy getting away from the parades and festivities, perhaps a relaxing break at Fota Island Resort could be just the green ticket. Visit the Cork resort and enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast and a three-course meal at Fota Restaurant. Enjoy some Irish entertainment in the Amber Lounge and enjoy a complimentary pint of Guinness or a Jameson as part of the package. Prices start from €219 per room per night. Visit www. fotaisland.ie.

JETTING away from the Emerald Isle to celebrate St Patrick’s Day abroad is certainly one way to spread the Irish joy, and this year GoHop.ie have a number of offers to help you on your merry way.

Travel on March 14 and spend seven nights in Budapest with GoHop.ie from just €171 per person, including return flights from Dublin and accommodation at the three-star Hotel Lisa. Travel on March 16 and spend five nights in Venice from just €180 per person,

or travel to Alicante on March 16 and stay seven nights from only €315 per person. Prices include return flights from Dublin, taxes and charges, and are based on two adults.

Depart Dublin on March 15 and enjoy a three-night stay in Istanbul from just €388 per person. Prices include return flights, three nights’ accommodation at the three-star Grand Ons Hotel, taxes and charges.

For more St Patrick’s Day deals, visit www.gohop.ie/g48/ St-Patricks-Day.

7 March 2013 CASTLEKNOCK Gazette 25

R1

Gazette

Travel

Bring the Irish craic with you to Europe Barcelona VISIT Barcelona and take part in the Paddy’s Day festivities with Travel Department. Depart Dublin on March 16 with Aer Lingus, and spend four nights at the four star Hotel Front Maritim. See the famous sights of the city on a half day guided tour, taking in the Sagrada Familia Church, Guell Park and Montjuic Viewing Point. While there will be plenty of free time to go down the main shopping street Las Ramblas, be sure to enjoy the many St Patrick’s Day festivities taking place. Priced at € 459 per person sharing.

To book, visit www. traveldepartment.ie or

call 01 6371600.

Flexibletrips WHY not travel across the pond this March and celebrate with a break from Flexibletrips in Berlin, Amsterdam or Malaga starting from €149 per person sharing.

Visit Nerja on the Costa del Sol, where two nights at the three star Al Andalus Hotel

can be enjoyed for just €344 per person, with flights to Malaga on a room-only basis.

Or pop over to Berlin, where nightlife is at the heart of its popular scene. Stay at the threestar Winters Hotel for €336 per person sharing including flights.

Call the Flexibletrips team in Dublin on (01) 514 0308, or log onto www.flexibletrips.ie.

Picture: Dana Perrotti

Fun in Big Green Apple WHEN it comes to St Patrick’s Day, the celebration is considered serious business in New York City. Everyone who is anyone has a drop of green blood in their veins, even just for one day, and the Paddy’s Day parade in the Big Apple is one popular occasion. Over 150,000 people march in the parade every year, which has been held annually since 1762, so heading stateside this St Patrick’s Day could be the ideal way to celebrate your heritage with a little difference.

For something extra to do, head to the Irish Art Centre on 51st Street on March 15 and catch an evening performance of the Celtic Appalachia II, a folk band offering a roofraising collection of Celtic and Appalachian mountain music. The centre also offers Irish language lessons and will be running an Irish language day Feile na Gaeilge on April 14, as well as literature workshops, song and more.

Entry is $30 (roughly €23) per adult.

For those with an interest in film, the Craic Festival Series (presented by Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey) kicks off on March 6. It’s a three-day event that takes place at the Tribeca Cinemas on 54 Varick Street, which celebrates the newest generation of Irish filmmakers.

Highlights include the opening night film Broken starring Cillian Murphy and the US premier of Gentlemen Prizefighter, narrated

The Hotel @ Times Square in New York City

by Liam Neeson.

To follow your cultural adventures, there’s always a good Irish bar around the corner for a comforting beverage. One of NewYork’s finest and most historic offerings is McSorley’s Old Ale House on 7th Street. Established in 1864, it’s NYC’s oldest continuously operated saloon with leaders and schemers including Abe Lincoln, John Lennon and a host of well known civil rights and union movement activists having passed through its doors. Think sawdust strewn floors and history patched walls, it wasn’t until the 1970s that women were even allowed to enter!

Where to stay?

Just one block away from the main parade

route lies The Hotel @ Times Square, a trendy boutique hotel located in Midtown Manhattan. Located just a few blocks away from the Irish Art Centre and a short subway ride from the Tribeca Cinemas, the hotel offers complimentary continental breakfast, Wi-Fi and phone calls nationwide.

Children aged 12 and under stay for free, while prices for The Hotel @ Times Square in March start from $204.99 per room (approx €77 per person, per night) while prices in April start from $234.99 per room (approx €89 per person, per night). For more information or to book, visit www.thehotelattimessquare.co.uk or call +44 808 178 6363. Flights and accommodation taxes excluded.

Alternatively, why not travel to NYC with Travel Department and spend four nights in Manhattan? Depart March 14 from Dublin and travel to New York JFK with Aer Lingus.

Transfer on arrival to the three-star Skyline Hotel, situated on 10th Avenue and 49th Street, is included with four nights’ B&B. Enjoy a half-day guided tour of the city with all the main sights as well as free time to enjoy all the Paddy’s Day festivities in the big city.

Priced at €1,229 per person sharing, including tax.

See www.traveldepartment.ie or call 01 6371600.

Local

Matters Support local b u si n ess

Advertise with the Gazette call 60 10 240

26 Castleknock Gazette 7 March 2013

castleknockCLASSIFIEDS

ARCHITECTURE

Languages

GOLF

plumbers JT PLUMBING

Architectural Plans

For new build houses,extensions & refurbishments, 3d & real life visualisations as standard, by experienced Chartered Surveyor.

builders

New 2013 Membership from â‚Ź200 Rathcore Golf and Country Club, Rathcore, Enfield, Co Meath 046 - 9541855 Mick 086 2583933 Austin 086 2932311 www.rathcoregolfandcountryclub.com

home services

Ph: 01- 4532631 Email: sales@capitalglass.ie Colour Glass Splashbacks Stained Glass Table Tops & Shelving Beautiful Mirrors in stock Shower Doors & Balcony Glass All glass/double glazed units repaired/ FULL MEASURING replaced Domestic and Commercial & FITTING SERVICE PVC Handle and Hinge repairs

Mon-Sat 62 Lwr Clanbrassil St. Dublin 8 Visit our showrooms/website www.capitalglass.ie

COURSE

All areas covered. 15 years experience. Free estimates.

OUTSIDE TAP SUPPLIED & FITTED â‚Ź70 Water Tanks, Drippings Taps, Radiators, Burst pipes, Cylinders, Pumps, Outside Taps, Showers, Immersions, Bathroom Suites.

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

Call now on 087 7069475

Visit us at www.letsgofrench.ie

WINDOWS

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

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

New Builds.

Insurance quotes.

Call Dave anytime 0872917647

BEST PRICES IN DUBLIN!!

SEE OUR DISPLAY AD ON PAGE 10

pets

PET MINDERS Safe, Cosy, Cos Pet Boarding. 5 Mins from Castleknock, Blanchardstown & Lucan.Call now for early booking.

Call 086 8126387/ 01 8223690 Reasonable Rates

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK Weir Retail Centre, 40 Hills Mill Industrial Estate , Lucan Village, Co. Dublin LUCAN SHOWROOM 01 6217639

LORRAINE 086 8385014

TENNIS

WANTED

'THE TEENAGE YEARS’ 6 weeks evening course

at St Mochta’s Parish Centre, Porterstown Wednesday 27th of March 7.30 - 9.30.

Ireland v Finland

Understanding the world of Teenagers!

Teenagers’ illusion that Adults know nothing!

For more information: Contact: Elaine Lynch Psychotherapist/Professional Parent Mentor at elaine.lynch21@gmail.com or call 0877999474

dvd services

5th-7th April 2013

SERVICES

DVD TRANSFERS Cinefilms,Photos and Slides transferred to DVD with Music and Titles added. Camcorder and Videotapes edited and transferred to DVD.

Applicants should post their CV with cover letter to Deborah Kearney, HR Department, Santa Sabina House, Navan Road, Cabra, Dublin 7 or e-mail Deborah.Kearney@santasabinahouse.com Closing date for Applications is the 27th March 2013.

Santa Sabina House is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Phone 01-2807838 Mobile 087-9132265 Email: alleventsvideo@eircom.net

GARDEN . .$ ("3%&/ 4&37*$&4 Top Trees: Pruned-Shaped & Removed Hedges: Topped-Strimmed Build Walls & Pillars SPECIAL RATES FOR O.A.P’S Fully insured PHONE 01 8475136/ 087 3208533

at Castleknock Tennis Club 5JDLFUT GSPN

XXX UFOOJTJSFMBOE JF

1

100% Guaranteed Irish Meals. To Your Door.

The Dress Outlet NEW SEASON

2

Cooked Wholesome and nutritious frozen meals delivered weekly, ready to heat straight from the freezer.

Open Tues-Sat 11.30am-4.30pm or by appointment Call: 01 8309989 086 2336989 87 Langan Road Dublin Industrial Estate Glasnevin D.11

3

pl anning and legal To place a planning or legal notice c a l l F id e l m a o n 6 5 1 6 2 3 9 or email f c l a r k e @ g a z e t t e g r o u p. c o m

Visit our website www.chefdirect.ie

FREE

Our meals are only â‚Ź5.50 INCLUDING delivery to your door.

DELIVERY

We Professor Timothy O’Brien and Dr Mary Jennings, intend to apply for retention planning permission for development at this site, 4 Church Court, Castleknock, Dublin 15. The development will consist of retention of timber trellis to front West boundary wall. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (20Euros) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of this application.

17753

planning Notice Fingal County Council

Robert Doran is applying for Permission. The development will consist of constructing of a ground floor extension to rear of existing dwelling at 32 Maple Avenue, Castlenock, Dublin 15 comprising a Sunroom with pitched roof and roof lights.The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Dublin City Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

17749

planning Notice Fingal County Council

MEALS FASHION

planning Notice Fingal County Council

Just Ring 01 491 62 62

We, Mariaville Properties Ltd. intend to apply for Permission for development at our site at Cherangani, Old Navan Road, Castleknock, Dublin 15. The proposed development shall consist of a variation to condition 4 of the planning permission FW10A/0201, currently under construction, to allow for removal of existing Blue Atlas Cedar tree and its replacement with alternative tree planting as part of an integrated landscaping plan.

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.

A submission or observation may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. 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.

17741

7 March 2013 CASTLEKNOCK Gazette 27

johnny lyons 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

sport awards P28

FastSport GAA launch anti-bullying campaign:

Athletic stars Ava Hutchinson, Fionnuala Britton, Lizzie Lee and Linda Byrne with Willie O’Byrne from Spar at the launch of this year’s Great Ireland Run

great ireland run 2013: phoenix park hosting 12th annual 10k event

Gazette Sport running with you and the stars in 2013 Dublin Gazette Newspapers is delighted to announce that we have teamed up again this year with the SPAR Great Ireland Run to recognise runners in each of our papers’ local areas.

The Gazette will recognise the fastest man and woman from each paper’s circulation area with a specially designed plaque as well as prizes of sports gear.

After the run, we will also be publishing a results list of the top local male and female finishers.

The SPAR Great Ireland Run 2013 will take place in the Phoenix Park on

Sunday, April 14, at 1 pm.

This year’s run will more than ever be about enjoying a full family running day as a mini run for five- to eight-year-olds over a one mile lap has been added to the programme alongside a junior run for nine to 15 year olds over 2.5km. The Mini Run and Junior Run will precede the main event and an adult can run / walk alongside each child in the mini run if they wish.

Up to 12,000 entries are expected and every adult entrant will receive an exclusive technical T shirt as well as a medal

and a generous goody bag after completing the run.

A star-studded field of international and national distance runners will compete on the day, including all the members of Ireland’s European Cross Country Championship winning team, led by Fionnuala Britton. Last year’s event was won in a stunning course record time of 27 minutes 49 seconds by multiple Olympic gold medallist Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia. The women’s champion was Gemma Steel of Great Britain in 32 minutes 6 seconds.

The 2013 run will once again incorporate the Irish 10k road championships and will feature most of Ireland’s top distance runners.

Participants are being encouraged to raise funds for good causes and the event’s nominated charities are the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation and SPAR’s charity partner, the 3Ts – Turn The Tide of Suicide. The Baby Max Wings of Love Fund is the nominated charity for the junior run and mini run.

Entries can be made online at www. greatirelandrun.org.

THE GAA became the country’s first sporting organisation to launch a national anti-bullying campaign with the unveiling of the GAA Tackling Bullying programme last week.

The programme consists of a two-hour training workshop suitable for coaches, parents, players and other club personnel and also includes a range of publicity materials for clubs.

The programme may be run alongside other educational and or community anti-bullying initiatives.

The GAA will upskill and train 50 child welfare tutors to equip them to deliver the workshops at club level in 2013.

c o n ta c t s Sports Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com

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

Gazette

28 CASTLEKNOCK Gazette 7 March 2013

SPORT

DublinGazetteNewspapers 2013 dublin sports awards february nominees

THE second month saw a mixed bag of fortunes for Dublin sport. As some dreams came to an end, others came true for the first time in over a century, and some happened for the first time ever. We bade farewell to Kenny Egan, a true gentleman and inspirational figure in the world of boxing, while Castleknock saw their All-Ireland dream snuffed out at the semi-final stage, though there is little doubt they will be there again before too long. Meanwhile, Ireland’s amazing women rugby players claimed their first ever Triple Crown by defeating the home nations in this year’s Six Nations campaign, and Wesley College ended 115 years of hurt by taking home their first cup silverware. And two Dublin 15 men made their marks on their respective sports: James McGee helped Ireland to a deserved David Cup win over Estonia, while Bernard Brogan was firing on all cylinders for Dublin.

Hold on, it’s going to be another epic year...

H STARof the MONTH

james mcgee

Kenneth Egan

bernard brogan

THE high-flying Castleknock man has been soaring since the start of 2013, helping Ireland to a Davis Cup win over Estonia and reaching his highest-ever world ranking, claiming a place inside the top 300 in the world on the back of his strong performances.

HEROES are born, and the Clondalkin fighter went out a hero in the National Stadium when he announced his retirement from the ring after being defeated by Joe Ward as he attempted to claim his 11th Irish national title this month.

St Oliver Plunkett’s marksman and Dublin legend Bernard Brogan once again staked his claim for 2013 greatness with a pair of first class county performances this month that manager Pat Gilroy described as “exceptional”

castleknock junior football

wesley college

ireland women’s rugby

A DREAM almost came true for the rising stars of Dublin GAA when Castleknock’s junior footballers reached the semi-final of the AllIreland competition, only to be pipped

by Kenmare at Croke Park - it was an impressive campaign throughout.

Wesley College broke a 115-year hoodoo this month when they claimed their first cup win in that time, winning the Leinster Schools Vinny Murray Cup against St Gerard’s of Bray in an epic and tight-fought final at Anglesea Road.

THE senior women of Irish rugby, which features an array of local talent, claimed their biggest ever prize to date when they defeated Scotland to take the 6 Nations Triple Crown.

They still have to face France and Italy for a glorious Grand Slam.

TEAMof the MONTH H

Questions raised again on Dublin GAA being split  sport@gazettegroup.com

Dublin’s Bernard Brogan in action for the county

It would seem that talk of splitting Dublin into two intercounty squads has been floated again after the minors secured the Leinster League title last Saturday.

The county’s dominance in the minor and U-21 sections, first winning the minor title under current senior manager Jim Gavin in 2002, as well as the senior team’s stronghold on the Leinster provincial title, winning eight of the last 10 competitions, has lit a fire under the

topic again.

Speaking at the Gibson Hotel in Dublin’s Point Village last week, at the announcement that the venue is to be the official hotel to the Dublin senior football team for the next three years, Gavin weighed in on the issue.

“I know it has come up in the past. The idea appeared in a report a number of years ago and was quashed,” said the Dubs boss. “One All-Ireland title in 17 years speaks volumes for the dominance of the Dublin senior football team, or lack of.

“I don’t think when Kerry were dominant in the 2000s or Kilkenny and Cork were dominant in hurling that there was any talk of splitting those counties into two.

“So I’m not surprised to hear it, but I just think you have to look at the pure stats of even how many All-Ireland finals we have competed in. Mayo have competed in more in the last few years.

“At underage level, Dublin have been dominant, but only in the last few years.”

GAA president Liam O’Neill

has claimed he was against the idea of splitting up the Dublin panel unless it was requested by the county themselves.

“At underage level Dublin might feel it is of more benefit to field more than one team,” said O’Neill. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s not something that’s going to be forced on them. “ I certainly have no appetite for it. If Dublin feel at underage level that it’s going to be of benefit to them I am sure that Leinster Council would be more than willing to accommodate them.”

7 March 2013 CASTLEKNOCK Gazette 29

R1

Gazette

Lyons roars ahead of Sports Awards

Johnny Lyons has been a stalwart reporter of Dublin sport on 98fm since his debut on the station in 1996, and is getting set to compere this weekend’s Dublin Sport Awards The world of sports journalism is filled with unique voices who make it the most exciting form of the craft. From Howard Cosell to Micheal O’Muircheartaigh, from Bill McLaren to Peter Alliss, the unmistakable tones of the best in the business bring whatever they are reporting on to life in a colourful and involving way.

In Dublin radio, there are a number of star voices, but few are as vivid and lively as 98fm’s Johnny Lyons. The station’s bold as brass sports editor and presenter of the perennial Now That’s What I Call Sport show each Sunday morning has been a vocal advocate of sport in Dublin thoughout the

 rob heigh sport@gazettegroup.com

years, and is set to help reward the very best in the county when the Red Cow Hotel hosts Dublin Gazette Newspapers’ fourth annual Dublin Sports Awards this week, where Johnny will be the master of ceremonies.

Speaking to Gazette Sport last week, Johnny spoke about the reasons he loves his job and how he came to be where he is today.

“In my opinion, you’re born a journalist,” said Lyons. “I don’t know what brought me into

sports journalism, but I’ve always written.

“In terms of what got me into sport journalism – I suppose I couldn’t do anything else,” he laughed. “In university I was the editor of the Sports Tribune at UCD. I’ve always written about sport because, along with music, those are my passions.”

Johnny was a freelance journalist with Hot Press and a number of national papers, writing about soccer, when his big break came, almost by accident.

“Everyone else was telling me to get into radio, saying I had the voice, but I was the last one to hear it. Eventually, a friend of mine dropped a demo into 98FM. I didn’t actually

The big smile of Johnny Lyons, who will compere this year’s Dublin Sports Awards

know at the time that they were looking for a sports journalist, but then I got a call from Aidan Cooney.

“Talking on the microphone is the most natural thing in the world to me, I’ve never felt nervous, I knew I could do it, and I

“The interview with John Hartson was special to me because it wasn’t so much about sport as it was about his battle with cancer. I like to think I have a lot of empathy for people and I can get into their heads so to speak, in a nice way,

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

‘I think it’s great that the big professionals and the local heroes will be together at the Dublin Sports Awards’ - Johnny Lyons

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

knew that we’re all given a gift, and mine was the Queen’s English.”

Johnny’s personal, conversational style has managed to bring out the best and the most intimate in his interview subjects, something that he prides himself on.

“I really like to find out a lot about the people who I’m interviewing like what makes them tick, what makes them get up in the morning and all the things that make them so special.

“I always like to think that sports aren’t just about facts and statistics and if you weren’t necessarily a fan of sport you could still listen to my show.”

That style and approach led to one of Johnny’s highlights of his journalistic career.

to get them to talk.

“It’s not often that I engage in a conversation with a man and by the end of it the two of us are nearly in tears but that was what happened in that case, it was a very emotional interview.

“I would like to think it was the highlight of my professional career.”

Asked about the Dublin Sport Awards, Johnny was clear about his reasons for being excited about being the compere of the event this year.

“It’s absolutely great to get the big professionals together with the local heroes at the Dublin Sports Awards. The main problem with a lot of sports ceremonies is that the minority sports aren’t really catered for, so this is something special.”

FastSport

Community Games calling on locals to join up for 2013 A hectic season is about to get under way as the Dublin Community Games summer activities take centre stage, and the organisers are looking for people to get involved today in the 2013 activities.

With a number of changes coming into effect this year, Community Games is no longer just a summer thing or just “a weekend in August in Mosney”. Activities now begin in early January, and area, county, provincial and national events run until the end of August when the national finals will be held in the state-of-the-art facilities in Athlone Institute of Technology.

Talking to Gazette Sport last week, a spokesperson for the Games said: “If your area isn’t currently active in Community Games, call our office to get set up.”

For more information on how to get involved, contact the Dublin office on 01 872 8203 or, for regular updates, log on to www.dublincommunitygames.ie, or follow on Facebook or Twitter.

Gazette

30 CASTLEKNOCK gazette 7 March 2013

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: castleknock set up semi against dundalk

Flynn flies in for Conliffe triumph Dublin 15 man David Flynn helped Clonliffe Harriers with a day of heroic performances in Tullamore at last week’s Woodies DIY National Interclub Cross Country as his team mate Sergiu Ciobanu took his first individual national cross country title to assist the team to an emphatic victory.

Flynn, who only arrived back in Ireland late on Friday after a disrupted flight from the US, ran an exceptionally mature race holding back at the start and then steadily working himself through the field to finish a superb 11th.

Flynn is currently on a scholarship at the University of Arkansas where he competes for the Razorbacks in his collegiate track and field season.

Corduff duo added to Irish Under-15 panel Republic of Ireland U-15 head coach Niall Harrison has named Corduff Football Club duo Jean Yves Poame and Ismael Diallo in his squad for a development trip to England next month.

Harrison’s U-15 players will meet Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday, March 12 at Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground in Wolverhampton and then meet Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday, March 13 at the same venue.

The Irish U-15 side beat Juventus and drew with Aspire Academy in their previous fixtures in Qatar in December.

Poame and Diallo have been in the

side ever since they impressed at the Hibernia Cup last summer with the Irish Emerging Talent squad.

Collins/Jones bout in doubt after comment Steve Collins’ proposed return to the ring to face Roy Jones Jr has been put in doubt after the American multi-weight champion claimed that he is looking for an “easy fight”, as opposed to fighting the Irish middleweight.

Collins was due to step into the ring with Jones, who the Castleknock resident believed actively avoided him during his reign in the 1990s, in April and after he was given a clean bill of health.

Andrew Treadwell gets Castleknock Celtic’s second goal in their DDSL 18 Major 2 game at home to Willows FC

Celtic girls march on Metro MGL CUP q-final Castleknock Celtic 1 St Catherine’s 1 (Celtic win 3-0 on penalties)  sport@gazettegroup.com

Castleknock Celtic’s Under-16 girls progressed on penalties to reach the last four of the Metropolitan Girls Subsidiary Cup competition in Walkinstown last weekend.

Celtic dominated early on but the hosts’ keeper was equal to the visitors’ preliminary efforts on goal.

However, Castleknock took the lead midway through the first half when Aoibheann Lynch

timed her run to perfection to get on the end of an Emma Boyle free kick and slot the ball home.

Castleknock continued to dominate the game but could not find their way past the Catherine’s keeper again in regulation time.

The second half started with Catherine’s upping their game and showing that they posed a threat with their pace up front.

Celtic’s defence of Sarah Brady, Rebecca Kearney, Kellie Boyle and Stephanie Staunton were under pressure, but dealt with the threat from the Catherine’s forwards.

kings of confey Castleknock U-14s win Brennan tournament Castleknock Under-14 footballers celebrated last week after they won the Damian Brennan Memorial tournament in Confey, defeating St Peter’s of Dunboyne by two points in an epic final.

The tournament this year consisted of four clubs - Confey, Leixlip, Dunboyne and Castleknock - and is played over four weekends, including the final.

The Castleknock lads won all four matches.

Anne Marie Troy, making her debut in goal, had to come off her line on a couple of occasions to clean up behind the defence, and the midfield of Emma Boyle, Lyndsey Kearney, Emma Rogers and Lucy Hanlon had to battle hard to prevent St Catherine’s gaining the ascendancy.

Up front Aoibheann Lynch was always a threat and on another day could have had three or four goals. She was assisted by Ciara Brady whose trickery deserved more on the day, while Leah Byrne was unlucky on a couple of occasions

not to get on the end of crosses. They were supported by Marianne Power whose work rate caused panic in the St Catherine’s defence time and time again.

Midway through the second half, Catherine’s equalised when their striker raced clear of the Castleknock defence and scored from a tight angle.

Despite Castleknock dominating the remainder of the game, they could not find a way to pick the lock, with Emma Rogers’ effort hitting the post being the closest they came to claiming

the semi-final place.

The game went into extra time but, again, Celtic could not get their noses back in front.

The dreaded penalty shoot-out followed, and Ciara Brady, Aoibheann Lynch and Emma Boyle all converted their penalties.

St Catherine’s failed to find the net, with Anne Marie Troy keeping a clean sheet as time and again Catherine’s were not equal to her prowess.

Celtic now progress to a semi-final showdown at home to Dundalk on Sunday, March 10, in Porterstown.

7 March 2013 CASTLEKNOCK gazette 31

Gazette

Locals line out as Dublin claim Div 1 win  sport@gazettegroup.com

Du bl i n ’ s f o r w a r d line was awash with local talent last weekend when St Oliver P l u n ke t t ’s B e r n a r d B r o g a n , S t B r i g i d ’s Paddy Andrews and Castleknock’s Ciaran Kilkenny were all in action against Mayo i n S a t u r d ay n i g h t ’s

Division One clash in Croke Park, with Brogan doing the majority of the damage scoring 1-10 of the 2-14 to 0-16 score line.

It was the first time the Dubs had played the Maritime County since their semi-final exit in last year’s championship, and the intensity was evident from Ger

Brennan’s sending off with 30 minutes left on the clock.

Mayo levelled the scoring shortly afterwards from a Jason Doherty free, and then the West took two more scores to put themselves out in front before Dublin rallied and scored 1-4 unanswered to take the momentum back.

A goal from Kevin McManamon and further points from Brogan and Paddy Andrews saw Jim Gavin’s side over the line to claim their third victory in as many matches in the Allianz Football League Their next challenge c o m e s t h i s S u n d ay against fellow highflyers, Kildare.

football: Saints take spoils in St Margaret’s

Club Noticeboard Castleknock THE club executive encourage mem-

Night will take place Friday March

bers to contribute to the Bond

15 in Castleknock Hotel. Tickets are

Scheme in the hope that the building

Eur25 including a buffet.

of the clubhouse can begin in 2013. The

There will be a Mother’s Day cake

Bond Scheme form is on the website,

sale next Sunday, March 10, in Laurel

and please don’t hesitate to ask any of

Lodge Community Centre from 10am

the executive members for details.

to 1pm. All proceeds in aid of Feile 2013

Well done to the Division 1 Minor

boys and girls. Please support.

Ladies football team who got the year

In light of recent thefts in Dublin

off to a great start with a 5-8 to 4-9

GAA clubs can members be vigilant

win over Templeogue at the weekend.

about not leaving valuables in cars

Congratulations to the U-14 team

when training or attending matches.

who won the Damian Brennan Memo-

Please continue to send in your

rial Tournament in Confey, beating

registrations for the coming year. If

Dunboyne in the Final by 2 points.

you are not registered you are not

Well done also to Molly O’Neill and Aoife Whelan who were part of the

insured to play, so please make sure you have done so.

Dublin U-14 Ladies Football Team who

The nursery is being run every

played Meath in the first round of the

Saturday at 10am in Somerton, and

Leinster Championship at the week-

all new players and families are as

end. Although the team lost, it was a

always very welcome to join. If inter-

huge honour for the girls, especially

ested, please contact Louise at 085

for Aoife, who captained the side.

153 4270.

A special mention must also go to

Signs surrounding the main pitch in

Ciaran Kilkenny who made his league

Somerton are now on sale, for more

debut for the Dubs at the weekend.

information on how to purchase a sign

Castleknock GAA Adult Awards

please contact Charlie at 085 110 1008.

St Brigid’s Some great league wins over the weekend for our U-13 girls football,

St Oliver Plunkett’s have opened their campaign with success in the Paidi O’Se tournament and the league

Plunkett’s push past Syl’s to seal victory AFL 1 St Sylvester’s St Oliver Plunkett’s  peter carroll

0-12 1-10

sport@gazettegroup.com

St Oliver Plunkett’s made a solid start to their AFL 1 campaign last week, seeing off St Sylvester’s with an early goal from Donegal’s Navan Road newbie, Leigh Herron, which proved to give them the advantage, before a late point from Garreth ‘Nesty’ Smith sealed the victory, by 1-10 to 0-12 in St Margaret’s in north county Dublin.

“We got over the line in the end,” said manager

Dermot Kelly, speaking to Gazette Sport after the game.

“Fatigue was certainly a factor coming from the Paidi O’Se tournament, where we won three matches back to back.

We managed to win that, and then get the win in the league, so four wins out of four in a week isn’t bad.”

Kelly, who left his post as Plunkett’s boss in 2008, returned this year and is focused on winning everything, claiming there’s no prioritising between the league and championship.

“Winning is a habit and

I want to win every game we play. You need to be winning in the league to win in the championship – it’s not something you can just turn on and off.

“When I left this post, four or five years ago now at this stage, I thought we were on the verge of winning the championship and the fact that we still haven’t isn’t really acceptable.

“We have one of the best teams in the county, if not the nation, and we have to start asking ourselves where have we gone wrong?

“There are four or five lads in this team play-

ing inter county football and it’s time we start getting the results,” said the Navan Road boss.

Kelly also spoke about the loss of his inter county talent to the Dublin side and the complications in getting the players back into the swing of things at the club.

“When it comes to the championship we get the lads back and although they have to readjust to the system, they tend to reintegrate very well.

“These guys are top class pros and they tend to fit back in quite quickly,” concluded the Plunkett’s manager.

Important notice regarding vehicle safety now on club website.

U-14 hurlers, U-15 camogie team,

Watch out for our new fitness

minor footballers, while senior cam-

classes in our new high performance

ogie drew in league.

centre, full memberships for gym also

Full round of adult league football this Sunday, see website for fixtures.

2013 membership now due, deadline is March 31. Any member with issues

now available.

Gaelic4Mothers And Others comes to St Brigid’s, see website for more info.

regarding membership can contact

Award One Football and Hurling

our club secretary, Mary O’Connor, at

Coaching Course starts this Friday,

maryaoc@hotmail.com.

March 8, in the club. Contact Paul to

Club nursery for four- to seven-

book your place on 087 915 4748.

year-old klds continues every Satur-

Congratulations to Grainne Quinn

day morning from 9.30 to 11am. New

of our senior camogie team who has

members and families welcome! Con-

been appointed captain of the Dublin

tact Paul on 087 915 4748 or email info@

Senior team for 2013.

stbrigidsgaa.com.

Club lotto jackpot is €15,000 this Thursday in Russell Park.

Finally, a special mention to Barry Cahill who announced his retirement from Inter county football with Dublin

Thanks to everyone who supported

after 11 seasons last week, an amazing

and attended our awards evening last

ambassador for club and county. Well

Friday.

done Barry!

st peregrine’s Well done to inter hurlers and sen-

poker night on March 22. Tickets are

ior footballers who had good cup

€20, see club for details.

wins over the weekend.

Best of luck to Eric and the Dublin U-21 footballers as they take on Longford.

The club are running a quiz night on March 29; please see Lorraine O’Connor for details.

Juvenile section are running a

All membership is now due, please contact your team mentor for details.

Club Lotto was not won. Numbers drawn were 3, 4, 11 and 14. Next week’s jackpot is €3,000.

Entertainment in the club this Saturday from Rainbow.

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

Plunkett’s pip syl’s: Single point success sees Saints claim the spoils at St Margaret’s P31

march 7, 2013

up for the prize: February nominees for the Dublin Sports Awards P28

The Castleknock Community College senior side (main picture) and juniors (inset) both claimed league titles this year, only three years after beginning training at the school

CCC claim league double Castleknock Community College claim junior and senior Second Level Schools League titles only one year after joining competition  peter carroll

Castleknock Community College have achieved an unprecedented junior and senior camogie double in the Second Level Schools League, just one year after the Dublin 15 school began competing in the sport.

With Amy Mahoney, Kate Cummins and Ciara Murphy grabbing the goals, and Leah Mullins taking the point which saw them finish 3-1 to 2-1 against Colaiste Cois Life of Lucan, who had three Dublin players in their ranks, won Castleknock Community College the Senior C league last week.

Coach Anne Barry Murphy, who looks after the camogie teams along with Geral-

dine O’Brien and Danielle Colgan, admitted that it was a massive boost for the school to be surrounded by two hurling and camogie powerhouses in Castleknock GAA and 2012 Camogie Club of the Year for 2012, St Brigid’s.

“The whole school are delighted with the result,” said Anne. “We only started training as teams three years ago and last year was our first year involved in competition.

“Of course, we are very lucky to have players of a very high skill level coming from two camogie strongholds, Castleknock and Brigid’s, and the whole program here was started due to the girls asking could they play.

“Finally, last year, we managed to get the

teams out and they are constantly improving.

“The juniors played St Mary’s of Naas in the final back in January to win the league, but, when the sides met earlier in the group stages of the tournament, the Kildare team won the game by eight clear goals.

“I think that’s really down to the determination and enthusiasm of the girls and the fantastic coaching they receive from their clubs,” said Anne.

The Castleknock senior side came through a tough group with some top quality teams like Holy Faith Clontarf, Sancta Maria, Colaiste Chillian and Rosary, reaching the semi-final where they faced local rivals, Hartstown Huntstown Community School.

The CCC side managed to get through their Dublin 15 test to reach the final and Colaiste Cois Life. Not only did the team have Dublin representatives on their panel, but the Brigid’s and Castleknock players would have known some of the players from the Lucan Sarsfields ranks, one of the most successful teams in the county.

“It was a tight, closely contested game and we were just glad to come away with the win.

“There was a great atmosphere in the school after the win and I hope that we can begin a fantastic tradition in the sport in Castleknock Community College,” she added.