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April 28, 2011
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Football: Round Towers aim high in SFC championship Page 32
Sports Awards: April stars and team nominees are announced Page 29
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS .................... 21 TRAVEL......................... 23 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
Council retains €500k due to builder Q PAUL HOSFORD
SOUTH Dublin County Council has said it plans to hold back half a million euro from Gama Developments, in order to carry out repairs in Balgaddy – but this amount will not be enough. The revelation came at the recent Clondalkin Area Committee meeting, where it was made known the money will come from final accounts that were due to the company.
Residents in certain parts of Balgaddy have been enduring issues with damp, mould and sewage. The council was responding to Labour councillor Breda Bonner, who had asked for an updated report on the housing in the estates of Meile an Ri, Tor an Ri and Buirg an Ri, and for a detailed list of the works required to be done in each housing unit. See full story next week
Lads have sumo-ch fun: Taking part in St Kevin’s sports day WITH these enormous sumo-styled
costumes turning them into the Incredible Bulk and Fatman, Lee and Sean took a moment’s break from socking it to each other to pose for a pic at St Kevin’s Community College,
where they, and their fellow students, were having lots of fun at the annual sports day. Students (and a few energetic staff members) enjoyed a diverse range of activities at the popular event. Full Gallery on Pages 8-9
2 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 28 April 2011
TRANSPORT: BUS ROW
Dublin Bus delays cuts Q PAUL HOSFORD
clondalkin@gazettegroup.com
DUBLIN Bus has delayed its decision on cuts to local bus routes. T he controversial cuts were opposed on all sides of the political spectrum when they were announced before Christmas. Now, newly-elected TD, Robert Dowds, has vowed to keep up the pressure on Dublin Bus over its plans for major cuts to bus services in Clondalkin, Rathcoole, Saggart and Newcastle, after the company announced that it was delaying any decision on the cuts as a result of strong local opposition. Deputy Dowds has met Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, to discuss the proposals, and reiterated his opposition to Dublin Bus plans to cut back on the 68, 69, 51B and 51C bus services. As a result of submissions made by many concerned citizens living within the community, along with strong representations made by Deputy Dowds, Dublin Bus
has delayed implementing proposals until late May or early June. Deputy Dowds said that any cutbacks would have a wide knock-on effect on ordinary people in Clondalkin and the surrounding areas, many of whom rely on bus services. “I am calling on Dublin Bus to reconsider its proposals to severely cut back on services. “If these proposals go ahead, Rathcoole, Newcastle and Saggart will be without a direct public transport link into the city centre. This represents a serious setback for ordinary people who depend on public transport,” he said. Deputy Dowds went on to say that the strong opposition to the move had forced the hand of Dublin Bus, but vowed not to stop putting pressure on the company. “After speaking to the Minister for Transport on the matter, I will continue to press Dublin Bus to amend their proposals, which are completely unacceptable,” he said.
HEALTH Publicising heart health studies
National cardiac study is the aim CLONDALKIN woman Nicole Beatty was on hand this week to help launch the Annual Report of the Centre for Cardiac Risk in Younger Persons, Tallaght. Nicole, 19, who is a patient at the centre, joined 15-year-old Harry Ebbs, from Templeogue at the centre, which is funded by the charity, CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young). The report outlined work carried out in the Centre for Cardiac Risk in Younger Persons (CRYP) at the Adelaide and Meath Hospital and announced its goal to perform a national study of prevalence of cardiac conditions in adolescents. This study will explore the feasibility of a national screening programme for cardiac conditions in the young. Since service began in January, 2007, more than 3,500 individuals have been assessed in the centre for free.
In the last year of full operation, the CRYP centre screened more than 1,350 people who either had worrying symptoms, or who had a family member who had died, or who was diagnosed with a genetic heart condition. The charity, CRY, also provides counselling for those diagnosed with a heart condition, or those who have lost a family member to sudden cardiac death.
Age ranges T he age range of patients screened was from one to 74-years-old, with most patients aged between 14 and 35 years of age. Of these, more than 50% were reassured and discharged after one visit, ready to take up their lives again without the worry of having the condition. A total of 10% of those screened in the last year were diagnosed with a heart condition.
Clondalkin teenager Nicole Beatty, with 15-year-old Harry Ebbs, from Templeogue
Some 40% had normal readings, but require future screening due to their age and/or family history. Out of all those screened in the last year, three people were referred to receive internal defibrillators (also known as a shock box). Two new developments at the centre included the appointment of a Clini-
Helen O’Donnell, specialist nurse at the Centre for Cardiac Risk in Younger Persons, Tallaght, joined Harry and Nicole to help launch the centre’s annual report, and highlight the coronary check services available
cal Research Fellow, Dr Helen Cooney, and the co-funding of a dedicated cardiac genetics counsellor, who began work in the centre last month. CRYP highlighted its goals for the future, but also made clear the need for further funding to achieve these goals. Dr Deirdre Ward, consultant cardiologist and co-director of the centre, said: “We are very happy with our success so far, but demand for our services already exceeds our capacity. “We face challenges in even continuing our current level of service, and, ideally, we would like to expand our service to eliminate all waiting times. “In addition to expanding our clinical service, we aim to expand our involvement in research into sudden cardiac death and its causes,” she said. Dr David Mulcahy, consultant cardiologist and project co-director, said: “The centre receives
no direct Government funding, although it benefits from some support from Tallaght Hospital. “All of the remains of funds are raised by the charity, CRY. In order to continue this free service to patients, we require €250,000 annually. “CRY work hard to generate funding with a number of events. However, with the current economic climate, charities are finding it harder and harder to raise funds from the public,” he said.
Support An Irish registered charity, CRY was founded in 2002, and funds raised are used by the charity to support families who have lost a relative to sudden cardiac death (SCD), to raise awareness of the conditions that cause SCD, and to fund the activities of the CRYP in Tallaght Hospital. The service is available to anyone in the country and is free to patients. For further information, see www.cry.ie.
28 April 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3
COUNCIL SDCC wants review on funding allocation
Women sought for race
‘Address our funding disparity’ Q PAUL HOSFORD
clondalkin@gazettegroup.com
SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) will seek a meeting with the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Phil Hogan, to discuss the disparity in funding that the authority receives. At the recent council meeting, Councillor Eamon Tuffy (Lab), who has long campaigned on this issue, tabled a motion that the council “reaffirms its view that South Dublin County Council continues to be treated unfairly in the matter of the allocation it receives per head of population from the Local Government Fund, and requests the manager to write to the Minister responsible for Local Government seeking a meeting to discuss the unfair treatment of SDCC”. Last December, the Gazette reported that SDCC continues to receive less Government
funding than Fingal, despite having a similar population. This year, the difference will amount to more than €4.5 million, with FCC receiving €105.91 per capita, while SDCC trails considerably, receiving €92.77. --------------------------
‘SDCC continues to receive less Government funding than Fingal, despite having a similar population’
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The council has, in the past, lobbied the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government to change the system of awarding funds to a per capita basis, but pointed out that the gap between SDCC and FCC was closing, with the
2011 Local Government Fund lessening the gap by €1 million. Never theless, Cllr Tuffy, backed by Independent councillor Gus O’Connell, put the issue on the agenda again this month, with the county manager saying: “The manager will write to the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government to request a meeting to present the concerns of the members about the Local Government Fund.” However, the concerns were not just felt in the public sector. At a meeting of the Dublin South branch of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association, incoming president, Joe Mannion, of Clondalkin, made a spirited attack upon the “unfair” local authority rating system, and called on Minister Hogan to urgently review the entire workings of local authority funding.
Labour councillor Eamon Tuffy
Citing the obvious and dramatic reversal of fortunes that has befallen hundreds of Dublin South retailers, many of them convenience stores and newsagents, Mannion pleaded with the new Government to make urgent and real efforts to restore confidence to the retail sector. He made particular reference to the high costs of doing business that affects Dublin South retailers, the lack of broadband, the high costs of waste disposal and the “unfair” restraints that many businesses have to endure through the Joint Labour
A Lotto reasons to be happy: 62,000 of them, to be exact, for Clondalkin woman, Angela Byrne CLONDALKIN woman Angela Byrne (centre)
had a Lotto luck recently when her son, Andy (second right) took part on her behalf in the Winning Streak TV show. He went on to win €62,000 for his mother,
FAMILIES: SUPPORT
as well as a Sazuki Grand Vitra, giving them plenty to smile about. Also pictured with Angela and Andy are Marty Whelan, host; Harry Cooke, the National Lottery and Kathryn Thomas, host.
Committee in Retail, Catering and the Hotel industry. “Dublin South has far too many vacant retail units in the town centre; landlords and the urban
district councils need to be more progressive and understanding in their attitudes. “Together, we can reverse the downward spiral,” he said.
HOME-START Lucan is asking for people in the area to help their fundraising drive in this year’s Women’s Mini Marathon by running for the group. Home-Start is a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under the age of five. Volunteers offer regular support, friendship and practical help to young families in their own home, helping to prevent family crisis and breakdown. Home-Start Lucan has been in operation since 2004, and has made a real difference to the lives of many local families. Some volunteers, and their mothers, are running the Mini Marathon on Monday, June 6, to raise funds for the group. Anyone interested in supporting Home-Start can contact 01 621 7953.
4 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 28 April 2011
SHOP LOCAL The Gazette examines the benefits of spending
How supporting and enterprise HE Gazette is never backward about coming forward when it comes to our support for the local community – in fact, it is the very essence of what we do. By bringing together news, features, pictures and reports about local politics, sport, social events and enterprise, we do what we can to support all of these areas. Support is the key to a thriving local community, and every member of the public can contribute to this support. Simply put, shopping locally benefits the local area. By shopping locally, without any of the expedition involved in travelling across the city, we can support local business, enterprise and industry, all of which play a far greater role in our quality of life than one might imagine. On a very basic level, the commercial rates that even the smallest of such local businesses pay, goes directly to our local council. Without these rates, the quality of public amenities, from parks and playgrounds to sports facilities and community groups, would simply not be
T
of the standard we currently enjoy. Taking this train of thought a little further - by keeping one local business open when we shop local, we are supporting local jobs for local people. On top of this, every local business, and their employees, will naturally tend to support their neighbouring businesses – be it by buying a sandwich,
renting a DVD, getting their dry cleaning done, or filling a prescription – the hustle and bustle that goes hand in hand with local business is mutually beneficial. Bawnogue is a vibrant hub of business, with a vast array of local, home-grown businesses running in the area. Even at a time when money is scarce, there is a plethora of
local businesses for residents to get behind. Thyes Kavanagh, chairman of the Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce, says that the Chamber hopes that jobs can be preserved and business can grow if people can be convinced to Shop Local. “In these difficult times, Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce is calling on people to
28 April 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5
closer to home, and what it means for the community
local business helps our area
Shop Local. “Please support local business, not only do they offer great value for money but also a personal service. These businesses employ a large number of local people, both full and part-time, and need your support. “Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce is at present working on their own campaign to promote local business and are
also updating their website. “We hope to encourage visitors to the area who are staying in local hotels to spend some time, and money, locally. “We would like to thank the Gazette for their Shop Local feature and hope that shoppers will support the advertisers within the supplement,” Mr Kavanagh said. At the Gazette, we understand
the importance of community. From the micro level of a cup of sugar for a neighbour, to largescale community projects, such as community outreach groups or volunteer organisations, the essence of a community is what makes so many Irish towns great places to live in. In Clondalkin, the Chamber of Commerce plays a big part in fostering that spirit, with a
number of exciting initiatives taking place in the coming and recent weeks. Last week, the group had members on the streets of Clondalkin as part of The Big Clean Up. The group were tasked with removing cable ties, litter and weeds from the streets and car parks of Clondalkin Village. As the group themselves say: “It is in all of our interests to present the area better to our visitors, shoppers and ourselves. “We have a great village and there is no point waiting for others to clean it up.” Oxigen kindly supplied free bins for the well-attended event.
6 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 28 April 2011
COUNCIL: QUERY
SUPPORT: ANNUAL DARKNESS INTO LIGHT EVENT IN AID OF PIETA HOUSE
Call for petition
4,000 sought for fundraiser
RESIDENTS near Rye Cottage who wish to have the laneway there closed will have to present South Dublin County Council with a petition. Fine Gael councillor Tony Delaney asked for clarification on the “ownership and responsibility of the laneway to the side of Rye Cottage, Boot Road”, and what would be required to close it off “as it is a constant dumping area, as well as being a magnet for anti-social activity”. In response, the council said: “In order for this laneway to be closed, it will be necessary to extinguish the public right of way. If a petition is received from those residents immediately adjoining the laneway identifying their concerns, and requesting that the public right of way be extinguished, the matter will be brought to the Clondalkin Area Committee.”
Q STAFF REPORTER
clondalkin@gazettegroup.com
The write stuff: Local children go for handwriting glory in Games event CLONDALKIN’S Shauna Harrington and Robert Moore were amongst
those taking part in the recent Dublin Community Games handwriting finals, which saw some enthusiastic, yet neat, entries submitted for the inaugural event. Held in Perrystown, Shauna and Robert, and others, did their best as they competed in the U-10 event, which saw a sizeable number of entries submitted. In the space of one hour, each participant copied a poem, provided by Community Games, in their own handwriting to a lined sheet of paper while using a HB pencil. In the end, despite stiff competition, Shauna claimed fourth place, with the judges saying that they really had difficult choices to make, given the high calibre of the entries, which showed that so many pupils definitely have the write stuff with their neat handwriting.
PIETA House, the suicide crisis centre, has released new figures which show the high levels of individuals attending their centres for treatment during 2010. In total, Pieta House treated 1,063 people for suicidal ideation and suicide attempt, or who were engaging in self-harm in 2010. The figures show that 235 individuals, who had attempted to take their own life, attended the centre during 2010. A further 70% of all cases presented with suicidal ideation, with a third of these people also engaging in self-harm. The data highlights the issue of self-harm which, the charity says, is one of
the most unrecognised problems in society, with the data also showing that 292 people (27%) who attended Pieta House last year were self-harming. Of those receiving treatment, there was a high level of patients under the age of 18, with a total of 239 cases (22%). The highest age profile attending Pieta House in 2010 were 26-44-yearolds (29%), closely followed by those in the 18-25 year-old-category (28%). Now, the charity is calling on 4,000 people to take part in Darkness Into Light 2011. The event takes place on May 7, and will see participants begin the 5km course at 4am, while it is still dark, and finish while dawn is breaking. The event is supported
by some of Ireland’s most famous sporting faces, including GAA veteran commentator, Michael O’Muircheartaigh; Operation Transformation guru, Kathryn Thomas, and Ireland rugby boss, Declan Kidney. Darkness Into Light 2011 will raise funds for Pieta House, the only major voluntary organisation in the country providing professional and therapeutic services to those who may be selfharming or contemplating suicide. The event will take place across the country in six locations: Dublin, Limerick, Galway, Cork, Clare and Kerry. To register for Darkness Into Light 2011, or to find more information on Pieta House, see www. pieta.ie.
28 April 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7
BUSINESS Mansfield in the fight of his life as NAMA moves in
Under-fire tycoon says ‘We want it all back’
Q PAUL HOSFORD
clondalkin@gazettegroup.com
PROPERTY mogul and hotelier Jim Mansfield has vowed he will recover all of the assets that once formed part of his business empire. Speaking exclusively to the Gazette, just days after NAMA appointed a receiver to one of his most prized possessions, Weston Airport in Lucan, Mansfield said: “We want all of the assets. The staff, in
Q DAWN LOVE clondalkin@gazettegroup.com
HE WAS a former lorry driver who became a self-made tycoon, amassing a business empire that consisted of several hotels, championship golf courses and, probably, his most prized possession, Weston Airport in Lucan. An aviation enthusiast, Jim Mansfield’s ownership of Weston has been dogged by planning issues, but his passion for planes and the airport itself has never diminished. Speaking to the Gazette in 2004, he rejected rumours that Weston would eventually be used by carriers such as Rynair and Aer Arann, and said he wanted to make the facility a model airport for executive jets. “I’ve said from the beginning that there is no intention on my part, while I’m alive, to have any such organisation like that. I just love this place; I’ve had a jet here since 1982.”
Aviation Amongst his plans for the airport at the time were an aviation museum, and the possibility of repair facilities. “That would be a big employer down here, if we could have repair facilities,” he said. “And this would not create extra traffic – we don’t want streams of traffic. “I’ve been around a lot of ex-military airfields in Britain, and they are only half-run – I want this to be a model airport.” On planning controversy surrounding the airport, he said in the same interview: “The closure of Weston will
fairness to them, are working away. Some only know what they’ve read in the papers.” An aviation enthusiast, Mansfield said Weston would continue to operate without disruption. NAMA has appointed a receiver to Weston Airport, six of his apartment blocks at CityWest, and Palmerstown House Estate, which includes a championship golf course. It is understood that Mansfield owes NAMA anywhere up to “tens
of millions of euro” on the assets. It will now fall to the receiver, Kieran Wallace of KPMG, to sell all three assets. If the proceeds of the sale do not meet Mansfield’s debts, NAMA may look to seize other assets. Mansfield said the receivership had been brought about because NAMA wasn’t satisfied with a plan put forward by him and his family. “The upshot of the decision is that we keep running the businesses as
Fighting for the empire he built by himself -------------------------------------------------------
‘Me and offices don’t really go. I’d much rather be out there lining up that drive, and getting the trees in, than to be in an office’
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Jim Mansfield, speaking to the Gazette in 2004 -------------------------------------------------------
never be on the agenda.” But, he added: “I will do everything in my power to live with our neighbours, and I will do everything in my power to make this area much better for all the people who live here.” A down-to-earth person, Mansfield never forgot his roots and, in 2007, when I interviewed him after his purchase of Finnstown House, I arrived to find him helping workers to tarmac the driveway. “Me and offices don’t really go. I’d much rather be out there lining up that drive, and getting the trees in, than to be in an office,” he said. His purchase of Finnstown, a relatively small property compared to CityWest and Palmerstown, was particularly
significant and symbolic for him. At the time, he described the purchase as “the most exciting” of his life. It had taken him 30 years to acquire the historic Lucan property, which he had first set eyes on in 1979. Then, Mansfield was the owner of a littleknown truck business. After travelling to a funeral in Lucan with a close friend, he spied a For Sale sign being set up outside Finnstown. “I just thought it was a lovely place, and I headed off to the bank in Clondalkin. “He [the bank manager] advised me that, ‘No, I know nothing about that sort of thing’, and they wouldn’t be prepared to give me the
money. “I had a few trucks and machines at the time, so the bank manager suggested I should stay at the machine job, and not be looking at these things.” Fast-forward to 2007, and Mansfield was sitting in the drawing room of the property that once belonged to the Nash family, having purchased it for a figure believed to be in the region of €14 to €20 million. “I love ever y thing about this house,” he said looking around at the ornate plasterwork on the ceiling.
Excited “I’m more excited about this thing than anything I’ve ever done in my life; the house has such character.” With NAMA appointing a receiver to Weston, Mansfield faces a massive – some would say, impossible – battle to regain control of his empire, but he may be the one businessman who might just pull it off.
normal. We will submit the plan in the next three to four weeks,” said Mansfield.
Jewel Having lost the jewel in his crown, CityWest, last year, the loss of Weston will be a blow to Mansfield, who has years of battling with locals over proposed uses of the airport. CityWest was lost last year when Bank of Scotland moved to reclaim a loan of €170 million.
Any attempt by the receiver to sell Weston is likely to be held back by the earlier planning issues that have hampered the development of the site. It is also believed that efforts to sell the CityWest resort hotel are being slowed because of planning issues surrounding parts of the development. Mansfield said that the plan was to recover as many assets as possible, as well as saying that his staff were still working hard.
Jim Mansfield pictured at the hangars of his Weston Aerodrome
8 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 28 April 2011
EVENT St Kevin’s Community College students show off their
Sporting fun in the sun T Kevin’s Community College held their annual sports day recently and it was a little bit more special than usual as it was the school’s 25th. There was a whole host of sporting activities for students to take part in, including a three-legged race, sack races, bungy run, sumo wrestling and a bouncy castle to make sure everyone got plenty of exercise. The fine weather added to the enjoyment of the day, which both pupils and teachers say was a very memorable occasion.
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Elizabeth A, Elizabeth O, Lesley, Adeshala, Rukiyti, Desree, Yemi, Kelvin J, Ruhiyat and Rejueels. Pictures: Peter Doyle
Having a great time on the bouncy castle
Joanne and Aoife
Danielle and Jake
Sumo wrestlers, Lee and Sean
Jade and Adam in the three-legged race
28 April 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 9
sporting skills during their 25th annual sports day
Taking part in the sack race
William and Patrick on the Bungy Run
Rukiyti and Desree
Teachers Ms O’Connor, Ms Gallagher, Ms Gavigan, Ms Norris, Ms Heffernan, Ms Nugent, Mr Broderick and Ms McGee
Nicole, Charlene, Nathan and Nikita
Nikita, Shannon and Saoirse
Nathan and Hayley in the three-legged race
10 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 28 April 2011
EDUCATION Scholarship fund awarded to third-level student
Rebecca Melvin joins Belinda, Paul and John O’Keeffe on the couch while John Paul Reilly, year head; Walter Doolin, year head; Aileen Friel, deputy principal; Noel Kelly, teacher; Rebecca Forde, librarian; Pauline Duffy, principal and Jim Rea, Roadstone Wood, stood by with their congratulations for Paul. Pictures: Peter Doyle
Rewarding Paul’s dedicated study OLLINSTOWN Park Community College student Paul O’Keeffe was the recent recipient of Roadstone Wood’s annual third-level scholarship, which was presented to him by Jim Rea, Roadstone’s HR manager. The scholarship marks the company’s continuing commitment to help engage with, and support, the community, as well as continuing its involvement with the school. Now in its second year, the scholarship fund involves a financial presentation to a former Collinstown Park Community College student who is currently in third-level education, and who had achieved excellent results in the Leaving Cert. Paul was delighted to return to his former school, where staff congratulated him and wished him well in his future studies.
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Jim Rea, Belinda O’Keeffe, Paul O’Keeffe, Rebecca Melvin, Jim O’Keeffe
Jim Rea, Roadstone, was delighted to congratulate
and Pauline Duffy, principal, Collinstown Park Community College
Paul O’Keeffe on his scholarship success
Rebecca Melvin and Paul O’Keeffe
28 April 2011 GAZETTE 11
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FETAC
COMMERCIAL FEATURE
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National Framework of Qualifications
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Making recruitment easy When you choose a FETAC award, you can be confident that the skills are relevant to today’s employment standards. Applicants will have a knowledge base that enables them to keep on learning and to up-skill as required to help your
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behind the certificate. If you are recruiting staff, check out our Employers page on www.fetac.ie. It provides advice on how to frame advertisements so as you get the best information from potential employees. For example, many employers now frame recruitment requirements according to the Framework: ‘Successful applicants will have a level 4 qualification or equivalent.’ You may also want to
understand how qualifications achieved outside of Ireland relate to Irish qualifications. The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) provides a free service to employers to assist with this. View www.nqai.ie A FETAC award is generally achieved through further education and training provision and is quality assured. FETAC awards can be achieved following programmes offered through VECs, FÁS, Fáilte Ireland, Teagasc, a wide variety of private providers / training companies, including in the workplace or in a community setting. Further education and training in Ireland is known for its dynamism and innovation, but also because it is genuinely accessible to learners nationwide, in over 1,500 centres.
One Million reasons… In 2010 FETAC celebrated over one million people achieving a FETAC award. This means that roughly one in three people of working age have a FETAC award. Most are adults, who have taken the time and
made that commitment to continuously learning, tackling gaps in experience, stretching ability, engaging with new ideas and knowledge. FETAC people with this kind of energy are just what your business needs. President McAleese described FETAC learners as people who take ‘control, adjusting to the changing economic conditions, getting ready for the new labour market requirements, using their time well and investing in the optimism that comes from doing something positive. It is people with that cool mixture of realism and optimism and ‘can do’ attitude that will help Ireland become a stable and prosperous economy in the months and years ahead.’ A unique celebration was hosted in Dublin, among the audience were some leading employers who found that providing training on site as part of the workplace not only increased staff commitment to quality, but also increased compliance with essential health and safety requirements. Learners themselves give the FETAC system the ‘thumbs up’; Timothy Forde completed his Level 6 Supplemental Certificate Domestic Gas Installation with FÁS so as to be fully equipped to start his own business in a niche market. Timothy saw learning and awards as ‘stepping stones to future suc-
Over one million people have a FETAC award. Enrico Jennings, Tsvetolina Tonova, Timothy Forde and
cess…It is very important that I undertake learning in my relevant expert field.’ Yaoweii Sun achieved the Level 5 Certificate Information Technology while working as part of the management team at Dominos Pizza. ‘Education opens doors and opportunities. It gives you options and helps you think differently. Completing my FETAC course helped me develop both career and life skills. It has given me perspective and helped me improve my ability to communicate effectively.’
FETAC - taking people further…. FETAC provides an important route into higher education for many learners, including those in the workforce. In 2010, almost one in five learners applying through CAO to Higher Education indicated that they had a FETAC award. Institutes of Technology and Universities continue to expand entry routes for FETAC award holders. Michael Cloo-
nan from Inishbofin built on the local rich tradition of hospitality by taking a Fáilte Ireland programme in the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology first in Bar Skills at level 5. Now Michael has progressed and is studying for his Bachelor in Business in Bar Management. Participating in ‘programmes and awards give me a great foundation not only for industry but for life’ said Michael. Employers such as Monaghan Mushrooms use programmes leading to FETAC awards to ensure consistency across work practices and to provide structured career paths within the industry. If you think this is what your staff or organisation needs, consult the Employers Page on www.fetac.ie. FETAC is glad to work with employers to ensure Ireland is ready and skilled to shape and make opportunities for all of us. There are one million reasons to choose FETAC. Are you one?
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Mulcahy, Michael Cloonan, Carmel Boylan, Seรกn Walsh, Ann Marie BrettJoseph Barry celebrate.
COMMERCIAL FEATURE
28 April 2011 GAZETTE 13
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FastNews PROGRAMME A total of 300 placements available Don’t miss your chance ONE lucky Dublin couple could have their dream wedding as goldenpages.ie are offering a Gold Wedding worth €30,000. Voting is about to close for couples who have entered the competition on goldenpages.ie. The three couples with the most votes will go through to the final where one very lucky couple will be crowned the winner. The winning couple will receive a Gold Wedding worth €30,000 on two conditions: 1, they must get married on Saturday, September 10 this year, and 2, they must accept a second “mystery condition”, which will be revealed when the winning couple is announced. Voting deadline is Friday, April 29.
Getting back to work with beginagain.ie Q STAFF REPORTER
EXPERIENCED and professional individuals in Dublin, who are eager to rejoin the workforce, have the opportunity to take up some 300 work placements provided by Begin Again (www. beginagain.ie), a career advancement programme developed by the Irish Centre for Business Excellence (ICBE). The programme, which was launched in 2010, has already placed over 400 unemployed people in work placements throughout Ireland. Over 240 of these have now returned to employment, providing the
exchequer with an additional estimated €4.8m on an annualised basis. The programme is a mix of certified training, internship and mentoring, with four central themes; employment and employability, resilience and wellbeing, innovation and enterprise and life-long learning and training. Having recently completed the programme, Dubliner Clare Curtin said: “The Begin Again programme has not only helped me secure employment, it has also very professionally blended my expertise with the company’s requirements. Begin Again is the only programme that has
offered me anything concrete in terms of employment opportunities.’’ Over 300 Companies have taken part in the programme to date, with established companies such as Supermacs, Boston Scientific and Bewleys all providing work placements and full-time employment opportunities. Funded by the Labour Market Activation Fund, the Begin Again programme has enabled people who were experiencing both short-term and long-term unemployment to gain that crucial foothold back into the workforce. To date, 41% of participants
Mike Gaffney, of Begin Again, and programme supporter, Mark Fielding of ISME
have obtained employment, 19% have gained self-employment or contracts, with a further 5% re-entering the education system. A further 21% are currently in workplaces with real job prospects. Begin Again participants retain all of their social welfare benefits during the work placement programme. Explaining the impact of Begin Again, Pat
O’Connor, CEO of the ICBE said: “We have seen participants come from a broad range of backgrounds and educational levels, including engineers, accountants, quantity surveyors, sales and administration professionals and operational level people. Having had a successful outcome for over three-quarters of our 400 participants, 49% of whom were long-term
unemployed, we believe we are providing a valuable service for the Irish public and the Irish State. We estimate that Begin Again is costing less than 50% of any previous government-sponsored labour market activation programme.” For further information on the Begin Again programme go to www. beginagain.ie or call 061 371753.
28 April 2011 GAZETTE 15
FESTIVALS Foodies, rejoice – Taste of Dublin is coming up
Vogue Wilson
Sheana, Eabha and Molly Lewis can’t resist following Ross Lewis’s fruity fare
Tempting event to tickle taste buds ... HE sixth annual Taste of Dublin is set to once again tickle taste buds, when the outdoor food and drink festival takes place from June 9 to June 12 in the serene surrounds of the Iveagh Gardens in Dublin 2. The festival will feature al-fresco dining, wine tastings, live chef demonstrations and the chance to meet more than 100 artisan food producers, as well as a number of well-known
T
foodie faces and celebrities, including Gino D’Acampo, Derry Clarke, Conrad Gallagher, Catherine Fulvio, Ross Lewis and Neven Maguire, to name but a few. With Superquinn once again on board as headline sponsor, tickets are now on sale from the ticket line at 0818 300 030. For further information on the delightful, delicious festival, see www.tasteofdublin.ie.
Eabha Lewis
Vogue Wilson was helping to promote the event
Top foodies, Ross Lewis and Catherine Fulvio
Molly Lewis
16 GAZETTE 28 April 2011
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Every little face... PICTURED launching the Face of Tesco – a competition to find three staff members to model in the company’s 2011 Autumn Winter Clothing Campaign, are the judges - model agency boss Rebecca Morgan, fashion editor Bairbre Power and fashion expert Darren Kennedy along with models Ellie Murphy and Carl Shaaban. Prizes for the winner include modelling in the Autumn Winter Clothing photo shoot, a Tesco wardrobe, a professional hair and make-up consultation, and more.
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.
Get your hats out for a right royal Dublin do WHY NOT celebrate Prince William’s marriage to Kate Middleton, this Friday, April 29, at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, with an afternoon to remember? Guests can enjoy a glass of Prosecco on arrival, then sit back, relax and view the royal wedding on screen, while enjoying a delicious three-course lunch. Come along with friends and watch as history is made, when the heir to the British throne marries his college sweetheart. Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is located just a stone’s throw from Dalkey, and enjoys stunning views over Dublin Bay. The Royal Wedding Lunch Package costs €29.95. To make an enquiry, or booking, please contact reservations on (01) 2305556 or email reservations@ fitzpatricks.com
Acting for beginners AN Acting for Absolute Beginners course starts on May 15 and runs for 10 weeks in Dublin city centre. With students from Lucan and Swords already signed up for the course, tutor Ronnie McCann says he is looking for students from all over the city to take part.
DIARY The course introduces students to the basics of acting and offers a hands-on practical approach that will get the creative juices flowing and explores new and inventive ways to become the next De Niro or Winslet. Ronnie McCann has been a professional director and actor for 20 years and, as an actor, he has been in many television dramas and is also a regular in Casualty. He has also been in several feature films and has worked on camera and stage in Europe as well. He trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and Lee Strasberg in New York. He also teaches acting for camera and directing at several leading drama colleges, including the Gaiety School. “There will be lots of laughter, excitement and fun. If you think ‘I wouldn’t have the talent’, but your instincts tell you differently, this is the course for you. It is a great way to meet new people, explore new ways to communicate and develop new skills that you can use in life,” Ronnie says. The course takes place on Sun-
days from 2pm - 4.30pm in the church just off Frances Street. It costs €140 for 10 weeks. Contact 086 7838619 / 01 6293976 to book.
Support Norris and Aware A QUIZ night will be held in aid of AWARE and Senator David Norris in the Grand Hotel in Malahide this Friday, April 29. Sheila Byrne, who is a fundraiser for Senator Norris’s presidential campaign said: “I have met with the CEO of AWARE and he is delighted that they will be part of this fundraising night. A lot of charities are finding it difficult to get funds due to the downturn of this wonderful island of ours. Fortunately, with positive thinking and helping each other it won’t be long before we get this country up and running again. “During the course of his election campaign, and if he is elected as the next President of Ireland, Senator Norris will focus on three key areas in our society and will shine a light on the key issues associated with these three areas: Mental Health and Wellbeing, Culture, and Enterprise,” Sheila said. The quiz night kicks off at 8pm. All are welcome.
28 April 2011 GAZETTE 17
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: IT’S IMPORTANT TO RESPECT A DOG’S INSTINCTS AND ITS FEARS
Keep your child safe around strange dogs E all know that man’s (and woman’s) best friend is the dog! Dogs love us unconditionally and their level of gorgeousness goes right off the, well, the gorgeousness scale. You can tell I’m a doggie kinda gal? However, even the nicest doggie has been known to bare his gnashers and, quite often, it’s a small child who bears the brunt of his anger. All parents know that kids go off the rails when they spot a dog. Their natural instinct is to run up and pet the animal, try to hug it, pick it up and scream and squeal with excitement, often upsetting the poor pooch, albeit unintentionally. Now, to a small child and even an adult, this
W
type of adulation is a normal reaction and appears cute – to a dog it spells something entirely different. Sudden movements and loud, ear-splitting screams often cause the poor dog to feel fear and could promote an aggressive response in the friendliest and most easygoing of canines. So, as a parent, what can you do to protect your child from strange dogs? Well, here are a few tips I hope will come in handy. • Teach your child to respect a dog’s instincts and most importantly, its fears. When around a strange dog, ask your child to speak quietly and to move slowly – no running around making mad flapping movements. • Never allow your child
to ride a bike, a flicker scooter or skate too close to a strange dog. Some dogs feel scared because they are not normally used to these things, and may even chase the moving object because such behaviour can trigger a dog’s natural prey instinct. • If a strange dog gets too frisky or excited around your child, then teach the child to behave like a statue. Your child will need to drop any food or toy they’re holding and stand still, like a statue or a tree. Statues are boring for dogs – they will usually come over, sniff and go away. Practise this with your kids, so they know exactly what to do if a dog rushes at them. • Teach your child to
Even friendly dogs can be aggressive when provoked
never, never, and again I stress, NEVER pat a dog without the owner’s permission. I’ve lost count of the times kids have rushed up to me in the park to try and grab hold of my dogs’ heads and attempt to rub them and, when I pull my
dogs away, the parents get stroppy. There is a reason why you must seek the owners’ permission. Some dogs, two of mine included, do not like strangers patting them and may become aggressive due to nervousness. Teach your
child to respect a dog’s personal space and his right to refuse to be patted by strangers. • If the owner gives permission, teach your child to approach the dog slowly and quietly and allow the dog to sniff the back of the child’s hand – then gently pat the dog’s chest, sides or back. Dogs don’t generally like to be rubbed on their heads. Keep your face away from the dog and never stare into its eyes. For very small dogs, your child may need to kneel down, keeping the top half of the child’s body straight and not bend over the dog. • Tell your child it’s a big no-no to sneak up on a dog that is eating or sleeping. If a dog is eating, your child must wait until he has moved away
from the feed area before approaching him. If the dog is sleeping, your child needs to stand back and call the dog out of his bed if they wish to give him a cuddle. • Puppies! Never allow your child pick up a puppy. Mummy dogs are very protective of their babies, just as humans are, and may bite the child if she thinks they will hurt them. •Make sure your child doesn’t approach or pat a dog that has his head sticking out of a car window. It’s likely the animal is protecting and defending what he perceives as his space. For more information, log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie
18 GAZETTE 28 April 2011
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs VW GROUP GROWS TO RIVAL TOYOTA:
V O L K S WA G E N has reported that its first quarter delivery of new cars rose by 13.7% to a record 1.97 million vehicles. VW also reported record deliveries for March, with sales of more than 767,200 cars, up 8.1% from a year ago. VW aims to pass Toyota as the world’s best-selling car brand by 2018. In 2010, VW group sold a record 7.14 million units, ranking it third behind General Motors with 8.39 million and Toyota with 8.42 million. The Germanbased company has reported that car sales growth in regions such as China, India or Russia produced a strong performance. The company’s core VW brand sold 1.23 million cars between January and March, a rise of 10.4%.
The new BMW X1 xDrive28i uses the first of the new generation four-cylinder petrol engines to give improved acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, taking just 6.1 seconds, as well as a 16% improvement in fuel economy. Inset: The BMW-designed electric motor, which will be used in BMW electric cars in the future. The motor is claimed to be over 90% efficient and produces in excess of 160bhp for fast acceleration
Impressive engines MICHAEL MORONEY visits the BMW headquarters in
Munich, where he got a glimpse of things to come MWhas set a name for itself with its Efficient Dynamics technology that has boosted diesel engine performance far ahead of where people would have believed possible 10 years ago. I was in Munich last week to hear and discuss with BMW engineers where the next move will be. There were three areas where BWM focused on during what they call their annual Innovation Day. These were new engine designs, the development of the electric car and new lightweight car components. The target remains the same – giving enhanced driving pleasure in quality cars consistent with reduced fuel consumption. That’s the basis of the Efficient Dynamics concept and development director at BMW, Dr Klaus Draeger, said that this remains true as
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the core principle of the company. The big news was the announcement of a complete new line-up of engines that will be fitted to BMW cars in three to four years time. BMW has invested €300 million in this new enginedesign concept that will give them huge savings through new economies of scale. BMW expects that, while the move to electric cars will accelerate, the sales of electric or even hybrid cars will not be more than 20% of the total market. That’s why the company continues to put a lot of effort into to increasing the lead that the Efficient Dynamics approach to conventional car engine design has given them. That has been confirmed by the fact that, in 2010, and for the sixth time in a row, the BMW Group was named the most sustain-
able automobile manufacturer in the world by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. There will be a new family of three, four and six-cylinder engines in diesel and petrol format, all using the same basic design. This will mean common parts, such as engine structures and fittings, even pistons and camshafts, making engine assembly easier, and bringing big savings in terms of economies of scale. But the changes are not big enough to expect a drop in prices, according to the company; it will be more of a situation where they will give better economy and performance without increasing the prices into the future. These new engines will feature a new BMW TwinPower turbo-charging system that ensures more power and lower fuel consumption in both
petrol- and diesel-fuelled cars. We had an opportunity to take a short test drive in the first of these new engines, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was fitted to the new X1. In the new BMW X1 xDrive28i, this engine has improved the acceleration of the vehicle from zero to 100 km/h, taking just 6.1 seconds. The new engine delivers 245bhp. This is over 70bhp more powerful than BMW’s previously most powerful four-cylinder engine. The engine produced a huge level of torque for a petrol engine and even more impressive is the fact that it does so at a low 1250rpm engine speed. BMW claims that the new TwinPower Turbo engine even surpasses a BMW six-cylinder engine in terms of response and pulling power. On the electric car front BMW has created
what it calls a new subbrand, called the Megacity vehicle. The company will have two models on offer in 2013, a full electric car, the i3, and a plug-in hybrid petrol car, the i8x. BMW told us that they are developing their own electric motors, voltage invertors and high voltage storage systems. The aim is to develop a system that achieves flexibility for future hybrid and electric vehicles. Each battery storage unit of the future BMW hybrid or electric vehicle comprises a different number of modules, which in turn, each consists of a specific number of battery cells. These are interconnected in series in order to match the power and energy capacity needs of each vehicle. The new lightweight technology being planned for future BMW cars aims to cut the over-
all weight of the cars. That, too, will improve fuel economy. Plastics are going to be used to a greater extent, along with carbon fibres, some developed from agricultural crops, to produce vehicle body panels and insulation materials that incorporate new types of resins that make them strong, yet light. BMW is researching every aspect of the cars for the future to make them more sustainable in terms of economy and easier to build in a process that causes less lasting damage to the environment. T hat means using products in their manufacture that can be grown within Europe. These of their own accord can mean new opportunities for farm crops and some of the materials show during the Innovation Day provided real evidence of this.
28 April 2011 GAZETTE 19
20 GAZETTE 28 April 2011
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs Skoda sponsors Tipperary GAA SKODA is the new GAA sponsor of Tipperary GAA. The three-year sponsorship agreement, which begins following the 2011 National Leagues, will see Skoda Ireland invest approximately €200,000 into the Premier County per annum. As part of this sponsorship agreement, Skoda and Tipperary GAA officially unveiled the new 2011 Jersey at Croke Park on April 19. AllIreland Hurling Champions Eoin Kelly, Brendan Cummins, Padraic Maher and Conor O’Mahony were on hand to showcase the new strip and discuss Tipperary hurler’s prospects of defending theirAll Ireland crowns as the 2011 championship season approaches. The full sponsorship of Tipperary GAA covers both the hurling and football codes and includes all grades from minor to senior inter-county teams over the next three years. As part of the sponsorship agreement, the new-lookTipperary jersey was unveiled displaying the Skoda brand name.
Pictured at the announcement is Ray Leddy, marketing manager of Skoda Ireland, centre, with Tipperary hurling manager Declan Ryan, left, and Tipperary football manager John Evans
MERCEDES BENZ IN TALKS ON FUEL CELLS: MERCEDES BENZ is involved in a partnership with Renault and Nissan to develop new fuel cell technology for cars for the future. This comes a year after both companies formed a global alliance in which both companies swapped stakes in each other to co-operate on the development of small cars, commercial vehicles and future engine systems.
FIAT WANTS A CROSS-OVER NOT A GOLF: FIAT hopes that reshaping the Bravo hatchback
into a crossover will lead to a surge in European sales. Fiat has decided to replace its slowselling Bravo compact hatchback with an all-new high-roof cross-over inspired by the popular Nissan Qashqai. Fiat had originally planned to relaunch the Bravo as a rival the Volkswagen Golf, which is Europe’s bestselling car. The current Bravo and Qashqai were both launched in Europe in 2007. Their sales results were close at first but last year the Qashqai outsold the Bravo by a 5-to-1 margin (216,091 to 44,850).
The new Volkswagen Beetle is built to be one of the safest cars on the road, thanks to features such as standard ESP and six airbags
New VW Beetle goes back to its roots VOL K S WAGE N unveiled the latest generation Beetle at the Shanghai Motor Show in a style that moves away from design of the New Beetle of 1998. This latest generation Beetle draws on cues from the original. This new Beetle, due here later this summer, is longer, wider and lower, giving a more masculine and dynamic appearance.
The Beetle now measures 4,278 mm in length (+152 mm), 1,808 mm in width (+84 mm) and 1,486 in height (-12 mm). The track width front and rear, as well as the wheelbase at 2,537 mm, is also increased. The car’s new proportions mean the roof extends back further, the windscreen is shifted back and the rear section is now more akin to that of the origi-
nal Beetle. The boot capacity is a practical 310 litres, up from 209 litres in the 1998 model. The Beetle has four seats, with a split-fold rear seat for added versatility. Inside the cabin, the Beetle’s designers created a modern, practical and distinctive appearance with easy to identify and ergonomic controls. Certain features, such
as the glove box and colour accent panels, hark back to the original. Three trim levels will be available – Beetle, Design and Sport – and each will have its own individual character and features. There will be a wide range of optional equipment available. It is expected that, in Ireland, there will be a choice of four engines: three petrol – a 1.2-litre TSI 105bhp,
a 1.4-litre TSI 160bhp and a 2.0-litre TSI 200bhp; and one diesel – a 1.6-litre 105bhp with BlueMotion Technology. Thanks to the addition of Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems, the Beetle 1.6-litre 105bhp is estimated to have a combined fuel consumption of 23.8 km/litre (4.2l/100km) and a low CO2 emissions rating of 112 g/km.
Porsche returns to southside of the city PORSCHE has long been one of the most prestigious brands in the world and Porsche Centre Dublin is delighted to announce its return to South County Dublin, introducing some exceptional cars that are exclusive to this centre in Ireland. Whether window-shopping or otherwise, you don’t even necessarily need to be a Porsche obsessive to appreciate the Porsche Boxster Spyder
PDK. This is the first and only car of its kind in the country, and now on display at Porsche Centre Dublin, Rochestown Avenue. This new Porsche Service Centre retails the full range of Porsche Approved used cars and provides customers in the Republic of Ireland with the only authorised facility that caters for all Porsche aftersales requirements. All Porsche-approved used
cars are inspected using a 111-point checklist and come with a 24-month, manufacturer-backed Porsche Approved Warranty, with no mileage limit, and a 24-month Porsche Assistance policy, offering Europe-wide breakdown assistance.
Experience Brand manager Ryan O’Connell, has a wealth of experience with the Porsche brand and
is one of the most experienced Porsche experts in Ireland having overseen an impressive 350 deliveries to Porsche customers across the country. Porsche Ser vice Centre Dublin is located at Joe Duffy Ltd, just off exit 16 of the M50 at Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin. Customers can contact the Porsche Centre Dublin on 01 2353375 or by email at info@ porschedublin.ie.
28 April 2011 GAZETTE 21
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Graham Costigan, general manager, Room To Room
Furnishing what customers want DUCA Furniture, trading as Room To Room, started business more than 10 years ago as a furniture wholesaler. Given the tough economic conditions prevailing in the country, the company decided to take their furniture directly to the public, with a benefit for the customer being the excellent value the company says it offers all year long. Talking to the Gazette this week, general manager Graham Costigan told us about his career and the company. “I was born what seems like an eternity ago in Dublin, I spent seven years living in Germany, and came back to Ireland 12 years ago. “Since leaving school (Joey’s in Fairview) I’ve run pubs, an accounts department and a freight company before joining Duca Furniture about a year ago. “I enjoy work, golf, travel, a couple of drinks now and then and relaxing with [partner] Karen, but not necessarily in that order!” Graham says. “Duca Furniture started business over 10 years ago as a furniture wholesaler. Based on the outskirts of Dundalk, we have a state-of-the-art 75,000 sq ft warehouse facility. Our showrooms in Santry, Fonthill and Leopardstown are decked out in the best of furniture. “We sell quality and pride ourselves on this. There are plenty of furniture retailers, but we feel we have some of the
ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS DECIDING ON PAYING PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS Q – My new employer will pay 5% into my defined contribution pension if I match it. I am only 26 – do I have to agree to this, or can I put it off until I am at least in my thirties? Mary – Stillorgan A - THERE are currently more than 420,000 Irish citizens over the age of 65 and, by the year 2050, there will be 1.8 million citizens over this age. By 2026, a total of 767,300 such citizens are expected, meaning that 16 years from now, more than 16% of the population will be in retirement. Another fact is that half of the current earning population of Ireland does not have a pension. They are obviously hoping that the State Pension (which is currently €230.30 per week) will be enough to tide them over at that stage, AND that the Government will still have
Graham Costigan, general manager at Room To Room
the funds to be able to pay it when they reach retirement age.
best furniture out there. And, as we’re a wholesaler by trade, the price is fair as there is no middle man. “We stock most of the floor items and have a wide range of customised furniture. Why not slip by if you’re in the market?” According to Graham, Room To Room don’t mark up prices to enable them to mark down in a fake sale. The company is keen to promote its core belief of providing the customer
with an excellent level of service and quality at a fair price. Room To Room carries stocks of leather, bedroom, dining and occasional furniture, with most of these items available for immediate delivery. Added to the its extensive range of custom-made fabric suites, the company believes it has something to suit every taste and every pocket. Customers can find all of the company’s details at www.roomtoroom.ie
With the pension funds being decimated over the last few years, and the ageing population ambivalent about saving for their retirement, something had to give. The Government, through the recent National Pension Framework plan, has addressed this issue and, by 2014, all employees and employers will eventually have to contribute to a pension fund of some sort, plus the retirement age will be raised gradually to age 68 in 2026, with one uniform standard rate of tax relief applied to all contributions – 20%, by 2014. So, if you are currently on the higher rate of tax, it will certainly be worth your while making that 5% contribution, as your employer is also making a 5% contribution. This is a win-win situation for you, while you are never
Q&A
too young to start a pension!
Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: I wanted to be a foot-
Q: What part of your job do you dislike the most? A: Doing the accounts –
baller.
boring.
Q: What was your first job? A: I worked in Dunnes in the northside, stacking shelves and sweeping floors. Oh, how I miss those days ...
Q: And your first pay cheque? A: It was from the same place.
Q: How many people do you have to talk with every day? A: Loads. Sometimes too many, sometimes not enough.
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: The greatest thrill is getting things organised and not having any problems with deliveries.
Q: What air carrier do you use when going on holidays? A: Generally Aer Lingus or Ryanair, whichever is best value.
Q: What car do you drive? A: I drive an old Audi. Q: Can you swim? A: I can, and try to, as much as possible.
Q: Would you ever bungee jump? A: Nope; I don’t like heights.
Q: Do you play any sport? A: I play golf. Q: What is your favourite food and drink? A: My favourite food is stew;
my favourite drink is coffee.
Q: Who would you like to have dinner with – Brian O’Driscoll or Brian Cowen? A: Brian Cowen. I’d love to give him a slap up the side of the head.
Q: How many times a week do you go to the ‘hole in the wall’? A: Way too often. Q: How many times each year do you shop for clothes? A: As seldom as possible. I don’t like shopping.
Q: What is the name of your favourite shop? A: Room to Room, of course! But, really, it’s Macy’s in New York.
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: About 15, I think.
Q: Where is your favourite holiday destination? A: Portugal. Q: Have you ever met Brian Cowen? A: Nope. Q: What other job in the whole world would you really like to have? A: A professional golfer; otherwise, I’m very happy with my work.
Q: When do you wish to retire? A: As soon as I have the means to do so, comfortably.
Q: What will you do then? A: I haven’t got a clue. I will read books and take it easy for a while, and just spend some time smelling the flowers – I don’t get a chance now.
Even at 20% tax relief, the full 10% contribution (5% from you and 5% from the employer) is only costing you a net 4% of your income. Ask for a report each year from the trustees to ensure the fund is on course to pay you what the original estimates hope to. Quite simply put, a pension is a must. It is a savings plan which attracts three specific tax breaks. Firstly, tax relief on the contribution that you make to your pension at your marginal rate –in 2014, it reduces to 20%. Secondly, tax-free growth in the pension fund. And, thirdly, the availability of a tax-free lump sum, currently 25% of the fund, on retirement age, with a cap of €200,000. Independent, authorised and experienced advice is essential, and it would be preferable to pay for it, to ensure that independence. Do it! 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 28 April 2011
GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY CLONEE: RANGE OF APARTMENTS NOW ON SALE NEAR BLANCH
Ard Cluain hits the market
Allendale Glade offers three-bed living in D15
CLONSILLA: ASKING PRICE OF €204,950
Allendale is cosy in Clonsilla WILSON Moore have made a final reduction to encourage an immediate sale on No. 4, Allendale Glade, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, a stunning three-bedroom mid-terrace home in immaculate condition throughout and very well maintained by its present owners. The accommodation consists of entrance hallway, living room, kitchen/dining area, guest wc /utility room, three-bedrooms (of which the master is en-suite) and a family bathroom. To the rear is a good size garden with seeded lawn and conservatory. Special features include a feature fireplace and coving in the living room with double doors leading to the dining area, cream-fitted kitchen with tiled splash-back and doors leading to a large conservatory; Egyptian Travertine flooring in the conservatory and semi-solid wood flooring throughout the ground floor. There are fitted wardrobes in all bedrooms, and the attic is fully floored with Stira stairs. The property features a south-facing rear garden with outdoor tap and outdoor electricity sockets and is wired for outdoor lighting; gas heating, PVC windows and new PVC guttering and fascias, an alarm system and offstreet parking. This property is conveniently close to the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre with all its amenities – schools, shops, N3 and M50 motorway, Clonsilla Train Station and, well serviced with an excellent bus route to the city centre. Viewings are by appointment only and can be arranged via Wilson Moore on 1890 808080.
THE ARD Cluain apartment complex in Clonee is now available for viewing by appointment through Wilson Moore Estate and Letting Agents. The apartments feature professional, landscaped open areas and courtyard; high-speed lifts serve all floors from ground floor car parks, and there is an intercom entry system. There is a a good electric specification, including each apartment has at least two telephone and TV points and an ample number of double sockets throughout. Smoke and heat detectors are fitted in each apartment and all units are wired for security alarms and downlighters in living room and
Ard Cluain apartments are on sale now
kitchen. The bedrooms have high-quality fitted wardrobes, and the majority of the two-bedroom apartments will have en-suites off the main bedroom. Bathrooms feature high-quality, white sani-
tary ware, as well as floor and wall tiles to dado rail height throughout all the bathrooms and en-suites as per show apartments. Chrome towel rail, toilet roll holder and large fitted vanity mirrors, as per the show apartments,
and thermostatically controlled high-pressure showers. All apartments are covered by a ten-year Homebond scheme. This apartment development is situated just off the N3, within easy access of the M50 motorway, with Dublin city centre only a short distance away. The selection of amenities within walking distance include various restaurants, pubs and a wide choice of shops. A variety of sporting facilities are available in the vicinity, including the conveniently situated Clonee Tennis club right next door. There is a choice of local golf courses as well as horse-riding facilities
close by and numerous sport clubs. The Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, with its own multiplex cinema and extensive range of retail outlets, is only a short drive away. This impressive development has two attractive courtyards with designer-landscaped open spaces. Ard Cluain is a onestop-shop and offers first-time buyers and investors an opportunity to secure both real value and top-class quality in one simple step. Viewings are by appointment and can be arranged via Wilson Moore on 1890 808080.
RATHMORE, MEATH: FIVE-BEDROOM LUXURY HOME FOR €595,000
A designer home at a price to dream on CARTY Properties have brought Carraig Rua, Rathmore, in Co Meath, to the market once again with a significant reduction to the price, making what is already an elegant spacious home even more attractive to potential buyers. Carraig Rua, on the market for an asking proce of €595,000, is a detached, dormer-style residence standing on approximately 0.6 acre of landscaped grounds w i t h a n i m p r e s s i ve entrance. The property itself is nestled in scenic surroundings. This designer home extends to c 3,200 sq ft and offers generous proportions, an abundance of natural light with attention to quality and detail. The kitchen, living and dining rooms are interconnected and all
have French doors leading onto patio areas. The property comprises entrance hall with a double hardwood front door with leaded glass panels, recessed lighting and porcelain-tiled flooring, a lounge with a nine-foot ceiling, a raised feature fireplace with granite hearth, a large, bow-style window, and solid oak timber flooring. T he dining/family room has a mahogany fireplace, large bowstyle window and steps down to the kitchen/ living room, which features built-in wall and floor cherry units, complete with stainless steel sink, pull-out larder, built-in double oven, electric hob, integrated dishwasher and fridge freezer, with a large centre island. There is also a utility
Carraig Rua in Rathmore, Co Meath is on the market for €595,000
room and shower room. There are five wellproportioned bedrooms, the main being en suite, with a mixture of carpeted and wooden floors, and built-in wardrobes. The family bathroom has a jacuzzi bath, with velux window and recessed lighting. The location is second
to none as it is within walking distance of Rathmore church and school while Athboy, Kells and Navan towns are only minutes away with their wide choice of educational, leisure and shopping amenities. The property is less than 10 minutes to the new M3 access point. This pro-
vides an easy commute to Dublin making this an ideal home for families looking for a serene, idyllic country location while offering a wealth of amenities close at hand. For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Carty on 046-9486860, or see www.carty.ie.
28 April 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23
GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel
The impressive cliffs of Moher are only one of the many attractions in Co Clare
HOLIDAYS AT HOME: A VAST OFFERING IN ENNIS BEYOND THE BURREN
Much Moher than just cliffs in Ennis BARRY HARTIGAN
T’S only when you get to see the Cliffs of Moher for yourself do you truly realise how breathtaking they really are. The famous tourist attraction has featured in a number of films, including The Princess Bride, and has even made an appearance on the small screen in an episode of Father Ted, but you really should try to see them for yourself. The cliffs are in the final 28 of the New Seven Wonders of Nature competition and, once you view them, it’s not hard to see why. The reason for my trip to Co Clare was an invitation from the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis to visit the hotel on the 50th anniversary of its opening and to sample the delights of the town and surrounding county. Ennis is the very definition of the term “picture postcard” and it’s not
I
hard to see why it won the Tidy Towns competition in 2005 and placing second in 2008. It’s very picturesque, with narrow winding streets and it still maintains the feel of the market town it once was. There is still a market in operation each Saturday, albeit somewhat reduced in size, and there was quite a range of stalls on offer the weekend I visited. Saturday morning was spent on a walking tour of Ennis, and a very pleasant spot it is to amble around. The centre, made up of medieval streets and laneways, give it a small town feel. However, Ennis actually has a population of around 25,000 making it the largest town in Munster and the sixth largest town in Ireland. I found several fine book stores to browse in while the women on the trip were more than happy with the number of shoe and clothing stores that Ennis has to offer. The Old Ground Hotel
itself dates back to the early part of the 18th Century when it was built as a private dwelling and, in 1895, it was transformed into a hotel. It has had a very chequered past and Sinn Fein used the premises as their campaign headquaters from 1917 onwards. One of the more interesting parts of its history is the fact that, in 1936, famed pilot Charles Lindberg stayed at the hotel while scouting for locations to open a transatlantic gateway. Today the hotel has a wonderful combination of both old and new and, while the public areas have a pleasant ‘olde world’ feel, it also boasts all mod cons. The hotel’s Town Hall restaurant is clearly one of the most popular in Ennis as it was packed the night we dined there. Without going into elaborate details about the food all I will say was that I enjoyed one of the finer meals there that I have eaten in recent years.
I f y o u f a n c y g e tting some exercise and fresh air this spring the hotel is offering walking weekend breaks around the Burren. The Saturday consists of a full day guided walk from Black Head to the Burren Coast taking in stunning vistas of Galway Bay, Connemara, the Cliffs of Moher, Aran Islands and the majestic, rocky Burren itself. Sunday is a gentle halfday walk in the Burren National Park, one of the last great uncontaminated landscapes in Ireland, and includes the ascent of one of the country’s most eccentrically shaped hills, Mullaghmore, as well as interestesting sights off a famine relief ef road, herds of feral goats,, and the seasonal Tu r l o u g h lake. The weekends also coincide de with the world-famous orld-famous wildflower season in
the Burren so there will be beautiful blooms all around. There are three walking weekends to choose from, taking place on April 29, May 6 or May 13. The two-night break, including two nights luxurious accommodation with full Irish breakfast both mornings, a fivecourse dinner on the evening of your choice, a packed lunch and the guided walks (including transfers) is just €195 per person sharing, subject to availability. For further information check http://www. flynnhotels.com/Old_ Ground_Hotel_Ennis/ Welcome .
A killer of a night out in Louth at murder weekend in Darver Castle DARVER Castle, Ardee, Co Louth, is hosting A Knight of Murder by Murder Mysteries Ireland on Saturday, May 7. This entertaining medieval murder dinner show starts with budding detectives being greeted by the show’s shady cast at the welcome reception. Keeping their eyes peeled for clues, guests will then enjoy a sumptuous four-course dinner with wine as a murder is played out in the castle’s banqueting hall. After the killer is caught everyone can dance the evening away and enjoy the late bar. Tickets for A Knight of Murder are €65 per person, there is a group booking discount available for bookings of 10 seats and over. Fancy dress is not essential but preferred to help you get into the spirit of things. Sleuths can also stay in the Castle’s guesthouses for €100 for two sharing, including breakfast. Contact info@darvercastle.ie for more details, and, to book your medieval murder mystery dinner show tickets, please call 085 2828 420 or book online at www.murdermystreriesireland.com.
US and Canadian tourism agents see Ireland’s offering first-hand OVER 30 top American and Canadian travel agents arrived in Galway last week to meet with representatives of the Irish tourism trade to discuss business opportunities for the season ahead and looking beyond into 2012. The agents represent high-end travel groups from across North America and Canada and have delivered significant amounts of business to Ireland over recent years. Speaking after the event, Gillian Binchy, trade marketing manager at Fáilte Ireland said: “Events like these provide wonderful opportunities for overseas agents to come and taste the culture and heritage of Ireland for themselves, and has such a key role in encouraging these agents to consider Ireland as a holiday destination and promote Ireland to their customers.” The workshop, which took place at the Ardilaun Hotel, provided valuable business and networking opportunities for the Irish trade at a fraction of the cost of an individual sales trip.
24 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 28 April 2011
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
1
GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Little Gem Love, sex, birth, death, dildos and salsa classes: Little Gem sees three generations of Dublin women on a wild and constantly surprising journey. April 29 and 30 at 8pm. Tickets: €15.20/€16.80/€19/€21.
The Pride of Parnell Street In a series of intercutting monologues, Janet and Joe chart the intimacies of their love and the rupturing of their relationship, as well as their enduring love affair with Dublin city itself. This is an intimate, heroic tale of ordinary and extraordinary life on the streets of Dublin. May 3 to 7. Tickets from €15 to €23.
SEAMUS ENNIS CULTURAL CENTRE 01 802 0898 T with the Maggies Triona, Maighread, Mairéad and Moya, T with the Maggies, all come from the same corner of County Donegal and all have illustrious career histories. Each individual brings a unique and varied interpretation of their musical heritage. April 29. Commences at 8:30pm. Admission: €25.
Ger Wolfe In the company of a new line-up of top-class players Edel Sullivan (violin), Paul Frost (double bass) and Richard Lucey (button accordion), the man who brought us The Curra Road will take us on an unforgettable musical adventure from older gems such as The Lark of Mayfield and No Bird Sang, to exciting new songs inspired by his time as writer in residence listening to the stories of the older members of the Muscrai Gaeltacht in Cork. April 30 at 8:30pm. Admission: €16.
THE HELIX 01 700 7000 The Not So Grimm Fairytales All your favourite Grimm characters... Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Tom Thumb, a handful of princesses, a whirlwind of witches and one weally, weally wicked wolf... are all brought to life in this energetic, colourful, laugh-aminute show, with music, surprises, a touch of magic and lots of fun for all the family. April 30 and May 1. Tickets: €12.50.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 The Pajama Game The story deals with labour troubles in a pyjama factory, where worker demands for a seven-and-a-half cents raise are going unheeded. In the midst of this ordeal, love blossoms between Babe, the grievance committee head, and Sid, the new factory superintendent. May 3 to 7. Admission: €18/€15
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Hot Mikado This hilarious musical comedy is a 1940’s style update of Gilbert and Sullivan’s, The Mikado, and features highenergy dance routines with great vocal arrangements of blues, swing, hot gospel and scorching torch songs. April 28 to 30 at 8pm. Tickets €21.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 4627477 Vladimir and Classical Twist Vladimir’s main musical focus at the moment is his small ensemble, Classical Twist, (two violins, viola, double bass, piano and drums) and their wonderful fusion of classical music, jazz, pop & rock. From Bach to Bowie and from Mozart to the Rolling Stones via Lynard Skynyrd, Classical Twist puts a fresh, contemporary spin on some of the greatest melodies ever written. Classical Twist’s inventive and dazzling musicianship and rhythmic arrangements are delivered with verve in an accessible and approachable style. May 5 at 8pm. Admission: €18 and €16 concession.
Fred (James Marsden) finds himself looking out for EB (Russell Brand); the runaway son of the Easter Bunny who’d rather be a drummer in LA than take over his father’s job of running Easter each year. But Easter Island needs EB to come home, quick – or a coup d’egg-tat could occur ...
A bunny awful film ... Another week, and another sub-standard CG film leaves Kate hopping mad, thinking ‘Up’ never seemed so far away
Q KATE CROWLEY
WELL folks, as the month of April prepares to dash out the door, quickly grabbing its coat and chucking a Gone Fishin’ sign in the window, it’s fair to say that the film industry has done pretty much the same thing. Oh, sure, there are plenty of films trundling along towards Dublin’s screens, but not many of them are much cop, as April/May is traditionally the annual time for Gone Fishin’ fever to hit Hollywood’s head honchos, who start to hold back their bigger, “better” films until the summer season. Why, just consider some of these films – “The Joy of Wicker”, “Go, Donkey, Go!”, “Escape from Luton”,“Charlie and the Lost Slinky”, “Grandma’s Got A Gramaphone”, “My Favourite Cheese” and “Too Many Bow Ties”. I just made ’em all up, but they still sound like
FILM OF THE WEEK: Hop ++ (G) 94 mins Director: Tim Hill Starring: Kaley Cuoco, James Marsden, Russell Brand, Hugh Laurie, David “The Hoff” Hasslefhoff
OUR VERDICT: DIRECTOR Tim Hill was responsible for “Alvin And The Chipmunks” – four words designed to strike fear/rage into the soul of parents everywhere. And it shows, as Hop takes more-or-less the same formula of “adorable” cute CG animals having “zany” adventures with “goofy” adults to “hilarious” effect. The film is likely to feel like all stick, and no carrot, for viewers wishing to hop away ...
oddly plausible titles, compared to some of the Easter offerings rolling around out there. Still, one such deliberate (and very real) Easter-related film is Hop; a family-friendly film that’s been on release for a couple of weeks now, yet which I thought would be better served by reviewing now. After all, who isn’t filled with the joys of just-passed Easter at the moment? Which, in Hollywood’s eyes, is nothing to do with anything vaguely religionconnected, but is all about cute ickle wabbits and
CG-enhanced romps, of course. Well, duh. And duh-at’s eggs-actly what Hop’s directors are keen for you to swallow, along with your gulps of chocolate, this Easter season. The Easter Bunny (Hugh Laurie) has spent his life preparing his son, EB (Russell Brand) to step into his shoes, and carry on the family business of bringing the joy of Christm– err, Easter to the world, with lovely Easter baskets made at their busy Easter Island factory (where else). However, once EB has all growed up a little
bit, the appeal of being the Easter Bunny versus, say, a rock drummer, has peeled away like the thin wrapping around an Easter egg, and he runs away from Easter Island to Los Angeles (again, where else), where a talking, drum-playing rabbit isn’t going to raise many eyebrows. It isn’t long before EB crosses paths with Fred (James Marsden), who’s a bit of a shmuck, and yet is soon an unwilling minder of sorts for the wascally wabbit, who knows very well that dad has dispatched an elite ninja rabbit squad to find his son, and drag him back home. Of course, if EB doesn’t come home, someone else will have to step into making sure that Easter runs smoothly, and a long-suffering Easter Chick, Carlos (Hank Azaria) may finally have the chance to take over running Easter. Actually, by this point it all starts to get a little
convoluted, as the likes of Hugh Hefner, David “The Hoff” Hasslehoff and Brand, in a live-action cameo, start adding to the mix. They, and the Easter Bunny, rabbit ninjas, cunning chicks and a coup d’egg-tat all combine to create what’s probably supposed to be a sweetly charming film, yet is, perhaps, more than many viewers can stomach. Sure, the animation is pretty nice, but the story is flat, flat, flatter’n tin foil, and Marsden’s mugging, coupled with a film that’s even less convincing of being anything to do with the meaning of Easter than the sight of a certain stunning cinema reviewer wearing rabbit ears, all combine to create a colourful mess. Hop could be a perfect punishment to pack off older children to see, with younger siblings in tow, but otherwise, it’s more or less a bunny awful film.
28 April 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 25
Household fee instead of TV licence ADAM MAGUIRE
IN THE past, anyone who wanted to watch RTE One needed a television set and some kind of signal coming into the house, either via aerial, cable or satellite. Today, all you need is a computer – or phone – and a half-decent internet connection. This massive shift is causing a lot of problems for a lot of people, not least programme makers, who are finding it harder to sell adverts and bring in big audiences. The effect of the trend is also being felt by the Irish Government, which is now trying to understand how it will impact on the TV licence fee. If a household has a device capable of receiving television signals, the
though it does not require a licence to do so.
residents are obliged to pay the annual licence fee of €160. This is the case even if they do not use the television, or watch public service broadcaster channels such as RTE on it.
How new technology gets around this As the definition of a “television” requires the device to pick up signals via an aerial, most types of computer and phone are excluded. They can allow a user to watch TV in other ways – generally, over an internet connection – even
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Doomsday scenario At the moment, only a tiny minority of users have completely replaced their TVs for computer screens. However, it is a growing number. If left ignored, there is a very real possibility that the amount of money being taken in via the licence fee will eventually become dangerously low, even though the number of television watchers has not dropped at all. The solution ... ? No decision has been made as to how this problem is to be solved, but the Government has suggested the introduction of a household charge instead of the licence fee, which will see every
house pay an annual rate, no matter what devices they do or do not own
The argument for This system would make the process cheaper for the Government, as there will be no need to have inspectors trying to prove a person has a TV set but no licence. The argument against Some people do not have televisions, and this will unfairly force them to pay for something they get no benefit from. When a decision will be made A review is currently under way to try to find a workable solution, and full recommendations are expected within the next few months.
HTC Desire S As the latest in a growing range of HTC’s “Desire” phones, the Desire S takes the best of its predecessor and makes t h e m even better. With t h e original Desire being a really great phone, t h i s follow-up has a lot to live up to, but promises much in its specifications. With a lighter, slimmer but stronger body, the phone looks and
feels great, while its 3.7inch screen is stunningly bright to look at. It runs on Android, and is layered in HTC’s o w n “Sense” interf a c e , which is really easy to use and gives a user loads of information in a small space. All of the features you would expect are there, and they are done extremely well – the phone also feels great to use, and its touchscreen is responsive and quick.
If there is a downside to the device, it would have to be its battery, which can struggle to last as long as you would like. This can be put down to that super-bright screen, for a start, not to mention all the other bells and whistles stored within. However, the battery is not so bad as to ruin the phone, and HTC have again come up trumps, showing they are the masters of Android. The Desire S is a powerful competitor to anything its rivals have to offer. The HTC Desire S is available on O2 and Meteor from €39.99. Visit teic.ie for the latest tech news, reviews and views.
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26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 28 April 2011
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PLANNING NOTICE
PLANNING NOTICE
PLANNING NOTICE
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Yoichi Hoashi is applying for Permission for retention for moving the setback front wall, containing a door and glazed side panels, of a ground floor room which was converted from a carport as permitted under Planning Application SD06B/0558 of September 2006, forward by 1.2m to align with the front wall of the house at 33 Hansted Drive, Lucan, Co. Dublin. This application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am - 4pm, MonFri, and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by South Dublin County Council of the application.
Vincent & Philomena Harlow are applying for single storey front porch at 162 esker lawns, Lucan, Co Dublin. This application may be inspected or purchased, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am - 4pm, MonFri, and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by South Dublin County Council of the application.
Brendan O’Donnell is applying for permission for the retention of the single storey ground floor porch located to the front of the two storey dwelling house and including the retention of associated changes to elevations at 12 Esker Lawns, Lucan, Co Dublin. This application may be inspected or purchased, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am-4pm, MonFri, and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by South Dublin County Council of the application.
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28 April 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 27
GazetteSPORT
SPORT AWARDS:
GazetteSport’s April nominees are announced: Page 29
HOCKEY: LOCAL PLAYER SET TO TAKE PART IN EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP
Gormley gets real as Madrid side get ready STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com
CLONSKEA man Ronan Gormley will become one of a rare breed next month when the Irish men’s hockey captain will contest the semi-finals of the EuroHockey League – the sport’s equivalent to the Champion’s League. Gormley switched from Dublin-side Pembroke Wanderers last summer to play on a semi-professional basis in Madrid
with Club de Campo. And last weekend they won both their last 16 and quarter-finals ties in the competition at the EHL’s KO16 stages in Amsterdam. Ironically, he ended up facing his former club last Friday and swept to an 11-0 victory against the Dubliners, who had lost several Irish internationals to European clubs in the close season, as well as enduring injuries to Scottish star Paddy Conlon
and former Irish striker Gordon Elliott. For Gormley, it was bittersweet. “It was tough playing against my old side. I played for them for 13 or 14 years but you come out to win. We’ve got objectives in the tournament and you have to think of it as another team. “They’ve had a very tough year with the players that have left the club, eight or nine of the starting eleven, and a coach,
Ronan Gormley will be representing Club De Campo when they take their place in last four of the EHL
so they’ve done very well to push an Irish team into the last 16, so fair play to them “We aimed to start well, we didn’t quite achieve that and I think they won the first short corner but, once we got into our game,
we played some good hockey, put good moves together and played some three-touch stuff at a high tempo and managed to stick some goals in.” That victory set up a quarter-final tie with Spanish rivals, Atletic Ter-
rassa, on Easter Sunday. A cagey affair, normal time ended 1-1, as did extratime leading to a penalty shoot-out, which was won 2-0. It sets up a semi-final date in June with English club, Reading, who
feature Irish player Chris Cargo and is a challenge Gormley cannot wait to meet: “Every match now is do-or-die, there’s top teams involved so it will be tight margins. We’ll fight for every ball and see where it takes us.”
28 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 28 April 2011
GazetteSport Sport Rugby
FastRugby
CLONDALKIN RFC: CUP RUN ENDS IN DISAPPOINTMENT
Clon still set to claim Spiers Cup silverware CLONDALKIN remain on course to retain the Spiers Cup after they impressively won the semi-final against Newbridge last Saturday afternoon by way of a sensational first-half display, and a scoreline of 3-17. Fourth-team second-row, and third-team winger, Keith Luby proved the chief thorn in Newbridge’s side, scoring twice in an all-action first half as the visitors ensured there will be no Newbridge silverware this term. The visitors got off to a great start and went 7-0 ahead when Chris Kelly crossed the whitewash after some great work by a power-packed pack. A cheap penalty granted the hosts a repost but the Gordon Park side were on top and soon extended their lead. Winger Luby, who has been used as a second rower by the fourth string, registered a try of the season contender adding the finishing touches to a brilliant move off the back of a scrum. The rugby newcomer, who is enjoying a sensational debut season, added another score before the turn and Alan Hickey converted to make it 17-3. If Clon’s attacking play caught the eye before the break their defensive efforts were to be admired after the turn about. Neither defence was breached in the second period, although Eamon Hughes did come close only to be held up after a sensational run. Key to keeping Newbridge at bay and ensuring Clondalkin made the final, were Ross Fitzgerald, Hugh Curran, Alan Hickey, Keith Luby, Tom McGratton, Tom Grath and manof-the-match and turnover specialist, Graham Gallagher.
A fine season was not to be capped with a cup win for Clondalkin’s Under-19s who were defeated by Naas
Naas deny Clon Under-19s NORTH MIDLANDS CUP Clondalkin Naas RFC
17 26
sport@gazettegroup.com
A HAT-trick from Irish winger Adam Byrne ensured Good Friday was not so great for Clondalkin Under-19s, as the Gordon Park side suffered final heartbreak for the second time this season. Just weeks after a cruel defeat in the Division 1 Leinster League, Clon lost out in a tight and tense North Midlands decider. The Division 1 side were massive underdogs against the Premier Division finalists, but displayed their quality and could have caused a major upset and collected the silverware a brilliant campaign deserved. Clon made the brighter
start and were dominant in the forward battle. As a result of the pack power display, the hosts took the lead five minutes in. A strong scrum gave Karl Jebb, who was sensational throughout, the perfect platform to break, and the number 8 bulldozed his way into the opposition half before winning a penalty that the equally impressive Eoghan Murphy slotted to make it 3-0. Clon continued to dominate the set piece and initially repelled all early Naas advances. However, despite marvellous cover tackles from Jebb, Eoghan Brady, Padraig Kelly and Killian O’Flaherty and some sterling work at the breakdown by Bobby Smith, Christy Broe and Gareth
Black, Naas registered two quick-fire tries. One of the those touchdowns was a brilliant length-of-the-pitch effort from Byrne, whose brother has signed a three-year contract with Manchester United. Clondalkin refused to back down and mounted a comeback, a gallant effort combined which, with continued Naas indiscipline, granted them passage back into the game. Out-half Murphy, who kicked beautifully from hand throughout, andwho is maturing into a quality number 10, slotted two penalties, one from half-way, to make it 9-12 with half-time approaching. Just when it looked like the home side would take
just a three-point deficit into the break, Naas full back Byrne struck again to make it 12-19 at the turn. Clon, however were not long in reducing the arrears and getting back to within just two points of their divisionally-superior rivals. Under-17 star Darren Nolan touched down minutes after another fine Murphy restart. Again, another strong scrum held and Jebb’s break was the platform for the score. The youngest of three star brothers, Karl Jebb broke the gainline before offloading to Nolan, who powered over in the corner. Murphy failed to convert from the touch line, but Clon were within two points. Clondalkin again con-
tinued to do the basics well and, with Black, Smith and Broe excelling in the tight, they remained in contention, but anytime the side flirted with going wide they suffered heartbreak. Twice the home outfit tried to put width on the ball but got turned over and again. Naas took advantage scoring twice to put a comfortable 12 point cushion between the sides. The Clon stars of the future didn’t let their heads drop and rallied late on. They set up camp on their opponent’s line for the remaining 15 minutes and only seven consecutive Naas penalties prevented them from scoring and setting up a tense finale.
28 April 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29
in association with
FastSport
ASDFASDF: SASDF ASDFASD FDSAF SDA
2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - APRIL NOMINEES IN ASSOCIATION WITH
+ STARof the
2011 Matchplay entry now available to golfers
MONTH
ENTRIES for the 2011/2012 City Matchplay Championship, played throughout winXxx yyll xxyyl zxyxzz zz x xxylyx. Xxx yyllthe xxyyl zxyxzz at Castle Golf Club, are now available. zzter x xxylyx. Picture: Xxxxx Zzzzzz
PETER CARR
JAMES CLUSKEY
DAVID MALONE
CARR has been in stellar form for both Swords RFC and for the Dublin Eagles rugby league side at local level, and has represented Ireland in league colours at several levels, being picked for RLI’s Four Nations campaign in Scotland this month
SWORDS tennis star Cluskey has been on a roll this month, his outstanding performances on the ITF Futures tour netting doubles victories in Liechtenstein and Switzerland with playing partner, Frenchman, Fabrice Martin
PARALYMPIC pool legend Malone received another Olympic accolade to add to his medal haul this month when he was named as the team manager for Ireland’s swimmers for their London 2012 Paralympic Games campaign.
+ TEAMof the
The Mens’ Championship is open to men with a handicap of 18-or-under, and the Ladies’ Championship to ladies with a handicap of 28-or-under. Entry costs just €55 to cover competition fees and green fees for the entire tournament. The first round will be played in August through the following months to a final in April. Entry can be made by sending the entrance fee, name, address, mobile phone number, e-mail address, club and handicap to Castle Golf Club, or via e-mail at info@ castlegc.ie. For more information, contact Castle Golf Club on 4904207
asdf asdf sa dfdsasd fdas fdasf dasdfd Softball Ireland call for new recruits
MONTH
COLAISTE IOSAGAIN
CLONDALKIN RFC
DUBLIN LIONS
COLAISTE Iosagain’s young footballers claimed the first All-Ireland title for a Dublin school at this level when they defeated Holy Rosary College of Galway to be crowned the Senior B Second Level Colleges champions in Roscommon
CLONDALKIN ladies’ rugby team made history when they defeated a tough Edenderry outfit to claim the club’s first ever womens’ trophy at the home of nearby rivals, Barnhall, in the Leinster championship
DUBLIN Lions’ basketball club made club history this month when all three of their senior mens’ teams became champions in the Men’s Top 4s competition at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght
WELCOME to the 2011 Dublin Sports Awards, as we mark our local sportsmen and women’s April sporting achievements across the capital and, indeed, across the nation. With spring’s awakenings making way for summer sun, we’re delighted to once again
be able to celebrate the finest achievements in Dublin sport, with some huge efforts at local levels coming to our attention in a variety of wellknown, and some less prominent sports. Ever y form of sporting achievement, at any level and in any sport, is valuable and
gives an impression of the diversity of sporting commitment there is around our fair city at all times of the year. Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance of being one of our monthly stars.
Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes in the month of May, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/gazettesport. You can also check out the latest stories from GazetteSport at our new website, www.gazettegroup.com
for the sport, and they are keen to recruit new players to this burgeoning, inclusive sport. Softball is a unique and social sport for players of all ages, genders and abilities. It caters for every level and standard of player from those wanting a recreational knockaround to those wishing to compete at the highest level of international competition. There are some 30 teams playing across Dublin at present, and for those who are interested in finding out more information about the sport, and about joining a club in their local areas, can do so at Softball Ireland’s website, http:// www.softball.ie
300 wds
THE softball season for 2011 commenced recently with an allday start-of-season blitz held at ALSAA Sports Grounds. All money raised on the day was to assist the National Squad in their fundraising for attending the European Championships later this year. For anyone interested in playing softball, teams are looking for new recruits at any time. Please check out www.softball.ie for information. Softball Ireland is the national governing body
30 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 28 April 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
UCFL DIV 2: TWO GAMES REMAINING IN THE LEAGUE FOR LOCALS
Bluebell bear down on title after Tolka draw BLUEBELL United edged another step closer to the LSL Sunday Senior, a title which has eluded the decorated Red Cow club since 1987, with a 2-2 draw at Frank Cooke Park against Tolka Rovers. They lead Wayside Celtic by four points with four games to go, albeit with a game extra played but with the title still in their own hands. Gerry Bambrick broke the deadlock from the penalty spot before former Malahide man Gareth Logan levelled for Rovers within a few minutes.
Ashwood FC took full points and top place in the league after their emphatic win over Castle Rovers
Ashwood go to the top UCFL DIV 2 Ashwood Castle Rovers JONNY STAPLETON
4 1
sport@gazettegroup.com
Newlands’ Butler added to Leinster NEWLANDS Ciara Butler has been included in a formidable Leinster team who will be aiming to deny Ulster a backto-back women’s interprovincial golf crown this week in Royal Co Down GC. The side will be led by the 2010 Irish Close Champion, Mary Dowling, who opened the year with a win at the Royal Co Down Ladies Scratch Salver in late March, while the Royal Portrush and Woodbrook Scratch Cup winners, Louise Mernagh (Woodenbridge) and Karen Delaney (Carlow) are also members of the eastern team. The only debutant in the side is Seapoint’s Carla Reynolds with former internationals Maria Dunne (Skerries),
Aedin Murphy (Carlow) and Deirdre Smith (Co. Louth) adding strength to the team throughout. The championship links course, which measures 6,261 yards, with a par of 76, will provide a tough test for competitors.
DVC second in championship DVC finished as runners-up in last week’s Volleyball Association of Ireland Intermediate Women’s Championship in UCD, the Tallaght Rockets winning a west Dublin derby over the Colaiste Bride-based club 3-1. DVC emerged from a group with UCD, the Naas Cobras and the Rebels to make it into the quarter-finals of the competition and on to the final. But they were undone by a Rockets’ side who got the better of the Liffey Ravens and the Newbridge Cheetahs.
ASHWOOD FC came from a goal down literally storming The Castle last Saturday to go top of the table with just two games to play. It wasn’t quite the walk in Corcaigh Park the hosts expected, but Division 2’s top side eventually saw off the challenge of the basement club and are now in touching distance of the UCFL top flight. T his impressive reverse means Ashwood are just one more win
from securing champion status and going up as league winners. Without a single win this season Castle were not meant to cause an threat, but it wasn’t long before they chopped down ’Wood’s defensive cover and took a shock lead.
Early strike Less than three minutes into the tie Brian Forsyth had home keeper Keith Bennett picking the ball out of the back of his net. However, the hosts showed exactly why they are championselect and registered an immediate reposte.
All stars at DIT: Egan presents the Sports Awards GRAHAM Higginbotham, from Lucan, was presented with his DIT All-Star Award from Kenneth Egan recently when the college celebrated their 14th Annual Sports Awards, which took place in the Aviva Stadium. Each year, DIT recognises the outstanding contribution of individual student athletes across many diverse sporting disciplines for their achievements in sport and contribution of the sports clubs to campus life.
Within a minute they cancelled out the opener and got back on level terms. Winger Ian Fleming whipped in a dangerous free kick and midfielder Philip Leaddy got the vital touch at the back post to make it 1-1 with less than 10 minutes played. Ashwood then upped the tempo further and went in search of what would prove a crucial win. Alan Caul came close after an interchange of passing, with Jim Ennis, but was denied by the visiting net minder. In fairness to Rovers they belied their bot-
tom-of-the-table status and gave the league leaders a run for their money in the first period, but a gallant effort wasn’t enough to stop Ashwood from taking a lead into the turnaround. In fact, nothing could have stopped the thunder-bolt that gave the hosts the lead.
Volley of acclaim Fleming, who created the first goal, let fly with a splendid left-foot volley from all of 25 yards that drew admiration from both sidelines. Rovers did attempt a reposte before the break but they could restore parity.
The visitors also impressed in the early stages of the second period, but despite producing a below-par display the hosts still had too much for the visitors and went further ahead. This time Jim Ennis was rewarded for his industry and finished past the advancing keeper after blocking dow n the defenders clearance to make it 3-1 at turn. Defender Derek Lordan then put the icing on the victor y cake converting an Alan Caul corner to make it 4-1 on the stroke of fulltime.
28 April 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31
in association with
AIB CUP: CUALA CRUMBLE AS PAT’S SCORE FREELY
CLUB NOTICEBOARD ROUND TOWERS REGISTRATION is now open for the
this Wednesday at 7.15pm in Monas-
women’s mini-marathon on June 6.
tery. Spread the word, all welcome!.
You can register online at http://www. womensminimarathon.ie. A meet and train group are training
St Pat’s Palmerstown were on top form as they defeated Cuala and St Anne’s
Pat’s prepare for UCD test with win AIB CUP ROUND 1 Cuala 1-12 St Pat’s Palmerstown 3-11 JONNY STAPLETON sport@gazettegroup.com
QUALITY in front of goal proved to be the the difference between the sides when St Patrick’s, Palmerstown, warmed up for their massive championship opener against UCD with victory over Cuala last week. Pat’s took their threepoint chances when they arose to eventually finish five points clear of their rivals in the first round of the round-robin contest. The Palmerstown side followed that impressive win with a draw against Tallaght side, St Anne’s, over the weekend, but know they will have to produce their best form if they are to get past UCD in their championship encounter this weekend. The Students were championship semifinalists last term, and
Pat’s will be hoping they are not taught a football lesson in the Iveagh League grounds when the game comes around. P a t ’s m a t c h w i t h Cuala was fairly even to start, with both sides trading scores. Graham Kelly and Finton McGuire, who challenged for the manof-the-match title, split the posts for the away side. D u b l i n U n d e r-21 star, Peter Keeney, was another who impressed in the middle of the park for the visitors and, fittingly, he registered the score that gave Pat’s the lead going into the turn. Keeney took his chance in front of goal when the opportunity arose, enabling the visitors to take a slight lead into the break. Cuala hit back after the turn and stole back in front via a mini-scoring spree, but, in a tight encounter, it was goals that proved the differ-
ence, and Pat’s were better adept at scoring them. With McGuire and Jonny McDermott starting to excel, Pat’s started to create more chances. Lee Dunne and Paul Fauchnan took advantage of two such opportunities to give Pat’s a comfortable five-point cushion with full time approaching. Dunne’s finish was particularly impressive, and his manager Damien Flood, who labelled the win “morale boosting” will be hoping he can repeat the feat against UCD.
Cuala did try one last attempt to come back into the game, but all their efforts to eat into the five-point advantage were cancelled out by St Pat’s strikes. Free-taker Fauchnan added to his goal by converting four points, whilst Colum driver and Fergal Maher also raised the white flag. Up next now for St Pat’s is a big test against UCD, but they will be confident if they reproduce this kind of goalscoring form, that they have every chance of progressing to Round 2 of Dublin football’s premier competition.
Tickets for the Dublin v Kilkenny Hurling League final must be ordered by Sunday night close of business.
regularly. All ages and fitness levels
The premiere of the White Collar
welcome. For more information con-
boxing fight night DVD in full HD will
tact Caitriona McGrath on 087 961
be shown in the clubrooms on the big
9466.
screen on Saturday next at 8pm - Ger
The senior footballers face Clontarf
Hickey has worked tirelessly in the
in Newcastle in the first round of the
production so come along and relive
Senior Football Championship on Fri-
the action or catch it for the first time
day next at 7pm.
if you didn’t make the night!.
The Ladies’ Senior Footballers were
Last week’s lotto numbers were 6, 8,
beaten by Na Fianna in the league.
9 and 20. There was no winner of this
First Championship game is on 11th
week’s jackpot of €3,600.
May - details to follow. First there was
Congratulations to Alan Milton,
Gaelic 4 Mothers, now we are going to
Brock, Leanne Finnegan, Teresa Verso
try Gaelic 4 Fathers! We are going to
and Bernard Sheerin, who were the
start with a light training session on
five €100 winners.
ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN SENIOR footballers played two cup
hurling league final can be collected at
matches during last week, beating
the clubhouse on Thursday night from
Cuala away and had a draw with St
7.30 to 8.30pm.
Anne’s.
Good luck to the Dublin senior hurl-
Senior footballers play first round of
ers and our own Liam Rushe in the
the senior championship this week in
national league hurling final next Sun-
Ivy Grounds against UCD. Please turn
day in Croke Park against Kilkenny.
out and support the lads. Easter camp continues this week
To visit our website, simply log on to www.stpatricksgaa.ie.
until Friday. If you want to join in the
Lotto: Numbers drawn were 8, 13,
fun, just turn up at the clubhouse
15 and 26. There was no winner of the
at 9.45am and you will be finished at
€6,400 jackpot.
2.30pm, or call Paul at 087 6613 104 for details.
There was no match any three numbers winners.
Our sincere thanks to all the juve-
Four lucky dips winners were KSD,
niles, mentors and parents who
Eileen Maguire, Sadhbh Duffy and Liz
turned out last weekend to help with
Conway, and each receive €50. Next
our bag-pack at Supervalu, Palmer-
week’s jackpot €6,600.
stown. Tickets for this weekend’s national
Draw held each Sunday night at 10pm in Palmerstown House.
LUCAN SARSFIELDS GOOD luck to Dublin hurlers and Lucan
function room at 8.30pm. All wel-
Sarsfields’ players Peter Kelly and
come.
Johnny McCaffrey in next weekend’s
Upcoming dates for diary: Satur-
National League final between Dublin
day, May 7: Music in bar by The Foggy
and Kilkenny.
Dew, 9.30pm till late. Saturday, May
Boys’ football Feile set for April 30.
14: Trad Session, Lucan Comhaltas.
Good luck to all involved. Check web-
Friday, May 20: Annual race night.
site midweek for more details.
Saturday, May 21: Golf society next
Membership deadline was March
outing to Tulfarris.
31. Due to registration and insurance,
Lotto numbers are not available
No pay, no play is now being enforced.
as draw is Bank Holiday Monday. See
Payment still available online via link
website for numbers after draw.
on website, however phased pay-
Mary Flannery’s team will be in
ments no longer available.
charge for May Bank Holiday lotto.
Premium ticket draw could be very
You can always enter our Lotto online
attractive this year, with both Dub-
by clicking on www.lucansarsfields.
lin teams on the up. Entries available
ie. Thanks to Henley Folklift who are
from Paul McGann/Bar or any men-
this week’s sponsor. Please support
tor. Draws are happening most week-
our sponsors. Thanks to Lucan Vil-
ends.
lage Pharmacy who are this week’s
Set Dancing every Wednesday in
sponsor.
ALL OF YOUR CLONDALKIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
’WOOD WINNERS: Ashwood take the lead at top of the league with victory: P30
SPORTS AWARDS: April nominees are announced: P29
GazetteSPORT
Round Towers will be looking for a winning start to the 2011 Senior Football Championship campaign against Clontarf
APRIL 28, 2011
Towers target top-flight tussle Clondalkin GAA set for championship opener against Clontarf this week, but manager Kirwan aiming higher JONNY STAPLETON clondalkinsport@gazettegroup.com
A REJUVENATED Round Towers’ outfit face what looks like a routine Championship opener against Clontarf this Friday evening, but manager Cormac Kirwan would prefer face his side’s divisional superiors rather than inferior opposition in his first championship games as a manager. The club’s new boss admits there is tension amongst his squad ahead of what may prove to be a potential championship banana skin, and stressed he would love to trade the favourite tags for the underdog label ahead of the big clash. Kirwan is fully aware his side are expected to win, and knows Clontarf will be gunning for a scalp in their championship opener against Towers. As a result, the new manager, who has only seen his side lose once in league action this
term, believes Clontarf could prove more dangerous than one of Dublin’s big guns in the competition, and predicts his side will have to be fully focused, and at their best, to progress to the next round. “It is all set up for us to have a fall. It is a big match for Round Towers and we will be fully aware of the dangers. “There is some tension in the camp ahead of the game. I would have preferred to be playing a Division 1 side. “If that was the case we would be the underdogs, and we would have nothing to lose and everything to play for.
Up for the tie “Clontarf will seriously be up for this tie; they will want a scalp. You can be sure they will give us a game. “However, in saying that, we will be prepared, and the lads will know they will have to put in a massive effort for the entire tie,”
Kirwan told GazetteSport when he spoke to us last week. The former Towers’ player, whose season’s target was improvement on and off the field, has got to know his players over the last few months and familiarity has bred a respect and faith in his side that he feels will only develop further over the course of the season as they progress in all competitions. The boss is confident he has a squad that can do well in the championship. “The squad has impressed me in both application and talent. “We have a very good squad and they have impressed the coaching staff. “The team we have has the potential to give a good account of themselves in the championship this year. “We will have to wait to see what injuries we have before we pick the side. I know Mark Taylor will definitely be out and there are a few other doubts as well,” said Kirwan.