Clondalkin

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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: Local girl helps make the big match an event to remember P4

RECYCLE THIS COPY. KEEP DUBLIN TIDY.

September mb 22, 2011

BRIDE & GROOM: Essential reading

for the blushing bride-to-be P17-23

Giving Kevin the Blues: School’s party for star PUPILS and fellow staff at Adam-

Sam’s back: Dublin finally reclaims the mighty Maguire Pages 29 and 32

stown Community College decided to teach Kevin Nolan a thing or two about pre-match parties when they held a good-luck celebration for the Dublin player ahead of the county’s All-Ireland final.

Perhaps buoyed on by their good wishes, Kevin, a PE and science teacher at the school, went on to be a key player, and was awarded Man of the Match for his superb skills.

See story on Page 3

Decisive win: Peamount Utd start DDSL U-12 season in style Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 PROPERTY ....................12 TRAVEL..........................14 ENTERTAINMENT ......... 16 BUSINESS .................... 25 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Millionaire’s funds for local charities Total of €40,000 Q PAUL HOSFORD

donation hailed in ‘Secret’ show

LOCAL charities were left celebrating this week after they received a vitally-needed boost when Secret Millionaire, John Concannon, made a combined donation of €40,000 to them.

The charities, Pieta House,

Clondalkin Carers and St Mark’s Rangers, were given the money in February, but the airing of RTE’s Secret Millionaire show last Monday made the news public.

Among those Concannon met were John Quinn, from Pieta House, the suicide prevention charity, who said that,

quite simply, the money was a lifesaver.

“The €25,000 saves 25 lives.

It’s that simple. We worked out that it costs €1,000 to put someone through counselling in Pieta, and that’s the bottom line. The money saves lives,” said Quinn.

Full Story on Page 5

2 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 22 September 2011

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Zzzzzap! Brainstorming generates 150 ideas FLANKED by “storming” experts – also known as Michael Dawson, group CEO, Gift Voucher Shop and Aine Phelan, group innovation and marketing manager, Bord na Mona – Rachael McBride, a current student of the Enterprise Evolution Programme, was happy to praise Ireland’s first “speed storming” event for job seekers, which was held recently at the Institute of Technology, Tallaght.

The event saw more than 50 job-seekers attending the quick-paced meeting, which was held to brainstorm ideas with a series of experienced entrepreneurs and leading business people.

Designed as a quick-paced idea generation platform, the job seekers shared business ideas while gathering feedback, with the brainstorming session generating more than 150 business ideas,

PLANNING: EXPANSION TO MICROSOFT IRELAND

Dowds urges council to grant permission SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

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LABOUR TD Robert Dowds has urged the planning authorities to grant planning permission to Microsoft Ireland for the expansion of their operations in Clondalkin, to enable the speedy creation of new construction and IT jobs in the area.

The software giant is planning a multimillioneuro investment in an expansion of its existing €500 million data centre in Grange Castle, which opened just two years ago.

The company plans to increase the capacity of the centre by more than one-third, by building a 120,000 square foot data centre alongside the existing 303,000 square foot facility.

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‘The company plans to increase the capacity of the centre by more than one-third’

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The expansion, which will consist of a singlestorey building alongside the existing centre, is expected to involve a further significant investment.

The highly-secure data centre is on a 19-acre site that Microsoft bought from South Dublin County Council for over €11 million in 2007.

The planned expan-

sion reflects demand for so-called cloud-based services, where Microsoft runs software and services, including its Microsoft Live service, from data centres containing tens of thousands of computer servers.

Welcoming the planning application Microsoft have submitted, Dowds called on the planning authorities to process and approve the decision without delay.

“By expanding their operations at the Grange Castle facility in Clondalkin, Microsoft have once again shown their confidence in the Irish workforce and in Clondalkin as a great location for foreign direct investment.”

“Clondalkin has been hit particularly hard by the recession, and these new jobs, in both construction and IT, will be a welcome boost to our community. It is crucial that the planning authorities process Microsoft’s planning application without delay.”

“With other major global IT companies, such as Digital Realty Trust, seeking to set up operations in Clondalkin, our community is fast becoming a hub of information technology. The Government is striving to create jobs such as these so that Ireland can get back up on its feet. Our community is delighted to be welcoming companies of this calibre to our area.”

22 September 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3

DFDSFDS Gdfkjhsdgfkjghdskfjhgdsjkfghdsfdsf SPORT Player’s All-Ireland final students’ wishes

‘Increase in waste charge’

It’s a hero’s send-off for Dubs’ Kevin Q PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

KEVIN Nolan was given a hero’s send-off last week as he prepared for Dublin’s victorious AllIreland Final on Sunday.

The students and staff of Adamstown Community College came together in wishing Kevin well as he prepared for the All-Ireland final on Sunday against Kerry.

Kevin joined the teaching staff of the college at the end of August, as a teacher of physical education and science, and is showing that his talents also extend to the classroom.

Kevin, who plays his

club football with Kilmacud Crokes, was an everpresent in Pat Gilroy’s team all year and key to the Dubs winning their first All-Ireland since 1995.

Kevin is a graduate of DCU and was captain of the Gaelic Football team in that college last year.

He also holds an AllIreland club medal with Crokes from 2009.

Principal of Adamstown community college, Des Newton, said that prior to the final that “everyone at the college wishes Kevin every success on Sunday and that it is a great honour for the college to have Kevin playing in the final. If

things go well for Dublin, we can expect to see the Sam Maguire cup visiting the college in the coming weeks, I hope.

“The students have been very keen to find out how the Dublin preparations are going, but his work here is ideal for keeping Kevin calm and focused in the lead-up to Sunday.”

The half-back scored a spectacular point to level matters late in the game, bringing Dublin back from the dead. The score was his first in championship football for Dublin

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Kevin Nolan visits students and staff o of Adamstown Community College. The s school came together to wish Kevin well a as he prepared for the All-Ireland final.

and brought the roof off Croke Park as the Boys in Blue fought back from four points down to claim the Sam Maguire Cup. Of course, that wasn’t to be the sum of his contributions to the game, as he was named Man

Of The Match for his display in the Dublin backline, where he combined with Ger Brennan and James McCarthy to all but nullify the threat of Paul Galvin, Declan O’Sullivan and Darran O’Sullivan.

GAA president Christy Cooney presented him with his award – which was chosen by a panel comprising Pat Spillane, Ciaran Whelan and Kevin McStay – at the Dublin victory banquet in the Burlington Hotel just after 11pm.

WHILE attempting to pass off their new pricing scheme as representing a 41% reduction on the cost of black bin collections, and 10% on the cost of collecting brown bins, Greyhound’s own letter includes the following sentence: “Our new pricing structure supports the Government’s decision to increase the current landfill levy from €30 to €50 from September 1, 2011.”

In other words, as of September 1, Greyhound’s cost of recycling has increased by 66% – so, any attempt to convince the customer that the new pricing structure represents a saving is disingenuous, to say the least.

Anne Cahill Clondalkin

4 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 22 September 2011

LIBRARIES: ACTIVITIES

JOBS: MAJOR CONSTRUCTION BOOST FOR THE LOCAL ECONOMY

Mental health support sessions WITH World Mental Health Day on October 10, the South Dublin County Library will host a series of activities centred on the concept of “mindfulness”, aimed at those caring for people with mental illness.

Tony Bates, a clinical psychologist, has been asked to lead one of the sessions, which will be marketed extensively across the county to carers and their families.

Support This is the first in a series of suppor t and information sessions that the council’s Libraries Department will deliver over the next six months, to help support carers and their families.

For further information, see www.southdublinlibraries.ie/.

The company’s expansion plans in Clondalkin could create 400 construction jobs

Magic in Croker: Local girl chosen for mini-sevens’ team at big match SIXTH-class pupil Jade Craig made Scoil Ide proud when she was

chosen to play on a GAA/INTO mini-sevens team in Croke Park at the All-Ireland Senior Football Final between Dublin and Kerry last Sunday, September 18.

Jade is a member of the Scoil Ide girls’ football team, which was formed last year, and which is trained by Therese Hanly – herself a ladies’ football player – and by Shane Campion, who plays hurling in Kilkenny. The day was a historic one for Dublin, taking the Sam Maguire cup for the first time in 16 years, but it was also a proud day for the Clondalkin girl and for her school, too.

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Pfizer set to invest €145 million at its Grange Castle site Q PAUL HOSFORD

clondalkin@gazettegroup.com

THE local economy got a much-needed shot in the arm this week following the announcement that drugs giant, Pfizer, is to invest €145 million at its Grange Castle biotechnology manufacturing facility in Clondalkin.

The investment will result in the generation of significant construction employment of up to 400 jobs during peak construction periods.

The investment will enable Pfizer to introduce two new processing suites to the site, and to expand current production and product testing capabilities.

Pfizer’s Grange Castle facility is one of the largest biotech manufacturing sites in the world, and currently produces two of the company’s blockbuster medicines – Enbrel and Prevenar 13.

The Grange Castle facility is strategically important to Pfizer, globally.

Since opening in 2005, it has evolved into a highly-specialised site for manufacturing, testing and developing medicines for patients around the world.

T he site currently employs approximately 1,100 full-time staff.

Making the announcement, Taoiseach Enda

Kenny congratulated Pfizer on their contribution to Irish science.

“This is very welcome news by the leading biopharmaceutical company in the world.

“Pfizer has made a tremendous contribution to Ireland’s Life Sciences industry since it first established here in 1969, and this investment is a further demonstration of the company’s continuous commitment to Ireland,” said An Taoiseach.

Dr Paul Duffy, vicepresident, external supply, Pfizer Global Supply said: “Pfizer has a long record of successfully manufacturing some of our top medicines in Ireland.

Complex “ T h i s i nve s t m e n t will allow us help meet the needs of patients throughout the world by introducing new technologies and capabilities at Grange Castle, where we produce highly-complex vaccines and biologic products for patients around the world.”

F r a n k D ’A m e l i o , executive vice-president and CFO of Pfizer Inc, said: “With pharmaceutical and chemical products accounting for more than 50% of Irish exports, and a long history in pharmaceutical excellence, Ireland is a

prime location for this major investment.

“T he Grange Castle project is a strategic initiative that will allow us to further align and strengthen our manufacturing and supply network in an environment that is continually focused on quality, flexibility and application.”

Welcoming the investment, IDA Ireland CEO, Barr y O’Lear y, said: “This is a very welcome development by Pfizer in Ireland.

“This investment gives a substantial boost to Ireland’s Life Sciences sector, and is a vote of confidence in Ireland’s attractiveness as a location for bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing.

“This strategic development by Pfizer, coupled with the availability of world-class research and training facilities in the National Institute for Bioprocessing and Training, and the availability of highly-skilled staff, positions Ireland as a leading global location for the development and manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals.

“The IDA offers its continued support to Pfizer, and I would like to congratulate the Grange Castle team for winning this investment to further develop this strategically important site for Pfizer worldwide,” he said.

22 September 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5

COMMUNITY Secret millionaire’s funding for local causes

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‘I’m bowled over by John Concannon’s generosity. He was writing cheques for large amounts of money.

‘We worked out that it costs €1,000 to put someone through counselling in Pieta, and that’s the bottom line. The €25,000 saves 25 lives – it’s that simple.’

-------------------------------------------------------Millionaire benefactor, John Concannon, and John Quinn, Pieta House, followingthe revelation that Concannon – who had gone undercover

John Quinn, Pieta House, on the funds presented by millionaire John Concannon, top

John’s €25,000 surprise

as part of an RTE TV show – is a millionaire, and was happy to help support a number of local charities in their vital community work

Q PAUL HOSFORD clondalkin@gazettegroup.com

MILLIONAIRE benefactor John Concannon said goodbye to his comfortable lifestyle – to the benefit of three worthy causes in Clondalkin.

Concannon spent eight days in West Dublin, where high unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse are everyday facts of life, posing uncover for RTE’s The Secret Millionaire show.

He came face-to face with the realities of urban poverty in Ireland, and unearthed a hidden emotional trauma that will change his life forever.

While in Clondalkin, he met local heroes working tirelessly in their communities to help

those in need, despite rampant social problems that are now made worse by the economic crisis.

In the show’s climax, it is revealed to those he had met that John Concannon is a millionaire, before writing large cheques for the local causes he had spent time with.

Among the recipients he met were John Quinn, from Pieta House, the suicide prevention charity.

Quinn’s son, Sean, took his life six years ago, prompting him to volunteer with Pieta and to work tirelessly on their behalf. He said that, quite simply, the surprise funds were a lifesaver.

“The €25,000 saves 25 lives – it’s that simple.

“We worked out that it

Cathy White, Clondalkin Carers Association, with the cheque for €10,000 presented by Concannon

costs €1,000 to put someone through counselling in Pieta, and that’s the bottom line. The money saves lives,” he says.

As for the reaction to the show being aired on Monday, Quinn says that it has been an emotional week.

“I don’t normally allow myself to get emotional, but I’ve been in floods of tears this week.

“I’m bowled over by John Concannon’s generosity. He was writing cheques for large amounts of money.”

Quinn was originally reticent to get involved in the project, being aware that his work is sensitive.

“I said no when I was originally asked to become involved, because a lot of the work I do is very private.

“Eventually I said ok, because the producers said that I could be helping somebody in a tough situation. That really swung it for me.

“I had no idea who John [Concannon] was.

I was completely caught, and was delighted to be,” says Quinn.

Pieta House were not the only recipients of Concannon’s generosity. He also wrote large cheques to Cathy White, of Clondalkin Carers Association, which provides vital support and assistance for fulltime family carers, and to Rachel Doyle and Michelle Reynolds, of St Mark’s Rangers, who devote time selflessly to give young people in the area football facilities.

White says that the

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money was a “huge boost”.

“It enabled us to provide emergency respite for families, and to send carers on training courses, so it made a huge difference to us.

“The response has already been huge. We’ve had people calling us, and it’s all been very positive thus far. We’ve even had people calling to offer to volunteer.

“I was in shock when John told me who he is.

I had no idea what to expect! I didn’t know what I’d gotten in to.

“We can’t thank John enough for his generosity,” says White.

From a modest background, John Concannon built up his plastics manufacturing company, JFC, into one of the most

successful companies in Ireland.

However, Concannon wasn’t always wealthy.

He dropped out of school at 13 to help his father on their small family farm in Kilconly, Co Galway.

In 1987, Concannon came up with an idea that was to change his life dramatically and an appearance on The Late Late Show gave him the boost he needed.

JFC is now a plastics multinational empire. It produces products for the agriculture and marine industry, and they sell globally.

With factories in Ireland, Britain, South Africa and Poland, Concannon now employs more than 250 people, including his brother and his four children.

6 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 22 September 2011

SDCC Challenge of responding within two days being met

Over 1,300 reports sent to new online initiative A NEW South Dublin County Council online initiative that allows citizens to report issues of a non-emergency nature to the local authority, has seen a massive 1,300 items raised in just one month.

Responding to Fine Gael Councillor Emer Higgins on the new Fixyourstreet initiative the council said: “The pilot scheme is being very well received by the public since its introduction.

“The Fixyourstreet initia-

tive was launched on August 2, 2011 to enable citizens to report issues of a non-emergency nature to local authorities.

“South Dublin County Council is the pilot local authority for its operation, which is part of the current Programme for Government for National Recovery.

“As of September 5, there have been 1,323 reports and comments posted and 1,264 responses issued under the

relevant categories.

“The primary commitment, to respond to reports from residents within a two-day timeframe, is the most obvious challenge, and this deadline is being met.

“The follow-up, and the action required to resolve issues on the ground, is being integrated into our internal work programmes throughout all departments, in particular our Roads, Environment and Parks Departments.”

The council management went on to say that over 100 actions had already been completed to clean up local streets.

“A total of 109 commitments given under this system have been completed. The site will continue to operate in the South Dublin County for the pilot period of three months, but our colleagues in the counties countrywide are very interested in getting involved,” the council report said.

South Dublin County Council is piloting Fixyourstreet

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MORTGAGES: FIGURES

10% of SDCC home loans are in arrears Q PAUL HOSFORD

news@gazettegroup.com

TEN percent of homeowners, who have loans from South Dublin County Council, are in arrears by over three months, according to new figures.

Responding to a question raised by Labour Councillor Eamon Tuffy, SDCC said that it currently had 126 cases where homeowners were struggling to repay.

Councillor Tuffy had requested SDCC make a report on the “number of persons with house/home loans from the council, how many have fallen into arrears with repayments, and the approach adopted by the council, as a lender, in working with mortgage holders who are experiencing repayment difficulties.”

In response, the council said that it took a proactive approach in dealing with these cases.

“South Dublin County Council has a policy of early intervention for mortgage accounts that fall into arrears. The council is committed to working with our customers who are currently experiencing financial problems, or feel they may soon experience problems with their mortgage repayments.

“South Dublin County Council has a dedicated mortgage arrears section.

Our staff can discuss the

customers’ circumstances with a view to making an arrangement for a payment agreement of the customers’ mortgage that is both suitable to the customer and the council.”

The council said that, in some cases, it is forced to seek legal proceedings against homeowners.

“In cases where customers continually do not make payments on their account; continually fail to maintain agreed arrangements, or fail to co-operate with the council, the council have no choice but to commence legal proceedings. Legal proceedings are taken only as a last resort.

“There are 126 accounts in arrears greater than three months, this represents 10% of all current housing loan accounts,” council management said.

Councillor Tuffy said he was satisfied that the council was handling those in difficulty well.

“I would acknowledge that the council has been approaching families in arrears in a very good manner. The council’s attitude is very positive.

“I would encourage families in this situation to work as closely as possible with the council and, if possible, seek advice from MABS. My priority is that nobody who is making the best of effort to repay their debts are put out of their homes,” Cllr Tuffy said.

22 September 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7

BIG DAY Citywest hosts 2011 Wedding Journal Show

Q STAFF REPORTER

BRIDES and grooms-tobe listen up! There is a €25,000 wedding package up for grabs at the 2011 Wedding Journal Show this weekend.

The show was launched last week with the announcement that all visitors who purchase a ticket to the show at The Citywest Complex – either online or at the door – will be entered into a prize draw for a fabulous wedding package worth €25,000.

The package will include a wedding reception at the City west Hotel; dream honeymoon in Kenya from

British Airways, exclusive African treasures, The Fairmont Norfolk and Safari Link; wedding and bridesmaids dresses from Ophelia Bridal; wedding photographs by John Burke Photography and wedding rings from Voltaire Diamonds.

The show will feature over 450 exhibitors and provide brides and grooms alike with a one-stop-wedding shop, together with all the inspiration they need to plan their big day. From venues and flowers to dresses and cars, the Wedding Journal Show has it all - and all under one roof.

It is now easier than

ever to visit The Wedding Journal Show with the newly launched Luas service to Saggart bringing visitors even closer by public transport.

As always, the Wedding Journal Show is pulling out all the stops for their 2011 exhibition. Celebrating all that’s Irish, there will be an Irish Bridal Designers Area to help you find that dream gown, as well as Wedding Journal’s unrivalled international catwalk show with fully choreographed dance routines, which takes place three times daily. This exclusive event provides a rare opportunity to see a selection of designer wed-

Bride to be Aoife Cogan, who is set to marry Gordon D’Arcy next year, takes a trip on the new Luas line to Saggart to officially launch the Wedding Journal Show

ding gowns, bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-bride and groomswear, some of which have never been seen in Ireland before!

Ireland AM presenter, Alan Hughes, has also been unveiled as the new host of the Style Stage at The Wedding Journal Show.

Having announced his own engagement back in April, Alan is well positioned to take on the questions of Ireland’s brides, grooms, mothers of the bride and bridesmaids.

Alan will be joined by the Wedding Journal Style team who will be performing live makeo-

vers on stage all weekend and, whether it’s solving a style dilemma or providing pre-wedding counselling, Alan and the team will have the answers to all your wedding worries.

For further information, or to book tickets, visit www.weddingjournalonline.com.

Wedding belles: Check out our special 8-page supplement packed full of ideas for your special day

W

Wedding show with a €25,000 grand prize

BRIDE&GROOM PAGES 17-24

8 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 22 September 2011

ACCIDENT Dye spillage creates a bath for St Patrick

Do not adjust your page ... The Griffeen River really was this striking shade of green, recently, thanks to the accidental over-use of a vivid, yet harmless, dye added by council staff. Pictures: Paul Hosford

This colourful river made quite a splash HE Griffeen River was turned green last week – but confused locals had nothing to be afraid of.

Looking like the scene of a toxic spill, the river turned a vivid hue of fluorescent green, reminiscent of the Chicago River on St Patrick’s Day. Ironically, the dyeing of both rivers

T

was caused by the same thing – an engineer putting too much of a dye into the river, that is meant to trace the flow of the water.

Council staff assured residents that there was nothing to worry about, and that the ducks, and other wildlife, in the river were perfectly safe.

However, local residents may just have got an idea on how to make next St Patrick’s Days parade a little extra special. Whether or not local residents now have an idea to make other Paddy’s Day communities a little green with envy, there’s no doubt that the unusual spillage made quite a splash ...

Although you or I would be reluctant to step into a bath full of green water, council staff assured birdwatchers and locals that the dye was perfectly harmless to the happy ducks splashing around

22 September 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 9

10 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 22 September 2011

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General Manager: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

SNAPSHOT Top stories from

the capital

Keeping things in D4 Hunky Dory...

LAST week, the famous (or infamous!)

Hunky Dorys models officially launched the 2012 Hunky Dorys Calendar at Herbert Park in Dublin 4 in their Hunky Dorys kit.

Two of the models at the centre of the hugely popular and controversial Rugby and Football campaigns jetted in from the USA and Holland to play some ball and have some fun in Ireland.

Model Lian is from Holland and has worked on campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, Bjorn Borg, Shiseido & Marks & Spencer amongst many others. Accompanying her is Maitlyn Simmons (pictured), or

Ms. November, in the Hunky Dorys’ calendar. Maitlyn is represented by Elite Model Management in the USA and comes from Louisiana. Maitlyn has appeared in campaigns for Perry Ellis, Quicksilver, Callaway sportswear, Sandals Resorts and has rocked the runways of Escada, Versace, Shay Todd and Beachbunny swimwear.

Since the new Hunky Dorys’ campaign launched, over 36,000 Hunky Dorys’ Calendars have been sold. Lian and Maitlyn were kept busy signing calendars in Hughes & Hughes outlets in Jervis Shopping Centre and St. Stephen’s Green Centre last week-

end.

“The Hunky Dorys’ campaign has been a great success and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact on sales in a few weeks,” Ray Coyle, CEO of Largo Foods said.

And finally...

THE Liffey Valley Park Alliance are sponsoring Animal Magic at the village green at the Lucan Festival on Sunday, September 25.

Join them for a fantastic display of birds of prey, and there will be stickers available for children.

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

22 September 2011 GAZETTE 11

Simply go with the flow!

Celtic Healing unlock the secrets of healing with Bio-Energy TESTIMONIALS: “We took our 6 year old to see Paddy as we were finding that he was having angry outbursts in school and at home. We did five sessions with Paddy and there was a remarkable difference. He was so much more content in himself and with the world.”

- Roisin Grennells, Dublin

BIO-ENERGY healers have been unlocking positive energy and clearing energy systems for scores of celebrities and sports people all over the world.

Famous devotees Firm devotees include Kylie Minogue, Liz Hurley, Donna Karan, the Duchess of York and her daughters and, of course, Michael Flatley is Ireland’s best known bio-energy success story.

After being plagued by a mystery virus for two years, Irish dancing supremo Michael Flatley was completely cured. Not because of a good dose of vitamin C, yoga or osteopathy, but, intriguingly, thanks to a bio-energy healer.

Bio-energy healing has also been winning a big following among sports people plagued by injuries.

“Having seen the wide variety of ailments that

have been healed with A standard course of with minimal physical Bio-energy therapy, I am treatments with Celtic contact. Clients remain delighted to be open- Healing is five sessions fully clothed except for ing this healing centre in and this is effective for their shoes. The therapist Dublin. Healing without 95% of clients. Treatment may give advice on energy drugs, surgery or painful takes place in a relaxed balancing techniques, diet manipulation is some- environment, on a one to and exercise. A balanced, thing that most people one basis, with each ses- healthy lifestyle is encouraged. want!” said Peter Woods ------------------------------“The body has very of Celtic Healing powerful healing abilities.

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Paddy Dalton, of Celtic Historical records Healing, about his Biodocument Energy HealEnergy technique. ing over 3,500 years ago, Bio Energy is what the Life Force in humans - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - How can Bio-energy is referred to as. When sion lasting approximately healing help? we get a blockage in our 30 minutes.

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Bio-energy has also been very effective as a complementary therapy for people suffering from cancer and undergoing chemotherapy. An ailment is a symptom. The energy blockage is the root of the problem.

The therapist will clear the blockage and the body will start to heal itself. Bio-energy is a complementary therapy and works in conjunction with conventional medicine but it can speed up healing time on all injuries, sports, accidents, minor and major.

It is especially effective after operations and procedures in hospital and can help lessen pain and discomfort pre and post medical intervention.

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- Brett Campbell, Arthritis Sufferer, Kildare “Every month I expect to get a migraine and every month is migraine free. I am absolutely delighted and my life has a little normality in it again.”

- Anne Collins, Dublin

CELTIC HEALING CLINICS are now taking place at the White Sands Hotel in Portmarnock, Co Dublin.

Call 01 8390344 for appointments or see www.celtichealing.ie

12 GAZETTE 22 September 2011

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY NEWCASTLE: NEW RANGE OF PROPERTIES AT REDUCED PRICES COME TO THE MARKET

Lyons is roaring good value NEWCASTLE Lyons is a new residential development in one of the few remaining unspoiled villages in West Co. Dublin.

Newcastle Lyons offers a unique combination of modern living in the heart of a small rural community. All units are spacious and modern with large windows making living areas beautifully bright.

The prices for the properties range from two -bedroom apar tments, which extend to 769 sq ft, from €130,000; two-bedroom duplexes which exend to 1,166 sq ft, from €145,000; twobedroom houses that extend to 1,080 sq ft from €165,000; three-bed-

room duplexes extending to 1,142 sq ft, from €160,000; three-bedroom houses extending to 1,340 sq ft, from €199,950; and a four-bedroom endof-terrace showhouse, which extends to 1,755 sq ft, from €230,000.

Newcastle Lyons will undoubtedly appeal to first-time buyers who want to stay in the area and local residents wishing to upgrade their home yet remain in close proximity to family and friends.

The properties have been designed with the highest level of energy efficiency in mind, and running costs will be substantially reduced, as will any negative impact on

the fantastic rural environment in which they are located. All houses and duplexes and apartments on upper floors incorporate solar-powered, hot-water systems.

All homes have an energy rating of a B3 or higher.

As well as high-spec digital cabling, the properties have a superior level of finishing throughout, with a custom-designed fitted kitchen with eyeand floor-level units and brushed chrome handles in the kitchens, highquality Shires bathrooms and shower suites, all fitted with stylish, monoblock chrome fittings, and a tiling allowance or wall tiling in bathrooms and en suites.

There are a wide range of reduced priced properties at Newcastle Lyons

All of the houses feature gas-fired central heating, and have an excellent standard of wall, floor and roof insulation to assist with their

high-energy efficiency rating.

Smoke alarms are fitted as standard, and all will have a 10-year Homebond structural

guarantee.

In addition, the flooring and carpets are included in the price, and there are Nordan doubleglazed timber windows

and external doors with three-point locking system.

For more information, contact Douglas Newman Good on 491 2600.

CITY CENTRE: APARTMENT ASKING PRICE OF €185,000

Investment chance at the Brokerage FINNEGAN Menton are bringing Number 5 , T h e B r o ke r a g e , Townsend Street, Dublin 2, a fully-furnished two -bedroom apar tment located on the first f loor in excellent condition for €185,000.

Tow n s e n d S t r e e t , Dublin 2, is in a prime city centre location that would be ideal for investment, with current rents of €1,200 per month being achieved.

The Brokerage is a small development of 21 apartments in a wellmanaged city centre block of apartments.

T he apar tment has access to a private terrace on the first floor.

All floors have stairs and lifts.

T he Brokerage is ready to go, ideally located opposite the Irish Times building

The living room at No 5 The Brokerage on Townsend Street

and adjacent to Trinity College and Pearse Street Garda Station.

It is only a five-minute walk to Grafton Street and O’Connell Street from the property.

The accommodation, which extends to c.61 sqm (c.650 sq ft) comprises an entrance hall, two bedrooms, a bathroom and an open-plan

kitchen and living room space.

The property, which has a bright and spacious layout, features Creda electric storage heating, and it has access to large outside patio terrace.

The property is managed by Fisher Property Management, and there is a management fee of

c.€1,494 per annum.

Viewing of the property is highly recommended, and can be arranged by contacting Glenn Burrell at Finnegan Menton on (01) 614 7900 or 0866011378.

You can find out more information online at www.finneganmenton. ie

22 September 2011 SWORDS GAZETTE 13

14 GAZETTE 22 September 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel The perfect time to hit the road Experience beautiful Galicia and walk the Camino de Santiago

THE Bono Iacobus, or Camino Pass allows visitors to travel the historic Camino de Santiago route in stages, staying in a different rural tourism location each day.

The price includes accommodation, evening meal, breakfast and car transfer to the beginning or end of each section of the route. Picnic lunches and baggage transfer, as well as accommodation in Santiago de Compostela are optional extras.

The Vive Galicia, or Experience Galicia programme, which arose from a collaboration between the local administration with travel agencies and professional tourism organisations, aims to promote Galicia’s tourism offer both nationally and internationally. Its website www.vivegalicia.es (and also www.turgalicia.es) currently offers 122 different ways for visitors to enjoy their visit to Galicia.

Information is also available by phone at 00 34 902 200 432

STAFF REPORTER

IRELAND has a plethora of fantastic driving routes with events, activities and attractions en route to suit the whole family. So, whether you’re a Sunday driver, road hog, or you simply love to feel the wind in your hair on the open road, there is a driving journey available to suit you. Why not log onto www.discoverireland.ie to plan your perfect road trip.

Driving on Dublin’s Doorstep

T he Gordon Bennett Route - A journey through counties Carlow, Kildare and Laois Let the Gordon Bennett Route take you on an historic journey following the footsteps of our motoring pioneers across spectacular Irish countryside. While the famous Gordon Bennett route was raced by the world’s greatest daredevils at record-breaking speeds in 1903, we suggest you set yourself a much easier pace. www.discoverireland. ie Navigate the North-West on the Inishowen 100

The Inishowen 100 is one of Ireland’s most scenic drives. It’s a 100-mile (160km) circular route around the Inishowen Peninsula in north east Donegal. Bordered on three sides by water, the peninsula is almost triangular in shape, flanked by Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to

the north. With splendid coastal scenery, plus a collection of ancient forts and monuments, traditional craft centres, and a dozen or so friendly villages, many people consider Inishowen to be a miniature Donegal.

Also no trip would be complete without a visit to Malin Head, Ireland’s most northerly point, with its wild sea-ravaged coast, stunning seascapes and Fort Dunree, a magnificent viewing outpost with a fantastic military museum. www.discoverireland.ie Drive Into the West with the Connemara Driving Tour

Connemara’s unique landscape and quiet roads make it an ideal place to get behind the wheel and explore the countryside. You’ll have the freedom to meander at your own pace, stop for photographs and detour down back-roads to discover your very own slice of Connemara life. A driving tour with optional detours to the islands, takes in the best scenery and attractions on an easy loop from Galway City. www.discoverireland. ie Savour the South-West

in particular the 6th century Skelligs UNESCO World Heritage site.

There is something for everyone on this drive, which has spectacular views of the Blasket Islands and the Dingle Peninsula. www.discoverireland.ie

and rediscover the Ring of Kerry

Traverse the South-East

The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland’s most popular scenic drives.

Take time to explore the many picturesque villages and the magnificent ancient and early Christian heritage of the area,

By Hook or by Crooke

Avoid the dreaded ‘Are we there yet?’ whines with the By Hook or By Crook drive through counties Waterford and Wexford, a road-trip the whole family will

enjoy (it is believed that when Cromwell invaded he said that Waterford would fall ‘by Hook or by Crooke’. Crooke village is just across the river in Co Waterford).

The starting point is the must-see Hook Lighthouse on the end of Hook Peninsula in Co Wexford.

It is one of the oldest functioning lighthouses in the world. Travel by car ferry from Ballyhack to Passage East across the Suir and then head to the gorgeous village of Dunmore East where you can unload the picnic basket

and enjoy lunch in the sheltered sandy swathe right in the village centre. www.discoverireland.ie There are so many magnificent scenic drives in Ireland. Your perfect driving holiday with friends and family is literally just moments away, so what are you waiting for? You don’t need to worry about luggage allowances or flight delays, simply choose one of the incredible value offers on www.discoverireland.ie to plan your perfect road trip.

22 September 2011 GAZETTE 15

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs Discover Dinosaurs

CLOSE to the centre of the city of Teruel, in the Aragon region of Spain, you’ll find Dinopolis, a theme park where children and adults alike can have fun discovering all the secrets of the exciting world of dinosaurs. It was conceived as a park with an educational slant, and its various attractions offer a panoramic view of the giants who once walked the earth: the dinosaurs. www.dinopolis.com.

ing wharfs west of Pontevedra, offers access to pleasant hiking trails and secluded white sand beaches. The market sells fresh fish, fine cheeses, organic breads, and honey.

The town’s popular seafood festival draws flocks of visitors during the first two weeks of THE self-proclaimed October. For further “Paraiso de Marisco” information go to (Shellfish Paradise), O’Grove, a tranquil fish- www.pescanatur.es

Shellfish and Seafood Festival Ireland has plenty to see and do for fans of the open road

16 SWORDS GAZETTE 22 September 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1

GoingOUT GoingOUT MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340

The Classic Motown Songbook with The Jewelettes CONTINUING with some of the classic, timeless tunes that The Mill has been delighting patrons with recently, classic Motown songs will fill the air as The Jewelettes, backed by a three-piece brass section, piano/keyboards, bass, drums, guitar and percussion, croon their way through some of the classic Motown hits of yesteryear. The music starts at 8pm on Saturday, September 24, with admission costing €18/€15.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Faith Healer

FURTHER cementing Draiocht’s reputation for hosting topclass drama, Brian Friel’s Faith Healer takes to the stage, ready to bring the audience on a journey across Scotland and Wales with a faith healer and his companions, as he meets the sick by forests and mountains. But are Frank’s miraculous cures real, and what is the price the afflicted must pay? See this dramatic production of Faith Healer on Saturday, September 24 at 8pm, with admission costing €18/€14 conc.

PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 The Admirable Crichton

A LESSER-known work by the author of Peter Pan, JM Barrie, there’s a lot that modern audiences will still enjoy in this tale of Edwardian Era manners and “place”. An examination of the then English class structure, the Loam family, and their servants, are shipwrecked on an island.

But who will serve whom far from society? See this timeless tale nightly at 8.15pm from Tuesday, September 27 to Saturday, October 1.

“Oh my God – I’m you, and you’re me! Wait, who am I, again?” Identity confusion sets in for best friends Dave (Jason Bateman) and Mitch (Ryan Reynolds) after they mysteriously swap bodies/minds, and have to try and figure out how to reclaim their own lives and identities again

A change for the worse Someone change the body-swap template, please! This foulmouthed addition to the genre just doesn’t add anything good ...

Q KATE CROWLEY

THERE are some things in life that even I just don’t understand. Who coughed up the cash to make The Tempest (lost in unreleased limbo)?

Why is Ozzy Ozborne a star, but an equally befuddled Mr Crowley not? And why does Hollywood make body-swap films every so often?

True to form, here comes another one – and starring Ryan Reynolds, quickly becoming Tinseltown’s equivalent to Springfield’s Troy McClure as, shall we say, he stars in one less-thanOscar-challenging film after another.

If the day ever arrives where I see him starting a public information film with the words: “Hi, I’m Ryan Renolds. You may remember me from such films as The Green Lantern, and Change-Up...” – well, let’s say that I won’t be surprised.

FILM OF THE WEEK: The Change-Up ++ (16) 112 mins Director: David Dobkin Starring: Jason Bateman, Ryan Reynolds, Olivia Wilde, Leslie Mann, and cosmic identity confusion

OUR VERDICT: IF YOU like toilet humour, a fascination with breasts, and various other cinematic low-hanging fruit, this is the film for you, as ChangeUp aims low (even in the dull body-swap genre) and lands even lower. Reynolds’ many fans (and, presumably, Bateman also has some) may lap this up, but it feels like little more than a more foulmouthed (and minded) version of a hundred 1970s Disney films ...

Seeing as every Abbott needs a Costello, here he’s teamed up with Jason Bateman as the second partner in this tag-team comedy. But who’s on first?

Well, they have equally important roles, as Mitch (Reynolds) and Dave (Bateman) are best friends who’ve grown up together, even though they’re no longer quite as close as they once were.

Actually, they’re pretty different guys, as Mitch is a footloose singleton, while Dave is buried in family life.

Unsurprisingly, both

men see aspects in the other’s life that they’re envious of – Mitch, of Dave’s stability and family life, and Dave, of Mitch’s irresponsible freedom to do what he likes.

What can the guys do?

Well, as luck would have it, after a drunken night out together, something mysterious happens, and both men wake up the next morning inside each other’s body.

So, Mitch is now Dave, and – well, you can work the other part out, I’m sure. Mamma mia! What an unexpectedly wonderful opportunity the uni-

verse has given them!

Ah, if only. Their alltoo-brief-relief at being able to live it up in the skin of the best buddy they’re a little jealous of soon passes for the guys who, sure, have changedup their lives (what a clunky term!), but which, as always, turns out to be far from the carefree/cosy life that they’d thought it would be like.

So, with friends, colleagues and family members beginning to wonder what’s wrong with Mitch/ Dave and Dave/Mitch, and why they’re acting so strange – while at the same time playing dectective in disguise, trying to see if they can improve each other’s life – the guys have to work out how, instead of changing up, they can change back (ah, now it makes sense!) to their old lives, and bodies, that they suddenly appreciate. It’s a wonderful life ahead if they can, but can they?

There are plenty of scenes in the film that bring to mind what I suspect an old Italian friend might dub as “bunga bunga”, but which are, perhaps, a little foreheadcreasening for some of us gals to sit through.

Perhaps somewhere along the way a little of the spirit of Benny Hill got changed-up into either of the characters, or the writers, but, as my savvy dear daughter Crowleyetta would say: “Hmmmmmmmm ...”

And so, as far as somewhat sexist, laddish comedies go, I’ve seen worse.

However, I’ve also seen better – and so have you, dear reader – making this a film that, sure, you could go and see, or which you could change-up at the cinema to see something a little more entertaining instead.

No one ever said that finding a good, substitute film to watch was going to be Ozzy ...

G A Z E T T E G R O U P N E W S P A P E R S

&

SEP 2011

Bride groom

D u b l i n ’ s co m p l e t e g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

Oldworld charm

Unique destinations: New trends in honeymoons Page 19

Finding the ultimate backdrop for your wedding: Page 18 All about beauty: Get your skin in tip-top shape Page 22

Wedding venues: Pick a perfect package Page 23

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

18 GAZETTE 22 September 2011

BRIDE& GROOM

D u b l i n ’ s co m p l e t e g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l LOC AT I O N , LOC AT I O N , LOC AT I O N l

Chosing that special venue EVERY woman dreams of a fairy-tale wedding day, in a luxurious and stylish venue, and every princess wants to get married in a castle.

In the shadow of Trim Castle, which casts it’s magical charm on the area that surrounds it, the Trim Castle Hotel’s Wedding Fair and Fashion Extravaganza event takes place on Sunday, October 2, from 2 to 6pm.

Trim Castle Hotel sits with quiet authority overlooking the mystical Trim Castle and the

adjoining rolling lawns of St Patrick’s Church.

We d d i n g s a t t h e hotel have the benefit of overlooking the castle, and, for those who have attended an event, there,they will agree that looking onto the Castle alight in romantic colour amongst the evening sky is a breathtaking scene.

It brings character and charm to an already very special day.

Trim Castle Hotel is a stand-out choice for a wedding reception as it possesses the old-world charisma of the histori-

cal Anglo-Norman castle, which it overlooks, and the contemporary standards of fine food and decor.

The hotel also boasts a rooftop terrace from which guests can admire the impressive castle. If you are lucky to host your wedding there, know that your guests will be talking about it for a long time to come.

The floor-to-ceiling windows of the Great Hall banqueting suite and pre-function area allow a view of the castle and church lawns that is

truly inspirational. The roof-top garden, located on the third floor, provides the ultimate backdrop for wedding photography, with spectacular views over the grounds of Trim Castle and the surrounding area.

At Trim Castle Hotel, the team aspire to make wedding days the most memorable and enjoyable day for the couples who celebrate their marriage there. To achieve this, their wedding team assures you of personal and professional attention in the planning and

preparation of your special celebration.

An all-inclusive package is available on key dates in 2012 and 2013 for only €55pp. There are also excellent packages available for January and February 2013.

For further information, please contact the wedding co-ordinators at Trim Castle Hotel on 046-9483000, or email info@trimcastlehotel. com. For more information, see www.trimcastleweddings.com or www.trimcastlehotel. com.

A special day awaits couples at Trim Castle Hotel

22 September 2011 GAZETTE 19

l GOI N G E XOTIC l

New trends in honeymoons AS each new generation ties the knot and enters the honeymoon market, they bring their own tastes and desires on travel.

Destinations, resorts, and activities that thrilled previous newly-wed couples may now be less appealing, or not as attainable, due to political and economic reasons.

Thankfully, new trends and exotic destinations always emerge, offering Irish couples fresh opportunities for fun and relaxation. So, before you plan your honeymoon, check out the latest offers, talk

to an expert and choose a destination to suit you!

Honey mooning in European Union countries mean shorter flight times, Old World cultures, the euro and romantic cities such as Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Prague, Istanbul or Copenhagen, to name but a few. Sunny Mediterranean beaches, great food and wine and an endless choice of hotels will suit any budget.

Cruising is romantic and cost-effective and you can sail into glamorous ports such as Monte Carlo, Cozumel and

Miami. Thinking of having your wedding aboard ship or renewing your vows at sea? – the new generation ships offer extensive and varied facilities and you can be as active as you want, remain occupied from morning till night and see the sights without going broke. Smart !

For many couples, A frica represents a dream honeymoon, and a favourable dollar/euro exchange has made many previously expensive destinations, such as Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana, much more accessible.

Combining the Serengeti with Zanzibar, the Kruger Park with Mauritius or the Kingdom of the Pharaohs and a cruise on the Nile, is a never forgotten safari and beach experience.

Other hot destinations include Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Borneo, Brazil and Jordan. All offer unique and unforgettable honeymoons and have never been more inspiring.

So, before you plan your honeymoon, talk to GoHop.ie and check out the latest ways to celebrate one.

The new trends in exotic destinations include places such as India’s Taj Mahal (above) and Egypt’s Kingdom of the Pharaohs

20 GAZETTE 22 September 2011

GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l WE DDING JE WE LLE RY l

Man’s guide to choosing a ring SO, the time has come to pop the question, eh? If you’re thinking of going down on one knee and asking her to marry you in the traditional way that women love, you’d better have the engagement ring ready.

While it’s becoming more popular for couples to decide to become engaged in an off-hand manner, and then venture down to the jewellers to choose the engagement ring together, many women still feel there’s something special about wearing a ring their beau has chosen especially for them.

The Right Choice

Before you can even

consider looking at rings, you need to find out a few basic things: • What is her ring size?

• Does she prefer yellow or white gold?

•Does she prefer simple styles, or would she prefer an engagement ring that will be instantly noticed?

By studying the kind of jewellery she generally wears, you can find out a lot about her tastes. If she wears simple jewellery, this is probably a sign that a diamond solitaire may be more appropriate than a flashy engagement ring carrying a cluster of gems.

The ring you choose should reflect her personality – she’ll be wearing it for a long time, after all.

The Cost

Once you’ve decided on a style, it’s time to determine how much you can spend on the ring.

Traditionally, a man is expected to spend at least the equivalent of two months’ salary, although a lesser amount is acceptable these days.

There are several reasons why the engagement ring was expected to be so costly: • So that the young lady and, not least, her family would know that you had made a conscious effort at saving in order to propose to her.

• By saving for the ring, you show that you’re also capable of saving for a future home.

The ring you choose should reflect her personality

• Should the couple fall upon hard times, there would always be the ring to “pawn” in order to get through.

Buying the ring

Before you go to the jewellers, ask around and try to determine which jewellers offer the kind of service you need. If you’re buying a diamond- set ring, you’ll want a guarantee that the stone is conflict-free, and you’ll want re-sizing included in

the price. You’ll also want at least a 12-month guarantee against loss of the stone, due to faulty craftsmanship or defects in the materials used. Make sure the metal is properly hallmarked, that diamonds carry a certificate, including the carat and grading of the stone, and that the jeweller provides a guarantee that the diamonds are conflict free.

With thanks to Adam, Sapphire Jewellers, Skerries, Tel. 8490063.

22 September 2011 GAZETTE 21

l ANOTH ER SL I CE O F YO U R P E R F ECT DAY l

Have your wedding cake – and eat it!

ALL the details matter on your special day, but one that people remember is the wedding cake.

It can be memorable, traditional or just plain ordinar y – William and Kate had a simple chocolate biscuit cake as their wedding cake – but taking some time to think about what you want from your cake, and who will make it for you, is time well spent.

Here, Amy from Cakea-licious, the bespoke wedding bakers, goes through some things to consider when choosing your wedding cake.

“One of the best ways to select your cake maker is to go by recommendations from friends or family.

Someone you know is bound to have needed

a professionally crafted cake at some stage and you want to know what the company was like to deal with, as well as how good their cake tasted.

Consider how many people you will need to feed to help you decide the cake size to go for.

Fruit cake and chocolate biscuit cake usually go further than sponge cakes. Most cake makers now offer a wide range of cake flavours, so you don’t have to stick to the traditional fruit cake.

Sponge cakes can come with a variety of flavoured cream fillings, such as strawberry or lemon if you like something light. You could have dark or white chocolate biscuit cake, red velvet or chocolate

sponge. If you wanted a bit of variety, you could have a different flavour for each tier.

You should also let your cake maker know at the beginning if there are any food allergies to consider, to see if they can accommodate you.

Give plenty of notice for your cake order, especially in the busier months of May to September.

Colour co-ordinated W hen it comes to choosing a colour for your cake or cake decorations consider copying the colour of your flowers or bridesmaid dresses, or you can tie your design in to match your invitations.

If you’re stuck for ideas for your cake,

Take time to think about what you want from your cake and who will make it for you

there are several wedding publications full of inspiration. You should also check out wedding websites, which often have galleries of wedding cakes among their planning tools. Looking at lots of cakes will help you figure out what you

love and hate about each one and guide you when choosing your own.

Think about your cake topper – do you want figurines or would you prefer to have something that looks like it’s part of your cake? Lots

of people have personalised wedding toppers now; sometimes these are given as gifts, so make sure you leave a space on your cake if you intend having one of these. It’s also worth keeping in mind the size of the cake topper when

choosing your cake size to keep everything in proportion and prevent it looking top-heavy.

If you can collect your cake yourself you may be able to save the delivery charge, although some bigger cakes would need to be assembled in situ by the cake maker, so this may not always be possible.

Did you know that the traditional wedding cake has three tiers to represent the engagement, wedding and eternity rings? Your cake will be one of the centrepieces of your day, and will reflect your personalities, so let your imagination take flight!”

With thanks to Amy from Cake-a-licious, visit www.cake-a-licious.ie or call 087 9800995.

22 GAZETTE 22 September 2011

BRIDE& GROOM

D u b l i n ’ s co m p l e t e g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l A L L ABOU T B E A U T Y WI T H DAWN LOVE l

Get your skin in tip-top shape for the big day ACHIEVING a flawlesslooking complexion for your big day has never been easier, with an array of creams and serums on the market that will leave you with a radiant and glowing visage.

Favoured by royals, such as the Duchess of Cambridge and TV reality star, Kim Kardashian, for their big day, it isn’t difficult to understand why classic skincare company, Lancome, is a firm favourite with brides-tobe.

Already a hit with beauty editors across the city, the French brand’s latest miracle serum, Visionnaire, does exactly what it says on the cover and is ideal for keeping your skin in tip-top shape throughout your wedding day, not to mention the weeks leading up to it.

A skin-correcting serum, it leaves complexions looking visibly transformed – the texture feels refined, wrinkles appear reduced, pigmentation irregularities are reduced

and pores are tightened.

The Visionnaire customised formula was developed around the specific qualities of LR 2412, to maximise its effectiveness and for optimal performance. It can be used on all skin types, even sensitive skin.

Its texture melts into the skin and instantly permeates it. From application, the skin feels transformed, enveloped in a luxurious sensation – skin appears soft, silky and supple.

Armani’s Youth Regenerator (above) and Lancome’s Visionnaire LR 2412

Visionnaire (LR 2412) (€70) can be used on all skin types, including sensitive skin and on the eye contour, and worn all year round. For maximum benefit, use at night.

Other creams and serums to definitely check out are in Armani’s Regenessence luxury range of products.

As the company says – no matter what their age, when women look at their skin, their concerns change.

Wrinkles are a visible sign of aging, but now women want more. Reducing and treating wrinkles is no longer enough.

Women want what a surgeon cannot offer – a wonderful skin texture.

One that is smooth, velvety and even. Now women are looking to target all the signs of aging that can occur in their skin, and to target everything at the same time – wrinkles, radiance, texture.

Hence, the company’s new Regenessence range, which includes a Multi-Corrective Rejuvenating Cream (€85), a Youth Regenerator Serum (€95), Eye Rejuvenating Serum (€60) and Cosmetic Water (€40). The products will leave you with a dewy, peachesand-cream complexion, leaving you with one less thing to worry about on your wedding day.

Dove takes the worry away for whole day FROM making sure you are picture perfect to worrying about table plans, there is sure to be a multitude of things on your mind when it comes to your big day.

And the last thing you need to worry about is perspiration.

Dove’s new Beauty Finish doesn’t just offer 24-hour antiperspirant protection, but also transforms underarms to give them a natural glow with a beautiful finish.

Dove Beauty Finish contains pearlescent mica, an iridescent mineral known to

enhance the natural look of skin.

The innovative formula of Dove Beauty Finish contains onequarter moisturising cream and is enriched with pearlescent mica, leaving skin soft, smooth and even-toned. With its long-lasting antiperspirant and skin caring qualities, women can now feel more confident and have the freedom to wear whatever they please to show off their gorgeous underarms.

Dove Beauty Finish provides 24-hour protection against under-arm wetness and odour and helps skin appear flawless all day long.

22 September 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23

l WEDDING VENUES l

Pick your perfect wedding package THE award-winning Castleknock Hotel and Country Club is now considered by many to be the premier wedding venue in Dublin.

Set just outside Castleknock village, in close proximity to the Strawberr y Beds and the Phoenix Park, the hotel is a contemporary-styled alternative to the traditional hotel venue.

There is a choice of two wedding rooms, the larger Phoenix Suite or the more intimate Park Restaurant.

The hotel also has a stunning room, with a balcony on the first floor with views of the local countryside, for civil wedding ceremonies.

The hotel has a number of key strengths that tick most couples’ checklist.

There are two bars inside

the main ballroom and an adjacent smoking terrace, so you maintain the atmosphere and don’t lose your guests.

Mood lighting and chair covers create an elegant ambience and the flexible layout of the room allows for various setups.

In addition, St Mochta’s church in Porterstown, located just 700 metres from the hotel, is one of the most picturesque churches in Dublin and is extremely popular for weddings.

Castleknock Hotel has won no fewer than 12 awards since 2009. Their greatest strength is their service excellence and the quality of their food.

With an AA Rosette Award for the third year running, Best Food and Drink Experience 2010

from D15 Chamber of Commerce, and the Customer Service Excellence Award for the past two years running from The Fingal Chamber of Commerce, they’ll make sure that you have a wedding day you’ll remember.

Check out the brand new Pick a Perk Package for 2012 and 2013 weddings, a unique offer that allows you to create your own perfect wedding package tailored to your individual taste. So now you don’t have to pay for an inclusive package with items you don’t particularly need or want.

Make an appointment with Jenni or Audrey, their wedding co-ordinators for a tour of the hotel facilities by calling (01) 640 6300 or email events@chcc.ie

The Castleknock Hotel and Country Club Hotel just outside Castleknock village

24 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 22 September 2011

22 September 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 25

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

RTE star Duncan Stewart helps launch new Energy Saver Centre

Saving energy with the new B&Q centre PAUL HOSFORD

RTE star Duncan Stewart was in Liffey Valley last week to launch B&Q’s new Energy Saver Centre.

T he B&Q Energ y Saver Centre is the first of its kind for B&Q and is designed to help customers looking for costeffective, energy-saving measures for their home.

With fully qualified energy experts on hand, it will offer expert advice, a free, no-obligation home- energy audit, DIY energy-saving products and fully guaranteed installations of energy measures, such as internal and external insulation, boiler upgrades and solar panels.

Duncan says that with energy becoming a bigger cost, homeowners will need to look more closely at the money they spend on heating and lighting.

“As energy costs rise, and they will continue to rise, people will become more and more conscious of the ways they use energy.

“It’s critical that companies like B&Q do things like this, somewhere you can get advice, generic advice that isn’t about pushing products, and look at each home’s individual circumstances and see what homeowners can do.”

Duncan says that he is aware of a growing problem with “fuel poverty” in Ireland – people who don’t have enough money to heat their homes. “ We h a v e a b o u t 400,000 houses in fuel poverty. Even something like a fuel allowance isn’t solving that problem.”

In that regard, the issue of getting more for your money is an obvi-

ous concern and Duncan says that there are many small things that homeowners can do to ensure that their money is well spent.

“If you look at the average house, you can’t do everything, you just can’t afford to.

“Insulation is the most important thing. You can put renewable energy in and do a lot of things, but the most important is to get the building right.

Bring down the energy rating as much as you can.

“A typical house should be setting targets to bring your energy costs down to 20% of what it is.

“That is a realistic target, when you look at how much energy we waste.

We spend on average €2,000 a year on energy.

“That is down to things like poor insulation and boiler efficiency.”

In terms of what can be done on a practical level, Duncan has key areas that he recommends, the first of which is insulation.

“Insulation and air tightness will help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Make sure the attic is well insulated and, if at all possible, look to insulating walls.

“Replacing old boilers with more efficient ones is a very practical one, too,” said Duncan.

B&Q Liffey Valley’s in-store energy expert, Vivien Deering, also said that the centre can offer customers a valuable resource.

“Our Energy Saver Centre is a one-stop shop for anyone considering an energy upgrade to their home. We give our customers simple and straightforward advice on

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS

ENERGY BILLS Q – My dad died last year leaving a property worth between € 100,000 and € 130,000, jointly owned. My mother died six months later without making a will. There are two surviving children with my sister wanting to purchase the house from me. Can I transfer my share to my sister or will she have to buy me out ? What is the best way to deal with this so as not to cause us tax or additional stamp duty ? Would I be liable for Capital Acquisition Tax (CAT). Thanks. Jimmy, Co Kildare.

A - When your dad died, the property, along with all his possessions automatically passed to your mother, irrespective of whether a will was made or not. There was also no tax liability for your mother. Her untimely death and intestate (without making a will) means you now have to go through administration to formalise the handing down of her assets to you both.

Whatever happens, if you decide to keep the family home and transfer your share to your sister or leave it in your joint names, stamp duty of 1% is payable – replacing the Consanguinity Tax which allowed a 50% reduction on the previous higher rates. Plus legal fees, of course.

There are three categories of Capital Acquisition Tax, where exceeding the thresholds below, the rate of 25% tax applies.

1. Parent to child (plus stepchildren)

€332,084

2. Sibling to sibling, nephew, niece etc €33,208 3. All others

€16,604

Therefore, as you are well inside the first threshold, neither your sister nor yourself will have to pay any tax on the inheritance from your mother.

However, if the property has been left to you on a joint basis, transferring your share to your sister at that point if it is already in your joint names WILL involve a CAT tax liability of 25% over the threshold. Your share is worth €65,000 and if you pass this share to your sister, you will incur for your sister both CAT liability (€ 65,000 less threshold of € 33,208 = € 31,792 at 25% Energy expert and energy saving ambassador, Duncan Stewart, with Mark Gould

= €7,948 tax she will have to pay) and 1% stamp duty

(left), MD B&Q Ireland, who were on hand to officially launch the Energy Saver

(€650) plus, of course, the legal fees. Even receiving

Centre at B&Q, Liffey Valley.

€65,000 from your sister directly will incur a CAT tax

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

‘We give our customers simple and straightforward advice on how best to improve energy efficiency in their home and, ultimately, how this can save them money’ --------------------------------------------------------

Vivien Deering, B&Q Liffey Valley’s in-store energy expert

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

how best to improve energy efficiency in their home and, ultimately, how this can save them money.

“We offer a free, no-

obligation home-energy audit, where I will visit you in your home and provide you with a report based on your property

bill for you. Best advice ? Either sell the property and

detailing what actions you can take to improve the efficiency of your home. These actions can range from simple DIY measures, such as fitting energy-efficient light bulbs or installing draught excluders to installed measures, such as a solar thermal panel or high-efficiency boiler.”

For further information on the B&Q Liffey Valley Energy Saver Centre, visit www.energysaverscheme.ie

split the proceeds – no stamp duty or CAT tax – or leave your interest in the property with a provision that if your sister dies or sells the property, your 50% interest given to you by your mother is retained for you and your estate, while she could also give you a monthly income (taxable) for the use of your 50% share . This could be € 213.96 per month based on the best NET deposit account rate currently (3.95%).

Best of luck.

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

GAZETTE

26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 22 September 2011

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A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning Authority on payment of a fee of 20 Euros within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority of the application. Signed Sean White c/o MyHomeFitness.ie Red Cow House, Naas Road, Dublin 22 01-4111000 13604

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GazetteSPORT

BLUE HARVEST: All-Ireland glory for Dublin after epic win over Kerry Page 29

SOLHEIM CUP: BOYNE VALLEY GEARS UP FOR INTERNATIONAL GOLF COMPETITION

Europe and USA all set for battle at Killeen Castle sport@gazettegroup.com

AS THE Boyne Valley prepares to host one of the biggest international events in its history, the 2011 Solheim Cup, local businesses are welcoming visitors in style by staging a huge array of entertainment in the area throughout September.

Up to 7,000 foreign visitors from the US and throughout Europe are expected to cheer on

their respective teams.

Hotel accommodation is filling up quickly, with some special offers still available in the Boyne Valley region.

A local steering group, comprised of key representatives from the Boyne Valley region including, Meath Tourism, Meath local authorities, hoteliers, vintners, local communities and Failte Ireland, have been working to ensure the region is showcased in

the best possible manner to all visitors during the event.

Over 40 events have been organised to coincide with the staging of the Solheim Cup which include festivals such as the Dunshaughlin Harvest Festival and the Terrific Trim Festival.

A range of cultural and musical nights are being staged including a culture night at the Solstice Arts Centre in Navan featuring the Irish Chamber

Vice-captain of Europe in the Solheim Cup, Annika Sorenstram, with with Marjorie McCorduck, president of the Irish Ladies Golf Union and the 2011 ILGU Junior medal winners, including Meabh Holden from Newlands

Orchestra, a traditional Irish music session in the nearby Dunsany GAA Club, and an evening with Liam O’Connor at Knightsbrook Hotel.

There is something for everyone, from a National Hunt Meeting at Navan Racecourse, to an Irish Night and Pig Roast

to name just a few. There is also more golf on offer with the Irish dynamos, the Maguire twins, playing in the PING Junior Solheim Cup 2011, at Knightsbrook.

Michael Killeen, chairman of the local steering group said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for

the Boyne Valley region to showcase all we have to offer as the area prepares to be centre-stage in front of tens of thousands of visitors and millions worldwide.

“Locals are working hard and determined to put on a great show. the Boyne Valley region is

offering great value for guests to come, stay and experience the area”.

To find special offers on accommodation during the Solheim Cup, visit www.discoverireland.ie/ golf, and go directly to the Event Package Offers section, or see www.solheimcupmeath.ie.

28 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 22 September 2011

GazetteSport Sport

Round Towers’ senior footballers

Sean Collins, Eric Byrne and Eric Byrne Junior

Towers’s supporters get ready to cheer their teams

Dragon Races

Towers roar on the Canal RAND Canal Dock was the setting for the dragon boat regatta recently, and the event saw Round Towers’ GAA club entering two boats of 16 paddlers each.

The senior footballers filled one boat and the Round Tower All-Stars the other. Both teams started well with wins in their first two races. The senior footballers performed well in their races and earned a place in the final, and the All-Stars finished fourth in the overall placings.

A great crowd cheered on the footballers who knocked five seconds off their previous best time, but narrowly missed out on first place to the Google team, but earned a very respectable second place.

The All-Stars prepare to take to the water. Pictures: Martina Lyons

G

Sean Hampson, Aaron Douglas, Stephen Barry, Oisin Douglas and John Lyons

Towers on the waves

22 September 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29

in association with

The ultimate honour at last

FastSport

Dublin’s heroics at Croke Park last weekend was the culmination of a journey that has seen the best players in the county claim their destiny Kilmacud Crokes named

BE R N A R D B r o g a n summed up the feeling that stretched across the capital on Sunday afternoon shortly after Dublin lifted the Sam Maguire trophy for the first time in 16 years when he said: “You couldn’t write it in a fairy tale.”

But the fairy tale came true in what was a dream final for the Dubs, putting years of disappointment in the All-Ireland senior football championship behind them with a win that spoke of the class and commitment that flows not only through the county team, but all of the teams in the county.

The foundations of the victory were laid when Pillar Caffrey was manager of the side, and his ability to instil a professional attitude and selfbelief in his Dublin side

The defeat in his first season in charge against last Sunday’s opponents, which saw Kerry positively crush Dublin by a 17-point margin in the quarter-final, was a stark

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

‘It was an epic victory worthy of an inspired team who have come together to finally reach their potential on the biggest stage.’

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is something that Pat Gilroy has taken to the next level since he took over as Dublin manager two years ago.

Dublin’s success in the All-Ireland final was a deserved conclusion to the season

illustration of the qualities that his Dublin team would need to possess to reach the next level of footballing achievement.

And that they did in 2010, reaching the semifinal on the back of their first win against Tyrone in 15 years. However, heartbreak was on the cards as the Rebel forces conspired to keep Dublin out of the final again.

Defeat came only by a point, but the margin was again an indication that a tilt at the ultimate prize in Gaelic football was only just beyond their reach, and that the same determination would see them progress further again.

Disappointing showings in the Leinster final against Wexford, and again in the All-Ireland semi-final against Donegal, had many expecting a repeat of the 2009 encounter against Kerry, but the side that took

the field at Croke Park last Sunday were not the same.

From 1 to 15, there was an edge and a determination that ran like electricity through the side and transferred to the crowd in the stadium, and to those watching on TV around the country, that this was a Dublin team who had the mental and physical capability to go the extra distance.

Hearts were breaking, however, when Kerry went four points clear with seven minutes to go. Dublin had, to all purposes, shut down, and had only a Bernard Brogan point to show for their endeavours in the second half.

But Kevin McManamon’s incisive run and finish set up the most thrilling end to an AllIreland final in many years, proving the side’s strength in depth. Kevin Nolan added a point, and the scores tied as the clock ticked into overtime and fingernails were bitten to the quick.

With everything pointing to a return to HQ two weeks later, and with bare seconds left on the clock, a free was awarded to the Dubs just inside the Kerry half. There was one man with the previous to be able to step up to the challenge that would define Dublin’s, and his own destiny and place in history.

Stephen Clu xton’s

form throughout the season as top-point scorer meant that he was called to step forward and make the kind of kick from a placed ball that he had been striking over all season. This was the most important kick of a football all season, and he did not disappoint, the ball bisecting the uprights as he was already trotting back to his goal.

It was an epic victory, worthy of an inspired team who have come together over recent years to finally reach their potential on the biggest stage.

The 2011 vintage was made up of those players whose ability, consistency and belief in the cause has made Dublin GAA a pleasure to report upon over the last five years.

The club system underpins Dublin’s success and, without the support of clubs across the capital, Dublin would not have reached the heights they achieved at Croke Park, nor the heights that has seen Dublin’s representative teams reach the final stages of no less than five championships in recent weeks.

Those sides that did not get so far are stuffed with talent and are developing all the time, with new blood adding to old heads and creating teams capable of defeating the best in the country on any given Sunday.

as Best Club contenders KILMACUD Crokes have been shortlisted as one of the clubs who have been touting their greatest achievements in their bid to become Ethiad Airways’ Best Club Down Under.

Etihad, sponsor of the GAA Hurling AllIreland senior championship, challenged clubs around the country to tell it what their greatest achievement was.

Kilmacud Crokes GAA Club got their nomination on the basis of the ability of club to introduce new children to Gaelic games, improve their skills and instil a passion for hurling and Gaelic football in them.

Etihad will fly the first team from the winning club to Australia, where it will train with GAA legend Nicky English ahead of the challenge game of a lifetime against an Australian select team as the curtain-raiser for the International Rules match between Ireland and Australia in the Etihad Stadium, Melbourne.

To vote for Kilmacud in the competition, see www.etihadgaa.ie.

Kop legends take on Bohs in charity match LIVERPOOL legends Jason McAteer, John Aldridge, Sammy Lee, Phil Babb, Don Hutchinson, Ray Houghton and Alan Kennedy, to name but a few, will take on Kevin Hunt and his Bohemians legends team at Dalymount Park, this Sunday, September 25 at 3pm, with all proceeds in aid of the Chernobyl Children’s Trust.

A Gala Dinner will follow the match at

8pm in the Regency Hotel in Drumcondra.

Johnny Lyons from Dublin ’s 98FM will host the event and the dinner will include a four-course meal, a meet and greet with the players, and a postdinner Q&A session with the legends from both sides.

Match tickets cost €10 for adults, €5 for under-14s and €25 for a family of two adults and two children and can be purchased on www.ticketmaster. ie. Tickets to the Gala Dinner are €40 and can be booked by contacting Fiona on 086 3393913.

30 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 22 September 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

SOCCER: LOCAL RIVALS PLAY OUT ENTHRALLING MATCH

Taylor in squad for European contest

KATIE Taylor has been named in a ninestrong squad for next month’s European Senior Women’s Championships in Holland.

The lightweight and current AIBA World champion, will be aiming for her fifth 60Kg gold medal in-a-row at the continental deciders that glove off in Rotterdam on October 16.

Taylor is now in training camp with the Irish men’s Elite squad in Cologne, Germany, and will be looking at the 2011 Europeans with a view to keeping her form up in what will be the final major tournament for European female boxers before the 2012 AIBA World Senior Women’s Championships and only Olympic qualifier for women in China next May. She is joined in the selection by Katie Rowland and Michaela Walsh, who both claimed bronze medals at the inaugural 2011 AIBA World Youth Championships.

The experienced Sinead Kavanagh and Kelly Harrington, Lynee McEnery, Ciere Smith, Laoise Traynor and Lauragh O’Neill will also represent Ireland in Rotterdam.

The squad will go into training camp at the Clann Naofa BC in Dundalk next Thursday until October 1 and will take part in a further training camp from October 8 to 12.

Summerfest set for next weekend THE 2011 Tesco mobile SARI Summerfest, the largest intercultural soccer tournament in Ireland, is set to take part this year at the Garda and Camogie Sports Grounds, in Phoenix Park on September 10 and 11 from 11am to 5pm each day.

The Summerfest will also coinciude with the CONCERN kitefest, where kite flyers from around the world will display their kites and give kite workshops for children.

The two-day festival also includes a wide array of entertainment for all the family.

For more information, see www. facebook.com/sarireland.

Castleknock Celtic seeking ladies talent CASTLEKNOCK Celtic FC’s ladies and girls section are recruiting new talent to the cllub for the soccer season starting later this month.

If you were born in 1996 or earlier, visit the club’s website at www.castleknockceltic.com, and pass on your name and contact details in the How To Join section provided on the site.

The club are also looking to recruit girls born in 2001/2002 to play soccer in the DubliGirls Soccer League.

Peamount United claimed another victory in the DDSL Under-12A league against neighbours, Lucan United

Peas’ pass derby test DDSL UNDER-12A Peamount United Lucan United GAVIN EARLEY

3 1

sport@gazettegroup.com

PEAMOUNT United continued their impressive start to the DDSL Under-12A season with an impressive victory over local rivals Lucan United under lights last week.

Both sides are still getting used to 11-a-side football following their jump from nine-a-side last season and excitement was at a premium ahead of the home side’s first appearance under the lights on the club’s

main senior pitch.

It was a big occasion in the young Peamount players’ careers and they produced a performance worthy of the ocassion, starting with Jack Maguire’s goal on 10 minutes.

Maguire broke away from the Lucan defence down the left win and cut inside on to his right foot, and unleashed a low drive that took a slight deflection before finding the back of the net.

It wasn’t long before the home side doubled their advantage and, this time, the threat came from the right

when Eoin Murphy was on hand to slot home from close range from the cross.

However, Lucan did, give themselves hope when they pulled a goal back before half-time However, Peamount were not to be denied and they sealed the victory mid-way through the second period.

Goalkeeper Gavin Walsh had denied Lucan an equaliser on more than one occasion at the other end and his hard work paid dividends for the team when Murphy grabbed his second of the game.

Luke Duddy picked

the ball up in midfield and threaded a beautiful ball through that Murphy was on to in a flash and finish neatly.

Peamount manager Declan Murphy was delighted that his team got the opportunity to experience their first ever game under lights, first and foremost, and admitted it was good to mark the evening with a result.

“Playing on the senior pitch, which is top quality, and under the lights: it was almost like a professional game for the lads so we were delighted they enjoyed it first and foremost,” he said.

“They have started the season very well, of course, and I do think the evening that was in it did definitely make them play better.

“To their credit Lucan really played well themselves and the only difference between the sides on the night was that we took our chances.”

PEAMOUNT UNITED: Gavin Walsh, Adam Scully, Sam O’Gorman, Darragh Maloney, Luke Doyle, Jack McCormack, Liam Hodgson, Jack Kelleher, Jack Maguire, Eoin Murphy, John Crosbie, Adam Condon, Luke Duddy, Paddy Carragher, Richie Vanuburick.

Newlands miss out on Inter cup sport@gazettegroup.com

LEINSTER champions Newlands GC just missed out on adding the ILGU Inter-Club Junior Cup at Ardee last week.

They emerged from their semi-finals with a win over Kilkenny but just missed out 3-2 in the final against East Cork.

At the half-way stage of the final, Newlands held the advantage by leading in four of the five matches. Danielle Colgan was first to deliver a point for the Dubliner’s with a 7&5 win in the bottom match.

Sarah O’Brien was always in control of the top match and drew East Cork level with a 4&3 win over Rebecca O’Regan.

Claire Keegan again put Newlands ahead, thanks to a win by the same margin in the penultimate game, before Mairead Ni Mhurchu turned around a one-hole deficit through the turn to give East Cork another point with a 2&1 win in the second match.

Attention then turned to the middle game, where Anne Marie Hughes had a com-

manding four lead after nine holes.

However, East Cork’s Deirdre Har te produced some magnificent golf to reduce the deficit to two holes by the 13th and won the 17th to keep the match alive before a regulation par 3 at the 18th was enough to send the tie into extra holes.

As darkness fell, Harte held her nerve and a solid two putts from the front edge of the 19th green was enough to take the title for the Leesiders, much to the delight of their many travelling supporters.

Newlands’ Rebecca O’Regan

22 September 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31

in association with

FOOTBALL: LAST-GASP GOAL ENDS FINIAN’S HOPE

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ROUND TOWERS WELL done to the Dublin Senior Footballers who beat Kerry in the All-Ireland final.

The senior footballers narrowly failed to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Kilmacud Sevens having beaten Nemo Rangers and Donaghmore Ashbourne.

The intermediate hurlers face Kilmacud Crokes in the semi-finals of the Championship on Saturday

evening.

This week’s lotto numbers were 5, 12, 28 and 30, with the Bonus Ball 26.

There was no winner of last week’s jackpot of €4,000.

Congratulations to Irene McDermot t , Paul L anig an and Lennie Grant, who were the three €100 winners.

Next week’s jackpot is €4,100.

LUCAN SARSFIELDS

St Finian’s of Newcastle were denied victory with a last-minute free in extra time. Picture: GAApics.com

Cruel fate denies St Finian’s the victory JUNIOR C C’SHIP FINAL St Brigid’s St Finian’s Newcastle

1-13 1-10

sport@gazettegroup.com

INSEPARABLE for 82 minutes, Fiona Clifford’s last-gasp 35-metre free caught a wicked trajectory to nestle in the back of the net and finally end this classic slugging match in St Brigid’s favour, denying St Finians, Newcastle a first championship win in Saggart on Friday night.

It capped the Russell Park side’s second comeback from the dead as Barbara Kelly twice salvaged parity, first in normal time with a late free to secure the extra 20 minutes.

And, with the daunting hill to face, Brigid’s turned at the midway point of the extra-time three points in arrears as Dublin U-16 Ciara Trant – an All-Ireland finalist in late August – put on a masterclass from the placed ball.

But Kelly again showed her nerve to wipe out the

deficit and, after what seemed an interminable, nerve-wracking wait for the final free due to an injury, Clifford dropped in her final salvo and crushed Finian’s dream.

Finian’s played their part in the arm-wrestle, one which leaned one way and then the other throughout. Brigid’s were the first to push on, a flurry of scores around the 20-minute mark from Clodagh Rogers, Mariosa Bryce and Jenny Weldon building a 0-5 to 0-1 lead.

It was very much their purple patch of the first half and proved the largest margin of the evening.

But Finian’s put their combinations together to work three scores of their own in jig-time to reduce the gap to the minimum, Trant and Shauna Baldwin ending the half with a pair each.

Indeed, the Newcastle side’s greater efficiency in front of the posts continued to guide them in the second half. A nicely

judged Trant free was countered by waves of Brigid’s attacks, which drew a series of fine saves from Sandra O’Connor, notably blocking Rogers’ slap and a follow-up effort from the influential Bryce.

When O’Connor was not being called on, the combination of Jenny Murphy, Sinead Murray and Emma Boland were combining to snuff out, en masse, the Dublin 15 side’s shooting space with precious little time to eye the target at any juncture.

At the bottom of the hill, Finian’s thought they had a three-point wedge when Trant’s low-slung free was caught close in and snuck in by Lynda Waters.

A square ball saw that major erased but they kept pace on the scoreboard with Nora Harney’s fine score and one from Niamh Power.

The latter was a breakout from sustained Brigid’s pressure as four con-

secutive wides, and the luck of Kelly’s free dropping flush on the bar and bouncing to safety meant the game was still on a knife-edge, 0-7 a piece Bryce nudged Brigid’s in front once more but, with four minutes to go, Trant appeared to have broken the tie, the teenager coolly slotting a penalty following a goal-mouth tussle.

Kelly, though, twice summoned scores and the game could have fallen her side’s way when Weldon found herself momentarily through on goal but Boland recovered quickly and the chance was gone.

Trant once more had one hand on the trophy when she was the only player to register in the first period of extra-time, two sweetly struck frees from the ground and one cracker-jack point on the turn from distance.

But Brigid’s fought back grimly to grab the late scores that swung the tie their way.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Dublin

The gala ball is Saturday, Novem-

team on reaching Everest in win-

ber 12. Deposits are being taken at

ning the All-Ireland title and, in

bar.

particular Lucan Sarsfields’ Paul

The last golf outing of 2011, Cap-

Casey for all the hard work over the

tain’s (Dave Whittle’s) Day, is in

years he has put in.

Castleknock GC this Saturday, Sep-

Great per formance by Emmet

tember 24. Tee times are 12.30pm to

O’Conghaile in minor final, no doubt

2.30pm. Visitors welcome. To book

he will grace Croker in many finals

your slot, call Mick on 087 242 8419

to come.

or Michael on 087 233 1983.

Set dancing is on 8.30 to 10pm

The Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club

every Wednesday night. All wel-

25 Card Drive resumes on Friday,

come.

October 14, at 9pm and will continue

Good luck to the senior hurlers in championship vs Cuala in Parnell Park this Saturday at 4.45pm.

Good luck also to junior B and minor hurlers also in championship action this weekend.

Full fixtures on website and in bar.

Fun day for all the family in 12th Lock this Saturday, September 24 from 1 to 7pm.

to May 2012 in the clubhouse bar.

No lotto numbers available when going to press. Please check website.

Hugh McGonigle’s team will be in charge next weekend. Do not forget you can always enter our lotto online by clicking on www.lucansarsfields.ie.

Thanks to Carey’s Newsagents who are this week’s sponsor.

ST PATRICK’S, PALMERSTOWN IN juvenile football, the Under-8s,

At last Sam is back in the capital

9s and 10s played Lucan Sarsfields,

so well done to the Boys in Blue, and

St Mark’s and Good Counsel, while

commiserations to the minors.

the Under-11s and 12s lost to Ballyboden St Enda’s and Lucan Sarsfields.

To view our website simply logon to www.stpatricksgaa.ie Lotto: Numbers drawn were 12,

The junior hurlers are away in the

22, 23 and 24. There was no winner

league this Sunday to Castleknock

of the €4,000 jackpot. Match any

at 3pm.

three numbers winner was D and K

Ju ve n i l e m e n t o r s m e e t i n g i s this Thursday in the clubhouse at 8.30pm. Lots to discuss for the new season ahead.

who receive €200. Next week’s jackpot is €4,200.

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

WESTMANSTOWN GAELS/GARDA WHAT a weekend! Dublin are All-

1-5. There is now just one fixture left

Ireland champions 2011! How sweet

in the league.

it is. Meanwhile, a great win for the

The ladies play in 7-a-side tourna-

Intermediates over Crumlin in the

ment next Saturday at St Sylvest-

league on Saturday night, by 4-12 to

er’s, starting at 10am.

Follow GazetteSport on Facebook and Twitter and at www.gazettegroup.com

ALL OF YOUR CLONDALKIN CASTLEKNOCK SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31 SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

NEW GANG TOWERS ROAR: IN ’TOWN: SeniorsWestmanstown and All-Stars

take host the Leinster battleschools’ of the paddle rugbytoblitz theP28 canal P28

MAY 26, 22, 2011 SEPTEMBER 2011

CONTENDERS SUPER STARS: May award Crokes makenominees Best Club revealed Down Under inside listP29 P29

clondalkinsport@gazettegroup.com

DUBLIN was left to celebrate one of the great moments in the GAA’s history after the senior footballers pulled off one of the all-time epic comebacks to win the Sam Maguire trophy for the first time in 16 years.

Pat Gilroy’s side summoned immense reserves of energy and courage to overturn a four-point deficit going into the closing stages, when Kevin McManamon’s goal and a nerveless, long-range free from Stephen Cluxton, were the pivotal moments that saw a Kerry lead turned on its head in the dying moments of the tie.

What followed was one of the biggest parties ever seen in the city, as 50,000 Dubs greeted the side in Merrion square on Monday night.

The victory was a moment of huge emotion for all involved, with skipper Bryan Cullen quick to pay tribute to the management team Pat Gilroy has put in place.

“The lads have done a fabulous job since they took over, changed the whole

Dublin’s epic performance against Kerry garnered them the All-Ireland title

mindset of the squad and turned around the careers of lads who looked finished, including myself, so we’ve only them to thank,” he said.

Describing the feeling of lifting the cup in front of the throngs of fans, he added: “It’s a bit surreal, to be honest, when you’re standing up there looking around. I was in a daze up there, to be honest with you. We’ve had some heart-

breaks over the years. At times it felt like this day was never going to come.”

It was an emotion echoed by star forward, Bernard Brogan, who described how he never wants the sensation to come to an end.

“An incredible feeling, obviously, and they had to pull me off the pitch there,” he said. “The stewards were asking us to leave. I was sitting in the centre circle

and I didn’t want to leave. It’s a feeling you don’t get very often. I wanted to soak up every second of it.

“We obviously weren’t in a great position in the last six minutes or so but I thought back to the Donegal game, that we have dug this out before. Kevin McManamon was after coming off the bench and he was always going to go at players.

“I knew that something would come.

In fairness to the man, he has been unbelievable all year and I am delighted for him. He’s just a legend.”

As for Gilroy, he always knew his side had a bank of belief and ability to draw on in spite of the sticky situation his side found themselves in.

“I felt that we would always create the chances. Even when there was only three minutes left I felt that we would create the goal chances with the guys we had on the pitch at that stage. Because we always felt, irrespective of the score, that we were going to finish this game out and we would see if we came out the wrong side of it. That worked out to perfection.”

GazetteSPORT

A day they’ll never forget