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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: Opinion piece asks why are our TDs paid so highly? Page 6

April 5, 2012

DONATING HOPE: Local transplant patient’s call to support campaign P3

eBay’s bid to help: Donating funds to Pieta AS PART of a fundraising giveaway

Soccer: Collinstown Park claim the Leinster title Page 28

GAA-a-thon: Round Towers have a great fundraising day Page 28

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ..................... 2 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

to 10 designated Irish charities by eBay and PayPal, west Dublinbased charity Pieta House was presented with a cheque for €3,000 recently, to help assist with its suicide and self-harm support services.

At the presentation to Pieta House representatives, Gary Hagel, site director, eBay, said: “eBay Foundation was established to reach beyond the boundaries of eBay’s virtual village to develop strong communities that bring people together.”

‘Take pensions from these politicians’ Deny those who ‘acted improperly’ demands Keating

I PAUL HOSFORD

A LOCAL Fine Gael TD has called for any politician implicated in the Mahon and Moriarty Reports to have their pensions removed.

In a scathing speech, Deputy Derek Keating took aim at his own party, saying that

“Fine Gael has no place for such public representatives.”

Speaking at his Fine Gael Constituency AGM this week, Deputy Keating called for no payments to be made to public representatives who have been cited in the reports as “acting improperly”.

“I am speaking of councillors, TDs, ministers and party leaders. If they have used, or misused, their office for personal gain, cash donations, they should not receive any severance pay or pension.

“Dublin Mid-West has and had its share of such representatives,” he said.

2 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5 April 2012

APPOINTMENT: PCI

SCHOOLS St Kevin’s welcomes older citizens to an event

New head of Psychology PCI College, based in Clondalkin, Ireland’s leading provider of professional counselling and psychotherapy courses has announced the appointment of Dr Derek Dorris as Head of Psychology.

In his role, Dr Dorris will develop new psychology-related programmes at PCI College, designed to be of value to a wide variety of students with differing levels of interest and prior experience in the area of psychology.

Dr Dorris will also be contributing to the development of PCI College’s counselling and psychotherapy programmes at graduate and post-graduate levels, and will play a

key role in the setting and maintenance of academic standards across all the educational and training activities of the College.

Prior to joining PCI College, Dr Dorris held the position of Lecturer at University College Cork.

Derek is a graduate of University College Dublin where he obtained a degree (BA), masters (M.Litt.), and PhD in Psychology.

In 2007, he was the IRCHSS (Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences) Postdoctoral Fellow in UCD. For more information on PCI and their courses, see www.pcicollege.ie or call 464 2268.

St Kevin’s Fifth-Year LCA students pose for a photo with teachers and some local seniors visiting the school. Pictures: Ian Fleming

Sharing seniors’ lessons on life A

LTHOUGH a lot has changed in the educational system between today and times gone by, one thing has never changed – the respect and esteem that senior citizens in the community receive from students, who have so much to gain from their life experiences, knowledge and insight.

With this in mind, a number of senior citizens were

Abbie Moloney has her nail’s done

welcomed to St Kevin’s College recently by fifth-year students, with the day’s events proving an excellent, and, for some of those on both sides of the event, an inspirational day to remember. In addition to lunch and other recreational activities to share together, the students and seniors enjoyed the insight they gained from even this little time shared together, with life lessons for all.

Marie Green treats herself to some pampering

Mary O’Reilly, Barbara Byrne and Adith Harcourt

Sean Brown and Richard McCeevey

5 April 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3

HEALTH Local transplant patient’s plea to others

Cafe to offer new services

‘Carry a card and help save someone’s life’ LOCAL man Christopher Thomas recently joined RTE TV and radio presenter, Joe Duffy, to highlight the annual Organ Donor Awareness Week campaign.

The week-long campaign, which is organised by the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) in partnership with the Irish Donor Network, is running until April 7.

Christopher works with Superquinn/Musgrave in Lucan and is from Clondalkin.

He suffers from hepatic encephalopathy and his condition deteriorated rapidly in 2010, leading to poisoning of his blood, which affected his brain

function and physical well-being.

For a six-month period, he was unable to drive or leave the house, and he struggled to do the simplest of tasks, so much so that he was unable to hold a cup.

He was put on a transplant waiting list in January, 2011 and, thankfully, a suitable liver became available within 10 days.

The marathon operation took more than 10 hours because Christopher has a rare blood type; only 0.5% of the population have his blood group, and Philip added that he will be forever grateful to his donor, and promises to take care of his organ.

Since then, he has presented a cookery slot on TV3’s Ireland AM and both Christopher and his wife, Margaret, attended the national launch of Organ Donor Awareness Week at the Mansion House.

There are currently more than 650 people in Ireland awaiting lifesaving organ transplants, including heart, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas.

The focus of Organ Donor Awareness Week, which also aids fundraising, is to raise awareness about the ongoing and ever-increasing demand for organ donation and transplantation, and to seek support from

CATERING

THE Streat cafe at The Mill Centre is now offering a fantastic office and home-catering service.

The cafe, which will celebrate a year in business this week, can cater for a wide variety of functions, so whether you’re having a meeting, party at the office, or any family celebration, be it a communion, confirmation or christening the Streat is ready to help you.

Christopher Thomas and RTE’s Joe Duffy launch Organ Donor Awareness Week

Fresh

the public to make an informed decision to carry an organ donor card.

Throughout the week, IKA volunteers will be out and about throughout the country selling “forget me not flower” emblems (the symbol of transplantation), brooches, magnetic car ribbons and pens.

Proceeds will go to the IKA’s support programme for patients on dialysis and those patients fortunate enough to have a

kidney transplant.

The IKA is the organisation charged with the promotion and distribution of the organ donor card in Ireland on behalf of all patient groups with an interest in organ donation that form the Irish Donor Network.

Free information factfiles, which accompany organ donor cards, are obtainable from the IKA and are available nationwide from pharmacies,

GP surgeries and Citizen Information Offices.

Organ donor cards can also be obtained by phoning the IKA on LoCall 1890 543 639, or Freetext the word DONOR to 50050; you can also see www.ika.ie.

It is now also possible to store an organ donor ecard on smart mobile phones. Search for “Donor ECard” at the iPhone store, or the Android Marketplace.

Their menu includes freshly prepared sandwiches and wraps, breakfast, cheese boards, fresh fruit, tray bakes, hot buffets and, of course, their unique streat coffee.

The cafe say that they understand that it’s your event, your taste and your budget, so you can rest assured that they will tailor it to suit your needs.

For more information, call 01 4577144 or see www.thestreat.com

4 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5 April 2012

SERVICES Frances Fitzgerald praises work of local groups Major Dublin West childcare initiative is launched by Minister I PAUL HOSFORD lucan@gazettegroup.com

THE Dublin West Child Care and Learning Services, and the Dublin South National Early Years Access Initiative (NEAYI) was launched by Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald, at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel this week.

The launch was attended by Mayor Caitriona Jones, and childcare providers from Lucan, Clondalkin and Tallaght.

Dublin West Child Care and

Learning Services is a merger of four community childcare services located in Clondalkin and Lucan.

Staff from each of these four services, Kosy Kids in Deansrath, Limetree in Bawnogue, the Bush Centre in Foxdene and the community childcare facility in Quarryvale were on hand to help celebrate the launch of the project.

Speaking at the event, Minister Fitzgerald said she was delighted to be joined by so many people who care so much about children and childhood.

She said: “Chatting to the staff from these community childcare services, I was genuinely struck by the energy and enthusiasm around this project. The findings of their work will contribute to our National Early Years Strategy.

‘Identify areas’ “This project is all about collective learning and looking at practices to identify the ideas which can be rolled out nationally and see what gaps, particularly in the area of training, can be closed,” said Minis-

ter Fitzgerald.

She paid tribute to the local organisations, including the CPLN and South Dublin NEYAI, and childcare providers who came together for the initiative, and she commended the “palpable enthusiasm for this fantastic project”.

“Only this month, the Cabinet approved the first National Early Years Strategy for children from birth to six years. This is the first-ever such strategy.

“At last, we will have a comprehensive, co-ordinated approach to

policy in this area. The results from work, such as this initiative, will be fed into policy and that is of crucial importance.

“Policy needs to be practical, and it needs to be informed by practitioners.

“As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I am making a special effort to listen to people who are working on the ground.

“I’ll continue to support these fantastic projects, and I look forward to seeing the results of their work,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

CHAMBER: AREA LETTER

Calls to open a ‘delayed’ station

Warning over cigarettes I PAUL HOSFORD clondalkin@gazettegroup.com

YOUR

SOUTH Dublin Chamber has warned local businesses about the harm caused by illegal cigarettes.

In a letter sent out by CEO Peter Byrne, local businesses are told that local Inspector Mel Smith will work with businesses to combat the crime.

“South Dublin County Council is making people aware that any form of retail from any of its houses is illegal and they will be highlighting the impact of buying any goods that are sold illegally has on employment in the area.

“A local pub campaign is underway where posters have been placed in premises highlighting the illegal sale of cigarettes and helping people

understand the connection between jobs and illegal trade.

“Already we have seen some progress. Inspector Mel Smith will act as liaison officer for the Ballyfermot, Clondalkin, Rathcoole areas (L District).

“He can be contacted at 01 666 7600 if you have information relating to illegal cigarette sales,” says the letter, which goes on to detail the work that is currently underway.

The move was welcomed by Fianna Fail councillorTrevor Gilligan, who said: “We need to raise awareness about this [issue]. You get what you pay for. These cigarettes, whilst cheap, are full of anything but tobacco.

“Whilst smoking causes damage, I would like to know how much more damage these illegal cigarettes can cause,” he said.

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Exercising an idea: Derek’s delight at plan for outdoor fitness equipment for parks NEW outdoor fitness equipment in Lucan

parks will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Local Fine Gael TD, Derek Keating, said that the equipment has come after a long period of campaigning.

“In April, 2009, I established a community group in the interest of campaigning for outdoor exercise equipment.

“As a qualified sports and fitness instructor, with a specialist qualification in the fitness of children and teenagers, in the interest of their overall wellbeing, both mental and physical, I set about to campaign on behalf of that community group with the aim of having South Dublin County Council (SDCC) instal outdoor fitness equipment

in local parks.

“Such projects have worked well in other European countries and throughout the world. I am delighted that this campaign has now proven successful and SDCC has now agreed to instal this equipment in both Griffeen Valley Regional Park and Hermitage Park, Lucan,” said Deputy Keating, who is pictured testing similar outdoor exercise equipment in Blanchardstown.

“Once the new equipment is installed in Griffeen Valley Regional Park, and Hermitage Park, I will continue to explore more ways of enabling the people of our communities, young and old, to maintain a good standard of fitness,” said Deputy Keating.

CALLS have once again been made to open Kishogue train station.

Labour Cllr Eamon Tuffy raised the issue at last week’s Lucan Area Committee meeting, with the councillor calling for the long-delayed station to be finally opened.

Cllr Tuffy asked that “this committee resolves that it will pursue the early opening of the station as a priority action; that the manager conveys the views of the committee to both the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Iarnrod Eireann, and further requests the manager to advise if any survey has been done by the Planning Department, similar to the work done some time ago, into the level of interest amongst residents of south Lucan, in changing from car commuting to public transport, in particular, to buses and trains on the Kildare Route line.”

In response, council management said that the motion would be passed along, but that their understanding was the station would be open this year.

The council said: “It is understood that it is the intention of the NTA and Irish Rail to open Kishogue station before the end of this year.

“Household travel surveys are [currently] being carried out in the Lucan and Clondalkin areas as part of the SDCC Travel Smart Communities Programme.”

5 April 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5

SHOP LOCAL Benefits of shopping in your community

Supporting our local business HE Gazette is determined to m a ke p e o p l e aware of just how important it is to support our local businesses.

We have never been backward about coming forward when it comes to our supporting the local community – but it is just as important, now more than ever, that we support our local economy too.

Support is the key to a thriving local community, and every member of the public can contribute to this support.

Simply put, shopping locally benefits the local area.

By shopping locally, without any of the expedition involved in travelling across the city, we can support local business, enterprise and industry, all of which play a far greater role in our quality of life than one might imagine.

On a very basic level, the commercial rates that even the smallest of such local businesses pay, goes directly to our local council.

Without these rates, the quality of public amenities, from parks and playgrounds to sports facilities and community groups, would simply not be of the standard we currently enjoy.

Taking this train of thought a little further by keeping one local business open when we shop local, we are supporting local jobs for local people.

On top of this, every local business, and their employees, will naturally tend to support their neighbouring businesses – be it by buying a sandwich, renting a DVD, getting their dry cleaning done, or filling a prescription – the hustle and

T

bustle that goes hand in hand with local business is mutually beneficial.

Clondalkin, with its various industrial estates, shopping centres and busy streets, is a vibrant hub of business, with a vast array of local, homegrown businesses running in the area.

Even at a time when money is scarce, there is a plethora of local businesses for residents to get behind.

For 2012, the Gazette is continuing our support of local businesses, and will continue to work closely with the Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce to promote the local economy.

Thyes Kavanagh, chairman of the Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce, says that the Chamber hopes that jobs can be preserved and business can grow if people can

be convinced to Shop Local.

“In these difficult times, Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce is calling on people to Shop Local.

“Please support local business, not only do they offer great value for money but also a personal service. These businesses employ a large number of local people, both full and part-time, and need your support.

“Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce is at present working on their own campaign to promote local business and are also updating their website.

“We would like to thank the Gazette for their Shop Local feature and hope that shoppers will support the advertisers within the supplement,” Mr Kavanagh said.

6 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5 April 2012

OPINION Bringing political pay level to real world

It’s time our TDs got Real Pay for their job AARON MCKENNA

WHEN Alexander the Great led his army across the ancient world, he ate when and what his soldiers ate, slept when they slept and led them from the front.

When Leo the Lion, and his colleagues in Dail Eireann, travel to work they claim tax free expenses no ordinary person is allowed.

The salaries paid to our politicians bear no relation to what similarly responsible individuals get in the real world.

Compare the pay of a Government minister to that of your average company managing director: The minister earns 41% more. What does a minister, who

already has a professional staff of civil servants looking after the department, do that deserves that premium?

TDs earn as much a s s e n i o r c o m p a ny directors, individuals with real commercial responsibilities. Most TDs show up in the Dail to vote as they’re told by party whips and mind the vote in their constituency.

It may be mentioned that, in the private sector, bonuses are paid on top of basic pay. But bonuses are rarely paid when a company is in financial receivership, or while substantial cutbacks are being made.

When our new Government came to power it reduced the pay of

ministers. Rather than a pay cut, this was less of a pay increase for those being promoted. The Taoiseach still earns more than the Prime Minister of Britain and a host of other leaders of nations far larger and less bust than Ireland.

There have been many s i c ke n i n g m o m e n t s since the beginning of the crisis in 2008, but among the least edifying for our body politik was watching them fight for their own pay, expenses and pensions when Brian Lenihan proposed a change to the regime.

Politicians were rubber stamping budgets that stripped SNAs from schools, pensions from blind people and

nurses from hospitals.

But, at the first mention of vouched expenses or an attack on their salaries and pensions, the backs were up.

Our new Government has not lifted a finger to the gravy train. The Taoiseach, Minister for Finance and Minister for Public Sector Expenditure and Reform, are among those who don’t provide receipts for their expenses.

Revenue would treat any ordinar y person claiming expenses without receipts as a fraud, trying to hide income.

Revenue also states that no person may receive tax-free expenses for travelling to their place of work.

Dublin TDs receive

€12,000 a year to travel to Leinster House, conveniently located in Dublin 2. If you live in a suburb and commute to the city centre you might be paying over €1,000 a year for a tax-saver commuter ticket. Our local TDs claim that much every month.

There are some, such as Joe Higgins, who say they only take the average wage. This is of no advantage to the taxpayer as they give the balance of their salary to spend campaigning for votes.

These socialist fighters aren’t shy about taking expenses: Patrick Nulty was entitled to claim the moment he was elected. Joe Higgins got €24,500 in 2011. Ministers claim the major-

Aaron McKenna, organiser of the Real Pay Petition

ity of their expenses via their departments, but both Joan Burton and Leo Varadkar are claiming over €1,000 a month from the Dail as well.

The proposal to reduce the pay of politicians is not based on a race to the bottom. This campaign is benchmarking politicians against real work done in the

real world.

It’s time for politicians to take a fair share. If you agree, sign the petition: RealPay.ie Aaron McKenna is

the organiser of the Real Pay Petition. You can contact him via aaronmckenna.com, on 0858434246 or on twitter @ aaronmckenna

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5 April 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7

COURTS Man stole from work to fund drinking

Resigned when work theft was caught A CATERING manager at Croke Park, who was forced to resign after he was caught stealing €15,000 worth of catering supplies is to be sentenced later after he was given a year to compensate the catering company.

Paul Leeson admitted he stole supplies, including food, soft drinks and alcohol during the 2009 football season and sold them on to support his alcohol habit.

He also used the money to bring his five children to England to watch a Premier League

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football match.

Leeson (45) of St Killian’s Park, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to the theft of €15,000 worth of supplies from Fitzers Catering Servi c e s a t C r o ke P a r k between January 1, 2009 and October 31, 2009.

Garda Ian Br uton told prosecuting counsel Garnet Orange BL a complaint of missing stock was made by Barry Storey, head of Fitzers Catering.

Leeson admitted to Mr Storey during a meeting that he stole

Dublin Criminal Circuit Court

the stock and offered his resignation as catering manager.

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

‘[He] admitted he stole supplies including food, soft drinks and alcohol during the 2009 season’ --------------------------

Leeson was arrested by gardai and admit-

ted that he realised he could take the stock without anyone noticing and in turn sell it onto others as he had easy access to the store rooms.

Leeson, who has two minor road traffic convictions, always knew he was going to get caught, according to defence counsel Cathal McGreal BL. “It star ted out as pilfering but it got out of control as he had

a drink problem and stealing the items was the result of this problem,” said counsel.

Co-operative “He co-operated with his employer and gardai from the outset and offered his letter of resignation immediately upon being caught.

“He was by no means flashy with the money he got from selling on the products he stole, but he did bring his

children to a soccer match to the UK and drank the rest,” said Mr McGreal.

Mr McGreal said Leeson is putting away €50 a week to help compensate Fitzers Catering Services.

Judge Patrica Ryan adjourned sentencing until next March.

She ordered that Leeson pay €350 in compensation and gave him the year to raise the rest.

EVENT Mad fun at student tea party A MAD Hatter style tea party was held by a group of Advertising and Marketing students in ITT Dublin recently.

The event was held in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland charity.

On the day students were selling home-made cakes, muffins donated

by The Bad Ass Cafe, tea and coffee by Coffee Perfection in Co Meath and ice-cream by HB. Altogether the students raised €916.71.

Worthy

Student Aoife McCrum said: “We couldn’t be happier with the outcome, it’s such a worthy charity and it’s great to see the youth of our society so involved. The college were so impressed, they are thinking about making it an annual event. We’d like to thank everyone that made the day possible.”

8 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5 April 2012

SCHOOLS Mental health at Collinstown Community College

Lynsey Jordan

Staff members of Collinstown Park Community College had fun dressing up for the day. Pictures: Ian Fleming

Raising important matters about You OOK after yourself was the key message of the Mental Awareness Week held at Collinstown Community College recently, where several serious issues were presented in a positive, engaging manner.

A number of mental health organisations, and experts, visited the school throughout the week, as a number of events were staged to

L

Gemma Mahon, Jamie Maher, Kirsty Saul, Rebecca Walsh, Leanne Brennan, Glen Murphy, Martin Casey Caroline Ni Chathain

and Wayne Brennan helped highlight mental health

help the students and staff to consider their mental health, understand the importance of looking after it (and each other), and highlighted steps to undertake should one’s mental health be at risk.

Staff took the opportunity to dress up and be a little zany, highlighting the school’s commitment to looking after their students in every possible way – even if a fun wig is necessary!

Gallery continued on Page 10

Everyone listened intently to talks on a wide variety of mental health issues

Rebecca and Babara Coughlan

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5 April 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 9

10 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5 April 2012

TAKE TWO Mental health at Collinstown Community College

These staff members certainly stood out at the school during the event

Helping to look after themselves Shauna Clarke, Lauren Magee, Sharmaine Fitzgerald and Nicole O’Hara

Noel Kelly, Martin Casey, Glen Murphy, Wayne Brennan, Pauline Duffy and staff members of Collinstown Park Community School with (front) Gemma Mahon, Leanne Brennan, Kirsty Saul and Rebecca Walsh

Francis Coffey

Dean Purcell, Aaron Ivers, Shane Whelan, Luke Rothwell and James Peppard

5 April 2012 GAZETTE 11

HEALTH Fundraiser for children

EASTER: LIDL IS TOP OF THE CHOCS

Citywest workers urged join fun event

Time for treats

MORE than 5,000 workers at the Citywest Business Campus will take to the streets in aid of Barretstown Children’s Camp.

Ireland legend Ronan O’Gara was on hand to announce the launch of the first annual CityWest Fun Walk, which takes place on Friday, April 27, at 1pm at Browns Barn, Citywest.

Barretstow n are encouraging all staff that work in Citywest and beyond to get out and walk, run or jog the route.

Stephen Campbell, Citywest campus manager, is very excited about the upcoming fundraising event.

“We are delighted to support this Citywest Campus Fun Walk in aid of Barretstown. We

Noah Quinn and Ronan O’Gara at the launch of the Citywest Fun Walk for Barretstown

are looking forward to seeing a large number of the campus community out on the day enjoying a walk around the landscaped areas of the cam-

pus,” he said.

The route will begin at Brown’s Barn, then head over the N7 Bridge, through the campus and along the Luas line, back up the main road and will finish back at Brown’s Barn.

To register, log on to www.citywestfunwalk. org. There will be an online €10 registration fee, and all proceeds will go to Barretstown.

Registration commences on the day, from 12pm, and all participants will get a free t-shirt and goodie bag on the day.

Barretstown is a Kildare-based camp uniquely designed for children who have been affected by a serious illness, primarily cancer, and their families.

Barretstown works to assist in the cancer

recovery process through activity-based therapy.

Each year, approximately 1,900 children come to Barretstown to take part in its programmes of therapeutic recreation.

The programmes build confidence, trust and selfesteem.

Survival In Ireland, five children are diagnosed with cancer every week.

Due to the everimproving treatment process, childhood cancer survival rates will have increased to 90% by the end of this decade.

To register, log on to www.citywestfunwalk. org, or contact Ciara Smullen or Liz Denieffe at citywest@barretstown. org; telephone 045 864 115.

AFTER 40 days and 40 nights of desperately trying to keep the kids away from sweets, Lent is drawing to a close, and with that, the annual reward of an Easter egg feast.

So, for anyone looking to stock up on delicious chocolate treats ,and even sweeter prices, it’s time to hop on down to Lidl, who have a whole range of sweet treats that won’t leave you hopping mad at the cost.

They have lots of Easter goodies by Lidl’s delicious own brand, Favorina, to suit all tastes and budgets, including Favorina Chocolate Bunny or Chocolate Painted Bunny.

For lots of little treats, go for a bag of goodies, like the Favorina crispy chocolate pralines– a firm favourite, thanks to their creamy and crisp fillings.

So, hop along to Lidl to stock up on choco-

late and luxury food and drink items this Easter.

For further information about Lidl’s Easter special offers, or to

locate your nearest Lidl store, log on to www. lidl.ie.

Availablity is limited so shop early to avoid disappointment.

12 GAZETTE 5 April 2012

5 April 2012 GAZETTE 13

14 GAZETTE 5 April 2012

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS IS NOT A DEATH SENTENCE

Protect your cat from FIV HIS week I thought I’d write about a medical condition known as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, or FIV. Officially diagnosed back in 1986, FIV is commonly associated with cats, a condition that often scares the wits out of concerned pet parents.

So, with that in mind, I thought I’d do a sort of FIV 101 for cat parents; just in case any readers had a kitty that’s recently been diagnosed.

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Is FIV like HIV? It belongs in the same group as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, so it gets a lot of negative press and is often referred to as Feline Aids.

Can I/the kids/my dog catch it from my

cat?

No. It’s species specific.

FIV cannot be transmitted to humans, or to any other animals, so please don’t stop giving your kitty love and attention just because she’s been diagnosed with the condition.

How did my cat catch the virus?

Ever heard of a cat fight? Well, that’s possibly how your kitty caught the virus. You see, the virus is present in the saliva and blood of infected cats, and although a very fragile virus, meaning it is unable to survive outside of the body making it difficult to pass from kitty to kitty; it can be passed through biting.

If an infected cat bites an uninfected cat the virus is injected directly into the bloodstream of the

Older cats with FIV can be adopted, but it is wise to look after younger cats.

uninfected cat. However, if an uninfected cat bites an infected cat, the risk is lessened. Even though there is still the element of risk present. In this scenario, the virus is not directly injected straight into the blood stream… if that makes sense. The virus cannot be transmitted indirectly through food, feeding dishes, toys

or bedding, etc. Also, it’s worth knowing that there is no scientific proof the virus is passed through sexual contact but the male often grabs hold of the female’s neck with his teeth, puncturing the skin.

What are the signs of FIV? A blood test is needed

to ascertain infection so please do go to your vet who will best advise. However, raised lymph nodes, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea, gum inflammation, eye and nose discharge, etc., are just some of the things to watch out for. Bear in mind that some of these conditions can occur in uninfected cats that’ve been fed an improper diet, so you see, the signs vary and only your vet can properly diagnose.

It is worth remembering, the virus will deplete certain white blood cells in your kitty, making her more susceptible to other infections. I cannot stress enough that if in doubt, visit your vet.

What is an infected cat’s life expectancy?

Infected cats usually

retain their strong immunity for years following infection and it’s usually some years later when the symptoms begin to show, and most of them can be treated quite easily with prescribed medication.

So, don’t worry, it is not a death sentence and an infected kitty, once managed by a vet, can live a happy, healthy lifespan.

In fact, did you know, your cat is more likely to die as a result of a road accident than to have her life ended as a result of FIV?

How do I protect my cat?

You could keep her indoors but possibly a tad dramatic. We would recommend you spay/neuter as it reduces the need to fight and wander.

Want to adopt a HIV

kitty?

HIV cats find it difficult to find new homes but, remember, these kitties are normal pets who deserve to be loved and cherished as much as uninfected ones. If you can provide a home with an enclosed garden, or cat run, then why not call into your local rescue shelter and give a HIV cat a chance. All she needs is love, regular veterinary check-ups, up-to-date vaccinations and a proper diet that includes vitamin supplements to help build her immune system.

The information is a guideline only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

For more information, contact your vet or log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie

5 April 2012 GAZETTE 15

GazetteFITNESS FITNESS

Brought to you by Derry Temple

A ray of sun can make you fitter SPRING is here and the sun has started to shine!

This is the time to come out of hibernation and shake off the winter blues.

Now that the clocks have gone forward, we have longer evenings with more activity time. You can expect better weather too, which should encourage you to get outside and get active.

The biggest benefit of getting our activity outdoors is that we can also get some much-needed sunshine. Sunshine and exercise cause the body to produce feel-good betaendorphins and serotonin that simply cannot be obtained from food (no matter how much chocolate you eat!).

The other important

benefit is, after a long dark winter, you may be deficient in vitamin D, “the sunshine vitamin”. Our body’s primary means of obtaining vitamin D is through sun exposure and, since Ireland is located in a northerly latitude, it does not receive enough sun to provide vitamin D for large periods of the year.

In recent times, vitamin D has come to the forefront of the nutrition world because of the numerous health benefits that have been associated with it. While we can get good sources of vitamin D from fish, such as salmon, sardines, tuna and also milk and eggs, the best source is natural UVB sunlight.

Vitamin D is crucial to the function and health of our bodies and low levels of vitamin D are implicated in several diseases. It has been historically proven and documented that adequate calcium intake can improve general bone health and decrease the risk of certain bone diseases that are more prevalent in later life.

What many people don’t realise is that vitamin D is critical in the body’s ability to properly utilise calcium. Calcium absorption in the intestines actually requires vitamin D and, when its levels are deficient, calcium is not optimally absorbed even if there is enough of it in the diet.

personal trainer and pilates instructor

The keys to seeing signs of a stroke Taking in the sun isn’t just good for plants

If this is the case, then the body will mobilise calcium from the skeletal bones and release it into the bloodstream.

This inevitably causes a loss of bone density and can lead to osteomalacia, osteopenia and, eventually, to osteoporosis.

Bone health is an important health issue for people over 50 years of age and becomes an increasing concern as we age.

Temple Training will

hold a free fat-loss workshop for Gazette readers on Tuesday, April 17 at 8pm in Le Cheile Community Centre, Donnycarney.

This is an introduction to our “Body Design” course, which will empower you to “attain a lean body, healthy mind and an abundance of energy for life”. To secure your place simply e-mail us at info@templetrain ing and mention that you are a Gazette reader.

TEN THOUSAND Irish people have a stroke every year and around 2,000 of them die from stroke.

The most common form of stroke occurs when the artery that supplies blood to the brain becomes blocked causing a part of the brain to be damaged.

FAST

A handy guide to identifying signs of a stroke is FAST. Facial weakness – can they smile?

Arm weakness – can they raise both arms?

Speech – can they speak clearly and understand you?

Time to call 112 or 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Speed

Speed is essential as stroke damages brain tissue.

Two of the principal culprits that can lead to a blockage of the arteries are smoking and high cholesterol.

You can have your c h o l e s t e r o l l e ve l checked at your local pharmacy or by your GP. With thanks to the staff of Lucan Village Pharmacy.

16 GAZETTE 5 April 2012

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Edited by Laura Webb

Dare to bare your legs with a number of great treatments T FELT like summer last week – that feels a long time ago, already – and, for ladies across Dublin thinking of baring their legs in a great summer dress, or shorts, they should make sure they look the part whenever the good weather returns.

We don’t often get a chance to bare our legs in Dublin, but when we do, we like to take full advantage of the sun’s rays.

I

In this dreary town, we can often neglect our legs and leave them hiding behind skinny jeans or black tights Letting them breathe in the open air means making legs look supersmooth, and there is no better place to start than waxing.

Gazette Beauty came across Wax in the City – a leading international waxing-only studio located in South William

Street.

It opened last week and there is already a buzz about the top-quality treatments it supplies.

Specialising in hair removing, it uses highquality natural beeswax, and skin is treated with Hamamelis water before and after hair removal.

No wax strips are used, which makes it fast, gentle and leaving skin feeling smooth for two to four weeks.

Prepare to have perfect pins for summer – or any time of year – with a number of luscious leg beauty products

The wax used by Wax in the City is suitable for all hair removal, from face to toes, and is great for sensitive skin.

Once the hair has been removed, keep your legs smooth and supple with a great moisturiser.

One such product is Weleda’s Aloe Vera Body

Lotion. This product lightly moisturises and keeps the skin smooth.

Ingredients such as organic jojoba oil, apricot kernel oil and organic shea butter support the skin’s moisture balance, and gives off an amazing aromatic smell.

This product is avail-

able at Nourish health and beauty stores, and selected health stores and pharmacies nationwide.

Once complete, sun worshippers can decide whether they want to go all natural with their bare legs, or add a bit of colour by using their favourite tan product.

A good instant tan is Karora Instant Tan washoff (rrp €14.99).

This tan is not only suitable for skin-bronzing legs, it can also be

used on the face and body.

A great fau x glow helps to disguise cellulite and blemishes, and gives a fashionable tan that many have been already spotted with on the spring-summer catwalks.

So, whenever it happens, with these great products and services you’ll be all set to pick out your favourite sun dress or shorts and show off those fab legs when the sun beams back.

Max Factor Miracle Touch CReamy Blush; €10.79

A Blush you’ll welcome to see on your glowing face CREATE a fresh face look by adding a pop of colour to your skin with MaxFactor’s very own creamy blush.

MaxFactor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush is designed to bring fresh dew to cheeks. It glides on easily, and leaves cheeks with a subtle hint of colour, ideal for a fresh spring/summer look.

This cream blush is a softly pigmented, nongreasy creamy formula that transforms at the touch, blending easily and evenly over skin.

The result is a sheer blush of colour across the cheeks, giving a fresh, natural glow, which can be built up easily for a more dramatic evening look.

Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush is available nationwide in four shades – Soft Copper, Soft Murano, Soft Candy and Soft Pink – and are priced at €10.79 RRP each.

5 April 2012 GAZETTE 17

18 GAZETTE 5 April 2012

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods A household charge for our homes, sky-rocketing petrol prices for our cars...and now our musical ears are getting a bashing.

Sonisphere 2012 in the UK was billed to be the rockingest yet, with headliners Queen (with Adam Lambert) being joined by Kiss, Faith No More and The Darkness.

Then last week, organisers literally pulled the plug saying the “challenging year was more difficult than anticipated”, which presumably translates to spiralling costs outweighing poor ticket sales.

With Glastonbury on a year’s break and Oxegen taking a breather here, it’s a chilling thought that the future of the big music festival could be as unpredictable as an Irish summer.

With more music being sold over cyberspace than in shops, is it possible that promoters in the already-strained music industry are bowing out of staging huge, outdoor gigs?

Could we be telling our wide-eyed grandchildren legendary tales of overpriced burgers, wearing shorts in the rain and paying hundreds of Euro to sleep in a mucky field with thousands of fellow music fanatics - just for the love of music?

I hope not, that’s something everyone should get to experience for themselves.

Although we have to look at the plastic glass as being half full, 2012 does have Electric Picnic in Stradbally (The Cure, The Killers), the Rory GallagherTribute Festival in Ballyshannon (Horslips, Mick Taylor) and The Sea Sessions in Bundoran (Happy Mondays, Kaiser Chiefs) to name but a few.

Or if a mucky field doesn’t do it for you, what about partying with some Easter bunnies on dry land? Listen to Radio Nova this week for your chance to win a trip to the Playboy Mansion’s Rock n Roll Fantasy Party with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler in May. Listen to Dee Woods from Radio Nova every weeknight from 7pm to 12am on 100.3FM

REVIEW: THREE DIVERSE RELEASES AHEAD OF THE BREAK

Magic number for preEaster goodies I ROB HEIGH

LIKE a candy store display, there are far too many goodies on offer in the music scene at the moment. So, which are the fun-filled Easter eggs and which are the empty vessels?

First up is the return of trance-dance duo, Orbital, with their first album since 2004, Wonky.

The record represents their first recorded work since their return to the live arena in 2009 after their retirement from the business after the Blue Album in 2004. Their revival showed how much they had been missed, as festival-goers and fans flocked to their appearances, and now, eight years since their last release, they have returned with Wonky.

Orbital always demonstrated a more considered approach to their recorded output and live shows in comparison to the more Pavlovian mechanics of

stadium house acts like Chemical Brothers, and that’s a trend they continue on Wonky.

There are some fine grooves on offer here, certainly, but they are inlaid within Orbital’s acid-inf lected melodies and electronic riffs that show old habits die hard — one foot remains in the chill-out space, one on the dancefloor, but the headlights are still firmly aimed at the stars.

Next out of the shiny wrapper is Noctourniquet, the sixth album from The Mars Volta, the band, who rose from the ashes of one of the most influential and thrilling bands of the last 15 years, At The Drive In. With ATDI’s Omar and Cedric driving the creative agenda, and with the diversity of the ideas, soundscapes and melodies colliding, Noctourniquet is the sound of a million ideas colliding all at once.

This isn’t rock as you

Orbital, Estelle and The Mars Volta make for an eclectic trio

know it, it’s not punk, it is completely its own beast and what a magnificent, prickly and involving beast it is.

Listening to all of The Mars Volta’s records over the years has been a challenge, but an enduringly rewarding one for those who can stay the distance and appreciate the nuance and intelligence at play.

There truly is very little out there that makes its mark on you like Mars Volta, and, given the time and the inclination, you will thoroughly

appreciate the craft at play in Noctourniquet.

Finally, Estelle, the American Boy singer who has divided her time in recent years between Brooklyn and her home town of London, and has made some impressive appearances of recent times, showcasing her silky vocals with The Roots and John Legend at venues across America.

All Of Me, her latest release, demonstrates all of the cross-Atlantic influences at play in her career, and is as smooth

a piece of pop-soul as you are likely to hear this year.

It also features more mature and intelligent lyrics than this genre usually displays, with Estelle obvioulsy drawing on the personal and social consciousness displayed by the likes of The Roots in their music.

This is a classy piece of work that demonstrates Estelle’s talents as a writer and as a savvy and adept listener to the trends and styles that best suit her skills

5 April 2012 GAZETTE 19

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Anthony Carmody, partner at Carmody Moran Solicitors

Taking stress out of Courts ANTHONY Carmody is a partner in Carmody Moran solicitors, one the fastest-growing legal firms in West Dublin. Having merged Carmody & Co with Moran Solicitors, the Carmody Moran mix is gaining a strong reputation. Anthony brings a wealth of expertise to the practice, having previously worked in one of the big top-10 Dublin law firms, as well as a niche defence law firm. Anthony was keen to establish a general legal practice specialising in the area of court disputes with Q: What was your first job?

A: At 16 I ran away to sea and was a steward on the ferry to France

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: IR£71 per week Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: A steward on the ferry to France on a rough sailing… you can probably imagine the cleaning jobs

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: I started my apprenticeship as a solicitor on February 5, 1996

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: When people have to access

the expertise to offer clients a cost-effective legal service that aims to simplify the traumatic experience of taking a case through the courts.

This week, he spoke to the Gazette about the challenges his clients face. Anthony says he has “no typical day and feels strongly that he can help his clients by advocating on their behalf and advising them when tackling the challenges that result from road traffic accidents, employment claims, etc”. He says: “One

legal advice they can be often quite intimated, so when you get working with them and explain the process and seeing them relax working with me, that’s a great part of the job

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

A: Setting up my own practice,

day I can be securing a client a divorce and the next day I’m in the High Court on a personal injury action.”

He goes on to say: “The most rewarding part of my job is getting my clients the results they deserve and that, while I cannot turn back the clock for them, it is always great to obtain a just and fair outcome.”

Carmody Moran solicitors have offices in Dublin 15 and Dublin 7. To find out more, visit www.carmodymoran.ie or telephone 01 827 2888.

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

A: I’m not a complete nerd Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Rugby and soccer, in particular Sligo Rovers

Q: What sport can you play?

A: I have played every sport going

which now employs six of us

and was equally useless at each one

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

A: Not anywhere near enough; I’m

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: Smoking… if only I could turn

very hands-on in work

the clock back to 1989!

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

A: A few empty coffee cups

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

A: Continuing to build up our

practice that people come to when they wish to get solid, affordable and realistic legal advice and building on our reputation for putting clients first.

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

A: Eurovision – it’s the worst and the best thing on TV

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Outdoors somewhere with my

Solicitor Anthony Carmody

Inc. back to work.

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: Bookshops or HMV Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Up in the mountains somewhere with my wife and baby son getting away from it all

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: I don’t think that there is any-

wife, family and friends

thing else I would want to do or could do as well as what I’m doing,

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

A: Enda Kenny, as I’d love to know

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

A: I don’t think that I will ever

what his plans are to get Ireland

retire

20 GAZETTE 5 April 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs New M-Class set for Irish release WITHIN the coming weeks, Mercedes-Benz will introduce the second of three new models planned for release in Ireland this year - their new third-generation M-Class sports utility vehicle.

The M-Class links a strong off-road heritage to the comfort of a luxury premium saloon. In appearance, it has been given a more defined, forceful look with the introduction of new headlamps and grille and centrally mounted three-pointed star.

Improvements include a more spacious and comfortable interior with more elbow room, a new dashboard and upholstery and a raft of standard and optional infotainment systems.

The M-Class is powered by an all-new line-up of engines - one petrol and two diesel units. In Ireland, the version most likely to appeal is the 204bhp ML250 CDI BlueTEC 4-MATIC selling at €71,060 ex works with road tax of just €481.

Notable features of the new M-Class include a new on/off road package that provides six transmission modes, depending on road conditions. Air suspension, anti roll stabilisation, adaptive damping that moves from firm to soft, electric steering and a tightest-in-its-segment turning circle combine to boost driving pleasure.

The new Mercedes-Benz M-Class

TomTom app hits tablets: TomTom has released an updated version of its WEBFLEET Mobile fleet management app, extending use to tablets and making fleet management more accessible for managers on the move.

WEBFLEET® Mobile is designed to give businesses the flexibility needed to inform customers at all times and operate an efficient vehicle fleet and workforce.

New functionality allows users to view details for all current

orders, manage workflow and meet service agreements.

New jobs can be sent straight from the smart phone or tablet to a field workers’ TomTom PRO device, providing them with all critical information about the job.

WEBFLEET Mobile displays an accurate time of arrival, which can be used to inform the customer.

The new version also displays tracks for selected trips by date and vehicle. It is available in app stores for TomTom’s 15,000 business customers.

Done deal: Renault join Dubs for 2012 season DUBLIN football star, Bernard Brogan, is joined by local schoolkids Jack Murray, Roisin Gregory Cox, Mikey O’Driscoll and Molly Fitzgerald. The group got together this week to celebrate the launch of an official car partnership between Renault Ireland and the Dublin Gaelic Football Team.

Renault will partner the All-Ireland Football Champions for 2012, a partnership that will see a number of players driving new Renault models. Players Denis Bastick, Kevin Nolan, Barry Cahill, Michael Dara

MacAuley, Eoghan O’Gara, Alan Brogan and Bernard Brogan took to the pitch at Parnell Park, home of the Dubs, with Renault managing director Eric Basset.

Commenting on the deal, Mr Basset said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with the Dublin football team today and we believe it’s a great natural fit as we share the same values - hard work, performance, challenge, and dedication. In 2012 Renault and Dublin GAA will have to continue to perform based on the good 2011 results, so we’re in it together!”

Dublin fully charged for 2012 EV Summit DUBLIN is to host Fully Charged 2012,an international Electric Vehicle (EV) Summit that is taking place on July 11, 2012, in the Convention Centre.

T h i s o n e - d ay E V conference and exhibition will bring together thought leaders and policy makers from Europe, US and China as well as other experts at the cutting edge of EV technology. International executives from IBM, Nissan, Renault, Siemens, International Energy Agency will share their knowledge, latest research results and expert views

about this dynamic and emerging industry.

A panel discussion with those responsible for ecar programmes in Estonia, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands and UK will provide delegates with an insight into the business models, consumer uptake and challenges of EV adoption.

In addition, first year results from Green eMotion, the EU funded transport research project with a budget of €42 million, will be discussed.

A range of electric cars and related EV products and solutions will be on display. A number of Irish

Dervla O’Flaherty, ESB ecars, and Reg Plunkett, owner of the 1899 Sperry Cleveland vintage electic car

small and medium enterprises, who have invested in developing a range of innovative products/ services for the EV market, will be showcased using the umbrella Ecar Ireland brand.

These world-class solutions, supported by Enter-

prise Ireland, have been proven in the Irish market and are being actively marketed internationally.

All participating exhibitors to date are listed at www.fullycharged2012. com/exhibition.html There will also be an Ecar Test Drive Zone,

whereby members of the public will also have the opportunity to test drive electric vehicles in Dublin city on the same day.

Interested parties should register online @ www. fullycharged2012.com Fully Charged 2012 is a satellite event of the prestigious Euroscience Open Forum (ESOF 2012) which is one of the highlight events of Dublin, City of Science 2012.

A discount delegate fee is offered to those who wish to attend both events.

Registration for one or both of these events is available online: www. fullycharged2012.com.

5 April 2012 GAZETTE 21

Edited by Cormac Curtis

RoadSigns Road Signs

LONG-AWAITED KIA OPTIMA SET FOR ARRIVAL:

Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director, Ford Ireland, and Mark Anderson, director of Titanic 100 Cobh project, at the handover of two specially liveried Ford

Ford getting on board ORD Ireland has become a partner of the Titanic 100 Cobh 2012 centenary project, with the provision of a pair of specially liveried new Galaxy models that will be used during the yearlong commemoration.

Cobh (or Queenstown as it was known then) was the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic on April 11, 1912, when 123 passengers boarded the ship before it put out into

F

the Atlantic ocean. Three days later, the “unsinkable” ship sank following a collision with an iceberg in the north Atlantic.

Tragedy To commemorate the visit of the Titanic to Cobh and the terrible tragedy, the Titanic 100 Cobh project has been set up and will run a packed agenda of events throughout 2012.

According to Marc Anderson, Director of the

Titanic 100 Cobh project: “Cobh will be buzzing during 2012 as we commemorate this important part of the town’s, and Cork harbour’s history.

We are delighted with Ford’s support and, as the centenary date in April approaches, the two Galaxy vehicles will be very busy. But the activity doesn’t end there because, into the summer and beyond, our programme of events means that the cars will

be familiar sights on the roads around Cobh and its environs right until the end of the year.”

Eddie Murphy, chairman and managing director of Ford Ireland, said: “The Titanic is an important part of Cobh and Cork’s history so it is fitting for Ford, with our historical Cork roots, to be involved in the Titanic 100 Cobh project. In addition to providing these vehicles for use during the year, we are

also sponsoring a novel Titanic-themed short film competition for budding film-makers.”

Inspired Entitled 8 Minutes: The Ford Short Film Competition, Entrants are invited to produce an eight-minute short film inspired by one of the themes of Titanic. Twelve finalists will be given the opportunity to showcase their work to the wider film industry and the gen-

eral public at a great family evening out at Fota House Cobh on Saturday June 9th. On the night, one overall winner will be chosen and will receive the use of a Ford Fiesta for a year, fully fuelled, taxed and insured. Visit w w w.8minutes.ie for more information.

More information in relation to the Titanic 100 Cobh 2012 project and the range of events planned can be accessed at www.titanic100.ie.

Dublin winner in the latest The Care Trust fundraiser DEIRDRE Ni Dhonaill, of Rathfarnham, and Susan Banks, of Kilnamanagh, were each the lucky the winner of a Ford Fiesta in The Care Trust’s latest fundraising draw which, as Ireland’s biggest car giveaway, will see 36 cars up for grabs in 2012.

Commenting on her win, Susan said: “I am really thrilled to win a Fiesta in The Care Trust draw - I really love the sporty look of the car. It couldn’t have come at a better time for me as I had been looking around to replace my eight-year-old car and now I can’t wait to get behind the wheel.”

Gaeilgeoir Deirdre was also delighted with the win: “Ta me an-sasta leis an Fiesta nua – is carr alainn e”. Deirdre’s sons will benefit from the win too as she will give them her old car now that she has a sparkling new Fiesta for herself.

Winners The Care Trust’s prize draws take place three times per month with all winners notified by post. For €3.50 per week / €15 per month, contributors are eligible for all draws. For more information, see www.thecaretrust.ie or phone (01) 200 0060.

Phil Reid, of The Care Trust, presents the keys for a new Fiesta to Susan Banks and Deirdre Ni Dhonaill, while Aidan Kane, of Rathfarnham Ford, looks on

THE Optima Kia’s long-awaited new D segment saloon will arrive in dealerships throughout Ireland in the coming two weeks. The Optima, which has won numerous design awards, is an all-new car from the ground up. Longer, lower, wider and with an extended wheelbase compared to previous D-segment offerings from Kia, the new sedan embodies what Kia’s chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, calls “a bold, athletic and visual sporting energy”.

Welcoming the announcement, Kia Motors Ireland MD James Brooks said: “Having being largely absent in recent years from this important segment of the market we are delighted to be back with this very attractive sedan.”

22 GAZETTE 5 April 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel A wonderful place to take a well-Erned relaxing trip Strokestown Park offers an Easter treat for families, with fun, eggs, music and puppets

VISIT Strokestown Park, Co. Roscommon, this Easter Sunday and enjoy an action-packed day of Family Fun in the Park’s idyllic six-acre walled gardens.

The Park will be open from 12 noon to 6pm on the day with a whole host of activities and entertainment available for children to enjoy.

For an entry fee of just €10 per child (admission is free for adults accompanying children) guests can enjoy a great array of fun activities and entertainment, including live puppet shows which will be performed by Conor Lambert’s Custard Pie Puppet Company, face-painting, bouncing castles, craft workshops, which are being presented by the Eco Envolve Team and includes both individual and group craft activities.

There will also be a live musical performance

by Eileen O’Toole, an exciting Easter Egg Hunt and unlimited access to the Park’s stunning gardens The Strokestown Park Woodland Walk Cafe will be open all day on Easter Sunday and special lunch rates will be available, with separate menus for kiddies and adults, for just €5 and €10, respectively.

Pre-booking is advisable, so secure your tickets today.

Tickets are available online at www.strokestownpark.ie or by phone at 071 9633013.

Enjoy a relaxing weekend close to home with the Ballsbridge Hotel ENJOY your next weekend break in Dublin with a special offer package at Dublin’s Ballsbridge Hotel and Berkeley Court Hotel. Both will be offering phenomenal deals this spring to brighten your next Dublin excursion.

The Dublin Sightseeing Package at Ballsbridge Hotel, starts at only €55 per person sharing, which includes an overnight stay and a delectable Full Irish Breakfast. Explore the many sights and attractions the city has to offer with tickets for the Dublin City Sightseeing tour also included.

Packages are subject to availability so early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. To make a booking visit www.ballsbridgehotel.com and www.berkeleycourthotel.com.

BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

THE Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen is a golfcentred hotel with full course and a training academy both designed

by Nick Faldo.

Perched on the edge of Lough Erne in Fermanagh, the hotel has an impressive pedigree, with the awards to match.

Indeed, it was the first AA and Northern Ireland Tourist Board five-star hotel in Northern Ireland, and was awarded the title of Best Hotel at the 2011 Northern Ireland Tourism Awards.

T he beautiful setting and sumptuous hotel are not the most impressive things about the Lough Erne Resort, however.

They are merely the surface layer of an exquisite resort.

The golf course is now world-famous as it was Nick Faldo’s first Irish creation.

The course is a real treat for avid golfers and non-golfers alike as it offers a real mix of golfing styles.

It meanders around Castle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne and the holes vary from pine-lined and heathland.

There are a lot of

water features on the course too, which only adds to its interest and diversity.

Along with the magnificent views of the grand lake and the beautiful hotel, the experience of playing on the course is a multilayered sensory delight.

Lough Erne Resort

guests and participates freely with whatever event is ongoing at the resort.

Another very novel feature of the resort is the Faldo Academy.

This is a state-of-theart facility for improving your golfing skills by practising with the assistance and guid-

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

‘So, if you are a seasoned golfer, or a complete novice, the course and academy are a wonderful way to have great craic whilst improving or learning the game’

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

won Golf Resor t of the Year from the Irish Golf Tourism Operators Association in 2010.

T he Resor t effor tlessly marries old world charm and up-to-date luxury.

It is set on its very own 600-acre penins u l a , b e t we e n C a s tle Hume Lough and Lower Lough Erne, just outside Enniskillen.

A Master at work Rory McIlroy is the touring professional of Lough Erne resort and has a house on the course in the golfer’s village.

When McIlroy visits the resort he often leads golf clinics for the

ance of the hotel’s resident golf pro, the expert Lynn McCool.

Lynn had a highly successful amateur career and won many titles throughout Ireland.

She then won a golf scholarship at the University of Hawaii before embarking on a four-year training programme at The Belfry.

She is a very adept and straight-talking instructor and believes that keeping things simple is the best way to improve a golfer’s form.

“Sir Nick Faldo was the most straightfor ward and simple instructor I’ve ever come

across and if you practise the stance, grip and swing I show you, you can play on any course in the world effectively,” she informed me before tee-off.

A Beginners look McCool is equally good at instr ucting beginners, of which I was one.

She tells you in very basic terms and by showing you your alignment and swing on the s c r e e n , h ow e a s i l y you can improve your game.

The Faldo Academy is an indoor structure that leads on to an outdoor green where your swing, trajectory, distance and other technical skills can be monitored and tracked by a computer programme and equipment housed in the academy.

Lough Erne houses the first Faldo Academy in Europe and, according to the man himself, through these academies, “we aspire to achieve the very best in all that we do”.

Revolutionary Lough Erne claims that the Faldo Academies have revolutionised the way in which golf instr uction and practise facilities are being viewed.

The beautiful jetty at

It has been designed with golfers in mind and all of the staff at the facility assist golfers to replicate the shots that they will experience on the golf course.

So, if you are a seasoned golfer, or a complete novice, the course and academy are a wonderful way to have great craic whilst improving or learning the game.

Another facility at the Lough Erne Resort is the Thai Spa. This spa and thermal suite offers a truly authentic experience in the art of relaxation and Thai massage. From the moment you enter the spa you are taken in hand and led through a series of relaxing experiences, from head massage to foot massage, and everything in between.

I had the back, neck and shoulder massage

5 April 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs

Killiney’s landmark Fitzpatrick Castle is fit for a King, and Queen, this Easter weekend

Lough Erne Resort in Enniskillen at dusk is a highlight of any stay, as trips to the Catalina Restaurant (top) and infinity pool (bottom)

as well as the head massage.

T he dexterity and power of the delicate Thai girl working on me was quite remarkable.

She was a true master of the art of massage and I was very revived and relaxed on leaving the suite.

Dinner was ser ved in the hotel’s Catalina Restaurant where the cuisine was of the highest quality.

Ever y thing on the menu, from vegetarian meals to a seafood selection and fowl, like quail and duck, were locally sourced.

All of the bread, too, which was some of the most exotic I’ve ever had, (curry for instance) we r e b a ke d o n t h e premises.

I had the hake on a bed of lentils with a great sauce and the most debauched choc-

olate dessert of three different creative incarnations.

In all the whole experience at the Lough Erne Resort was a very good one.

The staff is highly attentive and accommodating and all of the facilities, from the golf course to the spa and the dining, was absolutely above par.

Escape for an overnight retreat with dinner in the award-winning Catalina Restaurant, a restful night’s sleep followed by the very best of Irish breakfasts.

For more information on this fabulous resort, log on to www.lougherneresort.comor call the reception on 048 6632 3230 The Lough Erne Spring retreat costs from £89.50 per person, based on two persons sharing.

WITH the Easter break fast approaching now is the time to think about booking a break with family or friends, and Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, have a great selection of great value packages now available with something to suit everyone.

Enjoy an Easter break the whole family can enjoy with the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel Family Package. The package includes a two-night break for up to a family of five with breakfast each morning and dinner on one evening and a third night’s B&B absolutely free! Its also never been easier to entertain the children this Easter with Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel’s Kids Club, which will run Saturday, April 7 and Sunday, April 8 from 7pm to 10pm – perfect for giving mum and dad the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing dinner. On Easter Sunday morning, from 10.30am, a special Easter Egg Hunt will take place with the Easter Bunny leaving lots of delicious Easter eggs for children to find throughout the Castle.

The Family package is available from just €205 per adult for a midweek break, and €240 per adult for a weekend break.

Fancy an Easter break with friends? Then why not try the Spring Midweek Special from Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel. From just €145 pps (based on two sharing) you can enjoy a twonight break with breakfast each morning, dinner on one evening of your choice and scrumptious afternoon tea for two as an extra treat for you to enjoy during your stay.

Or why not enjoy a longer getaway with the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel Spring 3 for 2 Offer.

This package includes two nights B&B, with dinner one evening, complimentary wine and chocolates in your room to enjoy upon arrival and a third’s night stay with breakfast absolutely free. This great-value package is available for just €175pps for a mid-week break and €195pps for a weekend break (based on two sharing).

All Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel guests can enjoy full use of the hotel’s extensive leisure facilities as well as free WIFI and car parking.

To make a booking contact the reservations team on (01) 2305556 or email: reservations@fitzpatricks.com

24 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5 April 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Baglady

FRANK McGuinness’s rarely-performed play has an extra poignancy in the current economic climate, given the social exclusion that some citizens continue to face. Here, True West, in association with Eska Riada, take a “baglady” (as memorably played by Maria McDermottroe) – someone you might walk past in the street – and reveal the person inside, stripping away the layers of alienation to find the isolated woman inside. Catch this moving play at 8pm on Thursday, April 5, with tickets costing €15/€13.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Faulty Towers Dining Experience DISCERNING diners are cordially invited to attend Basil and Sybil Fawlty’s upcoming special Easter three-course meal at The Mill, with fine fare provided by Roly Saul’s restaurant.

Basil, and his loving wife, Sybil, will be ably assisted by Manuel – one of Barcelona’s finest waiters – to ensure the evening runs perfectly smoothly, and without any possible chance of mishap or mayhem whatsoever. Your Fawlty evening can be enjoyed on Saturday, April 4, with the price for the three-course meal, and Basil’s attention, set at €45.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 885 2622 The Playboy of the Western World PRESENTED by Loose End Studio, and performed by the ITT Dublin Drama Society, the classic Irish play by JM Synge gets a fresh approach in this upcoming production.

Still striking a contemporary note with modern audiences, the secrets of a small Mayo townland will be revealed when wedding plans are interrupted, as Christy Mahon’s arrival will upset Pegeen Mike’s plans ... Catch Playboy nightly at 8.15pm from Wednesday, April 11 to Saturday, April 14; tickets priced €10/€7 conc.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Easter Integrated Dance Project CROI Clan, a professional contemporary dance company based in Cork, invites both disabled and non-disabled dancers, aged between 13-18 years, to participate in this exciting and dynamic week-long project, which celebrates and encourages dance diversity. The week will conclude with a dance piece set in a professional show in Draiocht’s studio space. The free project will run from Tuesday, April 10 to Saturday, April 14. If interested to participate, email sarah@draiocht.ie or telephone 01 809 8029.

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It could be something of a tall order for Snow White to thwart Queen Clementianna’s plans to marry a rich young prince but, thanks to this rather unlikely band of brigands she falls in with in the forest, she’s ready to face the challenge

Not a Grimm story It’s Snow joke to say that director, Singh, has struck the right note with an upbeat reboot of the classic fairytale I KATE CROWLEY

UNFORTUNATELY, The Gazette does not employ yours truly as its political correspondant, meaning that, alas, my dear readers are spared my thoughts on a number of pressing issues of the day.

Yes, that’s right, you’ll both have to only guess what I might have to say on such matters as the Mahon Report, Bertie, the €100 Household Charge, the Troika, and so on. Why, it’s all enough to make a gal wish for an escape into a fantasy land.

And, oh, look, here comes one now!

Presented in the cinema style du jour, Mirror Mirror is a reimagining, reboot (or rehash) of Grimm’s old tale, rejinked for modern audiences.

(Yes, yes, very good – it’s Snow White’s tale, with added glitz, polished CG effects, knowing asides, and so on.)

FILM OF THE WEEK: Mirror Mirror #### (PG) 106 mins Director: Tarsem Singh Starring: Julia Roberts, Lily Collins, Armie Hammer, Nathan Lane, blink-and-you’ll-miss-him Sean Bean, and seven rogues

OUR VERDICT: FORGET anything to do with whiney vampires, woeful werewolves and angsty moaning that would make Kevin The Teenager look good by comparison – this slice of pure fantasy is an amusing, upbeat slice of family fun, with Roberts’ gamely knowing portrayal of a youth- and beauty-obsessed queen adding another layer of deliciousness. For a fun, feisty fairytale, Mirror Mirror is certainly a film to reflect on ...

Not a million miles away from the classic fairytale, here, Snow White (Lily Collins) is a lovely lass, living in Ye Olde Kingdome under the tender, motherly ministrations of the Queen (Julia Roberts, right).

That’s “tender” as in “pretty insecure and increasingly jealous of Snow, and ready to get rid of the girl once she’s old enough to scupper her plans to marry the next passing rich young prince and thus stabilise her broke kingdom’s finances and bag herself a toy-boy in the process,” folks.

Enter the Prince (Armie Hammer) who, as fairytale luck would have it, falls for the girl, not the queen.

If Queenie’s going to have any chance of blagging her man – and his money – S n ow ’s gotta go, and so it’s not long before a certain someo n e ’s b e e n sent on a onew a y

trip to the forest, where people tend to have a habit of not returning from.

Of course, as the tale is better known by another well-known title, rather than “SnowWhite and the Hungry Forest Monster that Ate her for Lunch”, Snow soon runs into a group of bandits, of sorts, who’re small in stature but can stand shoulder-toshoulder with any soldiers in the kingdom, such are their impressive fighting skills (and, err, occasional use of stilt-legs).

Beautiful, feisty and strong-willed Snow (and, thank God, not oooh-angsty like too many young female leads have been in several films lately) enlists the help of her seven new friends to square up to

the tall order of reclaiming her rightful place in the kingdom, thwarting the Queen’s plans, and – duh – netting the Prince, and getting the fairytale ending that everyone expects.

But the Queen may have other ideas, once she learns that Snow is still alive ...

Camply colourful and upbeat, it’s a film that’s full of great design and striking vistas, with amusing turns from several of its leading and supporting stars, such as seasoned ham, Nathan Lane, while there’s a fun frisson to the Queen’s/Roberts’ obsession with fading beauty.

Mirror, mirror, on the wall ... who’s the sharpest critic of all? What’s that you say? Meeee? Why, thank you! Upon reflection, there’ll be extra Pledge for you this week, my polished sidekick ...

Startled to learn Snow lives ... Queen Clementianna (Julia Roberts)

5 April 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces True out-of-this world marketing

Whether standing at the gleaming entrance to the flagship store on Fifth Avenue (above), or passing by a billboard in a corner of Chinatown (right), Apple have significant branding around New York – a stark contrast to Dublin, where the company has little comparable presence. Pictures: Shane Dillon

A tale of two cities SHANE DILLON

THIS may sound like something of a grand statement, but I was at Apple’s flagship store on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Central Park, in Manhattan, just last week, as well as at a number of other key game and technology outlets all around the island.

All just part of a routine holiday, but it was pretty interesting to note the very different approaches, and

interest in, gaming and tech between the two distant, and disparate, capital cities (on paper, at least, if not by legislation).

Firstly, my condolences to the GAME staff at a number of locations around Dublin, given last week’s well-publicised abrupt closure of the Republic of Ireland wing of the games retailer.

Although I’d written here previously about the ailing chain’s difficulties, it’s regrettable that what

many business, gaming and technology followers had half expected would indeed come to pass, and that the company would enter administration, with GAME’s outlets in the Republic being closed, while those in the North, and Britain, continued trading.

Like other interested parties, I’d been on a deathwatch, of sorts, while in Manhattan, as gloomy business headlines indicated what was

Anotherweebyte...

Feeling The Force of some great promotional ideass IN MY main piece, above, I briefly touched upon how games stores in Ireland never quite market themselves very well, by comparison to their peerss that I’ve seen elsewhere.

However, games companies are much more savvy about great marketing, as Microsoft proved when it enlisted the intergalactic tin can hero, R2-D2 (with human friend, Craig Sutton) to help launch Kinect Star Wars in Ireland recently, which was released on April 3. nect title, which It was a great way to publicise the latest top Kinect is one of the year’s most anticipated titles for Kinect, XBox 360 and Star Wars fans alike, letting fans jump straight into the action, using Kinect to engage with the Star Wars universe in a wide variety of key settings, light sabres at the ready.

It shouldn’t be hard to Force any Star Wars fan to pick this one up ...

coming, as looming rent payments, and other costs, seemed impossible for the chain to meet.

What a contrast between the sight of nearly deserted games stores and technology sections in Dublin – for all retailers, I hasten to add – and that of the many such similar retailers in Manhattan.

Eve n c o n s i d e r i n g the vast differences in economies in scale and populations, I saw much busier shops (or “stores”, for our American friends) around New York than to be seen here at home, or, indeed, in London, where I was also on a similar ITrrelated stroll around last weekend. w Back Stateside, and, whether in bustling flagw sship stores or much ssmaller independent rretailers, I was impressed by the engaging displays, b and a much better, handsa on approach to displayo iing the latest (and recent, iinteresting) titles than I have seen for several years here in Dublin.

Even better, the swamp of second-hand titles –

which did much to add to GAME’s difficulties, as well as to HMV’s equally ailing section, in my opinion – was not as prevalant, giving a much wider range of recent stock .

With GAME now gone, what does the future hold for games retailers in Ireland? If I were to shake a Magic 8-Ball app beside me, it would probably answer: “The future is unclear” ...

With the loss of GAME in the Republic – with staff members’ sit-ins making news around the world, I noted, in the relevant gaming/tech press – there’s a sudden loss of a key games retailer, further reducing choice for Dublin (and Irish) consumers.

Presumably, that’s good news for the few remaining chains and online distributors (major supermarkets still present extremely limited choice, so I discount them), but, given the stale state of the market, and how games are marketed in Dublin, at least, I hope they can continue playing ...

SPEAKING of marketing – well, it’s a fairly broad theme that I’ve chosen for this week’s page – Roxio, makers of the infamous Angry Birds series, came up with an out-of-this-world idea for the latest instalment in the smashhit franchise, Angry Birds Space.

Seeing as this series is likely to send some readers into an angry rage, such is its love/hate appeal, rather than delve into the game – widely available at a unmber of sources, and which Roxio are hoping will make the franchise the first game series past the one-billion download mark, as it’s somewhere around 800 million, at present – I’ll just say that getting NASA astronaut Dave Pettit (above) to demonstrate the principles of Angry Birds – while in gravity-free orbit on board the International Space Station – was, perhaps, not Mankind’s greatest scientific moment, but a pretty fun way of looking into the principles of the series, as well as some inspired marketing.

Dave’s scientific discussion of how angry birds could attack greedy green pigs, using the principles of velocity, can easily be found on YouTube.

GAZETTE

26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5 April 2012

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5 April 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

STARS FOR MARCH

This month’s Dublin Sports Awards winners are announced: Page 29

CHARITY: IRISH CRICKETERS GIVE BACKING TO CAMARA’S 10K EVENT IN SANDYMOUNT

Batting for the betterment of Irish schools sport@gazettegroup.com

TWO members of Ireland’s World Cup cricket team, Trent Johnston and Max Sorensen, were on hand recently to support the launch of Camara Education’s 10K r un, which will take place along Sandymount Strand on Saturday, May 26.

T h e a n n u a l c h a rity 10K Run, now in its third year will raise vital funds for Camara Edu-

cation’s Irish School’s Programme, which aims to supply 65 Irish schools with 1,300 computers and train 300 school teachers in ICT in 2012.

Every €5 that is raised will help another child in a disadvantaged area gain access to ICT, making it easier for them to reach their employment potential and build a better future.

The run is open to all ages and abilities and

you can walk, jog or run. The race will commence on the Promenade, Strand Road at 9am shar p, with the course stretching around Sean Moore Park and the Irishtown Nature Reserve providing scenic views of Dublin Bay for entrants.

Camara Education is an Irish charity and social enterprise dedicated to using technology to deliver a more effective education to

Trent Johnston and Max Sorensen from the Irish cricket team, with Killian Byrne, launch the 10k race

disadvantaged children in Ireland, Africa and Jamaica.

Camara Education’s CEO, John Fitzsimons said: “It’s a great opportunity to get some exercise and help Camara deliver e-learning opportunities to some of

the most disadvantaged schools in Ireland.

“Last year’s event was a huge success, and we are on track again this year for a big turnout.

It is geared toward everybody, young and old, and is a great family day out and also a good pre-

mini-marathon run.”

Johnston added: “The education that Camara provide with the computers is of utmost priority. It’s an amazing job they do.”

Along with trophies for the winners and gold medals for all, partici-

pants can also choose to fundraise for the event with prizes being awarded to the top ten fundraisers.

Register now at www. camara.ie, and avail of the special early bird registration fee of €15 until April 11.

28 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5 April 2012

GazetteSport Sport

Cillian Millihan, Abbey Nova and Ciara Whealan

Paul, Evan and Ruby Swayne were all smiles

Lorcan, Cillian and Fionn O’Dunaigh

GAA-a-thon Towers run celebration at Monastery Grassroot teams being put through their paces. Pictures: Ian Fleming

UNDREDS of children and teenagers from Round Tower GAA club spent a day playing Gaelic games to raise money for the club.

The club’s first GAA-a-thon took place at the club’s new all-weather playing pitches on Monastery Road, and saw boys and girls from the club’s juvenile section.

All of the club’s juvenile teams participated on the day and played football, hurling and camogie with fundraising for the club very much in mind.

A great day’s fun and sport was enjoyed by all who came along to participate and support the players who took to the field.

The club wish to pass on their thanks to all who helped with the juvenile section GAA-a-thon.

H

Juvenile chairperson Catherine Moran with Noel Kelly

Round Tower GAA Club’s Under-8s

5 April 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29

in association with

2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - MARCH WINNERS

FastSport

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

# STARof the MONTH

# TEAMof the MONTH

APRIL showers? Let’s hope not!

But the stars continue to rain from the sky here in Dublin, and March’s winners are a soccer double-bill that shows the talent on offer across the city in the underage levels.

Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the

DAN CASEY ST JOSEPH’S Boys’ Casey is a star on the rise, his talents having seen him appear in Irish colours on several occasions in recent months. His trip to Qatar to play against the ASPIRE academy in late 2011 was a gateway to him getting his first international call against Belgium in Killarney. His selection was vindicated when he took the captain’s armband in the first match, and scored goals in both ties.

COLAISTE PHADRAIG MARCH was a memorable month for the Colaiste Phadraig first-year team, which claimed not only the Umbro FAI Schools’ Leinster Cup title after defeating Chanel College, but also their league title with victory against the same opponents. Their cup success, a 2-1 win in Arklow, was a well-deserved one, and they now progress to the All-Ireland semifinals in May.

Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance to be one of our monthly stars.

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

Ireland’s biggest kids’ race in Great Ireland Run THE SPAR Great Ireland Run, which will take place on Sunday, April 15, in Phoenix Park, will feature the largest-ever children’s run in Ireland.

Over 1,100 children between the ages of five and 15 have already entered the MiniRun and Junior Run events.

The Mini and Junior Runs take place over a flat 2.5km course, which uses the start and finish areas of the adult SPAR Great Ireland Run. An adult is allowed accompany a child running in the Mini Run. The Junior Run starts at 11.15am followed by the Mini Run at 11.30am.

Entries for the Mini and Junior Runs are still open at www.greatirelandrun.org.

Current Olympic champion at 5,000 and 10,000 metres, Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia, will lead off the main field in the SPAR Great Ireland Run at 1pm when up to 10,000 runners, joggers and walkers will enjoy the stunning beauty of the Phoenix Park as it celebrates its 350th birthday this year

30 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5 April 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

CRICKET: SCHOOL BLITZ A HUGE SUCCESS AT LEISURE CENTRE

Talent Team hold training event at Corkagh Park CORKAGH Park was the venue for Irish cycling’s third 2020 girl’s Talent Team training event last week, part of a series of camps that have been the squad’s preparation for the summer season of racing.

On the Clondalkin venue, with a challenging 1.1km circuit, the girls were able to practise their racing and biking skills in a safe environment.

This day was also used as part of a selection process to choose teams for forthcoming stage races, the first being held in Scotland over the Easter weekend.

Selectors for the day, former Female Development team coach, Gillian McDarby, and MTB Olympian, Jenny McCauley, were given a tough job after some great performances from the young riders.

Head development coach, Paddy Doran, put together a number of tasks that would test a good range of skills and fitness.

With help from junior coaches, Frank O’Leary and Joanna O’Shea, the scene was set for a very enjoyable and challenging day.

The first test of the day was a flying 100m sprint, followed by time-trial skills, and then a full 1.1km lap time-trial.

McDarby briefed the girls on some tactical options they should try to achieve.

However, Emily Birchall from the U-14s decided to take matters into her own hands, while Roisin Carter was also prepared to break clear of the group, and the duo forged ahead.

Working well together, they almost held off a chasing Leah Maunsell, to finish the race with Birchall second and Carter third.

They managed to finish ahead of Hayley Priestley, the first of the Under-16s, in fourth, with Rebecca Heaney fifth, and sixth going to Rachel Kaye Mellor.

While the day’s focus was on selecting teams, it was also about improving the girls’ skills and giving them an opportunity to compete in a girls only bunch and all the different dynamics that that throws up for them as opposed to competing in boys’ races.

The day was wrapped up with the presentation of the girls’ new leisure kit, sponsored

by Derek Webb of Sprintdesign.inc.

Students, teachers and coaches enjoyed a fine day of cricket at the Clondalkin Leisure Centre last week

Cricket comes to Clondalkin sport@gazettegroup.com

CRICKET made its debut at the annual South Dublin County Council Primary School Sports Blitz held last week at the Clondalkin Leisure Centre.

The sports blitz is held every year to raise awareness of the European Week Against Racism.

Fairness, equality and sportsmanship are the values that the day promotes and reinforces among the schoolchildren of the SDCC area.

All areas of the county, including Tallaght, Neilstown, Greenhills and Adamstown, were rep-

resented by the ten participating schools, each representing a different nation when they took to the crease.

The SDCC Cricket Development team had spent the previous two weeks in local schools delivering introductory cricket coaching sessions in each in order to make sure they they were wellprepared for the eagerly awaited event.

St Peter Apostle NS, Neilstown, who were representing the Czech Republic on the day, came out as winners after a fun and competitive day’s cricket.

They were presented

with the Mayor’s Cup by SDCC Mayor, Caitriona Jones.

St Peter’s BNS, Greenhills, representing Estonia, were also impressive, and their performance was credited as being down to the influence of their SDCC coach, Matt Lunson, who helped the children prepare for the event.

Matthew Reynolds of St Peter Apostle, Neilstown, was named as the Cricket Player of the Day, who showed great fielding and wicketkeeping skills that would have impressed Niall O’Brien.

The leading run-scorer

was Cian McHugh, of Talbot SNS, Bawnogue, who scored 24 from just four balls in one of his explosive stints at the crease.

Kenny Carroll, Nicky Kenny, Amy Kenealy and K ing’s Hospital Transition Year student, Ntinga Mpiko, made sure the tournament ran smoothly as they encouraged, coached, umpired and scored every student and every match for the duration of the event.

This blitz was the first day’s cricket of the year in the SDCC area, with much more cricket activity to look forward to. It was the first time many

of the schools had played the game and the pupils and teachers enjoyed it immensely, with many set to be receiving further coaching visits from the SDCC cricket development team in the coming months.

For more information about how to avail of the cricket coaching available to primary and secondary schools through SDCC, contact the community cricket development officer, Ken Carroll, on 087 275 7486 or at kennycarroll20@gmail. com. More information about the sport in the area can be obtained from irishcricket.org.

125 not out for Taylor in Dungarvan sport@gazettegroup.com

KATIE Taylor ran up two excellent wins in 24 hours last weekend over American lightweight Liz Leddy at a sold-out Dungarvan Sports Centre.

The world number one, who beat Leddy on a unanimous decision in Cork at the Silver Springs Hotel last Friday night, followed that up with another unanimous decision in

the main event of the Peter Crotty Memorial Tournament on Saturday evening.

Taylor’s wins against Leddy were her 124th and 125th victories of the Peamount United member’s career.

Louisiana-born Leddy, who boxes out of the Portland BC, took two standings counts in the third round, and a further standing count in the fourth and final round of Saturday’s

60kg clash.

Ten bouts were decided over the course of the Dungarvan BC-hosted show.

“It was a fantastic performance from Katie.

She was on top all the way through against a tough opponent,” said Gerry O’Mahony, president of the Munster Council and secretary of the Dungarvan Boxing Club. “ We ’r e d e l i g h t e d with the turnout for the

show, and the quality of boxing. It was a great night all round.”

The Dungarvan bouts were Taylor’s last outings before she travels to the AIBA World Women’s Championships and Olympic qualifiers in China in May. S h e n ow g o e s t o Kiev to join the Irish Elite squad in training camp in the lead-up to the international elite event.

Katie Taylor

5 April 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31

in association with

HURLING: MINORS DENIED VICTORY IN LAST MINUTE

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ROUND TOWERS MEMBERSHIP is now overdue. Discount

who were the three €100 winners.

on club cards will be cut for those who

Next week’s jackpot is €6,600.

have not renewed. Renewal forms

Come along and join us in cele-

are available on the club website or in

bration as the senior ladies’ foot-

reception in the clubrooms.

ball championship presentation

Many thanks to all who helped

night on Saturday, April 14, in the

with the juvenile section GAA-a-

Round Tower GAA clubrooms for

thon last Sunday.

what promises to be a great nigh.

In league action, the inter hurl-

A three-course sit-down meal and

ers were beaten by Parnell’s, while

music by FitzaFrenic, along with

the minor footballers won against

the presentation of medals to the

Fingallians. The junior A footballers

Intermediate Championship-win-

were defeated by Ballinteer, with

ning panel, followed by dancing,

the junior B team winning against

and tickets are priced at just €20.

St Peregrine’s.

Tickets can be purchased from Ed

Last week’s Lotto numbers were 2, 19, 24 and 28; Bonus Ball 30. There was no winner of the jackpot of €6,500.

Congratulations to Dean Alford, Martin Reape Jnr, and John Ennis

O’Malley on 087 807 3391 or Caitriona McGrath on 087 961 9466 The lotto committee are looking for your assistance to sell Tower’s Lotto tickets on a Friday evening for one hour once a month.

LUCAN SARSFIELDS Lucan Sarsfields’ minor hurlers ran St Brigid’s close at Russell park but just came up short

Minor hurlers bring Brigid’s to the brink MHL DIVISION 1 St Brigid’s Lucan Sarsfields

1-12 1-11

I sport@gazettegroup.com

LU C A N S a r s f i e l d s ’ minor hurlers fell to a last-gasp, single-point defeat to St Brigid’s in division one of the Minor Hurling League at Russell Park last weekend.

It was a game that sw ung one way and then the other, but the home side finished strongest and clinched victor y with a Paul Winters point in the last minute.

T he visitors star te d we l l , a n d e a r l y scores from Eoghan O’Conghaile and Sean Ryan put them into an early lead.

Both sides then traded points, with Lucan continuing to hold a lead which, at one stage, stretched to three points.

Coming up to the interval, scores from

Winters and Karl Rogers brought the deficit down to the absolute minimum.

On the stroke of halftime, a monster Winters’ free landed deep inside the square; the ball was dropped by Lucan goalkeeper Niall Stagg, and was driven into the net by a well-placed Brian Holmes, a score that left Brigid’s ahead by a point at the break.

Bright start The second half started brightly for the home side.

Captain Ciaran Dolan scored two points in quick succession, but Brigid’s were unable to convert their early domination into scores.

Lucan Sarsfields responded, driven on by the excellent O’Conghaile, who ended the day with a massive 1-10.

First, he scored a superb point from the sideline and then fol-

lowed this up with a free driven into the corner of the net to put Lucan back into a one-point lead with 15 minutes to play.

Once again, both sides traded points and, with four minutes to go, Lucan still held a onepoint lead.

With two minutes remaining, James O’Reilly passed to Winters for the equalising point to set up a grandstand finish.

And it was Winters who won the subsequent puck-out, drove for ward and scored what proved to be the winner with 60 seconds remaining, his tenth point of the game and the most crucial of all.

Lucan will be disappointed not to have maintained winning w ay s i n t h e l e a g u e af ter bouncing back from their opening day defeat to Ballyboden St Enda’s with a win at Na Fianna.

Elsewhere, the same clubs met in AFL3, with St Brigid’s intermediate footballers seeing off the Lucan callenge by 0-13 to 0-5 in the 12th Lock.

Brigid’s were in control from the outset and would have been out of sight at half-time were it not for some wasteful shooting, although points from Colm Doyle, Warren Finnegan and Paidi Kelly sealed victory in the second half.

St Brigid’s: K Cahill, F O’Meara, S Somani, C Boyle, C O’Doherty, M Kavanagh, M McDonnell, C Dolan 0-2, M Ryan, A Carolan, P Winters 0-10 (7f), J O’Reilly, C Ryan, K Rogers, B Holmes (1-0) Subs: C Hawkes, L Purtill, S Branagan, D Freyne Lucan: N Stagg, R Ennis, L Jordan, D Hassett, J Bellew, S Ryan 0-1, R Fleming, S McCarthy, E O’Conghaile 1-10, S Jones, C Cuggy, C Moran, S Breen, C Tornsey, D Furness 0-1 Subs: P Smith, J Boland

AWARENESS of sudden cardiac death

Carey’s Newsagents.

in the young has increased in the

The first outing for our golf soci-

last few years, however, to add some

ety takes place at Killeen Golf Club

substance to this awareness, Lucan

on Sat April 21 from 12.45 to 2.15pm.

Sarsfields has arranged for Dr Deir-

To book a slot, text Michael on 087

dre Ward from the charity CRY (Car-

233 1983 with your name by Sunday,

diac Risk in the Young) to speak to our

April 15.

parents and mentors. The talk, which

The heats for our Sars’ Stars talent

will take approximately one hour, will

contest will take place on April 14 and

be held in our function room on April

21, with the grand final taking place on

3 at 7pm.

Saturday, April 28.

There were good wins last weekend for our U-8 hurlers against Faugh’s and Jude’s, and our U-15 B footballers against Na Fianna.

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 1, 2,

The social initiative group’s trip to Belfast will be on April 12.

Set dancing classes take place every Wednesday from 8.30 to 10pm in the function room of the clubhouse.

10 and 16. There was no winner. Next

Opening times for our club shop are

week’s jackpot will be €3,000. Liam

Tuesday and Thursday from 7.30 to

Mulhall’s team will be in charge next

8.30pm and Saturdays from 10.30 to

Monday, when our sponsor will be

11.30am.

ST PAT’S PALMERSTOWN GREAT wins for both senior football

Members are advised that all mem-

away to Naomh Barrog and juniors

berships must be paid without fur-

at home v Wild Geese, while the minor

ther delay as the date for registra-

hurlers were pipped to the post by

tion with Croke Park for 2012 has now

O’Toole’s.

passed.

All go-games teams were in action in

Our first juvenile bag pack for the

a very busy Glenaulin Park last week-

year takes place in SuperValu this

end. U-13 footballers were unlucky

Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

out in Skerries, while U-14s had a

All juvenile mentors from U-10 to

great win against Craobh Chiaran to

U-16 are asked to please book your

take second position in the league.

team into a slot with James Brennan.

Senior hurlers play Na Fianna at home on April 5 at 7pm.

Next full round of fixtures is on week ending April 15.

Glenaulin hosts football blitz for U-8s beginning 10am on April 14.

We wish a speedy recovery to Ned Rushe.

Best wishes for a very happy future together to dual player Graham Dunne and his bride, Sandra, following their wedding last Friday.

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ALL OF YOUR CLONDALKIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

HOWZAT: Clondalkin hosts new cricket initiative in Corkagh Park this week P30

APRIL 5, 2012

MARCH MADNESS: Dublin Sports Awards winners revealed P29

GazetteSPORT

The Collinstown Park CC team that added Leinster glory to the Dublin title they had already claimed, capping a brilliant year

Five-star Collins kings of Leinster Clondalkin school produces stunning late show to get the better of Dundalk’s finest at Oriel Park last week clondalkinsport@gazettegroup.com

COLLINSTOWN Park Community College produced a stunning performance to become Leinster champions last week when they got the better of O’Fiaich College in their own back yard.

Collinstown won out against the Dundalk school in Oriel Park in a pulsating Leinster League final, an eight-goal thriller that saw the Clondalkin team win 5-3.

Conditions were excellent on a day that saw a large contingent of supporters make the trip from D22 to the home of Dundalk FC. The Clondalkin team found it difficult to get a clear foothold in the game early on against a very hard-working O’Fiaich team employing a highly pressurised game plan.

That said, Collinstown, led by captain Daniel Kinsella, managed to forge two great goals in the first 25 minutes. Great work down the left wing from Dean Ebbe and Bobo Nkanu

resulted in a cross that fell to Alan Flood to drive past the Fiaich ‘keeper. Nkanu was involved again as he supplied Lee McNeil with a great ball down the left for him to tee up Ebbe for what would be his first of three goals on the day.

That should have led to a comfortable conclusion to the first half but the Louth men battled back to 2-2 before the interval. A hopeful ball over the top fell kindly to their centre forward for their first and a lucky scramble from a corner resulted in the equaliser.

Sucker punch Collinstown started the second half on the front foot but were victims of their own enthusiasm as a sucker punch attack saw them trail 3-2 with 30 minutes to go.

Cue the big finish. Relentless pressure on the Fiaich goal led to Ebbe snatching his second as a testing ball from Conor Doherty caught the ‘keeper in two minds allowing the Shamrock

Rovers’ starlet to steal in with a headed goal.

The goalkeeper was again punished for poor decision-making as he gave away an indirect free-kick for time wasting. This allowed Ebbe to complete his hat-trick with a superbly placed set piece.

The final nail in the coffin came from Ebbe’s Rovers team mate Nkanu. Excellent forward play from Clayton Stafford and Carl Grant working the ball through the oppositions defence left Nkanu with the simplest of finishes.

The goal crowned a magnificent performance and a magnificent season for the Collinstown team as they end the year as Dublin and Leinster Champions.

Collinstown Park CC: Sean Carbery, Conor Doherty, Sean

Flynn, Jay Govan, Bobo Nkanu, Craig Rahem, Daniel Kinsella, Dean Ebbe, Alan Flood, Lee McNeil, Clayton Stafford.

Subs: Eoin Barry (for Flood 60mins), Carl Grant ( for McNeil 67 mins), Daryl Canning.