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INSIDE: Radio presenter champions musical talent P7
July 7, 2011
KIDS GET CREATIVE: Art aplenty
at Gaelscoil Na Camoige See Page 10
War of the Roses: Round Towers’ Dublin beauty CLONDALKIN’S Dublin Rose,
Rugby: Clondalkin prepare for life in Division 1 Page 32
Siobheal Nic Eochaidh, who plays for local GAA club, Round Towers, was escorted onto the pitch at Croke Park by Dublin and St Brigid’s GAA Club senior footballer, Barry Cahill, alongside the Wexford Rose, Mary Kehoe, ahead of this weekend’s Leinster senior football final between Dublin and Wexford. The trio will be cheering on their counties as they bid for provincial honours. Picture: Fergus McNally
Sports Awards: June winners are announced inside Page 29
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ................8, 10 MOTORS ........................18 PROPERTY ................... 20 BUSINESS .....................21 GOING OUT ................... 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
Jobless figures up six months in a row 7,000 more now Q PAUL HOSFORD
unemployed in area than in 2002
THE latest jobless figures for Clondalkin and Lucan have shown a worrying sixth month increase in a row, with more than 10,426 now signing on. The figures show that 245 more people are signing on in the Clondalkin office, with
the overall figure representing a 10-month high, though it is slightly down on this time last year. The starkest reading, however, is that this time nine years ago, unemployment in the area numbered just 2,432. Even as recently as 2007, the figure stood at 3,738.
“This week’s CSO figures coincide with the announcement of 5,000 par-time internships. The people of Dublin Mid West don’t need placements, they need real investment in real jobs,” said local Sinn Fein representative, Eoin O’Broin. Full Story on Page 4
2 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7 July 2011
COUNCIL Progress on play policy
COUNCILLOR Emer Higgins (FG) has welcomed the progress on the review of the South Dublin County Play Policy. In response to a motion tabled by Cllr Higgins, requesting information on the Play Policy Review, council management has indicated that the review should be complete by autumn. Cllr Higgins has been raising the need for a playground in Palmerstown to be included in the new Play Policy and has welcomed the news that the review is nearing completion. “I am delighted that the Play Policy is being reviewed and look forward to the results of this review coming before the council in autumn. Despite the huge progress made during the implementation of the Council’s Play Policy, many children and parents throughout South Dublin County Council still lack local play facilities,” said Cllr Higgins.
OPENING Ribbon cut on Lucan-Greencastle bridge
The new cycle, pedestrian route extension opened Q PAUL HOSFORD clondalkin@gazettegroup.com
LOCAL politicians were out in force in glorious sunshine to officially open the new pedestrian and cycle route extension along the Grand Canal last Friday. The red iron bridge connects the south side of Lucan to Greencastle, enabling a walk from Lucan to Inchicore along a well-maintained, safe and visually appealing route. Lucan Area Committee chairman, Guss O’Connell, spoke of the immense pleasure the occasion gave him, saying that investing in the health of the nation must
be a priority. Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, then officially opened the new route. “I was delighted to officially open this new route, which offers a connecting bridge between Lucan and the fabulous walkway and cycle track along the canal. The bright red bridge stands out against the green landscape and I certainly hope it will entice more cyclists and walkers down to this amenity,” said Minister Fitzgerald, who cut the ribbon on the bridge. The route is already an award-winner, having picked up a LAMA (Local Authority Mem-
bers Association) Award for Best Recreational Facility. “As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I have a particular interest in encouraging families and young people to be active and, with a cycle track and path like this on our doorstep, I hope that families from right across Lucan and Clondalkin will come and avail of this amenity. “The new pedestrian crossing on Griffeen Avenue, proposed by my colleague Cllr. Lavelle and I, was delivered as part of this project and now links both sides of Griffeen Valley Park. “The Grand Canal Green Route is a safe and
Cllr Eamon Tuffy, Cllr Emer Higgins, Robert Dowds TD, Cllr William Lavelle, Minister Frances Fitzgerald, Cllr Guss O’Connell, Joe Horan, county manager and Cllr Breda Bonner
secure place for families, walkers and cyclists. The route is monitored round the clock by CCTV cameras and is lit by over 300 street lights. The new bridge, which connects the walkway to Lucan, will encourage families to come and avail of this
fabulous amenity,” Fitzgerald said. The route runs for 8.5km between the 3rd and 12th Locks of the Grand Canal, stretching from Lucan to Inchicore and includes fishing stands, boating and berthing areas and seats
alongside the canal. “The initiative is supported by South Dublin County Council, Departm e n t o f Tr a n s p o r t , Sustainable Transport Ireland and Waterways Ireland, and is a positive project for the area,” said the Minister.
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7 July 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3
INTERNS: PLACEMENT
Tuffy is urging the use of JobBridge scheme LABOUR Party TD for Dublin Mid West, Joanna Tuffy, has urged local businesses to participate in the National Internship scheme. JobBridge will provide work experience placements for interns for a six- or nine-month period. Interns will receive an allowance of €50 per week on top of their existing social welfare entitlement and this will be payable for the period of the internship. “JobBridge is aiming to provide 5,000 internship places to the unemployed over the next two years and participants will receive €50 per week in addition to their usual social welfare payments. “It is part of the Governments wider Jobs Initiative which will offer 20,900 education, training and work experience places for the unemployed, as well as the Springboard initiative, which will provide 6,000 places on a range of 200 part-time courses. “The scheme offers the unemployed an opportunity to upskill and retrain and, in some cases, it may lead to full employment. Public, private and voluntary organisations are welcome to participate and I would strongly encourage them to do so. “The launch was a great success and this initiative, along with the various other initiatives brought forward by Labour in Government, will help us on our road to recovery.” Tuffy’s views were echoed by her local area and Government colleague, Minister Frances Fitzgerald. “The scheme provides valuable opportunities for both the interns getting real work experience and the companies taking part, who will benefit from the talent and enthusiasm of the interns and add real value to their organisations,” said Minister Fitzgerald.
Caring canine: Dougal is crowned the Top Dog at National Dog walk PROUD POOCH, Dougal, was crowned Ireland’s Top Dog at Ire-
land’s second National Dog Walk, which saw 13 walks take place at Petmania stores across the country, which raised almost €48,000 for family carers. This year’s walk saw Dougal, from Tallaght, retain his title as Ireland’s Top Dog for the second year running, having raised almost €1,500. Dougal was a stray rescued by family carer, Carolyn Akintola. Pictured here are Emily Miller, Petmania, Carolyn Akintola with Dougal and Annette McCaul of the Carers Association.
4 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7 July 2011
Figures rise six months in a row Q PAUL HOSFORD
THE Live Register figures for Dublin MidWest have risen for the sixth month in a row. The figures show an increase of 245 people signing on in the Clondalkin office, with the figure of 10,425 representing a 10-month high. Speaking in response to the release of the CSO Live Register figures for June, 2011, Sinn Fein Dublin Mid West Representative Eoin O’Broin said: “Unemployment has risen for the sixth month in a row and now stands at a 10 month high.” O’Broin said that the stats showed grim reading for younger people, and he also took the opportunity to take a swipe at the Government. “Unemployment in Dublin Mid-West has risen for six months in a row and now stands at a ten-month high. Of these
2,181 are under the age of 25. This is the highest figure since August of last year. “T his week’s CSO figures coincide with the announcement of five thousand part-time internships, as part of the Government’s so-called jobs initiative. The idea that three-month-long job placements is an adequate response to the rising unemployment shows juts how out of touch this new government is. --------------------------
‘The people don’t need three-month job placements, they need jobs’
--------------------------
“The people of Dublin Mid West don’t need three-month-long job placements, they need real investment in real jobs.” said O’Broin.
SAFETY Appeal for careful driving to Oxegen festival
Festival road safety campaign A MAJOR road safety awareness campaign is being launched this week to coincide with this weekend’s Oxegen music festival at Punchestown, Co. Kildare. The campaign is focusing on drink and drugdriving. Festival-goers are reminded of the legal and social consequences of driving while under the influence of illegal or controlled substances. This national campaign called Stamp out Drink & Drug driving is headed by Kildare county council, the Kildare Joint Policing Committee and the Regional Drugs Task Force and is supported by the South Dublin County Council, the Road Safety Authority and concert promoters, MCD.
Kildare’s Garda Chief Superintendent, Michael Byrnes, said: ‘’This campaign demonstrates the benefits of working cooperatively with our partners in the local policing fora across the county. “Serious problems in society require a concerted effort between communities and authorities to find solutions. This imaginative project aims to engage with younger people to stimulate awareness of the risks posed by illegal drug use. It is important that people appreciate the far reaching and life-limiting consequences involved in illegal drug use.” Concert promoters MCD are advising motorists to take care on their journey to Oxegen. Justin
Coldplay is one of many bands playing at Oxegen this year
Green says: “Where possible people should use public transport or avail of the Park and ride system at Goffs. For those who must travel by car, we would encourage them to drive safely to and from the event, having regard for other people on the road.” Tens of thousands of people are expected on the roads over the three days, and Monday morning is expected to be the busiest, with the majority of those leaving the
venue. Noel Brett, CEO of the Road Safety Authority, said: “This weekend should be about enjoying the best of Irish and international music in the company of good friends. If driving to Oxegen it is essential you focus on the task of driving and stay alert to other road users and unpredictable hazards on the roads. In particular, I would highlight the distraction caused by using a mobile while
driving. I understand that people need to use their mobile phone as part of their daily lives but, by choosing to do this while driving, you are putting yourself and others at risk. Nor can you read the road when you are reading or sending text messages. No phone call, or scan of your social networking pages, is worth putting your life, or the lives of others, in danger. My advice is to switch off before you drive off.”
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7 July 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5
COURT: SUSPENDED SENTENCE HANDED DOWN
Young girl had transported €35k of cocaine
Birthday: Sanovitae gym is six years old CONOR, Denise, Martin and manager Noelle Griffin
from the Sanovitae staff celebrated the gym’s sixth birthday. The birthday was celebrated with the annual Birthday Class on Tuesday, June 21 in the Pegasus suite in Clarion Hotel. The birthday celebrations invited members and friends to come along for a workout,
birthday cake and refreshments. The celebrations included two different types of workout with a little slice of calorie heaven in the middle as the cake was cut between the classes. It was a very happy sixth birthday for the gym and the staff celebrating another year of good health. Picture: Conor O Mearain
ECONOMY: COALITION COMMITTED TO KEEPING TAX DOWN
Minister supports low corporation tax rate Q PAUL HOSFORD
LOCAL Minister Frances Fitzgerald, speaking at a site visit to the Pfizer Plant in Grangecastle, has reiterated the Governments support to maintaining the current corporation tax rate. The Minister said that the Fine Gael/Labour coalition was committed to keeping the tax as low as possible to help aid economic recovery. Grangecastle is Pfizer’s largest facility in Ireland and employs 1,200 people in the campus based just outside Clondalkin.
“I was invited out to visit the Pfizer facility in Grangecastle and meet staff and management at the plant. The Biotech Development, here in Clondalkin, is Pfizer’s largest investment in Ireland and one of the biggest biotech campuses in the world. We had some very useful discussions on the industry and how Government can best support multinationals like Pfizer who are such a big local employer,” said Minister Fitzgerald. “I was delighted to tour the campus and a get a real sense of the
cutting-edge production that happens here on our doorstep. It was fantastic to meet so many people from the area working in the campus and to have such a productive, positive meeting with Pfizer management. “As Minister for Children I was particularly interested in hearing about the production of Prevnar 13, a vaccination distributed to babies throughout Ireland which has contributed towards an 85% reduction in reported cases of pneumococcal viruses, such as meningitis,
amongst the under twoyear-olds in Ireland. This is the type of advances in medicine that need to be encouraged and developed. I am delighted to see these advancements being progressed right on our doorstep here in Clondalkin,” said Fitzgerald. She went on to say that the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, had already pledged his support for keeping the tax rate low. “Minister Noonan has given a firm commitment to support businesses like Pfizer, by retaining
our low corporation tax which attracted so many multinationals to our shores. “Our corporate tax rate of 12.5% has been instr umental in job creation and continued employment throughout the country and it is Government policy to maintain this rate going forward,” said Minister Fitzgerald. The Grangecastle Pfizer campus is the only company that manufactures pharmaceuticals, bio -pharmaceuticals and vaccines in the same facility.
A TEENAGE girl, who fell under the influence of an older man and transported €35,000 worth of cocaine into Ireland under her tights, has been given a suspended sentence. Lolita Nkanu travelled to Brussels to meet the 39-year-old man and returned with him to Ireland where he disassociated himself from her when she was caught with the drugs. Now aged 20, Nkanu, of Wheatfield Drive, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Court to possession of the drugs for sale or supply at Dublin Airport on March 16, 2010. Judge Martin Nolan said it was a “relatively unusual case” and she had done it out of loyalty, but been used by the man. He imposed a three-year sentence which he suspended in full. Garda Eoin Gardiner told Mr Derek Cooney BL, prosecuting, that a customs officer using profiling techniques stopped and questioned Nkanu in the arrivals hall and while she initially denied having drugs, she then said she had a package, but did not know what it was. Nkanu was carrying the package under two pairs of tights she had on underneath her skirt. The package was found to contain cocaine with a street value of €35,000. She told gardai she had paid for her own ticket to Brussels to meet a male
friend who had a job there and a package was given to her. She said she thought she was to get money, but he said the package contained computer parts. She was to get €1,000 and her flight was paid back to Ireland. Gda Gardiner agreed with Ms Fiona Peekar BL, defending, that a male, Nkanu’s then 39-year-old boyfriend, was with her when she was stopped and he disassociated himself from her. He said it was clear, however, that they had been travelling together. Befriend
Gda Gardiner agreed nothing was found on the man and although he was arrested nothing came of it. He said he believed this man’s modus operandi was to befriend young girls, bring them on trips and get them to bring things back. Ms Peekar said Nkanu, a student, had been living in Ireland with her family, who were supportive of her, since she was 14-years-old. She said that at the time Nkanu met the man he told her he was 25-years-old, and she became his girlfriend. Ms Peekar said Nkanu, who had never been in trouble before, had been asked to travel urgently to Brussels. She said Nkanu had been “living a nightmare” since this offence.
6 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7 July 2011
COURTS Trial of four men adjourned
TRANSPORT Two million extra journeys to be made
New Citywest Luas link ‘major step forward’
THE Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial of four men charged in connection with the attempted robbery of a cash-in-transit van in Lucan two years ago has been adjourned to next year.
Q PAUL HOSFORD
New trial
Judge Martin Nolan set a new date of June 6, 2012 for the trial of Darren Keane (24), Derek Hutch (26), John Boylan (24) and Gareth Hutch (30) which is expected to last six weeks. Keane, of Foxdene Avenue, Clondalkin; Derek Hutch Chapelfarm Avenue, Lusk; John Boylan, Gandon Court, Lucan, and Gareth Hutch, of Dr umalee Avenue, North Circular Road, had been due to face trial next week on charges related to the attempted robbery of the van in Lucan on May 15, 2009.
clondalkin@gazettegroup.com
THE Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar, was in the Fettercairn Community Centre in West Tallaght at the weekend to officially launch the new Luas link to Citywest and Saggart. Luas Citywest aims to deliver top-quality public transport services to established local communities and will facilitate
Minister Leo Varadkar and Frank Allen, CEO of the RPA, at the launch of the Luas Citywest
the developing Citywest business area. It is estimated that two million extra Red Line passenger journeys will be made as a result of the new line. Luas Citywest (Line A1) is the new 4.2km light rail link off the Red Line at Belgard which runs to Saggart in West County Dublin. The line includes five new stops and a 312-space Park & Ride facility at Cheeverstown. This line has been developed by a public/ private partnership and goes into full passenger service immediately. Speaking at the launch, Minister Varadkar said: “Luas is Dublin’s best public transport success story. It is comfortable, reliable and time-efficient. Since it came into use seven years ago, over 177 million passenger journeys have been taken by Luas. “Uniquely, among rail lines in Ireland, it has
operated at a surplus and has not needed a subsidy. Luas has been a great success. This new line will make it even better. I hope it will not be the last. “This is a major step forward for commuter services,” said Public and Commuter Transport Minister, Alan Kelly. “With two million extra passenger journeys, I can envisage many people travelling to Dublin stopping at Citywest and using this Luas line to get to the city centre. “Hopefully, this will contribute to a better commuter experience for those living in the area and for those travelling to Dublin from the regions,” he said. Luas Citywest aim to deliver a new option in top-quality public transport to communities such as Cairnwood, Amber vale, Belgard Green, Fettercairn, Kilmartin, Brookview and Ard Mor.
Live register figures rise for sixth month in a row Q PAUL HOSFORD
THE Live Register figures for Dublin Mid West have risen for the sixth month in a row. They show an increase of 245 people signing on in the Clondalkin office, with the figure of 10,425, representing a 10-month high. Speaking in response to the release of the CSO figures for June 2011, Sinn Fein Dublin Mid West Representative Eoin O’Broin said: “Unemployment has risen for the sixth month in a row and now stands at a 10-month high. “Of these, 2,181 are
under the age of 25. This is the highest figure since August of last year.” O’Broin, who said that the stats showed grim reading for younger people, also took the opportunity to take a swipe at the Government. Adequate
“This week’s CSO figures coincide with the announcement of 5,000 part-time internships, as part of the Government’s so-called jobs initiative. The idea that threemonth-long job placements is an adequate response to the rising unemployment shows just how out of touch this
new government is. “The people of Dublin Mid west don’t need three-month-long job placements, the need real investment in real jobs,” said O’Broin. The Sinn Fein representative went on to say that the Government had not got the ability to fulfil it’s promises on job creation. “The Government says that it has no money to invest in job creation. This is simply untrue. “On June 29, the Government gave away €12 million of taxpayer’s money to senior bondholders with Anglo Irish Bank. On June 20, the
Government gave away €14 million of taxpayers’ money to the same bondholders “By the end of this year the Government will have paid more than €779 million to senior bondholders in Anglo Irish bank. “Compare this to the paltry €40 million of extra money committed to the jobs initiative. “This is just not acceptable. The Government should be using taxpayer’s money to get people off the dole and back into work. They should not be using our money to honour the toxic debts of private developers and bankers,” said O’Broin.
7 July 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7
IT’S YOUR STORY Keith sees success for local singer
Radio presenter Keith supports local talent COMMUNITY radio presenter, Keith McLoughlin, has been interviewing local music talent for the past year and a half on West Dublin Access Radio 96FM. One of Keith’s guests, singer Sinead McNally, is quickly making a name for herself and is about to release her second single. Keith believes that supporting music talent from around the country is important. “I think there is brilliant music talent and such wonderful people. They deserved to be known about.” Sinead has had huge success with her debut single, Moody Blues, getting airplay on LMFM,
KFM, Spirit Radio, C103 and Northern Sound. Her new single, The Green Eyed Monster (Leave Us Alone), is also getting airplay. The video for this song is out in a few weeks’ time. Keith McLoughlin is an extra in it, in the audience watching Sinead perform. There are two other main characters as well as Sinead who play key roles in the video. Sinead has a really nice voice and is very skilled on piano. The songs are catchy and easy to sing along to once you give them a good listen. She has nailed good pop songs that are the radio-friendly type that have captured radio presenters’ atten-
tion. Keith is hoping to hear more success stories like that of Sinead’s and hopes that his programme and his involvement with music artists in Ireland will help see them do well in their careers. Keith’s show features well-established and wellknown singer/songwriters and bands, and has been a great platform for people who have never been on radio before. These include Hazel Jade Rogers (15), Jessica Pritzel (21) and Keith’s youngest ever guest, Vicky Cornick (12). The presenters of West Dublin Access Radio are hosting an outdoor concert on Sunday August
Keith McLoughlin and Sinead McNally, at West Dublin Access Radio 96FM
21 from 1pm till late evening. The concert will be in a park located at the back of the Ballyfermot Community Civic Centre on Ballyfermot Road. It’s a fundraiser for the station and local businesses and shops in Ballyfermot are supporting us. Entrance is free and Keith and other present-
ers in the station are organising guests to play, and these will be named soon. You can listen to Keith’s show During the Week on Wednesday’s from 4pm - 5pm on West Dublin Access Radio 96FM and on www.wdar.ie. You can following the show’s group page on facebook for information on the
show including pictures, interview clips and more, and there is a During the Week blog on the station’s website. On top of the show Keith also presents a music show, called Sunday Night with Keith, on Sunday’s from 8pm to 9.30pm on Dublin South 93.9FM and on www. dublinsouthfm.ie.
GLENAULIN Group will help fight against bad behaviour COUNCILLOR Eamon Tuffy has welcomed the Friends of Glenaulin initiative, saying that the group will help fight the anti-social behaviour that has blighted the area. Tuffy put the issue on the record at the recent Lucan Area Committee meeting, asking for a report on the issue from council management, who reported a “well attended” and “positive” meeting. “The Senior Parks Superintendent suggested the development of a strategy for Glenaulin Park, which would include short, medium and long-term objectives. Following discussion, the meeting agreed to the establishment of a working group with the aim of developing such a strategy for the park along these lines.” Cllr Tuffy said that he looks forward to working on the initiative with his council colleagues.
8 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7 July 2011
TAKE TWO Colaiste Bride’s Glee Club show
Jade Fleming leads Colaiste Bride’s Glee Club and, together with the girls, put a lot of thought and effort into the show. Pictures: Paddy Barrett
Schools
A Gleeful evening HE Gazette is happy to take a second look at unseen pictures from the Colaiste Bride’s Glee Club Showcase performance on May 19. The club was started to show off the performing arts of their students through performances that mixes dance, song and drama across several genres. The showcase performance on May 19 was decided after the students participated in the Christmas concert, but all wanted to do something bigger and more focused on their club. The 20 students in Colaiste Bride Glee Club showed off all their hard work on the evening and made it a show to remember. It was clear that the daily rehearsals and all the time and effort put into the show had paid off. The girls in the club were delighted with how the show went, and appreciated the amount of thought put into the club by the teachers.
T
Performance played a big role during the show
Lauren Browne
Colaiste Bride teachers and cast were all delighted with how the showcase went
Gemma Richardson
7 July 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 9
COURT Youngster was caught transporting €74,000 of heroin
Threw package away as he ran to house Run Michael Cosgrove, now aged 20, threw away the package as he ran to his house from a garda, who asked to speak to him. He later told gardai he was to have a €5,000 debt reduced in return. Cosgrove, of Shancastle Drive, pleaded guilty
at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of the drugs for sale or supply on his road on November 3, 2009. He has 16 previous convictions. Judge Martin Nolan said he was taking into account the circumstances of the case and imposed a two -year sentence. Garda Damien Reilly told Mr Pieter le Vert BL, prosecuting, that he was on mobile patrol when he observed Cosgrove and another man
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‘Judge Martin Nolan said he was taking into account the circumstances of the case and imposed a two year sentence’
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and asked them to come over. Both men ran and he saw Cosgrove throw something away before running into his house. Gda Reilly said he retrieved the package, which was found to contain heroin with a street value of €74,700 and a colleague restrained
Cosgrove in his house. Gardai Cosgrove was initially uncooperative, but later told gardai he had a €5,000 debt to a person he was in fear of naming. He said he had received a phone call and told to bring the drugs from A to B. He
was to get €2,000 taken off his debt for this. He told gardai the person he was with had no idea he had drugs. Gda Reilly agreed with Ms Gerardine Small BL, defending, that Cosgrove’s fear was genuine and he was at the “lower end of the scale”.
Ms Small said Cosgrove had difficulties in his upbringing and had consequently started getting into trouble and experimenting with drugs. He left education at a relatively young age.
Support She said he had become engaged in this offence because he had incurred a debt. She said he had the support of his family and asked for his age to be taken into account.
Timepiece: See famous snapper’s new Swatch designs
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A THEN 18-year old Clondalkin youth caught transpor ting €74,000 of heroin has been given a two-year sentence.
BEAUTY PAGE 14
10 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7 July 2011
SCHOOLS It was a fun arts week at Gaelscoil Na Camoige
Teacher Donncha O’Corcorain and student Aindriu Baiceir were having fun playing with one of the many creative projects made by the students for arts and craft. Pictures: Conor O’Mearain
Creative fun at annual arts week
aelscoil Na Camoige held their third annual Arts Week from June 20 to 25, finishing the events with a family day on the Saturday, filled with fun activities and a chance for the children to show off to their family the projects they had been working on. The primary school in Clondalkin was quite hectic during the week, as its 240 pupils were all busy with various creative arts and crafts projects. At the Arts week the children could
G
Aibi Nic An Bhaird and Cian Edgh enjoyed making geckos during Arts and Crafts
participate in various activities, such as media studies, DJ workshops, model making, gardening, photography and much more. People from all community backgrounds were participating in this year’s event, including a Traveller with a traditional caravan and tin-smith, an intercultural choir, a sign language teacher and even an intergenerational day where the children were asked to bring in pictures of older family members as children.
Zac de Paor
Gift Edogairwe and Deasun Edogairwe
Ceola Ni Fhearghail
Lorna Ni Bhradaigh was clowning around during the week
Tomas Greenhalgh
Caoilfhionn Ni Dheorain, Eimear Ni Chadhain and Caitlin Beatley
Aoife Fusco, Cillian O’Broin
and Aibi Cait Nic Cormaic
Ruairi O’Morachain prepared some tasty dishes for the kids
7 July 2011 GAZETTE 11
12 GAZETTE 7 July 2011
THE ARTS: STORY OF COPPELIA
EVENT A cool week of music and festival-going
Classic ballet comes to Dublin LAURA WEBB
ONE of the world’s leading classic ballet companies will pirouette its way to the Grand Canal Theatre in Dublin when it performs its enchanting production, Coppelia. This will be the first time Birmingham Royal Ballet has performed in Dublin. The company is set to electrify its audience with the amazing talents by their ballet dancers. Artistic director, David Kingley, of the Birmingham Royal Ballet has been with the company since leaving the Royal College of Ballet in the 70s and has been artistic director for 16 years. Excited about coming to Dublin for the first time, David is confident that everyone, young and old, will enjoy the story of toymaker Dr Coppelius, who wants nothing more than for his life-like doll to come to life. “It is one of our most popular full-length ballets, it is a particular favourite of the audience because it has wonderful music, it has a really good story and it is a comedy as well, audiences like it because of that. It is very much for the younger generation, too. I hesitate to use the term, but it is a family ballet, it appeals to everybody from young children to senior citizens. “There is a feisty village girl, for one reason and another, ends up impersonating the doll and so the doctor Coppelius believes that he has brought this doll to life, but, in fact, it is this cheeky girl that is playing a trick on him. This particular production is Sir Peter Wrights,” David told the Gazette Coppelia comes to the Grand Canal Theatre from July 7 until July 9. Check out www.grandcanaltheatre.ie for further information or book tickets through Ticketmaster on 0818 719 377.
Heineken unveils its grandest plans yet for Europe’s biggest rock and roll weekend, with ice cold drinks, surprise DJ sets and some of the biggest names in music
Heineken’s ultimate Oxegen experience is set to rock THIS year sees title sponsor, Heineken, unveil its grandest plans yet for Europe’s biggest rock and roll weekend. Ice cold drinks, surprise DJ sets, the Heineken Cold Rooms and, of course, some of the biggest names in music under the Heineken Green Spheres’ canopy,are some of the treats in store for this year’s Oxegen-goers. Heineken Greenspace
Heineken’s Greenspace returns to the festival once more, prom-
ising eclectic, surprise DJ sets and audio visual performances from some of Oxegen ‘11’s biggest international names. As surprise guests are expected to drop in throughout the weekend, updates are available by free texting ‘GREENS PA C E ’ t o 5 0 01 5 t h r o u g h o u t O xe g e n weekend. Greenspace also offers panoramic views of the festival on the open air terrace, as well as Oxegen’s coldest pint with Heineken Extra Cold served on tap.
The Heineken Cold Rooms return to Oxegen after a phenomenal ice-cold can experience at the festival last year. They will be located at the entrance to each of the three campsites at Oxegen, and free to use for all who arrive with cans of Heineken during the festival weekend. Ninety minutes is all that is needed to chill cans to optimum temperature and cans can be collected any time between 12pm and 2am during the festival, ensuring cold cans for the
duration of the fun-filled weekend. To avoid the hassle of losing tokens, biometric fingerprint scans are used by festival goers to claim their chilled cans of Heineken. Heineken Green Spheres stage
Renowned for providing multi-sensory music experiences, the Heineken Green Spheres stage continues to raise music fans to paranormal musical levels with its stellar line up. This year, Heineken
unveils headliners Leftfield, Brandon Flowers and Primal Scream as part of the line up of the Heineken Green Spheres stage. Also on the line-up are The Vaccines, Chase & Status, Crystal Castles, Odd Future, Example and Calvin Harris. The line-up
• Friday, July 8: Leftfield, Calvin Harris, Example, Whipping Boy, Bressie, Her Majesty & The Wolves, The Riptide Movement, Gypsies On The Autobahn and more to be announced.
www.gazette group.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away
• Saturday, July 9: Brandon Flowers, The Vaccines, Professor Green, The Pretty Reckless, Cashier No.9, Fox Avenue, Propaganda DJs. • Sunday, July 10: Primal Scream, Chase & Status, Crystal Castles, Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, Ocean Colour Scene, The Saturdays, GROUPLOVE and more to be announced. For full details of cold room locations and all the latest information on Oxegen visit www. heinekenmusic.ie.
7 July 2011 GAZETTE 13
A few simple steps toward tackling the effects of debt THE Phoenix Process is a group of individuals who came together with a vision of National Recovery. The Phoenix Process articles focus on different issues, the intention behind all of which will be to encourage, inspire, motivate and to bring much-needed hope. Each writer is a professional, who has been affected by the economic crisis in different ways. One of the most important aspects of dealing with any crisis is positive and proactive support systems. This column will be printed weekly, and, if you feel you would like to join in this process, please contact www.phoenixprocess.ie This week, we present the second piece from Tara O’Grady. Tara was a restaurateur who lost everything financially in recent times, following the closure of her business. She has actively been seeking debt law reform to protect people’s homes, minds and lives for some time now. Having suffered from a stress-related disorder due to the pressures that were put upon her, she decided to put Tara O’Grady together a survival package for those suffering from debt despair. She is positive and proactive about dealing with the ramifications of debt, both on an individual and national level.
A friend in need? WE must support each other... It can be completely overwhelming to face the paperwork end of things when it comes to debt, especially when massive personal losses have occurred. This is the time to reach out your hand to help your friend or family member. We are in a temporary crisis situation; If you are not in difficulty, you can be sure someone you care for is. (Whether or not they are telling you about it, is another matter). If you are concerned that someone close to you may be suffering from severe debt-related stress, please look for the signs - some examples include the following: 1. Isolation from social activity 2. Sleepless nights and or difficulty in sleeping with worry 3. Increased tension and or arguing over money issues 4. Fears about losing income and how to pay bills 5. Solicitors and debt collection letters arriving, phone calls or
OPINION Most cases happen in family home
Elder abuse where to turn FLORENCE HORSMAN–HOGAN Gazette columnist
I KNOW as a writer for various media outlets that many people expect me to be self-dramatising in any area I want to highlight. For me – the area of elder abuse has always been front and foremost of my work. While I’m an opinion writer – I’m also a nurse – and have actually sought training from the HSE in this field. In my field as a response to abuse trainer – abuses have been uncoverered. In the homes of the HSE staff. Various governmentts and State bodies have ignored this for so long – I wanted to become expert before I sought to comment. Now that I'm a specially trained trainer for the HSE on how to show our workers how to recognise and respond to elder abuse – there are
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doorstep visits – concern about opening the mail or answering the telephone 6. Increased irritability and feelings of lack of self-worth 7. Increased drinking or smoking as a stress reliever 8. Asking family and friends for loans to help out 9. Cheques and bank payments being returned regularly 10. Surviving on an overdraft facility Severe stress from debt-related pressure is an extremely serious mental health issue. In recent times, Mental Health & Suicide Awareness organisations have been acknowledging just how serious this issue is becoming. Just as a limb can break, so can the mind if put under enough pressure. Once the signs have been noticed action can be taken, a management programme put in place and a recovery process begin.
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even more worrying and horrific facts that have come to my attention. No matter how badly nursing homes and care facilities have been exposed/portrayed in the media – it's far worse in their own homes. It's conservativly estimated that 70% of abuse happens in the parent/significant other’s own home. And here’s the crunch – even though social workers, public health workers and other family members might try to help them – if they don't want help – the abuse will continue – and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. But the other thing is actually recognising the abuse. Granny/dad/sister no longer appears to have any money to go out. No money for make-up, cigs, new clothes. Excuses made for bruises, burns, scars. If you were a 70–year–
old mother with a farm and one son, two daughters. The son manages the farm the daughters visit. Who are you going to pick if he’s hitting you or taking your pension? You only have one son – don’t you? If you’re a father with only one daughter – she says she's got finiancial problems – but you've given her all of your pension and now can’t afford new clothes – what are you going to pick? What about if your husband has died and you’re a farmer’s wife? You have two or three daughters and a son or two. But you're nervous because they all fight. You turn to a favoured neighbour. Your best friend. The solicitor comes in, you're confused as to what you should do, you've no one to talk to. What do you do?. First of all – do nothing.
Say something. I’ve been there as a child, I know the importance of secrecy and shielding. But finding someone you can trust is an oxymoron in Irish society – trust a social worker – hell yeah! Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) is investigating the 1,760 cases of elder abuse, with 477 of these reported in 2011. As there is no dedicated elder abuse officer in the southern region of Ireland the authority believe this figure is likely to be higher. In the Executive’s annual elder abuse report, to be published next week, they will reveal that there were 2,046 referrals in 2010, which was up from 1,870 in 2009. It will show that neglect and financial abuse claims have risen by 14 percent and nine percent, respectively.
14 GAZETTE 7 July 2011
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY A milestone for Ceramide Gold Edited by Dawn Love
Artful Swatch: Rankin creates eight watches
THE never-ending love story between Swatch and art continues to delight followers of the popular Swiss brand with new creations from leading international artists. Famed British fashion photographer, Rankin, has created eight new watches in the classic Gent Original format to enrich the Swatch & Art Collection. Launched at Carton House recently, five of the watches are presented in the form of a set in their own special packaging, available in a limited and numbered edition of 777 pieces. Three additional Gents, designed by the British photographer, are sold separately in unlimited editions and cost €45 each. Talking about the range, Rankin said: “When Swatch approached me to design a range of watches, I was immensely flattered. Like so many people, my first watch was
T’S a cult classic, loved by a host of celebrities and, this August, Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules will celebrate its 21st anniversary. To celebrate reaching this milestone, Elizabeth Arden are offering customers at every counter nationwide a complimentary skincare consultation and a sevenday trial of the capsules, with a discount voucher for the full-size product throughout August and September. When Elizabeth Arden discovered the revolutionary Ceramides in August 1990, they created the first single-dose skincare capsules. Since then, Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules have been delivering bio-engineered, skinidentical ceramides to the skin to leave a silky, smooth and glowing complexion, and work to restore the skin’s moisture barrier. These capsules contain Borage Seed Extract to soothe and calm sensitive skin, and the antioxidant Vitamin E, which conditions the skin and protects it from environmental stress. They also contain retinyls,
I a Swatch – it’s an iconic brand that holds such a special place in people’s hearts. So it was an exciting challenge to be given the opportunity to design a Swatch watch myself.” Swatch have recently begun a partnership with Tower Jewellers in Blanchardstown, where a wide range of their pieces are now available.
Elizabeth Arden’s Ceramide Gold Ultra Restorative Capsules will celebrate its 21st anniversary
which are proven to be anti-aging by smoothing out lines and wrinkles, give an even-toned look
and help enhance natural collagen for a firmer look. Ceramide Gold Ultra
Restorative Capsules are available at Boots and Elizabeth Arden counters nationwide.
Get radiant, kissable lips for summer THIS summer, radiant, kissable lips are a must-have. Pink is the new red this season and gorgeous, bright lips makes you stand out from the crowd. So, why not try a Rouge D’Armani Hot Summer 2011 Limited Edition lipstick? These vibrant lipsticks’ patented Color-FilTM technology gives each shade 360 degrees of lasting radiance. The secret lies in the Color bond polymer, which traps refined pigments and intensifies and retains the colour’s radiance for over six
hours. With six bright shades of pink to choose from, there is one to suit every look. Rouge d’Armani Hot lipsticks have innovative, new-generation pearlescent fine particles called Light Reflecting Tints. These particles can be incorporated into lipstick at a higher concentration than standard pearlescent particles, and give off a greater reflective sheen. So, as you step out into the sun, you can flaunt your brighter, vibrant pink lips.
Rouge D’Armani Hot Summer 2011 Limited Edition lipstick
7 July 2011 GAZETTE 15
SNAPSHOT The stories of the day
B&Q’s fundraiser for Youth Work Ireland Home store giants B&Q teamed up with its official charity partner, Youth Work Ireland, recently and arranged a cycling fundraising event in stores, appropriately called B&Q Bike It! B&Q Swords accepted the challenge and took part in a sponsored cycle for Youth Work Ireland on Saturday, June 18 last at Airside Retail Park in Swords. Children from the Swords Youth Service participated in the cycle and also collected donations on behalf of Youth Work Ireland. Staff members in B&Q Swords would like to say a big thank you to everyone who participated and helped raise a fantastic €608.42 for Youth Work Ireland. Noeleen O’Gorman, from B&Q Swords, said: “We loved every minute of our B&Q Bike
DIARY It! event. It is great that such a fun event like a bike ride has helped raise lots of money for such an important cause.” Patrick Burke, CEO of Youth Work Ireland said: “We are delighted that B&Q is supporting Youth Work Ireland by organising its own Bike It! events. Each euro raised helps us work with more young people to build better, brighter futures.”
Film Fatale THE Sugar Club will be transformed into a 1950’s Little Italy for a screening of the perfect classic summer film, Roman Holiday, on Saturday, August 6.
Join the young and radiant Audrey Hepburn as princess Ann who breaks free from her regal duties to spend the day frolicking in Rome with handsome reporter Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck). Eat gelato on the Spanish Steps; place your hand in the mouth of truth, hop on a Vespa and ride around this vibrant city. All from the comfort of your seat as you enjoy pizza, wine and other Italian delights. The screening will be followed by a Italian-themed after-party with live performances and Film Fatale’s resident DJs, The Andrews Sisters’ Brothers, who will play music from the era. The audience is invited to set the scene by dressing up in their vintage finest, paying homage to 1950’s Italian style or mirroring the characters.
Tickets are €15 and are available at www.tickets.ie. Doors open at 8pm. After-party from 11pm with tickets at the door (€5).
Wing it to Bray TENS of thousands of spectators are expected to gather along Ireland’s east coast on Sunday, July 24, for the country’s largest free air show – the Air Spectacular as part of Bray Summerfest. During the 140-minute aerial show, spectators will be treated to close formation aerobatics, beach parachuting, search and rescue demonstrations at sea, pirouette spins, knife edge rolls and nose-down spiral descents. More information around the Air Spectacular is available from www.airspectacular.com or www.braysummerfest.com
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16 GAZETTE 7 July 2011
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC A new power soul revelation from Janelle Q ROB HEIGH
LAST week, before Glastonbury drew everyone’s attention to the fields of Worthy Farm, the Guardian published a rare and surprisingly revealing interview with my personal musical hero, Prince. The normally reclusive and press-averse megastar spoke, albeit briefly, about his favourite current artists. He called out two by name. One was Adele. The other was Janelle Monae. When the Minneapolis maestro speaks, you know it’s time to listen up. Her show at Tripod last week was a perfect illustration of a brave new artist on the brink of much wider success, with her roots and influences squarely apparent and fully on show wonderful covers of Prince, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5 and Sly and the Family Stone in the mix with her own already impressive material and a live band so well-drilled and on the mark that they were a huge part of the show, as much as Janelle herself. So much so that the theatrical aspects of this “emotion picture”, on top of some of the best future funk/soul you are likely to hear, made for one of the most mesmerising shows to hit Dublin for a long time, and probably for a long time to come. After the bandleader had us call Janelle to the stage, the infectious energy and apparent joy of playing instantly transferred to the crowd as soon as the band broke in to Dance Or Die - an appropriate opener, because if you didn’t dance during the show, you probably were dead. That buzz did not flag until even after the main show, when the assembled ArchOrchestra returned to the stage for a hugely-deserved curtain call. In between, Janelle’s vibrant and powerful soul voice weaved it’s way around Tripod, capturing all in its wake, as the band - made up of a string quartet, brass section, guitar, bass, keys, backing singers, dancers, MC, and drummer - put on a polished, soul revue-style performance that was utterly entrancing. HerArchAndroid was one of the best records of last year, and this live show will go down as one of the best of 2011. Janelle promised at the end that they would be back - when she does return, don’t miss it.
Janelle Monae: The live show of the year
Get festival ready: Comfort and style at Tesco THE sun is set to be out at Oxegen next week and Tesco have a wide range of essentials for festival-goers, from special offers on air-beds and sleeping bags, tents from only €28, and other camping essentials such as a LED head-torch for €7.75. As well as these, there is an array of health and beauty basics, such as baby wipes, Tresemme’s waterless foam shampoo for €4, and a range of festival chic clothing with everything from sunglasses, hats and wellies to floral maxi dresses from €23.
REVIEW: NEW RELEASES FROM TWO HEROES OF AMERICAN MUSIC
Nicks and Simon show time’s right for renewal Q ROB HEIGH
FOR as long as I can remember, there has been an album by Simon and Garfunkel or Fleetwood Mac around somewhere. My parents loved both, and I remember well the sounds of voices in harmony coming from the record player as they played Rumours and Bookends. Of course, the approaches of the two acts could not have been any more different: Fleetwood Mac’s driving American rock, propelled by Mick Fleetwood’s hard-hitting drum sound and John McVie’s rolling bass; compared to the whispered incantations of Paul and Art, underpinned with their deep love of the folk tradition, as well as the rock’n’roll roots that bore their partnership. While Stevie Nicks, the epic and distinct voice of Fleetwood Mac for most of the Seventies, took on solo duties away from Mac when she realised there were avenues she couldn’t pursue within the confines and conflicting demands of
Two different results from two new releases from Stevie Nicks and Paul Simon
the band, Paul Simon was a solo act for the majority of that decade, and the decades since. Both released what were classic albums in the Eighties, with Bella Donna and Graceland still up there with some of the most memorable and iconic music of that decade. Now, more than 20 years on, both Nicks and Simon have released new records this month, and it’s interesting to compare progressions and passage into new stages of their respective careers.
Nicks has brought on board uber-producer and former Eurythmic, Dave Stewart, to helm her latest release, In Your Dreams. His hand at the tiller has given Nicks another wall-of-sound production that fits with her unique, and sometimes achingly beautiful, voice. Having both Mick Fleetwood and Lyndsey Buckingham on board for two of the tracks adds a certain frisson to proceedings, given Nicks’ sometimes tumultous relationship with her former Mac mates.
But, in the end, the record is simply a Stevie Nicks’ record. There are no huge leaps of faith, no career redefining changes of direction. It is just what it is, and that’s a shame, as this was surely an opportunity to do something a little more left-field and appeal to a whole new generation. Paul Simon’s So Beautiful Or So What, equally, is no huge leap forward. What it is, however, is a grand statement of an artist doing what he does best — lyrics that demand a second listen, and reference to the liner notes
because they are simply so good that they work as poetry, and music that wraps you up in bouncing guitar figures and African rythyms that propel you back to highpoints of Simon’s solo career, while moving forward with reflection and sensitivity. Tracks like The Afterlife and Love and Hard Times are immersive and great fun, grooves and words and melodies weaving into your consciousness and leaving enough hooks to make you listen again, and again.
7 July 2011 GAZETTE 17
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
DEALING WITH BAD NEWS: ADVICE TO HELP PREPARE FOR THE DEATH OF YOUR FAMILY PET
Coping with the death of your pet EATH is one of the most difficult things you will ever explain to a child. So, when confronted by the owners of a deceased cat who asked: “How will we explain the cat’s death to our daughter?” The following was my advice. When a pet dies, it may be the first experience a child has when it comes to coping with death. As their parent, you will be the best judge as to how much information your child can handle and I would advise you to keep in mind, at this stage, that the child may also worr y that other beloved members of their family will also die. However, trying to protect them by saying the pet ran away may cause them to expect the animal to return. Expressing your own grief and encouraging your child to express theirs will help them understand it’s ok to be sad. This will enable them work through their feelings. As a mom, I believe a child’s ability to understand what death is all about depends on his/ her cognitive development and emotional environment; not to mention the way you explain situations. Remember, the older the child the more he/ she understands.
D
For example: Under 5: The child will certainly miss the pet but only as a playmate – recently my grand-daughter’s goldfish, Nemo, died and although she missed feeding him and helping her mom change his water, she didn’t actually miss him because she loved him. She missed the routine of caring for him. Up to 10: Explain to your child exactly what “death” means. Tell them gently and honestly that their pet’s body has stopped working and will not work anymore and that the pet had to be helped to die peacefully and without any pain or suffering. Don’t use the term “put to sleep”, as children may confuse death with sleeping and this may trigger sleeping problems for your child. Over 10/Teens: The child now realises people and pets die and will go through the normal stages of grieving. However, sometimes this loss can trigger other problems such as poor concentration at school, anxiety, insecurity or certain juvenile behaviours, so it’s important to engage in open and honest conversation with your child regarding his/her pet’s death. Never blame the vet. Your child may grow up to resent the good work veterinarians and other animal and human care
givers provide. Now we’ve got your kids sorted, what about you? How does mom cope? When a pet dies, people may consider offering support as being inappropriate because they view the loss as “just a pet.” Here at the Dublin SPCA we believe nothing could be further from the truth. We love our pets and consider them as family. Lots of people celebrate their pets’ birthdays, buy them presents and carry their pictures in wallets, purses, on mobile ‘phones, even posting them on social sites like Facebook. Therefore, when a pet dies, we understand it’s normal to feel over whelmed by the intensity of your sorrow; after all, haven’t they provided you with emotional support and unconditional love? The grieving process is as individual as the person. Sometimes it begins with denial, sometimes anger; often guilt - What did I do? Should I have done more? Is it inappropriate to feel so upset? When these feelings subside, true sadness may set in. Acceptance will only occur when you begin to remember the animal with decreasing sadness. Here are a few tips to help you cope. Acknowledge your grief and give yourself permission to grieve.
When a pet dies, it may be the first experience a child has when it comes to coping with death
Reach out to those who can lend a helping, compassionate, hand. Write down your feelings. (Compose a poem or write a story or a letter to your pet) Call your local animal shelter or vet to see if they can offer a helpline to a pet loss support group. Arrange a memorial for your pet. For those pet parents who have lost a pet and who are coping with this scenario at present, I understand how you feel. Your companion may be gone from your life but never from your heart. When you are ready, (and please do give yourself enough time to grieve), only then should you introduce a new companion into your life – and don’t worry, it’s not a betrayal to love another pet; your compassion and humanity to give a loving home to a deserving animal is to your eternal credit. For more information, log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam. kerins@dspca.ie
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18 GAZETTE 7 July 2011
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs KOPING JOINS THE CITROEN NETWORK: CITROEN Motors Ireland is delighted to welcome Koping, Naas Road, Dublin 12 to the Citroen dealer network. Headed up by Paul Mooney, Koping have been in business since 1992 operating from the same site on the Naas Road throughout this time. With an experienced and stable team, (Paddy Lynam, service manager, has been with Paul since the start) Koping have brought service and expert product knowledge to customers for nearly 20 years. The strategic addition of Koping to the Citroen dealer network strengthens Citroen’s brand presence in the key Dublin area.
Skoda provides the option of Greenline technology, with an economical 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine in the big Superb Estate. The car costs from €25,895, plus delivery charges, and is ranked as the most economical big estate car on the market.
Skoda goes Greenline MICHAEL MORONEY has been on the road with the big
Superb estate car, where comfort meets economy SKODA’S Greenline range includes the big Superb Estate, and that was the car that I took to the roads in recent weeks. The Superb is a giant of a car, both in terms of seating space and boot space. And what a new surprise to learn that you can also get Greenline economy with the Superb that gives exceptional motoring value. That probably sums up how I felt after a week with the Skoda Superb Estate. Skoda is aiming for economy as a priority – that shines through in the Greenline version of the Superb. Here is a giant of a car, fitted with
SPECS: SKODA SUPERB GREENLINE ESTATE 1.6 TDI Top speed: 109km/hr 0-100km/hr:12.6 secs Economy: 22.7 km/litre (4.4 l/100km) CO2 emissions: 114g km Road Tax Band: A (€104) Warranty: 2 years Entry Price: €25,895
a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine. But, there’s a whole lot more to the Superb Greenline than just a tidy, small engine. While the economical 1.6-litre tur-
bo-diesel engine is a significant part of the story, there’s a lot more to this car besides economy. The key to its impressive economy figure of 22km/litre of diesel (64mpg) claim is that Skoda uses five new technology options to get the end result. They are startstop, gear shift indicator, new aerodynamics, lowrolling resistance tyres and brake energy regeneration. The start-stop system automatically switches off the engine when stationary. The engine immediately restarts when the driver presses the clutch to put the car in gear.
The gear shift indicator lets the driver know if the current gear is appropriate. It recommends changing to a lower or higher gear to achieve optimum engine speed, thereby attaining lower fuel consumption. Aero-dynamics
The modified aerodynamics means that the car sits some 25mm lower to the road, a feature that is designed to reduce wind drag. And, the low rolling resistance with higher than normal air pressure gives extra economy. And, lastly, Skoda uses a brake-energ y
regeneration process to generate electrical energy every time that you hit the brakes. The fact that battery energy is generated when the car decelerates reduces the burden placed on the engine by the alternator. The downside is that, in the efforts to improve economy, Skoda is supplying a tyre-repair kit in place of the spare wheel. That bit does not impress me, as I consider that, in a car such as thi,s and with our miserable roads, a spare wheel is simply an essential. Despite the relatively small engine size, it still produces 105bhp. That
gives an acceleration figure of 12.6 seconds for a 0 to 100km/hr dash, which is 20% slower than the 2.0 litre competition. In practise, the car can accelerate well, and it’s not the type of car that makes you want to behave like a boy-racer. So, it’s just about poweradequate and practical, as well as economical. The big bonus is the economy figure – the claim is 22km/litre (4.4 litres/100km) which I failed to achieve. Maybe I wasn’t following the g e a r i n d i c a t o r we l l enough, but, overall, I returned a figure closer to 20% poorer. I’ll just have to do better!
Orders to open for Audi’s new and efficient Q3 SUV THE NEW Audi Q3 is Audi’s first foray into the smaller SUV segment, while attempting to retain a premium image. Orders for the third, and smallest, Q-model in the series will begin at the end of August with deliveries due by October. The Q3 will have the distinction of being the first Audi SUV to offer the efficiency-focused option of a 19.1km/litre (54mpg) front-wheel-
drive variant. Pricing for the Q3 starts at €34,650 on the road for the 2.0-litre TDI 140 SE version, which is expected to account for the majority of orders. Four engines will initially be available, all combining direct fuel injection with turbo charging. They will come with start-stop and energy recuperation systems. The 2.0-litre TDI is rated at 140bhp and 177bhp
and the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol unit in 170bhp and 211bhp power outputs. The 2.0-litre TDI 140bhp unit will power the front-wheel-drive model only at launch, with a Quattro version joining the offer early in 2012. With emissions of just 133g/km, the 2.0-litre TDI 140 variant resides in tax band B, qualifying the purchaser for annual road tax of just €156 per annum.
The Audi Q3 will be available for order next month
7 July 2011 GAZETTE 19
20 GAZETTE 7 July 2011
GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY MALAHIDE: THREE-BEDROOM ACCOMMODATION FOR €310,000
Mid-terrace manor in Malahide
Number 44, Carriglea Gardens
DUN LAOGHAIRE: TWOBED HOME FOR €285,000
Carriglea living for home seekers GUNNE Residential are presenting No. 44 Carriglea Gardens, Dun Laoghaire, a twobedroom modernised and extended two-bathroom mid-terrace property to the market for €285,000. The property boasts a bright, modern interior and is complemented by a mature private rear garden. The property extends to 70 sq m and comprises entrance porch with Chinese slate floor, lounge/dining room that overlooks the front garden, and which has a timber floor, a feature fireplace with gas fire and recessed lighting. The first bathroom has fully tiled walls and floor, a bath with Triton T80si power shower, a wash-hand basin with vanity mirror and wc. The kitchen overlooks the rear garden and has an ample range of built-in wall and floor units, as well as a tiled floor and part tiled walls. It features a built-in oven, a hob and extractor, single bowl and half Franke sink. It is plumbed for a washing machine and dishwasher, and there is a door to the rear garden. The bedrooms are to the front and rear of the property, with built-in wardrobes, timber floorboards and recessed lighting, and one is en suite. To the front of the property is a gated, paved front garden providing off-street parking. The suntrap rear garden is very large, a private, low-maintenance space bordered by mature hedges and shrubs. The patio areas are bordered by railway sleepers and are perfect for outdoor dining. The two Barna sheds provide excellent studio, or additional storage space. To arrange a viewing, contact Gunne Residential on 01 280 1719.
PROPERTYTeam Noel Kelly Auctioneers are bringing No. 66, Inbhir Ide, Malahide to the market for an asking price of €310,000. This instantly appealing three-bedroom midterrace home has been lavished with care and attention by its present owners, which is evident from the moment you walk in the front door. The main features of the property are Upvc double-glazed windows, a 72-foot rear garden which is not overlooked. There are decorative timber floors, and the property is sold with all carpets, curtains and light fittings Situated in a prime
Number 66, Inbhir Ide, Malahide, is presented to the market for €310,000
location, the property comprises a porch with an aluminium sliding door and tiled floor, an entrance hall with understair storage area. The lounge has a decorative timber floor, as well as a feature fireplace with
hardwood surround. T he kitchen-cumbreakfast area has a tiled floor, oak floor and wall units, as well as a cooker, dishwasher, extractor fan, and recessed lighting. The bathroom has tiled walls and flooring,
a whb, wc, and a Triton shower. There is also a mirror with light strip. The three bedrooms are well appointed and have decorative timber floors and recessed lights. The rear garden is 72ft
long, with a timber shed, a patio area, and an outside tap and external lighting. For further details, and to arrange a viewing appointment, contact Noel Kelly on (01) 846 2752.
RATHMINES: ASKING PRICE OF €510,000 FOR THREE-BED HOUSE
Attractive family home in Rathmines
NEW to the market is No. 18 Rathmines Park, Dublin 6, a mid-terrace period residence, incroporating c1,310 sq ft accommodation, which is set in spacious, wellcared for gardens, with the added benefit of garage to the rear with vehicular access from Stone Mews. Brought to the market by Douglas Newman Good, for an asking price of €510,000, the property has been excellently cared for over many years by its present ow ners, full of light with room to extend, subject to planning permission, the property is in an ideal location in this soughtafter area of south Dublin. The accommodation is well laid out and comprises lounge, livingroom with open
fireplace and gas fire, breakfast room with extended kitchen, upstairs are three bedrooms, bathroom and large attic room ideally suited for a study, playroom, etc. This sale represents an ideal opportunity for those wishing to trade up or trade down in this area. It provides all the facilities and amenities required for a young couple wishing to rear a family in this area. It is situated in a quiet peaceful enclave off Upper Rathmines Road where houses rarely come to the market. T he proper ty is a short walk to Rathmines village, where there is a wide selection of shops, restaurants and bars, cinemas, Rathmines Plaza and other amenities. A host of buses pass
through the village and the property is within walking distance of the Luas line. There is a variety of sports facilities in the immediate area, parks to include Belgrave Square and Palmerston Park and a wide selection of primary and secondary schools, including Kildare Place, St Mary’s, Alexandra College, Gonzaga, St Louis, and many others besides. The city centre is within walking distance and the property is a short drive from the M50. Alternatively it is also suitable for a retired family where everything is within walking distance yet the setting is off the main road, idyllic and peaceful. Douglas Newman Good are handling the sale and can be contacted to arrange a viewing on Number 18, Rathmines Park, Dublin 6, has an asking 490 9000. price of €510,000
7 July 2011 GAZETTE 21
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS Interview: Jessica Daves, a Duty Manager at Newpark School Sports Centre
Life in busy Sports and Leisure Centre
ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS MEDICAL CARDS I RECEIVE a great many queries from people
AFTER starting her career in the Leisure industry as a gymnastics coach, Jessica Davies has been a Duty Manager at Newpark School Sports Centre since 2002. She is married with two children (three-year-old twins) and lives in Wexford having moved there from Deansgrange earlier this year.
all over County Dublin, and beyond, about their eligibility for Medical Cards. Obviously, it would not be possible for me to answer them all individually and, indeed, it would be difficult to briefly summarise the qualifying conditions, but let me try and simplify the structure.
Habits She recently qualified as a GP referral co-ordinator, a new initiative launched by the HSE to get GPs to refer clients to affiliated Leisure centres to improve their lifestyle habits rather than the option of long-term medication. Newpark School Sports Centre, one of very few facilities offering this new scheme in Ireland, is located on Newtownpark Avenue, in Blackrock, and has been open to the public since 1973. Activities include a wide range of fitness classes, public swimming, fitness centre sessions with tailor-made programmes to suit all ages and levels of fitness.
Medical Card applicants are divided into 2 categories – those under 70 and over 70. OVER 70 You qualify if your gross income, from all sources, is less than €700 per week for a single person, or €1,400 per week for a married or co-habiting couple. It is the gross income that is taken into consideration and no standard deductions such as income tax are allowable. UNDER 70 To qualify, your weekly income must be below a certain figure for your family size. Cash
Interest Jessica’s interest in health and fitness began when she qualified as a fitness instructor in 2001 and then a personal trainer in 2002. She currently teaches Aqua-aerobics, swimming and fitness classes, along with co-ordinating the GP referral programme.
income, savings over a certain threshold, investments and property (except for your family home) are taken into account in the means test. If you wish to establish your eligibility, or if you feel that your application for a medical card was unfairly rejected, you can check out
Contact If you would like to learn more about the activities and facilities on offer at Newpark School Sports Centre, or for more information on the GP referral programme, call in to see them or visit theiir website www.newparksportscentre.ie.
all the parameters on www.citizensinformation.ie or call to one of the many Citizens Information offices which are located throughout the country. Alternatively your local social welfare office ( www.welfare.ie ) you will find Jessica Davies qualified as a GP referral co-ordinator
most helpful in dealing with any of these individual queries.
Q&A Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: Olympic gymnast. Q: What was your first job? A: Summer camp helper. Q: And your first pay cheque? A: The Grange. Q: When did you start your present job? A: Started gymnastics here in 1991 and have been here since!
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: Get to wear tracksuits and runners to work.
Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’? A: Not enough. Q: What sport do you follow? A: Gymnastics and Formula 1.
Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at
Q: What sport can you play? A: All sports. Q: What is your guilty music/TV or movie pleasure? A: Disney films. Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: Jedward, as they have the fun factor. Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: Don’t know, my brother robbed it.
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: No, I’m not a stalker. Q: What was your last Tweet/status update? A: My curfew was the street
Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?
lights coming on, my mum didn’t call my mobile, she yelled my name, I played outside, not online. If I didn’t eat what my mum cooked then I didn’t eat. Sanitisers didn’t exist, but you could get your mouth washed out with soap. I rode a bike with no helmet, getting dirty was OK, and the neighbours cared as much as your parents did. Repost if you drank water from the garden hose and survived.
runners.
Q: Describe your dream meal?
dives.
A: Sausages, beans and mash in a volcano shape made by my dad.
Q: What would be your dream job? A: Being a trainer on the Big-
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Dame Edna.
A: The Disney Store. Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: Don’t own any shoes, just Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: Having to use public toi-
www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor
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lets in China.
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: Water Villa in the Mal-
gest Loser.
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Travel.
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22 GAZETTE 7 July 2011
GazetteTTRAVEL LovelyLisbon Magnificent Madeira is not a typical sun holiday PORTUGUESE HAVEN: OPEN FOR BUSINESS
The Pestana Palace in Lisbon
Living like royalty at the Pestana Palace in Lisbon
PAUL HOSFORD
PAUL HOSFORD
THERE is not a whole lot that makes me selfconscious about my appearance. I’m a handsome man, after all. But, standing in the lobby of a national monument palace that’s been turned into a five-star hotel and member of The Leading Hotels of the World in a tatty pair of three-quarter lengths and a t-shirt that’s seen better days, is one time I will admit to feeling a little uncomfortable. To be fair, I had travelled from Madeira that morning in sweltering heat, and the Pestana Palace in Lisbon would make anyone but Madonna feel self-conscious. Which is good, as she uses the hotel’s royal suites when she’s in the Portuguese capital. The beautifully-restored palace adjoins two modern wings and is a stunning piece of architecture. Nineteenth-century elegance abounds with dining rooms and drawing rooms making this feel like something completely other-worldly. The hotel itself runs a shuttle bus to take guests the 10-minute drive into the centre of Lisbon, but a taxi is only €6. Once in the city itself, I was in awe. Beautiful architecture, such as Praca do Comercio, a jaw-dropping square on the banks of the Tagus, whose Rua Augusta Arch is the gateway to the modern, thriving city that Lisbon has become. Avenida da Liberdade, a 90-metre wide boulevard, features some beautiful buildings and is the central artery heading into the city. At its head is Marquis of Pombal Square and King Edward VII Park, two celebrations of Portuguese identity that, perched upon a hill, give a gorgeous view of the Tagus bay. The Belem area of the city, near the mouth of the Tagus, is another gem. Quiet and relaxed, it features some of the most stunning buildings Lisbon has to offer. Belem Tower, a 16th-century defence tower, Jeronimos Monastery and the Monument of The Discoveries all sit within a short walk of each other, making this part of the city a walking dream and an history buffs heaven.
LAST year was a year to forget for Madeira. Freak flooding, forest fires and Icelandic ash combined to make last year an annus horribilis for the Portuguese island, located 1,000km from the south-west coast of the country. But, this year, the island is keen to send a message, echoing our own leader, that Madeira is open for business. And what a business it truly is. Though it survives on an economy that is roughly 65% based on tourism, Madeira is unlike a typical sun-holiday destination. Part of that is because the location of the island, parked in the Atlantic, means that it gets more cloud than, say, the Canaries. But more than that, it is just, at its core, completely
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‘Visually stunning, warm and welcoming, Madeira is a real treat for someone looking for good weather, and seeking to avoid neon lights and flying patio furniture’
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different. Visually stunning, architecturally mind-blowing, warm and welcoming, Madeira is a real treat for someone looking for good weather, and seeking to avoid neon lights and flying patio furniture. Touching down in Funchal itself is an experience – the runway perched over the sea and on the side of a cliff makes this a breathtaking landing. Nervous fliers would do well to avoid the window seat, however. What to do
Our stay had us based
in Funchal, the capital of the island and main tourist hub. From here, any part of the island is reachable within two hours and it is a good thing, as all of the island holds attractions. Rota dos CetáceosThe Way of the Cetacean, (Marina Shopping Centre, Avenida Arriaga, Tel.: +351 291 280 600, http://www.rota-doscetaceos.pt/) offer trips on semi-solid boats, where you can view dolphins, whales and all of the assorted sea life that lives in and around the island. (Swimming with dolmi phins €65, Adult ph non-swimming no €48, children €4 €33) €3 Madeira, having no contiin nental shelf, is n home to a vast h array of these a
Finding some shade to relax in in the centre of Funchal
creatures and Rota dos Cetáceos offer a free trip if you don’t see something. The thrill of seeing a pod of Bottle-nosed dolphins swim yards from your boat makes this trip a must-do. The Madeira Cable Car (www.madeiracablecar. com) offers a relatively cheap way to get a birdseye view of the beautiful scenery on the island, connecting Funchal with Monte Palace Gardens. At €15 for an adult round-trip, the exhilarating ride will leave speechless and some clinging to the handrails. Once you reach the top of the cable car, Monte Palace (http://www.montepalace.com/) awaits in all it’s splendour. Rescued by Jose Berardo, the tropical gardens are a dream for gardening enthusiasts. You can take the cable car back to Funchal, but why do that when you can have two men with rubber shoes push you down a hill in a wicker chair? Toboggan rides operate from outside Monte Church and, though pricey (€20 single, €25 double), it is great fun and, after all, you are on vacation. After all, what’s a holiday without hurtling downhill on a road that’s open to traffic? Getting off-road,
Madeira Jeep Safari (http://www.madeirajeep-safari.info/) are experts in navigating the tight, heart-stopping roads of the island’s lesser-seen spots. A highlight of these tours are the levada walks. Levadas are roadside waterways that carry water to the farms that climb mountains and hills on the island. Taking a walk along one, one really gets the chance to see how people on the island live; indeed, we came across one woman, easily 70 years old, planting on a small farm that was at least 40 minutes walk from a roadway. Prices vary, but a halfday private tour will cost €195, with room for six passengers, and I cannot recommend this enough, for something different. There are more attractions of course, The Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal, the stunning natural swimming pools in Porto Moniz, the Art Deco collection at Casa Das Mudas and the awe-inspiring scenes
7 July 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
Travel Briefs New digitallyenhanced food lovers guide to Ireland
Madeira is famous for its embroidery
From Funchal, any part of the island of Madeira is reachable within two hours, so places like the Ponta do Sol and São Vicente can be explored
from Cabo Girao, the second highest sea cliff in Europe. In a space of 57 kilometres by 22 kilometres, Madeira packs it in. Where to eat
Madeiran food itself consists of a lot of fish, which makes sense, it being an island. Black scabbard, tuna and cod are served in abundance and fresh, colourful vegetables abound. In the centre of Funchal, Armazem Do Sal (Rua da Alfandega, 135, Funchal, Madeira 9000059, Portugal (+351) 291 241 285 www.armazemdosal.com/) stands head and shoulders above the other restaurants we sampled. Which, given the level of food available across the island, is saying something. A platter of appetisers, comprising of caviar, passion fruit, duck breast and shrimp dishes, set the tone magnificently, before a starter of Foie Gras and apple chutney had me in heaven.
A main of cod confit and mash was perfect. Light, yet absolutely flavoursome and cooked to perfection. Were the dessert of raspberry panacotta with spun sugar not also absolutely amazing, I might have struggled to finish the whole thing. As it was, we had no such problem. Adega da Quinta is about 15 minutes outside the centre of Funchal, but the scenic views and hearty, rustic food make it a perfect choice for an evening meal. Espetada, a local dish of fillet beef on a skewer, barbecue chicken in a pot, sweet potato bread and an array of desserts combined to make this another gastronomic highlight of the island. Where to stay
The island is replete with fabulous hotels, with three being part of Portugal’s largest hotel group, Pestana. We stayed in the Pestana Casino Hotel, which is a luxurious throwback
to the glamour of travel. Designed in the 1960s by Oscar Niemayer, it’s bright, open spacess Travelling by wicker chair: Tobo ggan rides operate outside Monte Ch from urch in Funchal are suited to everyone, the health spa a perfect retreat for stressed bodies and the casino offers a chance to experience the glamour of Twomileborris. Sorry, Monte Carlo. All in all, I can’t recommend Madeira enough. Easygoing enough to offer a break, interesting enough to offer stories for home, Madeira is open for business and we’re luckier for that fact. Paul travelled to Madeira and Lisbon with Concorde Travel & Tours. Concorde Travel specialise in the Mediterranean, specifically Croatia, Cyprus, Malta, Italy and Portugal. Seven nights in Madeira start at €560pp, including tax, and seven-night packages to Lisbon Coast start at €599pp, including tax. For more information, visit www.concordetravel.ie, or call 01-77 59 300.
Praça Municipio in Funchal
Fresh food at Funchal’s The beautiful Porto Santo Beach
municipal market
GOOD Food Ireland once again leads the way with a new digitally enhanced food lovers’ guide to Ireland. You will find a carefully selected collection of the best places to visit that are committed to using local Irish food on a new touring guide being released this weekend. The guide reveals a range of the best culinary experiences from restaurants, pubs, cafes, hotels and cookery schools, all centred on an Irish ingredient-led food experience. Taking on board new technology, Good Food Ireland has digitally enhanced the guide with the use of QR codes. Each culinary destination listed has a QR code beside their contact details and, when a smartphone user scans the code, a local Google map is displayed on their mobile device. The guide is on release this weekend and will be distributed in some national newspapers, the Hertz rental car network and through Good Food Ireland members. If you would like your own personal copy, simply email the Good Food Ireland head office info@goodfoodireland.ie and they will post one out to you. For more information on Good Food Ireland, visit www. goodfoodireland.ie
24 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7 July 2011
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1
GoingOUT GoingOUT
THE HELIX 01 700 7000 Liz Taylor Film Season THE Helix continues its Liz Taylor Film Season until July 16, with the season’s second film, National Velvet, showing on Saturday July 9 at 2pm, followed by Cat On A Hot Tin Roof on Wednesday July 13 at 7.30pm. All screenings take place in The Theatre. Season tickets are €20, or €12 concession. Entry to each showing is €4/€6.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Dun Laoghaire School of Music extravaganza LOOKING ahead a little, The Mill Theatre will soon feature some delightful music and performances from some of the area’s littlest citizens – with big talents Students from the Dun Laoghaire School of Music staging a musical extravaganza at the popular south Dublin evenue on Thursday, July 14, featuring music, theatre, dance and instrumental numbers, and more, creating a musical performance to remember, and showcasing the truly diverse and commendable range of talents of students at the popular school. The show starts at 5.30pm, with tickets priced at €13/€8.50.
PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Cormuin O’Raghallaigh - Mozart and Chopin recital Come along to this unique recital of Mozart and Chopin classics, from the award-winning Cormuin O Raghallaigh,a local teacher for Newpark Music Centre and Churchtown School of music. Recitals for the night will include Mozart: Sonata in C minor K.457, Sonata in B flat K.333, Chopin: Prelude in D flat Op. 28 (Raindrop) Ballade no.3 in A flat Op. 47. The two-hour show takes place on Saturday, July 9 at 1pm. Tickets: €10
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Past and Present Dublin 15-based artist, Desmond Kenny’s exhibition Past and Present, which opened last month, will continue until late August. Don’t miss this opportunity to view some of Kenny’s stunning abstract paintings, spread across two floors - New Work and Retrospective. This is the Hartstown artist’s first major solo exhibition of his abstract painting. The exhibition can be seen on the ground and first-floor galleries and is free admission.
SEAMUS ENNIS CULTURAL CENTRE 01 802 0898 Pokey LaFarge and The South City Three St. Louis roots musician Pokey LaFarge, along with his band, The South City Three, comes to the Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre on Friday July 8. LaFarge’s creative blend of early jazz, string ragtime, country blues and western swing has been widely lauded of late. This is one not to be missed. Friday, July 8 at 8:30pm. Admission: €20.
Sunday Sessions The Sunday Sessions continue every Sunday afternoon at the Seamus Ennis Cultural centre. The sessions always feature a host of local traditional musicians as well as some special guests. All musicians are welcome. Free admission.
If you’re close enough to see one of these Transformers, you’re either in very big trouble, or just in luck, as Transformers 3 features one big scrap after another between clanking adversaries, while Humanity – and audiences – look on ...
No change in formula The latest Transformers film hasn’t changed the previous films’ secret of success, loaded with big bangs and little wit Q JONATHAN KEANE
IT’S only been about four years, but in that fairly short space of time, Michael Bay has managed to churn out his third Transformers film, this time: Dark of the Moon. After the blinding success of the predecessor, it only makes sense for the franchise to do a third lap. A heady cast is in tow for this one, with John Malkovich, Hugo Weaving and Josh Duhamel along with, of course, our central character, Sam Witwicky, brought to us by Shia LeBeouf. The important thing to remember here is that this is a Michael Bay flick so there’s little in the way of a captivating script and acting. But, it can’t be denied that Dark of the Moon is rife with jaw-dropping special effects and 3D shots that well and truly
FILM OF THE WEEK: Transformers 3 +++ (12A) 154 mins Director: Michael Bay Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, John Malkovich, Hugo Weaving, lots of robots
OUR VERDICT: MICHAEL Bay’s third outing with the robots in disguise is everything one would expect it to be, with colossal action scenes and hugely impressive special effects. If verbose carnage is your thing and it holds your attention for the entire bloated running time, then, this could be your film of the year, although Kate – who returns from holiday, next week – is unlikely to rate this as one to savour ...
shove the action in your face. It’s all rather impressive and will be up there with some of the most impressive action scenes this summer, or even for some years. Howe ve r, a t f i l m number three in the franchise, it still doesn’t deliver anything staggering in the way of something new. You know you’re getting explosions – and explosions are exactly what you get. This third instalment clocks in at an overwhelming 154 minutes.
The bloated, drawn-out running time serves to only remind you of how easily scenes can become one-dimensional and predictable. It’s not all bad though, far from it. Transformers: Dark of the Moon won’t delight in regard to script but the standout actions are truly unforgettable. Only the truly dull and monotonous of cinemagoers would find themselves bored with Bay’s bombastically crafted action scenes. Conspicuous by her absence though is
Megan Fox, who departed the franchise after the sequel. Whether she was present for the third film or not, doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. Nothing too big has been changed and the portrayal of the rest of the cast remains as simple as ever. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? Or, in the case of Michael Bay, blow it up. Without giving away too much, the plot is rooted in the 1969 Moon Landing as well as the Cold War, which creates the latest strife between Optimus Prime’s Autobots and the Decepticons that has carried through to modern day. Meanwhile, Shia LeBeouf is his usual self in the role as Sam, who’s fresh out of college, unemployed and ticked off about his whole situation in life, frustrations that are adversely affect-
ing his relationship with girlfriend, Carly, played by fresh-faced British actress, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Overall, the 154-minute running time is the sore thumb of Transformers: Dark of the Moon. A couple of scenes could easily have had a few minutes shaved off and with it, making the overblown action less drawn out. Quality of quantity, as the old adage goes. The die-hard fans of the Transformers franchise, as in the faithful that existed before Michael Bay scurried onto the scene, could be divided on how their beloved Autobots and Decepticons are portrayed here. Meanwhile, those who are looking for non-stop explosions, fire and action will undoubtedly lap this up. Either way, there’s enjoyment to be found, in some way, in Transformers: Dark of the Moon.
7 July 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 25
Wares you might feel wary about ADAM MAGUIRE
TECHNOLOGY is laden with words ending in “ware”. Most people are familiar with software and hardware, and maybe one or two others, but the ever-increasing number of “wares” can get confusing at the best of times. Here are explanations for some of the more common “wares”.
install on a piece of hardware, and is also called programmes, applications or simply apps. That could mean an operating system, such as Windows, or an internet browser, game or word processor.
Hardware Hardware is any physical piece of technology – so, your computer is the hardware, as are all the bits and pieces inside the box (such as the hard drive, processor and so on). More recently, this has been applied to phones and tablets.
Freeware A combination of “free” and “software”, this is, used to describe free, legal versions of software. This freeware is often a basic variety of something, and encourages you to buy the full version.
Software Software is what you
Malware A combination of
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“malicious” and “software”, this term is a catchall for any type of dangerous software designed to damage your computer or steal your information. Good virus scan software and a firewall is crucial. McAfee and Norton offer good paidfor options, while AVG and Avast are good, free alternatives.
Spyware This malicious software tries to secretly install itself on your computer and spy on your activities, to try to gain access to passwords, credit card details and so on. A free programme, called Spybot – Search & Destroy is a good option for those looking to see if there is spyware on their computer. Scarily enough, there usually is.
Adware This is a virus that causes adverts to pop-up at every turn on your computer. If every website you visit seems to have obtrusive ads popping up all the time, this may be the reason why. The previously mentioned Spybot is good at clearing these threats, as is another free programme, Adaware. Scareware A relatively new threat, this is a dangerous piece of software that tries to shock or scare you into handing over money or credit card details. One tactic, for example, is to tell you that there is a virus on your computer, and that you need to buy a certain piece of software to fix this. This can often be made
to look like a legitimate warning but, if it is not coming from your own anti-virus software, ignore it.
HP Touchpad
IN A market dominated by the iPad, HP’s first attempt at a tablet is a strong one – the big question is: Can it can get the apps to back it up? While Apple’s competitors, such as HP, have been slow to get to market with their tablet alternatives, the last few weeks has seen that change. Motorola’s Xoom is hitting shelves, Samsung has updated its Galaxy Tab and Blackberry’s Playbook is on the horizon. The HPTouchpad joins that list, and offers some-
thing a little different. It runs on HP’s own WebOS software, which is extremely stylish and user-friendly. It is gesture-based, so it’s perfect for touch, and, while it was designed initially for phones, it looks well on the bigger screen. Overall, the Touchpad feels good in the hand. It is slim and comfortable to
use, but does not feel flimsy. It also manages to strike the same balance of the iPad, where it feels like a serious, even business-friendly device, without being boring. However, as it runs on WebOS – which is way behind Android and Apple’s IOS – it does not have an awful lot of apps to offer. This is something that HP will need to address – fast, as even the best tablet is nothing without the apps to install on it. The HP Touchpad is available in Ireland from early July, from €479. Visit teic.ie for the latest tech news, reviews and views.
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26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7 July 2011
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Joe Egan is applying for planning permission for new signage in the form of individual raised letters to front elevation with associated works at Carliamar Main Street Upper, Lucan, Co. Dublin. The planning application may be inspected or purchased, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to South Dublin County Council on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by South Dublin County Council of the application. 13033
RECRUITMENT RECRUITING NOW!! Option to work from home. Full or part time available. Full training and support provided. Contact Janice today for appointment on 085 151 6897 SECURITY OFFICER REQUIRED for Dublin area Clondalkin.Min requirements 3yrs exp ,Psa License,Fluent English. Call 01 4060815 or email careers@noonan.ie
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7 July 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 27
GazetteSPORT
STAR TURN:
Dublin Sports Awards winners for June are announced: Page 29
TOUCH RUGBY: IRELAND ‘EXHAUSTED’ AFTER THEIR WORLD CUP ENCOUNTERS
Touch teams get back from Edinburgh epics sport@gazettegroup.com
AF TER a gruelling five-day Touch World Cup tournament in Edinburgh, the Ireland Touch teams returned home on Monday proud of their achievements. “ We ’r e a b s o l u t e l y exhausted, but incredi b l y p r o u d t o h ave competed for Ireland against the best in the world in our spor t,” said president of the Ireland Touch Associa-
tion, Michael Davies. “It was a tough tournament, with teams playing up to three matches a day. Every player gave their absolute best on the pitch and played right to the end. “We had a great support team over there, and a big thank you should go to the coaches, managers, physios and support staff who coordinated our teams and kept the players
out on the pitch,” said Davies. Twenty-seven countries participated in the event, with over 500 matches being played during the course of the tournament. Australia took the honours in most categories, with many finals involving Australia and New Zealand, where touch rugby is a common social sport. Ireland competed in four divisions in the
The amassed teams who represented Ireland at the Touch Rugby World Cup in Scotland last week
Mixed Open, Men’s Open, Men’s over 35s and Men’s over 40s categories. Ireland finished 16th in the Open Category, and 11th in the senior age division. The Mixed Open team came 15th and the Mens’ Open
finished 12th in their category. In the senior division, the Mens’ Over-35s finished 11th and the Mens’ Over-40s had the best result of all of the Irish teams, finishing fifth in their pool. “There was some
great matches and each team had great support as they went out onto the pitches. “For many of us, to compete at a World Cup was a dream. But to achieve it has been an oppor tunity of a lifetime. We trained
incredibly hard for this tournament, and each team should be proud of their efforts at the World Cup,” said Davies. For more information about the sport, see www.irelandtouchassociation.com.
28 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7 July 2011
GazetteSport Sport
Lady Captain, Una Murphy, and Men’s Captain, Sean Quigley congratulate Richard O’Donovan, East of Ireland Amateur Championship winner Vice-Lady Captain, Patricia Harmon, and Lady Captain, Una Murphy
Sponsor, Martin Walshe, and Captain Sean Quigley congratulate Dermot O’Leary
Captains’ day outing
Great celebrations at Lucan Golf Club UCAN Golf Club had many reasons to celebrate after an exhilarating day of golf when the Men and Lady Captain’s competitions were held recently. Kevin Behan took the Men’s prize, whilst the Lady Captain’s trophy went to Yvonne O’Reilly. The club had even more reason to raise a
L
Patricia Kelly is congratulated by Lady Captain, Una Murphy
glass after one of its junior members, Richard O’Donovan, captured the East of Ireland Amateur championship at Baltray golf course. Celebrations for the three and all others that obtained a prize were held at the Golf Club where the club members were surrounded by family and friends.
Olive Linnane is congratulated by Lady Captain, Una Murphy
Lady Captain’s winner, Yvonne O’Reilly shows off her prize
7 July 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29
in association with
GOLF: ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL OUTING FOR SHEENA
2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS JUNE WINNERS IN ASSOCIATION WITH
STARof theMONTH
LEEANNE ROYLE KARATE and martial arts generally do not see many stars emerging on an international stage so young, but Leeanne Royle, from Corduff Karate Club, is a such a star in the making, with a showing that earned her the prestigious Charles Naylor Memorial Trophy for the most outstanding child competitor at the Karate Union of Great Britain’s National Championships at the NIA Birmingham, Royle won the girls’ kumite event at the championships.
TEAMof theMONTH
MOUNTVIEW BOYS
MOUNTVIEW Boys’ Under11s are deserving winners of the team of the month after they came out at the summit of 900 teams who took part in the 2011 Danone Nations Cup, winning the national final at the AUL Complex in Clonshaugh. That performance earned them the right to represent Ireland in the world finals, which are held in Real Madrid’s Bernabeu stadium in October.
SUMMER is starting to heat up, and the sporting success of our teams and individuals continues to impress. Our sports stars of the month for June are young stars very much on the rise. Leeanne Royle has made an impression on the world of karate at a very young age, and will be a prospect to keep an eye on in the years to come, especially after winning the Charles Naylor Memorial Trophy for the most outstanding child competitor last month. Mountview Boys showed their promise after coming out on top in
the Danone Nations’ Cup event at the AUL in a competition that saw 900 of the best young soccer sides in the country compete for the right to represent Ireland in October.
Let us know! Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance of being one of our monthly stars. Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ gazettesport.
Sheena McElroy with Rita Maher (Lady Capt Adare Manor)and Marjorie McCorduck (ILGU President)
McElroy secures third national title sport@gazettegroup.com
GRANGE Golf Club’s Sheena McElroy defeated Headfort’s Pauline Walsh to secure her third Irish Senior Women’s Close Championship title in four years at Adare Manor Golf Club last week. The southside golfer raced to an early lead over Walsh and, at one under par, held a fivehole advantage at the turn. McElroy continued to underline her dominance of this event in recent years and closed out the match on the 13th green. Throughout the tour-
nament, McElroy showed herself to be a force to be reckoned with. She got off to a flying start in her semi-final match against Pat Doran from Donabate, and never looked back after turning into the back nine with a two-hole advantage. Doran holed out solidly on the 15th to reduce the gap to one hole but McElroy immediately responded winning the 16th and a two putt par on the 17th ended the affair. After leading the qualifiers in the morning, McElroy saw off eight qualifier Marilyn Hend-
erson (Royal Belfast) on the penultimate green in the quarter-finals the previous day. In the Senior’s Plate Final, Gertie McMullen, of The Island Golf Club, defeated ILGU Chief Executive, Sinead Heraty, from Castle, on the 16th to win the secondtier title. McElroy repeated her impressive showing at last year’s seniors’ championship when she defeated debutante Niamh Giblin, of Dun Laoghaire, at Tullamore Golf Club. McElroy went on to lead the Irish Seniors Team at the European
Senior Team Championships in Berlin last August. This year has been another successful one for the Grange member, winning the Portuguese Senior Ladies’ Golf Competition at Vilamoura in the Algarve in January. In challenging wet and windy conditions, McElroy was thrilled to secure a two-stroke victory, which was made extra special with husband, Eamon, caddying. She also finished as the top British or Irish player in joint third place at the Spanish Senior Championships at Santa Ponsa in February.
Win tickets to see UCD in friendlies UCD AFC have announced recently that they will host two friendly matches at the Belfield Bowl against Scotland’s St Johnstone FC on July 10, and Spain’s Villarreal CF on July 16. St Johnstone finished eighth in the SLP last season, and have a long tradition in Scottish football. Former players include Sir Alex Ferguson and Ally McCoist.
Villarreal finished fourth in last seasons La Liga and so are qualifiers for next season’s Champions League. As well as this, they have a wide range of talented footballers at their disposal with Barcelona target and former Manchester United player, Giuseppe Rossi, on the top of the list. GazetteSpor t and UCD are giving lucky
readers the chance to win pairs of tickets to these matches. Simply answer the following question: Where was Villarreal striker Guiseppe Rossi born? Send your answer, together with your name, address and mobile phone number, to sport@ gazettegroup.com, with “UCD Friendlies” in the subject line of the mail.
UCD’s Robbie Benson
30 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7 July 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
Get Messi at Dublin’s Barca summer camps IN AUGUST, the FC Barcelona Academy coaches are coming to Portmarnock to pass on some of their Champions League-standard of knowledge of the game to young players from Dublin. The camp caters for kids of all abilities, from ages seven to 16, and also helps educate coaches with the emphasis on players’ technical development, having fun and teaching the fundamentals of the game. The new camp follows on the heels of the success of the workshop held with Barcelona’s coaches at Carton House earlier this year. The camp takes place at Portmarnock AFC from Thursday, August 18 to Saturday, August 20 and runs from 9am to 12 noon for players aged from seven to 11 years, and from 2pm to 5pm for players aged from 12 to 16. For more information, or to register for the courses, see www.dbsportstours.ie
SOCCER: PULIS KEEN TO ENSURE LOCAL STAR STAYS AT CLUB
Clondalkin man Glenn Whelan has been linked with moves to West Ham United and Fulham
Whelan stays Stoked sport@gazettegroup.com
S T OK E C i t y b o s s , Tony Pulis, has dismissed rumours linking Clondalkin’s Glenn Whelan with a summer transfer away from the club. The Quarry vale native has been heavily linked with West Ham United and Martin Jol’s Fulham over the summer and also with a move away from the Britannia in the January transfer window. However, despite not utilising Whelan on a regular basis over the last 18 months, Stoke boss Pulis is adamant the Clondalkin footballer and Ireland regular is going nowhere.
Pulis, who led Stoke to the FA Cup final only to see them lose to Manchester City in May, claims that 27-year-old Whelan is a vital member of his squad. The much-respected manager highlighted fatigue, both physically and mentally, as the true catalyst behind the player’s lack of game time, who previously told GazetteSport he would consider a move if he wasn’t playing regular football. “The speculation is tittle-tattle. Glenn did smashing for us last season, but he has been in a situation that a lot of Premier League players
Silver and gold in Athens: Special Olympics winners SARAH Byrne and Lorraine O’Halloran
from Palmerstown, seen here with Conor MacGearailt fromAthy, were celebrating at the closing ceremony of the 2011 Special Olympics Summer Games in Athens last wek after claiming a silver and gold medal respectively. Sarah claimed a silver medal when the ladies basketball team came second, lost out to Greece in the final, while Lorraine won her gold medal in the 100m freestyle swimming final.
find themselves in. They get worn out. I don’t just mean physically, but they get mentally drained too and they need to rest,” Pulis said of the local lad. “Glenn always plays at 100 per cent, he never gives anything less, so it is important to recognise that the demands in the Premier League are different from those in the Championship. There will be times when players just have to rest.” Meanwhile, Dundee United captain and Bawnogue native Jon Daly sent out a rallying cry to his team-mates after the returned to pre-season training this week. The big target man has
target a third successive successful season and has called on the Tangerines to make it into Europe for the third successive year. “We have had a couple of cracking seasons at United and there is no reason why we can’t have another one,” said Daly, who sports the Arabs’ jersey with fellow Clondalkin native Sean Dillion week in week out. “I remember looking ahead to the 200910 campaign, wondering where it would lead us and what we could achieve. It turned out so much better than we could have hoped, winning the Scottish Cup and clinching third spot
in the league to head into Europe. “It was a great achievement and we were then faced with trying to do as much as we could to follow it up the season after that. “Well, we got fourth spot and another go at the Europa League. I was so proud of that because of all the injuries we had to cope with throughout the season. “Now we start all over again next month and I think third spot in the SPL is a realistic target for us. I also believe we are well capable of going on a run in one or both cups, and we all know where that can lead you.”
7 July 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31
in association with
AFL 2: MONESTARY ROAD MEN LOSE POLE POSITION
CLUB NOTICEBOARD ROUND TOWERS THE senior footballers beat Erin’s
behind the bar or from members
Isle and were narrowly beaten by
of the social committee to be com-
Ballinteer St John’s in the league.
pleted and returned no later than
The junior A and B footballers
July 29. No late entries. You can
were beaten by Wanderers and Na
get your entries in now. For more
Fianna in the league.
information you can contact any
Round Towers is offering you the chance to showcase your talent.
Gaelic 4 Fathers light training ses-
big thing and the Towers Got Tal-
sion continues on Wednesdays at
ent competition will afford you the
7.15pm in the Community Centre.
and perform. There is no age limit
AFL DIVISION 2 Ballinteer St John’s Round Towers RONAN MOYLES
1-12 1-11
sport@gazettegroup.com
BALLINTEER St John’s edged out Division 2 table-toppers Round Towers in an exciting AFL 2 encounter at Marley Park last Saturday night. A goal in the last minute from Towers meant there was an uncomfortable finish for Ballinteer, with the result very much in the balance up to the final whistle, but they managed to hang on and see out a slim 1-12 to 1-11 home victory. Ballinteer manager, Alan Byrne, and his team will be obviously delighted with the outcome of the match, but selector Gerry O’Donnell suggests that the gap should have been wider. “We won by a point and we probably should have won by more. “We were two points
up at half-time but it could have, maybe, been four or five. We kicked a few disappointing wides, which we will be looking to address,” said O’Donnell. “In the second half, we probably should have, maybe, four or five points up at the end as well. “But they got a goal late on – in the last minute – so we had to stay strong right up to the close of the match. “It might have been slightly a case of panic stations, but we held on.” In spite of his assertions that his side should have had a more convincing winning margin, O’Donnell was quick to praise his opponents. “I’m not going to say we were better than them; Round Towers are a very good side and were top of the table going into the game.” Round Towers’ manager Cormac Kirwan felt that his side were
badly affected by a significant list of absentees. “ We ’ ve h a d e i g h t injuries; we’re missing four of our starting six backs. “ O b v i o u s l y, t h i s makes things very difficult. I really think the lads did well under the circumstances. “We gave away some silly free-kicks, especially in the first half, and we will look at that.”
Positives On the back of the result, Kirwan says he will look to accentuate the positives as his side look forward to their next matches. “All the injuries (in the squad) at least mean we get to try out some of the younger lads and give them a chance, though, obviously, these are not the ideal circumstances to be doing that. “Most of these injuries are short term, but there are a couple of
long-term ones, too, unfortunately “We are lucky in the sense that we have not really been affected by emigration in the way other clubs have been, but the injuries really are a problem.” Kirwan will be looking to put the defeat, which knocked Towers off the top of the table, behind him. “We want to ensure this is only a blip. We will look to get back on track, our aim this year has to be promotion.” A s f o r B a l l i n t e e r, O’Donnell looks to the next game against O’Toole’s on July 27 at Blunden Drive as a crucial one as his side look to target the promotion places this year. “We want to keep this going and maintain our form.” Next up for Round Towers is a home tie against Cuala on the same date. They will be looking to put their tilt at promotion to AFL 1 back on track.
This week’s Lotto numbers were 7, 16, 20 and 24; Bonus Ball 14.
for this competition so, if your tal-
There was no winner of this week’s
ent is in singing, playing instru-
jackpot of €2,900. Congratulations
ments, dancing, comedy, or you
to Bob Russell, Johnny Lally and
have something else to bring to the
Betty Dunwor th, who were the
show, we want to hear from you.
three €100 winners. Next week’s
Entry forms are available from
Towers tipped off top by Ballinteer
check out the club website.
Young or old, you could be the next
opportunity to take to the stage
Round Towers fell from their league leaders’ position after defeat away to Ballinteer St John’s
member of the social committee or
jackpot is €3,000.
ST PATRICK’S, PALMERSTOWN THE team of the week was our Under-13s’ footballers who played
Senior hurlers are at home on Saturday to St Peregrine’s at 6.30pm.
three matches during the week and
The hurling and camogie camp
were victorious against Ballybod-
commences on July 25. Entry fee
en St Enda’s and Kilmacud Crokes,
for the week is €30.
while U-14s and 15s lost to Erin Go
To book a spot, phone coach David
Bragh and Garristown, and 16s had
at 086 310 1034. Times for camp is
a good win over Kilmacud Crokes.
10am to 2.30pm.
Under 10s and 11s hurlers hosted
Tickets for next Sunday’s Lein-
Young Ireland’s from Kilkenny in
ster football final can be collected
Glenaulin Park on Sunday morning.
on Thursday at the clubhouse from
Our sincere thanks to organiser
7.30 to 8.45pm. Stand €35, Terrace
Ray Brady and to the local catering
€20 and juveniles €5.
ladies for a most enjoyable morning. Senior and junior footballers both recorded two league wins each,
To visit our website, simply logon to www.stpatricksgaa.ie Lotto: Numbers drawn were 1, 8, 13 and 29.
with wins for seniors over Skerries
Well done to Vincent Kiilcullen. our
Harps and Naomh Fionnbarra and
winner of the €8,400 jackpot and to
juniors over Clontarf and Kilmacud
seller Maree O’Toole. Next week’s
Crokes.
jackpot is €2,000.
LUCAN SARSFIELDS IT continues to be a good 125th anni-
of three pla yers can be booked
versary year, as both Dublin teams
though Dave Whittle (087 2522656)
were captained by Lucan Sarsfields
or Michael O’Grady (087 2331983).
players. Well done to Peter Kelly
All forms of support welcome.
and Johnny McCaf frey on their performances for the seniors. Thanks to the Minor lads captain Chris Crummy, Seanie McClelland, Matthew McCaffrey and Emmet
Lotto: Numbers drawn were 6, 11, 15 and 26. There was no winner. Next week’s jackpot is €3,000. Hugh McGonigle’s team will be in charge next weekend.
O’Conghaile who brought the cup
Do not forget you can alwa ys
back to 12th Lock sharing their
enter our Lotto online by clicking
famous victory over Kilkenny with
on www.lucansarsfields.ie.
the members. Hard luck to the U-14 boys’ footballers in national feile in coming so close to success. Winning three
Tickets also on sale in Carey’s Newsagents. Thanks to Henley Forklift who are this week’s sponsor.
matches out of four was great hon-
Summer camps have been fixed
our for club. Thanks for all the sup-
for July 4 to 8, and 11 to 15; August
port.
8 to 12 and 15 to 19. Register online
Golf classic is July 15 and teams
via website.
ALL OF YOUR CLONDALKIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
POINTED OUT: Round Towers lose league lead after narrow defeat P31
JULY 7, 2011
THE BEST OF JUNE: Sports Awards winners revealed P29
Clon’ prepare for Division 1 mission
GazetteSPORT
Clondalkin rugby club will be taking their positive attitude into their inaugural campaign in Division 1
Gordon Park side return to pre-season training with eyes on the prize, aware of challenges that lie ahead JONNY STAPLETON swordssport@gazettegroup.com
CLONDALKIN rugby will take their first steps on a historic journey next week when pre-season training for their inaugural Division 1 campaign begins. The Gordon Park side will start back a few months earlier than usual in a bid to ensure they are operating at peak fitness ahead of what is set to be their toughest-ever campaign. But, whilst official pre-season training starts back this week, captain Kevin Cullen claims that such is the competition for places ahead of the new season the majority of the first and second team squads have been organising sessions over what was meant to be their break. Cullen expressed his delight at the extra endeavour showed by the players, but stressed a similar type of commitment will be needed throughout the entire campaign. The younger brother of Spencer Cup-winning
captain, Ciaran Cullen, emphasised a good preseason can prove decisive in key games later on in the year. However, the big second row, who replaces Dan Fitzpatrick as first-team captain, kept on his club captain hat also stating pre-season training is open to anyone interested in taking up rugby. “Training starts back over the coming weeks, but some of the lads have been working all summer. It is great to see such a number of players not just maintaining fitness in the break, but working on improving stamina, strength and their skill levels. “Attitude at this level is half the battle and I know now we have a group of players committed to the cause and up for the challenge of Division 1 rugby,” Cullen told GazetteSport. “Official pre-season starts back over next week. We got super fit last year but we need to up that a level this time round. That little bit extra effort put in over the summer can win us a close game mid winter,” Cullen added, before pointing out Gordon Park’s gates are always open to any visitor.
“Pre-season isn’t just for the first team. All four teams partake and any new players of any level are welcome. I can’t stress that enough. We love nothing more than a fresh face up here and pre-season is a great way to get fit.” One of the catalysts behind Clon’s historic promotion last term was the scrum. The set piece was the platform for the majority of the Gordon Park sides tries and with no fewer than eight pushovers was effectively the team’s top scorer. As a key member of the scrum its importance isn’t lost on Cullen, and the captain claims that they reaped dividends from the help of Clondalkin Credit Union. “We received a Community Development grant from the Credit Union and upgraded the scrum machine. It has been a massive help. “We have used it from the first team right down to the underage set up. Old wily props and beginners learning the trade have benefited equally,” said Cullen.