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INSIDE: Local kids brush up on Dublin Bus scheme P10
May 19, 2011
ROYAL WELCOME: Queen’s four-day historic visit begins in West Dublin P4
Roaringly good: Leo’s approval for rugby kids Soccer: Local teams eye LSL league glory as season ends Page 32
LEO the Lion roared his approval for Clondalkin’s up and coming stars at Clondalkin Rugby Club when he called to the junior players’ party recently. The official Leinster mascot was the guest of honour at the celebrations, which was held to mark the success of the players in a number of fixtures in the most recent season, with players from the under-8s up delighted to have the mascot’s approval as awards were handed out. Full Gallery on Page 8
Hurling: Round Towers come out on top in ten-goal game Page 31
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS .................... 21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
Five extra schools access €30m fund
Local schools set for improvement works in summer
Q PAUL HOSFORD
FIVE additional local schools are set to receive funding for improvement works, following the announcement by the Government that €30 million is to be made available through the Summer Works Scheme to schools.
It brings to 10 the total number of local schools set to benefit under the Government funding. Schools included in the scheme are St Peter the Apostle NS, Neilstown; St Ronan’s NS, Deansrath; Moyle Park College, Clondalkin and Collinstown Park Community College, Neilstown Road.
Dublin Mid West Labour TD Robert Dowds said: “Not only will this mean that needed improvements are made to our schools, it also means that the local economy will receive a boost through badly-needed construction jobs in our community.” Full Story on Page 2
2 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 19 May 2011
SAFETY: COUNTY-WIDE PLAN IS ON THE WAY
EDUCATION Boost from summer works
Changes to speed limits MOTORISTS in south Dublin will have to adjust to some new speed limits on roads around the county. A draft review of county-wide speed limits, following on from the publication of the new speed limit guidelines by the Department of Transport, has been completed and a formal submission has been made to the Garda Commissioner. Then, a full public consultation process will commence, with comments and observations having also been sought from the National Roads Authority.
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‘Changes to keep roads safe around schoolgoing times’
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In Clondalkin, both Millbridge Cross Road, Saggart and the New Road, Clondalkin will have periodic speed limits of 30kmph, designed to keep the roads safe around the time that students are arriving to and leaving school. For Lucan, the Grange Castle Road speed limit will be raised from 50 to 60kmph.
Labour Deputy Robert Dowds welcomed the announcement of funding for a number of local schools
FUNDING: 10 SCH0OLS TO UPGRADE TOILETS FACILITIES, ROOFING
Local schools to avail of €30m works funding Q STAFF REPORTER
clondalkin@gazettegroup.com
AN EXTRA €30 million in funding for schools brings to 10 the number of local schools having improvements made to them, with funding made available this week. Five local schools are to benefit through works on either toilet facilities or roofing works. The schools to benefit are Lucan BNS, which will undergo roof works, as will Holy Family NS, Rathcoole, and Deansrath Community College. St Lorcan’s BNS, Palmerston, and St Kevin’s Community College will receive upgrades to their toilet facilities. Under this initiative, responsibility for procuring the services of consultants and contrac-
tors is devolved to individual school authorities. Schools are also responsible for managing the projects, including cost management, through to successful completion. The five local schools that were previously announced for summer works are St Peter the Apostle NS, Neilstown; St Ronan’s NS, Deansrath; Moyle Park College, Clondalkin; Collinstown Park Community College, Neilstown Road, and Lucan Community College, Esker Drive. Local Labour TD Robert Dowds welcomed the news. “I am delighted that a further five local schools will benefit from the summer works scheme, meaning that ten of our schools will have works done on them over the next few months.
“Not only will this mean that needed improvements are made to our schools, it also means that the local economy will receive a boost through badly-needed construction jobs in our community,” he said.
Local companies “I particularly welcome the fact that responsibility for procuring the services of consultants and contractors is devolved to individual school authorities, meaning that school authorities will have the opportunity to employ local companies and local tradespeople for the works in question. “This Government has made job creation its number-one priority, and the jobs initiative is the first step in getting Ireland back to work. “We have a very long
way to go, but the new Government is determined to get Ireland back to work,” said Deputy Dowds. His view was echoed by his party colleague, Deputy Joanna Tuffy, who said: “I was pleased to hear from the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn, that schools badly in need of refurbishment will see work commence this summer. “The announcement comes as part of the new jobs initiative announced by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, this week. “An allocation of €30 million will be provided for the works, as one of Labour’s pre-election commitments,” she said. “I very much welcome the announcement that several schools in this area have been approved
for much-needed refurbishment. “The fact is, the learning environment that children are educated in is extremely important, and it is our duty to ensure that we provide the best facilities possible for all our students. “In addition, I am pleased that the extra works will also provide much-needed employment for people, as this type of work is very labour-intensive. “Moreover, I believe that the coalition has made a statement of intent in the announcements; a statement that we are determined to foster real economic growth by getting Irish men and women back to work, and by protecting and enhancing vital services, such as education,” said Deputy Tuffy.
19 May 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3
YSI Collinstown Park students have been active
School is selected for pilot COLLINSTOWN Park Community College, Clondalkin, has been selected by Young Social Innovators (YSI), the organisation behind Ireland’s largest civic action programme for 15-18 year olds, to help in the development of a prototype for local Centres of Innovators. These local centres will enable young people of all ages to undertake social innovation projects that help their community. Announcing Collinstown Park’s selection, Rachel Collier, chief executive said: “Until now, the Young Social Innovators programme has focused primarily on providing a framework for the almost
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6,000 15-18-year-olds in every county in Ireland who annually undertake social innovation projects. “This new framework will enable schools and youth organisations to embed the practice of social innovation and civic action into their offering to young people. These local centres will embrace best practice around citizenship, human rights, development and environmental education.” YSI is encouraging schools, youth services and local communities to help support and provide opportunities to young people to carry out their social innova-
Students at the Young Social Innovators Showcase 2011 at Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre, Saggart
tion projects locally it cited the recent International Civic and Citizenship Study (ICCS) which revealed Irish students performed significantly and substantively lower in terms of civic participation than the international average. Since being selected to be part of the pilot programme, the students at Collinstown Park have been very active. A YSI Advocate team
of students has been established and a range of cross-school initiatives undertaken. These include investigating issues that affect the school and community by holding a Wishing Morning which produced huge amounts of data. T he Advo cates Team spoke to every first-year class to build the profile of the programme. This was also an opportunity to
encourage a cross curricular approach for exploring social issues. The school also invited grandparents to the school to examine the impact of their involvement on their grandchildren’s lives. Pauline Duffy, principal of Collinstown Park, says the school is delighted to have been chosen for this nationwide pilot. “We have developed the Advocate programme to
produce a cross-curricular approach to increasing awareness on social justice issues. Students are deeply engaged with the model and have developed a variety of leadership skills,” she said. C o l l i n s t ow n P a r k exhibited their work at the 10th Annual Showcase of Young Social Innovators, which took place in Citywest Conference Centre last week.
BEALTAINE
Events to mark festival
WITH the Bealtaine Festival in full swing across South Dublin, the county council is urging people across the county to “Push The Boat Out, Whatever The Sea”. The month is aimed at celebrating creativity in older age. South Dublin County Council have organised a number of events during the month to celebrate this festival. Thousands of older people now take part in the Bealtaine festival, with 2011 being its 16th year. Bealtaine showcases the talents and creativity of both first-time and professional older artists. It is a chance for people to make new and challenging work, a chance to communicate traditions between the generations. For more information on the schedule for the days remaining see http:// socialinclusion.southdublin.ie
4 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 19 May 2011
WATER:
Quality levels improve THE quality of drinking water in South Dublin has increased, new figures from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have revealed. Drinking water in South Dublin was recently tested under EU regulations for both microbiological and chemical standards. The report shows that drinking water in South Dublin achieved 100% compliance with both microbiological and chemical parameters in both 2008 and 2009.
Reduction Gerard O’Leary, programme manager, EPA Office of Environmental Enforcement, said: “The EPA targeted a reduction in the detection of E. coli in drinking water in recent years, and we are seeing the success of this programme with a 50% reduction in two years.” This is the EPA’s third report on drinking water quality since new regulations were introduced in 2007, providing a greater level of consumer protection.
ROYAL VISIT 6,000 gardai drafted to protect guest
A massive security operation for Queen Q PAUL HOSFORD and
LAURA WEBB lucan@gazettegroup.com
CASEMENT Aero drome was at the centre of a massive security operation on Tuesday as Queen Elizabeth II arrived in Ireland. Speaking ahead of the visit, Dublin West Fine Gael TD, and Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, said the visit by the 85-year-old monarch, and the impending visit of President Obama, would act as a major tourism boost for the country, with the publicity from the trip worth
€150 to €200 million. Although, officially, garda officials were remaining tight-lipped about the actual details of the scale of the operation, it turned out to be one of the largest security undertakings in the history of the State. Mo r e t h a n 6 , 0 0 0 gardai were drafted in to cover the royal visit, as streets throughout Dublin were closed off, parking was restricted and a “ring of steel” was erected around the city. Wearing an emerald green coat, dress and hat, the Queen arrived in Casement Aerodrome
with her husband, Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, around midday on Tuesday, before heading to Aras an Uachtarain for a ceremonial welcome, meeting with President Mary McAleese and her husband, Dr Martin McAleese. The arrival of the Queen caused some disruption locally, with the N4/M50 interchange restricted to traffic for some time on Tuesday as the Queen made her way to the Phoenix Park. More than 1,000 members of the media, both foreign and domestic, were in attendance, as they colonised Dublin Castle to make up the international media centre. T he monarch was accommodated in Farmleigh for the duration of her visit to the country. Farmleigh is designed to cater for visiting dignitaries and heads of state, and so no special “sprucingup” of the stately home was needed because, according to a spokesperson for the OPW, it is “always maintained to a very high standard, for visiting delegations”. Speaking to the Gazette, Minister Varadkar said: “The publicity from these visits is worth between €150 million and €200 million. “It will boost our tourism industry, and present Ireland to the world in a very positive light.” It’s understood the visit will cost the exchequer €30 million. However, Dublin West Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins said: “In the
Queen Elizabeth II looked relaxed and happy upon her arrival at Casement Aerodrome, where she was dressed in emerald green finery
context of the ongoing war in Afghanistan, and the occupation in Iraq, I do not support the visit of Queen Elizabeth, who is head of the British armed forces. “Today [Tuesday] I, along with my fellow United Left Alliance TDs, will be attending a commemoration in Talbot Street, organised by the Justice for the Forgotten Group, which represents the relatives of those killed in the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings.” Acknowledging that the security operation has, of necessity, involved some inconvenience and disruption to people’s daily lives, and speaking ahead of the Queen’s arrival, the Garda Commissioner, Martin Callinan, said: “We
Eight-year-old Rachel Fox presented the Queen with a bouquet of flowers before Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore accompanied her past a Guard of Honour
are working to ensure that the nature and scale of our policing and security operation is proportionate to the need to protect everyone’s safety. “Our objective is to share as much informa-
tion with the public as we can, within the obvious security constraints, and we will ensure that any security measures are not in place for a minute longer than they are required.”
19 May 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5
CHARITY: HEADSTRONG
PRIME TIME
Clon’ move welcomed LOCAL TD and Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald has welcomed the move by the charity, Headstrong, to consider Clondalkin as a potential location for one of their new ‘Jigsaw’ projects. A parents’ meeting is taking place this week in North Clondalkin to create a community response on suicide. It is the second such meeting in a number of months. At the last meeting,Tony Bates, of the youth mental health organisation, Headstrong, announced that Headstrong was considering Clondalkin as a possible site for one of their Jigsaw projects which support young people. “I have always been an advocate of mental health reform,” said Fitzgerald, who co-founded the first ever cross party group on mental health. “Depression and suicide are incredibly seri-
ous issues and we need to ensure the correct support structures are in place for people who are struggling to cope. “Jigsaw is a pioneering project which has been that support for hundreds of young people and I am delighted that Headstrong is considering Clondalkin as a location for a Jigsaw project. A resource like this would be of huge benefit to the community and in particular our younger people,” she said. “There are some fantastic local initiatives already underway in Clondalkin. Collinstown Park College have been doing tremendous work in raising awareness amongst their students of mental health issues and where to seek help.” For more information of Headstrong, see http:// www.headstrong.ie/
Company to look into TV findings
Well, well, well: Group take part in their first Wellness Day at Bawnogue centre PICTURED are therapists and clients who took part in the Wellness Day which took place recently at Resolute Pilates and Fitness centre in Bawnogue in Clondalkin. Clients enjoyed themselves as they got a look at some of the great services on offer at the centre, which included yoga, pilates, meditation, massage and reiki treatments. A great time was had by all who attended and they left feeling relaxed and refreshed. This is the first of many planned Wellness Days to be held in Resolute Centre, so if you fancy a full day of pampering and relaxation you can call Denise on 085 2886110.
THE company that runs the National Car Testing service, including the centre in Fonthill, is to launch an investigation into dramatic revelations about bribes to pass defective cars, following allegations that were made in this week’s Prime Time programme. The RTE show revealed how two vechicles, said to be unsafe by experts and originally failed in the NCT, were passed after the payment of €100 per car to a staff member. In a statement, Applus said it would “vigorously investigate the matter until all issues raised by the programme, in relation to vehicle inspections, have been fully addressed”. The company has also reported the matter to the gardai.
6 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 19 May 2011
ENVIRONMENT: NEW PARKS COMPETITION
Come join the BioBlitz CLONDALKIN residents are being encouraged to take part in an exciting event, BioBlitz 2011, which is taking place over 24 hours in Liffey Valley Park, Waterstown, on May 2–21. The event, which is being organised by the National Biodiversity Data Centre, will see five locations around Ireland working against the clock to identify as many wildlife species as possible in each location over 24 hours. From soaring eagles to the smallest bugs in the undergrowth, teams of scientists and volunteers will search Liffey Valley Park recording what species they find. Speaking about the event, Liam Lysaght, director of the National Biodiversity Data Centre said: “the BioBlitz is a unique event where scientists, students and the general public will have the opportunity to come together to learn about the biodiversity in their local site.
“They will also be able to see first-hand how scientists and recorders use their skills to study the wildlife of Dublin. “We are encouraging everyone, young and old, to get involved in this years’ BioBlitz, by either volunteering to record species or just coming along to any of the five sites to see how the recoding is being done.” Last year, the BioBlitz event was held for the first time and was a massive success with Connemara National Park announced as overall winners. Over the 24 -hour period, a total of 542 species were recorded by scientists and volunteers at Connemara National Park. The event will commence at 5pm on May 20 and finish at 5pm on May 21. To find out more about BioBlitz 2011 or join one of the teams, contact the National Biodiversity Data Centre on info@ biodiversityireland.ie or call 051 306240.
PIETA HOUSE Darkness Into Light event
Thousands take steps for local charity MORE than 3,000 people took steps in Dublin last weekend to raise funds and awareness for Pieta House, the suicide crisis centre. They were taking part in the charity’s annual Darkness Into Light event which saw unprecedented numbers showing their support this year by walking and running for the charity. Kathleen Lynch TD, Minister of State for Disability, Older People, Equality and Mental Health, also attended the event in Cork to highlight the campaign. Darkness Into Light 2011 took place in six locations (Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Cork, Ennis and Killarney) highlighting Pieta House’s growing presence nationwide. Participants in each location began the fivekilometre course at 4am in darkness, and crossed the finish line as dawn was breaking.
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‘Darkness Into Light 2011 took place in six locations highlighting Pieta House’s growing presence nationwide’
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After taking part, they also signed a banner of hope in memory of those who have been lost to suicide. The event follows new figures released from Pieta House last week that revealed the increasingly high levels of individuals attending its centres for treatment during 2010. Pieta House treated 1,063 people for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, or who were engaging in self-harm in 2010.
Speaking at the event, Minister Lynch said: “The increasing number of deaths by suicide is of great concern to me and are all the more tragic because we know they are preventable. “A s t h e r e c e n t l y appointed Minister with responsibility for mental health, I intend to work with the HSE and voluntary agencies to introduce initiatives to counteract this worrying trend. “I believe that, by harnessing our resources and our commitment, we can make a difference and reduce the number of suicides and, in this regard, I commend and support the good work being done by Pieta House.” Joan Freeman, CEO of Pieta House said: “We are thrilled with the success of Darkness Into Light this year and have seen a dramatic increase in participation figures. As we rely on the generosity of the public to continue our work, we’re
Clockwise from above: Young runners taking part in event in the Phoenix Park Dublin sign the banner of who have been lost to suicide; walkers taking part in event in the Phoenix Park Dublin as the sun rises; dog Sneachta; and Geraldine Burke, Pieta House Crosshaven, Kathleen Lynch TD and Cathy Kelly cut the
genuinely delighted with the response. “The event has become a national fundraiser for Pieta House and a significant awareness campaign around the prevalence of suicide and self-harm in our society. “The theme of the event is walking into the light as this is in line with the work of Pieta House – providing a service to those in crisis and helping them through their darkest time. “It was a beautiful way to start the day and, from all accounts, the event was enjoyed by all.” Darkness into Light 2011 raised funds for Pieta House, the only major voluntary organi-
sation in the country providing professional and therapeutic services to those who may be contemplating suicide or selfharming. Since opening its doors in 2006, Pieta House has helped over 4,000 people and the demand for services continues to grow. This year Pieta House opened its second national centre in Limerick, as well as a new dedicated facility in Ballyfermot in Dublin. This followed Pieta House’s existing facilities in Lucan, as well as its two outreach services in Finglas and Tallaght. To find more information on Pieta House, visit www.pieta.ie
Proposed new anti-social laws L O CA L F i n e G a e l Councillor Emer Higg i n s h a s we l c o m e d moves by South Dublin County Council (SDCC) to bring in bye-laws to tackle ongoing antisocial behaviour issues in parks. The bye-laws, which will be brought to public consultation later this month, will give Gardai powers to enter parks
and seize quad bikes and scramblers being used in council parks. Cllr Higgins said that the problem of unauthorised motor vehicles in parks was an ongoing issue for the people of south Dublin. “I am delighted with proposals to bring in new bye-laws to tackle the ongoing issues with scramblers and
quad bikes in parks throughout south Dublin. “The new laws, should they be passed, will give Gardai the powers to remove these bikes from people using them in council parks,” said Cllr Higgins. Higgins said that the laws were designed to increase safety in local parks.
“There are ongoing anti-social issues in parks and open spaces throughout the county, including here in Lucan and Palmerstown, and these new proposals are aimed at tackling these issues to make our parks safer. “I have raised my concerns regarding antisocial behaviour in our parks at various council
and committee meetings and it is an issue I am committed to pursuing. “Our parks are fabulous local amenities and we need to ensure they are protected and enhanced and that park users are provided with a safe environment to enjoy. “ We n e e d t o b e innovative in how we
19 May 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7
proves a huge success
Three’s company: Prizes for local club QUARRYVALE FC players Michael Collins and Jason Byrne, whose team were the recipients of sign-on bonus goalposts as part of Three’s affinity programme for FAI affiliated-football clubs. For every player, member or supporter who switches to the network, the club will receive a bonus. For more details visit 3football.ie/clubs
the Darkness Into Light hope in memory of those the darkness into light Nickie Crehan with her in Cork, David Maverley, opening ribbon
welcomed tackle problems of antisocial behaviour and a move to stamp out scramblers and quad bikes is a huge step in the right direction,” Cllr Higgins said. The draft bye-laws will go to public consultation later this month with a view to being approved by the council before this summer.
Fine Gael’s Emer Higgins
8 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 19 May 2011
SPORT Celebrating some up-and-coming Clondalkin stars
The Under-10s pose with Leo the Lion. Pictures: Sharon Flanagan
Leo the Lion full of roaring praise for kids EO the Lion paid a special visit to Gordon Park as Clondalkin Rugby club’s underage stars held a party to celebrate their most successful year to date. The official Leinster mascot was the special guest as Clondalkin’s juniors held a party to bask in their success over the most recent season.
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Players from the under-8s up enjoyed the festivities, and the visit from Leinster’s chief supporter, as awards were handed out. “It’s a great day for the kids. They have been great all year, and really deserve their special day out. Let’s hope we have more new players to pay tribute to next year,” said Leo.
The Mullen family had fun meeting Leo the Lion
From the top: the Under-11s hold up their certificates; the Under-8s, and the Under-11s outside, with Leo
19 May 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 9
10 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 19 May 2011
GALLERY Dublin Bus Art Competition marks 10 years
Kelly Dwyer (10) from St Michael’s School in Ballyfermot
Painting in numbers Glen Killeen (11), Prais Onakoya (9) and Jake McClean (10) from the De La Salle School in Ballyfermot
VER 100 primary school students from Dublin Mid West attended the first of the 2011 Dublin Bus Children’s Art Competition at City Services Social Club in Clondalkin recently. The competition, which is in its 10th year, is part of an overall campaign by Dublin Bus to promote the concept of respecting public transport amongst school children.
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Sophie Byrne (9) and Leah Casey (11), both from St Bernadette’s School in Clondalkin
Prais Onakoya, from the De La Salle School
Chelsea Murphy and Michaela Stokes show off their works of art
www.gazette group.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away
19 May 2011 GAZETTE 11
THEATRE Joseph brings his dreamcoat to the Grand Canal
An Elvis-esque pharaoh for Adam Jedwell Q LAURA WEBB
THE BIBLICAL story of Joseph is set to paint the Grand Canal Theatre stage with all the colours of the rainbow in the latest production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Keith Jack, runner-up of the popular BBC programme, Any Dream Will Do, is taking over the title role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to re-tell the story of Joseph, his 11 brothers and a very colourful coat. Playing the Pharaoh is talented British actor, Adam Jedwell. After going through the
audition process, Adam landed the role as the Pharaoh, where he gets to sing a little bit of Elvis. The former The Tens lead singer’s first love is acting, and after taking a step back from the rockstar lifestyle he decided to pursue his first love. “Being an actor is a strange life. You can spend anything from one week to five years without a job. It is very easy to give up, but you just have to keep going. I know it sounds cheesy and motivational, but there is a job out there for everyone. If you’re good enough, and if you’re hardworking, you will find a job, it’s just a case of doing the little
bit jobs to get to where you are now. I am lucky enough to be earning regular money for doing something I love. “I love this musical. It is a great show to be a part of. We have so much fun doing it on stage, and I think that comes across to the audience, and there is always a great reaction in the end, regardless of the numbers in the house. It is a really good show to be a part of,” he told the Gazette. The show, which, at this stage, could be considered a classic musical, has been shown all over the world with many different productions. According to Adam, this
The lavish stage production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, starring Adam Jedwell
show is making its own mark and has a modern and vibrant feel to it. “It is very energetic. A lot of people who have seen it before have said they have never seen that much energy, and that they have never enjoyed themselves so much. It is a classic story but it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and I think that is what comes across. It has its history and its meaning but there are
a lot of modern bits of comedy that a lot of people, especially the older members of the audience, can relate to and enjoy.
Character “When I saw the show, back when I was about 12, I remember telling my Mam that I would like to be in it, but only if I got to play the Elvis character. It’s funny now to think I am playing it.” Audiences can expect
to have a “really good” time at the show. “It’s really fun for all ages, we see so many people. We see toddlers, we see students, we see parents and grandparents, it’s great that way. It has gone through so many different generations now. It is always getting refreshed and revitalised, and I think a lot of interest was brought back when the BBC did the Any Dream Will Do pro-
gramme, which is where our Joseph, Keith Black, came runner-up, and he is doing a great job. He is a great lad,” Adam said. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat takes centre stage at the Grand Canal Theatre from May 31 until June 11. Tickets are priced from €20 and are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Visit www.grandcanaltheatre.ie for more information.
12 GAZETTE 19 May 2011
PROPERTY Putting matters of home and heart on video
Jillian Godsil became an overnight sensation when she decided to sell her Georgian home in Shillelagh, County Wicklow, on YouTube
Love, loss and YouTube Q MIMI MURRAY
JILLIAN Godsil became an overnight sensation when she decided to sell her stunning Georgian home in Shillelagh, County Wicklow, in a very unconventional manner. She made a YouTube video of the property she lovingly restored with her husband, but then tells the sorry tale of how she got divorced and lost it all. Godsil, who owns her own PR company, Practice PR, says the experience has been tough going, but she has also learned a lot in the last four years. She spoke to the Gazette about going from rags to riches and back to rags again. She does see riches in her future again, but riches of a different
kind this time around. “I married my ex-husband, who is from the UK, and we travelled and lived abroad. We moved home and my husband was so tired working in the city, so we thought, lets open a guest house. “We started looking for a house and found Raheengraney House. We fell in love with it, but it was badly in need of repair. It was just a house in a field, a bit like Father Ted. It had lots of the original features, but there was a hole in the roof and my mum nearly fell through the floorboards. “We moved in with mum and dad for a while and, a year later, we had our beautiful house. We had family and friends down to stay but, as you often find out with a
dream, it doesn’t really pay. Plus, my business was starting to pay a wage and I was working all week and was tired at weekends. “Fast forward 10 years and, unfortunately, the marriage started to fall apart. Four years ago, we decided to separate. It was too expensive to keep the house for three of us, me and the two kids, so we decided to sell. It was just on the cusp of everything crashing. We got it valued at €1.6m and we thought great, we can pay off the mortgage and will be left with a little bit over. We got an offer of €1.1m and we decided to take that, but the lady couldn’t go through in the end. “My ex moved back to the UK and I moved out of the
house and got a little cottage. I started renting the house, but then lost the tenants. At that stage I thought, I am going to PR my own house and we made the YouTube video. It just started to grow legs and
sell a house, I think, but it is also the story. As a nation, I think we are very secretive and hold things close to our chests. I don’t think there is any shame in what happened and there are a whole bunch
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‘I am going to PR my own house and we made the YouTube video. It just started to grow legs and then it had 11,000 views. I think the reason it was a media sensation is down to a combination of factors’
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Jillian Godsil, Practice PR
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then it had 11,000 views. I think the reason it was a media sensation is down to a combination of factors. “A video is a better way to
of people in the same circumstances. I am not in a good position financially, but I can choose to be grumpy or not. “The situation has been very
tough but the positive aspect from the video is that old clients are coming back when they see what I have done with the PR on the house. However, do I want riches again, well money is nice but I was never very materialistic. You find out that bricks and mortar are so unimportant and, maybe, it is better to spend your money on things like holidays or a trip to the theatre.” Since splitting with her husband and moving out of the house, she has written a novel and is now writing her second. Other plans include working on a new property sales project along the lines of the sale of her own house. Anything that will start property moving again is worth a look.
19 May 2011 GAZETTE 13
COMMERCIAL FEATURE
Surfing
Donegal Live brings the best of Donegal to Dublin’s Iveagh Gardens from 12.00pm – 6.00pm on the 22nd May, inviting members of the public to come and join the celebrations for a FREE day of fun and frolics…and all things Donegal! With a host of attractions from food and music to crafts and activities, local talent performing on the day will include Mickey Joe Harte, the High Kings, the Donegal Tenors and Moya Brennan. Polish off your dancing shoes with Céili Dancing, The Perfect Mix and the Ragus Dancers, tantalise your taste buds with the best of Donegal cuisine, marvel in the skill of balloon modellers on the day or sit back and enjoy the ceoil with performances by Kintra, Pat Gallagher and Band or Johny Gallagher and the Boxtie Band. As well as getting to grips with the local talent, find out all there is to know about Donegal, by visiting over 20 interactive stands. Learn the best way to make your way to Donegal, where to tee-off when you get there, key spots for angling, surfing, hill walking and horse riding, as well as the essentials on where to stay, where to eat and where to shop.
The Sandhouse
WIN WITH THE GAZETTE & DONEGAL LIVE
To celebrate this fantastic fun filled and FREE day out The Gazette Group and Donegal Live are offering one lucky reader the chance to win two return flights to Donegal with Aer Arann/Donegal Airport (who fly direct from Dublin to Donegal twice daily in 40 minutes) as well as two nights Bed and Breakfast, one dinner and a surf lesson for two people at the 4* Sandhouse Hotel and Marine Spa, Rossnowlagh. This fantastic trip will also include a trip on the Donegal Bay Waterbus where you can enjoy the beauty of Donegal Bay, the islands and seal colony just one of the many attractions in the Donegal Bay area. To win just answer this question: Where is the Donegal Live event taking place on May 22nd? Send you answer along with your name, address and contact details to competition@gazettegroup.com by 26th May, 2011.
For more information on everything Donegal has to offer for your perfect holiday destination, as well as finding out some information on Donegal Live, simply check out www.donegallive.ie and www.discoverireland.ie/donegal
Glenveagh National Park
14 GAZETTE 19 May 2011
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY Protecting summer skin without the pasty mess Edited by Dawn Love
Getting the Middleton’s royal glow
THE ‘glowing’ example of the Middletons at the Royal Wedding has sent sales of fake tan soaring into outer orbit with Irish women aiming to look just as bronzed during this year’s wedding season. That’s according to the Debenhams’ Beauty Hall where sales of fake tan are up 219%, compared to the same time last year. On the afternoon of the Royal Wedding Day, the company says that literally reams of fake tan started to fly off the shelves with sales. The following day was almost as successful as shoppers, inspired by the wedding highlights on TV, boosted sales by 200%. “You simply can’t underestimate the impact that Kate and Pippa will have on the beauty industry,” says Karen Nason at Debenhams. “Already streams of wannabe princesses have been flooding into our stores looking to achieve their healthy, groomed look. In particular, Kate’s more subtle shade of tan is perfect for big occasions such as weddings.”
IN the past, sun creams may have left you looking a pasty mess rather than the glamorous beach babe you are meant to be. But never fear, new lightweight formulas launched by French skincare and make-up brands, such as La Roche Posay and Vichy, mean your skin can be protected, but still have a fresh and velvet finish.
a fresh feel on the skin and to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays at the same time. This opaque milk has been enriched in silica to give the skin a neverbefore-seen powdery touch. It has a bare skin effect, as it lets the skin breathe under the sun and has UVA/UVB deep cellular protection. It’s also non-perfumed, paraben-free, water resistant and hypoallergenic.
Vichy Capital Soleil Dry Touch
Vichy Capital Soleil Face and Body Milk
New this summer from Vichy is their Capital Soleil Face & Body Milk SPF30/SPF50+ 300ml RRP €19, which offers high protection in a light, milky texture. It offers maximum protection in maximum format in a 300ml tube. Unlike traditional body milks, this is a uniquely designed oil-in-water emulsion to help provide
Initially developed for Vichy’s Brazilian market, Capital Soleil Dry Touch SPF30 50ml RRP €14.50 offers unique anti-shine sun protection. The Dry Touch SPF 30 face care emulsion is suitable for combination to oily skin. Protect your children: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo Kids range is specifically formulated for children to be especially water and perspiration resistant
It is now being launched worldwide as the best solution for antishine protection. W hether you have
oily skin, are looking for relief from excess sebum caused by the sun or a good make-up base, Vichy says its Capital Soleil Dry Touch SPF 30 face care is the perfect solution. Concentrated in starch (amidon), this very soft powder leaves a truly unique dry touch
feel on the skin with a velvety matte finish. La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL
The hugely popular La Roche-Posay sun protection range, Anthelios XL is the brand of choice of 25,000 dermatologists worldwide.
The skincare company says its combination of patented filters enables the Anthelios filtering system to ensure efficient protection against the entire spectrum of UVB and UVA rays – whatever their intensity. La RochePosay Anthelios Dermo Kids Lotion
New from La Roche-Posay is their Anthelios Dermo Kids Lotion SPF 50+ and Anthelios Dermo Kids Aerosol SPF50+, which now offer the highest broad-spectrum UVA ultra protection on the market specifically formulated and suitable for children to be especially water and perspi-
ration resistant. The Ultra-high UVA PPD39, is available in a lotion with a childfriendly texture or a multi-position aerosol making application easier, quicker and more controlled as it provides a fine continuous mist which works from any angle. The new Anthelios D e r m o Kids is reinforced with antimigration efficacy to offer anti- eye-itch benefits, thanks to a new exclusive, patented formula base to provide highly secure protection.
19 May 2011 GAZETTE 15
GazetteGAMING GAMING WIN a Kinect sensor for Xbox
VER the next four weeks, the Gazette will be giving away a Kinect Sensor and two Kinect games, Kinect Sports and Kinect Adventures, to one lucky winner selected at random, each week. Kinect for Xbox 360 brings games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways, without using a controller With Kinect, technology evaporates, letting the natural magic in all of us shine. Controller-free gaming means full-body play. Kinect responds to how you move. So, if you have to kick, then kick. If you have to jump, then jump. You already know how to play. All you have to do is get off the couch, “plug in” to your Xbox 360 console, and jump in to experience game play. Kinect Sports allows you to say goodbye to the buttons and controllers, and play six full sports games just as you always have, using your entire body. Become the heavyweight champ of the living room with boxing, or take to the sand with some high-flying beach volley-
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ball action. With soccer, field and track events, and even bowling, Kinect Sports has something for everyone. Meanwhile, Kinect Adventures will have you jumping, dodging, and kicking your way through 20 pulse-pounding adventures, set in exotic locations around the worlds. Kinect Adventures gets you to work with your friends and navigate through roaring rapids, challenge obstacle courses, and even save a leaky underwater laboratory. The spirit of adventure awaits!
WIN A KINECT SENSOR AND TWO KINECT GAMES To be in with a chance to win a Kinect Sensor and two Kinect games, to use with your XBox 360 console, just answer the following draw question. How many full sports games can you play in Kinect Sports? Post your answer to Kinect Competition, Gazette Group Newspapers, Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan, Co Dublin. Alternatively, you can email competition@gazettegroup.com. All draw entries must be received before Wednesday, May 25.
The Kinect Sensor for the XBox 360 console makes gaming even easier and more family-friendly than ever before, as it uses your body’s movements to control games, characters and actions, on screen
16 GAZETTE 19 May 2011
SNAPSHOT The stories of the day GAZETTE COMMENT
Moving forward to a new beginning
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HIS was a busy week for Dublin, as the first, and arguably the most historic, of a number of high-profile State visits took place. At noon on Tuesday, Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II, and her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, touched down at the Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel and were greeted by the Tanaiste, Eamon Gilmore. There is no doubt, that even those with no interest in the Royal family could not help but be caught up in this moment. In the last two decades, there have been significant events in Anglo-Irish relations. In June of 1997, Prime Minister Tony Blair issued a statement on the Irish potato famine that amounted to the first apology expressed by the British authorities. In a speech to the House of Commons in June of last year, after the findings of the Saville inquiry into the atrocities of Bloody Sunday were published, Prime Minister David Cameron said: “The conclusions of this report are absolutely clear. There is no doubt, there is nothing equivocal, there are no ambiguities. What happened on Bloody Sunday was both unjustified and unjustifiable. It was wrong.” These events, coupled with the efforts of both Governments in negotiating the Good Friday Agree-
ment in 1998, represent giant steps forward in recognising the difficult history shared by our countries. In order to move this process forward, another significant step was required. After a while, statements from Downing Street would begin to lose their impact. The Irish rugby team playing England in Croke Park was symbolic, but it is arguable how significant it was. A visit by Queen Elizabeth II to the Republic of Ireland, followed by a reception at Aras and Uachtarain, and then the laying of a wreath at the Garden of Rememberence where the Queen paid her respects to those who fought for Irish freedom... there are few who could argue that this was not a significant step forward. Is there a place for those who disagree with this visit? Of course there is. Would it have been a more inclusive affair if the Queen could have walked a line and met some of the Irish public? Of course it would have been. But for this Royal visit, nothing could be left to chance, such is its significance. Culturally, our two countries share more than anyone cares to admit. Our shared history is not a pleasant one, but our shared future depends on moving forward, and that process was enhanced this week.
GazetteContacts Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251 Managing Director: Liam Holland email: lholland@gazettegroup.com
General Manager: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com
Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com
Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com
News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com
Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com
Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com
Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com
Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.
A colourful launch of the Bloom festival that takes place this June bank holiday weekend in the Phoenix Park
A blooming good weekend in June
LAST week, we brought you news of this year’s Bloom event, Bord Bia’s gardening, food and family festival. This week, we have even more Bloom details to help you plan your June bank holiday weekend. At the heart of Bloom are 27 stunning showgardens, which will be judged by independent judging panels. Dublin will be well represented at the event, which takes place between Thursday, June 2 and Monday, June 6, with a number of top designers creating some of the stunning show gardens. Amongst those taking
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part will be John Sweeney, from Lusk, and Rachel Freeman, from the Blanchardstown Institute of Technology. M e a nw h i l e , f r o m Dalkey, Sheena Vernon will also be taking part, as will Brian Cleary, from Dundrum, and awardwinning gardeners, Liat and Oiver Schurman, from the renow ned Mount Venus Nursery. The event will also showcase the best of Ireland’s food industry with the new Bord Bia Food Village.
Visitors to the Bord Bia Food Village can purchase and enjoy the best of Irish food and a wide range of delicious wholesale local produce from almost 50 Irish artisan producers and a selection of artisan caterers. The food offering will be complemented by a range of local artisan beers, whiskeys and spirits available at the Bloom Inn. Love Irish Food returns to Bloom as an event partner, and will host a large number of its member brands in the Love Irish Food pavilion. At the centre of the new Food Village is the Chef’s Summer Kitchen, which will present a daily programme of cookery demonstrations by a number of Ireland’s well-known celebrity chefs, including Catherine Fulvio, Neven Maguire, Donal Skehan and Jenny Bristow. RTE presenter and foodie, Ella McSweeney, will host the Chef’s Summer Kitchen and will interview chefs and food producers throughout the event. An ideal family day out, children under 16 go free! There is a range of family activities, including enter-
tainment on the outdoor stage, which will feature the Café Orchestra, Nigel Mooney Quartet, Mooge 69 and the Mellochords; craft demonstrations and workshops from the Crafts Council of Ireland; Outdoor catering and Bistro Bloom featuring a café, restaurant and seafood bar. In the Children’s Zone, Dale Treadwell will host Gondwanaland – a haven for dinosaur enthusiasts and an Australian Bush feature. The Children’s Stage will feature a host of activities, including storytelling from Dublin City of Literature Readers and a Creative Kids Café will also run, encouraging children to use their imaginations, discover and investigate. A host of wildlife features will include activities from Birdwatch Ireland, the Irish Wildlife Trust and the Beekeepers’ Association who are Celebrating the Year of the Honeybee. Bloom is open daily from 10am-6pm. Advance tickets are on sale now from €15 – kids go free! www. bloominthepark.com.
19 May 2011 GAZETTE 17
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: WHY SOME DOG BREEDS GET OVERLOOKED AT ANIMAL SHELTERS
Furry, friendly and so full of love HEY’RE friendly, fluffy, fabulous and full of love, so why is it that some dogs – very often large, dark coloured ones or certain breeds – waiting in animal shelters continuously get overlooked in favour of their more colourful, or lighter-coated, friends? • Is it because they don’t photograph as well as lighter or more varied coloured animals? • Is it because darkcoated pooches are seen as scarier by prospective pet parents? • Is it because some breeds aren’t as fashionable as others? • Is it because some dogs’ features don’t stand out as well as the golden faced Labrador, for example?
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• Is it because large, dark-haired dogs are portrayed as dangerous or villainous in movies? (The Rottweiler in The Omen movies versus the Golden Lab in Marley and Me.) Honestly, all of the above are ridiculous and unfair, and are various reasons proffered by people as to why they overlook some dogs. Look, it’s perspective rather than fact and, the facts are, dark-coated dogs and large dogs are just as, if not more, eye-catching than other dogs. Now I’m not trying to paw-suade you (I make no apology, that was intended), but two of my dogs are black from head to toe, with the most intense, melt-your-heart, black eyes you’ve ever seen and
18-month-old Bubblegum, a dark brindle Staffie, and Sammy, a three-year-old Collie
they are also the most adorable, lovable, loyal, trustworthy, best friends I’ve ever had in my life! Then we have the misconception surrounding certain breeds that makes some people nervous. For example, dogs who make
perfectly wonderful family pets but, because certain owners don’t understand particular breeds or strains and then through their failure to provide these animals with the proper care/facilities, spread nasty rumours that these
dogs are “unsuitable”as family pets – making adopters overlook them in favour of smaller, and what they perceive to be, more ‘friendly’ dogs. Believe me, when I’m on duty at the Dublin SPCA Mobile Clinic, I’ve been bitten by more Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels than Staffies, German Shepherds or Rotties! I’m not for one minute saying these small dog breeds, or similar breeds, are less friendly, I am simply making the point that any dog, irrespective of colour, breed or size, is a potentially dangerous dog if it’s in the hands of an irresponsible owner. That said, I’d like to introduce you to some of
our overlooked, adorable, desperate-for-a-new-forever-home cuties waiting at our shelter. Sammy – a three-yearold male collie, black with white markings. Sammy gets on famously with other dogs, he’s so affectionate, a real gent, (when Buttercup, one of his friends tripped in the run and cut her nose Sammy immediately ran over and licked the blood from her face - honestly it tears me up he’s still not found a forever home). He’s fab on the lead, but needs to wear a harness due to his weak trachea. So, ladie,s if you want a BBD (no, not an LBD), a BBD – beautiful big dog, visit Sammy and check him out. He’s a keeper! Bubblegum – an 18-
month-old female, who’s a dark brindle Staffie, is the ultimate sweetheart. She loves going for walkies, is very keen for cuddles, is overjoyed when an attentive human, especially a male, makes a fuss over her, (I know how she feels) and is always first out the door into the run for fun and games. If you want to find out more about this wonderful girl, come up and see her – she’s waiting for you at our shelter. For more information/advice on these or any of our wonderful dogs, contact one of our adoption consultants at The Dublin SPCA at 01-4994726/4727/4729 or log onto www.dspca. ie or email me at miriam. kerins@dspca.ie
18 GAZETTE 19 May 2011
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs
One-in-three may see repair bills soon ONE-in-three motorists will have an unwanted repair bill this year, with some facing bills into thousands of euro, according to new data by by Warranty Direct, Britain’s largest direct consumer warranty provider. Their research shows that a third of cars in the three- to10-year-old group will suffer some degree of mechanical failure over the next 12 months. Big bills are not limited to prestige or expensive cars, the study of more than 50,000 car warranty policies suggested. However, the figure varies dramatically, depending on the make and model, with some models more prone than others.
The next 12 months may see a surge in repair bills
ROAD DEATHS HAVE HALVED: RESEARCH revealed by the Road Safety Authority and An Garda Siochana show that road deaths dropped by 48% over the past decade. The research announcement was made at the global launch of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety, 2011-2020. The research, which analyses road deaths and serious injuries during the ten-year, period 2001 to 2010, also revealed a drop of 58% in the number of serious injuries sustained on Irish roads.
EUROPEAN CAR SALES DROP: CAR sales in western Europe fell by 3.6% year-on-year in April, according to JD Power Automotive Forecasting, reflecting the fact that, compared with 2010, a number of Government scrap-
page schemes were no longer running. While the markets of Italy, Spain and Britain continued to struggle, France was also down. Germany’s growth is quickly losing momentum, with car sales in Germany up by just 2.6% on last year.
BMW OVERTAKEN BY TOYOTA: DESPITE its massive recall campaign over the past 18 months, Toyota has regained its position as the world’s most valuable car brand. Research by market research company, M i l l w a r d B r ow n , shows that, across the world, Toyota’s brand value jumped 11% to $24.2 billion in the BrandZ Top 100 annual ranking of the world’s most valuable brands, overtaking BMW, which was number one last year in the automotive category.
The new Volkswagen Jetta is a more compact car than the Passat, with good boot space and better economy, delivered with a starting price of €21,875 for the entry-level model, rising to €23,725 for the 1.6-litre diesel entry model
Volkswagen Jetta to return its loyalty FOR Irish motorists, the Volkswagen Jetta is one of the great motoring icons. The new, sixthgeneration Volkswagen Jetta is now here, with smart and modern styling. The new front grille design is similar to that of the new Passat, with clear lines across its full width. Styling changes continue inside the cabin. The new interior design is in line with the Golf, with a new centre console, entertainment and climate control systems, and steering-wheel design among the updates. This new Jetta has new safety features, and a fuel economy ability that would have been dreamed about when the first Jetta was launched here in 1980. The car that I had on test was the topof-the-range model, with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel
SPECS: JETTA 2.0 TDI 140BHP Top speed: 210 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 9.5 sec Economy: 20.8 km/litre (4.8 l/100km) CO2 emissions: 126g/km Road Tax Band: B (€156) Scrappage Eligible: Yes Warranty: 2 years Entry Price: €21,875
engine. This is a new, higher-power engine for the range; the 1.6litre turbo-diesel engine model will be the most popular, by far. The 2.0-litre TDI model has the same engine as fitted to the bigger Passat. This engine in the Jetta gives slightly better acceleration, and much better economy than even the Blue Motion version of the equivalent power Passat. Those features, along with a price difference of almost €2,000, makes
the Jetta an option worth considering. For me, the 1-6-litre TDI Jetta is the best option of all, even though this was not the car that I drove. This engine has improved from the past, with better economy. Compared with the bigger engine Jetta, the new 1.6litre TDI version has at least 10% better economy, with only a marginal drop in acceleration performance. The big difference is the price – you can save on two counts; about €5,000, in terms of cost, and a lower annual road tax rate of just €104. In acceleration terms, the 2.0-litre TDI Jetta is marginally faster than the equivalent Passat. Opt for the 1.6-litre model and, naturally, it will be slower. The smaller engine version uses a five-speed gearbox versus
a six-speed gearbox for the 2.0-litre model. That might help with the smoothness and acceleration, but makes not a dint in the economy figures. This is a car that has changed in performance and ability. For farming families, the new Jetta confirms its towing ability. The top-of-the-range car can pull up to 1.5 tonnes in a braked trailer, putting it ahead of the competition. There’s a new, bigger feel to the 2011 Jetta. The car is longer than ever, by 90mm. That gives more leg-room for the three rear passengers, compared with the outgoing model. There’s more comfort and improved roadholding, too, thanks to a longer wheelbase and improved suspension.
The car comes with a full range of standard safety features, including six airbags, ABS and Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP). Despite this, it does not come with a Euro NCAP rating, while most other cars in the Volkswagen range do. And, most of all, the new Jetta retains a large, 510litre boot capacity. That large capacity exceeds the outgoing model. The new Jetta combines the big boot with the practicality of being able to seat five adults. There remains a solid feel to the Jetta that’s perhaps due to the size of the car, as much as to the build quality, that’s based around a simple design. This is a car that’s easy to get comfortable in, with the controls easy to use and very functional.
Fiat may increase its stake to more the 70% of Chrysler FIAT has options to increase its stake in Chrysler to more than 70%, as the US government seeks to exit its investments in the car industry. Fiat has yet to announce if it
will buy the US government’s remaining stake in the 12 months after it repays debts to the government. Chrysler said it would issue new debt to repay the govern-
ment loans, allowing Fiat to exercise an option to increase its stake to 46% from 30%. This would give the US government an easy exit from Chrysler. In taking over Chrysler, Fiat
set a goal of producing a car that achieves 40mpg in the US market. That’s well within Fiat’s ability, based on European-designed models.
19 May 2011 GAZETTE 19
20 GAZETTE 19 May 2011
GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY
TEMPLEOGUE: FOUR-BEDROOM SEMI IN DUBLIN 6 FOR €395,000
Fixer-upper on Wainsfort Road
Number 67, Chalfont Avenue, Malahide
MALAHIDE: FOUR-BED SEMI FOR €570,000
Chalfont of all comfort in Malahide PROPERTY Team Noel Kelly Auctioneers are bringing No 67, Chalfont Avenue, Malahide, Co Dublin, a four-bed semi-detached house extending to 132 sq m to the market for €570,000. This generously proportioned home with garage will appeal to those seeking a spacious property in one of Malahide’s most convenient and prestigious residential addresses. This home is the perfect buy for a growing family. The property comprises porch with tiled floor, entrance hall with a timber floor, living room with a feature marble fireplace. The kitchen and dining room features fitted units and a breakfast bar. The ground floor also features a guest bathroom. Upstairs, there are four well-proportioned bedrooms, the master featuring fitted wardrobes, and the bathroom has a timber floor and a Triton electric shower installed. All carpets, curtains and blinds are included in the sale, and the home is heated by oil-fired central heating. The property has a side entrance, to the comfortable rear garden, and the garage could be converted or used for extra storage space. This home will appeal to the gardening enthusiast, but children will undoubtedly enjoy the privacy. It is situated in a prime location within minutes walk of Malahide Estuary, and Malahide village with its smart marina, shops and numerous gourmet-quality restaurants serving food from around the world. Viewing is by appointment only and can be arranged by contacting Noel Kelly on 01 846 2752.
SAVILLS are bringing No 161 Wainsfort Road, Templeogue, Dublin 6, a four-bedroom semidetached family home, to the market for an asking price of €395,000. Built circa 1960, this house has been well cared for but is now in need of modernisation. Conveniently located at the intersection of Wainsfor t Road and Templeville Road, the property benefits from off-street parking to the front and an 80ft long rear garden. The accommodation comprises porch with h a r d wo o d w i n d ow s and wooden panelling on walls, entrance hall with fitted carpets and
161, Wainsfort Road, Templeogue
under-stairs storage, and a guest wc. The sitting room features an open fireplace with wooden and tiled surround, and a large south facing window overlooking the front garden. There are dou-
ble doors into the dining room, which also has an open fireplace, as well as double-glazed patio doors leading into rear garden, and a door leading into kitchen. The kitchen is in a single-storey flat-roofed
kitchen extension, and has a selection of wall and floor cabinets, as well as a large window overlooking the rear garden. There is a utility room and converted garage plumbed for a washing machine. The four bedrooms, two of which are to the front of the house and two to the rear, feature fitted wardrobes. The bathroom is fully tiled. The attic, which is f loored, is accessed from the landing. The property has gasfired central heating and has recently had a new boiler installed. There is also potential to extend, subject to
planning permission. 161, Wainsfort Road o f f e r s a n e xc e l l e n t opportunity to create a fine family home in a superb location. Every possible amenity is within easy access and commuting to the city centre or M50 is hasslefree. There are excellent primary and secondary schools to choose from and a wealth of sporting facilities serve this much-sought-after South Dublin neighbourhood. Viewing is by appointment, which can be arranged by contacting Savills, City on 01 663 4300, or e-mail info@ savills.ie
BALLINTEER: TWO-BEDROOM APARTMENT IN D16 FOR €290,000
Never tire of a place in Ballintyre Square
Number 76, Ballintyre Square, Ballinteer, Dublin 16, a bright and spacious first-floor twobedroom apar tment with a south facing balcony, has been brought to market by Savills, with an asking price of €290,000. The accommodation, which extends to 829 sq ft (77 sq m) is situated as part of the Ballintyre development, which was awarded the Development of the Year award in 2005. T h e r e i s a s u n ny balcony off the living room that overlooks the private gardens. The apartment also benefits from one designated underground parking space and an invaluable underground storage room. The property comprises entrance hallway with light oak wooden
flooring and a built-in hot press and storage unit, a living-cum-dining room which also has oak flooring, wall mounted coal-effect electric fireplace, large south-facing window, and a door leading onto the balcony. The kitchen has fitted units in walnut and cream, charcoal grey counter tops, stainless steel extractor hood and splash back. Mosaic tiling between counter top and wall units. Appliances included in sale comprise fully integrated fridge freezer, washer/dryer, electric oven, four-ring gas hob and fully integrated slim-line dishwasher. The bedrooms feature fitted wardrobes and the master is en suite, which is fully tiled, as is the main bathroom. 76, Ballintyre Square
Number 76, Ballintyre Square, Ballinteer
enjoys an excellent location adjacent to the Ballinteer Shopping Centre and is a short walk from Dundrum and the LUAS. Access to the M50 is only two minutes drive away. There are a host of amenities ser ving this location including schools, sports clubs
and the extensive parklands of Marley Park. Six years on from b e i n g aw a r d e d t h e Development of the Year prize, the development is maturing nicely, and the immaculately kept grounds and attractive mix of buildings ensure that Ballintyre a pleasant environment
to live. The apartment is managed by O’Dwyer Property Management, and is subject to a management fee of €1,600 per annum. Viewing is by appointment, arranged by contacting Savills, City on 01 663 4300, or e-mail info@savills.ie
19 May 2011 GAZETTE 21
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Eddie Clerkin, Fonebank
Life in a top phone recycling company FORMALLY working within the travel industry with Thomas Cook - Direct Holidays for a number of years, Eddie Clerkin is married with two children, and has lived in the north side of Dublin his whole life. He recently started working with Fonebank, which is one of Europe’s leading mobile phone recycling companies. This is their first operation in Ireland, with an office in Airside retail park in Swords. Fonebank caters for all businesses and charities, along with the public needs in recycling mobile phones for cash. Fonebank offers excellent service from an Irishrun business, with a fast and speedy cheque within 48 hours of receipt of mobile phones. They hope to help charities who would like to use their services, as they can provide them with cash for their phones that are collected. Then they can use the money for whatever need they see fit. Businesses can also avail of their services. To see what Fonebank has to offer, check out www.fonebank.ie.
Q – My bank have stopped my overdraft facilrecently. Can they do this ? I have been out on short time by my company and my wife lost her part-time job. They have told me they are switching this to a term loan over three years. Do I have to accept? Barry – Walkinstown Dublin 12 A - It seems your bank think the writing is on the wall. In some respects they are doing you a favour – overdrafts are very expensive and are meant to be in credit at least 30 days of the year. Overdraft interest rates are 13% +, exceeding your overdraft without permission is an additional 7% to 12%, while there are referral fees (most banks - € 4.44 per day for checking your account to ensure you haven’t gone AWOL) and unpaid fees (this can be as much as € 12.70 per item sent back). Exceeding your overdraft is a little like walking into your local supermarket, grabbing a tin of beans, walking out
Eddie Clerkin, of Fonebank
and telling no one. Except in the bank’s case, they allow you BUT charge you plenty! You will find the term loan has a cheaper rate but over three years,
Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: That’s easy, a soldier
Q: What sport can you play? A: I’m an all-rounder Q: What is your guilty music/TV or movie pleasure? A: History Channel and Sky Sports
Q: What was your first job? A: Lounge boy at Hollybrook Hotel in Clontarf
Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: Jedward, of course
Q: And your first pay cheque? A: Memory loss Q: When did you start your present job? A: August 2010 Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: Sending cheques to charities as they do so much to help people in need
Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’? A: None at the moment, but that’s soon to Q: What sport do you follow? A: Football, Nottingham Forest FC
BANK OVERDRAFTS ity. It was only € 3,000 and I only exceeded it
Q&A
change
ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Enda Kenny as he makes me laugh
because you are also repaying capital, the repay-
Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: I don’t do that, my wife does
empathise with your situation – if your expendi-
ments will hurt. You must do a budget and plan your finances. I ture exceeds income, which it is doing, then your two choices are earn more or cut costs. Perhaps your wife will find new part-time employment and
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: Three pairs, I think
you could find a second job. Whatever happens, you must consider your financial situation and work
Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: Don’t have either
Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: Rather not say
your way through it. Be positive – even as regards
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: All Forest fans
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: I’m not fussy as long as there is sun,
the 1,250 post offices, six days a week and longer
Q: What was your last Tweet/status update? A: Up the football league we go
Q: What would be your dream job? A: Professional footballer in the Premier
Q: Describe your dream meal? A: A good steak and chips meal followed by a FEW pints of Carlsberg
payment of bills, you could use An Post’s billpay service where you can pay over 120 bills in any of hours than your bank – all for free !
beer and football
League
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Just to enjoy life with my family
Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor
Good news as long-awaited Development Act is in operation NOREEN MAGUIRE Maguire Muldoon Solicitors
THERE is good news for apartment/ property owners within managed estates, the long-awaited Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 came fully into operation on April 1, 2011. Over the years Maguire Muldoon Solicitors, Clonskeagh, have built up a large portfolio of property management company clients and also advise a number of agents dealing with management companies.
It has been a continuous complaint that developers are slow and in some instances refuse, to transfer the common areas. This renders the management company powerless and can be a huge source of frustration to the property owner. In the last 20 years, there has been an explosion in these type of developments and clearly some form of legal protection is essential. In summary the main features of the Act deal with the following: 1. Ownership of the common
areas will be transferred to the management company before any property is sold. This is specifically introduced to tackle the problem of developers holding on to units in order to keep control of the management company. 2. The management company must now be called an owners’ management company. 3. The owners’ management company must maintain a sinking fund for repairs and an annual minimum contribution of €200 per
unit will apply 4. There is a provision in the Act whereby mediation should be used to resolve any dispute over service charges or other costs prior to any court proceedings. The emphasis will be on resolution of disputes by mediation. However, the court will be empowered to make appropriate orders if mediation attempts fail. 5. One vote shall attach to each unit owner in a development and, more importantly, each vote shall be of equal value.
6. House rules should be provided for an effective running of the development. Where an apartment is let, for example, a copy of the rules must be included in the letting agreement and will be binding on the tenants. This Act will assist anyone living in residential complexes or intent on buying into one. It will impose legal obligations on developers and the new regulations will improve the governance of management companies.
22 GAZETTE 19 May 2011
GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Carton House is historic and stunning – honest! CORMAC CURTIS
Joe Walsh Tours group offering range of special 30th anniversary packages to visit Medjugorje ESTABLISHED in 1961, the Joe Walsh Tours group is the longest-established tour operator in Ireland and, this summer, the company is marking the 30th anniversary of Medjugorje apparitions with some special celebratory tours. June 25 marks 30 years since the first apparition in Medjugorje, and Joe Walsh Tours are delighted to join in on the festivities with a special pilgrimage to this unique and peaceful destination. Bookings to Medjugorje have increased by nearly 50%, compared to this period last year. As a result, this year, Joe Walsh Tours are offering lower prices and more availability, with weekly departures from Dublin and, on selected dates, from Cork, Shannon, Knock and Belfast. Joe Walsh Tours offered their first Medjugorje programme in 2003 and, since then, have continued to offer expert advice to ensure that pilgrims enjoy their experience. The travel experts offer accommodation in purpose-built guesthouses, which are exclusively located close to St James’s Church, making them the best-located accommodation options in town. Senior representative, Philip Ryan, who has been living in Medjugorje for more than 20 years, is always on hand with his team to offer guidance and tips to pilgrims. For those who would like to spend a few relaxing days on the beautiful Croatian coast, why not combine the pilgrimage with a relaxing sun holiday? Joe Walsh Tours offer two centre holiday options of three or four nights in Medjugorje, combined with three or four nights in beautiful Dubrovnik. The special 30th Anniversary Medjugorje Pilgrimage package departs from June 19 costing €604, inclusive, for seven nights. For full information on pilgrimages to Medjugorje, and these, and other holiday offers and packages, call Joe Walsh Tours on 01 241 0800, or see www.joewalshtours.ie.
I HAVE to admit it, more often than not, the opinions I commit to paper about Irish hotels and holidays are, at best, less than honest, and, at worst, a downright fabrication. Now, before anyone starts to tweet the good fellows of the Press Council of Ireland, or worse still, Liveline, let me state for the record that I have never reported inaccurately. My o b s e r v a t i o n s , reports, descriptions and accounts have always been beyond reproach. Confused? You should be – that’s how I’ve been getting away with this for so long! The truth is, my motivations behind a great deal of my travel pieces have, quite simply, been lies. Surely you have read the type of article I am talking about? The kind that starts off with: “For those wanting a truly relaxing weekend away with the kids…” Yeah, you know, the family-friendly, drippingly sincere account of the getaway that turned out to be the best ever, “even though I had to spend three days with the kids, all under five, as my wife had last-minute work to take care of!” Well, I’m sorry, but
a truly enjoyable family getaway is the kind where you actually get away from the family, or, more accurately (I’m always accurate, OK Joe Duffy?) away from the kids. Yes, my two angels, four and five years old, are pretty much the centre of my universe, and I would move mountains just to see them smile. But, give me the chance of a night or two at a good hotel for a little time with the luckiest woman in
– just past Maynooth, and, providing there’s no royal entourage causing traffic mayhem on the N4, it’s about a 20-minute drive from the city centre. Break out your checklist: Stunning setting: Check Award-winning golf course: Check Luxury spa: Check Great food: Check On-site activites: Check Really, what more do you need? My good lady wife,
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‘A good meal, the kind where you’re not asked to cut up chicken nuggets and fetch more tomato sauce, is always a delightful experience’
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Ireland (my wife, Susan) and you simply wouldn’t see me for dust. Nor, might I add, would Susan be seen for said dust. Take it from me, for this kind of break, it’s best to stick close to home, so, if absolutely necessary, you can get back to the kids quickly. So, by now you’re hoping I’ll get around to giving some advice and recommend a good hotel for this kind of break – and I will. Enter Carton House
was lucky enough to get to the hotel early on the Friday that we were due to arrive. An appointment with the spa awaited her, consisting of a mini-facial and neck and shoulder massage. All I can say is that, after a few very stressful months of business for her, I was greeted by a well-and-truly rejuvenated wife. The spa did the trick, and I was happy just to be able to put my feet up and browse the newspa-
XTREME.IE Xtreme.ie’s themed zone at Carton House is the first of its kind in Ireland. The unique combination of onsite, stateof-the-art team building facilities and meeting rooms will make your day at Carton House truly unforgettable. A small sample of our exclusive onsite activities include Altitude: Ireland’s newest High and Low ropes course, Survivor Challenge: A fun, high energy event suitable for all levels of fitness, Duke of Leinster Challenge: Themed Irish Games, Xtreme 4x4 driving and archery pers before dinner. The design and style of Carton House is, I must admit, right up my street. A stunning, historic mansion that has been given a thoughtful and loving makeover, Carton House brings contemporary style and chic to an atmosphere of old-world charm and elegance. For a pre-dinner drink, the foyer presents a bright, modern and relaxing environment, offering comfortable couches set against pale, marble walls and modern, subdued lighting, along with a stunning feature fireplace. We did a little peoplewatching before we took our table at the hotel’s Linden Tree restaurant. A good meal, the kind where you’re not asked to cut up chicken nuggets and fetch more tomato sauce, is always a delightful experience – more so
when the setting and food is up to the standard of Carton House. After pondering the menu, we ordered, and got stuck in. For me, I couldn’t look past the confit duck leg on spiced red cabbage and greens; it was elegant, set on a big plate, and cooked perfectly, wonderful. My good lady wife went for one of her favourites, a seared scallop, this time with cauliflower purée – seasoned to perfection, gorgeous. I often go straight for the fish course when dining out, but tonight we swapped roles as Susan ordered beautifully cooked hake with courgette, beetroot and greens in a simple but perfect white wine sauce. Admire
For a change, I went with a duo of pork fillet and belly, served with
19 May 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
TravelBriefs Baking bread at Ballymaloe House THE art of baking bread is enjoying a big revival at the moment, and, with this in mind, Ballymaloe House is running a Bake Your Own Bread twonight special, this summer. Guests will learn the secrets of Ballymaloe bread-baking, from only €290 per person, with two nights’ bed and breakfast included, along with a five-course dinner one evening. Meanwhile, the Ballymaloe House package also runs all summer, and includes bed and breakfast in Ballymaloe Country House, along with an afternoon cookery demonstration at Ballymaloe Cookery School, with the package costing €145 per person sharing. For full details of these tempting offers, email res@ballymaloe.ie, or call 021 465 2531.
A delicious week in the Big Apple
Carton House brings contemporary style and chic to an atmosphere of old-world charm and elegance
SPECIAL MID-WEEK COACH-HOUSE PACKAGE FROM €80 per person, based on two sharing, Carton House is the perfect place to relax and kick back, so why not treat yourself to a one-night stay on a bedand-breakfast basis, including a two-course meal. The relaxed atmosphere and service make for a well-earned break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Guests can also enjoy access to the leisure facilities, including and 18-metre swimming pool, sauna and steam room, for more details see www.cartonhouse.com
turnip, potato gratin with a white wine foam – an ideal combination of flavours as you admire the countryside view through the stunning floor-toceiling picture windows. Desserts of a divine fruit crumble and a truly modern chocolate pyramid topped off what can only be described as an indulgent experience. After an incredibly comfortable night’s sleep
– and a terrific breakfast, we got to get up close and personal with the grounds of Carton House, courtesy of Ireland Extreme, Ireland’s premier teambuilding and corporate events company. Our instructor led us through an off-road trail in a 4x4 jeep, along a myriad of obstacles as we were put through our paces in a very different kind of driving experi-
ence. This is no speed-fest, but a nerve-jangling challenge of skill and patience that brings in some of the more remote parts of the Carton House estate. I really can’t recommend this experience highly enough. For a more predictable afternoon, Susan took a run in to Liffey Valley (I told you, convenient isn’t it?), while I took a golf les-
son at the award-winning Carton House Golf Club. The on-site Golfing Union of Ireland National Academy offers indoor driving bays, grassed tee areas and an extensive short game practise area with three USGA-spec greens and a large bunker complex. But, for me, I was thrilled with a one-onone lesson with the resident golf pro, Bernard.
Apart from the ghastly experience of seeing myself on screen trying to hit a golf ball, this was another gem of an experience that genuinely improved my swing. Carton House has so much to offer, is right on Dublin’s doorstep, is a great place to get away from it all, but close enough to home just in case – and this is definitely worth a visit.
FROM pretzels and pizza to “posh nosh”, New York is famous for its food, and is a great city to visit for fine dining – especially between July 11 and 24, when NYC Restaurant Week takes place, with this year’s 20th anniversary Week actually running to two weeks, instead of one. Throughout the Big Apple, participating restaurants will be offering three-course meals at $24 for lunch, and $35 for dinner (excluding beverages, taxes and gratuities). The Hotel at Times Square, located in the heart of mid-town Manhattan, is a great, budget-friendly hotel that will leave guests with enough disposable income to spend on their dining experience, with July prices starting from just $199.99 per room per night. For further details, see applecorehotels.com/the-hotel-at-times-square.
Hop away on a European holiday GOHOP.IE are offering some terrific value getaways to some of Europe’s top destinations, giving you the perfect city break for culture, shopping or a splash of sun this summer, or beyond. For example, you could enjoy three nights in a three-star Holiday Inn Express in Brussels, from €184, departing on May 26. For some much-needed winter sun, why not visit Barcelona, from €215? This includes four nights in three-star Hesperia Sant Joan Suites, departing on November 4. A little closer, you could visit lovely Lisbon from €279, with five nights in three-star Residencial Estoril Lisboa, departing on June 6. All offers include return flights, and are subject to availability; prices do not include airline baggage fees, and are subject to change. To book your city break with Gohop, call 01 241 2303, or see www.GoHop.ie.
24 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 19 May 2011
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
1
GoingOUT GoingOUT THE HELIX 01 700 7000 KIdkast Showcase 2011 ONCE again, Kidkast are returning to The Helix for their annual showcase. With students aged from four to 18-years-old, and attending from Kidkast’s four centres in Swords, Hartstown, Castleknock and Drogheda, the Kidkast crew cover a wide range of activities, with the showcase promising to have everything from high-energy dance routines to some exciting drama pieces. With tickets priced at €15, the showcase will be held at 2pm and 7pm on Sunday, May 22.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 The Shaughraun TIME is running out to catch Taney Drama Society’s production of The Shaughraun, by Dion Boucicault, which is often described as a touchstone Irish play. The players bring the tale of Conn, a wily Sligo poacher, to vivid life, thanks to a large ensemble, a great set and period-appropriate costumes, with Victorian melodrama, romantic comedy and more in the mix. The Shaughraun runs nightly at 8pm at the Mill Theatre until Saturday, May 21, with admission priced €18/€15.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Simple Sculpture FOR a family event with a difference, why not make one yourself – literally. This fun event invites families to come along and, using everything from plasticine to lolly pop sticks, participants can create some wonderful and wacky sculptures. Ideal for children aged from five to 10-years-old, the event should also entertain younger and older siblings, too. This free event for parents and children runs from 12 to 3pm in the ground floor gallery.
PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Sallynoggin College showcase THE popular college will be showcasing its students’ skills in a number of areas, with two fascinating events to see. Firstly, Dance Debut 2011 will show some of the dance skills of the college’s dance students, with Dance Debut 2011 showing both what the dance students have learned, to date, as well as being a graduation show for secondyear students. The two-hour show starts at 8pm, on Tuesday, May 24, with admission priced €10. Secondly, Fashion Graduate Show 2011 will feature collections by the graduating students, with a number of pieces by first-year students also on show. This stylish event should show some true up-and-coming, and emerging, talents from the renowned fashion course. The two-hour show starts at 8pm, on Wednesday, May 25, with admission again priced at €10.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 4627477 Grumpy Old Women THESE ladies are not to be messed with, as they tread the (creaking) boards to bring some middle-aged mayhem to life and settle some scores they have with aging, men, the way things work and much more, in badtempered, contrary and hilarious ways. They won’t come much grumpier than Adele King, Flo McSweeney and Una Crawford O’Brien, who will present the hit West End show with a distinctly Irish version. Grumpy Old Women runs from Tuesday, May 24 until Saturday, May 28, with tickets priced from €25 to €30.
“I think Kate’s gone. We can come out, now ...” Captain Jack (Johnny Depp) and Angelica (Penelope Cruz) face Blackbeard’s wrath, zombies, hungry mermaids and tough-talking film critics on their quest to find the Fountain of Youth.
Pirates paddle along As the latest Pirates film sails onto our screens, Kate wonders if it’ll make quite the splash some may expect
Q KATE CROWLEY
READERS, this will be the quickest review my old Remington has ever seen bashed out, clicketyquick, as a press gang, of sorts, comprising Gazetteers, is ready to make me walk the plank if I give nothing less than six stars to this week’s film, which lends some haste to my typing in the attic at Gazette Towers. Fortunately, I’m perfectly proficient in the Anchor Stroke, so their mutinous threats wash right over my head, arrr. And now I’ll head, arrr, right on over to the review, while keeping one ear cocked for the News Desk’s cries of “Tharr she blows, maties!” on the winding stairs outside. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (or, POTC4, which is quicker for hurr ying hacks hiding from a motley crew to type) sees the somewhat inevitable
FILM OF THE WEEK: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides +++ (12A) 136 mins Director: Rob Marshall Starring: Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush, Pirates, Mermaids, but not Orlando Bloom again.
OUR VERDICT: ENTERTAINING, but predictable, POTC4 is more of the same... That’s not such a bad thing, of course, but it’s hard not to feel that it’s just milking the formula, extending the franchise, and possibly jumping the shark. It’s a decent film, but not the pinnacle of the Pirates franchise. Still, there are worse crews to ship yourself off to the cinema with, and it sails along okay ...
return of everybody’s favourite pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp), back once again to take to the high seas, sands, jungles, cities and other, unlikely spots in another slapdash, and slightly supernatural, adventure. This time round, as per usual in the franchise, Jack’s off after another legendary destination in POTC4 – in this case, the fabled Fountain of Youth, which ye olde map can lead him to. Jack is joined by a number of familiar faces here and there, including
long-standing frienemy, Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), who’s now gained a peg leg, and a mercenary’s allegiance to King George II (Richard Griffiths, hammily playing a piggy monarch). However, they aren’t the stars of the film – enter the mysterious Angelica (Penelope Cruz). She’s just the lass to cross cutlasses, paths, and words with Jack. (You don’t suppose they have a mysterious connection, do you?) Someone else who’s rather eye-catching is her boss, the fearsome pirate
(and scenery-chewing) Captain Blackbeard (Ian McShane), who’s set up as the baddest of the bad, in pirate terms (yet not quite in the same league as Bill Nighy’s astoundingly cruel, squidfaced character, Davy Jones). With Jack aboard his fearsome ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge, Blackbeard is determined to beat King George II/ Barbarossa, and some Spaniards, to the fountain, with or without Jack’s help. But, of course, the journey isn’t an easy one, with one set-piece after another for the pirates – and the viewers – to get through, with a litany of fights, battles, chases, zombies and mermaids to get through and around, as everyone dashes off after maps and fountains and lost lands of terror ... What else is there in POTC4 to note, for those seeking more than showstopping spectacle to
shoehorn into the videogame spin-offs? Well, Orlando Bloom and Kiera Knightley have jumped overboard – I know, I know, Yay to that, too – only to be replaced by Lite versions of the actors, in the shape of a clergyman and a mermaid. (Their damp relationship will never work out, trust me.) Meanwhile, Cruz gamely does her best, doused in makeup that’s almost as thick as her accent, yet still rather less than McShane’s permatanned, permascowling face. But, while Depp turns in a role that he could, by now, perform in his sleep, it’s hard not to ditch the sinking feeling that, as with the recent fourth Indiana Jones film, it’s a film that was made because they could, rather than they should. As such, it’s a film that may leave some feeling shiver me timbers, rather than stirred ...
19 May 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 25
Oh, Flip – single-use tech is dead ADAM MAGUIRE
GEEKS have been talking about multi-functionalism for some time now, and recent trends in the industry suggest it is finally becoming a reality. The Flip camera – the portable camcorder that, along with YouTube, opened digital video to the masses – is dead. That is to say, Cisco, which bought the company for $590 million just two years ago, is discontinuing the brand. The reason for its end is simple – nobody needs to buy a portable digital camcorder any more, because they have a phone in their pocket that does the job just as well. In fact, there are a lot of single-purpose devices that people no longer need to buy, purely because of
what their phone has to offer. What the market is now seeing is the rise of “multi-functionality”; a buzzword that has bounced around for some time, but is finally coming true. According to analysts, the same thing is going to happen to eBook-readers too – a device that has barely just found its feet in recent years. The rise of the iPad, and similar tablets, which allow you to read books, amongst many other things, does away with the need for one device that does just one thing.
This is despite the fact that eBook-readers are specially designed to be easy on the eye and the battery. In short, it seems that people are happy to sacrifice some degree of quality in order to gain on convenience. This is sure to be a worrying trend for many other single-use devices. For many years now, people have predicted that the MP3 player would soon suffer as a result of music being easily transported via the likes of the phone. To date, iPod sales have managed to hold up, though there is little doubt that this will change in the near future. In fact, it is likely that this risk was at least part of the reason for Apple’s entry into the smartphone market four years ago.
They surely figured it was better to have iPod sales turn into iPhone sales, rather than see that money go to other companies altogether. So, are there any devices that are safe from this slow creep of multi-functionality? Despite the presence of a photo lens on every phone made today, the camera is the most likely to do okay ... for now. While a quality photo can be taken using something like an iPhone, they still, and arguably always will, pale in comparison to dedicated cameras. That is not to mention the fact that core features like an optical zoom are still a long way away from being a feature in a phone. In fact, given the space a zoom lens requires to
work properly, it is questionable if they will ever become common on a phone at all. However, beyond cameras, it’s fair to say that noone is safe in the singlefunction sector.
Samsung PL120 camera The latest version of Samsung’s dual-screen cameras, the PL120 is a quality device with a novel, if somewhat gimmicky, feature. It is hardly something that has kept people up at night, but the self-shot – where a user takes a picture of themselves with a camera – can be tricky. They have to guess the angle and direction, and the first take never comes out right. Enter the PL120, one of three new Samsung cameras
that feature a front-facing LCD screen right next to the lens, making it easier for users to take those vanity shots to adorn their Facebook pages. Thankfully, the camera has more than that gimmick to attract the user, boasting a 14.2MP lens, a 5x optical zoom, and a decent 3” screen on the back, for all those regular shots they might take. There is also HDstandard video recording, and some nice software features, including face detection and tracking.
Despite all of this, the price is surprisingly low, with an RRP of just €170. The chances are you could find a regular camera with the same feature set for slightly less, but for something that is a bit different, this fits the bill perfectly. The Samsung PL120 can be bought in most technology retailers for around €170. Visit teic.ie for the latest tech news, reviews and views.
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26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 19 May 2011
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19 May 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 27
GazetteSPORT
A FRESH CANVAS:
Painting guru Frank Clarke on opening new golf centre: Page 29
REGATTA: 500 BOATS AND 3,000 COMPETITORS WILL TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S EVENT
Dun Laoghaire set to sail for the 2011 regatta sport@gazettegroup.com
THE FOURTH biennial Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta (VDLR), organised by the four waterfront yacht clubs in the area, will take place from July 7 to 10 in Dublin Bay. The regatta, which is now established as the biggest sailing event in Ireland, will attract approximately 500 boats across 25 classes, and will comprise 1,000 races over
the four days. The boats competing will be crewed by 3,000 sailors from yacht clubs across Ireland, with added participation from English, Welsh, Scottish, French, Spanish and Danish yacht clubs. Announcing the 2011 VDLR, Adam Winkelmann, chairperson of the organising committee said: “After the city marathons, the Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta is the biggest participant sport-
ing event in the country. “One of the core reasons as to why it is successful in attracting so many entrants is that it is one of the least expensive sailing events in Europe, providing great value for money. “In addition to delivering quality racing, the regatta now prides itself in delivering a wonderful festive atmosphere across the Dun Laoghaire waterfront so, overall, the event prom-
Yachts from across the country and from abroad will take part in the Dun Laoghaire Regatta
ises an important boost to the local economy of Dun Laoghaire town in the midst of the summer tourist season and recession.” For those who prefer to keep their feet dry and
enjoy the superb sailing action in Dublin Bay from afar, there will be an array of family-orientated activities that have been set up on shore by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council.
There will be a farmers’ market, street entertainment, a carnival, numerous ladies’ fashion events, live music from jazz to traditional Irish to marching bands, local area restaurant and
pub events, an evening of Irish culture, music, food and dancing, and a scheduled RNLI Air-Sea Rescue demonstration. For more information on the VDLR 2011, go to www.dlregatta.org.
28 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 19 May 2011
GazetteSport Sport Rugby
Over 170 children from local schools took part in the tag rugby blitz
Leinster Branch arranged the rugby blitz
Westmanstown
Fun blitz for new recruits
VER 170 youths descended on Westmanstown last Thursday to compete in a tag rugby blitz, organised by the Leinster Branch. Teams from 5th class in local schools Castleheaney, Ladyswell, St Pat’s and St Francis all took part in what proved to be a very enjoyable day for all. The blitz was organised to introduce youths to the game of rugby and the basic laws and skills it entails. Garda RFC, who have in recent years begun a youths section, Westmanstown Minis, were delighted to play host and hope some of those who attended may even join the mini’s section, which trains every Sunday at 11am. See www.gardarugby.com for more information.
For some of the children, this was their first time playing rugby
Westmanstown Minis are hoping for new recruits
O
The club’s coaches were on hand to provide guidance to new players
Great fun was had by all who attended the blitz
19 May 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29
in association with
Painting a wide canvas for golf
ROB HEIGH talks to painting guru, Frank Clarke, whose long association with golf in Dublin has led to his latest venture to bring children to the game
THERE has been an inevitable upsurge in the interest in golf in recent years among what would normally be referred to as grass-roots players; young people who have tasted the enjoyment of playing a fine shot on a golf course and who have seen the kinds of success of young Irish golfers on the European and World stages, such as Rory McIlroy and the Maguire twins. Golf has, for the longest time, been seen as the preserve of the privileged and time-rich, but recently, there have been initiatives to open up the doors to everyone. In particular, recognition has been given to developing players from an early age.
One man who is trying to forge a new ethos in the sport is an unlikely ambassador for golf, television’s painting emissary, Frank Clarke. Frank, from Rathfarn-
also had a parallel interest in golf, and his interest led to the building of one of the first par 3 courses in Ireland in 1962. He has been involved as a participant and as a builder and
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‘We have some of the best players in the world in this country. We want all children with an interest in golf to have that opportunity’
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ham, is more readily recognised as the man who brought painting to the masses through his accessible and easy-to-follow programmes on the craft. However, Frank has
designer of courses. Now, Frank is hoping to bring the same enthusiasm and belief as he demonstrates in his artistic endeavours to the world of golf. He has recently been
Frank Clarke is bringing his inclusive spirit to the world of golf
involved in the extension and re-development of the par three and pitch and putt courses at the Liffey Valley Par 3 facility, and in the course of doing that, made some interesting observations. “We looked over the facility, and golfing as a whole, and realised there were very few facilities for young people. “Children under 12 were being turned away because of ages-old policies, and a lot of clubs would not allow kids to play until they are 14 or 15. “Kids just can’t get into golf clubs, it’s not that easy. Very seldom will clubs or parents allow children to play on courses when they are under the age of 11, and the costs are also prohibitive.” Frank saw parallels with his own experience of learning to paint, in that he had no grounding in the craft, so was behind the curve when it came to learning it. “The ideal situation is that, ideally, the future of the game lies with the children, and they will keep it going. The idea of par 3 in the beginning is that it is the school or the grounding for players of the future. “The idea behind the initiative at Liffey Valley is to create golfers for life. We want to teach them the skills and the etiquette of golf as well. It’s giving kids a hobby, which I wish
I had had when I was a child. We have some of the best players in the world in this country who have come through from the junior sections, and they have benefited from getting into the game at a young age. We want all children to have that opportunity.” As a result, Liffey Valley now offers free pitch and putt play to children under the age of 10, as long as they are accompanied by an adult, and at ages of 10 or 11, will be able to play at a special rate on the par 3 course. “We will be running fun competitions on a weekly basis for the children, and trying to attract as many children as possible, through local schools and other initiatives, including a playing academy. “We are also looking to get a professional along to give a bit of coaching to the children, as well as the adults who come along and play, too.” With plans afoot to bring female golfers into the club as well, Frank has cast the net widely and inclusively to create golfers of the future. The club plans to have an offical launch day shortly, with professionals and celebrities coming along to christen the evolution of the club. For more information, contact Liffey Valley Par 3 Club on 01 6219514, or see online at liffeyvalleypar3. ie.
FastSport
Puspure added to Irish squad for World Cup 2011 GAZETTESport star Sanita Puspure has been included in the Irish team to represent the country at the Munich World Cup due to take place this year from May 27 to 29. Kinsealy resident Puspure will partner Lisa Dilleen in the double scull, the women’s heavyweight boat in which Ireland are anticipated to bid for Olympic qualification at the World Championships in Bled in September. Ireland will send six crews to the first World Cup regatta of the year, in Munich; four in combinations targeted at gaining Olympic qualification this year. Puspure, a Latvian athlete, is still awaiting Irish citizenship, but she is allowed to compete in the World Cup series.
Paralympics ticketing signup begins PARALYMPICS Ireland is calling on all sports fans to support the Irish team by buying tickets for the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. Over 4,000 athletes are set to compete in the Games from 170 countries around the world, and approximately two million tickets will go on sale for the Paralympic Games from September 9. Liam Harbison, CEO of Paralympics Ireland, said: “The start of the tickets going on sale is a very exciting moment for everyone involved in Paralympic sport. I really encourage all Irish sports fans to seize the opportunity
of witnessing the range of spectacular sports that the Paralympic Games has to offer, and to get behind the Irish team in London.” Those interested can sign up now at www.tickets. london2012.com
Wood latest addition to Clontarf pack ANDY Wood has been appointed as Head Coach of Clontarf. Wood has returned to Clontarf, where three seasons ago he led the 1st XV to the Division 1AllIreland final. Wood played in De La Salle RFC before joining Clontarf and played first team rugby for a number of seasons before joining the coaching team led by Phil Werahiko.
30 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 19 May 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
AUL DIVISION 1: OATFIELD OUT OF RACE TO GO UP A LEAGUE
Egan rampant in ring for Ireland in Germany CLONDALKIN’S legendary amateur boxer Kenneth Egan played a key role when Ireland smashed the British boxing team 7-2 and drew with the Germans in two international contests over the weekend. Egan recorded the most spectacular victory of the session when the 10-time light-heavyweight Irish champion registered a first-round KO of 2005 AIBA World Cadet champ, Obed Mbwakongo. The London-born GB light-heavyweight went down under a left to the body two minutes into the first frame and was counted out. Egan was 4-2 up when the bout was stopped. The Neilstown club man and Woodford native then defeated strong German Enric Kolling on a count back in Chemitz, Germany on Sunday. The bout initially finished 7-7 but Egan claimed the victory on a count back
Oatfield were denied their chance of promotion on the back of their result against Rivervalley Rangers
Promotion hopes dashed AUL DIVISION 1 SATURDAY Oatfield Rivervalley Rangers JONNY STAPLETON
0 2
sport@gazettegroup.com
BOTH Oatfield and Rivervalley Rangers look destined to play AUL Division 1 Saturday football again next term after the Swords’ side increased their survival chances and put paid to the Clondalkin outfit’s promotion hopes with an impressive win last Saturday. Collinstown Park residents, Oatfield, who compete in an AUL Complexhosted cup final this Friday night, needed to win their remaining games to ensure an immediate
return to Saturday football’s top flight, but played more like relegation candidates than promotion hopefuls and lost to basement side, Rivervalley. Valley on the other hand fittingly fought as though their lives depended on it, and could have won by a more comfortable margin but for some wasteful finishing and some fine goalkeeping. The hosts started the brighter and their 3-5-2 system ensured they controlled the key midfield battle. Oatfield seemed to have more time and space on the ball and playmaker Barry Callaghan proved key as they dominated the opening 20 minutes.
Jamie meets heroes: Clondalkin man greets Liverpool’s stars JAMIE Quirk from Clondalkin was in
Red heaven last week when he met his soccer heroes, Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt, Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard when the Premier League trio were in town to launch the new Liverpool away kit. The adidas ‘home away from home’ Liverpool FC away kit event was held in Lifestyle Sports, Mary Street, and attracted huge numbers of the Anfield faithful.
However, the home side couldn’t translate their dominance into an advantage on the scoreboard and only had half-chances from Keith Dowling, Jimmy Moir and Greg Ormond to show for all their possession. Midway through the half, the heavens opened and, as the rain poured down, Oatfield’s grasp on the game began to slip. Conor Ward replaced Callaghan as the game’s most creative influence and Valley began to create a number of chances. Dave Morgan was forced to clear off the line as Tony Kelly volleyed goal-ward, before the centre-half’s last-gasp
intervention prevented Darragh McCarty from scoring. What was a previously solid back three became stretched, and the visitors went for the kill. Kelly, David McCarthy and Mark Sinnot all had chances but when the goal finally arrived, it came from the unlikeliest of sources. Defender Paul Daly pounced on a poorly-cleared corner and made it 1-0. Rangers upped the tempo further after the turn and it wasn’t long before they doubled their advantage. Star man Ward burst from the middle of the park and released Gary
Doran out wide before driving into the box and heading home the right back’s cross at the back post. Oatfield pushed on in an attempt to claw their way back into contention, but as they pushed on, they were severely exposed at the back granting the visitors over ten chances to secure the three points. However, Rangers failure to kill off a wounded Oatfield showed just why they are in relegation mire. An abundance of missed chances, and some fine work from keeper Costigan, was all that prevented the game from having a more onesided gloss.
19 May 2011 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31
in association with
IHC GROUP A: FINGALLIANS FAIL TO TOPPLE TOWERS
CLUB NOTICEBOARD ROUND TOWERS
Towers prevail in ten-goal thriller Fingallians 4-10 Round Towers 6-10 JONNY STAPLETON sport@gazettegroup.com
IT WAS a case of six of the worst rather than six of the best for Fingallians last weekend when half-a-dozen defensive blunders ensured they lost a second successive intermediate hurling championship tie. The home side matched their opponents in terms of pointscoring, but eventually came out on the wrong side of a ten-goal thriller in Newtown last Saturday. Having made a bad start to the championship campaign with defeat to K ilmacud Crokes in round one, Towers made a more positive start to their most recent championship encounter. McDonnagh split the posts early on for the Clondalkin men, and his point was followed by Dublin minor Whe-
lan raising the white flag. Martin Doyle then ensured a comfortable cushion for the visitors as he finished Towers early-scoring blitz, pulling on a loose ball around the square to score the first of what would be ten goals in the tie. However, just when i t l o o ke d l i ke t h e Clondalkin side had pulled clear, Fingallians dragged them back into shooting range. First of all, free-taker JM Sheridan hit the back of the net with a well-taken effort. Finn then registered the first, and best of his three goals, skinning the host’s experienced full-back before finishing neatly as Towers pushed on. A long-range Jack Whelan free also found its way into the net and, but for scores from Peter Daly and Sheridan, Towers could have been well clear come half-time.
As it was, it stood 1-06 to 3-05 at the turn-around, but Towers began to pull away further after the second throw in. Eoghan Walsh, who challenged Finn for the man-of-the-match award, registered the goal-of-the-day, netting on the half-volley from 30 yards to put the visiting outfit seven points to the good. Again, the fighting Fingallians’ response was instant, and Sheridan goaled to keep the tie interesting and, after points from McDonagh and Walsh, substitute PJ Vaughan
beaten by Kilmacud Crokes in the
delighted to announce that we are
championship.
hosting a commencement informa-
This years La na gClub will take place
tion night on Thursday, May 19 at 8pm.
on Sunday, June 12 - anyone interest-
Work has been going on in the back-
ed in helping out should contact Niall
ground for a number of months to
Connaughton on 087 629 0870.
finalise specifications, costings, plan-
Gaelic 4 Fathers light training ses-
ning permission, funding, etc. and we
sions continue on Wednesdays at
want to bring everyone up to speed
7.15pm on Monastery Road. Spread
and to announce the start date for
the word, all welcome.
construction. We would encourage all
The deadline for ordering tickets
members to come along to this night
for the Dublin v Offaly championship
and make sure they fully understand
match in Croke Park is Sunday, May
what we are planning and how it will
22. Tickets are priced as follows, Adult
be achieved.
Stand €20, Adult terrace €10 and Chil-
The senior ladies’ footballers beat
dren €10. All ticket orders for all games
St Margaret’s in the championship,
must be placed via your membership
while the intermediate hurlers were
card and paid for in advance.
LUCAN SARSFIELDS
Round Towers’ intermediate hurlers proved too good on the day for FIngallians
IHC GROUP A
THE development committee are
tested Towers’ ner ve with another goal for the hosts. Finn then added his second and third goals of the game before two of the half back line, James Clarke and Eoghan Young, sailed the ball over the black spot to extend the Round Towers’ advantage to nine points to the good. To their credit Fingallians, who have yet to win a championship tie this season, battled to the death, and put a fairer slant on the score board with an injurytime goal from the stick of Vaughan.
RACE night is next Friday, May 20.
€20.
Horses and owners are all for sale.
Set dancing every Wednesday in
Please support this important fun-
function room at 8.30pm. All wel-
draiser for the club.
come.
Good win for senior hurlers in senior championship v Na Fianna, and for Junior B hurlers v Realt Dearg in the championship.
Upcoming dates for diary:. Fri May 20: Annual Race night. May 21: Golf society next outing to Tulfarris.
Well done to the U-14 camogie girls,
Boys football and hurling nursery
who qualified for the Feile final and
every Saturday in 12th Lock from
to the U-14 hurlers who reached the
1.30 to 3pm. Girls’ football nursery
Feile semi-final.
every Saturday from 1.30 to 2.30pm.
List for tickets for Leinster SHC Dublin v Offaly on Sunday, May 29,
To play camogie, contact Liam Ryan at 0872232211.
will be on noticeboard at the club-
Lotto: Numbers drawn were 2,
house until Friday, May 20. Paid-up
5, 22 and 23. There was no winner.
members only can apply.
Next week’s jackpot is €17,500. Do
Premium Ticket Draw entries
not forget you can always enter
available from Paul McGann, at
our lotto online by clicking on www.
the bar or from any mentor. Enter
lucansarsfields.ie.
every draw for year, total cost
Please support our sponsors.
ST PAT’S, PALMERSTOWN JUVENILE hurling Under-8s and 10s
nog, while juniors are at home on Sun-
played Beann Eadir and Crumlin,
day to Ballyboden St Enda’s at 11am.
while 11s and 12s lost to St Anne’s and
Tickets for the Dubs hurlers cham-
St Brigid’s. In football, Under-11s and
pionship match against Offaly must
16s beat St Finian’s (N) and St Maur’s,
be booked by next Sunday, May 22 at
while 12s and 13s lost to Cuala and St
midday.
Finian’s (S). Well done to our Under-10s footballers and their mentor Aidan Connolly and co-ordinator Noreen Brady on finishing fourth in the community games on Thursday last in Malahide.
To book, text your order to Noel at 086 89 88 920. Stand €20, Hill €10 and family €20 plus €5. To view our website, simply logon to www.stpatricksgaa.ie Lotto: numbers drawn were 1, 4, 15
A good week for our senior hurlers
and 17. There was no winner of the
with a mid-week championship win
€7,000 jackpot. Match any 3 numbers
against Naomh Mearnog and a league
winners were Noel Sweeney Jnr, Carol
win over Erin’s Isle on Saturday, but
Sommerville, D Fagan, E Clayton, S
not so good for our juniors, with
Mahady, Mary Gillespie, and each
championship losses to Raheny and
receive €35. Next week’s jackpot is
St Sylvester’s.
€7,200.
Senior footballers are away this Saturday at 6.30pm to Naomh Mear-
Draw held each Sunday night at 10pm in the Palmerstown House.
ALL OF YOUR CLONDALKIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
TOWERING INFERNO: Ten-goal cracker works out in Clon side’s favour P31
MAY 19, 2011
BROAD PALETTE: Frank Clarke’s golfing initiative P29
GazetteSPORT
St Francis ended their season with a 2-0 defeat to Dunboyne but had already done enough to secure a third successful season in succession
Saints fly high while Blues dream of double Clondalkin pair on LSL Sunday Senior trophy trail as St Francis win 1B while Bluebell have double ambition clondalkinsport@gazettegroup.com
ST FRANCIS became the first intermediate side to win an Leinster Senior League title this week as they picked off the win they needed against St Mochta’s to move clear of the chasing pack at the head of the LSL Sunday Senior 1B. It made it a third promotion in four years for John Reid’s side as they seek to make it back to there previous heights which saw them become the last inter club to win the FAI Senior Cup. A 1-0 midweek success over Mochta’s ended a couple of nervy weeks for the Baldonnel club who, after making it to April with a 100pc home record suddenly let points slip. Home losses to Tymon Celtic and Portmarnock, coupled with a draw against Shamrock Rovers at John Hyland Park, threatened to open the door to the likes of Tymon and Dunboyne.
But they finished strongly with three victories and clean sheets in succession against Kilnamanagh, Templeogue United and Mochta’s, assuaged any lingering worries. Indeed, a slip-up in any of those ties might have placed massive pressure on Sunday’s final game against Dunboyne. The Co Meath club ended the season with a 2-0 success to move within two points of St Francis, showing the fine margins that were creeping in. David Clarke and Andrew Farrell did the damage that day while the likes of Craig Gardner and Paul Dowling both went close with headers. Both sides finished their seasons with tenmen as Anthony Shortt and John Byrne tangled but it proved immaterial as Dunboyne took the spoils to follow St Francis into Sunday Senior 1A. East-Clondalkin side, Bluebell United, meanwhile, remain in the running for a pos-
sible double as they bid to be second side from the area to claim an LSL inter title. They can only play a part in half of the equation, though, as they sit on the sidelines waiting for Wayside Celtic to complete their league campaign, the Kilternan side taking the Noel Ryan Cup last weekend to set up their own version of a double. Bluebell were unable to exert full pressure on Wayside last Sunday, slipping up with a 0-0 draw with lowly Firhouse Clover. As of Tuesday afternoon, it leaves James Keddy’s side three points clear of the Jackson Park men who have two games left to play and needing a win and a draw to claim the crown – both games against sides with little to play for. Keddy can affect the outcome of Bluebell’s other half of the double, though, as they travel to Frank Cooke park on Sunday to face Arklow Town in the decider of the Metropolitan Cup, kicking off at 3pm.