Clondalkin

Clondalkin GAZET TE FREE

‘Having a truly Smashing time with a retrospective’ MUSIC: P16.

RECYCLE THIS COPY. KEEP DUBLIN TIDY.

YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: Enjoying an insightful trip across town to IT Tallaght P8

Soccer: Whelan looks for second Euro cup berth with Stoke Page 32

Sports Awards: November winners are announced Page 29

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS .................... 21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

December 1, 2011

HER NAME IS RIO: Politicians unite

to celebrate local legend’s book Page 3

SDCC is getting least in funding – Dowds Q PAUL HOSFORD

SOUTH Dublin County Council receives the lowest share of local government funding in the country per head of population, Labour TD for Dublin Mid West, Robert Dowds said this week.

“In 2010, South Dublin received €24.3 million from the Local Government fund, to cater for the needs of 265,000 people. In contrast, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, which

has 206,000 people ... got more than €10 million more than South Dublin,” he said.

Deputy Dowds said the figures highlighted an unfairness in the system, which directly impacted on local residents: “What is clear from these figures is that South Dublin, and its residents, are not getting their fair share of the cake.

This means services which the council provides are not as abundant as they could be.”

Full Story on Page 7

Flashing smiles: Celebrating the county’s photographers THE Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Councillor Catriona Jones, was on hand to present Sabina Cenusa with her runner-up certificate for her impressive photography skills in South Dublin Libraries’ recent annual

photo competition. Mayor Jones presented awards and certificates at the ceremony, held at County Library, Tallaght, which celebrated works submitted from all across the county.

Full Gallery on Page 10

2 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 1 December 2011

COURTS: STORED VODKA

AWARD Local foodie rewarded for her special diet plan

Former mechanic avoids jail A FORMER mechanic, who agreed to store smuggled vodka in return for €1,600 after his business went bust in the recession, has avoided a jail term.

Sean Murphy (55), of St John’s Drive, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to handling a stolen case of vodka worth €46,000 at Glebe House, Crumlin Village, on August 4, 2010.

Garda Aidan Dunleavy told prosecuting counsel Mr Derek Cooney BL, that Murphy had agreed to store the vodka in the “honest belief” that it was smuggled.

In fact the vodka had been stolen in an aggravated robbery in which two men, armed with a crowbar and a gun, attacked a security guard at a storage depot in Ashbourne, Co Meath.

Two truck loads of Smirnoff vodka worth

€300,000 were stolen. The court heard that one of the men approached Murphy in a pub and asked to rent a storage depot off him for three weeks for a fee of €1,600.

Mur phy, who was two months and €1,400 behind in the rent for his mechanic business, “foolishly jumped at it”.

When gardai came to the lock-up, Murphy readily admitted the vodka was there and they found 177 cases. The court heard that Murphy was thought well of by gardai in Crumlin who knew him from his business, Crumlin Autos.

The business had “gone bust since the recession” and, as a result of ill health, Murphy was no longer able to work as a mechanic. Judge Yvonne Murphy sentenced him to two years imprisonment but suspended the entire sentence.

Eibhlin Thornton, from Clondalkin, is presented with her Special Diets category award by Marty Whelan.

Eibhlin proves herself a real Hero at home Q NATALIE BURKE

clondalkin@gazettegroup.com

LOCAL Clondalkin foodie, Eibhlin Thornton, was crow ned a Home Cook Hero at The Shelbourne Hotel recently, when she took home the overall prize in the Special Diet Category at the first ever Home Cook Hero Awards.

The ceremony, which was hosted by TV personality Marty Whelan, was held in the five-star Dublin hotel on Friday, November 18, and was buzzing with excitement as the winners of

the first ever cookery awards, organised by Easy Food magazine, were announced.

With 11 different categories in the competition, over 1,000 recipes were sent in from ‘wannabe’ chefs nationwide and Eibhlin was one of 13 winners who proudly accepted their awards on the night.

The successful Clondalkin cook entered her recipe, which promised to ensure “diners on a special diet get a taste sensation”.

Thirty-three finalists took part in the Home

Cook Hero Cook-off on the morning of the awards, where popular celebrity chefs Catherine Fulvio, Catherine Leyden and Andrew Wudd, as well as Vanessa Greenwood of Cooks’ A c a d e my a n d E a s y Food magazine publisher, Gina Miltiadou of Zahra Publishing, had the difficult task of finding the true Home Cook Heroes.

The winning Heroes came from all over the country, with the youngest winner aged just six-years-old. Eibhlin was one of four Dub-

liners who took home the spectacular prizes wo r t h ove r € 1, 5 0 0 , which included a weekend away for two at the Carton House Hotel, €500 in cash, a Pyrex dinner set, a Kenwood blender, a year’s supply of Plenty Kitchen Rolls and Homecook Cooking Chocolate, as well as a Moy Park hamper and a Green Farm Foods hamper. Eibhlin also took home a year’s supply of Jus-Rol pastry, a Heinz hamper, a Carton House cookbook and a 12-month subscription to Easy Food and Easy

Health magazines.

According to cofounder of Zahra Publishing, Gina Miltiadou, the calibre of the competition entries was extremely high: “The standard was absolutely incredible.

“The variety of dishes, the combination of flavours, the creativity in the presentation, and also the wonderful diverse mix of people that took part in EasyFood Home-Cook Hero Awards, resulted in an amazing first year of the competition. I can’t wait for 2012!”

1 December 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3

PEOPLE Fostered over 140 children over the years

Local woman Rio is hailed

by Minister Q PAUL HOSFORD

WELL-KNOWN local woman, Rio Hogarty, was in the headlines this week when her book, cowritten with Megan Day, hit the shelves.

Beneath my Wings was officially launched in Finnstown House Hotel by local FG TD, Minister Frances Fitzgerald.

“It is a true honour to be here tonight launching Beneath my Wings for a dear friend of mine,” said Minister Fitzgerald at the packed event in Lucan.

“As soon as I met Rio I knew she was someone special. Little did I know how much more chaos I would cause for her

when I nominated her for a People of The Year Award last year!

“At first, she was mortified, then put out by the demands of filming and publicity, but somewhere underneath the front I know she was pleased that, at long last, all she has done for so many was being recognised. And, if she wasn’t, her proud family certainly were,” said Minister Fitzgerald of the 74-year-old fostermum who has welcomed over 140 children into her home over the years.

Fitzgerald paid tribute to Rio, who has maintained her own normality throughout an extraordinary life.

“Rio’s mantra is that she is just an ordinary person. In fact, I think she wrote this book to prove that. I can’t count how many times I’ve heard her say: ‘Rio Hogarty is no Saint’. And she’s right, she isn’t a saint, she is just an ordinary person; but that is what makes her story so incredible.”

Fitzgerald has a hand in the book, having written the foreword, a position she said honoured her.

“I was honoured to be asked to write the foreword for Rio’s book and also to be here tonight to launch it. I know how much work went into this, not just by Rio

Rio Hogarty signs copies of her book for Minister Francis Fitzgerald and local councillors, Emer Higgins and William Lavelle

but by Megan Day, who managed to capture the foundations of Rio’s life and the impressions of all of those who helped Rio become the person she is today.

“Rio has led a varied life, taking in everything from hemming dresses to trucking across Europe.

“Everywhere she goes she finds someone to help, and help she does,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

“Rio is eternally popular locally. She is still a full-time caregiver to a very busy household. She is an avid gardener, a very formidable campaigner and a seasoned singer on

the stage. I don’t know where she gets her energy from. Rio seems to have time for everything and for everyone,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

“I congratulate Rio for having the courage to tell her story. I thank Megan, for making this book possible.”

LIONS CLUB Christmas appeal is under way THE Lucan Lions Club Annual Christmas Appeal in local supermarkets has got underway.

The appeal will be taking place with a bag pack in Marks & Spencers, Liffey Valley.

With the continuation of economic uncertainty Club President Anne Murtagh said that the club expects an upturn in the number of people needing assistance.

“We expect an increase in requests for assistance in the run-up to Christmas as many people have fallen on hard times through unemployment, etc. Our Christmas Appeal is one of our key fundraising activities of the year and this enables us to make Christmas more enjoyable and bearable for those less well off in our community.”

She added: “We guarantee that the funds will be distributed to the neediest causes in the locality.”

4 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 1 December 2011

COURTS Man jailed for threat to Garda A man has been sentenced for threatening to kill a garda in a courtroom while he was being jailed for a similar offence.

Joseph Beacom (28) has a history of making violent threats when drunk. Judge Martin Nolan noted that he is currently serving a sentence until next year and decided not to add to it because Beacom has since apologised to the garda.

Beacom, of Kilmahuddrick Lawn, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to threatening a garda on October, 21, 2010 in Court 14 at the Criminal Courts of Justice, Parkgate.

Judge Nolan imposed a two-year sentence, suspended in full for three years. He is due for release from his current sentence in September, 2012. The court heard he has four previous convictions for threatening behaviour.

FLOODS No work needed in homes says council

Adequate drainage in Lealand homes SOUTH Dublin County inadequate drainage Council has said that provision and to recomthere is adequate drain- mend remedial action on age at homes in Lealand the drainage system to D r i v e i n R o w l a g h prevent future floods?”

Council management and that no works are required to alleviate any responded saying that the cause of the flooding issues.

One side of the road was due to the sheer volwas particularly badly -------------------------flooded on October 24, when a month’s worth of rain fell across Dublin.

In last week’s Clondalkin Area Committee meeting, Sinn Fein councillor Matthew McDonagh asked the council why only the - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - odd number houses were flooded and to clarify ume of rain that fell.

“The cause of the whether or not this was because of inadequate flooding of the houses from No. 15 to 33 (odd) drainage.

In a question for the Lealand Drive was the manager, Cllr McDonagh intensity of rain that asked for “a report into fell during the day of the causes of flooding October 24, 2011 with in nos 15 to 33 Lealand approximately 90mm Drive (odd nos only) on of rain falling during Monday, October 24 and this day roughly equivato establish whether the lent to a month’s rain level of flooding expe- for October usually. It rienced was caused by did not help that these

‘The Drainage Section is not aware of a history of flooding’

Cllr Breda Bonner, here with President Michael D Higgins, raised the issue

houses are in a hollow with both the road and green area around them higher than their floor levels. The Drainage Section will liaise with the Road’s Section and have additional road gullys installed along the front of Nos 15 to 33 (odd) Lealand Drive,” said the council.

The issue was also raised by Cllr Breeda Bonner (Lab), who asked for a report on the issue, saying that some of the issues involved needed to be explained.

In the council report, SDCC said: “The Drainage Section is not aware of any history of flooding at these houses Nos 15 to 33 (odd) Lealand Drive.

“These houses are in a hollow with their floor levels not only below the road level but also below the ground levels of the green areas around them resulting in water flooding into the backs of these houses walls.”

WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240

1 December 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5

SUICIDE New funding and rise in figures for centre

Many more are seeking Pieta help NEW figures released

by Ireland’s first suicide prevention centre, Pieta House in West Dublin, have revealed a big increase in the number of people seeking help from the organisation this year.

The figures show that, in 2011, Pieta House saw 2,000 people, 50% more than in the last five years combined.

The new figures were revealed as it was announced that the charity had been awarded a significant grant from the National Lottery.

Speaking following the news that the Minister for Health Dr. James Reilly approved a grant of €100,000 to enable

Pieta House to continue its vital work, local Deputy Derek Keating said: “I am delighted that this grant has finally come through.”

“Pieta House, of which I am a director, is Ireland’s first Suicide and Self-Harm Crisis Centre.

It is the only organisation in the country providing a professional, face-to-face, free-of-charge therapeutic service for people in the acute stages of distress.

“The primary aim of Pieta House is to reduce suicide by helping people get through that critical phase when suicide becomes a plan rather than just an idea,” said Keating.

Pieta House opened its doors in Lucan, Co. Dublin, in January 2006 and has successfully treated over 4,000 people since then. The organisation now employs a team of almost 70 therapists and administration staff. In the last five years the organisation has opened four more centres – two outreach centres in Finglas and Tallaght, and another dedicated centre in Ballyfermot in Dublin, as well as a second national centre in Limerick.

“There are also active discussions in progress to open centres in Galway, Cork, Waterford

Pieta House CEO, Joan Freeman, and Fine Gael TD Derek Keating.

and Roscrea, such is the respect of the professionalism and respect that the service offers,” Deputy Derek Keating said.

Meanwhile, founder and CEO of Pieta House, Joan Freeman, said: “While the rise in suicide numbers this year is certainly worry-

ing, it’s a positive progression that people who find themselves in crisis are aware there is help out there and are contacting Pieta House.

“We want to remind people at this time of year that if they feel they can’t cope to please contact us. Our services are

free of charge and we’re equipped to help people get through their crisis,” she said.

“We are in active discussions with communities around the country to look at the feasibility of setting up new muchneeded regional centres. said Joan.

LIBRARIES Digital hub still on agenda SOUTH Dublin County Council has said that a proposed Digital Hub in Palmerstown has not gone off the agenda.

Responding to a question from Independent Councillor Guss O’Connell, who asked for “an update on the County Library Development Programme and to indicate the progress that is being made to realise the objective of a Digital Hub for Palmerston” council management, said that they would continue working towards the objective.

“The provision of a library/digital hub in the Palmerston area is an objective of the council as outlined in the Library Development Plan 2007-2011,” said the council.

“The Library Service is always open to opportunities that might arise for the improvement of libraries and will continue to work to find a site.”

6 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 1 December 2011

BUS ROUTES: CROSSPARTY GROUP DEMAND OVER NEW ROUTES

COLLEGE New figures show student levels

Local TDs call for bus action Q PAUL HOSFORD clondalkin@gazettegroup. com

THREE of Dublin MidWest’s four TDs have called on Dublin Bus to improve services to Lucan and Clondalkin.

Dublin Bus representatives met with Labour TDs Robert Dowds and Joanna Tuffy and Fine Gael TD Derek Keating in the Dail last week where the three TDs demanded improved levels of service on the new bus routes running through the constituency.

The three deputies expressed the views of many constituents who have raised concerns about the new bus routes and timetables that have affected over 25,000 commuters from Saggart to Lucan, Newcastle, Clondalkin and Palmerstown.

The three demanded that Dublin Bus management give greater attention to meaningful consultation.

Deputy Keating challenged the manager of Dublin Bus to address the issues, saying it was vital for the travelling public to have access to work, appointments and shopping in the city centre. “If I was running a business it’s the customer who is the most important person, why is it not the same for Dublin Bus?” said Keating.

Meanwhile, Robert Dowds said it was “very important that we work together on this issue to ensure that Dublin Bus are completely clear about how people are feeling about the change-

over in bus routes. There are significant problems with the number 13 timetable, as I have heard stories from dozens of constituents of long waits at bus stops followed by two number 13 buses arriving together.”

“Dublin Bus informed us that they have cut their costs by €50 million over recent years, have lost their fuel rebate yet are still being charged for the carbon tax, despite public transport being one of the best ways of reducing our carbon footprint.

I will be raising this with the Minister for Transport and asking him to exempt Dublin Bus from this tax so that they have the resources to provide a quality service.”

Deputy Tuffy said that it was also crucial that Dublin Bus examine it’s complaints procedure.

“Attention needs to be given to the importance of complaints of customers being quickly responded to by Dublin Bus speedily and the use of new technology.”

In a joint statement the three TDs said: “It was made clear to Dublin Bus that there are many people who are unhappy about the changeover and that they need to address these problems as quickly as possible. During the meeting, Dublin Bus agreed to work on improving the service on the new routes, with a new timetable for the Bus routes 13 (which replaced the 51) 69, 25, 66x and 26 and 40 (which replaced the 78) to be rolled out in the next few weeks.”

ASTI General Secretary Pat King has criticised the Irish Times school tables

ASTI chief slams school tables Q PAUL HOSFORD

clondalkin@gazettegroup.com

ASTI General Secretary, Pat King has criticised school league tables.

Speaking following the publication of the latest figures in The Irish Times, Mr King said: “League tables which focus solely on college and university entry, ignore the fact that a school that empowers a pupil to attain a pass grade in a subject, or to complete the Junior Certificate or the Leaving Certificate, has contributed as much or more as another school that empowers a pupil to attain A grades.”

SchoolS in Clondalkin are sending an average of 48% of their students to third-level education.

Figures released last week by the Irish Times show that the number of people attending post-

primary education in Clondalkin is just under half.

Colaiste Chilliain, on the Nangor Road, led the way, with almost 70% of it’s students making the progression to further education.

Up to 69% of the Gaelscoil’s students went to colleges across the country, with Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) the most popular choice amongst the 54 students who sat the Leaving Cert in the school last year.

A total of 10 students chose DIT, which has 20,000 students across six campuses, while seven chose to attend the Institute of Technology, Tallaght (ITT). The school had five students head to UCD and three go on to Trinity College.

The school also had students attend colleges

across the country, with DCU, University of Limerick (UL), NUI Maynooth, St Pat’s, Drumcondra and Waterford IT amongst the 13 colleges students gone to.

Not far behind Colaiste Chilliain was Moyle Park College, which had 65% of it’s 93 students attending college in the 2011/12 academic year.

Tallaght IT led the way in Moyle Park, with 30 of its students heading across to Tallaght, while 15 chose to attend DIT. The school also sent four students to Maynooth and two to DCU. The school also had students attending IT Blanchardstown (ITB), Galway-Mayo IT, Carlow IT and National College Ireland (NCI).

Colaiste Bride, which had the largest number of students sitting the

Leaving, had 52% of their students progress to thirdlevel, with 17 attending NUI Maynooth, 16 going to DIT and 11 going across to Dublin 24 to attend IT Tallaght.

The school had one student go to UCD, five to Trinity and two go to DCU, as well as having students go to IADT, Dun Laoghaire, Dundalk IT and NCI. In St Kevin’s College, 40% of their 43 students went to colleges, with ITT and DIT also leading the way there, with seven and five students going there respectively.

In Deansrath Community College, those two colleges also figured highly as 37% of their 46 students went to third-level education. Both colleges had three students enrol, as did Trinity and Maynooth. The only college

with more students going there from Deansrath was ITB, with four.

In Collinstown Park CC in Rowlagh, 26% of their 57 students went on to third-level education, with 10 going to ITT, two to UCD and one each to Maynooth, ITB and NCI. Meanwhile, in Palmerstown, The Kings Hospital sent 70% of its 128 students to third-level, with 25 going to Trinity, 18 to UCD and 14 to ITT. Scoil Pobail Iosolde had 63% of its 62 students progress, with 12 going to ITT, nine to DIT, four to Maynooth, four to Trinity and two to UCD. Though the figures don’t calculate those who attend PLC courses, take up trades or attend foreign colleges, the table is seen as the best resource on school performance in the country.

1 December 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7

GUIDE

GOVERNMENT: ISSUE OF SDCC FUNDING ‘INEQUALITY’ RAISED BY ROBERT DOWDS

Retailers set to aid charity

Deputy wants more local funds SOUTH Dublin County Council is getting the lowest share of local government funding in the country per head of population, according to Labour TD for Dublin Mid West, Deputy Robert Dowds, who raised the issue in the Dail this week.

The Labour TD said that the current funding model was leading to an unequal distribution of the local government fund.

“In this regard, my own county of South Dublin is doing very badly. At one end of the scale, tiny Leitrim, with its population of 31,000 people, received €14.5 million – more than half of South Dublin’s €24.3 million, despite Leitrim having only a fraction of the population of South Dublin,” he said.

“Now, someone would

WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240

be justified in countering that Leitrim is a bigger geographical area than South Dublin, and therefore needs a larger allocation per person. “ H o w e v e r, w h e n we look at a comparable neighbouring local authority – Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown – the disparity is even more acute,” said Deputy Dowds.

National tax The local government fund consists of the tax taken nationally from motor taxation.

While that fund, which was introduced

by Brendan Howlin when he was Minister for the Environment in the Rainbow Coalition in the mid-1990s, is ring-fenced for local authorities, the authorities themselves do not necessarily get all of

the motor tax collected in their own counties.

“In 2010, South Dublin received only €24.3 million from the local government fund, to cater for the needs of 265,000 people.

“In contrast, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, which has 206,000 people – around 60,000 less people than South Dublin – got over €10 million more than South Dublin, receiving a total of €34.6 million from the fund.

“This is despite the fact that South Dublin is nearly twice the geographical size of Dun LaoghaireRathdown.

“Similarly, Fingal County Council, which has a similar commercial rates base to South Dublin and a similar population, gets €5.5 million more than South Dublin does,” said Deputy Dowds.

L O CA L S a r e b e i n g advised to keep their eyes peeled for a Christmas Gift Guide from Liffey Valley’s Retail Park.

T he guide will be distributed to 150,000 homes in the catchment area, and has great gift ideas for him, her, the whole family and even decorations for the house.

An appealing pair: Fine Gael figures to submit appeal on Boot Rd project LOCAL Fine Gael politicians, Councillor Tony Delaney and Minister Frances Fitzgerald, have announced that they are preparing a joint appeal to submit to An Bord Pleanala on foot of South Dublin County Council’s decision to grant permission for a five-storey development at Boot Road in Clondalkin.

Minister Fitzgerald said: “South Dublin County Council has granted permission for what we view as an over-scaled development in a quiet residential area. There were almost 100 submissions and objections to this application. There was widespread disappointment locally with the decision to grant permission for this development.”

Brands With more than 700 free car parking spaces, the Retail Park has top brands such as Argos, Curry’s, PC World, Halfords, JJB Sports, Harry Corry, Atlantic Homecare, Carpetright and a new 24-hour drive-thru McDonalds’ restaurant, all located just around the corner from Liffey Valley Shopping Centre.

For everyone who signs up to the Retail Park’s newsletter, a donation of €0.50 will be made to Barnardos.

8 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 1 December 2011

EDUCATION Clondalkin locals join their peers to learn more

Brian Murphy explains part of his course’s content to

Hannah Meeney and Ash Connolly were enjoying the chance to learn more about the college’s diverse range of facilities. Pictures: Rob Love

Learning all about life at IT Tallaght PEN Day at IT Tallaght proved a great attraction for lots of students from across West Dublin, and beyond, who were keen to head down to the busy education facility recently to avail of the chance to learn more about the diverse range of courses and activities there.

O

Claire Doyle

With several lecturers, and in-theknow students, on hand to discuss the courses, educational opportunities and, of course, the social aspects of life at the popular college, it was a great way for the school students, and older students, to really get a feel for academic life and opportunities at the

Kevin O’Sullivan, Stephanie O’Quigley and Les Dowling

Donna Cullen and Natalie Moran

college. The Gazette spotted a number of local Clondalkin students at the college, and heard about a number of courses that they, and their peers at the open day, were considering taking up in the near future. As always, The Gazette wishes our academic citizens the best of luck with their studies.

Derek Meegan and Sarah Carthy

Emma Delahunty and Shane McVicker

1 December 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 9

about the busy Tallaght college during its recent Open Day

Rilwan Yusuf and Segun Azeez

Amy Blake and Aoife McGowan

Shane McVicker, Adam Doran, Mark Clarke and Janis Molloy

Nickie Coffey, Rebecca Pepper, Laura O’Dowd and Dani Murray

Aaron Byrne and Rebecca Keating

COMING SOON IN YOUR GAZETTE...

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

ClondalkinGazette

CALL US ON 60 10 240

FEATURING EVERYTHING FOR YOUR NEW FAMILY MEMBER...

I N S I D E YO U R F R E E LO C A L G A Z E T T E T H U R S DAY 5 T H JA N

DON’T MISS OUT ON TAKING PART IN THIS POPULAR SUPPLEMENT...

...FOR ADVERTISING CALL US NOW ON 01 60 10 240

10 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 1 December 2011

CEREMONY Celebrating area’s superb photography skills

Joe Tulie was presented with a highly-commended certificate in the Adult category by South Dublin County Mayor, Catriona Jones

Sabina Cenusa, runner-up in the Under 18s category, is presented with her certificate by Mayor Catriona Jones. Pictures: Siobhan Quigley

COMING SOON IN YOUR GAZETTE...

Awards in a flash HE Mayor of South Dublin County, Labour councillor Catriona Jones, was on hand to present certificates and awards to the winners of the recent South Dublin Libraries annual photo competition, which saw skilled photographers from across the county gather at County Library, Tallaght.

A number of West Dublin photographers and camera clubs made a strong showing at the awards, with this, the twelfth year of the competition, seeing superb works submitted in digital form.

Mayor Jones complimented the winners and runners-up in a wide range of categories, with a full selection of the winning works available to view online at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ilovesdc/.

T

Noel and Linda Bennett

FEATURING EVERYTHING FOR A NEW YOU IN THE NEW YEAR...

I N S I D E YO U R F R E E LO C A L G A Z E T T E T H U R S DAY 1 2 T H JA N

DON’T MISS OUT ON TAKING PART IN THIS POPULAR SUPPLEMENT...

...FOR ADVERTISING CALL US NOW ON 01 60 10 240

Patricia and Adam Dunlop, Clondalkin Camera Club

Nora Watchorn and Una Kelly, Perrystown Camera Club

1 December 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 1 December 2011

Competition: Win Lady Gaga Monsters’ Ball concert DVDs THE incredible talent that is Lady Gaga is releasing a new DVD of her Madison Square Garden concert earlier this year, and we have five copies to give away.

Simply answer the following question: What is Lady Gaga’s real name?

Send your answer to competition@ gazettegroup.com, with the subject line “Gaga”, before Friday, December 2, or log on to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gazettenewspapers, post your answer, like and share the Gaga post on your wall.

A golden opportunity: A chance to win €5k just in time for Christmas AS PART of Bulmers’ Doing Our Bit

campaign, 17 golden apples, each worth €5,000, are being hidden in Christmas promotional packs of Bulmers’ cans and long-necks.

Consumers are being called upon to check packs closely, as each of the 17 lucky golden apple winners will win €2,500 for themselves, in addition to €2,500 for a community project of their choice. Doing Our Bit is a series of initiatives, some small, some more significant, all intended to make a contribution toward making life in Ireland that little

bit better.

Speaking at the launch, Stephen Kent, director of marketing at Bulmers said: “We appreciate that times are tougher than ever for many people, which is why we want to do our bit by giving something back. The Doing our Bit campaign is central to all Bulmers’ initiatives and, for Christmas, we want to recognise and reward the vital role that local communities play in Irish society.”

Pictured are Bulmers’ orchard workers Liam and Isabelle with Orchard manager, Tom.

1 December 2011 GAZETTE 13

14 GAZETTE 1 December 2011

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Edited by Dawn Love

Enjoying the launch of new moisturiser range T

Exchanging old empty lotion bottles for one of Vaseline’s new range

HOUSANDS of women descended on Dundrum Town Centre last weekend as beauty fans turned out to celebrate Ireland’s first Vaseline Bottle Amnesty.

The Amnesty invited women to bring along their old empty lotion bottles and in exchange they received a free bottle of Vaseline lotion from the new Essential Moisture body lotions range.

The centre was teeming with Vaseline fans, all there to recycle their way to softer skin.

Lauren Brooking, from Vaseline Ireland said: “We’re delighted with the success of Ireland’s first ever Vaseline Bottle Amnesty and it demonstrated our confidence in this great new range.”

The new and improved Vaseline Essential Moisture body lotions range combines pure natural

extracts and Stratys-3 technolog y, infusing moisture deep down and absorbing quickly for soft, healthy looking skin.

The range includes Essential Moisture, Aloe Fresh and Cocoa Radiant. Aloe Vera fresh, the lightest-feeling body lotion of the three, leaves skin feeling fresh and revitalised.

Essential Moisture, containing nourishing oat extract, leaves skin feeling soft and looking healthy.

Cocoa Radiant has a rich texture and leaves skin with a radiant, luxurious glow.

The Vaseline Essential range is available at

supermarkets nationwide. The RRP for the 400ml is €5.34 and €3.91 for the 200ml.

Find out more about Vaseline products at w w w.facebook.com/ Vaseline

Out with the old

Lycon adds to its skin care collection LYCON, Australia’s premier wax, has increased its collection of skin care products with its new scrubs and lotions collection. Maintain healthy skin and glowing skin, even after your wax, with Lycon deep clean scrub and ultimate moisturing lotion. Using nature for inspiration, the collection is

a sensory, as well as visual, delight.

All that and effective too.

The collection is available in Brazilia salons as well as leading salons nationwide. Scrubs costs €19.95 and the lotions are €15. From now until Christmas, Brazilia is doing a gift pack of the scrub and lotion for only €30.

LOCAL MATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL

6010240

1 December 2011 GAZETTE 15

EVENT

Week-long campaign focusing on proper parking

2011 National Accessibility Week launched L O CA L A u t h o rity National Accessibility Week 2011 was launched this week and the weeklong campaign will coincide with International Day of Disabled Persons, which is taking place on December 3, 2011.

National Accessibility Week is a continuation of the 2010 campaign, which was designed with a particular focus on illegal and inconsiderate parking, poor parking behaviour and the difficulties and access issues that are caused by parking on footpaths, blocking entrances, etc.

The campaign aims to create general awareness of these issues on both a

WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240

national and local level.

National Accessibility Week is being supported and promoted by APCOA Parking, who provide a parking management service on behalf of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, South Dublin County Council and Fingal County Council.

Delighted

Commenting on the launch of National A c c e s s i b i l i t y We e k , APCOA managing director, Neil Cunningham, said: “We are delighted to be involved with the three Dublin County Councils in highlighting poor parking behav-

iours which impact on disabled people. APCOA traffic wardens can be approached at any time for advice or information on accessible parking.”

The week is being coordinated and supported by the Local Authority Access Officer Network and the LGMSB National Disability Steering Committee.

There will be a display on Planning and Accessibility available throughout the week in the South Dublin County Hall Concourse. This will include information on the Disability Access Certification process.

On Thursday, December 1, from 10am to 4pm,

National Accessibility Week is being supportedby APCOA Parking, who provide a parking management service on behalf of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, South Dublin County Council and Fingal County Council

South Dublin County Council and the National Mobility Centre will have an adapted car on display at County Hall, Tallaght.

There will be an information stand and a driving

instructor on hand to answer queries.

From Monday, December 5, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is hosting the Let’s Get Arty exhibition in

the concourse of County Hall. The exhibition will feature works from disabled artists who live in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown area. The council, together with Dundrum

Shopping Centre, will be promoting the business argument for making your business accessible.

A full list of activities can be found on the councils’ websites.

16 GAZETTE 1 December 2011

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC RERELEASES: ANNIVERSARY BRINGS REWARDS

Corgan’s smashing rock revolutions Q ROB HEIGH

It seems that we live in a year when the anniversaries of events and releases genuinely represent the advent of new watermarks in music, and deserve the acclaim they have received over the years. It’s fascinating to note how many are 20th anniversaries: Nevermind, Achtung Baby, Out Of Time, Screamadelica, Loveless, Ten, The Black Album, Original Gangsta, the first Lollapalooza, to name just a few... wow, 1991 was an amazing year for music.

One of the sometimes

overlooked gems from that era and its successor are getting a well-deserved remastered re-release this month. Smashing Pumpkins’ debut release, Gish, and their sophomore release, Siamese Dream, are returning to remind us about what a fantastically exciting and innovative band they were at the time, and how their influence is as important and prevasive as those other records that defined the year.

Gish slipped out quietly in the May of that year, the band having sneaked out of the suburbs of Chicago to record with

Nirvana producer Butch Vig, a process that saw lead Pumpkin Billy Corgan push the envelope for recording a record in the grunge genre. Whereas most bands would turn up and crank out their songs onto tape in a matter of days, Corgan wanted the space and time to work on the dynamics, textures and harmonies that immediately marked the band out as more innovative and creative than most of their contemporaries.

Leading off with Jimmy Chamberlain’s drum pattern and Darcy’s bass lick, before exploding into a

frenetic guitar fireball, this is, and was, something special and unique from the outset. Admittedly using the quiet-loud-quiet format throughout, there was more intelligence at play here than most, and a meshing of unique influences - Queen, ELO, 60s’ psych-rock, psychedelia and flat-out hard rock all came together to create an unique and brave debut.

Siamese Dream also leads off on a circus-like Chamberlain fill, but what follows was more expansive and ambitious than Gish, if that were possible.

Corgan’s imagination ran wild and Vig ran with him,

The first two albums from Smasing Pumpkins are a reminder of their power

allowing him to record multiple overdubs of guitar parts that makes the album sound like nothing else, but which also saw other members of the band removed from the recording process.

Nursery rhymes and nine-minute wig-outs are peppered throughout Siamese Dream, and it’s a dramatic and important record.

Both albums deserve their place in the collections of anyone who loves music - they are both packed with more ideas and energy seldom found these days - and also try to seek out the recent BBC Radio 1 Masterpieces documentary about the making of Siamese Dream, where Billy Corgan gives a fascinating insight into the proc-

ess that gave birth to the record and saw the end of the band as a group entity.

They also come with the benefit of accompanying discs of bonus recordings that are in some cases as good as what appeared on their parent releases.

Neither record sounds remotely dated, and both deserve their place among the list of great releases from their time.

WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240

1 December 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: FAILING TO KEEP YOUR PET UNDER CONTROL COULD SEE YOU GET A FINE

The best leads for your dog HIS week, I’m going to give you a lead (pun absolutely intended) on, er, leads; doggy ones that is.

You see, like ladies’ shoes and handbags, dogs’ leads are available in many designs, colours and styles, from the useful to the absolutely ridiculous, and I have seen them all.

Dog leads are also a very necessary accessory and should be used to allow your dog the comfort to have some personal space when he wants to roam a little, sniff and make new friends, as well as, and most importantly, to control and keep your dog safe.

T

At this stage, I must point out that under the Control of Dogs Act 1986, as amended by the Control of Dogs Act 1992, local authorities have the power to introduce bye-laws relating to dog control. However, here’s a general guideline.

A dog owner who does not keep their dog under effective control can receive an on-the-spot fine of €30 payable to the local authority, and failure to pay this may lead to prosecution in the District Court with a maximum fine of €1,904.61 and/or three months imprisonment.

As I said, this is just a guideline and penalties in your area may differ and may even be higher.

Leads are vital to keep your dog safe

Ok, I’ve done the civic duty bit and informed you of the legal requirements, now let’s get down to the important business of accessorising a gal’s best friend.

The Basic Lead This is normally around six feet long and, in my opinion, is the best type of lead to have. I’ve a brood of doggies, all

robust, all lead pullers and I find the basic lead best for walking and in an emergency, for use as a muzzle; although I have never faced an emergency with any of my dogs… yet.

The Retractable Lead I use these when walking my dogs in the woods.

I always like to be in complete control of them.

However, I absolutely hate this type of lead for its drawbacks.

It consists of a thin cord that’s wound onto a spring loaded device inside the handle and, as your dog walks in front of you, the cord unwinds and retracts, depending on which way your dog walks.

There’s a flip button on the handle to allow you control how much extension you wish to give your dog.

So, why do I hate them?

If you’re inexperienced or have multiple dogs, your pet may still be able to get far enough away from you and run into oncoming traffic; the cord can break if your

dog takes off at speed or she can become entangled in the lead resulting in cuts to both of you.

As these handles are bulky, your dog can easily pull the lead out of your hand. I have small hands and have to keep an extra firm grip when using retractable leads, especially if I have to wear gloves during cold weather.

Long Leads This is a very long lead, usually made of nylon or leather, and can vary in length from 10 to 60 feet.

They’re normally used for dog training in order for you to keep control of your dog while maintaining a distance.

Always limit the use of

this type of lead to dog training or in safe areas like fields and away from busy roads.

Harness For the heavy duty dog, i.e. the puller, get a harness. This provides security, giving your dog no chance of pulling out of his collar, leaving you standing with an empty lead in your hand.

I would recommend the one called “gentle dog”.

Pet parents who own Patterdale Terriers will know what I mean. They’re a cheeky breed with oodles of personality but can be very domineering.

For more information, log onto www.dspca.ie or email miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie

18 GAZETTE 1 December 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS IMWA announce the cars of 2012 THE Kia Rio has been voted Continental Irish Car of the Year 2012 by the Irish Motoring Writers’ Association (IMWA). The announcement was made at an awards ceremony held recently in the Convention Centre Dublin and attended by leading figures from the motor industry.

It marks the first time that a Korean car brand has taken the title in the 35-year history of the awards.

The Irish Motoring Writers Association judges awarded points on the basis of criteria ranging from innovation and safety to space, comfort, build quality, driving quality and value for money.

Presenting the award to James Brooks, managing director of Kia Ireland, Paddy Murphy of sponsor, Continental Tyres Ireland, commented: “From a great crop of entrants for this year’s award, the Irish motoring writers have selected an exciting model

to carry the 2012 title and no doubt the Continental Irish Car of the Year accolade will provide a great badge of honour for the Kia Rio to help it in the competitive Irish market next year. The Rio’s victory is a measure of the progress which Korean manufacturers have made on the car market in a very short time.”

Awards were made in five categories, reflecting the diversified nature of today’s car market in Ireland.

RESULTS: Small Car of the Year: Kia Rio Compact Family Car of the Year: Ford Focus Family Car of the Year: Peugeot 508 Executive / Luxury Car of the Year: Range Rover Evoque Performance Car of the Year: Mercedes-Benz SLK

Model Hannah Devane and James Brooks, managing director of Kia Ireland. The Kia Rio was voted the Continental Irish Car of the Year 2012

1 December 2011 GAZETTE 19

9th generation of the Civic THE much-anticipated ninth generation Clean Dynamic Honda Civic will arrive in Honda dealer showrooms around Ireland in time for the January 2012 market.

The new Civic builds on the successes of the previous model, while addressing the criticisms, and will continue Honda’s progression towards modern premium.

The result is an evolution in the car’s modern styling, excellent performance and advanced technologies that makes it eco-friendly and even more cost-efficient to run.

Developed over four years, nearly all components are new to the Civic. It’s available as a five-door model only and there are currently 11 models from which to

choose between petrol and diesel; four different grades and three different engines.

Prices start from €20,995 for the i.4 SE petrol and from €23,995 for the SE diesel models.

The main emphasis was on suspension developments of the new Civic to improve ride and handling over the diverse demands of European roads.

The designers also focused on maintaining the class-leading interior space of the eighth-generation Civic, while improving the overall packaging, quality of the interior and space efficiency. This led to a new exterior design, improved aerodynamic performance and a reduction in weight to raise the car’s overall performance.

RoadSigns Road Signs AN EXCITING RETURN TO FAMILIAR TERRITORY FOR TOM O’CONNOR:

The new Honda Civic range is due to arrive in Irish dealerships in January of 2012

The new Civic is lower, wider and longer than its predecessor, with a styling that further highlights the sporty and futuristic elegance of the new Civic.

According to Frank Kennedy, sales and marketing director, Universal Honda Limited: “We

have sold over 42,000 Civics since the launch of Honda in Ireland in 1985, and yet I cannot remember a more anticipated launch than the revolutionar y ninthgeneration which goes on sale in January next year. The new Civic

was exclusively developed for the demanding European motoring environment.

“We are cer tainly pleased with a range of Tax A band diesel options, which are such an important market in the Irish market,” he said.

MOTOR Distributors Limited has announced the appointment of Mr. Tom O’Connor to the position of dealer development specialist for Mercedes-Benz.

In his new role, Mr. O’Connor will have responsibility for dealer development matters for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and commercial vehicles.

A well-known and experienced figure in the Irish motor industry, Mr O’Connor was for many years a member of Motor Distributors staff, where he held the position of sales manager for Volkswagen cars.

Welcoming him back to the company, Mercedes-Benz chief executive Stephen Byrne said that Mr. O’Connor returns to Motor Distributors in what is a challenging new role in which he will be able to draw upon his very considerable experience in the motor industry and develop the Mercedes-Benz dealer network.

20 GAZETTE 1 December 2011

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY PHIBSBORO: THREE-BEDROOM STYLISH VILLA FOR €395,000

Veritable paradise on O’Connell Avenue DECORATION: NEW OFFERS FOR SEASON

Christmas Dealz on decorations Dealz stores in Blanchardstown are offering a new line in budget Christmas decorations that will add a touch of style to your festive scene this year.

Whatever colour theme you are going for this year, you will no doubt want to make the house look magical and impress your guests, and Dealz has the answer.

Dealz is a new shopping experience where shoppers are guaranteed to find quality, with over 17 shopping categories, 3,000 products including over 1,000 top brands, all high-quality products retailing for €1.49.

You can visit their website at www.dealz.ie, or on Facebook at DealzIreland, or their Twitter page, @DealzIreland

MCGUIRK Beggan Property present 3, O’Connell Avenue, Phibsboro, Dublin 7, a charming yet stylish three-bedroom split level Victorian double fronted villa, to the market for the asking price of €395,000.

This one-of-a-kind property which extends to 1,200 sq ft, is in a highly desirable location and with an impressive interior, and is ready for immediate occupation.

Transformed throughout to the highest specification by its owner, this home has been skilfully paired back, refurbished and upgraded from top to toe with great sensitivity, flair and imagination.

It has been finished to exacting standards and combines the best of contemporary design and high-quality finish, whilst still retaining and sympathetically restoring some of its period

features, most notably its two stunning original cast-iron open fireplaces.

The accommodation comprises spacious entrance hall with high ceilings and walnut wood floors. From there, there is direct access to the formal living room and to the third bedroom.

Steps from the hall lead down into the casual living room.

The living room features a restored cast-iron original open fireplace and walnut floors. The room is further enhanced by the high ceiling.

There is a smaller double bedroom, or perfect study/home office, which also features walnut floor.

On the lower ground floor is a bright living space with restored cast-iron open fireplace, stylish Egyptian marble tiles and down lighting.

There is also a TV point

Number 3, O’Connell Avenue is on the market for €395,000

and access through to the kitchen, downstairs bathroom and to the rear garden.

The kitchen features an extensive array of white, modern fitted eye- and f loor-level units, integrated oven, hob, fridge/freezer and dishwasher. It also features Egyptian marble tile flooring, tile splash back and down lighting,

and ample room for dining.

The downstairs bathroom comprises bath, WC, WHB, marble tiled f loor and par t tiled walls.

The first floor contains two carpeted double bedrooms, which have direct access to a shared en suite.

The rear garden is fully walled with pedestrian

access to a private laneway. It features a paved patio area, railway sleepers bordering the raised lawn.

The property is available for viewing, which can be arranged through Sinead Beggan at McGuirk Beggan Property on 01 419 0600.

For more information, see www.mcguirkbeggan.ie.

CLONSILLA: TWO-BED DUPLEX APARTMENT FOR €139,000

Tranquillity at Station Court SHERRY Fitzgerald in Castleknock are bringing No. 17, Station Court Hall, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, a spacious and immaculately presented two-bedroom own-door first-floor duplex apartment, to the market for an asking price of €139,000.

Concealed behind a large private entrance, Station Court is a small, tranquil development of apartments and duplex apartments set amidst a variety of plantlife and shrubbery maintained to the highest standards, coupled with extensive parking.

The accommodation,

Number 17, Station Court in Clonsilla is on the market for €139,950

which extends to 54 sq m, comprises entrance hallway with semi-solid maple flooring, an openplan living and dining room, which also features semi-solid wooden flooring, and steps lead-

ing to large private balcony.

The kitchen has fitted wall-to-floor birch kitchen units, graniteeffect worktops, a fitted Whirlpool oven and hob, a fitted chrome extractor

hood, and partially tiled walls.

Both bedrooms feature fitted wardrobes, while the master is en suite, featuring an WC, WHB and shower, as well as having tiled flooring and

partially-tiled walls. The master bathroom also features a WC, WHB and shower.

The apartment has a service charge of €785 per annum.

The property offers a south-facing balcony, which has extensive views of the surrounding countr yside and stunning grounds creatively manicured and maintained to the highest standards.

Viewing can be arranged by contacting Michelle Curran at Sherry Fitzgerald on 01 8201800, or via email at castleknock@sherryfitz. ie

1 December 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS Interview: Niall Ryan, Ryan’s Garage in Blanchardstown

Keeping the family business running NIALL Ryan started working in Ryan’s Garage Ltd, a family-run business in 1996.

The garage was established in November 1963 by Tim Ryan, Niall’s father, at its present location on Main Street, Blanchardstown. Over the years they have built up a superb reputation for quality of service and customer care.

“We are Dublin 15’s longest-established garage. If you are looking for a garage you can trust this alone should give you peace of mind,” Niall says.

Niall invites customers to visit the garage and see the full range of Seat vehicles on offer and to experience their excellent aftersales facilities.

Remembering last winter, Niall advises drivers to make sure that they “don’t get stuck this winter”.

“Right now, we’re running a special offer to have a free ‘Winter Health Check’ carried out on your vehicle (all makes). We also now have a full range of ‘all-weather tyres’ in stock for all makes of car.

“All-weather tyres are specifically designed to create more traction and makes it safer to brake in wet, snow and icy conditions below 7°C. They have many more delicate cuts in the tread which are designed to absorb snow, allowing the tyres to maintain their grip when driving over snow-covered roads.

“Other great offers include our Bronze, Silver or Gold service packages, where you can have your car serviced and given a free ‘Health Check’ from as little as €95, includ-

Q: What was your first job?

A: Serving petrol here at Ryans Garage

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: Very small!

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: Not yet Q: When did you start your present job?

A: 1996 Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Meeting lots of different people every day

Q: Have you achieved anything that you once thought you could not pull off?

A: Still trying Q: What part of your working

FastBiz Rock solid Christmas gifts from Hennessy & Byrne at National Crafts & Design Fair

Niall Ryan, of Ryan’s Garage in Blanchardstown

ing oil change and filter replacement, fluid checks and a 10-point safety check,” Niall said.

Niall says that your first step for safe winter driving should be to get your vehicle serviced to ensure it is fit and safe. Secondly, you should carry out regular checks on the vehicle.

You should: • Check for wear and tear on

wiper blades and replace them as soon as they start to smear rather than clean windows • Keep tyre pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended level and check you have at least 3 millimetres of tread depth • Make sure all vehicle lights are working and clean and • Top up with anti-freeze and screen wash

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

A: Footballer

Supported by AIB

day do you ‘delegate’?

Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be?

A: Lots

Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on?

A: Don’t think so Q: What sport do you follow?

A: GAA, rugby and golf Q: What sport can you play?

A: Gaelic football and golf Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: Slow morning starts Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to?

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

A: ABBA Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or

Jedward?

A: Neither I hope Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: U2 more U2 and some fam-

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Nowhere near as many as the other people in my house!

ily photos

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: A rainy week in the West of

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Not a big user of either I’m

Ireland when I was very young.

I remember we gave up after 3-4 days and came home.

afraid

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: In the sun by the sea with

Q: What was your last tweet/ status update?

A: See above Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Hard to beat a nice steak Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna?

A: I think I’m busy that day!

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: Locally (not too frivolously though)

family/friends and a nice cold beer in my hand.

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: Probably designing cars for Ferrari

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

A: Travel would be very high on the agenda

EVERY savvy Christmas shopper knows that the National Crafts & Design Fair at the RDS until December 4 is the first port of call in the quest for the perfect Christmas gift. And for those looking for unique Christmas offerings that have been imagined, designed, and handcrafted in Ireland, they need look no further than the Hennessy & Byrne range of giftware on display at this year’s show.

Based in Dunboyne, Co. Meath, Hennessy & Byrne uniquely specialise in handcrafting gift items and tableware from Connemara Marble, Kilkenny Limestone and Wicklow Granite.

Their range of napkin holders, candlesticks, tea lights, Cheeseboards, salt & pepper sets, and clocks were first unveiled last December at Ireland’s leading Christmas Craft and Design event and were an instant success. One year on, and Hennessy & Byrne have marked their first anniversary in business at this years’ National Craft and Design Fair by unveiling a selection of new Christmas gift ideas as well as a sneak preview of some their new products to be officially launched in 2012. New products to watch out for at the fair include elegant cheese slicers, stylish salad spoons and cake knives with handcrafted stone handles, some smaller Christmas ornaments, as well as exciting additions to the Hennessy & Byrne tableware range.

“It has been an amazing year for our new start-up business. We were a bit nervous launching our products onto the Irish market in December 2010, especially in the economic times we are living in; however, the public really seemed to identify with our designs and with the story of behind our range,” says Eric Byrne, a second-generation stonemason and designer/maker of the Hennessy & Byrne range. Visit them at Stand B60 at the National Craft & Design Fair until December 4, visit www.hennessyandbyrne.com, or email hennessyandbyrne@gmail.com.

22 GAZETTE 1 December 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL

Celebrate Christmas Dunbrody House served up a treat in ‘JFK country’ MIMI MURRAY

The airy, comfortable Atrium at The Westin is a perfect place to enjoy a special G and Tea

A delightfully relaxing way to enjoy A Most Peculiar Afternoon Tea at The Westin Dublin FOR something that little bit different – if not verging on the absolutely eccentric – why not try A Most Peculiar Afternoon Tea at The Westin Dublin?

Taking advantage of its team of award-winning mixologists, The Westin Dublin has created a quirky afternoon tea, in partnership with Hendrick’s Gin, serving a classic high-tea menu, alongside an innovative cocktail “tea” to complement the distinctive cucumber and rose petal essences of Hendrick’s Gin. The pot of Hendrick’s G and Tea also provides a perfect foil for delicate sandwiches – cucumber with cream cheese and chive, watercress and egg, and oak-smoked Irish salmon with spinach – as well as freshly-baked fruit scones, banana bread and signature chocolate brownies, all served with fresh cream and jam.

Delightful sweets Delightful sweets include luxury lemon tartlet, white chocolate and strawberry tartlets, and chocolate truffles.

However, if this G and Tea is a bit too “out there” for your taste, try the classic tea, with a glass of Taittinger Brut nv Champagne.

Served in the airy but intimate surroundings of the Atrium at The Westin, where the pretty surroundings perfectly complement this elegant tea, A Most Peculiar Afternoon Tea is available from 2.30pm until 6pm daily, at €24 per person.

To book a table, call 01 645 1000, or, for further information, see www.thewestindublin.com.

I HAVE always wanted to visit JFK country – not Hyannis Port or Martha’s Vineyard, although that would be nice, too, but the old homestead in County Wexford.

On a chilly November day, my husband and I decided to make the vigil to New Ross to see the birthplace of Patrick Kennedy, John’s great, great-grandfather.

Jack Kennedy also made that same journey in 1963, and spent time there as a young man.

We stayed in the delectable Dunbrody House, which is close by, and can be tricky to get to, especially after dark, so make sure you have good directions or a reliable GPS. The house, which dates back to the 1830s, is set on 300 acres of garden and estate. We arrived in the early evening and were welcomed with some freshlybrewed tea, served in pretty

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

‘The house, which dates back to the 1830s, is set on 300 acres of garden and estate. We were welcomed with some freshly-brewed tea, served in pretty bone china. Our room was straight out of Downton Abbey.’

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

bone china – very civilised.

Our room was straight out of Downton Abbey, and I gave a wry smile as my husband, Brian, pointed out that we had been placed in Her Ladyship’s Suite. “How apt,” my husband laughed!

There was some lovely classical music playing in the background, and a long hot bath was most definitely required after the three-hour drive.

We dressed for dinner and went to seek out the beautifully restored Champagne Seafood Bar for an aperitif.

We were greeted by one half

of the celebrity couple who own Dunbrody, Catherine Dundon.

She dashed about, chatting to guests, giving that little bit of personal care to everyone.

The Harvest Room restaurant, which is a vast drawing room, has high ceilings and a beautiful open fire, with turf crackling away. The menu features some firm favourites.

We started with an amusebouche of potato and lemon soup, which was delicate and creamy, and perfect on a wet November night.

My starter of scallops were so fresh you could taste the

Dunbrody House, which is close

sea, and were perfectly cooked, whilst Brian’s pork belly was melt-in-the-mouth, with delicious crackling.

For our main, we settled on the rib of beef, which is cooked for two. It came with a bearnaise sauce, as well as a beef cheek sauce served in a separate saucepan.

It was delicious; perfectly cooked and, as my husband

Rugged Donegal could hold the key to a super

Solis Lough Eske Castle is set in a wonderful location by Lough Eske, with Donegal’s ruggedly beautiful landscape adding to its great appeal

1 December 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

on Irish shores

to New Ross, is a perfect venue with delicious food, creating a perfect spot from which to explore the historic region

pointed out, you could dine out on the beef cheek alone.

We apologised to Catherine for not being able to finish, as the portions were rather hearty.

We retired to the bar for afterdinner drinks, and got sucked in to a small wedding that was taking place in the house. Kevin Dundon, the other half of the proprietor couple, was also

at the bar with celebrity chef, Richard Corrigan.

I’m a fan of both, and had to tell Richard how much I loved his appearance on the Great British Food Revival series on BBC2 recently. Apparently, the price of mackeral has sky rocketed since his appearance.

I told him I wasn’t a fan of the fish, but, being a persuasive man, I have promised to give

it another try, if only for the Omega 3.

Next morning, we dined on a scrumptious breakfast before setting off in search of the humble beginnings of one of the most historical families in the United States.

We took the tiny roads that lead to the old Kennedy compound – a far cry from Hyannis Port, and the myth of Camelot

surrounding the Kennedy clan.

It was hard to believe what a momentous day that must have been for the people of New Ross, to have that handsome young man, who was also president of the United States, step onto his home turf and take a cup of tea with the locals.

For more details on Dunbrody, go to www.dunbrodyhouse. com, or call 051 389600.

Christmas break in stunning Solis Lough Eske FOR A festive season to remember book into Solis Lough Eske Castle this Christmas, and enjoy a magical Irish holiday in Donegal.

To start things off, guests can celebrate the onset of the Christmas season with the Annual Switching-On Ceremony on Sunday, December 4, where the festive lights will be officially switched on to launch the holiday season.

Not only does this

event mark the beginning of the hotel’s Christmas celebrations, but it also launches the hotel’s charity drive to assist disadvantaged children and families in Donegal, by collecting food items, so that they can have a happy Christmas, too.

To add to the festivities, guests can enjoy a delightful seasonal twist on the traditional afternoon tea, on December 4, and again on December 11 and 18, with a

special Teddy Bear’s Tea Party, where children have a chance to get a photograph with Santa Claus, while enjoying finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and a range of festive pastries, including mince pies and Christmas cake, all washed down with your choice of a cup of tea or a glass of champagne.

For those in need of more than the pre-Christmas build-up, and the chance to totally escape

the stresses and strains of the festive period, why not experience the Lough Eske Castle Christmas Festive Package from December 24 to 27?

With daily cooked or buffet breakfast; two, three-course table d’hote dinners, and a delicious, traditional Christmas day lunch – complete with all the trimmings – you definitely won’t go hungry.

In addition to the copious amounts of food, fun outdoor activities on St

Stephen’s Day for all ages and nightly festive entertainment and more, will ensure that boredom is not an option.

The Christmas Festive Package is available for guests staying from December 24 to December 27: Courtyard Guestroom, from €635 per person sharing; Deluxe Guestroom, from €670 per person sharing.

For further information visit www.solislougheskecastle.ie

Splash out on a lovely break with the tranquil surrounds of Lough Erne Resort in Co Fermanagh LOUGH Erne Resort is a beautifully tranquil setting at any time of the year, but it is particularly gorgeous at Christmas.

Two- and three-night Christmas packages combine all the finest elements of a stay at Lough Erne Resort, with many extra treats.

On arrival, a seasonal fruit basket awaits you in your room. Enjoy mulled wine and mince pies by the open fire after a wonderfully brisk walk on The Collop Walk, within the grounds of the hotel, and offering stunning views over the Fermanagh Lakelands and Lough Erne Resort’s championship 18-hole golf course, The Faldo Course.

With carol singers providing pre-dinner seasonal music on Christmas Eve, there will also be charming music from the resident harpist and resident pianist during some meals and in the evenings.

Of course, children will not be forgotten – they, too, will have some very special treats to look forward to, including gifts from Santa Claus.

A two-night festive stay at Lough Erne Resort, including full Irish Breakfast each morning, mulled wine and minced pies on arrival, Christmas Eve dinner, transfers to local church services, Christmas Day lunch and Christmas Day evening buffet, costs from £170 per person per night, based on two people sharing.

The three-night Christmas packages rates start from £150 per person per night, based on two persons sharing.

For further information on this lovely break, call Lough Erne Resort on +44 (0)28 6632 3230, or see www.lougherneresort.com

24 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 1 December 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 John Spillane WITH Christmas fast approaching, The Pavilion is showing no signs in letting up on its roster of outstanding musicians, with award-winning John Spillane coming to the Dun Laoghaire venue. Well-known for his engaging performances, and, of course, his superb music, the Irish singer-songwriter will be supported by Lisa O’Neill, another fine singer from Cavan’s heartlands. Catch the show at 8pm on Friday, December 2, with admission costing €19.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 The Spirit of Christmas PRESENTED by the perenially popular Drawing Room Opera Company, The Spirit of Christmas will celebrate the season in superb musical style on Sunday, December 4, with a number of festive favourites and operatic pieces creating an event to savour. As if that wasn’t a tempting enough treat, a special meal deal with Roly Saul’s restaurant sees a two-course meal for two, bottle of wine or complimentary third course, and two tickets for the show on offer, all for just €110. Non-dining tickets cost €27.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 CREATEability AS PART of its engagement with all of the community, and families, Draiocht’s CREATEability event should be one not to miss. This unique family day for children with special needs, between the ages of 8 to 13, will see Draiocht’s artists joining families to work together and create art in a hands-on way, exploring different themes and various artworks in the galleries. For further information, contact Sarah at 01 809 8029. This free event runs at Draiocht on Friday, December 2, from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

Having a Ripley moment ... When faced with a cunning, murderous, shapeshifting alien that’s stalking the remote Antarctica base she’s trapped on, plucky scientist, Kate (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) does what any sensible person would do – reach for a flamethrower ...

Some Thing weird Who ya gonna call? Gho-Oh, wait, the scientists in this film have to face an otherworldly horror by themselves Q KATE CROWLEY

WELL folks, here we are again – December, AKA the month that I can reliably expect Mr Crowley to start humming “Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat” whenever I get dolled up for a night out.

Still, knowing perfectly well what a (Christmas) cracker Mr Crowley pulled on his trip down the aisle, I ignore any such gibes on his not-exactly-slimhimself-either part, as we in the Crowley household all look forward to some annual festive cheer.

Speaking of goose – or geese? – it brings to mind someone whose goose is in danger of being well and truly cooked in this week’s film, with another plucky protaganist who seems to have curiously lemming-like instincts for survival once things start going bump in the night.

Or, rather, once some ... Thing starts messily

FILM OF THE WEEK: The Thing +++ (16) 102 mins Director: Matthijs van Heijningen Jr Starring: Joel Edgerton, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ulrich Thomsen, beardy scientists in grave peril

OUR VERDICT: NOT, perhaps, what many would see as a traditional Christmas film for the season, this gory horror film is an interesting feel-bad film. It rachets up feelings of tension, stress, fear and panic on a remote Antarctica base, where there’s snow escape for a group of scientists – AKA “dinner” – as a shapeshifting alien hides among the group. But who (and how many) among them is now The Thing?

bumping her colleagues off in the night, in the day, in the snow, in the base she’s trapped on ...

This may almost sound like a jolly update of Cluedo, but, to give you a better clue about what this film is about, I’ll nod (like the filmmakers) towards The Thing.

You remember it, right?

That old 1980s film starring Kurt Russell, which was itself a remake of the classic 1951 film, starring Nobody Who Anyone Remembers Now? Well, sorry folks, it ain’t that Thing, but this The Thing is kind of almost

a remake of the former Thing, not the latter Thing.

I Thing we’re all getting confused now, so let’s get on with the Thing to hand – The Thing – and its connection to cooked geese.

(Bear with me, folks.)

It’s Tuesday, 1982, and brainy science lady Kate (Winstead) is called upon to head off to a remote base in Antarctica, where a team of Norwegian and American scientists have discovered something, or some... Thing.

Actually, it’s a spaceship, which has a frozen extraterrestial, or ET, in it.

(Sadly, it’s not the kind that likes telephones and messing about on bikes during moonlit flits, but the human-slaughtering sort instead.)

Kate, and pals, haul the ET back to base, where, after retrieving a tissue sample, there’s much celebration at their discovery – at least until the ET, or The Thing, as we’ll call it from now, defrosts, wakes up, and sets about assimilating the scientists and then, presumably, conquering the world.

Followed by, presumably, messing about on moonlit flits on bicycles.

However, quicker than you can say “Science will save us now!”, Kate and pals realise that The Thing is trying to pick them all off, one by one; that the parasitic entity has the ability to absorb and then perfectly mimic any life-form, be it animal or man; that at least one of the people on the base is now, in fact, a murder-

ously cunning alien bent on killing (and copying) them all, and that there’s some Thing very fishy going on.

“Science! Science will... err... not maybe work as well as a nice flamethrower,” Thing the scientists.

Cue paranoia, panic, mistrust and rampant fear, as through various attacks by The Thing, and by the dwindling survivors upon each other, every Thing just goes from bad to worse, leading to their geese being well and truly cooked.

Trapped and isolated in a place where anyone and everyone around you could be some Thing you really don’t want to be stuck with, Kate’s forced into an increasingly nightmarish situation – yet one that turns out to be leading directly to the events seen in the 1982 film, and that film’s load of disgustingly gory special effects.

Hurrah! So, it’s not all bad news, then.

1 December 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Tiles of style in this new Windows phone SHANE DILLON

BENDING the rules of this page just a little – and because I’m also very interested in tech news and kit, and sometimes cover such content – I thought I’d take a look at a serious contender for the near-ubiquitous iPhone – and what better than the HTC Radar , running Windows’ Mango OS? In urgent need to replace my ever-faithful, but quite basic (and by now, geriatric) Nokia 6300, I was considering a number of smartphones, before the HTC Radar, well, crossed my radar.

There have already been a number of Windows Phones, with each iteration of the OS driving it – in this case, Windows Phone Operating System 7.5, or Mango, to use its user-friendly title – evolving to keep up with user trends and espectations.

Given Apple’s near dominance of media headlines, with Android phones also slugging

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

‘What it does well, it excels at, and the Windows OS really made me regret not upgrading my phone sooner’ --------------------------

it out for market share, Microsoft really needed to up its game in offering an OS that could compete.

Thankfully, Mango, coupled with HTC’s hardware, seems like a very natural fit, and fit for the challenge.

Firstly, speaking of a natural fit, the phone itself has a lovely build; ergonomically, it feels extremely comfortable to hold and use, and, as smartphones go, I imagine this will fit most users’ hands somewhat better than similar phone.

Compactness is, for

many, a negative point in phones, rather than a positive.

Personally, I prefer a bit of heft in a handset, rather than jabbing at something that’s seemingly designed for pixie hands, yet the Radar also slips perfectly comfortably into my pocket. So far, so good.

However, the Radar’s real selling point is, of course, the Windows’ OS that drives it, as phones stand or fail on their software.

I know that Microsoft have been keen to point out hundreds of additions and improvements to its latest OS over previous versions – however, I just wanted to see what Mango does, rather than know what it was.

And what it does well, it excels at, and its OS really made me regret not upgrading my phone sooner.

Taking a different stance to the “apps” functions of other phones, Mango’s (user-customisable) Tilebased interface cleanly

shows whatever information you’re looking for – I quickly and easily pulled apart the default layout to push “my” content to the fore, chief among that being social content.

After all, its People Hub pulls together all the information on my friends and contacts that I’m interested in, giving me updates on what’s going on, while letting me filter out other content.

It’s pretty neat, seeing content from, say, Twitter, Facebook and MSN neatly integrated into one space, rather than spread over disconnected apps.

Of course, being a Microsoft OS, it also neatly pulls in what’s connected to my XBox Live gaming account, with a Marketplace section connected to the phone, while, perhaps more seriously, there’s also a dedicated Office Hub. That’s likely to be a key selling point for, say, many students and business users, as the office software, and its integra-

tion with other platforms, would be very important for many users.

Coupled with the Cloud-related SkyDrive storage, which provides a lot of gigabytes of storage, and that’s an awful lot of brain- and storage-power to slip into your pocket, which would also link very well to its comprehensive calendar functions.

Something that I liked a lot is the “threads” function, as messages remain grouped together, leaving naturally flowing conversations – complete with nicely integrated picture messages, where relevant – all of which is quite a change from my faithful old phone (now retired to a bedroom drawer)!

Coupled with all of the bells and whistles you’d expect both HTC and Microsoft to cram into a handset (which includes a pretty decent camera), and the HTC Radar, running Windows’ Mango, seems like a pretty tasty smartphone to pick up.

Saying Halo to a fondlyremembered classic AS MENTIONED last week, I’m taking a look at Halo: Anniversary, which should interest gamers allied to pretty much any console.

Available exclusively on the XBox 360, the title marks the ten-year anniversary of an iconic gaming title, and series, and also marks an almost unheard of event in gaming – reheating and reserving an old title for modern tastes.

However, the game hasn’t been simply dusted off and shoved out into the shops again, as the (re)developers have taken the original game, slapped a HD and re-modelled gloss over it to compete with modern titles, and then brought it to market.

The interesting thing is that, at any point during the gameplay, the player can press a button and swap back and forth at will to see what the level/game looked like in the original engine.

It’s quite a shock, seeing today how ... simple the orginal title looked, especially when the more intricate modern version looks so much prettier.

Still, the original Halo, as now with its “reheated” version, still holds up very well, with some excellent AI, imaginative locales, challenging environments, and quite simply, lots of fun.

I’ve had quite a blast – literally – by running around as the title’s hero, jumping around glossy alien landscapes and

Halo: Anniversary is a great tribute to a ten-year-old title

spaceship interiors, and then swapping back and forth to see their practically prehistoric equivalents in the ten-year-old original engine, all the while facing the exact same enemy AI. Of course, the Anniversary title comes with some cool attractions in the package,

such as some great multiplayer maps, and a number of other “upgrades” to look out for.

For my money, the orginal Halo was the best in the series, and this finely executed tribute is both a fitting testament to the game it honours, as well as a great game in its own right.

The HTC Radar, running Windows’ Mango OS, is available from a number of outlets in classic grey (above, or white, depending on availability). It comes with 8GB of internal storage, and has a wide range of features, ranging from 3G connectivity to a 5MP camera and flash, ZUNE player and HTC Watch.

GAZETTE

26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 1 December 2011

CLONDALKINclassifieds

BATHROOMS

FUEL

To advertise, call us now on 01 60 10 240 Email us at sales@gazettegroup.com and Roman Blind Making and ‘Crafts & Patchwork’ starting in November. Half Day Workshops on ‘Getting to Know Your Machine’ and Curtain and Roman Blind Making. We also reline and re-pleat all curtains and offer a Curtain and Roman Blind making service at competitive prices, full selection of Poles and Rails available. Contact us at www.sewgreat.ie or www. pressxpress.ie. Call 01 8227650 or email us info@ pressxpress.ie

PLUMBING

DVD SERVICES DVD TRANSFERS Cinefilms,Photos and Slides transferred to DVD with Music and Titles added.

Camcorder and Videotapes edited and transferred to DVD. Phone 01-2807838 Mobile 087-9132265 Email: alleventsvideo@ eircom.net

DIVORCE SERVICES

BLINDS FLOORING

DIVORCE BY CONSENT Separated 4 years ? Agree on all matters ? We will draft and process your divorce documents for Court. From as little as €600 per couple.

Separation Agreements fixed fee €500 per couple.

Contact: Damien Mara at 086-1211820 Email: damienmara@eircom.net Website: www. divorcebyconsent.com

RECRUITMENT

PAINTERS POLISH PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND DECORATING Best quality.

Free Quotations. No job too small. Very reasonable prices. References available on WWW.MARKCOMPANY. IE find us on FACEBOOK Please phone Mark on 0879442445

REPAIRS WEFIXFURNITURE.IE We repair: Leather, Frames, Recliners, Flat Cushions, Upholstery service available.

Repair at the fraction of the cost of a replacement 087 8547566

DENTAL

PLANNING NOTICE SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

BUILDING BRICK, BLOCK AND STONEWORK 20 years experience ,living locally. Garden walls, sheds, brick piers, patio and paving. Decorative internal brick work, Plastering

Insurance quotes. Call Dave anytime 0872917647

CLASSES SEWING CLASSES/ CURTAIN MAKING Beginners and Improvers Sewing Classes on Curtain

John and Denise Cureton are applying for permission for conversion of attic space, construction of 2no. new dormers to rear and side of existing 2-storey semi-detached dwelling and demolition of existing redundant chimney and associated site works, at No.31, St. Patricks Park, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. This application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am - 4pm, MonFri, and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt

by South Dublin County Council of the application.

14231

1 December 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 27

28 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 1 December 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

RUGBY: THIRD CONSECUTIVE VICTORY FOR NUIM BARNHALL

Cats and Hogs show their basketball skills THE Palmerstown Wildcats and the Lucan Hedgehogs were among the basketball players who took part in last week’s eighth annual Europe/Eurasia Special Olympics Basketball Week.

Six hundred athletes throughout Ireland participated in basketball events to mark the event, which is intended to promote the involvement of Special Olympics athletes in basketball.

The flagship events of the week were the Men’s and Women’s National Cups, which took place across two venues last weekend.

The men’s National Cup competition took place in the National Basketball Arena and was contested by seven teams. The title was won by North West Special Olympics Club, who defeated Palmerstown Wild Cats in the final.

The Women’s National Cup event took place in Corduff Sports Centre in Blanchardstown, with teams from four different Special Olympics clubs in action, and again, Palmerstown Wild Cats lost out after a brilliant display against North West Special Olympics Club.

Barnhall RFC’s firsts were on top form against Armagh in the Ulster Bank Division 2B tie at Maynooth last weekend

Bulls shine at home ULSTER BANK DIV 2B NUIM Barnhall Armagh RFC

38 11

sport@gazettegroup.com

NUIM BARNHALL’S third successive win crowned a superb debut tie at the Maynooth campus when All-Ireland League rugby came to the venue for the first time last Saturday.

The result lifted the Blue Bulls up to third place in the All-Ireland division.

The game started at cracking pace with both sides gunning for early dominance on a very windy day at the university, where a hardy crowd had gathered to watch the encounter.

Armagh started the match playing with the breeze and, with this in their favour, they were

allowed to dominate all phases of play for the first ten minutes, with the visitors’ scrum-half showing his class in controlling the game from his position.

This early dominance by the visitors forced a slightly stunned NUIM Barnhall defence to ship three penalties as the pressure told.

After two misses, the visitors changed the kicker, with Jacques Van Rooeun stepping up and showing much more promise with the boot after seven minutes to make it 0-3 to Armagh.

As always, the Blue Bulls showed their resilience and also what a never-say-die attitude can do for a team. Their attitude saw them coming straight back at

Armagh, with the back line testing the vistors’ resolve at every possible turn.

Possibly the most telling moment of the game came at the first scrum, which Barnhall totally dominated, with the likes of Ray Dufficy and Padraic Beatty quickly changing the nature of the game and effectively shutting the visiting front row down, and making the set-piece a place where the home side could assert their dominance.

With the pack setting things up, it allowed the back line to flow and in no time a break-away move from Rob Holt to captain Eoin Hogan sent Dave Stewart on a run which then saw Adam Hughes finish off what proved to

be a well-worked try.

Simon Gillespie, showing his great form with the boot, made it 11-6 to the home side at half time.

Barnhall had a very fast second-half start, going with the breeze and, assisted by some great kicking by Eoin Hogan and Ryan Hopkins out of hand, allowed the home side to gain territory and platforms to launch from.

Top back-line moves saw man-of-the-match Michael Brow ne go under the posts early to make it 18-6, and this looked like job done for the home side.

But Armagh had other ideas and came back strong which forced a penalty and a yellow card, which allowed the

visitors to take quickly for Van Roouen to cross the try-line and bring the game back to 18-11.

The Blue Bulls shook this off and, with some g r e a t f o r w a r d p l ay from brothers Barr y and Cormac Dunne, came straight back at Armagh.

The ultimate dominance by the home pack allowed the backs to show off their great skill, and this exercise in running rugby by the backs allowed the Blue Bulls to send Browne over for his second.

Further tries for both Holt and Mark Kavannah and with the ever reliable Simon Gillespie on kicking duties saw them get the bonus points and put up a 38-11 score line against the visitors.

1 December 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29

in association with

RALLY: INTERNATIONAL SERIES RETURNS TO IRELAND

2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS NOVEMBER WINNERS IN ASSOCIATION WITH

STARof theMONTH GARY THOMPSON THE North Dublin star of the track has been marked as a possible F1 star of the future, and continues to impress with his progress on the Asian circuit, shining on the Japanese F3 championship over the last two years, with his appearance behind the wheel in endof-season trials in Formula Nippon another affirmation of his potential.

TEAMof theMONTH LUCAN SARSFIELDS THE 12th Lock side made Dublin history this month when they claimed the last of an impressive run of camogie titles at Parnell Park; the club’s ladies now own the Under-13 to minors’ crowns in the county. With the smallball code in the ascendancy at the club, their achievement is a tribute to the youth section at the club and the young players.

NOVEMBER is just gone and still it’s like the middle of autumn — but that hasn’t stopped some exceptional Dublin sports stars emerging to take their honours.

Gary Thompson is slowly but surely building a significant career in motor racing, and his appearance behind the wheel in Formula Nippon in Japan puts him in the footsteps of Michael Schumacher and Eddie Irvine. It is only a matter of time before we see Gary moving into the realms of world championship racing.

The Lucan Sarsfields’ camogie section have achieved a massive and

historic success this year, winning all of the juvenile age-level titles in Dublin. With hurling at the club a huge success, it was inevitable that the camogie section would follow.

Let us know!

Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance of being one of our monthly stars.

Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ gazettesportII.

Rally Director, Bobby Willis at the announcement of the Circuit of Ireland rally

Challenge in place for 2012 rally race sport@gazettegroup.com

NORTH county rally star Robert Barrable is set to return to the roads of Ireland next year when he takes part in the famous Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally which will be part of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) series.

The 13-round IRC series will travel Europe with the Circuit of Ireland being the only British or Irish round on the calendar, which will be hosted in its traditional Easter slot of April 6 and 7.

Broadcast across

Europe, Asia, A frica and the Americas by Eurospor t, the IRC series last year boasted a global viewing audience of 79 million and affirms the Circuit of Ireland’s arrival once again on a worldwide sporting stage.

Irish drivers have competed well on the IRC series in recent years, which was won by Dungannon’s Kris Meeke in 2009 and last year featured Irish drivers, Jonny Greer (Carryduff), Craig B r e e n ( Wa t e r f o r d ) , Robert Barrable (Dublin) and Alastair Fisher (Trillick).

Bobby Willis, event

director of the Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally said: “The country can look forward to hosting a truly world-class sporting event in 2012, a rally that will captivate the fans and the general public alike as we bring the rally to the people.”

Dungannon driver, Kris Meeke, who won the IRC series in 2009 said: “Hosting such a high-profile event here is unbelievable and is fantastic news for rally fans in Ireland.

“A s a n y o n e w h o watched the series over recent years will testify, it’s highly competitive and makes compulsive

viewing.

“I’m certain the reigning IRC champion, Norway’s Andreas Mikkelsen and all the competitors and teams will receive a warm welcome here next Easter from the thousands that will attend.”

Precise details surrounding the rally will be launched in the next few weeks, but Willis has promised another super special stage in a new host city which is sure to showcase the skills of the IRC and Circuit of Ireland competitors.

For more information go to www.ircseries.com or www.circuitofireland. net

Leo’s tickets launch: to see UCD in friendlies Win Leinster star releases book

Villarreal finished UCD AFC have announced recently that fourth in last seasons La they will host two friend- Liga and so are qualifiers for next season’s Chamly LEINSTER matches atcaptain, the Belfield former pions Bowl against Scotland’s Blackrock College player, and League. As well as this, they have a wide Stproud Johnstone FC on July holder of the Heineken range 10,Cup, and Leo Spain’s Villarreal Cullen, was picturedof talented footballers at their disposal CF on July 16. last week , at the D4 Berkeley St Johnstone finished Hotel, with his family atwith the Barcelona target and eighth in the SLP last launch of A Captain’s Story, former Manchester United player, Giuseppe season, andof have long2010/11 his diary theaepic Rossi, on the top of the tradition in Scottish season that led to another list.and football.

Former players historic success in Ireland GazetteSpor t and include Sir Alex Ferguson Europe. Picture: inpho.com UCD are giving lucky and Ally McCoist.

readers the chance to win pairs of tickets to these matches.

Simply answer the following question: Where was Villarreal striker Guiseppe Rossi born?

Send your answer, together with your name, address and mobile phone number, to sport@ gazettegroup.com, with “UCD Friendlies” in the subject line of the mail.

UCD’s Robbie Benson

30 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 1 December 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

SOCCER: CUP SUCCESS SEES SIDE INTO QUARTER-FINALS

Peamount’s Under-12C side progressed to the quarter-finals of the Farry Cup with a 4-3 win over Celbridge last week

Egan excels in London Olympic test event KEN Egan struck light-heavyweight gold at the Olympic Test Event at the ExCel in London on Sunday as he produced a fine comeback from 7-3 down to Brazilian Yamaguchi Florentino at the end of the first round.

He surged back into contention to lead 17-14 ahead by the end of the second en route to a 22-20 win, picking up his third win in four days in London.

The win ensured that Ireland took home two gold, one bronze and two silver medals from the dress rehearsal for boxing at the 2012 Olympic Games.

Speaking about the Neilstown man’s performance at the event following his return to 81kg from the heavyweight class, Irish team manager Des Donnelly said he thought Egan was in good shape.

“Kenny looked very relaxed at light-heavyweight over the four days. This Brazilian was very tough, but Kenny boxed him very well and he hurt him in the second round, he said.

“Overall, we’re happy with the performances of the Irish squad at this tournament.

Young Conrad Cummings was in against the World No 4 and he gave a good account of himself against a very experienced opponent.”

Egan started the week with a 13-6 victory over China’s Xuan Bao before running up a 15-11 win against Australia’s Damien Hooper in the final four.

Con Sheehan was another to win gold at the event as he disposed of Greece’s Evginios Lazaridis 16-4 in the decider.

Cummings was a runner-up in the 75kg category when he pushed Russia Maxim Koptyakov to 11-8 decision in the final, having to be content with silver.

Peas pass Celbridge test FARRY CUP Peamount FC Celbridge

4 3

sport@gazettegroup.com

PEAMOUNT FC’S U-12C side progressed to the quarter-finals of the Farry Cup last week with good win against a determined Celbridge Town side in a closely fought match at Greenogue that sees their unbeaten record extended to ten matches.

With a gale-force wind blowing down the pitch, Peamount captain Jake Keogh decided to play against the wind in the first half and this turned out to be a wise move.

From the kick-off, Peamount got on the ball and defied the wind by playing passing football. From early in the game, their passing and movement hardly gave Celbridge time to get into the game.

Peamount took the lead after five minutes when full back Luke Kivlehan started an attack down the right side.

Winger Stephen Adebowace cut inside before releasing Sean Jameson who had run from midfield to outsprint the Celbridge defence to finish into the bottom left corner of the goal.

Peamount continued

Clane getaway: Clondalkin exit from Lawlor Cup LATE opportunities went abegging at Gordon Park last week when Clondalkin failed to close out their Lawlor Cup tie against Clane, allowing the visitors to take a single-point win.

The visitors mounted a huge defensive effort throughout and limited Clon to a try and two-long range penalties.

Chances in the last ten munutes were not grabbed, however, and Clane progress in the cup at Clon’s expense.

Picture: Sharon Flanagan

to press and their second goal arrived after 20 minutes when the ball was played through to Fionn Kenna down the right side of the penalty area.

He put a cross low into the box where Michael Kavangh slid in to finish the chance at the back post.

The Peamount central defensive partnership of Adam Sheenan and Ben Olatoye sniffed out any hint of danger and kept Celbridge on the back foot.

With the wind at their backs in the second half.

Peamount continued to play the game on the

ground, and were applying more pressure to the Celbridge goal and creating chances but were unlucky not to take them.

With 15 minutes to go, Sean Jameson collected the ball in midfield and beat two players before putting Kenna through on goal, and he finished with aplomb.

3-0 became 4-0 right from the resulting kickoff when Peamount won the ball back and attacked down the right.

A shot from Sean Connolly was dropped by the keeper and Sean O’ Brien reacted quickest to poke the ball into the

net.

Peamount may have been still celebrating that goal when Celbridge got their own back right from the kick-off when they broke forward and, when the Peamount defence failed to cut out the danger, keeper Evan Burke had no chance to keep out the Celbridge striker’s powerful shot.

Celbridge netted two late consolation goals in the last two minutes of the game.

In the end, however, the result was never in doubt and Peamount left the pitch with their place in the quarterfinals intact.

1 December 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31

in association with

FOOTBALL: LUCAN CONSIGN CROKES TO DIV 2

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ROUND TOWERS THE AGM of Round Towers’ GAA Club

person.

will take place in the clubrooms this

Christmas Draw tickets are now

week. Only paid-up members are

available priced at €5 each with lots

entitled to attend this meeting and

of prizes on offer. Tickets available

only A members are eligible to vote.

from behind the bar, from Frank

Any membership status-related

Cosgrove or any members of the

queries should be directed to the

Draw committee.

secretary at the earliest oppor-

Bingo continues this Tuesday. Doors

tunity. Nominations for executive

open at 8pm with first call at 8.30pm.

positions, or motions for discussion

Cash prizes. A line is €10, Full house

on the evening, should be with the

€20, books €10 for eleven games with

Secretary, Niall Connaughton, seven

game six being a rollover.

days before the meeting. They can also be left at the box provided at the club bar.

The U-21 hurlers were beaten by Thomas Davis in the championship Christmas Party Night at Round Towers’ GAA Club on Saturda y, December 10. Limited to 120 tickets,

This week’s Lotto numbers were 1, 3, 4 and 12; Bonus Ball 22.

There was no winner of this week’s Jackpot of €5,000.

Congratulations to Zoe Hickey, Anne Lawless and Terry Fallon who were the three €100 winners.

Next week’s jackpot is €5,100.

four-course sit-down meal, €20pp.

White Collar Boxing 2012 will take

Also, The Trilog y Band play New

place in the Red Cow on March 2,

Year’s Eve, tickets €10.

2012; anyone interested in taking

Recession- buster offer - buy tickets for both nights for only €25 per

part should contact Mark, Niall, Damian or Matt.

Lucan Sarsfields’ senior footballers brought their recent run of form to bear against Kilmacud Crokes

Sarsfields survive to fight on in AFL 1 AFL 1 PLAY-OFF Lucan Sarsfields Kilmacud Crokes

0-11 1-5

sport@gazettegroup.com

LUCAN Sarsfields survived to fight another day in next season’s AFL 1 set-up when they defeated Kilmacud Crokes at the 12th Lock last week in the Division 1 League relegation play-off.

With the prospect of plying their trade in Division 2 next season as the loser’s prize, there was a great deal at stake, and that proved to be the making of what proved to be a tense and tight affair.

In front of one of the biggest crowds seen at the 12th Lock in recent years, the supporters, the large number of quality players on view and the high stakes, all combined to provide a fitting finale to the season.

Lucan opted to play against the wind in the

first half and started brightly, with points f r o m To m my B r e n nan, James O Neill and David Quinn.

Even against the wind, Lucan were dominant, and created a clear-cut goal opportunity that went abegging.

As the half wore on, Kilmacud hit a purple patch and, ten minutes before half time, pulled into a four-point lead from parity moments before.

However, Lucan did not flinch, sticking to their task and increasing their work rate. If anything, Kilmacud doubling their tally made them even more determined, and the goal that Kilmacud scored before the break was to be their last score of the match.

From the start of the second half, Lucan took control. In the opening, ten minutes, the Sarsfields men crafted two one-on-one goal opportunities, which ultimate-

ly only yielded a single point.

Lucan, however, kept tackling, continued to block, ran tirelessly and, point by point, gradually reduced Crokes’ lead.

Brendan Gallagher, w h o h a d a n e xc e l lent game throughout, kicked five of these points, and capitalised on the efforts of his hard-working midfielders to restore Lucan’s momentum.

The back seven were hounding their opponents and were giving nothing away. A measure of this dominance was the fact that it was 20 minutes into the second half before Crokes kicked their first wide.

Urged on by their supporters, Lucan edged in front, and from that point on, there was only going to be one outcome.

The senior footballers of Lucan guaranteed themselves a chapter in the club’s history. Paddy

Carr, Crokes’ manager, was gracious in defeat and applauded the tireless work rate, spirit and enthusiasm of the 12th Lock side.

Mick Bohan, Lucan manager, felt that the high-intensity matches that Lucan have been involved in over the last six weeks paid dividends, whereas Crokes have been inactive since their Championship exit at the hands of St. Brigids.

Lucan Sarsfields: Fergus Gordon, Dave Kealy, Brendan O Neill, Colm Larkin, Paul Casey, Stephen O’Shaughnessy, Dan Gallagher, Mark Twomey, Brian Collopy, Sean Newcombe, Dermot Gallagher, David Quinn, Brendan Gallagher, Tommy Brennan, James O Neill. Subs: Aidan Elliott, Darragh Stapleton, Emmett O Conghaile, Peter Kelly, Johnny McCaffrey, Ciaran O Neill, Keith Moran, Ciaran McHugh, Owen Ennis, Mick Casey, Stephen Garbutt, Chris Crummy, Kevin McBride.

LUCAN SARSFIELDS WELL done to the senior footballers

and Jenny Foy on their nominations

on retaining their Division 1 status

for Dublin Camogie POTY.

by beating Kilmacud Crokes 0-11 to 1-5 last Tuesday night.

We invite any children born in 2005/6/ 7 to come along to our

There was a fantastic achiev-

nursery on Saturdays at 1.30pm on

ment for the ladies football section,

the club’s all-weather pitch at 12th

winning Dublin Club of the Year at

Lock.

the Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football

All mentors have now been issued

awards ceremony, and beating

with tickets for the Sportspersons

Castleknock 5-8 to 1-4 to win the

Dream draw.This is a vital fund-

junior Division 3 league title.

raiser for the club.Tickets can also

The U-21 hurlers got the right start in the championship, beating Naomh Barrog by seven points.

be purchased online at www.sportspersonsdream.com.

The club extends deepest sympa-

A very big welcome to our new

thy to the Foy family on the death of

juvenile games secretary, Declan

Jenny’s grandfather, Brian Cleary.

O’Leary, and thanks to Alice Whyte for doing such a great job in the role for the last three years.

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 2, 3, 18 and 20. There was no winner.

Mick Mulhall’s team will be in

Congratulations to Saoirse Byrne,

charge next weekend when our

Emily McIntyre, Amy Conroy, Aoife

sponsor will be Carey’s Newsa-

Flynn, Aoife O’Brien, Claire Rigney

gents.

ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN THE hghlight of the week was the

It’s party time at the clubhouse

Scor Na nOg Dublin finals when two

this Sunday, December 4 with the

of our three entries came out on

arrival of Santa at 2pm and, for a

top as winners and now head to

second time, at 3.30pm.

Carnew on Saturday, December 10 for the Leinster finals.

Our recitation winner was Roisheen Brady while the Novelty act crew were Ellie Clarke, Ellen Dunphy, Aoife Dunne, Jessica Scully, Sky Wrafter and Eolan Davis.

Well done to our dance troup while they don’t go any further put up a splendid performance on the night.

To visit our website simply logon to www.stpatricksgaa.ie Lotto: Numbers drawn were 4, 8, 10 and 20.

There was no winner of the €6,000 jackpot.

Match any three numbers winner was Cally, and he receives €200.

Next week’s jackpot is €6,200 Draw held each Sunday night at 10pm in the Palmerstown House.

ALL OF YOUR CLONDALKIN CASTLEKNOCK SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31 SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

NEW GANG INA’TOWN: ’MOUNT-ING CHARGE: Westmanstown Under-12s

reach host Leinster quarter-final schools’ of rugby Farry Cup blitz P30 P28

MAY 26,1,2011 DECEMBER 2011

DUBLIN SUPER SPORTS STARS: STARS November May awardwinners nominees are announced revealed inside insideP29 P29

GazetteSPORT

Glenn Whelan’s presence in the Ireland side helped propel them into the Euro 2012 championships. He is now hoping to do the same for Stoke

Whelan poised for European double

Clondalkin soccer star prepared to take Stoke City into knock-out stages of Euro cup after Ireland win STEPHEN FINDLATER clondalkinsport@gazettegroup.com

GLENN Whelan has his eyes set on a second European success within a fortnight after his return to club action last Saturday saw the Clondalkin man get on the scoresheet for club side Stoke City.

Having helped the Republic of Ireland secure a place in next summer’s Euro 2012 Finals in Ukraine and Poland, Whelan is this week on the verge of helping Stoke into the knock-out stages of the Europa League.

A win against Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kiev could seal that passage into the next round, following three wins from four outings in the group stage of the competition thus far.

Whelan played a key role in boosting City’s confidence ahead of their crucial Group E encounter on Thursday evening, scoring the sec-

ond of their three goals in the Barclays Premier League victory over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Speaking after the Blackburn win, the 27-yearold said: “It was one of those occasions when the result mattered more than the performance on Saturday, and now we have the chance to kick on after the recent run.”

Looking forward to the Europa game, Whelan is keen for the Potters to continue their form in the competition and continue his recent hotstreak after a few struggles in the English Premier League.

“The Dynamo Kiev game is a massive one for the players and the club because European nights like this certainly don’t come around too often.

“But the lads are buzzing now and the Blackburn win will give us the confidence to go into Thursday’s match and get the result that we need.

“Except for those four or five matches recently, we’ve had a really good season. We knew that we slipped up and our confidence was knocked back a bit, but hopefully now we’re back on the right track and we can get the result we need in Europe.”

Whelan draws similarities with the success that was achieved by the Republic of Ireland in reaching the Euro 2012 Finals via the play-offs recently.

“Like we’ve done here at Stoke, Ireland have done really well to reach the Euros because nobody really gave us much of a chance of doing it,” he said. “Now everyone is buzzing and they can’t wait for the summer’s finals to come round.

“But we’ve got a lot to focus on before then, both in Europe and in the Premier League, and it would be fantastic to go further in the Europa League.”