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July 14, 2011

FUN WITH FRANCES: Minister helps celebrate National Play Day

Page 7

Council liability claims bill hits €5.9m Q PAUL HOSFORD, DAWN

LOVE and LAURA WEBB

ALMOST €6 million was paid out in the past three years by South Dublin County Council in public liability claims.

Figures obtained by The Gazette have revealed that, from 2008 until 2010, the local authority paid out approximately €5.9 million in claim payments.

The figures show that, in 2008, the council paid out

€2.01 million while, in 2009, this had risen to €2.22 million. Meanwhile, 2010 saw a dramatically reduced figure of €1.66 million, representing a saving of more than half a million euro.

The Gazette can reveal that Fingal County Council paid out €4.1 million during the same period, while Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council paid out €6,440,138 million.

Full story on Page 4

Dropping by: Introducing ecofriendly move to local children THIS memorable character is Runa-

way Water – and it’s got to be stopped before we all get into trouble. That’s the message from the council, who have launched a new campaign aimed at cutting our water usage by

10%, through a number of simple, yet achievable, steps. Otherwise, the council says, it’s possible water restrictions may lie ahead if we all continue to waste this most precious resource.

Full story on Page 5

2 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 14 July 2011

COURTS Man gets 18-month term for role in video footage found at hotel room

Found with footage on laptop of ATM usage A 35-YEAR-OLD man found with two other Romanians in a hotel room containing a laptop, from which gardai recovered video footage of ATM pin transactions, has been given an 18-month sentence.

Claudiu Cvasniuc, of no fixed abode, who has been in custody since his arrest, pleaded guilty to, with Vasile Martin and Adrian Morosan,

possessing items in the Clarion Hotel, Liffey Valley on May 4, 2010, with the intention of using them in connection with theft.

Defence counsel, Mr Sean Guerin BL, told Judge Martin Nolan that Cvasniuc had not been in the country long when he was arrested.

He has been in custody for 14 months.

Cvasniuc’s co-accused,

Martin (36) and Morosan (19), both of no fixed abode, who were charged with other related offences, received partially suspended sentences earlier this year, on condition they leave the country on their release.

Mr Guerin told Judge Nolan that Cvasniuc “wants to get on the first plane out of the country, and go back to where he came from”.

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‘Judge Nolan heard that Cvasniuc “wants to get on the first plane out of the country, and go back to where he came from”.’

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Judge Martin Nolan imposed an 18-month sentence, which he backdated to May, 2010, and ordered Cvasniuc not to return for ten years.

Garda Wayne Donnel-

ly told Ms Martina Baxter BL, prosecuting, that gardai obtained a search warrant for a hotel room and found Cvasniuc, Martin and Morosan present.

They recovered a laptop, battery pack power source, and an SD card used to store data.

The laptop was examined and, of four files that had been deleted, one was recovered and found to contain video footage of people entering their PIN numbers at ATMs. Gda Donnelly said there was approximately six hours of footage,

which appeared to be so close that the camera was placed over the PIN pad.

Cvasniuc was arrested and, in interview, told gardai he had put antivirus software on the laptop. Mr Guerin said although bail was fixed, Cvasniuc had been unable to get a suitable address, as he has no connections with this country.

HOUSING: PUBLIC MEETING

Residents’ ‘appalling situation’ Q PAUL HOSFORD clondalkin@gazettegroup.com

LABOUR TD Robert Dowds has promised to raise with the Minister for Housing, Willie Penrose, concerns about the difficulties faced by Clondalkin residents dealing with the mess left behind by bankrupt property developers.

Speaking after a public meeting on the issue, Deputy Dowds said: “After hearing the stories of dozens of residents whose lives are being ruined as a result of the behaviour of property developers, it is clear to me that we need easier means of redress for those suffering as a result of what has been quite shocking behaviour by property developers, and/or management companies still under the control of the developer.

“There is an enormous

difference between the management companies being run by residents doing their best to clean up the mess left by developers, and the management companies still under the control of property developers, or their proxies,” he said.

Deputy Dowds said that some of the stories he heard at the meeting were “appalling”.

“Last Thursday, I heard the stories of dozens of residents, and in some cases the situation residents were in was quite appalling.

“There were cases of the management company refusing to insure the homes of residents, without any explanation; residents being charged extortionate levies without anything to show for it, and badly-constructed buildings, leading to no end of hassle and trouble

Local Labour deputy, Robert Dowds

for residents.

“In one case, a resident was being charged a large amount for gardening works by the developercontrolled management company – despite the fact that there was no greenery in the residential complex,” he said.

He was accompanied to the meeting by a barrister with experience in the area.

“The barrister I organised to be present at the meeting was quite shocked with some of the cases he heard, and advised several residents to speak to a solicitor immediately.

“If this is a reflection of

the situation nationally, we have a very serious situation on our hands,” said Deputy Dowds.

“It is an awful indictment of the Fianna Fail government, which let property developers run wild in our country for 14 years. The people I spoke to [at the meeting], and many more besides, are paying directly for that government’s policies.

“I am asking Minister Penrose to take note of the unscrupulous practices being inflicted on ordinary people, and to see what further measures [can be implemented] to assist those in difficulties.”

Deputy Dowds said that one of the biggest concerns is that many people living in defective homes have no redress, as the developers involved may be bankrupt.

“The most appalling part of this is that residents who have homes with serious defects are, in most cases, unable to get redress, as a result of the property developer in question going bankrupt.

“However, I would urge anyone living in an apartment complex with concerns about how their management company is being run to get involved in the running of the company,” he said.

14 July 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3

EDUCATION Keating claims extra fees are adding up

Cash van robbery case deferred

Call for parents not to be put under pressure Q PAUL HOSFORD clondalkin@gazettegroup.com

LOCAL parents should not be put under pressure by the costs of free education.

That is the opinion of local Fine Gael TD Derek Keating, who tabled a question on the issue in the Dail, leading to a debate between himself and Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn.

Deputy Keating asked the Minister if controls will be implemented to assist families who are “expected to make a voluntary registration fee at the start of every year for primary and secondary school students, who are also expected to pay €40

to €80 for photocopying services for the year, as well as anything from €100 to €300 for extra curriculum such as sport, drama, music; his views that the term free education is now redundant; and if he will make a statement on the matter”.

Position

Minister Quinn replied that the Department would not be changing their position on the issue of contributions.

“It is not my Department’s policy to prohibit the practice of schools seeking contributions from parents, as long as it is made absolutely clear that the contributions concerned are voluntary.

“The manner in which contributions are sought and collected is a matter for school management.

However, their collection should be such as not to create a situation where either parents or pupils could reasonably infer that the contributions take on a compulsory character. I have no plans to alter this position provided schools ensure the contributions are sought in a manner that makes this clear to all concerned.”

Deputy Keating thanked the Minister for his answer, but feels that parents are being pressured.

“Parents should not feel pressurised by demands of school man-

COURTS

Local Fine Gael TD Derek Keating

agement regarding voluntary registration fees or contributions; school books and uniforms.

“We have wonderful schools, principals, boards of management and dedicated teachers working in difficult times and in some very difficult family circumstances.

“I acknowledge, too, that parents are playing their part in difficult financial times. But parents cannot manage the increasing demands.

“This is why I raised with the Minister for

Education the problem of parents being pressurised regarding ‘voluntary’enrolment fees, expensive uniforms, sports kit, school book costs, photo-coping and extra-curricular activities.

“The Minister for Education is seeking parents and interested bodies’ views on a number of issues such as enrolment policy and other matters before October 28.

“I asked the Minister to consider regulations to assist school boards and, while he did not commit

to this until he receives a response from parents and schools, I believe he is open to controlling a number of serious expenses that have got out of hand in recent years, such as school uniforms, expensive book lists that change every year and enrolment fees.

“In my questioning of the Minister, I asked him to comment on ‘free education’. His reply indicated to me that no child should have to pay for subjects that are part of the curriculum.”

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.

Judge Martin Nolan set a new trial date of June 6, 2012, next 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 of Chapelfarm Avenue, Lusk; John Boylan of Gandon Court, Lucan and Gareth Hutch, of Drumalee 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 but will now stand next June.

4 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 14 July 2011

PRESIDENCY: PEOPLE’S FAVOURITE SPEAKS AT SDCC MEETING

Norris makes case to council PAUL HOSFORD news@gazettegroup.com

SENATOR David Norris was in the South Dublin County Council chambers this week, looking to secure the council’s nomination in this year’s presidential election.

Senator Norris, who is widely considered the front-runner for the presidency, is not yet a candidate in the election, as he is yet to secure the nomination of 20 Oireachtas members or four local authorities.

He spoke to the council about his aspirations for the presidency and about the important constitutional role that county and city councillors have in the nomination process.

Norris spoke of his belief in the high standing of the office in the country, believing that his career in the Seanad would put him in good stead to be President.

“I believe that to become President of Ireland is the highest honour to bestow on any citizen.

“Throughout my career I have striven to highlight injustice and have campaigned for many causes under the principles of fairness and justice.”

As an Independent candidate, Norris is engaging with local authorities and independent members of the Oireachtas to secure a nomination.

He has already secured the support of tens of thousands of people across various online and social media sites, and has received the backing of Fingal County Council as part of his bid to obtain

the support of four local authorities.

Norris outlined what he believed to be the three pillars of his campaign for the presidency – mental health, culture and enterprise.

“The only way for Ireland to get out of the financial trouble in which we find ourselves is to focus on enterprise, which will fuel job creation.

“Every presidential trip that is undertaken will have a strong focus on enterprise, and will include meetings with those who may attract inward investment into Ireland or support our export markets.

“At home, I will focus on the promotion of indigenous enterprise and on fanning the flame of the entrepreneurial spirit.

Mental health “One of the few remaining areas in Irish society often ruled by silence is the issue of mental health.

“There is no family in this country that has not in some way been impacted by mental health issues.

For a nation of talkers, this remains a subject that is often avoided, and isolation from society can be a huge problem for those struggling with mental health issues.

“More people die by suicide in this country every year than die on our roads. This stark fact must be highlighted, and solutions sought, and I am committed to this,” Senator Norris said.

South Dublin County Council are not expected to announce a nomination until September.

EDUCATION Meeting held to discuss Special Needs

Kenny warns SNAs being ‘dismantled’ PAUL HOSFORD

“INSTEAD of need determining Special Needs Assistant numbers, economics will,” People Before Profit Councillor Gino Kenny warned this week.

Cllr Kenny made the comments following a meeting on the subject last Monday with guest speakers, child psychologist Dr Peadar O’Grady, and principal of Griffeen Valley Educate Together, Tom Dowling.

Cllr Kenny said that the provision of SNA resources was being “dismantled”.

“Special needs educational

provision is being slowly dismantled as this Government continues the policies of Fianna Fáil and the Greens, sacrificing children in the interests of placating the ECB, EU and IMF. “It’s time to say enough is enough,” Cllr Kenny said.

“The number of hours allocated to each school to support children with special needs is being cut by 10% in the Government’s latest attack.

“The Department of Education has only made provision for 9,950 Learning Support/ Resource posts this year. This will not meet demand.”

Kenny said that next year will see schools struggle to supply assistance.

“For the 2011/2012 school year, schools will be allowed to roll over the Learning Support and Resource posts they currently have, pending a full review. If extra children require support that cannot be met within the school’s allocation, principals will now have to contact other schools to see if any teachers have spare hours. This will involve teachers losing valuable teaching time as they travel from school to school providing educational support.

“The provision of support will become more ad hoc and inconsistent, which is the opposite of what children and schools require.

“Waiting lists for psychological assessments and speech and language therapy are a national disgrace. Thousands currently languish on waiting lists. In many cases it is years before a child who presents with needs will actually get the resources in school that they require.”

Kenny went on to say that the children in the Clondalkin area who will suffer are those children who need help the most.

COUNCIL: FIGURES REVEAL A DROP IN ANNUAL PAYOUTS

SDCC liability payouts reach almost €6million PAUL HOSFORD, LAURA WEBB AND DAWN LOVE clondalkin@gazettegroup.com

ALMOST €6million was paid out in the last three years by South Dublin County Council in public liability claims.

Figures obtained by the Gazette have revealed that, from 2008 until 2010, the local authority paid out approximately €5.9 million in claim payments.

The council said it was not in a position to supply the data on a geographical basis because

this information was not available.

“The exact accident locations are not broken down into specific geographical areas,” said a council response.

T h e y e a r- o n - y e a r breakdown shows that the amount being paid out in the last three years has fluctuated, but that last year’s figure was significantly down.

In 2008, the council paid out €2.01 million, with that figure then rising in 2009 to €2.22 million.

Last year, saw a dramatically reduced figure

of €1.66 million, representing a saving of over half-a-million euro.

The reasons for the saving are not known, with the council not keeping records on specific reasons for claims.

“South Dublin County Council fully investigates all claims on an individual basis, the range of incidents can vary and we do not have incidents broken down into specific reasons.”

The figure of €5.9 million is down on the last time these figures were revealed by the Gazette, covering the 2004-2006

time period.

In that time span, over €8 million was paid out by the council, with 731 claims made during that period.

Figures The most recent figures obtained by the Gazette for South Dublin County Council are significantly higher than those paid out by Fingal County Council during the same period, which show that between 2008 and 2010 Fingal paid out €4.1 million in respect of Public Liability Claims.

According to Fingal,

they paid out €1.35million in 2008, €1.9 in 2009 and €.85 in 2010. Again, Fingal said that specific details of the regions where claims are made is not available.

The figure was less, however, than the almost €6.5 million paid out by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said that they paid out almost €6.5million in the last three years, but was not able to supply a breakdown of which areas were affected most.

14 July 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5

ENVIRONMENT Advice on how to reduce use by 10%

‘Runaway water’ must be cut down, says council campaign Q PAUL HOSFORD clondalkin@gazettegroup.com

THE Mayor of South Dublin County, Catriona Jones, this week officially launched the Stop Water Running campaign, featuring an hilarious YouTube video of a water drop running around South Dublin.

“Water is our most precious commodity, and we must value it. Storage of raw water – untreated water – is at a very low level.

“It is important that we all do our bit to save 10% of our daily water usage – it’s easily done,” said Mayor Jones.

“Don’t leave the tap running, collect rain water to water plants, have a quick shower, fix leaking taps and stop running water!”

She continued her ecofriendly suggestions by saying: “This water drop video is on YouTube and I would like to ask everyone to help us spread the message that water is precious and needs to be saved by sending the link to the video on to family and friends.”

The Water Drop video has an important message – stop running water, and we won’t end up in trouble.

By m a k i n g s m a l l changes to some of our daily activities, we can all significantly reduce the volume of water we waste.

This video is part of the water conservation message for all residents and businesses of South Dublin County.

The campaign is attempting to get residents of the county to use 10% less water, with simple tips, such as not letting taps run.

South Dublin County Council is appealing to the public and the business community to conserve water and to minimise usage.

The lower-than-average rainfall in recent months has led to a reduction in the volume of raw water available for treatment from the reservoirs at Poulaphouca, Roundwood and Bohernabreena.

The Runaway Water mascot meets local South Dublin County children as part of a new council campaign

There is no immediate need to impose restrictions on water supply.

However, restrictions may be unavoidable should the dry spell continue, and should demand for water increase during the summer period.

As such, the council is asking residents to repair leaks, drips, or bursts on their own property, and to report to the council any leaks or bursts that they may come across elsewhere, with 01 457

4907 available as an after-hours number.

For advice on how to conserve water, consumers should view the www. taptips.ie website.

Finally, the hilarious Water Drop video – and its serious message – can be found online at YouTube at: http:// w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=8pfvrHb0XE8.

Alternatively, you can also search YouTube for “stop running water south dublin”.

Buy fresh fruit ‘n’ veg – online MOST of us are familiar at this stage with the concept of online shopping.

Whether you are purchasing a new dress, or booking flights for a weekend in London, shopping online is now an important part of how we do business, but a new Celbridge-based company is looking to add fruit and veg to the list of online goods.

Marketfresh is a new company based in Celbridge, who believe they have found a gap in the market by providing an online shop for fruit and vegetable requirements.

They also sell complementary

products, such as free-range eggs, Irish pressed fruit juices, homemade jams and chutneys, and a full range of ready-to-cook, prepared vegetables.

Marketfresh have developed a simple online platform where you can choose your products, and pay for them on a secure site, with the site launching at a time when more and more Irish people are looking to the internet for at least part of their weekly shop.

The company says that its produce comes direct from the markets, cutting down on transit time and shelf time, and ensuring that

produce makes it from the farm to the table in the shortest possible time.

There are a number of standard fruit and veg boxes already assembled if customers want to make a quick purchase, including a juicing box and the popular toddler box, for people who prefer to cook their own food for their children with fresh healthy ingredients.

Marketfresh.ie is providing an introductory offer – if you purchase any of their standard boxes for a period of four weeks, the fourth box is free. For full details, be sure to see www.marketfresh.ie.

ATHLETICS

Take to the hills for a run THE second Dublin Mountains half-marathon event takes place on Sunday, July 17 at 10am.

The event, hosted by the Irish Mountain Running Association (IMRA) and the Dublin Mountains Partnership, and sponsored by Basecamp, is primarily through forests and along trails in the Dublin Mountains.

The event starts and finishes in Marlay Park, and winds its way up through the nature trail of Massy’s Estate before joining a newly-created section of the Dublin Mountains Way through Cruagh Wood, and ascending the Tibradden Ridge trail, joining the Wicklow Way back to Marlay Park.

This event for enthusiastic trail runners has a rise of 820m to climb, with an entry fee of €20 for IMRA members, and €30 for non-IMRA members.

All proceeds will go towards trail maintenance. For further information, see www.dublinmountains.ie/news/ plod/.

6 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 14 July 2011

COUNCIL A number of new initiatives rolled out

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Best of BMW: Taking the top down on the BMW 118d

MOTORING PAGE 18

South Dublin County Council offices

Ready for a ‘new reality’ of working for everyone THE Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has formally launched a number of pieces of work initiated by South Dublin County Council’s (SDCC) Children’s Services Committee.

T hese include a directory of services for frontline staff, an inter-agency protocol (Working Together for Children), a new protocol (Sharing Information on Children and Families), and an evaluation report (The Alternative Response Model (ARM)).

A council statement said: “South Dublin County is a proud county, proud of its services, and especially proud of all the organisations and frontline staff who work to deliver serves to children and families in this county.”

The formal launch event took place on Friday, July 1, in SDCC’s Council Chamber, in the presence of the Mayor of South Dublin County, local TDs, councillors and frontline staff drawn from 130 organisations from 229 service points in South Dublin.

While the council is streamlining, with “reevaluation”, “value for money”, “downsizing”

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‘Now, more than ever, Ireland Inc needs both its public and community services to pull together, climb out of silos, change ways of working and embrace the new reality: We have to do it together’ --------------------------

SDCC statement

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and “Auditor General” being terms that are currently striking fear into the hearts of many public and community organisations and staff across the countr y, SDCC is confident that, working together, Ireland can haul itself up.

A SDCC statement said: “Now, more than ever, Ireland Inc needs both its public and community services to pull together, climb out of silos, change ways of working and embrace the new reality: ‘We have to do it together.

“Doing it together

requires a leap of faith, and also the knowledge of how to do it.

“Over the past number of years, we have witnessed the results of organisations failing to work together, of staff arguably operating in a climate of fear, failing to share information and of families bewildered by the number of services being offered to them, and often too bewildered by the lack of progress on their behalf,” said the council.

The Children’s Services Committee – an initiative under the auspices of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, and which was established to promote inter-agency working – has published its protocols, an evaluation of an actual interagency initiative, and a directory of services, which, it hopes, will together help clear a path for organisations, both public and community, to work together to ensure children and families receive quality supports in a planned, integrated and supportive manner.

For further information, contact: Maria Donohoe, Children’s Services Coordinator, at SDCC; email mdonohoe@sdublincoco.ie.

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

14 July 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7

FAMILY FUN People of all ages seemed to enjoy the park festival

National Play Day a huge success MINISTER for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, joined thousands of families in Corkagh Park recently. to celebrate National Play Day. The event, organised

by South Dublin County Council, was a phenomenal success and attracted an estimated 3,500 people.

“As Minister for Children, I was delighted to celebrate National Play Day here in the heart of my constituency.

South Dublin County Council did a phenomenal job in putting on such an incredibly suc-

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cessful event. Children were being entertained by story tellers, puppet shows, a mobile reptile zoo, bouncy castles and Corkagh’s best loved attraction, the pet farm,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

The Minister said that families from right across the Dublin Mid West constituency enjoyed the day out.

“Families from right across Clondalkin, Lucan, Palmerstown, Newcastle and Rathcoole converged on the park to avail of the free attractions and sample the treats on offer from the Farmers’ Market

Minister Fitzgerald and children with Disney characters at the event

stalls,” said Fitzgerald, who went on to say that the event showed the need for more community projects such as this.

“The huge turnout indicates the need for more, free, familyfriendly events. As Minister for Children and

Youth Affairs, I will be pushing for more children-focused events and festivals. South Dublin County Council’s Community Depar tment were the main organisers of the Play Day celebrations in Corkagh Park, which offered activities for children

of all ages. The fantastic weather was a real boost and added to the festival atmosphere,” said the Minister.

“The innovation of the organisers was evident at the reptile zoo and through the sprinkling of mini-hay stacks to be used as seats, and I

was delighted to see that puppet shows remain a timeless attraction.

It was a real honour to attend this successful event in my new capacity as Minister for Children and want to pay special tribute to all the hard work of the Council organisers,” she said.

ROSE TITLE Clondalkin girl among favourites CLONDALKIN’S Dublin Rose, Siobheal Nic Eochaidh, has been installed as one of the front-runners for the prestigious Rose of Tralee title.

The stunning Clondalkin Gaeilgeor is 10/1 to claim the crown, making her the secondranked Irish contestant, behind the Wexford entry, and the sixth overall.

Primary school teacher Mary Kehoe is representing the Model County and can be backed at 9/1 whilst Siobheal has been installed at 10/1.

“Local Roses are always strongly supported and, while there has been some support for them, it’s the Texas Rose who has attracted a flurry of bets to date,” said Nicola McGeady, Boylesports PR spokesperson.

The Rose of Tralee International Festival runs from August 19-23 this year.

8 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 14 July 2011

PICTURES Gazettephotos.com is packed full of local pictures;

Sylvia Ebrill, Sharon McHugh and Ciara Lyons. Pictures: Peter Doyle

Racing ahead with some expert tips OCALS went racing to The Laurels for a popular racing night earlier this year, which saw punters and race fans alike convene for an evening of fun, held as a Cheltenham Festival

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preview evening.

Champion jockey Ruby Walsh was on hand to offer some tips and thoughts on the form ahead of the festival, with top trainer, Gordon Elliot,

also chipping in with his tips. Their thoughts helped send hopes racing ahead for the festival but, of course, it was all for fun, with everyone enjoying the memorable night at The Laurels.

Paul Ryan, of Paddy Power.com, and Philip Baker

Ruby Walsh, champion jockey

The pub was packed to capacity for the popular event

Caroline Seery and Peter Brady

Tom Brady, Gloria McNevin and Paddy Graham

We are adding more and more pictures to our site,

www.gazette

14 July 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 9

can you spot anyone you know here? Log on to see even more!

Fintan Mullaly, Marie Grange, Arjuna Manel, Des Bergin, Pauline Fitzgerald and Thomas O’Flaherty really enjoyed the diverse range of topics expertly delivered by the evening’s Toastmasters

Marie Grange

Toastmaster, Pat Connell. Pictures: Peter Doyle

Yvonne Kearney

Sound engineer, David Norris

Time for a Toast to savour with friends LONDALKIN Toastmasters brought their considerable speaking skills to bear at Bewley’s Hotel, Newlands Cross, which drew many of the club’s members and guests.

With a Liffey Sound Radio sound technician on hand to record the evening’s speeches, members lost no time in running through

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their engaging public speaking skills, with club president, Des Bergin, joining the evening’s Toastmaster, Pat Connell, to help keep things moving along. In the end, a number of speakers stood out as being particularly good, but the club’s members and guests were happy to applaud and laud the skills of all the members.

Sheamus Whelan, Brian Daly and Pauline Fitzgerald

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10 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 14 July 2011

HEALTH New DocMorris pharmacy outlet opens by Tesco

Cormac Tobin, managing director, DocMorris, joins SDCC Mayor Catriona Jones in presenting a €1,000 cheque for St Luke’s Hospital to Sorcha Eivers and Sandy Casserly. Pictures: Cormac Curtis

Healthy addition to local business HERE was exciting news for local residents recently when DocMorris Pharmacy invited friends and neighbours to the opening of its new store, located close to Tesco, at Dodsborough Road.

The new pharmacy is a major boost for the location, and has also brought new jobs to the area. As part of the celebrations, there were

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Mayor Catriona Jones and Cormac Tobin, managing director, DocMorris

plenty of special offers to be had on some favourite brands for customers, kids’ facepainting, and lots of clowns for those who came to check out the special event.

The honour of cutting the ribbon was given to the managing director of Doc Morris, Cormac Tobin; SDCC Mayor, Catriona Jones; Sorcha Eivers and Sandy Casserly.

Pharmacy manager, Nuala and St Luke’s fundraiser, Sandy Casserly

Emily Moroney

Kelium Healy turns into Batman

Sean Eivers

Leah Healy shows her floral face Cllr Eamon Tuffy

Jessica and Lyndsey Casserly, with Clarissa Devaney

A spooky Ross Eivers at the opening

painting

14 July 2011 GAZETTE 11

ADVICE Taking steps to dealing with credit problems on your own terms

Roadmap to recovery: The safe journey This week, Tara O’Grady brings the third and final part of her Roadmap to Recovery from Debt Despair.

TO WRAP up our process of recovery from debt despair, the focus is on the “Life” file, the “Courage under Fire” file and the “Action Plan” file.

The matters contained within these files need to be dealt with in a practical and deliberate manner. Start the process as follows:

1

Don’t make the mistake of ignoring demand letters.

2

If phone calls are distressing or harassing, you are entitled to change your number and to write to the banks to say that all communication needs to be in writing. Request an email address if you do not have one, to save postage funds.

3

Write to all unsecured creditors

(with or without the help of a Debt Management Organisation), explaining your situation, based on your income and expenditure form.

Once you have established your exact financial position, if there are no funds available after basic living means are met, then these unsecured creditors cannot be paid (until and unless you become in a position to be able to do so).

4

In the case of your Secured Creditors, suggest every conceivable option to allow you to pay the minimum amount possible, based on your income and expenditure.

Over the coming months, a variety of participants of the Phoenix Process will bring further advice and information on

5

If there are NO funds available for a certain amount of time, inform them.

6

Ask them to temporarily freeze the interest and late repayment charges.

7

Ask them not to issue any legal proceedings until every available option is looked into.

8

Request that all correspondence is sent by email so that you have records. If this is not possible, keep a copy and a record of every letter sent and received.

9

Remember to enter each event into the “Life after Debt” diary.

10

Be supported or support when

post is being opened.

NB

Inform your family GP of your mood, sleep patterns etc.

If the stress has reached the point of despair, or suicidal thoughts, ask this GP to make an appointment with a specialist to help with this.

If there are no funds for

dealing with the problems of modern life and also tips on activities that can help us all enjoy life a little more.

this help, a GP can make an appointment with a HSEfunded service.

Remain focused on positives; keep strong supports in place and remember to put things in perspective.

Those in debt need to remember that debt is a massive national problem that has sadly manifested

itself in people’s lives in a highly-distressful way.

Correspondence No one individual is to blame, and to be in debt is not a criminal act, contrary to what is repeatedly intimated on legal correspondence that may be received.

For the moment, our

court process is limited.

However, as stated above, this is a legal issue, and not a criminal issue. The paperwork process outlined above in a court situation would be more than enough in a case of inability to pay, which now means, in fact, that the worst-case scenario has already been dealt with.

12 GAZETTE 14 July 2011

GazetteFITNESS FITNESS

Brought to you by Derry Temple personal trainer and pilates instructor

THE FACTS: YOUR NORMAL WORKOUT MAY NOT BE AS EFFECTIVE AS YOU THOUGHT IT WAS

How to lose those few extra pounds by using the right kind of workout OST gymgoers spend endless hours performing steady state cardio and have probably been doing the same sort of exercise for years without ever achieving the results they are looking for.

There is a common misconception that, in order to lose fat, you must spend hours pounding on the treadmill when, in fact, the opposite is true.

Aerobic means “with oxygen”, and refers to the use of oxygen in the body’s metabolic or energy–generating process.

By definition aerobic exercise is performed at moderate levels of intensity for extended periods of time. Long-duration aerobic work has a host of valuable health benefits, including increasing blood flow, making the heart stronger, decreasing the resting heart rate and improving energy production.

However, there is a downside to steady-state aerobic work, in that it is easy for your body to recover from and adapt to. Also when you train

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The use of anaerobic exercise is more suitable to help you lose the extra pounds

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aerobically you may burn calories, but this ends shortly after you finish your workout.

How can you shift bodyweight without spending hours in the gym?

The answer is through a combination of Resistance Training and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).

more calories for up to 72 hours after training.

The other great news is that you can increase the intensity of this training in a number of ways as your body begins to adapt.

HIIT training can be any form of aerobic training that is performed at high intensity

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

‘There is a common misconception that in order to lose fat you must spend hours pounding on the treadmill when in fact the opposite is true’ --------------------------------------------------------

Both these anaerobic forms of training (anaerobic meaning without oxygen) create shifts in your metabolism causing you to burn more calories even after you have finished training.

“The optimal approach to fat loss is Resistance and H.I.I.T. training.”

With anaerobic exercise, you do not only raise your metabolism, burning calories while you train, but you also burn

followed by a period of rest or low activity. HIIT causes increased excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) keeping your metabolism high for up to 72 hours after training.

Ageing causes a drop in muscle mass, and so a lowering of the metabolism. The optimal approach to address this metabolic drop is resistance training – for every pound of muscle you gain, you burn an

extra 50 calories per day.

Your goal should be to make your body more anabolic (to promote muscle growth) to help you burn fat.

The other benefits of resistance training are plentiful and include improved posture and appearance, reduced body fat, increased strength, power, endurance, metabolism and bone density.

Before embarking on any training programme, you should ensure you have guidance and help from a qualified fitness professional.

Derry Temple runs DT Fitness in Artane, Dublin 5, and specialises in helping people achieve their health and fitness goals.

He is holding a free presentation on Training and Eating For Fat Loss on Saturday, July 23.

Places are limited so to confirm your attendance please e-mail Derry Temple at derry@ dtfitness.ie. Make sure to mention the Gazette Newspaper in the title to receive your free EBook on Training and Eating For Fat Loss.

www.gazette group.com ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

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

14 July 2011 GAZETTE 13

14 GAZETTE 14 July 2011

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC Welch delivers a harvest full of earthy delights Q ROB HEIGH

GILLIAN Welch is renowned for two things — being one of the best singer-songwriters in music, and not being nearly prolific enough.

Eight years since their last release, Soul Journey, which had the Bob Dylan-esque audacity to feature an electric guitar in their previously all-acoustic sound, comes The Harrow and The Harvest, a return to Welch and David Rawlings’ darker, melodic roots.

As the title suggests, there’s a pastoral gothic at work here, and the instruments used, that include banjo, hands and feet show they have stripped the music back to it’s almost barest bones.

There is an indescribable familiarity about Gillian Welch’s music. It’s like nothing you’ve heard before, and everything you know.

Rooted in bluegrass and Appalachian styles, there is something fascinating and beguiling about The Harrow and The Harvest.

It’s shot through with a folk memory of songs long forgotten but that are still in your ears, and their shapes come into focus quickly after only a few bars.

It’s not even country music, it’s something more than that. It’s soul music, in the purest sense of that phrase.

The songs speak of scarlet and daggers, and, within the shadows of the music, there’s the feeling that there is something ready to reap what has been sown in the lives and loves of the characters in the songs.

This isn’t a great record, it’s an essential one. There’s the essential force of life and death within, and there’s very few records you can say that about.

Gillian Welch and David Rawlings

The One: Prince set to be crowned at the Castle THE time is nigh. Prince, still the best live act in the world, comes to Malahide Castle on July 30.

Fresh from the stage of the Hop Farm festival in Kent, where he stole the weekend with a hitpacked and super funky two-hourplus set, Prince will hit the stage at the Castle to enthral his Irish fans for the first time since 2002, when he owned the Point, and went on to an awesome aftershow at Spirit.

Tickets from €89.50 are available at www.ticketmaster.ie.

INTERVIEW: A FRESH START FOR FORMER REPUBLIC STARS

Cars Love Girls love their new direction Q ROB HEIGH

CARS Love GIrls sounds like the blueprint for every great song of the last few decades, but it’s also the name of the new band from former Republic of Loose members Cormac and Orla Breslin.

The band came about when the brother and sister duo, who had always talked about working together, were looking for the next stage to their musical careers after leaving the Loose around two years ago.

“I had a good few songs left over that I had written for the band,” said Bres. “Usually, I would bring along an instrumentals and we would then put lyrics and vocals to them. So, I was left wondering what I would do next with them, and so I decided to finish them myself.

“Orla and I always said we would do something together, and the timing was right, so it happened pretty naturally.”

That natural progression has seen the band put together an album, Skip School, which con-

Bres and Orla of Cars Love GIrls, who play at Crawdaddy on July 20

tains ten highly polished and accomplished songs that stand out from the current crop of sounds emerging from the capital city.

Imagine the chromeplated production sound of Steely Dan, the loose funk of early Prince and the warm embrace of Prefab Sprout, and you’re getting close to the sound of Cars Love Girls.

“I’m not really affiliated with the Irish music scene, I’ve been in one band since college, and I don’t play with anyone

else. The scene wasn’t an inf luence, what influenced it was me going back to my record collection and thinking about the artists that I loved and what did I want us to sound like.

“Things like Prince and Prefab Sprout, b a n d s t h a t I n e ve r stopped listening to, something that had a groove, and was really polished. It’s almost easy listening - clean, well-produced stuff.

“That was what we were going for and, hopefully, I’ve ended up

somewhere in that ballpark.”

The band will play their first official gig at Crawdaddy on July 20, and their live sound is something that Bres and Orla have been working hard on perfecting.

“We’re looking forward to the first show, we’ve been rehearsing for the last couple of months, and it’s sounding good. It’s pretty much exactly the same as the record.

“It’ll take time to grow, and settle down on stage. We have a sup-

port slot in September; we’re planning on doing the Hard Working Class Heroes and EuroSonic festivals, as well as the IMRO showcase tour.

“We’re starting from scratch, really doing everything we can. I can’t wait to get the album out there, so we’re looking at the best way of doing that.”

When the album drops, don’t expect Cars Love Girls to remain in the shadows for long. It sounds like the first step on the road to international success.

14 July 2011 GAZETTE 15

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY Smoothtastic, summer legs F you want to get smoothtastic pins, but you’re fed up with shaving and waxing, then why not follow the celebrities’ lead and epilate your way to smoother skin this summer.

Lifes2good’s latest Wet and Dry Emjoi Dolphin Epilator has been specifically designed to remove even the shortest of hair, its 18 sets of tweezeraction discs ensures rapid, non-irritating and virtually pain-free hair removal - literally! Its special water-resistant design enables it to remove even the shortest of hair on the legs, bikini line and under arms, with perfect precision giving results which last up to six weeks!

And to help you along the way, Emjoi has come up with its five top tips to achieving those perfectly

I

sleek pins using your epilator.

hours after hair removal.

Tip 1

Tip 4

Have a nice hot bath or shower before removing unwanted hair. This will open up your pores, making epilating quick and more comfortable!

And you can use the Wet and Dry Dolphin Epilator whilst in the bath!

Maintain silky-smooth legs by exfoliating and moisturising at least three times a week.

Exfoliation prevents unsightly ingrow n hairs by removing dead skin, ensuring new hair can surface. Moisturising will also help to sooth your skin.

Tip 2

Ensure your skin is clean and dry before epilating. Hold the skin in the surrounding area taut, then gently glide your epilator along your skin in the direction of hair growth.

Tip 5

Keep it up! One of the great benefits of removing hair from the roots is that regrowth becomes far finer and sparser over time.

The latest Wet and Dry Emjoi Dolphin Epilator has been specifically designed to remove even the shortest of hair

Tip3

Prevent skin irritation and ingrown hairs after epilating by avoiding exfoliating and wearing tight clothes for 24

The Wet and Dry Dolphin Epilator by Lifes2Good is priced €39.95 and is available at leading pharmacies and

health stores nationwide or by visiting www.lifes 2good.ie

Ahhhh ... Aveeno is here THEY’VE achieved a cult following in the US, and now the new Aveeno Positively Radiant range is available for the first time in Ireland!

The skincare range utilises the benefits of soy, a new naturally active ingredient for the Aveeno brand in Ireland, and has been clinically proven to even out skin tone and texture to boost skin’s natural radiance.

Included in the range is the Positively Radiant Daily Skin-Brightening Moisturiser SPF 15, which contains SPF 15 to help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, while its light diffusers will instantly boost your skin’s natural radiance. Shea Butter, squalane and glycerine help to ensure skin is left

hydrated and smooth.

Meanwhile, the Positively Radiant Triple Boost Serum contains a blend of vitamins and antioxidants, which are known to help fight free radicals and help keep skin looking younger.

The unique formula reveals the skin’s natural radiance and visibly diminishes the appearance of skin discoloration and brown spots.

And for those dark circles and lines around the eyes, Positively Radiant Eye Brightening Cream is sure to be a hit. This eye-brightening cream, with naturally active soy, is fast-absorbing with a light texture and is clinically proven to visibly improve the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.

Edited by Dawn Love

Light diffusers instantly boost skin’s natural radiance and revitalise the area around the eyes.

The new Aveeno Positively Radiant range is available from July in pharmacies nationwide.

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MATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

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16 GAZETTE 14 July 2011

SNAPSHOT Some fun stories of the week around the capital

On your bike!

RTE’s Jacqui Hurley launches the annual Tomas Mulligan Cycle in aid of Pieta House, the suicide crisis centre, along with Dublin footballers Éamon Fennell and Eoghan O’Gara. The fun cycle, which is in its fourth year, is held in memory of Dublin footballer Tomas Mulligan who died by suicide in 2007. The cycle, organised by the Mulligan family, takes place on Saturday, August 13, and Sunday 14, and this year’s destination is Athlone. The cycle aims to raise awareness of the work carried out by Pieta House and to celebrate the lives of those lost to suicide.

Gazette Contacts Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251

Managing Director: Liam Holland email: lholland@gazettegroup.com General Manager: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com

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

Mingin? Dail’s fashion sense just might be...

“IF I HAD a handbag, I’d have clobbered him with it.”

So said Mar y Mitchell O’Connor, showing that the schoolyard whispers of Deputies Wallace, Flanagan and Ross had not dampened her sense of humour.

But if she did have a handbag, what would have been in it? A driver’s licence?

A spare “garish” outfit? A brick heavy enough to knock the pink off Wallace’s shirt?

The Diary was heartened to see that such taunts exist in other workplaces, not just our own newsroom, but we are not being paid 90 grand a year to represent thousands of people.

Aside from the rights and the wrongs of the incident, one is forced to question how three deputies such as Wallace, a man so woefully dressed that legis-

lation will soon be passed to correct him, “Ming” Flanagan, whose namesake was feared for his sinister looks as much as his ability to torture Flash Gordon (and don’t even get me started on the beard!) and Ross, he of the strange tuft of hair, just sitting limp atop his head, can, with sincerity, question the sartorial choices of another?

DIARY One-hundred invited Muggles of all ages will dress up and gather in the party room from 3 to 5pm to learn wizardry tricks and play Harry Potter-themed games. Frangos World Cuisine will also have a full Harry Potter-themed menu with lots of mouth-watering treats to choose from.

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 is released in cinemas this Friday, July 15.

Hamleys cast Photography a spell showcase HAMLEYS in Dundrum Town Centre will be cast under a spell this Saturday. The store’s party room on the third floor will be bursting with magic as it is transformed into a School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in aid of Unicef.

A GROUP of recent photography graduates of Griffith College have come together to form a photography collective, entitled Arcadia, and will host their debut exhibition as a group, entitled Grey Area, in Gallery

53, Capel Street, Dublin 1 until July 30.

The exhibition, which is part of the PhotoIreland Festival 2011, seeks to examine some of life’s grey areas and is an exploration and personal interpretation by the diverse group of photographers.

Sinead Murphy, Head of Photography at Griffith College, said: “I am delighted to see these talented photographers showcasing their work and commend them for the formation of the Arcadia group.

“I would like to wish them the best of luck with their debut show.”

Students of Griffith College Dublin, both past and present, have also had their photography work selected for the Four Floors exhibition in the Mad Art Gallery on 56, Lower Gardiner Street, Dublin 1, and will run until July 30.

For more information on Griffith College photography courses go to www.gcd.ie.

14 July 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: LOOKING AT THE FISH IN A FISH TANK CAN HAVE THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS

Our popular finned friends OLDFISH are one of the most popular household pets in Ireland. It’s very simple to take care of one, and, although they don’t require that much space, as beautiful, living creatures, they certainly require love, care, attention and a healthy living environment.

This week I want to make my readers aware of the specific needs of the goldfish because, last week, I was forced to intervene when I witnessed a group of teens at a jumble fair kicking around a clear plastic bag containing a small amount of water and a goldfish they said they’d “just won at a stall”.

I also want to take this

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opportunity to remind stall-holders/fair-organisers that they have a duty of care to any animal in their possession, and should not give them out as prizes. Let me state quite clearly for the record that it is a crime to intentionally abuse, injure, illtreat or cause unnecessary suffering to an animal and those who do so may be prosecuted.

That said, goldfish are wonderful, educational, finned friends to introduce their owners to the responsibilities of caring for a living creature and, if taken care of properly, can live for ten years or more. Some have been documented to live up to 30 years. It’s worth remembering that every

Goldfish might be the right pet for you

goldfish, just like every human, is an individual and can possess its own characteristics. For example, did you know that a pet goldfish will actually recognise its owner and will rise to the surface to be hand fed by them?

If you’re reading this and thinking about giving a goldfish a home, here’s a

few tips to help you out.

First of all, there are two categories of goldfish, single-tailed and twin-tailed.

An example of singletailed gold fish would be the Comets: This variety has an exceptionally long tail fin; in fact often the fin is the length of the fish’s body, allowing him to swim pretty fast. You’ll

need a large tank for this variety, which are usually yellow but sometimes have a white body with red on their backs.

An example of twintailed is the Black Moor: This variety has telescopic eyes that appear to stick out from the fish’s head.

As the name suggests, they are always black in colour.

Goldfish should be kept with their own kind, i.e. twin-tailed with twintailed, single-tailed with single-tailed and not mixed together.

So, you’ve decided on the variety, now how do you choose your supplier?

W hen visiting the aquarium/pet-store, take a look at the condition of

the fish in the tank. Is the tank over-crowded? Are there any dead fish in the tank? Is the water clear or cloudy? Do the fish have fungal growths on their scales? Are the fins erect and moving (but not moving too quickly, as this could be a sign of a lack of oxygen).

Healthy fish should swim effortlessly through water, with long-finned ones swimming a bit slower than the others.

There are many factors to consider when buying the fish tank and, while a fish aquarium can make a unique decorative addition to any room, placement is a key issue.

The tank must be placed against an inside wall, away from direct sunlight,

open windows and doors.

Remember, the warmer the room, the less oxygen there will be for the fish so keep this in mind and don’t over-crowd the tank.

Fish grow, so do your research on your particular variety to find out how large your pet will get before you buy your tank.

There’s a lot to consider before you join the fishkeeping fraternity, including who will look after Nemo and friends. But it is a therapeutic experience – did you know that gazing into a fish tank can slow down your heart rate and calm your nerves?

For a more information, visit www.dspca.ie, or email miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie

18 GAZETTE 14 July 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS

The BMW 1 Series convertible is the car for summer driving. This car blends sports styling with practical driving economics, even if the buy-in price is relatively high at €36,450 for the diesel powered entry model.

Converted by BMW’s 1 Series MICHAEL MORONEY took the top down on the BMW 118d WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240

and loved every moment of its thrilling performance ONVERTIBLE time is summer time and that’s when ownership of a car like the BMW 118d convertible comes into its own. This is a car in which to plan a trip to a big event like the Galway Races. So get ready for the road in car that makes a statement while being thrifty on the road. The BMW 118d convertible mixes bling with brains in a car that’s super in terms of style and performance and even better when it comes to efficiency.

If you are one for motoring style, this is a car that makes a modest statement. Modest in terms of running costs while a shade bling in terms of the message that it gives to all others on the road. Just roll down the roof and see the reaction.

I covered the roads in the BMW 118d and it is

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SPECS: BMW 118D CONVERTIBLE Top speed: 208 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 9.5 secs Economy: 20.8 km/litre (4.8 l/100km) CO2 emissions: 127g/ km Road Tax Band: B (€156) Euro NCAP Rating: 5 Star (2004) Warranty: 3 years Entry Price: €36,450

impressive. There’s plenty of power from the 2.0 litre turbo-diesel engine that has all of the BMW EfficientDynamics systems included.

This latest edition car differs from the previous versions as it has a new front bumper with redesigned fog lights and redesigned halogen headlights with an “eyebrow” element. If you specify the optional Xenon head-

lights, this “eyebrow” element features an LEDilluminated light bar.

The rear lights and the headlights have also been changed and now give a new, and more detailed, appearance.

The biggest change for the BMW 1 Series is that the cars now come fitted with what BMW calls an Aero Curtain. This new feature channels the airflow around the front of the car to reduce aerodynamic drag, with the aim of further improving efficiency.

BMW engineers have lots of convertible experience and they say that wheel arches are one of the main areas of aerodynamic drag. They believe that the newAero Curtain is the solution to reduce this inefficiency.

The system is developed from racing car technology. The air is routed into

two ducts in the front of the car, which then flows out of a narrow opening at high speed in the wheel arch. BMW claims that this jet of air effectively covers the side of the front wheels like a curtain and reduces turbulence.

The good news from this bit of engineering is that the CO2 emissions have been lowered throughout the range. The test BMW 118d I drove is now rated at only 118g/ km, while all 2.0-litre petrol versions have CO2 emissions of 154g/km or below.

The six-speed manual gearbox car came with an optimum shift indicator to let you know when to change up or down the gears. I don’t tend to use this feature in many of the cars that I drive, I find that it’s always more interesting if you listen to how the engine performs and keep

a weather eye on the rev counter.

Like other BMW models, the 1 Series coupé and convertible also come with other EfficientDynamics measures.

The test car 118d model was fitted with Auto Start-Stop, a diesel particulate filter for a cleaner exhaust, brake energy regeneration that lowers the drag on the engine. It also has what BMW call “intelligent alternator control” for more efficient electricity generation in the car for a multiple of functions The car has a responsive electric-power steering that was a dream to use. It corners with a positive feel and has good road feedback, making the car a treat to drive.

The test car was an M Sport version, that’s a little special, but with a special price to match. All M

Sport models come with 17-inch light doublespoke-style alloy wheels, door sill finishers with M designation, chrome front exterior trim, highgloss Shadowline window surrounds, M aerodynamic bodystyling, M Sport suspension, runflat tyres, Sport seats and M Sport multi-function leather steering wheel.

The shock is that this M Sport is about €4,000 more than the entry model and I am just not sure about the value of that. The look is enhanced, the features make for a more comfortable drive, but then the basic car basically only has smaller wheels and less opulence when it comes to chrome trims.

I’m not sure if I would need those extras in what is a super compact sports car, to make a bold summer statement.

Volkswagen’s planned takeover of MAN suffers setback Volkswagen Group suffered a setback in its efforts to create Europe’s biggest truck maker as a European regulator pushed it to drop plans to take control of MAN trucks.

Volkswagen has made a €13.8 billion takeover offer for MAN. The move

is part of a Volkswagen Group plan to create Europe’s biggest truck maker by combining MAN and Sweden’s Scania to take on world market leader Mercedes Benz and its next biggest rival, Volvo Trucks.

The European Commission said

Volkswagen’s overly hasty grasp for control would breach merger rules. The Commission told Europe’s biggest carmaker to wait for regulatory approval of closer cooperation of VW, MAN and Scania.

Volkswagen Group aims to over-

take Toyota as the world’s biggest car maker by 2018. It has been trying to incorporate sports car maker Porsche into its business as a tenth brand, and its chairman has publicly said that he has also set his sights on taking over Alfa Romeo.

14 July 2011 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 14 July 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS Fifty years a Mercedez-Benz man RoadSigns Road Signs NEW PLASTICS FOR MOTORING: SCIENTISTS in Brazil have developed a way to use nano-fibres from lemons and other fruit plants for a new generation of car plastics.

Scientists have demonstrated that superstrong fibres can be harvested from delicate fruits, including pineapples and bananas.

These nanocellulose fibres – also known as micro-fibrillated cellulose (MFC) – are comprised of 5-20 nanometre fibrils, and are nearly as stiff as Kevlar, found in armour and bulletproof vests.

One day, these new plastics may be used in car manufacturing – not just to replace current plastics, but to replace the steel parts, too.

ONNIE Moloney, co-founder and managing director of TR Motors, this year celebrates his 50-year career in Mercedes-Benz service.

His company, which is situated in the Dublin suburb of Harold’s Cross, is a main authorised service dealer for Mercedes-Benz.

From Clonmel, Ronnie began working at the age of 16, taking up an apprenticeship with the then local Mercedes-Benz main dealer in Tipperary, King Keating.

From King Keating, he emigrated to Canada, where he worked for the German-owned Mercedes-Benz of North America organisation.

Returning to Dublin, he continued to work

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with Mercedes-Benz through their Modern Motors, Rialto and B a l l s b r i d g e Mo t o r s dealerships.

In 1975, Ronnie cofounded TR Motors Limited, since when the dealership has operated as an exclusive service outlet for MercedesBenz passenger cars.

Prominent location Situated in a prominent location on Harold’s Cross Road, next to the greyhound stadium, TR Motors has enjoyed a distinguished histor y, listing many prominent MercedesBenz owners amongst its client base, including numerous foreign diplomats and embassies.

In 1992, the company suffered a major setback when fire destroyed their original premises.

Heartened by the support of all concerned, the company undertook a complete redevelopment to create the modern showrooms and extensive workshop and spare parts facility from which it now operates.

Today, Ronnie is supported in the business by his daughter, Louise, son, Gavin, and a staff of 14.

Commenting on the milestone and the c o m p a ny ’s a c h i e ve ments over the five decades being celebrated, Mercedes-Benz chief executive in Ireland, Stephen Byrne, praised Ronnie and his team at TR Motors for their “immense technical knowledge, expertise and skill that they bring to the service of Mercedes-Benz customers in Dublin city”.

Ronnie Moloney is celebrating 50 years of service to Mercedes-Benz

14 July 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS Interview: Edno Cooley, owner of a successful healthcare equipment company

Started his own company at 25 EDNO Cooley, from Cooley Healthcare Ltd, grew up in Wexford and moved to Dublin to go to Dublin City University where he studied biotechnology. He then went into the brewing business, working for a short time for Guinness and then for one of the pioneering microbrewing companies making lager. He now lives in Palmerstown and runs a successful healthcare equipment company in Lucan, supplying equipment to hospitals, nursing homes and private customers.

Edno started his own company at the age of 25 in 2000, when, as he says himself “it was easy”. He recently started a new business, Cooley Healthcare Ltd, when it wasn’t quite so easy. Edno says: “It has been really difficult, but we have concentrated on the end users’ needs and found that, by really caring for the patient or client, we earn the respect and trust of the professionals and families involved.

“Our business slogan is Quality, Reliability and Care. I believe that this simple traditional code has a very important role in our business and, indeed, in all aspects of life.

We treat all of our customers as if they were our own families. We see this as what makes us different.”

Cooley Healthcare is a modern, vibrant, caring and professional Irish-owned company that provides a wide range of products. Edno says: “We are trying be as positive as is possible in this difficult time; we just launched a new website, www.cooleyhealthcare.ie and invested substantially in our branding and advertising. I always compare starting a new business to lifting yourself up by your shoe laces; it seems like an impossible feat, but it can be done.

“The Irish Healthcare market is expanding simply because people are living a lot longer, although it is now fiercely competitive. Entering into a new business area at a competitive time has it’s advantages – overheads are lower and customers are more open to changing supplier in search of better deals.”

to buy my own place . I don’t know much about loans etc, so I need your help. I’d love to buy an apartment in the city, but don’t know a lot about how the loans work. Do I just pay back the loan in full or do I have to pay extra for getting it? Any help greatly appreciated. Mark – Dublin 9.

A - All lending is based on the ability to repay.

Whether you are looking for a car loan, a mortgage to buy a home or even a credit union loan, you have to prove that you can pay back what you borrow. The “extra” is the interest you pay to the lender and their reward for giving you the loan and their interest rate can vary.

Home loans are the cheapest type of loan available and, inversely, short-term “unsecured” loans - i.e. no underlying asset that the lender can repossess in the event you fail to pay back - carry a higher rate of interest and, therefore, greater monthly repayments.

Buying property has a whole set of rules and regulations, from the method lenders use to calculate your repayment ability; there are two methods – 4.5 times your annual income or the total of all your monthly financial commitments, including the proposed mortgage repayment should not exceed 35% of your net disposable Income – or what you have left in your pay packet after all the taxes, universal social charges and other deductions are made.

Remember also, virtually ALL lenders are members of the Irish Credit Bureau and their

Q: What was your first job?

A: Farm labourer at 10-yearsold.

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: £5. I used to iron my money and keep it in a small suitcase.

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: 1999.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: I enjoy the risk and return aspect of running my own business. When it goes wrong, it’s terrible, but when it goes right, it’s fantastic.

Q: What part of your work-

first port of call is to check your credit history.

Any missed repayments or judgments and you

Q&A fighter pilot, President of US, veterinarian.

MY FIRST PROPERTY PURCHASE Q – Hi, I’m a guy in my late 20s and would love

Edno Cooley at his company, Cooley Healthcare

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

A: It changed every day –

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS

have little chance of progressing.

So, once you have passed this first test – being

ing day do you ‘delegate’?

A: Everyone has their strengths, so I do the bits I’m good at and delegate everything else to people who will do it better.

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Football, hurling and rugby.

Q: What sport can you play?

A: Football and hurling.

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

A: Pirates of the Caribbean.

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

A: Hopefully David Norris. I love Jedward but...

Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad?

eligible to borrow – you will also need life cover

A: Not a lot. I have two companies, a wife, two kids and I’m involved in everything around me.

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Four.

mally included in the apartment annual service

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: I always enjoy my holi-

ing, you should first complete a FULL budget

A: Friends.

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: Staying up too late watching television.

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: A BBQ with the wife and

A: On my family.

days. When you are under pressure through business, a wet week in a tent in Longford is fantastic.

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: To sail all around the

kids on a sunny day down the country.

Mediterranean for a month.

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

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: I have it.

A: Enda Kenny. He has a big

Q: What do you plan to do when you retire?

job on his hands and I think he might benefit from my advice.

A: I don’t want to retire.

on that mortgage (compulsory on home loans) and at least buildings insurance on the property in case of fire, etc. With apartments, this is norcharge.

Before you finally go down the road of buyof expected and estimated costs in buying the property. These include stamp duty (1% of the purchase price under € 1m) and your solicitor’s legal costs (c. 0.5% of the purchase price plus VAT and outlay) not to mention basic furniture, etc.

You should also do an annual household budget, so work out the ongoing costs of maintaining a property and living. Good luck.

Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

22 GAZETTE 14 July 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel

The Maldives offers a holiday close to nature with white beaches and clear blue seas FAMED for its fragile beauty, the Maldives has long been a top destination for those wanting to get closer to nature, offering sugar-white beaches and clear blue seas. However, this tiny cluster of stunning atolls and islands is also one of the most delicate environmentally. Located in South Nilandhe Atoll, Vilu Reef Beach and Spa Resort is a green and fertile resort, which actively protects the local environment through tending to its underwater ecosystem, using locally-grown produce in its restaurants and regularly planting palm trees – promising guests the ultimate in idyllic natural beauty.

Vilu Reef is known locally as the “Garden Of Eden” for its lush tropical vegetation and countless coconut palms. In fact, honeymooners staying at this small island retreat are invited to plant a tree during their stay, leaving a small legacy of their stay. As well as boasting over 800 palm trees, one side of this 122-room resort boasts a protected lagoon and the other has a beautiful reef, with a greater variety of corals and reef fish than in any other atoll. Even the accommodation at Vilu Reef is inspired by nature, offering understated laid-back luxury and traditional thatched roofs.

As 99% of the Maldives’ low-lying coral islands are covered by sea water, climate change and rising sea levels are of great concern for its people. Vilu Reef’s sister resort, Olhuveli Beach and Spa Resort, has, therefore, set up a number of initiatives to protect its abundant coral reefs and wealth of endangered sea creatures – from manta rays to turtles.

To stay in this stunning eco-friendly resort, Trailfinders is offering seven nights at Vilu Reef Beach and Spa Resort from €1,619 per person (saving over €140 per person), based on two sharing. Available for selected departures in October, the price includes return flights from Dublin, Cork or Shannon via Heathrow and Doha with Qatar Airways, accommodation in a garden villa on a full-board basis, resort seaplane transfers, taxes and surcharges. For more details go to www.trailfinders.ie / 01 677 7888 / 021 464 8800.

A little slice of designer heaven waits for you in Galway city ANITA WARD

SINCE it opened, the g Hotel in Galway has received a fairly healthy list of awards to its name, everything from topping hot lists, receiving design awards, to their best chef and prestigious top Irish destination awards – fair enough, but I was hoping this didn’t mean they thought they didn’t have to try anymore.

That certainly wasn’t the case.

To say the g doesn’t disappoint is an understatement; the large neon sign in the black marble reception area that reads, “This must be the place” rings true.

I couldn’t wait to see the famous decor by Philip Treacy – oh, the glamour! I even brought three pairs of shoes for one night to make sure I was keeping up with the style.

Taking your city break in Ireland affords that convenience of hopping in the car, filling the boot with your wardrobe and hitting the motorway and in no time you are at your destination.

Galway is only a mere two hours from Kildare, motorway all the way, and the g Hotel just lies on the edge of Galway city. Just a few short miles, but right beside the Lough Atalia, giving you a wonderful sense of being away from it all.

Our room was breath-

taking, with one whole seems to have lost over contemporary fine-dining portion sizes and side entirely of glass that the years.

We headed back to hoped he wasn’t going overlooks the stunning lake. Luxury oozes from the g to relax in one to leave hungry which ever ything, even the of the many reception in turn, means grumpy.

Luckily, there was a bedside lamps resemble rooms – cue a change of delicious sounding fila Philip Treacy glamor- shoes.

There are three vary- let of beef dish with a ous hat creation.

The decadent style of ing styles of room to duck ravioli which he this place doesn’t com- choose from – the ambi- instantly eyed up, and promise on comfort, the ent gold Grand Salon, he also chose a smoked room just embraces you the quirky Pink Room or t u n a s t a r t e r w h i c h in every way and the the eclectic Blue Room. comes with an almond bathroom, with its free- I made myself comfort- quiche. I also chose a standing Villeroy and able in the Pink Room fish starter of sea trout Boch bath, just calls to much to OH’s joy. The with a fennel broth and you to relax and enjoy atmosphere is great, a chicken main with with people enjoying a gratin of apple and yourself.

While I was oohing pre-going out cocktails potatoes.

I love that each dish and ahhing at the decor, and it seems to be the comes with a recomthe other half (OH) was place to be seen.

A f ter some lovely mendation of wine and impressed with the flatscreen ambient light TV spiked (alcoholic) cof- I opted for the wine and the fact there was a fees, we headed back that accompanied my flatscreen TV intergrat- to the room for another main. OH ordered a ed into the wall in the change of shoes, and pint of Bulmers – pure --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

‘The decadent style of this place doesn’t compromise on comfort, the room just embraces you in every way and the bathroom, with its free-standing Villeroy and Boch bath, just calls to you to relax and enjoy yourself’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------bathroom – he was one happy man.

We headed into Galway city, which was just buzzing; it really felt like it has survived the recession – and was in fact having a party to celebrate.

The streets are filled with independent shops, busy with customers and tourists, while the big name high-street brands are still there, Galway seems to have retained a sense of self that Dublin

outfit this time, and strolled down to the Matz Restaurant for dinner.

The restaurant was also buzzing; there were families celebrating alongside groups of Itgirls sipping champagne in the latest fashions, and couples enjoying an intimate date. The compact menu has a great variety of choice – OH is a purely meat-andtwo-veg man and I worryingly thought about

fine dining darling, the staff didn’t bat an eyelid and it was brought straight away, ice cold – they were in his good books.

T he star ters were light and packed with f lavour, the fish was cooked to perfection and, best of all, the food came out piping hot, nothing worse than warm-going-cold fish.

The presentation of the food was like the hotel itself, every last detail was

The g hotel offers the

accounted for and created an impact. The beef came perfectly cooked to a request of medium rare, and, I was told, melted in the mouth. My chicken was succulent and juicy, the potato and apple gratin was complemented with a sprinkling of creamy goat’s cheese – divine. The wine was light and fresh like the dish and I was told the Bulmers hit the spot as well.

Desserts are equally impressive; I was also treated to a sample of a new dessert wine to accompany my star anise dessert and OH stuck to the Bulmers while he demolished a stunning chocolate fondant creation. OH announced he was actually stuffed – result, fine dining doesn’t have to mean mini-food on a giant plate. We retired to the Pink Room again for some bespoke g

14 July 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs Royal wedding fever hits Edinburgh as Zara Philips to wed rugby player, Mark Tindall ROYAL wedding fever is set to start all over again when Zara Philips, daughter of Princess Anne, marries rugby player Mike Tindall in Edinburgh on July 30. Edinburgh might seem like a surprising location for a royal couple to tie the knot, but the low-key princess is actually following in her mum’s footsteps when she married her second husband Cmdr Timothy JH Laurence, a British naval officer in the Scottish capital in 1992.

While the wedding won’t have the pomp and pageantry that accompanied Kate and William’s big day in April, the majestic surroundings of Scotland’s royal city are sure to provide a dramatic and romantic setting for the couple’s big day.

To celebrate the first royal wedding in Scotland for nearly two decades, VisitScotland has put together its top royal hot spots across the city.

Log on to www.visitscotland.com/surprise for further information and the best value deals on accommodation and visitor attractions in Scotland this summer.

Visit Orlando – The perfect fun family destination HOME to the world’s top amusement parks and attractions, Orlando, in Florida, is the perfect destination for a family. Explore what Orlando has to offer and enjoy everything from Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios Orlando to SeaWorld Orlando and Legoland Florida.

GoHop has some great family offers at the moment. Stay for seven nights at the three-star Champions World resort from €2,589, or at the three-star + Radisson International Drive from €2,729. Alternatively, stay at the four-star Doubletree by Hilton from €2,789 The package includes return flights from Dublin, airline taxes, accommodation for seven nights based on two adults and two children (under 12). Offers are based on two adults and two children and are valid for travel August 2011.

Visit www.gohop.ie for information on the ideal holiday for you and your family.

ultimate in a city break in one of Ireland’s vibrant hotspots, Galway city

A new baby owl has arived at Trabolgan Holiday Village

cocktails and then called it a night.

We managed to pull ourselves out of the bed to a quiet self-service breakfast (full service option also available) before I sampled the delights of their world-

class ESPA. This spa understands the meaning of relaxation and opulence. I was treated to a rejuvenating full body massage with infused oils to add to your sensory delight. I wanted to marry the girl by the

time she finished working on my tired muscles – I left feeling brand new and smelling heavenly.

Ultimate

The g hotel offers the ultimate in a city break in one of Ireland’s vibrant

hotspots – ditch the baggage restrictions and enjoy these truly unique surroundings.

For more information, phone +353 091 865200, email info@theg.ie or check out their website at www.theghotel.ie

TRABOLGAN Holiday Village in Cork has welcomed the latest edition to their Holiday Park, “Fudge” the beautiful new baby Tawny Owl. Fudge is now six weeks old and can be seen by the public at the Birds of Prey Educational Centre, located in the main centre at Trabolgan.

Fudge will join a host of other birds at Trabolgan this season, including Brendan, the native peregrine falcon, Sundari, the stunning Black Shakeen; Morgan, the native kestrel, and Oscar, the European Eagle Owl. The new Birds of Prey Educational Centre opened at Trabolgan earlier in the season and offers families the chance to learn about birds of prey and to raise awareness of the indigenous species and environmental issues involved in their protection and conservation.

The Birds of Prey Centre is open daily to resident guests and day visitors. Visitors also have the opportunity to “Fly Your Own Hawk” during the visit.

24 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 14 July 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1

GoingOUT GoingOUT MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Port Authority Leading Irish dramatist, Conor McPherson, brings his hit play Port Authority to the Mill Theatre for two nights on July 15 and July 16, directed by Peter Reid. First staged in 2001, Port Authority became a resounding success with its story of three interwoven lives and the challenge of relationships in modern day Ireland.

Saturday, July 15 and Sunday, July 16 at 8pm. Admission: €18/€15

PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Plaza Suite Rough Magic Theatre Company Theatre’s Plaza Suite is one of Neil Simon’s most poular and celebrated plays.

The play focuses on the misadventures of three very different couples as they face important moments in their lives, all in the same hotel room in the world famous Plaza Hotel. Laughter is guaranteed with this witty, funny and clever play.

Wednesday July 13 - Saturday July 30 [excl. Sundays], please note that Thursday, July 14 is a preview preformance. Mon-Fri: 8pm and Sat: 3 pm and 8pm.

Admission: €17.60/€18/€20/€22/€25.00

THE HELIX 01 700 7000 The blonde, brunette and the vengeful redhead Seen as a cross between Desperate Housewives and CSI Miami the play – set in Anytown, Ireland – tells the story of Rhonda Russell. After a call from her husband for 20 years telling her that he’s leaving her, the story unfolds in a quiet suburban neighbourhood where friends and strangers are drawn together and relationships fall apart.

Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16 at 8.30pm.

Admission: €16/€14

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Desmond Kenny - Past and Present Dublin 15 based artist Desmond Kenny is showing both old and new work at Draiocht this summer as he is welcomed to both the ground floor and first floor. The artist has had an active relationship with the centre for the 10 years it has been open, holding a solo show there in June 2001. This will be the first big exhibition of Kenny’s new venture into abstract painting. Kenny’s new work tries to tap into the childlike creativity that breaks free from art history by removing all figuration from the work.

His earlier figurative work will be exhibited in the First Floor Gallery at the same time.

Until Saturday August 27. Admission: Free

CIVIC THEATRE 01 4627477 Ballet Workshop - The Jays on Treasure Island Ballet Ireland’s Annual Summer School launches a new voyage of excitement and discovery embarking on their 11th expedition, The Jays on Treasure Island. It promises a fun-filled week with workshops which will develop into the highlight of the week; a performance held onstage for family and friends.

Monday, July 18 – Friday July 23. Admission: €165 per child or €300 for 2 children from the same family.

SEAMUS ENNIS CULTURAL CENTRE 01 802 0898 John Spillane John Spillane, twice winner of the Meteor Award in the Best Folk/Trad category, will be playing at the Seamus Ennis Cultural Centre. His music spreads joy with entertaining stories, poetic tunes and melodic lyrics. With several albums under his belt, his platinum-selling album ‘Irish Songs we Learned at school’ being just one of many, and another to be released later this year, John seems to embody the meaning of real, traditional Irish music. John Spillane promises to bring you along on a journey with his emotive songs and make it an evening to remember.

Friday, July 15 at 7.30 pm. Admission: €18.

Mr O’Brien (Bradd Pitt) tries to impress upon his sons the importance of being civilised, upstanding citizens, as well as being dutiful and obedient sons, in The Tree of Life. However, tragedy, and the struggles of family life, are themes that will return to haunt his adult son’s life.

Full of leafy, lofty ideas No, we don’t mean our reviewer, Kate, who is back from her holidays without a tan, but with a review of The Tree of Life Q KATE CROWLEY

READERS! I’m back!

Back from my early summer sojourn, which was largely spent watching a red-faced Mr Crowley enthusiastically attempting to erect a familysized tent in one rainsoaked spot after another, while Crowleyetta and I checked into any nearby B&B instead for some TLC (and a change into warm, dry clothes away from awash Wicklow campsites).

Did you miss me, dear readers? Well, I missed you both, too, almost as much as I missed my official review and/or family trips to the cinema or screenings, all in a bid to tell you what’s on.

And, as I’m still in a holiday mood, with a few grains from the golden sands of Fundoran still caught between my dainty toes, here’s a quick aside on an interesting cinema trend.

FILM OF THE WEEK: The Tree of Life ++++ (12A) 138 mins Director: Terrence Malick Starring: Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, Hunter McCracken, Sean Penn, and lots of strikingly memorable shots

OUR VERDICT: MAVERICK director, Terrence Malick has returned with another rare, and rarefied, film, which has received boos from some audiences, and standing ovations from others. On one hand, the film is about a decent family growing up in a long-gone 1950s’ Americana setting; on the other, it muses on the meaning and evolution of life itself. Many superb shots certainly make it a film to remember, says Kate.

Has anyone been to see 3D films recently?

Anyone?

It seems that Hollywood big-wigs are beginning to question the financial returns on this fad, with audiences beginning to fall away, following an initially enthusiastic takeup of this new tech. Heavens knows why.

After all, who doesn’t enjoy paying up to a fiver – or more – extra per 3D cinema ticket to wear uncomfortable glasses for upwards of two hours, staring at a darkened, slightly-defocused image in the hopes of possibly,

maybe, perhaps seeing one or two shots that seem ever-so-slightly three-dimensional? Oh. Hmmm. I seem to have answered my own rhetorical question there.

And, judging by the halfdeserted 3D films I’ve watched recently, it’s possible that The Gazette won’t be featuring many more in issues to come.

And now, my review.

(Some may be expecting it to be on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, but a scheduling malfunction in the postholiday Crowley household is seeing my review

kicked back to next week instead, folks.)

This week, in my shortest ever review, I’m recommending a slightly artsy film, and – Wait!

Come back!

The Tree of Life is not exactly a popcorn-pusher, seeing as it’s a film that asks lots of questions, poses some interesting points for the viewer, and then, umm ... well, that’s about it.

Unconventional points are raised, and cinematic questions are posed, but, like a hazily-remembered dream, a clear reality is never quite to hand.

It’s a hard film to sum up, being one that, at its heart, follows an ordinary family growing up in a long-lost 1950s’ Americana; as alien a landscape to modern audiences as, well, some of the other desolate landscapes that are visited in this film.

At its simplest, The Tree of Life tells of a stern father, Mr O’Brien (Brad

Pitt), who is doing his best to raise three children, with Mrs O’Brien (Jessica Chastain) adding a softer touch to his upright, uptight parenting.

In later life, a son, Jack (Sean Penn) seeks some familial reconciliation and a personal understanding of his almost idyllic, yet edgy, childhood, seeking to understand himself, his father, and the O’Brien family’s place in the universe.

However, The Tree of Life also jumps far beyond its 1950s and modern-day settings – in fact, it also jumps back millions of years, interested in not just the highly personal tale of a family’s evolution but – perhaps – in the evolution of life itself.

Full of outstanding cinematography, yet coupled with subject matter that is likely to confound, confuse, irritate and delight in equal measures, The Tree of Life could be a real grower for many ...

14 July 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 25

Google steps up battle with Facebook ADAM MAGUIRE

OVER the last few years Google has been trying everything to out-fox Facebook. It created the confusing Google Wave, the uninspiring Google Buzz and is even rumoured to have tried to simply buy out the massively popular social network.

N ow G o o g l e h a s unveiled its latest - and arguably most significant - step against Facebook. Google+ is a social network that marks a massive change in the way the search giant works.

If it succeeds it will restore Google as the king of everything online; if it fails it could ultimately drag the whole company down with it.

So, here is everything

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you need to know about it before you dive in.

How it works Any user of Facebook will see a lot of similarities when they log onto Google+ first (which might be hard to do for now as it is invite-only at the moment). You can link up with friends, post status updates and pictures and share things in an instant.

How it differs from Facebook Google seems to have spotted a lot of the things that are wrong with Face-

book and put their solutions at the heart of the Google+ design.

For example it allows you to differentiate between people you connect to, so rather than tagging them all as friends you can put them into “Circles” according to your relationship.

So you can have one person as a friend and another as an acquaintance. You can also put people in multiple groups if they happen to be, say, a friend and a work colleague.

From that you can easily decide what circle you share what piece of information with. So your rant about your job can be seen by your family but not your boss.

Users can also video chat easier with people they connect to, some-

thing Facebook does not yet offer, and is more transparent when it comes to privacy.

Why it might succeed Google has put a lot of effort in to getting this right. They have clearly learned from past mistakes and some of the features of Google+ are really compelling.

While the company is absent from social networking it still has a lot of clout generally and, if anyone is going to take on Facebook, they certainly have the resources and skills to do so.

Why it might fail The best-designed social network is only as good as its user-base. Google has millions of people logging on every day but there is no guarantee that they

will jump to Google+.

The one thing people will ask is: “Why join this when I’m already on Facebook?” and they need a good answer to that. Likewise, the last thing they want is someone signing up, finding no one to interact with and leaving straight away.

avoiding the mistakes of the far-too-small-to-use netbooks of the past and giving the user plenty of screen and keyboard real estate while still being portable.

T h a t said it is still very

Samsung NF210 netbook

NETBOOKS have been somewhat overshadowed by tablets lately but Samsung’s NF210 does its best to catch the user’s eye once more.

With a striking curved shape and a striking gloss body (in this case a bright white), the Samsung NF210 certainly looks the part. It is a nice size too,

much a netbook, for better or for worse.

It has no CD/DVD drive and is relatively low-powered. Indeed, it still has much the same specification as the netbooks that were around a few years ago, bar perhaps the Windows 7 install.

It is still a nice, wall e t- f r i e n d l y c h o i c e ,

especially for students and young users, however. It does the trick for most basic tasks like checking e-mail and typing documents, while its near 11-hour battery will keep users online for more than enough time.

It is a bit of a shame that netbooks have not advanced all that much in the last two years. However, it is questionable whether they need to. The NF210 does a good job of arguing that they do not.

The Samsung NF210 is available from elara.ie €330 before P&P Visit teic.ie for the latest tech news, reviews and views.

GAZETTE

26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 14 July 2011

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14 July 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

LEARNING PROCESS: Martin Russell on UCD’s unique soccer approach: Page 29

HOCKEY: IRELAND’S UNDERAGE STARS REGISTER IMPRESSIVE INTERNATIONAL WINS

Young hockey representatives claim victories sport@gazettegroup.com

IRELAND’S young hockey stars enjoyed a fine week last week when the U-18 girls and both U-16 groups had successful international series against Celtic rivals.

The U-16 boys claimed an intense three-nation series in Paris, playing four games in quick succession against France and Wales, eventually taking the laurels on goal difference.

They began the compe-

tition with back-to-back wins over Wales, starting off with a 3-1 success, one which could have been won by a greater margin.

That was proved in the second tie as they stormed past Wales on day two by a half-dozen scores, in which there were first international goals for Mark Loughrey, Lee Cole, and Jack Ryan, all from St Andrew’s.

That win came on day two of their trip, giving them just a few hours to

rest before playing against the tournament hosts, France.

The strain of two games in a day proved too much for the lads but there was enough in their 3-2 loss in a more physical match to suggest they could turn the tide on day three.

Luke Madeley of Three Rock Rovers and Wesley were on the mark.

With the tournament decider again against France, Ireland saved their best for last, with an

The Ireland underage hockey sides were victorious against French and Welsh opposition

emphatic 7-2 victory.

The U-16 girls, meanwhile, hosted Wales and notched up three consecutive wins. Thirteen year-old Kathryn Edgar, Elaine Carey and Alex’s Millie O’Donnell were to the fore, with a couple of goals over the course of

the Belfield games, which provided valuable match practise for the young side as they make tentative steps toward the 2012 Europeans.

The Irish U-18s ran up three big wins over France in Belfield. In game one, they came from a goal

down to win the first of their three games with France.

Emily Beatty from Old Alex made the game level in the first half before an excellent Rebecca Barry touch gave the girls in green the lead.

Joanne Orr and Katie

Mullan also weighed in to secure a 4-0 success, all the goals coming from open play.

And the series ended as it had started, a 5-1 success with Leinster youngsters Beatty, Erika Hinkson and Lisa McCarthy scoring four of the goals.

28 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 14 July 2011

GazetteSport Sport

Aine Rush and Aoife Crawley

Swimming Dublin county winners go on to national finals

Three of the members of the Lucan Relay Team

VER 200 swimmers took to the water on Sunday at the Dublin Community Games County Swimming Finals held in Tallaght Sports Complex.

With swimmers aged from six to 16 years, some taking part in their first ever competition, each participant represented their local area with pride.

A new event added this year was the U-16 4 x 50m Medley relay which created great excitement and a very close finish in the final.

The heats, semi-finals and finals of the freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly events were hotly contested with nothing but a touch of the wall between placings.

The gold medal winners will now represent Dublin at the HSE Community Games National finals in August.

O

Eoin Crowley

Liam Douglas

Ben Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Dwyer

Two of the members of the Lucan under-16 Squad

Ross Thompson

Harry Thompson

14 July 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29

in association with

Students get an education in LoI

FastSport

Martin Russell, manager of League of Ireland side UCD, is giving back to his young stars the lessons of his footballing life, ROB HEIGH discovers Grange pair take 2011 A LOT of players travel a long way in their soccer careers, and eventually return to their roots when it comes to the next phase of their careers when their playing days come to an end.

Someone who did just that, and who is making a difference to the culture and results at UCD is Lucan resident, Martin Russell, the former Manchester United apprentice who has worked, at various times, under the stewardship of Ron Atkinson, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Pleat and reknowned Irish coach, Noel O’Reilly.

“Most footballers who go through their playing career and end up on the coaching side of things will take things on board that they’ve experienced.

At all the clubs, I’ve tried to take on board everything I’ve found useful, and I’m trying to implement them now at UCD. “From grassroots up, from having Noel O’Reilly, to Eric Harrison at Manchester United, and learning from the likes of David Pleat and Ryan Hamilton at Leicester, all gave me lots of good teachings and good philosophies on the game.”

From those esteemed guardians, Russell has learned a great deal and brings that wealth of experience to the young players at UCD, where he started coaching in 2005, before being offered the manager’s role in 2009.

That first season proved a baptism of fire for the former Belvedere player,

UCD in action against St Johnstone

as the side had just been relegated from the top flight of the league of Ireland, but he performed what many considered was a miracle when the

ers as a back-up plan if their soccer career doesn’t work out, which is vital.”

That grounding for young players is coming earlier and earlier, by vir-

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

‘UCD is different. Players get an education, as well as first-team experience. I think that’s an ideal vehicle for their future career.’

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

team bounced back up immediately, and have remained in the top flight since then.

“In 2009, we had a very young squad, and they were not expected to come back up, and it was great to achieve that. To go on and stay in the top flight last, and this season, is great credit to the group of players we have.”

UCD have a quite unique ethos in League of Ireland soccer, as their player base is made up of players involved in its highly-regarded scholarship scheme, which gives players the chance to combine senior football with the opportunity to earn a college degree.

“UCD is such a good club for young players.

When I went to Manchester, at the time, there were very few full-time set-ups in Ireland.

“What we’ve tried to establish at UCD is a fulltime outfit, and providing an education for the play-

tue of the fact the team needed to field an Under19 team last season.

“What’s happening at the moment, we have players on scholarship, who come in when they’ve done their Leaving Cert.

But, this season, with the need to put together an Under-19 team, we needed to be signing players who were still in school, and creating pre-scholarship agreements for the Under-19 squad.

“For the players who sign at that young age, they have access to the high-performance unit, for strength and conditioning, and they get to see what life at the club is like.

“The UCD structure means that we don’t pay players, the remuneration is the scholarship. After that, we would like to keep some of the good players to help the younger players as they come in.

“When we got the team up from the first division

and stayed up, they all acquitted themselves well, and the really good ones were offered contracts elsewhere.

“We lost a lot of players last year, and we would like to be able to produce some strength and depth at the club, keeping players involved.”

With that in mind, Russell is clear about the team’s short-term goals and the benefits of forthcoming matches against top-flight opposition.

“Our whole goal is to remain in the premier league next year, and the friendlies against St Johnstone and Villarreal are great experiences for the players, lining out against seasoned professionals from these clubs.”

UCD, for Russell, is a great place for new players to develop their future careers, as he did, under the watchful eye of a seasoned professional.

“There are so man strengths in Dublin football that I see when I go around the city and look at players. However, as Dublin is filled with only so many clubs, teams will go after the same players.

“What we think is that we at UCD are different.

UCD can fulfil a player’s needs, that they get an education, as well as firstteam experience.

“For the young player, I think that’s the ideal vehicle for their future career,” said Russell.

Father & Son title at Castle Golf Club

MICHAEL and Michael Cronin, from Grange Golf Club, were the victorious familial pairing who won the 2011 All Ireland Father and Son classic at Castle Golf Club last week.

Over 500 golfers, representing more than 100 different golf clubs, participated in the qualifying rounds of the tournament, the biggest open event on the Irish golfing calendar.

Sixty-four pairs qualified for the matchplay stages of the event, which commenced last Monday and ran every evening during the week.

In the final, held on Sunday, the Michaels defeated Brian and Gavin Whittaker, of Elm Park/Milltown on the 18th green.

30 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 14 July 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Adamstown miss out on chance for victory ADAMSTOWN Cricket Club were unable to take their opportunity and claim full points from their recent league encounter with Phoenix.

Phoenix won the toss and elected to bat, their openers creating a sizable opening partnership.Adamstown were able to tighten up their bowling, however, and limited Phoenix to a score of 197 for 7 in 45 overs.

In spite of running up a total of 70 for 0 in ten overs, Adamstown were unable to keep up the pace and eventually ran out of pace.

Whelan helps Dublin to minor title

Dillon expects tough test in Europeans

ROUND Towers starlet Jack Whelan helped Dublin minor hurlers suceed were their senior counterparts failed and claim the Leinster minor title recently.

The Towers midfielder, who along with Eric Finn has been the star of the minor and senior hurling Towers set up, was part of the Dublin squad that defeated Kilkenny by 1-14 to 1-11 to claim the provincial crown.

Unfortunately for Towers they had no representative in the Dublin panel that claimed the football equivalent on Sunday nor have they a player in the under 21 squad that hope to ensure further hurling success for the county this coming weekend.

CLONDALKIN’S Sean Dillon believes Dundee United’s recent Irish tour will prove very beneficial as the Arabs begin their second successive European campaign.

Former Shelbourne and Longford player, Dillon returned to Ireland with United in a tour that saw them secure a win and a draw over Drogheda United and Bohemians respectively.

“It was a tough draw for us last year, they team we got were favourites and the team we’re playing this year will probably be favourites again.

They’ll be a strong team but we’ll go in with confidence and the Irish tour was a good exercise for us.”

SOCCER: UNITED’S LADIES REACH LAST FOUR OF THE CUP

Peamount United’s Under-16s reached the semi-final of the FAI Cup after a close-run contest against Colga FC

Peamount reach semi FAI GIRLS U-16 Q-F Colga FC Peamount United

0 1

sport@gazettegroup.com

PEAMOUNT United’s Under-16 girls squeezed into the semi-finals of the FAI Girls’ U-16 Cup, thanks to Niamh Connolly’s extra-time winner in Galway.

With the last-eight contest against Colga FC heading for penalties in Kilcornan on Sunday, Connolly finished neatly to give the West Dubliners victory and send them one step closer to a coveted national title.

The home side were actually the reigning champions head-

ing into the game and Peamount’s U-16s will now fancy their chances of repeating the senior side’s national success last year There were only six minutes of extra time remaining when the winning goal came for the visitors.

Eleanor Ryan Doyle won possession wide on the left and sent a diagonal ball behind the Colga defence, where midfielder Connolly connected and drove home from the edge of the area.

Colga pushed hard for an equaliser in the final minutes but Peamount hung on to claim the invaluable final-four

clash.

The visitors had began normal time the better side and dominated up until half-time.

Rebekah Carroll almost opened the scoring on nine minutes when her free kick cannoned off the crossbar.

Ryan Doyle had two glorious opportunites to open the scoring as she cruised beyond the Colga defence but on both occasions goalkeeper Burke was up to the challenge.

The second-half saw Colga come into the contest more and Peamount goalkeeper Brook Davis made a terrific save to deny Louise Brennan

just after the restart.

A strong display from Niamh Kenna in the Peamount defence was crucial as the visitors held off their hosts in the second 45.

Goalkeeper Davis then did well to cut out a Casserly delivery as Kate Mulgannon waited to pounce.

The home side almost made the breakthrough seven minutes into extra time when a bad bounce resulted in Davis kicking a fresh air as she attempted a back pass clearance However she recovered brilliantly to got back to block Mulgannon’s effort from six yards and divert the goal bound shot for a

corner Events took a new direction on 94 minutes when Connolly struck the crucial blow for the match winner and, despite Casserly and Moran going close for an equaliser, Peamount held on.

T hey have now matched the achievements of last season’s U-14 side, who also reached the last four.

Peamount United: B Davis, S Bates, R Carroll, C Silke, N Kenna, N Connolly, L Kealy, N Core (H Higgins 62), E Ryan Doyle, C Murphy (E Boyle 49), H Nolan. Not Used: C Walsh, L McEvoy, Emilee Ryan Doyle, C Lacey.

Keane records personal best in 100m sport@gazettegroup.com

ST PATRICK’S Palmerston player and Dublin captain Liam Rushe will be the subject of the first-ever player cam to feature in Gaelic Games as he takes to the field against Wexford in this week’s Bord Gáis Energy Leinster Hurling U-21 Final.

The home side will be aiming to take revenge over Dublin for last year’s defeat in the same fixture, for a chance to meet the Ulster champions in the All-Ireland semi-finals.

At Parnell Park in 2010, the two sides played out a thriller and a late goal from Dublin’s David Quinn ensured the victory following a shaky start.

Wexford have already disposed of Kilkenny and put seven goals past Laois in the championship, while Dublin have defeated Carlow and disposed of a fancied Offaly side by 13 points.

Title challenge Both teams have played competitively this year, but Dublin will have to avoid

the scenario which saw them notch up 21 wides against Carlow as Wexford will not be as forgiving. Kevin O’Loughlin has been a key man for them this far and will no doubt play another pivotal role on Wednesday if the Dubs are to retain the title.

Wexford were dogged in their impressive defeat of Kilkenny, but surely would have preferred a tougher test at semi final stage ahead of the Championship decider.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming final Uachtarán

Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Críostóir Ó Cuana said, “It’s a fantastic honour for both teams to have made it this far in the competition and I hope they enjoy the special atmosphere that a provincial final creates.

“The U-21 grade often signals the end of a group’s journey together, but the camaraderie and friendships that have been forged through the many hours of training, playing and travelling to games will stay with you for the rest of your lives.”

14 July 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31

in association with

LADIES’ FOOTBALL: CROKES DENIED PLACE IN DECIDER

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ROUND TOWERS The intermediate hurlers beat Com-

There is no age limit for this competi-

mercials to remain top of the league.

tion so if your talent is in singing, play-

Congratulations to the Towers’ senior

ing instruments, dancing, comedy or

ladies who beat Kilmacud Crokes in

you have something else to bring to

the intermediate championship semi-

the show, we want to hear from you.

final last Wednesday. They now face

Entry forms are available from behind

Clontarf in Swords on Wednesday,

the bar or from members of the social

July 20 with a throw-in at 7.30pm. All

committee, to be completed and

support is welcome and best of luck

returned no later than July 29. No late

to all involved.

entries will be accepted. You can get

Congratulations to Jack Whelan who

your entries in now. For more infor-

won a Leinster minor medal along with

mation you can contact any member

the Dublin minor hurlers last week.

of the social committee or check out

Round Towers is offering you the

Round Towers’ experience took them into the final after a tense encounter with Crokes. Picture: GAApics.com

Experience key as Towers reach final DUBLIN LADIES S/F Kilmacud Crokes Round Towers

0-4 0-8

sport@gazettegroup.com

ROUND Towers reached the last stages of the Dublin intermediate ladies’ football final after a frantic final ten-minutes saw them go clear of Kilmacud Crokes at Silverpark.

T his low-scoring encounter proved far more interesting than the scoreline would suggest, as there was total commitment by both sides from start to finish with the visitors securing victory in the last ten minutes.

Round Towers found it easier to make space early on but the forwards were off target, missing six good opportunities in the first half.

An early sin-binning saw Towers given an early opportunity, but they only registered a single point in that time, when Dublin senior B player, Natalie Behan, struck on eight minutes.

The numerical advantage switched after 15 minutes when Towers lost a player, and a pointed free by Martha Mullins levelled matters after fifteen minutes, but that was as good as it got for Crokes in the first half. Four well-worked chances were put wide towards the end of the half.

At the other end, Emily Hamill was proving a handful for full back Philippa Greene, and after 17 minutes, shrugged her challenger off and shot over the bar when a goal looked a certainty.

On 24 minutes came the score of the match when right half-back, A n d r e a B owe we n t on a solo run from her own half and tidily dispatched the ball between the posts.

Dominating All-Ireland medal winner, Maria Kavanagh, and Suzanne Murray, were dominating defensively, while at the

same time pushing forward in attack at every opportunity.

Likewise, Ciara McGowan and Bronwen Keirnan for Crokes were overlapping regularly, but all to no avail.

Deep into injury time, Hamill found a half yard, turned sharply and, from close-range, popped the ball high and over the bar when a goal chance beckoned.

At half time, Towers led by 0-4 to 0-1.

Into the second half, and Crokes upped the ante. A point after four minutes by Aoife Gallagher reduced the deficit to two, and five minutes later it was down to the bare minimum when good combination play between sub Ciara Williams and Martha Mullins saw the latter bisect the uprights.

Again reduced after a yellow, Towers scored two quick points from Hamill and Catherine Roche.

With ten minutes left, Crokes finally got

behind Towers’ defence and, when full forward Therese Casey looked like getting an all-important goal that would level matters, she went for a point, having been put off by an attempted foot block by goalkeeper, Caitriona McGrath.

But the referee pointed to the penalty spot and McGrath handed over her goalkeeper’s jersey to centre forward, Hannah Tyrell.

Up stepped Louise Byrne and struck the ball to the left of Tyrell but the sub keeper anticipated correctly and saved comfortably.

The opportunity was gone and it was Towers who finished the stronger and wrapped up the game with late points from Ruth Collins and Catherine Roche.

A late, pointed free

by Aoife Gallagher improved the look of the scoreboard for Crokes.

The team with the more experienced players had battled though to a final meeting with Clontarf.

the club website.

chance to showcase your talent.

Congratulations to Siobhéal Keogh,

Young or old, you could be the next big

daughter of long-standing club mem-

thing and the Towers Got Talent com-

ber and supporter Tony Keogh, who

petition will afford you the opportu-

will represent Dublin in August’s Rose

nity to take to the stage and perform.

of Tralee competition.

ST PATRICK’S, PALMERSTOWN THE senior hurlers had a good away

runs to Friday, July 29, from 10am

league win over St Jude’s, while jun-

to 2.30pm each day at a cost of only

iors lost narrowly to Clan Na Gael.

€30 for the week. To book a spot,

Senior footballers are at home on Saturday in the league against St Anne’s at 6.30pm, while juniors

call coach David at 086 310 1034.

To view our website simply logon to www.stpatricksgaa.ie

commence their championship this

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 14, 15,

Thursday at home to Parnells at

24 and 30. There was no winner of

7.30pm, and are at home on Sunday

our €2,000 jackpot.

to Lucan Sarsfields in the league at 11am.

There was no winner of any three numbers.

Good luck to St Pat’s man and

Four winners of €50 lucky dips

Dublin Under-21 hurling captain

were Susan Molloy, Ernie Clayton,

Liam Rushe in the Leinster final in

Liam Sargeant and Lorraine White.

Wexford this week.

Next week’s jackpot is €2,200.

Our hurling and camogie camp commences on Monday, July 25 and

Draw held each Sunday night at 10pm in the Palmerstown House.

LUCAN SARSFIELDS IT continues to be a good 125th anni-

available in local newsagents. See

versary year, as Lucan’s Under-14

the Lucan Sarsfields website for

camogie girls made it three-in-a-

more details.

row Leinster titles in a thriller in Carlow.

Pictures on website, courtesy of Esther Keenan.

Great performance and well done to Emmet O’Conghaile who scored two points for Dublin minors in Leinster final win.

Golf classic is this Friday, July 15 and team of three players can be

Good luck to Junior A and C footballers in championship and also to inter camogie in championship this week.

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 12, 14, 17 and 21.

There was no winner.

Next week’s jackpot is €3,500.

Mary Flannery’s team will be in charge next weekend.

booked though Dave Whittle (087

Do not forget you can alwa ys

252 2656), Michael O’Grady (087 233

enter our lotto online by clicking on

1983).

www.lucansarsfields.ie.

All forms of support welcome.

Please see website or newslet-

Tickets also on sale in Carey’s Newsagents.

ter for new position of director of

Thanks to Diamond and Gem Jew-

football which is currently being

ellers who are this week’s sponsor

advertised.

Summer camps have been fixed

Na Sairsealaigh Abu - 125 Years of

for July 4 to 8, and 11 to 15; August

Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club by Aaron

8 to 12 and 15 to 19. Register online

Dunne, a history of the club, is now

via website.

ALL OF YOUR CLONDALKIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

LADIES’ NIGHT: Round Towers reach football final with Kilmacud win P31

JULY 14, 2011

HIGHER LEARNING: Russell extols UCD’s football virtues P29

GazetteSPORT

Peamount United, pictured celebrating their FAI Women’s Senior Cup last year, will be representing Ireland in the Champion’s League in August

Peas prepared for Champions league West Dublin club Slovenia-bound as they embark on new adventure following their 2010 FAI Cup success PETER CARROLL swordssport@gazettegroup.com

PEAMOUNT United ladies will begin their European adventure in August for the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Drawn in a group of top European talent, Peamount will have to see off Rayo Vallecano de Madrid of Spain, ŽNK Krka of Slovenia and Pärnu FC of Estonia to qualify for the last 32 of the prestigious tournament, with only the winners from each group of eight going through, as well as two of the top runners-up.

Rayo Vallecano de Madrid could prove to be Peamount’s biggest challenge, as the Spanish side nearly got past England’s best, Arsenal ladies, in last year’s tournament The Peamount ladies qualified when they won the women’s Senior FAI Cup last year, beating Salthill Devon of Galway 4-2 in the final.

Republic of Ireland striker Aine O’Gorman, of Peamount, won the player-of-the-match award for her fine performance which included a hat-trick, to give her side a first ever senior crown.

The talented O’Gorman will, no doubt, be missed by the Clondalkin side on their European trek, as the Irish international was snapped up by Doncaster Rovers Belles on the back of her stunning performance in the cup final.

Director of football at Peamount, Jason Carey, spoke to GazetteSport on the girl’s European campaign.

“The ladies have effectively set the bar here at Peamount for the generations of players and teams to come. They’re an inspiration to us all, and we’re very proud of them.

“It’s a fantastic achievement for the club, and one that we will remember forever. The qualifying group undoubtedly looks very difficult.

“The Spanish side, Rayo Vallecano de Madrid, came close to putting out one of ladies

football’s greatest sides, Arsenal – a team who have dominated their domestic league for many years – in last year’s quarter finals. That is a testament to the club’s strength, but we will look forward to the challenge.

“We wish them the best of luck, the whole community of Clondalkin is behind them. If nothing more it should prove to be a tremendous experience for the panel. But, we know the girls will give it one hundred percent on their travels, and they won’t just be there as a formality.

“Their manager, Eileen Gleeson, is really upping the ante in training and her preparations for the tournament have been exceptional.

She has really shown her class a manager, and that’s proved to be reflected in the girls’ performances – they constantly go about business in such a professional manner,” Carey said.

The group stages of the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Women’s Champions League take place from the August 11 to 16.