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INSIDE: All you need for your child’s special day P20-21

February 23, 2012

IN UNION: Helping out in Gambia with Clondalkin Credit Union: P7

Transformed: Minister, Kathryn and locals in run MINISTER for Children and

Round Towers: New facilities bring new dawn for local club Page 32

Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald was joined by RTE presenter, Kathryn Thomas, and Clondalkin natives Karen and May Shiels at The Operation Transformation 5k Fun Run in The Phoenix Park last weekend.

“There was a fantastic atmosphere on Saturday at the 5k challenge. It is so encouraging to see people turning to exercise and fitness in an effort to improve their lifestyle,” said the Minister.

Full Story on Page 3

Hurling: Rushe back in contention after injury woes Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 TRAVEL................... 22-23 BUSINESS .................... 16 MOTORS ........................18 GOING OUT ............ 24-25 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Big staff exodus is a blow to council ‘Services will be protected’ as 61 members retire

I PAUL HOSFORD

SOUTH Dublin County Council has vowed to protect frontline services and meet the challenges of 61 staff leaving before the Government early retirement deadline on February 29.

Sixty-one staff applied

before the February 1 closing date for applications for the early retirement scheme.

The losses will mostly be made up of clerical administrative staff, but a council spokesman is confident that the challenges of working with fewer staff will be met.

“Due to the agreement in

place under Croke Park, the staff won’t be replaced. That is a challenge for us, to reorganise and protect services.

“It is a constant process, with strategic review and change in our organisation. It is our biggest challenge.”

Full Story on Page 6

2 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23 February 2012

SDCC: TWO WAITING LIST PROJECTS READY TO GO

SDCC Council hails community initiative

SDCC ready to roll-out 2 schemes SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) will operate two new housing schemes for residents on the waiting list for houses.

Tallaght councillor Chris Bond (Lab) asked the council this week to outline any schemes that would be coming onstream, this year.

In response, council management said that two new schemes would be made available for those affected.

The first scheme involves the infill of units at Taylor’s Lane, in Rathfarnham, which consists of nine units (seven three-bedroom and two four-bedroom, 2.5-storey houses).

SDCC says that “work commenced in July, 2011, and the anticipated duration of the contract is 50 working weeks. This is funded through the Social Housing Investment Programme.”

In Clondalkin, a sheltered housing scheme, in association with Clanmil Housing Association, in liaison with Cheshire

Homes, will take place at Valhalla, consisting of 10 housing units (five onebed ground-floor units; four one-bed first-floor units, and one two-bed duplex on first and second floor), as well as one office/staff unit.

The council says that “work commenced in October, 2011, and the anticipated duration of the contract is 65 working weeks. This is funded through the Towards Carbon Neutral and Capital Assistance Scheme.”

SDCC also said that it has asked the Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government to provide capital allocation, under the Social Housing Investment Programme, for further infill housing schemes at a number of locations to address particular issues of anti-social behaviour or special needs housing requirements, but that “no approval to proceed has, to date, been forthcoming, due to restrictions in capital funding availability”.

Cllr Breeda Bonner, left, and , above, a screenshot showing the front end of the Fixyourstreet website

Hundreds log on to report area issues I PAUL HOSFORD news@gazettegroup.com

ALMOST 400 people have submitted requests through the Fix Your Street (FYS) initiative in 2012 alone, new figures have shown.

Responding to a question from Clondalkin Labour councillor Breeda Bonner, the council said that the initiative has been a huge success.

Fixyourstreet is a publicly-accessible website with associated mobile technologies on which non-emergency issues, such as street lighting, drainage, graffiti, illegal dumping, road and footpath maintenance, can

be reported.

The pilot has run for a period of three months in South Dublin County Council, whereby technologies developed by the council have been tested in a live, working local Government environment.

In response to Cllr Bonner, South Dublin County Council (SDCC) said that the initiative has been warmly received.

“Fixyourstreet (FYS) has been strongly supported by the public since the site went live in August, 2011; 396 reports on issues in the SDCC area were received through FYS since January 1, 2012.

“Customers report on non-emergency issues, including graffiti, litter and illegal dumping, tree and grass maintenance, leaks and drainage, street lighting and road and path defects.

“At January 30, 2012, there were 2,108 reports recorded in total, and 3,554 responses issued on the site by council staff,” said the SDCC response, which went on to say that they aimed to get back to submissions within two days, despite Cllr Bonner pointing out that some residents had told her they had not got a response.

In reply, the council said: “We have a com-

mitment to respond to reports from residents within two days of their submission. This response informs residents of the action being taken.

“In a large number of cases, this action is carried out within a short timeframe.

“In cases where the work must be integrated into a works programme, and the timeframe for resolution is longer, the customer is informed in our response.

“We are not aware of any feedback regarding difficulty using the site, but any such problems will be resolved for users if they contact info@

sdublincoco.ie or telephone a customer care representative at 01 414 9000.

“Fixyourstreet continues to operate in the South Dublin county area; other local authorities countrywide have been in touch regarding training and information on the initiative.

“Arrangements are being made for Dublin City Council to commence using the site, and they expect to go live, shortly.

“A smartphone application to facilitate easy upload of photographs to the site will be available shortly,” said the council.

23 February 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3

HEALTH Local Minister gets moving in Phoenix Park

Role in robbery denied

Making fitness part of our day I PAUL HOSFORD

LOCAL TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, was among those who participated in The Operation Transformation 5k Fun Run in The Phoenix Park last weekend.

Minister Fitzgerald was joined by Operation Transformation host Kathryn Thomas and Clondalkin women Karen and May Shields at the hugely succesful event.

“There was a fantastic atmosphere on Saturday at the 5k challenge. It is so encouraging to see people turning to exercise and fitness in an effort to improve their lifestyle.

I am delighted for the

LOCAL

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leaders, who have been an inspiration to so many people throughout the country, as well as here in Lucan and Clondalkin – they were thrilled to have completed the challenge,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

“In my position as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I am working hard to encourage children and young people to take up sports and physical activities.

“My Department is represented on the Government’s new Special Advisory Group on obesity and we are currently working on a number of initiatives, in conjunction with other government departments, to improve healthy eating and rates of physical activity among children

Local TD Frances Fitzgerald with Operation Transformation host, Kathryn Thomas, and Clondalkin locals, Karen and May Shiels

and young people. I am fully supportive of the GAA, FAI and IRFU and the work they do both nationally and locally, here in Clondalkin,” Minster Fitzgerald said.

“Childhood obesity is a major concern. Research from the Growing-Up in Ireland national lon-

gitudinal study contains some very worrying data, showing that nearly a quarter of Irish children are either overweight or obese.

“These findings pose a serious challenge which requires a determined and multi-faceted response. Improving

rates of play and physical activity among children is a critical part of this response,” the Minister said.

“I would like to congratulate all of those who followed the Operation Transformation programme, and encourage people to be more health

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and fitness conscious. I know how hard it is to fit a fitness regime into your schedule, but it’s time we as a nation, prioritised our health and well being.

I have tried many of Dr. Eva’s dishes myself and am hoping to be able to continue healthier eating,” the Minister said.

A DUBLIN man has gone on trial accused of plotting with several others to steal more than €1 million from a cash-in-transit van in Kildare five years ago.

Joseph Warren (30) of Belclare Crescent, Ballymun, has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to conspiring to steal cash from Chubb Ireland at Tesco supermarket on the Shackleton Road in Celbridge on Nov 2, 2007.

The trial is expected to last up to five weeks, due to the large number of witnesses involved.

In her opening speech, prosecuting counsel, Ms Deirdre Murphy SC, told the jury it would hear evidence that, at 6am on Nov 2, 2007, the accused and five other men gathered in four vehicles in Ballymun.

They are alleged to have travelled in convoy to near the headquarters of Chubb Ireland, in Sandyford, and, from there, followed a cash-in-transit van containing more than €1 million to Celbridge.

The trial continues before Judge Tony Hunt and a jury of seven women and five men.

4 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23 February 2012

COURTS: DRUG DEALER GETS THREE YEARS IN PRISON FOR ATTACK

Man stabbed wife in throat A DRUG dealer who stabbed his wife in the throat during a “three-day bender” has been sentenced to three years in prison.

Martin Roe (49), was also found with over €7,000 worth of drugs after gardai responded to the assault.

When gardai came to the house they found the door barricaded and saw him lying on a bed surrounded by kitchen knives.

Judge Martin Nolan rejected a plea not to jail Roe and allow him to return to his previous job of working on oil rigs around the world. The judge said the drugs may deserve a non-custodial sentence but he could not overlook such a serious assault.

He sentenced him to three years in prison but suspended all but 15 months in light of Roe’s early guilty plea and good work record.

Roe, of The Boot Road, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm to Lillian Roe at Kylemore Drive on July 10, 2010, and to possession of cocaine and cannabis for sale or supply on the same date.

Garda Shane Kelly told prosecuting counsel, Ms Cathleen Noctor BL, that Roe arrived home from a party, drunk and on cocaine. His wife was in the bathroom caring for their daughter who was ill. He wanted to use the bathroom but was told to leave by his wife before she returned to looking after the child.

He left and returned

with a kitchen knife in each hand.

He pinned his wife in the corner before headbutting her and holding a blade to her throat.

“I’m going to cut your throat,” he told her before stabbing her in the neck.

She was bleeding heavily and drove straight to a garda station but was taken from there by ambulance to hospital. She required three stitches to the wound on her neck.

Gardai called to the house but found the door barricaded with chairs.

They went around the back and, through a window, saw Roe asleep on a bed surrounded by five knives. They broke down a door and confronted Roe, who initially brandished a blade but dropped it when gardai identified themselves.

Gardai found a bag of cocaine in his pocket and more cocaine and cannabis in an upstairs bedroom, along with a weighing scales. The drugs were worth a total of €7,351.

Roe said in interview he had the knives because there had been threats against him and he was paranoid from taking cocaine. He claimed he only wanted to frighten his wife and “just lost it” when he held the knife to her.

Gda Kelly said he had been on “a three-day bender” at the time. He said his wife now has a barring order against him and he is living with family friends.

Defence counsel, Anne Rowland BL, said her client was suicidal at the time because his wife had said she was leaving him.

SKILLS IT students in South

Dublin urged to enter

Dr Stephen Brennan, director of marketing and strategy, the Digital Hub Development Agency, tries to impress Ghost (Jason Yu), Sonic (Cillian Bellew) and Angry Bird (Shane Kavanagh) with his gaming skills at the launch of the Irish leg of an international gaming design competition

It’s ‘game’ on for a third-level contest I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

news@gazettegroup.com

TALENTED local thirdlevel students chipping away at the digital coalface are invited to use their skills in an exciting new international video gaming competition.

Dare to be Digital is an international video games development competition, for third-level students, coordinated in Ireland by the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA), and supported by the NorthSouth Cooperation Unit at the Department of Education and Skills.

The competition aims to place third-level students firmly in the digital workforce arena, and experts, as well as potential employers, can view and assess their work.

Application is by teams of five students, with skills to typically focus on the distinct digital fields of programming, artists, audio specialists etc.

If the team is successful in the initial heat, it will spend nine weeks at Abertay University, Scotland during summer, where all successful competing teams will receive free accommodation at the university’s halls of residence, a weekly stipend of £150, and a team budget allowance of £200.

At the end of the nine weeks, the students will get to present their prototypes at the Dare ProtoPlay exhibition. This platform will open up the winner’s ideas to a wider public and industry experts, all of whom will vote on their favourite

games.

The top three teams will receive prizes of £2,500, as well as the opportunity to compete for the Ones To Watch award at the BAFTA Video Games Awards.

Speaking at the launch of the competition, Dr Stephen Brennan, DHDA’s director of marketing and strategy, said: “The Government’s newly-published action plan for jobs names digital games as one of the industries that will receive support to double in size over the next two years.

“This means thousands of new jobs for those ready to take their place in this new workforce.”

Speaking about recent growth in the gaming industry, Dr Brennan said: “Not only is it bucking the trend by creating jobs at a

time of national recession, it is also continuously evolving in response to new technological developments.

“This is a very real opportunity for south Dublin-based students to make a name for themselves within the games industry.

Mentors “At Abertay, participating teams get to meet and work with mentors from some of the biggest names in gaming – companies like Sega, Sony and Rockstar.

“In terms of career development, participating in this competition is invaluable. Not only do students get fantastic networking and mentoring opportunities, but they also get to develop a prototype game, which, for

many of them, goes on to present a viable business opportunity,” he said.

Also attending the launch were Brigid McManus, secretar y general, the Department of Education and Skills; Maria Ginnity, head of enterprise policy, Forfas; Eleanor Thomson, Dare to be Digital project coordinator, the University of Abertay; Jamie McCormick, marketing manager with Gala Networks Europe, a leading publisher of free-to-play multiplayer online games, and Alan Boyce, chief operating officer, Nevermind Games.

For further information on the Dare to be Digital competition, see www. daretobedigital.com and www.thedigitalhub.com/ learning/current-learning-projects/53.

Grants available to groups that engage with unemployed A TOTAL of €100,000 in grants is available to Dublin-based groups that engage with unemployed people and are interested in developing a community garden.

The Community Growers fund invites applications from groups in Dublin city and county. Grants in the region of €1,000 to €5,000 are currently available and grants

of up to €10,000 are now available for exceptional projects.

To date, the Community Foundation for Ireland has issued grants totalling €114,000 from The Community Growers Fund to over 30 Dublin-based community groups. The fund was established in 2010 with the support of The Mount Street Club Trust.

“The impact of a community garden for people living locally can be very tangible. One of the groups that has received a grant are the Serenity Garden from Phibsboro. They have many people for whom English is not their first language and the garden became a centre-point for people to get to know each other,” said

Tina Roche, CEO of The Community Foundation for Ireland.

For grant applications, priority will be given to groups involving unemployed people.

The deadline for applications for this round of grants is March 30. For information on grant criteria see www.communityfoundation.ie

23 February 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5

6 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23 February 2012

ROADS Higgins wants issue of overgrown grass and impaired vision resolved

Call for council to prioritise N4 grass cutting

I PAUL HOSFORD

LOCAL Fine Gael Councillor Emer Higgins has called on the council to prioritise the cutting of grass on the N4 median in 2012.

Her call comes as details emerge in relation to the allocation of funds

supplied by the NRA to the Council for the maintenance of national routes and their grass verges.

“Over €6 million is to be provided by the NRA for the maintenance of national roads in South Dublin in 2012. Much of these funds will be ear-

marked for winter maintenance, bridge inspections and the upgrading of identified junctions; but a sizeable portion of this funding will be allocated to the upkeep of national roads,” explained Cllr Higgins who received the information in response to a question she tabled

at this weeks council meeting.

“The grass median on the N4 has been a contentious issue for years now.

The grass is continually overgrown and restricts the vision of motorists as well as creating a bad impression of our area.

I am asking the Council

to prioritise this median in 2012,” said Cllr. Emer Higgins.

“We have seen how emergency funding can be made available to tend to grass verges and medians along major routes during official visits such as that of Queen Elizabeth, but we need a

long term solution to this ongoing problem.

“The only solution I can see is that this route be tended to under the NRA budget. Motorists in Lucan and Palmerstown have been dealing with this problem for far too long,” concluded Cllr Emer Higgins.

Cllr Emer Higgins

Arrears of SDCC renters grow by 5%

I PAUL HOSFORD

THE rate of council renters in arrears has grown by 5%, new figures have shown.

Councillor Trevor Gilligan put down a motion asking for the number of arrears in the area last week.

The figures showed that the level of rent arrears on council rented properties at the start of 2012 in the Clondalkin area was €2,143,579.95. This compares with a figure of €2,024,898.67 at the end of December 2010, a 5.86% increase over the year, an increase of €118,681.28.

Councillor Gilligan said that the level of rent was comparatively low, and those in arrears should seek help.

“The differential rent being charged by the council currently is 10% of the total, net household income per week, which is one of the lowest rents charged by any local authority in the state.”

Difficulties “I encourage any tenant with difficulties paying rents, to contact the Council’s Rents Section and Money and Budgeting Service (MABS); it’s best to resolve issues to do with rent arrears before any legal action may be taken.

“My problem is that anyone in arrears on their account will not get work done if required, so tenants must keep up to date.”

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Poster Protest: Workers’ Party campaign IN LUCAN village on Friday, February 17, the

Workers’ Party protested against the selling off of public companies with a poster campaign demonstration.

Spokesman for the local branch of the Workers’ Party, Michael Finnegan, said that the aim of the campaign was to highlight the disillusionment and anger felt by working people at the Government’s tactics of selling off public companies like the ESB and Bord na Mona. According to Mr Finnegan: “These are greatly profitable companies, and shouldn’t be handed away to private interests

SCHEME: RECRUITMENT FREEZE LEAVES POSTS UNFILLED

SDCC set to lose 61 staff to retirement I PAUL HOSFORD clondalkin @gazettegroup.com

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who may rip them off, as happened in the Eircom case.”

He said that companies such as Coillte and Bord na Mona were established for our fathers and grandfathers, and the Government’s plans to sell them off is in order to pay off the banks. These public companies were the main agencies for job creation in the State and should remain so as a matter of historical and practical principle. Around a dozen Workers’ Party members and supporters were handing out leaflets to passers by and displaying placards from early morning until 1pm.

SOUTH Dublin County Council will lose 61 staff, including its manager, before the early retirement deadline of February 29, figures have revealed.

A total of 61 staff applied for retirement before the February 1 closing date for applications for the Government’s scheme.

The losses will mostly be made up of clerical administrative staff, of which 30 will be lost, with professional technical staff accounting for just four of the losses, and general services losing a total of 27.

Due to a recruitment

embargo under the Croke Park Agreement, the roles are not to be refilled on a full-time basis, but a council spokesman is confident that the challenges of working with fewer staff will be met.

“Due to the agreement in place under Croke Park, the staff won’t be replaced. That is a challenge for us, to reorganise and protect the frontline services.

“It is a constant process, with strategic review and change in our organisation. It is our biggest challenge, to get more efficient, to work better.

“One example is our libraries. Despite having a third less staff, the libraries are three-times bigger.

There are savings for the taxpayer down the line,” the spokesman said.

The most high-profile loss will be county manager Joe Horan, who will retire after spending a decade at the helm of the county.

South Dublin County Council says that Philomena Poole, a senior manager, will fill the role, as the council looks to modify at the top.

Horan was widely praised at the most recent county council meeting for his stewardship of the council, which saw a number of successes.

Sharing the credit for the work done at council level with his team of managers, Horan said

that he was “taken aback” by the comments of the councillors, some of whom had worked with many county managers, others who had only worked with Horan.

“I would like to thank all of the members of the council, as well as the team of managers for their work and cooperation over the years.”

The tributes were led by Labour councillor Eamon Tuffy, who praised Horan as a visionary.

“The use of technology was ahead of its time.

I think I can speak for myself anyway when I say the manager was always very fair and balanced in his dealing with the members,” said Cllr Tuffy.

23 February 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7

SCHEME Clondalkin expertise put to good use in Africa COURTS: LOCAL ACCUSED OF ATTEMPTING TO ROB BUILDING SOCIETY

Local Credit Union at work in Gambia I PAUL HOSFORD

THE expertise of Clondalkin Credit Union is being used in communities in Gambia, where many people are living on less than €7 a week.

A three-year pro gramme has seen Clondalkin Credit Union manager, Mick O’Connell, take part in a scheme led by the Irish League of Credit Union’s (ILCU) Foundation in Gambia.

The aim of the programme is to extend and strengthen the national network of credit unions in Gambia.

The initiative will introduce new regional offices, new IT and financial literacy programmes for a growing membership. The overall focus of the programme will be the strengthening of the credit union movement and reducing poverty in the Gambia, one of Africa’s smallest and poorest countries.

Gambia, located in West Africa, has a population of 1.8 million people and one of the 20 poorest countries in the world.

In Gambia, more than 600,000 people are living on less than €1 a day.

Most of these people are living in rural areas where poverty levels are greatest and basic services such as water, health, infrastructure and education are inadequate or non-existent.

The project will bring the benefits of credit union membership to 15,000 rural Gambians, including improved financial literacy; secure and innovative savings services; affordable credit for investment in agriculture, education and market activities and will also have a strong focus on empowering women in particular.

Clondalkin Credit Union joined the ILCU Foundation on a mission to Gambia earlier this year to assess the needs of people. Mick O’Connell, manager at Clondalkin, witnessed the needs at first hand.

“Building credit unions in Gambia will help those who need it most,” he said. For people in the Gambia, the credit union movement is “a catalyst to

Robber dressed up as a woman

The Irish delegation and representatives from the Gambian Credit Union movement, top, and, above, Clondalkin Credit Union manager, Mick O’Connell, gives a presentation

end poverty and a means for human and economic advancement,” Mick said.

Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, Mr Pat Fay said that, without the support of Clondalkin CU, the project wouldn’t be viable.

“This project could not go ahead without the support of people like Clondalkin Credit Union and the Irish Government. In addition, the Foundation would also like to thank all credit unions and their mem-

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‘This project could not go ahead without the support of Clondalkin Credit Union’

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bers who continue to support our work.

“By providing financial and technical assistance to the Gambian credit union movement the Foundation encourages empowerment and edu-

cation, provides opportunities for poor people and, in essence, helps people help themselves.”

He continued: “This programme is a recognition of the capacity of credit unions to improve the living standards and quality of life of members and their communities.

It is also a vote of confidence in the ability of the ILCU Foundation to implement an IT driven solution to expand credit union services to the rural population of the Gambia.”

No council bonfire in Clondalkin I PAUL HOSFORD

SOUTH Dublin County Council has decided that it will not hold an official Halloween bonfire in Clondalkin this year.

In an answer to the Clondalkin Area Committee meeting, the council said the bonfire initiative had not lowered the overall number of bonfires.

“In 2006 the Council agreed

to pilot the organisation of two ‘official’ bonfires in Tallaght and Clondalkin.

“The objective of this initiative was to reduce the number of bonfires in the area. The ‘official bonfires’ has not resulted in reduced numbers of bonfires in either of the two areas. The cost of arranging the organised bonfire in Clondalkin was €5,000. The cleanup costs for

parks alone cost €55,000 and the number of bonfires in 2011 were 351 as compared to 343 in 2010.”

Decision Fianna Fail councillor Trevor Gilligan said that the council had taken too long to come to this decision.

“The council have ran this from 2006 – 2011. What took

them so long to decide that it wasn’t working out? How much money was spent up until now only to find out – doh, our plan is not working, let’s scrap it. If the bonfire wasn’t working, why not end it after a year or two? Last year they stated how important the fires were. I’m asking the council to reverse its decision as the costs without a bonfire will simply soar.”

TWO men tried to rob a building society while one was dressed as a wealthy wheelchairbound woman, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has heard.

Martin Collins (21) arrived at the building society in an ill-fitting suit with his disguised co-accused, having previously made an appointment with the manager.

His accomplice, though dressed as a woman, was unshaven and wearing a poor quality, black wig.

Collins claimed the “woman” he was with had been awarded €2.9 million by the State and wanted to invest it.

Collins of Neilstown Gardens, Clondalkin pleaded guilty to attempted robbery at Permanent TSB on Lower Kilmadcud Road, Stillorgan, on October 20, 2010. His co-accused is to face trial later in the year.

Garda David L’Estrange told prosecuting counsel, Dara Hayes BL, that the manager of the building society, Michael Doyle, received a phone call from a woman with a strong Dublin accent wanting to make an appointment for her brother and sister and claimed the sister had over €2 million and wanted to buy a house.

Mr Doyle and the assistant manager met with Collins and his coaccused and he noticed the woman sitting in the wheelchair was wearing a poor quality black wig. He also noted the suit Collins wore did not seem to fit him properly.

Collins pushed his coaccused into the manager’s office, leaving the

wheelchair facing the door.

The co-accused in the wheelchair then stood up and produced what Mr Doyle thought was a shotgun.

The co-accused shouted: “Get down on the floor” and Mr Doyle then realised it was a male, with an unshaven face, dressed as a woman.

Mr Doyle told gardai he realised then the weapon was a hatchet made to look like a gun.

The manager shouted at the raiders before telling them to “stop being stupid”.

Convictions Collins, who has 55 previous convictions, produced a similar weapon and struck the manager on the back of the leg, causing him to bleed.

Both men ran from the building society emptyhanded to a waiting car and sped off towards Blackrock. Gardai arrested the two men a short time later.

Gda L’Estrange agreed with, James Dwyer BL, defending, that the coaccused appeared to be the “mastermind of the operation”.

“It was a shambolic operation,” Mr Dwyer said.

He said Collins left school at 13 and had a drug and alcohol problem since the age of 15 but is now drug-free.

Judge Martin Nolan noted that some violence was used but said that there is “some hope of rehabilitation” for Collins while he is in prison before he jailed him for three years.

8 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23 February 2012

CHARITY Community support for Nagarhope fundraiser

Declan Carr closes in on the ball

Cronan Dooley, Brian Brady and Dublin Senior footballer, Paul Casey. Pictures: Paddy Barrett

Just the medicine for Doc’s fundraiser ACHTNA “Doc” Clandillon was on hand to oversee the recent fundraising afternoon at Lucan Sarsfields’ GAA Club in aid of Nagarhope. Lots of locals turned out for the celebrity challenge and magic show, with hurling and soccer proving particularly popular on the day, while

F

the magic show in the function room after the games entertained young and old alike.

Croke Park sent out a camera team on the day to promote Peil Abu and Caman Abu, a non-contact form of our national games, while several local well-known figures certainly gave their

Sam Salmonn, John Fitzpatrick and Jack Shannon

all for the games, providing scenes of enthusiasm that were well worth watching.

Doc thanked everyone for coming along on the day, singling out everyone who played and participated on the day, with locals happy to keep supporting Nagarhope.

Paul Stapleton and Ciaran Dunne

Manager Brian Kerr and “Doc”

The teams put up strong but good-natured challenges on the day

23 February 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 9

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Clarification of Govt plan

Enterprise Board is open for business

M

“I WRITE to you in connection with the recent announcement of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs 2012.

Included in the new plan is a proposal to dissolve the County and City Enterprise Boards and this announcement has caused some concern among our many clients and affiliated organisations. Since the news broke, we have received a large number of enquiries from businesses and entrepreneurs seeking clarification as to how this decision may affect them.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to share with you what we know and to assure you of our continued commitment to the provision of the highest level of service. I also wish to confirm that we are OPEN for business.

The Government has announced a re-focusing of enterprise support structures, which calls for the establishment of Local Enterprise Offices (One Stop Shops) in each Local Authority area, working with Enterprise Ireland’s new Small Business Unit. The intention is that the County and City Enterprise Boards will migrate into this new structure. As yet, there is very little detail on matters such as reporting responsibilities, levels of autonomy, advisory structures and staffing levels. There has been no mention of changes in the range of services that county and city Enterprise Boards provide by way of business supports and the budget line available.

We feel strongly that the role currently undertaken by our Board of Directors and Evaluation Committee, all undertaken on a voluntary basis and providing much guidance and direction, must be brought into any new system.

The impending changes represent an opportunity to improve the efficiency and efficacy of local service delivery to businesses throughout Ireland. The real challenge will be to avoid creating labyrinthine structures, which, quite frankly, do not deliver a quality service to clients

Heavenly Hendricks: Getting your own red carpet look

and are not an efficient use of limited resources. The new approach needs to eliminate duplication, reduce red tape and introduce synergies into the national enterprise support structure.

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‘The impending changes represent an opportunity to improve the efficiency and efficacy of local service delivery to businesses throughout Ireland’

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In Fingal, I have no doubt that the outcome to this change can be successful, and, by success, I mean better service, greater coordination and joined-up thinking. It is our intention to embrace this change and facilitate a move forward to an exciting future, where entrepreneurs get the right support and conditions to create and grow businesses that will, in turn, create the jobs of the future for our families and citizens.

We promise to keep you informed about progress on the new arrangements and would welcome your input on how the new structures need to operate from your perspective as a cust o m e r and stakeholder.”

Oisin Geoghegan CEO, Fingal County Enterprise Board

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

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS

CALL 60 10 240

Oisin Geoghegan, CEO, Fingal County Enterprise Board

BEAUTY PAGE 14

10 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23 February 2012

23 February 2012 GAZETTE 11

HEALTH: NATIONWIDE SCHOOL’S CONTEST

GOT A STORY?

Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LOCAL EVENT, CELEBRATION OR FUNCTION!

Professor Niall Moyna and RTE Radio 1’s John Murray are calling on first-year secondary school students to put themselves forward to have their fitness levels tested by the commonly-used “bleep test” method

Improve kids’ fitness with Beat the Bleep RTE Radio 1’s John Murray Show has teamed up with Dublin City University to challenge 9,000 secondary school students to improve fitness by taking part in a Beat the Bleep competition.

Beat the Bleep was launched on the popular show, last week, by Professor Niall Moyna, head of the School of Health and Human Performance at DCU, and fitness advisor to the Dublin GAA club.

Students from 125 different secondary schools nationwide have been challenged to beat their previously recorded class average fitness levels over the next six weeks.

The class with the best result will be awarded €1,000 towards their school’s physical education programme, and a place for each participating student on a three-day live-in sports and activity camp at DCU. In January, John Mur-

ray and Prof Moyna called on first-year secondary school students to put themselves forward to have their fitness levels tested by the commonlyused “bleep test” method, which involves continuous running between two lines 20m apart in time to recorded beeps.

The student’s score is the level and number of 20m shuttles reached before they were unable to keep up with the “bleep”.

12 GAZETTE 23 February 2012

Gazette Contacts

Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251 Managing Director: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com

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

CHARITY Public urged to use books to help

Start a new chapter for St Michael’s House ST MICHAEL’S House, who provide communitybased services for children and adults with an intellectual disability, has this week launched its 2012 Bring A Book, Buy A Book campaign.

RTE presenter Miriam O’Callaghan was on hand at the launch of the campaign to lend her support.

She said that she hoped as many people as possible would become involved.

“I am delighted to support the St Michael’s House Bring A Book, Buy A Book campaign this year.

“Setting up a cam-

paign location in work, at home or in the classroom couldn’t be easier, and is a great way to encourage reading.

“I urge as many people as possible to take part in this great initiative to support St Michael’s House in raising funds to provide essential communitybased services for people with an intellectual disability,” she said.

The campaign asks volunteers to set up campaign locations in their offices, schools, colleges, clubs or homes.

Volunteers contribute their second-hand books, and purchase books donated by their col-

leagues, fellow students, friends or family, at a cost of €2 per book.

The campaign encourages reading for all, and all funds raised will go directly to St Michael’s House.

Inez Bailey, director, National Adult Literacy Agency, said: “Not only does the campaign encourage people to read and share books, but it also raises much-needed funds for St Michael’s House.

“So, if you can’t donate, why not buy your books from one of the many locations around the country, and make a difference with your pur-

chase?” she asked.

Eamonn Fitzgerald, chairman, St Michael’s House, said that the aim this year was to raise more money than last year.

He said: “We are delighted to launch the Bring A Book, Buy A Book campaign. We raised €45,000 last year, and aim to exceed that figure this year.

“We look forward to welcoming back those who have supported the initiative in the past, and we hope to see some new schools, clubs, families and companies taking part this year, too.

“This is a great way for companies to boost

morale, while participating in a worthwhile programme,” said Fitzgerald.

A number of pop-up shops will be set up for the Bring A Book, Buy A Book campaign.

This year, pop-up shops can be found in a number of Dublin city centre locations, including Connolly Station and Grafton Street.

St Michael’s House has also teamed up with Eight Twenty Cabs to provide their customers with free books to celebrate the campaign, while the institution will also be leaving free books in selected Eight Twenty cabs around the city.

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

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240

23 February 2012 GAZETTE 13

support a special, nationwide fundraising initiative

M

Penn-ing a winner: The story of a fading rockstar Eamon Fitzgerald, chairman, St Michael’s House and RTE broadcaster, Miriam O’Callaghan, were joined by St Michael’s House service users, Ruthanne and Dylan, to help launch the event

Miriam O’Callaghan shares a story with Ruthanne Gallagher and Dylan Campbell

Sarah Mullins, general manager, Eight Twenty Cabs, said: “The drivers have had a great response from their passengers, and we are delighted to be a part of this very worthwhile cause, and it is fantastic to see this campaign growing in support every year.”

The Bring A Book, Buy

a Book campaign was first piloted in 2008, with 15 different locations taking part.

The campaign has since enjoyed growing success, with 140 locations taking part in 2011, and a total of 90,000 books exchanged and €45,000 raised for St Michael’s House.

The campaign will take

place from March 1 to March 8. To register your location and receive a starter pack for the campaign, see the Facebook page at www.facebook. com/stmichaelshouse; visit the website at: www. smh.ie or www.bringabookbuyabook.ie, email: fundraising@smh.ie, or phone 01 884 0200.

ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 24

14 GAZETTE 23 February 2012

SYMPTOMS

Check for signs of diabetes ARE you at risk from diabetes? Staff at Lucan Village Pharmacy are encouraging locals, and all Dubliners, to be aware of the symptoms as part of being more health-aware.

Diabetes results when the body is unable to remove sufficient amounts of glucose from the blood. It is estimated that there are about 146,000 undetected prediabetics in Ireland at present.

Uncontrolled diabetes dramatically increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, and can lead to nerve damage, kidney damage, and damage to the eyes, foot ulcers and risk of infections.

If you suffer from constant thirst, frequent urination or regular infections, visit your local pharmacy for a five-minute glucose test to rule out this disease. With thanks to the staff at Lucan Village Pharmacy

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

By Laura Webb

A heavenly look from Hendricks

I LAURA WEBB

THE award ceremony season is about to take a bow for another year when the biggest event, the Oscars, hits the small screen this week, but before it ends, Gazette Beauty looks back at one of the best BAFTA looks, courtesy of Mad Men star, Christina Hendricks.

The American beauty is not seen as one to shy away from a hint of colour, and her amazing pale complexion means everything and anything suits her flawlessly.

Her BAFTA, red-carpet look perfectly complemented her fiery red hair and elegant black gown. Coral gloss and peach blush brought great warmth to her pale skin, and can easily be repeated in the front of a bathroom mirror with a little help from Maybelline.

To get the look, use medium coverage foundation like Dream Satin Liquid by Maybelline (€11.99) for that dewy complexion.

Warm tones on blue or green eyes work wonders on highlighting that colour. Choose complemetary toned shades such as those used in Maybelline’s Eye Studio Quad in Coral Drama (€9.99). The lightest base shade should be used all over the lid, including the inner eye then blend the brighter coral tones into the lash line and socket line. Use Maybelline’s Eye Studio Gel liner (€11.99) to give lashes a full and thick look by adding a flick to the eye, finishing off with the New Falsies Flared mascara (€11.99) on top lashes only.

Cheeks look healthy with a touch of cream blusher, Maybelline’s Dream Touch blusher in Peach (€10.89) is best applied to the apples of your cheek using light criss-cross motions, for a perfectly blended result.

Finish the make-up by adding a splash of colour to lips with Maybelline’s Colour Sensational lipstick in Coral Pop (€10.49); for a stonger colour apply one coat then blot with tissue paper and apply another coat. For added shine, and to make lips appear fuller, use a clear lip gloss on top.

Maybelline Falsies Flared Mascara

Maybelline Dream Touch Blush Peach

Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid

Maybelline Eye Studio Quad Coral Drama

asdf sdaf sdaf asdf asd

Mad Men star, Christina Hendricks

23 February 2012 GAZETTE 15

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: WHEN YOU SHOULD – AND SHOULD NOT – INTERACT WITH KITTENS

Preparing for the annual wave of ‘unwanted’ kittens S I write, we are in the throes or organising, stocking up and preparing for kitten season here at the DSPCA. However, even though it’s still February, and kitten season doesn’t historically start until April, this week, we welcomed our first orphaned kittens of the year – little Starsky and Hutch – through our shelter doors.

Last year, the DSPCA rescued 2,038 cats, some of which were injured strays, felines abandoned by their owners, victims of road traffic accidents, or “surrenders” by members of the public.

Sometimes, a wellmeaning member of the public brings in a litter, assuming they’ve been abandoned by the mother, when she is actually away finding food, or trying to keep humans and other unwelcome prey away from her nest area.

Other rescue cats we see are mothers with newborns, and many orphaned babies who were brought directly into the nursery, where staff work round the clock providing the critical care they so desperately need.

So, where do they all

A

Tending to the needs of another newborn kitten that has ended up in the tender care of the DSPCA

come from?

They are usually the offspring of former domestic cats who’ve been abandoned by their owners, and are now giving birth, flooding our shelter with homeless litters.

As you can imagine, the cats are not the only ones feeling the effects of the stress.

The burden also presents enormous challenges for us here at the DSPCA, with space and finances stretched to the limit and, on top of our usual complement of rescued animals, we are inundated with hundreds of homeless cats.

So, what can readers do to help?

Firstly, the most efficient way to reduce the overwhelming burden of

unwanted cats is to spay or neuter your own cat.

Unaltered cats are driven by hormones, and will sneak outdoors in search of a mate. It’s important to know that mating just the once can start a cycle that will result in thousands of unwanted animals, who are often left to fend for themselves and end up arriving en masse here at the DSPCA. Here are some guidelines to follow if you come across a mother cat and her litter.

Firstly, try to establish if the family is tame or feral.

If the mother cat miaows and responds to you giving her food and water (never offer milk), then she’s most likely tame.

Give the family shelter, but do not separate

mother and kittens – keep them together in a garden shed, downstairs loo, cloakroom or utility room – and ring the DSPCA at 01 – 499 4700 for advice.

If the mother and her kittens hiss and warn you off, then it’s likely they’re feral. If the kittens have opened their eyes fully (this usually occurs at around two weeks), it’s likely the kittens can see, and may try to defend themselves by biting you.

In this case, leave them alone and, again, do not remove kittens from the mother, but ring the DSPCA and we will offer you advice.

It’s important to understand that, even though the family is feral, there is every chance we can tame the kittens, re-home them when they are ready to leave their mother, and spay the mother, so that this situation does not recur.

Either way, it is imperative that you do not ever remove or separate the kittens from their mother – to do so could mean their certain death.

For more

information log onto www.dspca.ie or email me miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie

16 GAZETTE 23 February 2012

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Andrew Kavanagh, director, Sales and Marketing, Castleknock Hotel & Country Club

TRACKER – PAY OFF OR INVEST ?

Q – MY MORTGAGE has a balance of €175,000.

It is on a current tracker rate of 1.75% (0.75% margin) but, last month, my mother’s probate came through, leaving me with just over €200,000 tax-free. What would you advise - pay off the mortgage, or invest ? Gerry - Kimmage A - While it is very tempting to have your home debt-free, the fact is that you could earn greater net interest on a deposit account than paying mortgage interest.

For example, the best demand deposit account currently is 3.1% - net 2.17%, after deduction of 30% DIRT tax – or 0.42% greater interest. However, you might want the cash flow and, therefore, it still comes down to your annual budget.

On a 25-year capital and interest term, you are paying c. €720 every month – including the capital.

While you would earn €61.25 more interest each month on the deposit than you would be paying the mortgage interest, you still have to pay that capital back monthly.

Paying off the loan entirely eliminates that monthly debt completely, and your cash flow immediately improves. Does this suit you, or have you something better to do with the money ... if you can afford to continue those payments ?

For example: - Invest in your own start-up business - Pay off any debts - Help any family members in trouble - Improve and update your home – iPad, iPhone, 3D tv, etc .

One thing you do have is time. With tracker rates likely to remain low for the next two years, you do not have to make this decision now. Take professional advice.

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

Enjoying working with the community ANDREW Kavanagh is the director of Sales and Marketing at Castleknock Hotel & Country Club, part of the FBD Hotel group, a role he has held since May, 2008.

Andrew was born and raised in Hartstown, attending St Ciaran’s National School and Hartstown Community School. He has a BA Honours Degree in Marketing Management, and started working in the hospitality industry at CentralR.com, an online travel website, as a sales executive.

He worked his way up to sales manager before opening their new Asia-Pacific office in Sydney as operations manager in June, 2006. Upon his return to Ireland, he worked in sales and marketing roles in both the Morgan Hotel and the Ballymun Plaza Hotel before beginning in Castleknock Hotel & Country Club.

He says: “I really enjoy working with the local community and trying to make the hotel a focal point for the local area. We sponsor teams like Castleknock GAA and Castleknock Celtic, trying to give them as much support as possible, and we’ve been delighted with the progress that both clubs have made with their facilities.”

Andrew has described the hotel’s recent performance as very positive after a difficult couple of years for the Irish hotel industry as a whole. The hotel has seen huge growth in the level of weddings and conferences booked in the past 18 months, and this looks to be continuing with new capital projects in the pipeline and 19 new staff recruited last year.

He currently lives in Clonsilla with his fiancee, Pamela Nolan, who is the HR manager at Castleknock Hotel & Country Club.

Andrew Kanavagh, Castleknock Hotel & Country Club

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

A: A pilot Q: What was your first job?

A: Packing shelves in Roches’ Stores, Blanchardstown

Q: Have you ever done a

job you loathed?

A: Wondering if our general manager reads your paper ... Never!

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Working in the area I was born and raised in

Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’?

A: Making the tea Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be?

A: A can of gin and tonic mixer that’s been there for about 18

months.

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: I get told that I would

late, and promising each morning to change my ways the next night – only to repeat the cycle.

watch two insects running up the wall for sport. I’m a bit of a fanatic.

Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to?

A: My wedding next

Q: What sport can you play?

A: I like to play golf, soccer, tennis, cricket with Clonee Cricket Club, but I’m not the best.

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: Going to bed far too

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

week

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: Wall Street 2 – I don’t know why, it’s not even that good

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: I really like to follow some of the presenters on Newstalk, and some football journalists

Q: What was your last Tweet/status update?

A: Giving out about my team, Liverpool

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Homemade lasagne, fat chips and coleslaw

Q: Where do you enjoy

spending money frivolously?

A: Like many people, I tend to find I like spending frivolously on my mortgage.

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: About six or seven Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: Playa de Los Americas, Tenerife. A lads’ holiday when I was 19.

Let’s just say, we didn’t live or dine in luxury.

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Road trip around the USA for a couple of months

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: To own my own travel business

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

A: Lots of holidays, lots of golf, lots of grandchildren

23 February 2012 GAZETTE 17

18 GAZETTE 23 February 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS

Edited by Cormac Curtis

RoadSigns Road Signs HONDAS GET A HART TO HELP WITH UPGRADES D U BL I N Ho n d a owners can now avail of the company’s latest innovation, HART (Honda Advanced Repair Technology).

This wireless diagnostic technology is now available at all authorised Honda Dealers, and has been designed to assist after-sales technicians in communicating and upgrading software on Honda vehicles in a fast and efficient manner.

HART provides the technicians with a seamless integration of troubleshooting with the on-board vehicle diagnostic systems, not only improving efficiency, but also first-time repair.

While the interior of the Mazda TAKERI (inset) is as stylish and luxurious as one would expect, the company’s real focus for the TAKERI at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show will be its wealth of notable features, ranging from its clever capture and storing of energy via its regenerative braking system to further improving fuel economy

Takeri – a Mazda marvel T T H E 2 01 2 Geneva International Motor Show Mazda is set to unveil, for the first time, its Mazda TAKERI concept – a next-generation mid-sized saloon featuring Mazda’s unique i-ELOOP regenerative braking technology.

It will be joined onstage by the Mazda CX-5, a new compact crossover SUV equipped with the full range of Mazda’s breakthrough SK YACTIV technology; the MX-5 Special Edition Spring 2012, designed exclusively for the European market, and an array of new technologies and production models.

A

Adapting Mazda’s new KODO – Soul of Motion design theme, the TAKERI concept brings a new level of strength and allure to sedan styling.

The TAKERI offers a taste of the future direction of Mazda’s next-generation CD sedan, having inherited the vision of the Mazda SHINARI, a four-door sports coupe concept showcased last year in Geneva.

Under this exterior, the TAKERI features Mazda’s highly-efficient new SKYACTIV-D diesel engine, with i-stop (idlestop) system, and sixspeed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission.

The TAKERI aims for

the ultimate in energy efficiency without compromising on Mazda’s characteristic “zoomzoom” performance, and is the first car to be equipped with i-ELOOP. Kinetic energy Short for “Intelligent Energy Loop”, i-ELOOP – the company’s first regenerative braking system – uses a unique solution that converts kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration and stores it in an electric double layer capacitor.

The power is used to run the vehicle’s electric components, thereby reducing the engine load

and increasing fuel economy by up to 10%.

This contributes to the Mazda TAKERI’s outstanding fuel economy, which is achieved at no sacrifice to performance or comfort.

The all-new CX-5 is the first production model incorporating Mazda’s new KODO – Soul of Motion design theme, and is also the first built with the full SKYACTIV technology range of engines, transmissions, body and chassis.

The CX-5 thus delivers outstanding performance and responsive, yet predictable, handling, as well as a high-quality ride and exceptional safety.

Class-leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions come courtesy of the CX-5’s lightweight and aerodynamic design, together with the frugal SKYACTIV engines (all featuring i-stop), and fuel-saving SKYACTIV transmissions.

The new MX-5 Special Edition Spring 2012 has been given an extra touch of class with a host of premium features, including chrome headlamp inserts, grille surrounds and fog lamp bezels on the outside, and Havana Brown premium leather upholstery on the inside.

Available only in Europe, the latest ver-

sion of Mazda’s legendary roadster comes with soft-top or retractable hard-top, and a choice of four body colours: Radiant Ebony – exclusively for this model – along with Crystal White Pearl, Metropolitan Grey and Brilliant Black.

In addition to extended audio connectivity, the Special Edition Spring 2012 will be the first MX-5 with an integrated navigation system.

Mazda’s display at the 82nd Geneva International Motor Show will also showcase the company’s brand-new SK YACTIV technology, as well as all current models.

Number of prestigious awards for Ford from EURO NCAP EURO NCAP, Europe’s leading authority on auto safety, has named the Ford Focus the Best in Class small family car, in recognition of the vehicle’s crash-test rating and advanced safety technology.

The Focus scooped one of only five Best In Class awards accolades on the strength of its maximum five-star

Euro NCAP rating, as well as four Euro NCAP Advanced rewards last year – an achievement unmatched by any other high-volume car.

Euro NCAP also made special mention of the new Ford Ranger after it became the safest pickup yet tested by the organisation, achieving the only five-star Euro NCAP rating ever award-

ed to a pickup.

The Ranger scored highly in all areas of assessment, receiving particular credit for pedestrian protection.

Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe, said: “This award has special meaning, because designing and building the safest vehicles possible is a core value at Ford.

“The Focus exemplifies our approach to design cars that both help drivers avoid accidents and protect them when one is inevitable.”

The Focus five-star rating was achieved through an adult occupant score of 92%, child occupant rating of 82%, pedestrian score of 72% and safety assist rating of 71%.

23 February 2012 GAZETTE 19

CommunionsCONFIRMATIONS 20 GAZETTE 23 February 2012

&

A few tips for family day to A

time; planning all of the details and imagining how the day will go.

They will feel very grown-up, especially as they are all dressed up on the day.

The Communion photo is an important part of every Commun-

ion experience, and it’s important to preserve the memory of this special occasion in a timeless portrait.

There are a number of things to keep in mind that will help ensure you get photographs you will enjoy for years to come:

1. You should choose your photographer wisely, just as you would with any service provider you are thinking of hiring to work with your children.

Don’t just go with the cheapest, or the one that the school has coming in, without checking out their work.

Ask yourself a number of questions before booking: • Do you like their photographic style?

• Do they just take traditional, posed shots, or can they produce more relaxed, artistic work that shows some of your child’s personality?

• Are they technically

proficient? Do skin tones look right? Can they photograph a white dress without losing the detail?

• Are the photographs available in black and white or just colour?

• Can you buy the CD of photos for you to reproduce them for relatives if you really like them?

• Do they have experience working with children, settling any nerves and getting the best out of your child on a potentially stressful day?

2. Remember any accessories that make up part of your child’s Commun-

GET YOUR

CHILD’S First Holy Communion is a special milestone in their young lives, and in the life of their whole family.

They have probably been looking forward to this day for a very long

PARTY

STARTED ADVERTISE YOUR EVENT OR VENUE WITH THE GAZETTE... ...THE BEST IN LOW-COST ADVERTISING TO MAKE SURE YOUR EVENT IS TOP CLASS!

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60 10 240

23 February 2012 GAZETTE 21

CELEBRATING YOUR CHILD’S SPECIAL DAY

one special remember ion outfit, such as gloves, parasol, tie pins or cufflinks.

“Ever yone forgets either the rosary beads or a prayer book!” says professional photographer Denise Cannon.

“Keep them in Mammy’s handbag or Dad’s pocket until you need them, but don’t worry – a good photographer should always have spares on hand.”

Also remember any special gifts the child has been given for their day, such as a cross pendant or dove pin as it might be nice for your child to be photographed wearing them.

3. USE this opportunity to have the whole family photographed together.

It often takes a special occasion to prompt a family photo, so this is a perfect time to have one taken while everyone is dressed to the nines with their hair done!

Have your photographer take photos of the Communion child with all of the different members of the family for a unique record of the day.

Imagine how delighted Granny, or the child’s

godparents, would be if you give them a portrait of them together on their special day.

4. COMMUNION portraits are most often taken on the day itself, but you may be able to lessen some of the stress if you can have them taken beforehand.

If girls are practising their hairdo before the day, they can pop on the dress and they’re ready, while boys just have to change into their new clothes.

If you’re including the family in the pictures, it’s a good opportunity to see if everything fits everyone and if their outfits will look good together in a portrait.

You can also have the portrait taken after the occasion, but bear in mind that the dress, or suit, might not survive the Communion celebrations unscathed.

But a good photographer should be able to retouch any small stains or damage with little trouble.

Getting the right picture will help make a special day one to remember

22 GAZETTE 23 February 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL Travel EXTRA Blag a bloomin’ bargain dahn the stalls at a luvverly London market BARGAIN hunters, and those looking to find some real gems, are well-served by London markets, with BMI ready to whisk you away in style.

Brick Lane Market is spread across several streets in the Brick Lane area, and features a wide range of market treasures while, of particular note, there are also some fantastic stalls selling exotic spices and colourful saris.

Camden Market offers an extensive range of goods, from designer clothes and accessories, to one-off pieces of art, food and furnishings.

Portobello Road Market has been a market since the 1800s, but became particularly famous for its antiques in the 1950s. Now, numerous stalls offer everything from fruit and bread to posters, clothes, music and of course, antiques.

Old Spitalfields Market is a popular, covered market, selling everything from clothes to food to artwork. Once you’ve finished shopping, the cool bars and clubs of Shoreditch are just a stone’s throw away.

Covent Garden London, housed in and around the iconic Market Building and piazzas, is an architectural masterpiece, with speciality shops, restaurants and cafes.

Petticoat Lane Market, despite its name, is actually located on Middlesex and Wentworth Streets, near Liverpool Street station, and has great fashion bargains and household goods.

For further information on London markets, log onto www.visitlondon.com; for flights to London, see www.flybmi.com.

Rugby’s cancelled? cosy up at Kinnitty K, I admit it occasionally I book weekends away – with my wife, but without the kids – to coincide with Ireland’s rugby internationals.

So, sue me.

But, to be fair, I am lucky enough to be married to someone who is as obsessed with rugby as I am – if not a little more so.

Imagine then, if you will, the opportunity to visit Kinnitty Castle, in Co Offaly, without the kids, for the weekend of the Ireland v France Six

O

Nations’ clash.

It is, as the younger readers might say, a nobrainer.

We knew little or nothing about Kinnitty Castle before this trip, so, just like any other couple would, the Mrs and I did a little digging around online to find out what was being said about the place.

I really wasn’t ready for what we found.

Bearing in mind that we’re talking about a Gothic revival castle in the country - why is it people expect a place like this to offer satellite

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

‘This is a castle with the kind of magic that reminds couples why they like to sneak off by themselves in the first place

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

TV, air con, double glazing and a mini bar?

This place was first destroyed in the year 1209, fast forward 700 years, and Republican forces burned the castle, after which it was rebuilt in 1928 to the building that stands today.

This is not a Jurys or a Holiday Inn, it’s not a

Four Seasons, A Carlton or even a Sheraton.

This is a castle that possesses the kind of magic that reminds couples why they like to sneak off to the country by themselves in the first place.

No two guest rooms are the same, each boasts its own distinctive design and character – if you’re

lucky, you’ll get to stay in the O’Carroll suite – without doubt the biggest and most elegant guest room I have ever had the pleasure of staying in.

Stunning period furniture and lighting make this a unique experience.

And, for those who enjoy a dramatic bed, this one will take your breath away.

A free-standing, highbacked bath finishes off the luxury here, so let’s talk about the food.

We sat in the magnificent dining room, and enjoyed starters of spiced cream of cauliflower soup

23 February 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

FastTravel The Dominican Republic delights

A weekend at Kinnitty Castle, left, was just the thing for Cormac Curtis, above, and his wife. A lunch at The Thatch, in the nearby village of Crinkle, proved a successful outing ahead of the weekend’s rugby internationals

Special offer: Enjoy Easter with the family at Kinnitty APART from Christmas, Easter is one of the only holidays when the family can get together around a table full of food and eat until their hearts are content.

Kinnitty Castle Hotel is putting on a deliciously

So, just Castle as well as crab and avocado - a real treat, especially the soup.

Moving on to our mains, my hake on a fennel rosti served with langoustines was perfect, and my darling wife enjoyed a rump of lamb served with roast veg and a red wine jus – all cooked perfectly, and seasoned to perfection, the missus never once reached for the salt!

Mille feuilles chantilly cream strawberries and an almond and pear tart finished off a stunning meal.

After enjoying our food, the grounds of the castle

provided the perfect setting for an evening walk to help work off one or two calories!

The next day, after a terrific hot breakfast served to the table, NOT a buffet, we had a quick flick through the newspapers before heading for the nearby town of Birr.

As I said, it was a rugby weekend, so we needed to fit in a little sight-seeing before the matches kicked off.

The Birr Castle Demesne is a delightful, award-winning spot where guests can get some fresh air and enjoy

special three-course Easter Sunday Lunch for just €21.50 per person (or two courses for €17.50 per person), with a special Easter Egg hunt for the children at 11am around the Castle grounds, on Sunday, April 8.

Guests can extend their stay to include luxurious overnight accommodation with breakfast the next morning from an extra €75 per person.

Steeped in fascinating history and full of character, Kinnitty Castle Hotel is a blend of old-world style and taste, complete with charming bedrooms.

For details, call Kinnitty Castle Hotel on 057 9137318 or visit www.kinnittycastlehotel.com.

an afternoon coffee.

But you cannot visit Birr without swinging by the famous Thatch restaurant in Crinkle.

No prizes for guessing the kind of roof on this place – but the real magic is with the incredibly friendly staff and terrific value in delicious food.

Seafood chowder, garlic mushrooms, duck spring roll and tiger prawns all provided the perfect base for an evening in a local pub to catch the Six Nations...

Did I mention there were two matches to watch?

A little advice from the

local music shop owner led us to the Chestnut pub, a more perfect spot we would not have been able to find.

This place poured a great pint, had candles lit all over, a roaring fire, and a big screen - Pub perfection.

The Italians almost got the better of the English that afternoon, and the Ireland game has yet to be played – but that didn’t stop us getting back to the hotel to enjoy a few last hours of luxury.

This place comes highly, highly recommended.

FOR some luxury this summer, look to the Dominican Republic with Tropical Sky, which, from €1,079 per person, has a package for seven nights on an all-inclusive basis at the five-star Now Larimar in the Dominican Republic, making a saving of €340 per person.

The price includes scheduled flights from Dublin, a room upgrade with accommodation in a deluxe tropical view room, resort transfers, taxes and surcharges.

The package also includes a US$200 resort coupon per room per stay. Located on a picturesque white-sand beach, Now Larimar boasts gourmet restaurants, premium cocktails, a world-class spa and endless daytime and nighttime activities. For details on this, and other holidays, contact Tropical Sky at 01 807 7996, or see www.tropicalsky.ie.

24 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23 February 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 The Picture of Dorian Grey

YOU’LL be Wilde about this production of the classic play, with Oscar’s masterpiece being brought to life with ease by the expert players of Wonderland Productions Limited.

Presented by The Pavilion, yet to be hosted at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, Gate Theatre regulars Michael James Ford and Michael Winder will be joined by the RSC’s Simon Coury for an exquisite dinner theatre show at 7.30pm on Friday, February 24, with tickets priced €45, which includes a three-course meal.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 David O’Doherty CONTINUING The Mill’s eclectic range of entertainment for south Dublin arts lovers, and running nightly at 8.10pm in the Studio until Saturday, February 25, Studio Shorts will feature a number of brisk but memorable plays. Small Box Psychosis, Bar and Ger, and The Philadelphia, will entertain with their tales of being trapped in an elevator, the relationship between a brother and sister, and a man’s bizarre adventures, respectively, and all courtesy of The Balally Players, with tickets priced at €12/€10.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Johnny McEvoy THE dulcet tones of Irish legend, Johnny McEvoy, are sure to delight at Draiocht, with his return visit to the venue sure to strike a chord with his fans. A warm-hearted, nostalgic evening awaits music fans, featuring many of McEvoy’s songs, presented with a master’s touch for the best of Irish folk and ballads. Johnny will also feature a number of tracks from his new album. Catch his show on Saturday, February 25 at 8pm, with tickets priced €25/€23 conc.

The legendary, titular singer of Cheyenne and the Fellows (Sean Penn) finds his dull, boring life living in wealthy obscurity in Dublin is about to change when he heads off to New York to reconcile with his dying father – only to find himself travelling the States as an unlikely Nazi hunter

Penn-ing a winner Nazis, pop stars, New York and Blanchardstown – This Must Be The Place is anything but a conventional film ...

I KATE CROWLEY

AH, I love cinema! Just think of all the exotic sights and locations that a film can take you to, whisking you away from mundane, depressing reality! (The sorry sight of the Crowley household’s bedraggled back garden in February is reason enough to practically move into the nearest one-screener.)

I mean, just think of all the amazing locales that a film can take you to – such as, err... Blanchardstown Shopping Centre!

Yes, indeed, you read that right. Hollywood is all set to welcome the sights and sounds of humble BSC to her sun-kissed shore, courtesy of Sean Penn’s upcoming film, This Must Be The Place, which, some readers may have noted, was partly filmed in parts of Dublin some time back, with a number of other instantly recognisable Dublin loca-

FILM OF THE WEEK: This Must Be The Place #### (15A) 110 mins Director: Paolo Sorrentin Starring: Sean Penn, Frances McDormand, Judd Hirsh, Harry Dean Staunton, Eve Hewson, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre

OUR VERDICT: IN SOME ways, This Must Be The Place is like a lot of films you’ve seen before – yet, in other ways, it’s like nothing you’ve seen before. Mixing up several road movie tropes, and with much of the film having a familiar Americana setting, it still manages to create its own identity in an already crowded genre, largely thanks to Penn’s memorable character, and unusual subject matter.

tions and sights also popping up in the film’s first act. And now, this must be the review; a little in advance of its imminent release, but hey – my column, my rules, folks!

Cheyenne (Penn) is a faded pop star with a, um, rather distinctive look, mooching around in Dublin, living a thoroughly boring life in his mansion, supported by the royalties from his long-gone hits, and living with his lovely American wife of many years, Jane (McDormand).

Plodding around Dublin, Cheyenne’s life – bar

the delightful Jane – is more or less meaningless ... until, that is, meaning and purpose comes a-callin’, courtesy of his dying father back in the States, whom he hasn’t seen in 30 years.

Arriving too late to make things up with his old man, Cheyenne, the eternal (if aging) rock star, learns that his father, an Auschwitz survivor, had wanted to track down his Nazi tormentor from the camp, who is probably still alive and living somewhere in America.

With his lipstick, candyfloss hair, reading glasses

and wheely-suitcase, Cheyenne is probably the world’s least-likely Nazi hunter – but this lost cause sparks a flame in the somewhat lost star.

Despite his thin, weedy voice and an almost befuddled way of expressing himself, Cheyenne actually has plenty of depth of character to face up to the unlikely challenge of finding his father’s tormentor.

(Of course, all Dubs will know that any middle-aged man who can wander around our city, sporting bright lipstick and clad in The Cureinspired fashion, would have to be made of stern stuff, indeed.)

So begins a road movie, of sorts, as Cheyenne, rock star and Nazi-hunter, sets off to find an old Nazi and, in the process, find himself. (I feel contractually obliged to bung that one in there, folks.)

However, as he drifts through one rural back-

water after another, standing out like a visitor from another planet, one question remains – what will Cheyenne do if he ever catches up with his quarry? Will he be very mean, or will he be Nazi?

It’s a pretty interesting film, if slightly curious in its subject matter. I mean, who would have thought that aging stars, Americana, a road trip movie, Auschwitz, extensive David Byrne (he of Talking Heads fame) music, Sean Penn and, um, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre would make a great film?

However, luckily, this witches’ brew works, with Penn managing to tone down his usual Pennisms to create a memorable character.

Although we’ve seen much of this kind of content matter before, we’ve never seen it quite like this, making this The Place to spend an entertaining 110 minutes.

23 February 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Adding to controversial Heights with another interesting chapter I’VE written here before about Zynga’s controversial Apple IOS title, Dream Heights, and how it’s been accused in several quarters of the gaming press of too closely resembling another (and superior) title, Tiny Tower.

Well, in the continuing drama around this particular release, the latest chapter in Dream Heights’ life has seen the US iTunes store listing glowing reviews of the title, which is fair enough – until you note that some of the five-star rave reviews come from the people who created it.

With “cloning” of smash-hit titles proving an increasingly contentious issue in the gaming industry (and with apps particularly susceptible to this emerging trend), it can be difficult to spot the original among almost identical titles – especially if they clone its graphics and gameplay

When cloning around is no laughing matter SHANE DILLON

DID you know that, while games titles – and, rarely, characters, or other key components – may be patented and registered for protection under various copyright laws, the content itself is rarely given legal protection?

Incredibly, while gaming standalone titles, and franchises, continue to generate vast amounts of money for the lucky top-tier of developers and publishers, there tends to be very little legal protection for such intellectual property (IP).

If I were to announce to Gazette readers that I was about to write a children’s book about, say, a teenage magician called “Harold Porter”, who wears contact lenses, and who has a z-shaped scar on his forehead, and that my masterpiece would be entitled, Harold Porter And The Philosophical Rock, I might expect

to receive a number of legal letters, somewhat sharpish, from a variety of impressive law firms.

If, however, I wished to, say, make a smartphonebased, touchscreen-driven, physics-based game, where I catapulted a number of birds towards flimsy structures made of wood, glass and rock, principally with the aim of crushing some cyancoloured boars (and called my game, say, Annoyed Birds), there would be nothing to stop me.

Indeed, apart from keeping an eye on this very topic and how it’s regularly reported in a variety of international gaming websites and publications, I, myself, have seen a number of such “cloned” titles, available to buy or download on a leading app digital distribution portal.

Typically, the “developer” of such titles insist that, no, they’re not blatantly

copying an original title, but are, instead, merely adding a similar title to an established genre.

In this manner, I’ve seen leading games’ assets (principally, instantlyrecognisable characters, models, and textures) repackaged into someone else’s game, which tended to have identical gameplay and structures.

Wild West In this kind of anything-goes landscape, cloned titles – in the form of Harold Porter – is free to pop his head up in this Wild West that much, if not most, gaming IP inhabits, legally speaking.

So, where are the sherriffs for this bold – but wild – lawless landscape, where Harold Porter and his gang are free to ride into town, grab whatever original IP they find, and then ride off into the sunset, ready to flog “their” wares from the back of a digital distribution

wagon?

(I apologise for all of these Western cliches, but they seem to fit my points, perfectly!)

Well, while legal eagles have yet to properly police this largely lawless landscape in the same manner as publishing, music and cinema are protected, its inhabitants – gamers – are slowly but surely beginning to form posses, and bring vocal, frontier justice to bear on any questionable actions

by Porter, and pals.

Where such members of Porter’s Gang ride into town (principally, hitching themselves near the front of gaming sections on distribution hubs), and once they’ve been spotted, “vigilantes” – or, irate gamers, to you and me – start h a m mering up the equivalent of

“wanted” posters, in the form of highly-critical reviews, low grades and, most damningly of all, explicitly referring to the original title from whence the clone sprang.

While gamers are perfectly happy to engage in largely similar content, and games that are largely similar, they don’t take very kindly to the thought that Game B has been, basically, cloned from Game A – and especially when those behind Game B claim their innocence, despite any strong evidence to the contrary.

It’ll be interesting to see how the industry shapes up to the increasing threat of blatantly cloned titles, as new media platforms bring the issue increasingly to the fore, and will, potentially, railroad Porter’s Gang out of town in the near future ...

Descriptions As reported online, John Lerma, senior user experience designer, described it as “awesome”, while Matthew Ott, Zynga producer, wrote: “Dream Heights is beautiful, fun and polished.

Another must-play from Zynga!”

However, when it comes to selling apps and games online, the industry, and gamers, frown on what, to many, seems like a system open to abuse, if developers start praising their own work in a commercially-driven sector. Balancing out such glowing reviews, gamers have been busy leaving a wall of one-star reviews for Dream Heights, adding another interesting chapter to this tale ...

GAZETTE

26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23 February 2012

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Scouting Ireland, Saint Killian’s Group, are applying for planning permission to construct a two storey side extension with a ground floor area of 83sq.m & first floor area of 83sq.m, consisting of storage rooms on ground floor and meetings rooms on first floor, also convert an existing ground floor storage room with floor area of 33sq.m to parents waiting area and construct over the converted storage room a first floor office with floor area of 24sq.m., all at Saint Killian’s Group, Watery Lane, 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, Mon-Fri, 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

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Harry Corry Limited is applying for permission for the erection of a red powder coated aluminium folded panel with individually cut lettering incorporating non-intrusive back lighting on spacers. The sign will be positioned on the front of the building at 6,550mm above ground level. The external dimensions of the sign are 4,000mm wide and 1,700mm high and 200mm approximately deep. The sign Will state ‘Harry Corry’ and will be erected at Unit 11, Retail Park West, Liffey Valley, Quarryvale, 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, Mon-Fri, 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.

Telefonica Ireland Ltd are applying for Permission for Retention of the existing 10m high free standing unipole carrying antennas in an enclosed shroud together with ground based equipment cabin at Sureweld International Ltd, Fonthill, Lucan, Co Dublin. The application site lies within the curtilage of RPS 036 - former tram shed and power station.

This application may be inspected or purchased, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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GazetteSPORT

ALL ROUND THE WORLD Documentary focuses on the Irish experience and GAA abroad: Page 29

SWIMMING: YEAR OF OLYMPIC PREPARATION SEES NAC SET FOR PRESTIGIOUS VISITORS

Aquatic Centre powers into the new year sport@gazettegroup.com

AS IT faces into one of it’s busiest and biggest years ever, the National Aquatic Centre has partnered with Electric Ireland to help power it through 2012.

This year is set to be a very busy one, with the NAC due to host preOlympic international teams, such as the USA Synchronised Swimming Squad, Olympic Water Polo Champions, Hun-

gary, and also the UK water polo squad as they prepare for the London games in summer. Similarly, Electric Ireland will also share a keen interest in the build-up to games as Energy Partner to Ireland’s Olympic team.

Last year, the NAC broke the 800,000 mark for the first time and became Ireland’s third most popular fee-paying attraction, with an overall 46% growth in numbers over the past five years.

As part of the 12month contract Electric Ireland will supply all the Dublin-based centre electricity requirements.

Energy efficiency is high on the centre’s agenda and their efforts were recently recognised when they were shortlisted for the Sustainable Energy Awards. With the help of Electric Ireland the National Aquatic Centre is making great progress in reducing its energy requirements.

Some young swimmers help cap the announcement of the NAC’s partnership with Electric Ireland

The centre, which is the premier venue for competitive swimming, diving and water polo in Ireland, has facilities which include a 50-metre pool, diving pool with Olympic diving boards and major leisure water park.

It successfully hosted the swimming events of the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games

and the European shortcourse championships.

David Conway, director of operations for the National Aquatic Centre, said: “We have enjoyed working with Electric Ireland over the last three years and are delighted with the energy efficiency we have managed to achieve. We look forward to another

mutually beneficial year together in 2012.”

He added: “It is the policy of the National Aquatic Centre not only to look for first-class suppliers, but also to ensure that we get the most competitive pricing possible and best value for money.”

Announcing the contract, Electric Ireland’s

customer relationship manager, Alan Daisey, said: “We are extremely pleased to be continuing to work with the centre; we have developed a highly flexible, innovative contract which will help drive cost-savings and energy efficiency for the National Aquatic Centre in the months to come.”

28 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23 February 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Fionnuala hails the Great Ireland Run

THE SPAR Great Ireland Run held a Love to Run flash lap last week with Fionnuala Britton, the European Cross-Country Champion, on hand to lead the event.

Runners, joggers and walkers joined Fionnuala on her lunch break to complete a lap around Merrion Square Park (approximately 1100 metres) to show their love for running, and to promote this year’s Great Ireland Run, which will take place this year in the Phoenix Park on Sunday, April 15.

Ireland’s fastest growing 10km running event will be broadcast live on RTE. For more information on the 2012 event and how to enter, see www.greatirelandrun. org.

Ireland back on form after shock defeat IRELAND’S cricketers, who featured local heroes Kevin O’Brien and George Dockrell, reversed their shock defeat to Kenya in Mombasa last weekend with a 117-run win over their hosts in the second of their World Cup qualifying matches against

the African team.

Ed Joyce helped to restore Irish nerves after he scored 88 runs in the 117-run win, the boys in green having started poorly to stand at 76-4 before Joyce stepped in, Ireland eventually finishing their innings on 237-9 from 50 overs.

Ireland now face the Kenyans in a trio of Twenty20 matches before they travel to South Africa for their training camp.

LADIES’ FOOTBALL: DUBLIN DENIED BY OLD ENEMIES AT HOME

Dublin ladies’ footballers suffered their first reverse of the Division 1 campaign against Cork last weekend

Cork pip the Jackies NFL DIVISION 1 Dublin Cork

0-8 1-8

sport@gazettegroup.com

DUBLIN’S great run at the start of their 2012 Bord Gais Energy Division 1 league campaign came to an end last weekend when the visit of Cork to Pairc Ui Murchu saw the Rebelettes claim a decisive win over the Jackies that puts them at the top of the table.

The sides could barely be separated throughout the 60 minutes, but a goal from Cork’s second-half sub, Doireann O’Sullivan, proved decisive and was the difference between the sides come the final whistle.

The first score of the game, a pointed free by Cork Sports Woman of the Year, Juliet Murphy,

came in 10th minute of the first half.

Cork, who had a huge percentage of possession, appeared to have left their kicking boots on the team bus, much to the relief of the Dublin defence and management. Cork’s second score was another free, this time converted by three-time All-Star, Nollaig Cleary.

Foxrock Cabinteely for ward Ciara Murphy was the first on the scoreboard for Dublin with a well-taken point from just outside the 20.

Amy McGuinness, who was introduced into the game for corner forward Orlaith Egan, slotted over a free to bring the sides level. With eight minutes remaining in the first half, Dublin had begun to get the measure of the Rebe-

lettes, and their running game was starting to ask questions of the Cork half-back line.

A penetrating Dublin move up the pitch, which had originated in front of the Dublin full-back line via midfield, resulted in Dublin’s Sinead Aherne being taken down in a combined tackle by Anne Marie Walsh and Deirdre O’Reilly.

Up stepped Aherne to take the penalty, but Cork keeper, Elaine Harte, managed to get down quickly and blocked the shot. The save gave her team new momentum and they broke rapidly down field, the drive resulting in another Cork free which was once more converted by Murphy.

On the restart, Dublin were quickly on the scoreboard with a Niamh

McEvoy point. The St Sylvester’s star had been moved from her named midfield berth to the half forward line, and was showing well for the ball and was giving the midfield pairing of Goldrick and Finnegan a target to aim for.

At this stage, the game ebbed and flowed, with both sides exchanging points and the lead. On target for Cork again was Murphy and Cleary, while Dublin’s Aherne and McGuinness where on target for the Metropolitans, sharing their team’s free-taking duties.

The game’s only goal came from O’Sullivan, whose speculative shot on goal while running through the heart of the defence foiled the Dublin keeper.

To Dublin’s credit

they continued to battle hard, running time and time again at the Cork defence desperately seeking that elusive goal, while Cork defended in large numbers in front of Harte’s goal.

With Dublin pressing hard, Cork relented and conceded a free which Aherne duly pointed, bringing Dublin to within three points of the six times league champions. But time caught up on the Sky Blues when referee McEnery blew his whistle to signal the end of this entertaining encounter.

Eamonn Ryan’s team remain the only division one team with a 100% record, and Cork would be many pundits favourites even at this stage of the competition to retain their league crown come May.

23 February 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29

in association with

Once upon a time in America

FastSport

The experience of the Irish abroad in sport formed Sign up for RugbyForce and help your local club the basis for a fascinating documentary, as STEPHEN FINDLATER found when he spoke to its director

THE player drain caused by the recession has been one of the bitter problems for the GAA in the past few years with clubs losing stalwarts to Australia, Canada and the US. On the flip side, that drain has been acting as a link to the homeland for many Irish abroad.

It is a connection that Ballinteer man, Cillian O’Chonchur, delicately helped to portray in the documentary, An Exile’s home in the Bronx, which airs throughout February on Setanta Ireland.

It follows the fortunes of the 2011 New York side and their struggles to prepare for a Connacht senior football championship date with Roscommon, hoping for a maiden win.

The result did not materialise but, along the journey, O’Chonchur, and directors Niall and Steven McCann, amassed over 80 hours of footage from

within the camp, with heart-felt and personal interviews with the players.

O’Chonchur, a sports journalist, came up with the original premise whilst

they’d be back in Ireland’,” he told GazetteSport.

“Although it’s based around the game with Roscommon, it hopefully comes across as not a straight, sports documen-

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

‘These guys [in the documentary] had to leave Ireland for New York while, at the same time, trying to cling onto their only bit of Irishness’

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on a Fulbright scholarship in New York and says the story told became very much that of the players and their situations.

“The New York team, itself, would not have any major stars in it. Dan Doona played minor and U-21 for Kerry and a few of them did similar but didn’t pursue it. One of them sums it up: ‘If football was their main goal,

tary, but as one which sees these guys have to leave Ireland for New York while at the same time trying to cling on to their only bit of Irishness.”

For some, this has meant 11 years away from home and, for Waterford man Aidan Power, nine years since seeing his father, having left Ireland to pursue work.

To add context, the likes

NY manager Seamus Sweeney puts the side through their paces

of Kevin Moran, Darragh O Se and Jack O’Connor lend their words on the American GAA experience, providing a context of the passion that exists in the Irish community.

Indeed, Moran suggested it was a seminal moment in his career, saying it was there he “got the love for football back”, going on to win two AllIrelands before signing for Manchester United.

But Moran and O Se’s experiences came from their position as “weekend players” unlike the central characters around Gaelic Park “There have been so many players to play over in the US, it was very hard to break it down. You can’t everything in it.

“Moran and O Se; they were weekend players.

One of the things we left was that Dara got banned for six months because he wasn’t authorised to play over there. As it happened, there was a meeting and it was lessened as there were so many players who had played over there without being sanctioned.

“For O Se, he’d go over for three days. It was far more common when there was more money around, mainly for the league finals, so it could have been a who’s who of players over there.”

O’Conchur – whose brother Padraic lines out for Ballinteer St John’s senior footballers – had initially looked at making

the documentary in 2010, centering on the American side’s much closer tussle with Galway.

He and another Irish masters’ student at New York University initially put together a piece for a college television project, building a rapport with the players and team management and approached Setanta with a view to broadcasting it.

The Irish sports channel backed the premise, and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland came through with funding for the project in March of 2011.

With the transitive nature of the New York team, O’Chonchur and this team set about putting together a new story but the essence remained in place.

“We didn’t use any of what we shot the first year.

As it happened, the score was much closer in 2010 when they almost beat Galway, so we basically started afresh because some of the players weren’t there. The players we wanted to follow had stuck around.

“I came back to Ireland in May [2010] and started writing up a treatment and then found out last March we got the funding so, from then until two weeks ago, it was pretty much all I eat, dreamed and slept. There’s no better way to learn something than doing everything yourself.”

SOME of Dublin’s top local club rugby players lined out last week in their Ulster Bank League strips at Old Wesley RFC – flanked

by Irish rugby stars, Sean O’Brien, Sean Cronin and Shane Jennings – to help to launch Ulster Bank’s RugbyForce, an initiative which provides rugby clubs with support to renovate their club and upgrade their facilities.

RugbyForce encourages rugby supporters, their friends and families to give something back to their local community and rugby club by volunteering to undertake renovations to clubhouses and grounds.

Every registered club will be provided with online guidance and tools, and the first 25 clubs will also receive an increased support pack that includes €250 worth of materials, t-shirts for volunteers and an Ulster Bank RugbyForce plaque.

Four lucky clubs (one from each province) will be selected for a very special makeover, which will see them awarded with €5,000 of goods and resources to use during their RugbyForce makeover weekend.

Clubs must register for Ulster Bank RugbyForce online by April 13.

Ulster Bank introduced the RugbyForce programme last season, after joining forces with the IRFU to become their official Community Partner.

Ireland and Munster rugby legend, Alan Quinlan, is calling on clubs across Ireland to enter the programme.

“With the success of the Irish national team and the outstanding development of our provincial sides in recent years, support for Irish rugby has seen a dramatic increase.

The focus on young player development is at an all-time high and, thankfully, this professional development has been fed into rugby clubs across the country. Every week, exceptionally talented players line-out for their clubs in crunching showdowns.”

Speaking about RugbyForce, John Hussey, IRFU President, said: “I would encourage all rugby clubs to enter the Ulster Bank RugbyForce initiative. It is a unique way of providing an added incentive for helping clubs maintain their facilities. It also provides a fantastic opportunity to bring members, players and supporters together to improve their local club.”

For more information, log on to www. ulsterbank.com/rugby

30 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23 February 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

HURLING: SARSFIELDS STAR RETAINS CAPTAINCY OF DUBLIN

Open Sea Races open doors to new athletes THE LEINSTER Open Sea Races are commencing in early June, and new swimmers are encouraged to join up with the hardy souls who take part in the events all round Leinster.

The open water races, that vary in distance from 1,500 metres to 10 kilometres in various locations are open to swimmers, registered with a Swim Ireland Club, of all ages and levels of ability.

The Leinster Open Sea committee run the two most prestigious open water swimming races in Ireland, the Dublin City Liffey Swim and the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Race. These two swims have a fantastic sense of occasion for participants as they are towards the end of the season and most open water swimmers will participate in either one or both of these races.

Phoenix Masters Swim Club, based in Clondalkin Leisure Centre (opposite the Mill Centre), run five weekly training sessions, and for more inforamtion, contact David Keenan on 087 968 3089 or Annemarie Kendrick on 087 282 1175, and log on to www. leinsteropensea.ie.

Lucan Sarsfields’ Johnny McCaffrey was one of the key players involved in Dublin’s successes in 2011 and retains the captaincy

Daly keeps faith with Johnny I sport@gazettegroup.com

LUCAN Sarsfields’ star Johnny McCaffrey has been confirmed as the Dublin senior hurling captain for the 2012 season, hurling manager Anthony Daly announced last week.

Speaking to the press last week, Daly said that he saw that there is an attitude in the camp that he hopes will return even more success than the hurlers saw in 2011, when they annexed the national league title for the first time in 72 years and reached the semi-final of the All-Ireland championships.

“I can tell from the boys the work ethos is every bit as good as last year, if not a bit stronger. What I’d like to think is that they’ve got a taste of success and can drive on and want more of it. So far, so good. We’ll know more on Sunday evening,” said Daly.

It is an assessment that also comes from within the camp. Speaking to GazetteSport recently, Kilmacud Crokes’ Ryan O’Dwyer, stated that there was a new determination with the Sky Blues that had not been present before.

“We’re looking forward to 2012. We’re back training hard since the start of

Towers on top: Big win opens Clon side’s AIB Cup run CLONDALKIN’S Round Towers’ senior footballers claimed an impressive and emphatic victory in the AIB Cup last weekend when they defeated near-neighbours, St Pat’s, Palmerstown, by 5-8 to 0-3 at Glenauline Park.

Towers will play their next group game against Cuala, who were defeated 1-12 to 0-7 by Ballinteer St John’s, at the Clondalkin Community Centre on March 4, while Pat’s face St Anne’s at home on the same date. Picture: Ted Keane

January. Things are looking bright.”

Off the back of the defeat against his home county at the second last hurdle, the Dubs are looking to go at least one better this year, and O’Dwyer was assured about the approach they would be taking under Anthony Daly.

“We are looking to the future. We need to get down and train harder than we have before. If everything we were doing before was good enough, we would be All-Ireland champions, and we would not need to worry about it.”

When asked what was

the key component for the Dubs in reaching and claiming the Liam McCarthy trophy in 2012, O’Dwyer was in no doubt about what it would take.

“Belief, I think, is the key. We had belief this year, but, maybe at the back of our minds, we were wondering if we belonged at that level.

“But we have seen that we can compete with the best. We ran Tipp very close in the semi-final; they were defending AllIreland champions. We beat Kilkenny in the league final. We know we are there or thereabouts, but we need be consistent.

“Ninety percent in hurling is about mentality, 10% is physical. Everyone is going out and doing the same training, and everyone is about the same skill and fitness level. It’s the six inches between your ears where the game is won and lost.

“I’ve been part of a lot of teams, at college, for my club, in Tipperary.

But the unity that is there is something I haven’t experienced before, and I’m privileged to be part of it.

“We have a bond that will get us the extra percentage that we need to win and take it all the way.”

23 February 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31

in association with

HURLING: LURE OF INTERPROVINCIALS FOR LIAM

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ROUND TOWERS MEMBERSHIP is now due before the

The minor hurlers begin their

end of February. Membership day

league campaign away to Naomh

will be held on Saturday, February

Fionnbarra next Sunday.

25, in the clubhouse. Renewal forms

This week’s lotto numbers were 7,

are available on the club website or

9, 14 and 16; Bonus Ball 25. There was

in reception in the clubrooms.

no winner of this week’s jackpot of

The new all-weather pitch is open

€5,900.

from Monday evening. Mentors are

Congratulations to Austin Kelly,

asked to check the timetable on the

John Gilleran and Liz Roycroft who

website for their allocation or to

were the three €100 winners.

contact Dean Alford on 086 103 5874 or allweather@roundtower.ie.

Next week’s jackpot is €6,000 The Lotto committee are looking

The senior footballers beat St

for your assistance to sell Towers

Pat’s and the junior B team drew

Lotto tickets on a Friday evening for

with Clontarf, both cup games.

one hour once a month. There will

This week , the adul t football

be four teams and each team will be

leagues begin, seniors are away to

rostered once a month and no more

Skerries Harps, junior A home to

than one hour will be needed.

Round Towers, Lusk, junior B team

If you are able to help please con-

play Scoil Ui Chonnaill away, all next

tact Matt McCormack on 0876836737

Sunday.

or email info@roundtower.ie.

LUCAN SARSFIELDS Liam Rushe, seen here promoting the interprovincial tournament, was keen to return to action

Rushe for glory sees Pat’s star return I sport@gazettegroup.com

ST PAT’s Palmerstown’s Liam Rushe says the lure of representing his province was too good to turn down despite having only recently returned from injury.

Rushe, an All-Star in 2011, has been nursing a broken hand since October, but made his comeback a week ago when he took the field for UCD in their Fitzgibbon Cup tie against Waterford IT. He came through unscathed in that midweek encounter, and was delighted to subsequently be in a position to line out for Leinster for their opening interprovincial date with Munster.

Rushe did not take a place in the team that triumphed 3-14 to 1-16, but he was nonetheless pleased to be considered and is now also in the mix for a Dublin place in the National

Hurling League set-up.

“The hand held up in a top-quality game, UCD against WIT, and it got the whole hour, so it’s looking good,” he said.

“I’ll probably take it easy in the training, just play the matches for the next few weeks and get into it. I’m awfully rusty.

“Even coming back with a dodg y hand, I might never get the phone call again. I wanted to play in the interprovincials. I’ve always wanted to play in it. When I got the phone call, there was no doubt in my mind.

I said, ‘Yes, of course I will’.

“It hasn’t been the biggest competition or prize ever since I have been watching hurling. But it is the history behind it. The greatest players of every generation have played in it, and I wanted to play it as well.”

Elsewhere, Dublin ladies winning start to the Bord Gais Energy Division 1 league came to an end when they fell to a three-point defeat to Cork in front of a large crowd in Pairc Ui Murchu last Sunday, 1-8 to 0-8.

It was nip and tuck throughout as Cork Sports Woman of the Ye a r J u l i e t Mu r p hy opened the scoring in the tenth minute.

Three time All-Star, Nollaig Cleary, lengthened the margin but F ox r o c k C a b i n t e e l y forward Ciara Murphy responded with a welltaken point from the 20m line.

Fingallians’ Amy McGuinness was introduced and duly slotted a free to bring the sides level, and Sinead Aherne had a great chance to push her side clear, but saw her penalty attempt saved by Elaine Harte.

It allowed Cork an

opening to move back in front at half-time, with Murphy on the mark.

On the restart, Dublin were quickly on the board with a Niamh McEvoy point, the St Sylvester’s star moved to the half for ward line to show her class in the position, giving the midfield pairing of Goldrick and Finnegan a target for their forays forward.

During the second half, however, on target for Cork again were Mur phy and Clear y, while Dublin’s Aherne and McGuinness scored points to make it 0-5 each.

But the game’s only goal came from Cork’s second-half sub Doireann O’Sullivan when her speculative shot on the run had the power to get past Cliodhna O’Connor, and it proved the vital turning point of the day, the Rebelettes taking the tie.

MEMBERSHIP is now due and can be

year is to Killeen on Saturday, April

paid online at our new look website

21. Contact Michael O’Grady for

www.lucansarsfields.ie or at the

more details.

clubhouse bar.

Our nurseries for boys and girls

Well done to Rob Twomey, Paul

born in 2005, 2006 and 2007 are

Rigney, Donal Flannery and Ciaran

every Saturday at 1.30pm on our

Dowling who have been picked for

all-weather pitch at the 12th Lock.

the Dublin North Colleges Hurling team.

There will be a night of traditional

This is your child’s chance to be coached by Dublin senior hurling captain, Johnny McCaffrey.

music for our social initiative group

Opening times for our club shop

in the bar this Saturday from 9pm.

are Tuesday and Thursday from

Table quiz run by girls football

7.30 to 8.30pm, and Saturdays from

section is on Wednesday, February 29.

10.30 to 11.30am.

This week’s Lotto numbers were 1,

S e t d a n c i n g c l a s s e s : Ev e r y

9, 13 and 23. There was no winner.

Wednesday from 8.30 to 10pm in the

Next week’s jackpot will be €13,500.

function room of the clubhouse. No experience required.

Our first golf society outing if this

Hugh McGonigle’s team will be in charge next Sunday when our sponsor will be Newcastle Golf Centre.

ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN It doesn’t get much better for our

Senior footballers away in first

Roisi Brady with her Scor Na nOg

league match this Sunday to St Per-

recitation, Dancing Round My Hand-

egrine’s at 11am, while juniors at

bag. Following her wins in Dublin and

home to St Mark’s, also at 11am.

Leinster, she has now captured the

Clubs AGM takes place on Wednes-

All-Ireland title in Castlebar on Sat-

day, February 29 in the clubhouse

urday last. From all at St Pat’s, con-

at 8pm. Nominations for committee

gratulations and well done.

positions and motions / reccome-

In juvenile football, our U-8s, 9s

dations must be returned to club

and 10s played Lucan Sarsfields,

secretary, Pauline Mooney, by this

Foxrock/GPM, and St Mark’s, while

Wednesday.

there were wins for our 12s and 16s

Congratulations to Grainne Quinn

over Ballinteer St John’s and Naomh

on her nomination as vice-captain

Barrog, but losses for the 11s, 13s

of the Dublin senior camogie team.

and 14s to James Gaels, Naomh Mearnog and Trinity Gaels.

To visit our website, log on to www. stpatricksgaa.ie

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

ALL OF YOUR CLONDALKIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

RUSHE’D BACK: St Pat’s man returns to interpro action after broken hand P31

FEBRUARY 23, 2012

EXILES IN THE BRONX: Life as part of the New York county panel P29

GazetteSPORT

Round Towers opened the first two phases of their development plan this week, giving the club a new lease of life on the training paddock

Towers tune up on new surface I STEPHEN FINDLATER clondalkinsport@gazettegroup.com

ROUND Towers chairman Tony Delaney believes the newly opened Monastery Road development will give the club a new “lease of life” as they have been enjoying the first use of the ongoing development.

The astro-turf opened for business last week, complete with floodlights and a ball wall, a situation that will simplify the club’s training schedules and aid technical training no end.

Speaking to GazetteSport about what it means to the club, Delaney was glowing.

“The all-weather is now complete so, apart from a little dressing-up to be done, that is phase one and two done. As regards the surface, the lights are in and the lads are training on it.

“It’s absolutely fantastic, especially given the time of year it is with everything so wet. It’s given

us a great lift. They are on a decent surface and have the lights so it gives us a new lease of life. It was always a challenge for us trying to do skills work out in the dark.”

For much of the club, the previous arrangements were of a nomadic nature, attempting to find suitable space to conduct training.

Now, though, the nursery will be able to run for three hours every Saturday while the sides up to U-12 can use the surface on weekends for games.

Each night of the week, club training will run from 5.30pm to 10pm every evening in a centralised venue.

“Everyone is getting a crack out of it. Psychologically it has been a great lift after what have been a tough few weeks for the club. Going forward, it will be of great benefit.

“We were basically renting out property all over the place, using the community centre, the pitches in the Gaelscoil, in halls and everywhere else. We

did have lights up in Monastery road but they were not up to the standard of the new ones – they were half the light as you played in the muck and dirt.

It’s a different world now.”

That psychological lift has seen the club’s senior footballers start their season in upbeat fashion, enjoying a comprehensive win over near neighbours St Pat’s, Palmerstown, in the AIB Cup as they head into the league season on Sunday against Skerries Harps in AFL2.

On the hurling side, the league is a couple of weeks away but initial signs are positive, too, under the new management of Emmet Carroll and Dave Sweeney.

“It’s been good in the sense that numbers training are up, so we’re getting a good response [to their appointment]. With new fellas coming in, you are likely to get that with the honeymoon period.

But two months down the road with a couple of league matches, we will know more.”