Clondalkin GAZET TE FREE
RECYCLE THIS COPY. KEEP DUBLIN TIDY.
MAY 10, 2012
C L O N DA L K I N • R OW L AG H • B AW N O G U E • N E I L STOW N • D E A N S R AT H • K I N G SWO O D • TA L L AG H T
INSIDE: Elegance galore at the Ghana Union of Ireland’s dinner dance P2
TREATY: Senator Darragh O’Brien
on why FF wants a Yes vote See Page 6
Jump to it: Fun preparing for a walk at Citywest WITH some jumping jacks to
Dublin Feile: Towers claim Division 4 title at Parnell Park Page 32
help them prepare for this year’s Citywest Fun Walk, in aid of the children’s charity Barretstown, Majella Connolly, Lisa Burke, Paulo Santiago, Niamh Feely, Jean Larkin and Wendy Duffy were soon warmed up and ready to go. They joined lots of other runners and walkers at the event, keen to help support the great cause and get some great exercise at the busy business campus. Picture: Ian Fleming
Full Gallery on Pages 8-9
Soccer: Local duo named in Trappatoni’s Euro 2012 squad Page 30
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ..................... 2 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
Tesco unfazed by resistance to plan August ruling to I PAUL HOSFORD
decide on fate of Liffey Valley store
SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has said it is hopeful that several appeals against a proposed site for a new store in Liffey Valley will not be successful. Four appeals have been launched by RGData, An
Taisce, SuperValu and SuperQuinn against the site, with An Bord Pleanala set to rule in August. A Tesco spokesman told The Gazette that the plan had support locally, and they hoped for a positive decision. “One local worker said it
was badly needed for the area. We are set to create more than 200 jobs, and will engage in a job-creation drive. “The council is behind it, the local people are behind it and it is planning compliant,” said the Tesco spokesman. Full Story on Page 7
2 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 10 May 2012
CHARGE: 38,370 REGISTER
DINNER Ghana Union of Ireland holds a dinner dance
Under 50% pay house tax A LOCAL councillor has said that she is “concerned” that less than 50% of homes in South Dublin registered for the Household Charge. The charge, which had a deadline of March 31, was hotly-debated across the country, with numbers countrywide sitting just below 900,000 in mid-April, with a national average of roughly 57%. Fine Gael councillor Emer Higgins said that she was concerned about the South Dublin numbers. “I was very concerned to learn that only 38,370 homeowners in South Dublin County Council have registered to pay the household charge. It is estimated that there are over 80,000 homes in the county meaning that the compliance rate is below 50% and well below the national average,” said Cllr Emer Higgins.
Cllr Higgins said that even with waiver numbers taken in, it is impossible to know where the non-compliance comes from. “Over 10,000 homes in South Dublin County Council have received waivers to the household charge. In response to a question I asked at a recent council meeting management detailed the exemptions throughout the County and stated that it was not going to be possible to get a breakdown of compliance rates other than at County level,” continued Cllr Higgins. “I am very concerned at the low uptake rate on this fee and am worried that people who have registered for the charge will continue to pay year after year while others refuse to,” said Cllr Higgins, who said the charge was a necessary burden.
Aba, Cassandra, Sharon, Gizzella, Emmanuella and Gabriella
Celebrating a special union HE Carlton Hotel in Tyrrelstown hosted a very special event recently when it hosted the Ghana Union Ireland Inauguration and Dinner Dance. The event celebrated all things African and a large number of African ambassadors were in attendance with the guest of
T
honour, His Excellency, Prof Kwaku Danso-Boafo (Ghana High Commissioner UK/Ireland) visiting. Guests enjoyed some great food and drink and were entertained with some fantastic music. Fingal Mayor, Cllr Gerry McGuire (Lab) was also an honoured guest.
Ahenfie Drummer Group (above) and (below) Nigerian ambassador, Felix Y Pwol, and Ghana High Commissioner, Prof Kwaku Danso-Boafo
Dr Nana Yao with children
Erica Birch-Abban and guest artist, Twi Teacher
Gerry McGuire, Fingal County Council mayor attended the event to show his support
10 May 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3
MUSIC Twins are hoping for a big month
Jedward call on locals to put on green cape LOCAL boys Jedward are urging locals to put on the green cape in aid of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. T he boys have released Put the Green Cape On as their unofficial Euro 2012 charity single. The lads themselves have no worries about sending the song to the Euros, given that it is already a hit on the continent. The song is a reworking of the 2011 Eurovision entry Lipstick, with RTE 2fm dj Colm Hayes penning the lyrics. The video is a starstudded affair, with Paul McGrath, Bill
O ’ H e r l i h y, M i r i a m O’Callaghan and Keith Duff y among others popping up. “It’s been such great fun working with Jedward and all the celebrities who gave up their time to make the video. I really enjoyed writing the song; it took me back to my old radio days, and hopefully it will raise a lot of money for the ISPCC. Come on Ireland, we can win it... maybe,” Hayes said. Jedward added: “We were really happy when 2fm contacted us and told us that Colm Hayes had written really cool new lyrics for Lipstick. The song is awesome.
“ I t ’s g r e a t t o b e involved with the ISPCC, and the Irish football team. “It’s the perfect song for Ireland to go to Europe with as all the other countries already know Lipstick so they will be able to sing along with it. “We want all our fans to go out and buy it and pick up a cape in Elverys, and support the ISPCC. “Get your green capes on Jed Fans.” The official Jedward Green Capes are on sale in all Elverys stores nationwide at €4.99 each. Meanwhile, the
Jedward with RTE 2fm dj Colm Hayes, who re-wrote the lyrics to their song Lipstick for their Euro 2012 song
Lucan twins have been made third favourites to claim the Eurovision crown with their second attempt at the contest. The whacky duo are available at 9/1 and already have been given huge support. B o y l e s p o r t s h ave reported that the boys will cost them €50,000 if they win and that figure is expected to reach six figures closer to the
date. Jedward’s main competition comes from Sweden who are the short-priced favourites at 2/1. T hey have a poptrack which is expected to prove popular on the European stage. The Italian contenders are the only other competition for the twins, who have been installed at 7/1.
“Jedward have been promoting their song across Europe, hitting the number one spot in some countries. They proved popular last year but are more polished this time around. “We are certainly getting nervous, as a win for the boys will clean us out,” commented Nicola McGeady, Boylesports PR Spokesperson.
AWARDS
Fix your street is a winner THE Fix Your Street initiative, piloted by South Dublin County Council has scooped three e-Government awards at a ceremony in Dublin Castle. Mayor Caitriona Jones (Lab) was on hand to collect the awards in the Open Source, People’s Choice and Judges Special Merit categories, saying that she was “extremely pleased and proud to accept the awards on behalf of South Dublin County Council”. Fixyourstreet is a publicly accessible web site with associated mobile technologies where non emergency issues such as street lighting, drainage, graffiti, illegal dumping, road and footpath maintenance can be reported. The reporting of issues to Fixyourstreet are accepted via the web site,www.fixyourstreet.ie, through email, on Twitter and coming shortly mobile phone apps.
4 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 10 May 2012
FESTIVAL
Feast of drama this week THE Clondalkin Drama Festival will kick off this Thursday, May 10, bringing a host of dramatic talent to the fore. After last year’s festival, the programme has been expanded this year. It will take in schools, workshops and performances until Sunday. It will kick off with John Currivan and Richie O’Sullivan from Clondalkin Youth Theatre leading workshops with local schools in Clondalkin Library on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday at 11.30am and 2pm respectively, there will be workshops on paper puppets and clowning, before the Saturday and Sunday night performances, which start at 8pm. They will perform In Quest of a Play devised by the members of Phisically Phishy Youth Theatre which will be performed by the Junior Group, before the Senior Group puts on a performance combining devised work and pieces written by John Currivan.
BIGJOBS LABEL Software Strap herefirm strap hereemployment boosts
SAP creates 150 new jobs at Citywest I PAUL HOSFORD
Taoiseach Enda Kenny was in Citywest to announce the job creation by SAP
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AN Taoiseach Enda Kenny was on hand in Citywest last week, as German software firm SAP announced 150 new jobs at their offices. Making the announcement, Taoiseach Kenny said that the jobs, along with 100 jobs in the firm’s plant in Galway, marked a vote of confidence in the Irish economy. “The decision by SAP to create 250 new, highquality jobs in Dublin and Galway is most welcome news and contributes to Ireland’s growing reputation as a global hub for the digital industry. SAP is the largest software company in Europe and the third largest software company in the world and its decision to further expand its Irish operations demonstrates the real value of an economically stable business environment and Ireland’s position in Europe when it comes to attracting the overseas operations of major technology companies like SAP. I wish SAP every success with both these expansions and offer the continued support of the Irish Government into the future.”
Liam Ryan, managing director at SAP Ireland said: “SAP’s Irish operations have been highly successful since we first established a facility here in 1997. We now employ 1,200 people between our Dublin and Galway operations and as a result of the expansions being announced today will add a further 250 people to our staff here over the next three years. “The announcement is all about gearing SAP up for the company’s next wave of technology innovation to meet business needs in the areas of cloud computing, mobile applications and high performing database technology. Ireland has provided SAP with a highly-skilled and innovative workforce and I would like to express my gratitude to all our staff and management here along with the Irish Government and IDA Ireland for the significant role they all play in making SAP Ireland a success.” We l c o m i n g t h e announcement, Barry O’Leary, CEO of IDA Ireland, who are backing the move, said, “SAP is a key player in the cluster of world-leading technol-
ogy companies based in Ireland. 70% of the world economy’s transactions touch a SAP system in some way, shape or form and the company’s investment in services, sales and support activities in Galway and Dublin will build considerable new capabilities in their respective teams. This expansion drive will help support major growth in customer demand in the emerging technology areas of cloud computing, mobile applications and high performing database technology. IDA Ireland has worked closely with SAP since the original decision to establish operations in Ireland in 1997. I would like to congratulate Liam Ryan and his team on the excellent progress they have made in Ireland.” Among the 250 new jobs announced today are a variety of positions requiring people with various skillsets and qualifications in the fields of computer science, engineering, physics, maths, information systems, languages, business and sales. To learn more about the vacancies, visit the SAP careers website at: www. sap.com/careers/Ireland.
Tidy Towns spirit hailed by Bonner I PAUL HOSFORD
THE community spirit of residents in North Clondalkin has been praised by Labour Councillor Breeda Bonner as they held their first Tidy Towns meeting. “There is a very vibrant Tidy Towns group up and running in Clondalkin village. They are led by Ronan Connolly and a diverse, talented and energetic committee who meet every Tuesday at 6.30pm and Saturday at 10am at Tuthills car park to take part in clean ups in areas around the village.
“The numbers turning out to help are increasing all the time but more helpers are always welcome and needed,” said Cllr Bonner. This week, there will be a number of clean ups in the area, with St Killian’s Park/Orchard Road’s group meeting at Aras Chrónain on Saturday at 10.30am, Riversdale meeting at the bridge at entrance to estate on Saturday at 11 am and Green Park Residents Association are organising their annual clean up on at 10am on the same day. They will meet at the church in Sruleen.
10 May 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5
SHOP LOCAL Focusing on the benefits of spending locally
Supporting our local business
HE Gazette is determined to m a ke p e o p l e aware of just how important it is to support our local businesses. We have never been backward about coming forward when it comes to our supporting the local community – but it is just
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as important, now more than ever, that we support our local economy too. Support is the key to a thriving local community, and every member of the public can contribute to this support. Simply put, shopping locally benefits the local area. By shopping locally,
without any of the expedition involved in travelling across the city, we can support local business, enterprise and industry, all of which play a far greater role in our quality of life than one might imagine. On a very basic level, the commercial rates that even the smallest of such local businesses pay, goes
directly to our local council. Without these rates, the quality of public amenities, from parks nesses for residents to get behind. For 2012, the Gazette is continuing our support of local businesses, and will continue to work closely with the Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce
to promote the local economy. Thyes Kavanagh, chairman of the Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce, says that the Chamber hopes that jobs can be preserved and business can grow if people can be convinced to Shop Local. “In these difficult times, Clondalkin Chamber of
Commerce is calling on people to Shop Local. “Please support local business, not only do they offer great value for money but also a personal service. These businesses employ a large number of local people, both full and part-time, and need your support. “Clondalkin Chamber
of Commerce is at present working on their own campaign to promote local business and are also updating their website. “We would like to thank the Gazette for their Shop Local feature and hope that shoppers will support the advertisers within the supplement,” Mr Kavanagh said.
6 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 10 May 2012
TREATY Pact ‘will not cure all our economic woes’
Voting Yes provides a more secure future
SENATOR DARRAGH O’BRIEN (FF) explains why his party believes the Stability Treaty will give Ireland more growth opportunities and employment THE vote on May 31 on the Stability Treaty is extremely important for Dublin, for Ireland and for Europe. The treaty sets out a new framework for countries so that the crisis of budget deficits and high debt can’t threaten the Eurozone in the future. I will be honest and say that the treaty will not cure all our economic woes of today, but it will definitely allow Dublin
and Ireland to have a more secure foundation for our future. By voting yes, we will have access to the funds needed for our public services at a lower interest rate. We will be sending a message that Irish people want to have a strong voice at the European table when growth opportunities and investment in job creation are being discussed. We need to maintain strong ties and influence in Europe
and make sure our voices are heard and we will do this by voting Yes. There has been much debate in my party about this treaty and what it means for Ireland and Europe. At the Fianna Fail Ard Fheis, 50 years ago in 1962, Sean Lemass told delegates that the alternative to joining would be that “Ireland would be an isolated unit on the fringe of a dynamic European confederation”. The last
thing Ireland needs to do today is to retreat to the fringes of Europe. The European Union will play a central role in Ireland’s recovery. That is why Fianna Fail is vigorously campaigning for a Yes vote. This fiscal crisis has been a crisis of globalisation. It has crossed borders and many other countries, not just Ireland, are facing unprecedented pressures in controlling budgets and raising the money to fund public services. A crisis of this massive scale requires collaboration, co-operation and a joined up approach to achieving solutions amongst the countries of Europe. Fianna Fail has consistently been calling for three principal issues to be addressed: changing the mandate of the European Central Bank; increasing the central funding of the EU; and federalising financial regulation. If the euro is to be saved and if it is to retain democratic legitimacy, these measures must be taken up and Fianna Fail will continue to press this. Many of the problems facing people in Ireland are shared by other countries. The budgets in capital cities around Europe, like Dublin, are under huge pressure. It makes sense, therefore, that the best way to tackle them is for countries to work together. This treaty reinforces the rules to make sure that budgets are better controlled so that major debt is avoided. In return for agreeing these controls, countries will find it easier to raise money to fund public services, like the ones
Senator Darragh O’Brien (FF): “EU will play central role in Ireland’s recovery”
we benefit from in the city every day, our buses, gardai, schools and hospitals. It provides a more secure future for our country. In fact, had this new emergency funding system and other new policies been in place years ago Ireland would never have required a bail-out. Its support programme is based entirely on targets that were already proposed by the then Irish government, and Ireland’s debt is due to top out at a level of less than that of Italy today or Greece after all their adjustments.
In the 2009, referendum on the revised Lisbon proposal, public support for a Yes vote actually rose during the campaign. This was because we worked hard to bring a positive message directly to people. That referendum changed the nature of EU debate in Ireland and this is what is reflected in the current large majority indicating an intention to vote Yes, including 70% of my party’s voters. One of the key reasons for Ireland’s attractiveness is its export platform to the rest of the EU. Today nearly 100,000
people are directly employed in over 600 US firms in Ireland. US companies have a $190 billion cumulative stock of investments in Irishbased operations. I really believe that Ireland’s full and active membership in the EU is critical for stability and investment across Dublin. I believe Dublin needs a strong Yes vote on May 31 to secure stability and economic recovery.
Darragh O’Brien Fianna Fail Senator for Dublin North and Seanad Spokesperson on Finance
10 May 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7
COURTS Vietnamese fisherman had a ‘low status’ in drug operation
Fisherman sentenced for growing cannabis A Vietnamese fisherman who was smuggled into Ireland and became involved in an elaborate cannabis growing facility has been sentenced to 18 months. Suu Nguyen came to Ireland two months prior to his arrest to make money after his fishing
business had failed. Nguyen (39) of Camac Park, Bluebell pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to cultivation of 387 cannabis plants valued at €154,800. Garda John Barrett told prosecuting counsel Tony McGillicuddy BL, a significant amount of
heat was detected coming from the house by the garda helicopter. When gardai arrived at the house, Nguyen was in the kitchen and cannabis plants were found in the three upstairs bedrooms. “There was a network of fluorescent lights, transformers and a sophisti-
cated ventilation system in place and a system of irrigation in each room,” said Garda Barrett. Nguyen told gardai he was “just watering the plants on a day to day basis”. Garda Barrett said Nguyen was illegally in the country and reliant
on the people involved in the cannabis growing enterprise. Defence counsel James O’Brien BL said Nguyen had travelled by boat to the Czech Republic and onto Germany from where he was brought to Ireland with 12 others in the back of a lorry. His
passport had been taken from him by the people who transported him. Mr O’Brien said Nguyen had come to Ireland to make money to pay back a loan he had in Vietnam and was afraid of the people he became involved with. “He only found out
about the cannabis plants when he was brought to the house,” defence counsel said. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Nguyen had a low status in the operation and his sole purpose was to feed and water the plants. He back dated the 18 month sentence to April 2011.
Delaney wants ban on posters upheld THE voluntary poster ban in Clondalkin village must be adhered to in the runup to the Fiscal Compact referendum, a local councillor has warned. Fine Gael Councillor Tony Delaney has called on Sinn Fein to respect the wishes of the local community in Clondalkin and adhere to the voluntary poster-ban for the centre of the village. Cllr Delaney put forward a motion at the last Clondalkin Area Committee Meeting asking for formal approval of the poster-ban proposal. Clondalkin councillors supported the ban by five to one and the proposal will now be formally brought forward to the May Council meeting.
The site ofthe proposed Tesco store, with Liffey Valley Centre to the left and B&Q to the top right
DEVELOPMENT: FOUR APPEALS AGAINST STORE
Tesco appeal to be decided by August I PAUL HOSFORD
AN Bord Pleanala expects a decision on the development of a near-8,000sq m Tesco at Liffey Valley by the end of August. The massive store, which is expected to create 350 jobs, was granted planning permission in March, but there have been a number of appeals put to An Bord Pleanala, who have set a date of August 20 for a decision. The appellants, RGData, An Taisce, SuperValu and Superquinn, all have similar arguments. RGData, the umbrella group for individual family-owned grocery outlets nationwide, says
that unless another proposed development on the site, Phase 1B, which will include five other retail units is completed, the development cannot be properly integrated with the main Liffey Valley Centre, going on to say that the development would be a “stand-alone” hypermarket. There is no timeframe for the completion of the second phase of the plan, which has caused concerns for RGData. The SuperValu objection comes from the Moriarty Group, who own SuperValu in Palmerstown. They say that the plan is “excessive in scale and will have a negative
effect on existing centres planned for Adamstown and Clonburris”, adding that the scale of the development would lead to “Liffey Valley [dominating] the wider area”. The SuperValu appeal goes on to say that the layout of the development “turns its back on the existing centre”. The final point made by SuperValu is that the existing roads infrastructure would be altered to suit Tesco. “The layout of the proposed retail anchor store and associated car parking is dictated entirely by the applicant’s desire to facilitate the private car movements to and from the proposed develop-
ment.” An Taisce, the national heritage trust, submitted its appeal on similar grounds, but also said that the proposal used out of date environmental data. In their appeal, An Taisce said that it had reservations about the information in the Environmental Impact Statement that had been used. A Tesco spokesperson told the Gazette that Phase 1B would be built and the plan would be done incrementally. “Liffey Valley is properly zoned and adheres to a development plan. Our proposal is planning compliant.”
“I want to make it perfectly clear to residents in Clondalkin that if there are posters in the village during the Treaty campaign and none of them are advocating a Yes vote, then that’s because the Yes campaign are respecting the wishes of the local community,” said Cllr Delaney. “I am happy to confirm that Fine Gael will not be putting up any posters in the proposed ban area - Main Street, Tower Road and Orchard Road, which is the heart of the historic quarter. “I am at a loss to see why aspiring politicians would consider going against the wishes of the community by flouting this ban,” said Delaney.
8 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 10 May 2012
CHARITY Lots of walkers, joggers, runners (and grannies
Lauren McKenna, Andrew Murphy and Vanessa White
Susie Hickman, Sarah Duffy and Grainne Coyle. Pictures: Ian Fleming
It was a fun family affair for Aidan Montague and his Lisa Burke, first woman to the finish line
sons, Alex and Jack
ITH 5,000 people working in the Citywest Business Campus, hopes were high that many would step forward for this year’s Citywest Fun Walk and, indeed, many campus workers joined with locals to take part. The weather was gloomy but the mood was sunny and upbeat, with all involved keen to have a fun time and help support children’s charity Barretstown, the beneficiary of the
day’s fundraising, with the event’s motto, Be A Lunchtime Hero, spurring everyone on to support the great cause, with Radio Nova also helping to create a positive beat for the day. With a route that wound through the campus, it was a straightforward event for all, with many walkers and casual joggers having fun alongside some professional runners, all keen to help support Barretstown.
Stepping forward for Barretstown W
10 May 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 9
with pushchairs) ‘race’ around Citywest Business Campus
And they’re off ... Participants with all levels of energy and fitness supported the venture
Suzie O’Connell and Naouel Sghaore are presented with t-shirts prior to the race
A Radio Nova crew helped support the event, with “bike rider” Anita Mernagh joined by Tara Boland, Lauren
by Ciara Sullen, Barretstown
Dundon, Anna Hickey, John Quinn, Paul Doyle, Andy Carpenter, Micheal Crowley and Darren Graham
Jim Scholfield and Adrian Lynam, among the first four to finish the race
Rachel Joy and Binda Nail have some ice cream to help cool down after their run
Step by step ... Finally at the finish line after an invigorating run
10 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 10 May 2012
FAMILIES The Gazette visits the fun annual Star Wars event
Paige Cernohous and friend
John Thompson and John Donaldson try to agree who gets to meet local Star Wars fans first. Pictures: Ian Fleming
Welcome Invasion takes over Citywest ITYWEST Hotel extended an out-of-this-world welcome to some unusual visitors recently when it hosted Star Wars: (Emerald Garrison) Invasion 2012. After hitching a ride to the sector, several Star Wars characters dropped out of orbit to call to the busy venue,
C
where lots of West Dubliners, and Star Wars fans from across the city, county and country, were on hand to welcome the stellar guests, Normally the best of enemies, Stormtroopers rubbed shoulders with Confederacy troops as they met fans, while sand people swapped Tatoo-
AT-AT’s no place to park your Walker
ine’s dusty plains for the grand, soft Irish mist that lingered in the area, yet which couldn’t dampen the fans’ enthusiasm for the fun event. With everything from a Jedi training school to AT-AT Walkers and other familiar vehicles, props and outfits, the whole event was a very welcome invasion.
John Donaldson vows to protect Jake O’Reilly from Jackie Rech
Ruairi Walsh with Sean and Diarmuid Crowe and Keith and Ciara Walsh
any Empire spies
10 May 2012 GAZETTE 11
12 GAZETTE 10 May 2012
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SNAPSHOT The local stories of the day
Summer Wedding Open Day THE Castle Arch Hotel in Trim will host its Summer Wedding Open Day on Sunday, May 13, from 2 to 5pm. The Castle Arch is one of the leading wedding venues in County Meath and this event will be one of their best open day’s with the hotel set up as it would be on the bride and groom’s special day.
Experience The management team have years of experience with weddings and will be on hand to guide you through the planning of your special day. T heir hallmark is attention to detail at all times by experienced staff in the art of creating a perfect wedding. The Castle Arch loves
weddings and this is obvious from the attentive service you receive from the initial enquiry through to departure the next morning after your perfect wedding. The Emmet Suite is the hotel’s dedicated wedding suite and will be set up with beautiful chair covers and a choice of sashes, as well as luxurious floral arrangements on each table and a fairylight backdrop.
Civil wedding The hotel is also registered for civil wedding ceremonies and the Arch Suite will be decorated as it would be on the special day with linen chair covers, flowers and candles. Contact the hotel directly for more information on packages. Contact Ruth Traynor o n 0 4 6 - 9 4 31516 o r Ruth@cusackhotels. com
The Emmet Suite
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10 May 2012 GAZETTE 13
EVENT Charity lunch at Brasserie 15
Encouraging healthy eating
Bressie’s boost to mum’s support centre I LAURA WEBB
lwebb@gazettegroup.com
HE has fast become a household name after judging, and mentoring the winning act of the Voice of Ireland, but his new found fame hasn’t inflated his ego, as he uses his celebrity status to fundraise for charity. Earlier this year, Bressie, aka Niall Breslin, was named the ambassador of LARCC (Lakelands Area Retreat and Cancer Centre) a cancer support centre located just outside his hometown of Mullingar in Co Westmeath, where his mum, Mandy, is the director. To help raise funds for the centre, he hosted a charity lunch in Brasserie 15 in Castleknock, Dublin 15 last week.
His best friend helped get the venue and he brought the entertainment, with thanks to his protegee, the Voice of Ireland winner, Pat Byrne. Speaking to the Gazette this week, he talked about his involvement in the charity and what’s next for the singer/songwriter and producer. Respected
“ I t ’s a ve r y we l l known national charity. It is very well respected. A lot of cancer charities deal with the physical aspect of cancer; this is looking more at the emotional and psychological aspect of it. It is a residential treatment centre where parents can go for a week with the family, and that
INITIATIVE: PROMOTING FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
Bressie with mum Mandy. Picture: Ania Sherlock
is unique – there is nowhere in the whole country where you can do that. “The HSE has cut funding by 50-60% and a lot of people don’t realise there is an emotional side to cancer, so people don’t really dedicate money to it. “There was no way I was going to let it lose out. I thought I could bring something to it, but then the show [The Voice] started and then I knew I could really bring something to it and it has. “We are starting with
this event, and then there will be a big event in the summer and we are not talking about trying to keep one open, we are talking about opening others – that is where I am going with it,” he said. Joining Bressie at the lunch was fellow Voice judge, Brian Kennedy, who said he was only too happy to be part of the charity event. Although he won’t be on our screens every Sunday night with the Voice, Bressie is still ver y much involved
in it as he gets ready to work with his winning act Pat Byrne, and also help his other act, Conor Quinn. “Pat hasn’t even got a day off yet. He asked about it, but I quickly told him – you’re in the music business now, there is no such thing,” he joked. “ We h ave s t a r t e d writing for the album for Pat. Then I will work with Conor and then work on my own. It’s a busy time.” For further information on LARCC log onto www.larcc.ie
STUDENTS across the country will be kept busy throughout May as Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles Healthy Eating Month challenges students to record their daily intake of potatoes, fruit and vegetables. Launched in Family Farm, which was developed by Agri Aware and Dublin Zoo, Minister of State Shane McEntee (FG), was on hand to commence the monthlong initiative which will see students note their consumption of these foods in a special healthy eating diary as part of the overall Incredible Edibles initiative. With childhood obesity levels in Ireland reaching epidemic proportions, Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles is a healthy eating initiative that encourages primary school children to eat more potatoes, fruit and vegetables. The project, now in its fourth year, is delivered by Agri Aware and is supported by Bord Bia, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and the Irish horticulture industry. The sponsors of the Incredible Edibles project will deliver healthy eating awareness activities, demonstrations and food tastings as part of Incredible
Edibles Healthy Eating month at Family Farm, Dublin Zoo during May. Students nationwide are collecting the Incredible Edibles tokens and/ or the Bord Bia Quality Mark from Irish potatoes, fruit and vegetables to win some amazing prizes for their class. The public are encouraged to help out by collecting the tokens and/or the Quality Mark from Irish potatoes, fruit and vegetables in support of their local schools participating in the project. Speaking at the launch, Minister McEntee commented: “In light of the current levels of obesity, especially in our younger population, and the overall need to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, I am very pleased that the Incredible Edibles has evolved to have a stronger emphasis on the need to increase consumption; I see Healthy Eating Month as a key part of this process.” Encouraging a positive attitude to healthy eating, Bernard Donohue, chairman of Agri Aware, said: “Incredible Edibles Healthy Eating month is a great opportunity for parents and teachers to communicate the importance of healthy eating to children.”
14 GAZETTE 10 May 2012
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: YOUR CAT’S DIET MAY NEED AN OVERHAUL AS SHE GETS OLDER
Helping kitty stay fit and healthy as she gets older H yes, it’s a cool for cats kinda time right now because it seems readers just can’t get enough of our feline friends… well, if your calls to the shelter are anything to go by. So, this week, I
A
thought I’d continue my, ahem, CAT-alogue of kitty columns and delve a little into the world of the senior feline and her specific dietary needs and requirements. You see as Kitty gets older, her nutritional needs will start to
change. She may have a slower metabolism and gain a few pounds, she may become less active and wish to stay indoors more therefore to help her stay fit and healthy into her senior years, you, as her parent, will need to give her diet an overhaul. However, I must add, always check with your vet before you change your pet’s diet, especially if there are specific health problems that need to be addressed.
Levels of Activity Some cats go out and hunt and are pretty active, others are pampered and lie around the house all day. It makes sense then that the less active Kitty may require 10% less maintenance energy. T his is also quite dependent on the weather. For example, keeping the body warm or cooling it down will use up more energy, so keep in touch with your vet in the event the temperature plummets and the same goes if we ever manage to get a heatwave… although the latter hardly ever occurs in Ireland.
As your cat gets older, her nutritional needs will start to change
Health Status If Kitty’s had surgery or an illness, she may have increased nutritional requirements in order to help her heal. Again, keep in contact with your vet who will best advise regarding periods of illness and recovery. Portion Control is Important Work with your vet to ascertain which senior cat food provides the best nutritional balance for Kitty. To help her maintain her recommended weight, measure out the portions as per manufacturer’s/veterinarian’s instructions.
Dividing the Spoils Usually it’s recommended you feed your cat two meals per day using portion control. Divide the amount suggested as per your vet or food manufacturer advice and allocate them approximately eight hours apart. As cats require taurine, (an amino acid important to maintain normal heart function, reproduction and vision) and… here’s a little tip; most mammals can make taurine, but cats can’t, it’s important to feed Kitty animal-based protein which means a meat-based diet in order
to meet her nutritional requirements. Remember you may need to adjust intake according to your cat’s level of activity or your vet’s recommendations.
Temperature A senior cat’s sense of smell may diminish slightly, so try to offer her food at room temperature to make it easier for her to be attracted to the aroma. Water Only Forget the saucer of milk, it’s bad for Kitty. Cats cannot process enough lactase in order to break down lactose
in milk, therefore allowing Kitty to drink milk or milk-based products will cause her to vomit or experience diarrhoea. Give water only and make sure you encourage her to drink it often, as some senior cats may be prone to medical problems such as urinary tract infections and an increased water intake may reduce the risk of this. It will also reduce the risk of dehydration. So, following the all clear from your vet, make sure Kitty gets enough gentle exercise in the form of some play with toys or a little potter around the garden while you’re tending to the plants. The above is written as a guideline only, so if you’ve got a senior cat, why not pop her along to your vet today for a quick check up because with his/her help, there’s no reason why you and Kitty can’t enjoy the golden years together and optimise her health and wellbeing. For more information,
log onto www.dspca.ie or contact your vet or email me at miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie
10 May 2012 GAZETTE 15
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GazetteGROWING GROWING
In association with
TASTE: NO NEED TO ROOT AROUND FOR A GREAT TREAT
Can’t beet this THIS month, we will be harvesting the first of our new-season beetroot. Okay, so they will be no bigger than golf balls, and will have been grown in the polytunnel – but they will be all the tastier and more tender as a result. I was turned off beetroot as a kid because the only way I ever saw it presented was pickled and floating in vinegar – fresh beetroot plucked straight from the soil and baked to retain all the goodness is a different matter: earthy, tender, wonderful and incredibly good for you. Interesting to note that we also still have about half a dozen beetroot from last year in a box of sand in the shed – they were sown in July, lifted for storage in October,
and we’ve been eating a couple a week since. They have held up well. They are an altogether hardier affair than the new season ones – about the size of large oranges, and not quite as tender, but they still taste pretty good and make a useful addition to salads (raw, grated). To my mind, this brings home why beetroot is the perfect GIY crop – it can be difficult to source fresh in the supermarket, it’s easy to grow, doesn’t demand much space and, with a little planning, it can be enjoyed fresh all year round. By the way, if you are heading to Bloom in the Phoenix Park (May 31 to June 4), come and visit us at the GIY Zone.
We will be showing people how to sow seeds and generally spreading GIY joy. We’re also aiming to break a Guinness World Record for the most people sowing seedlings at the one time, and creating a giant seedling mosaic!
Tip of the week: Best way to sow beetroot Beetroot likes a deep, sandy soil, manured the previous winter. Apply organic fertiliser about a week before sowing. Germination is in about 10 days, and you will have roots to eat in about three months. I always sow beetroot in module trays and then carefully transplant them about a month after sowing.
They should be planted four inches apart, in rows about 12 inches apart. Bear in mind that a beetroot seed is actually a “cluster” of up to five seeds, so even if you sow just one seed, you may end up with a small cluster of plants – thin them out to just one seedling. Sow every two weeks from April until July (for a continuous supply of young beets), although you can start even earlier (March) in a greenhouse or polytunnel. Sow another batch in July, which will be ready to lift in October for winter storage.
Michael Kelly is a
freelance journalist, author and founder of GIY Ireland
Recipe of the Week BEETROOT, walnuts and goat’s cheese make ideal bedfellows for a salad. This delicious salad serves four. Ingredients: • 12-15 baby beetroot • Two TBSP lemon juice • 80ml extra virgin olive oil • One TSP Dijon mustard • 70g baby spinach leaves and some small beetroot leaves • A bunch of flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped • 100g soft goat’s cheese, crumbled • 75g toasted walnuts TWIST off the leaves from the beetroot (don’t cut, this causes them to bleed), leaving about two inches
of stalk attached to the beet. Wash them well and pat dry. Place them in a tinfoil parcel, and bake in a hot (220C) oven for about 35-45 minutes. They will be very tender when cooked – pierce with a knife to check. Take a beetroot and rinse under a cold tap (so you can handle it), then quickly remove the skin by rubbing with your fingers – if it is well cooked, it should come off easily. Repeat with all the beetroot and cut them into quarters. Whisk the
lemon juice, olive oil and mustard together in a small bowl. Season to taste. Place the spinach, beetroot leaves and chopped parsley in a large bowl. Add half the dressing and toss well. Divide among four serving plates (or leave in the large bowl, if desired), then scatter with beetroot, goat’s cheese and toasted walnuts. Garnish the salad with some parsley, drizzle with the remaining dressing and serve immediately.
DublinGazetteNewspapers Advertising Sales Professionals Dublin Gazette Newspapers is Dublin’s fastest growing community weekly regional publisher, with 8 titles covering the M50 from Swords to Dun Laoghaire. We are currently looking to recruit: We are now seeking experienced media sales executives to work in our advertising dept in our Lucan head office on a number of Dublin Gazette titles. Experience in newspaper advertising sales is preferable. Full clean driving license and own car required; fluent written and oral English essential. Excellent package on offer to suitable candidates. If you can work on your own initiative within a team environment, are motivated, enthusiastic with an excellent work ethic, please send your cv to: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com
16 GAZETTE 10 May 2012
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY The essential
A designer gift from Lancome
LANCOME announces its June 2012 designer gift collaboration with luxury design house, Jenny Packham. This is one of Lancome’s most exciting designer collaborations to date. The style of the make-up purse has a vintage feel to it, featuring romantic floral designs created exclusively by de Gournay for the Jenny Packham Lancome bag. From June 2012, Lancome customers can own this unique bag by simply purchasing two Lancome products (one to be skincare) from a Lancome counter. Available nationwide from June 8, 2012, whilst stocks last.
et’s face it, the sooner we go on holidays to catch a few rays from that shiny ball in the sky, known as THE SUN, the sooner faces will be smiling again. The travel season is among us and Gazette Beauty is on a mini mission to give readers an idea of some of the essential products that should take up space in that 20kg bag. Forget packing luggage to the brim with flip flops and sarongs, you know you won’t use, think about items that you can’t live without on a sun holiday. Helping to take the stress out of travel this summer is Burt’s Bees and its mini kits. The kits have mini-
L
Enjoy the summer holiday season but take care while in the sun with an appropriate sun screen to prevent burning
ature versions of all it’s full size favourites with Tips and Toes Kit, Head to Toe, Radiance Healthy Glow and the Essential Burt’s Bee Kit – our favourite. This essential Burt’s Bee’s kit (€16.99) contains soap bark and chamomile deep cleansing cream, hand cream, nourishing milk and honey lotion, coconut foot cream and beeswax lip balm. Of these, the lip balm is a must to keep with you at all times to avoid dry lips while sun bathing. T he coconut foot cream gives great relief after a day’s walking, or a night’s dancing and the coconut scent boosts that happy holiday feeling – available at health
stores and pharmacies nationwide. Take care while in the sun, and so it’s not unusual that we say sun factor is a MUST for everyone. Don’t let skin burn – red is not a sun-kissed colour, it’s sun-kissed pain. Apply sun factor as often as you can. If money doesn’t matter, Piz Buin is a favourite here as it is great for sensitive and dry skin, and works on building a glowing natural tan. Saving pennies? Then try out Lidl’s very own range from Cien. The range is available in various sun protection factors to suit every need from factor 8 to factor 50, kids to adults, it has the lot. Here’s something eve-
10 May 2012 GAZETTE 17
Edited by Laura Webb
products for a spell in the sun tecting hair from everyday wear and tear, a must when out and about this summer – Aussie hair products are available at Boots nationwide. Rub away your stress and worries with the new Spa Collection Absolute Calm Massage Oil, €8/100ml from Marks & Spencer. This non-greasy massage oil has been specially formulated with sweet almond oil to condition and nourish the skin whilst a soothing blend of essential oils of mandarin, chamomile and lavender help relax and unwind. This is perfect for trying to unwind after a day sightseeing. Also available in this range is the Spa Collection Absolute Calm Bath Essence, €5.50/300ml and Spa Collection Absolute Calm Pillow Mist, €5.50/50ml. Now obviously we are not saying take all these essentials with you, because if you do, that 20kg will be full before you get a chance to put in any summer shorts, so just take in our advice and then find what best suits your top five travel essentials.
Help take the stress out of travel with Essential Burt’s Bees Kit
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Dead Sea Skin Magik Brushing Salts (€17.95). This is a mix of Dead Sea salts and coconut oil, perfect for pre beach exfoliation and a great treatment for cellulite, also available at Nelson’s Homeopathic Dispensary. Take care of your hair when away. The Aussie hair care range, not only smells fantastic but works wonders for dry/ damaged hair. Tried and tested by Gazette beauties, the range recommended this summer is the Miracle Moist Range. This range makes hair soft, shiny and fabulously conditioned. It brings moisture to dry damaged hair, which is often a result of sun exposure. Miracle Moist Shampoo is used to lock moisture in all day long. After that, use Miracle Moist Conditioner for some serious moisturising. But the one thing we advise not to leave behind is its Miracle Hair Insurance. This leave-in conditioner is a little miracle for detangling hair by conditioning and nourishing it, while also pro-
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ryone should know – sun protection factor (SPF) refers to how long you can stay in the sun without getting burned. The higher the factor the longer you can stay out without burning. The Cien range is priced between €2.99 and €4.99. Another essential is, of course, after sun. One suggestion from Gazette Beauty for a good after sun, essential for soothing is Green People After Sun (€15.99). This product is made with cooling peppermint and helps to maintain a healthy tan – available at Nelson’s Homeopathic Dispensary, Duke St, Dublin 2. Travelling can take its toll on some stomachs and so a travel sickness preventative is worth bringing along, helping you enjoy your summer rather than loath it because of travel sickness. Our recommendation is, also available from Nelson’s, is Travella, a homeopathic preparation to aid with symptoms of travel sickness, this costs €7.25. Exfoliate before heading to the beach with
All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away Lidl’s very own range from Cien has factors to suit every need
18 GAZETTE 10 May 2012
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods SHE’S been called one of the most controversial women in rock, and I think Courtney Love whole-heartedly deserves that crown. Brawls, court cases, drugs...this woman has stared the usual rock cliches in the face (and in some cases, punched it), but only she could continue the on-again off-again relationship with her fella, 18 years after his death. Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain died in 1994 and the rights to his image were in
the hands of his wife. Although tumultuous, their relationship was one that seemed to survive all sorts of challenges...until Courtney needed a quick buck, it seems. It’s emerged the Hole singer gave up her rights to Cobain’s name, likeness and appearance in exchange for €2.1m. Surely, she wouldn’t be so shallow... I hear you ask, where is she getting the money? Oh, that’d be from her teenage daughter, Frances Bean
Cobain’s, trust fund. So, Courtney gets the loan of a couple of million, but until she can pay it back, will no longer be head of the company that looks after the Cobain cashflow: Frances Bean is. The 19-year-old is taking over her 47-year-old mother’s job and giving her a loan? Talk about role reversal. In fairness to Courtney, she’s doing her best to earn a few quid in the meantime. Her first art show was launched in New York last week. It featured drawings and lyrics by the Hole frontwoman and the piece de resistance: a designer gown which she claimed was to be worn to her marriage to Ed Norton that never happened. Now, there’s a woman with an appropriate surname - what’s not to Love?
Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys had an influence on a generation of music fans
All our love and respect to the end I ROB HEIGH
WHEN it was announced last week that Beastie Boy Adam Yauch had died after a three-year battle against cancer, the wave of genuine shock and sadness that passed through the world of music was palpable. Although the portents were not good when he was unable to attend the band’s induction to the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame in April, there was still hope that this essential part of one of the most influential and beloved bands of the past three decades would beat the disease that afflicted him. Yauch’s gravelly rasp counterpointed Diamond’s pally vibe and Horowitz’s amped craziness on the mic. Their skills combined to create a unique bouillabaisse – a Beastie Boys record was instantly recognisable, not only because of their rhyme styles, but because you felt that the way their personalities were right there on the track. Every record, which never sold less than a
million copies on release, was a new adventure in sound – the Beasties took the influences of their world, mashing up Japanese pop, Jamaican dub, old-school hip-hop, soul and hard rock riffs and made something uniquely their ow n. At the same time, they wrote some of the most memorable, quotable, referential and – don’t forget or underestimate this – fun rhymes in rap. The fact that the band seemed like a band of brothers, transmitting a genuine enjoyment in what they did, never appearing po-faced or serious, even in the face of serious illness in the last three years, defines why the Beastie Boys meant so much to so many people. They loved what they did, and they wanted you to be a part of the party they fought for the right to throw. You were invited, and welcome – the door was open and theirs was not a closed world of gangsta mores or outrageous bling that you had no access to. They opened a whole new world of music to
this impressionable teen – the Beasties were the link to Run-DMC, to Public Enemy, to NWA, and on, and on… Not only to their contemporaries, but also to the artists they sampled on their tracks, too innumerable to mention, especially on their best album, Paul’s Boutique. Creating some of the most memorable moments in music video history – Intergalactic, Body Movin’, So What’cha Want – was another of Yauch’s talents that was most immediately on display in the public domain, but his activism and charitable work for Tibetan freedom and the recovery of New York in the wake of 9/11 were other aspects of the work he did, which underlined his humanity and humanitarianism. There has been nothing but the Beasties finest moments on the playlist since last Friday, and they will always be one of of my most dearly loved, and missed, musical heroes. T hank you, Boys. Thank you, Adam. Namaste.
10 May 2012 GAZETTE 19
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Tracy Leonard, DAS Academy in Lucan and Rush
Helping people achieve their dreams
MORTGAGE RELIEF Q – We bought my first house in 2004, bought the second in 2010, as the family grew. We could not sell the first, as it was in negative equity and rented it out in 2010, losing the mortgage interest relief. Should we still qualify after recent changes ? The rent doesn’t cover the mortgage capital and interest repayments. Colin – Terenure A - Measures brought into effect last Budget would have meant that, had you stayed in your first house, you would now be enjoying 30% mortgage interest relief until 2017 ! Unfortunately, moving meant that you lost out on being a first-time buyer and, therefore, precludes you from receiving the new life changes announced in the last Budget. At
INTERNATIONAL singer and actress Tracy Leonard runs a new stage school in Lucan and Rush, known as DAS Academy (Dancing, Acting, Singing Academy). Tracy trained at the Gaiety School of Acting, Dublin and the Royal Academy of Music, London on its world renowned Musical Theatre Course and has worked professionally in Ireland, the UK and on a cruise ship as the main singer for Broadway style shows on the US high seas. Tracy loves to perform on stage and has done so since a young age, she now wants to help new up-and-coming actors, singers and dancers achieve their dreams or even just enjoy it as something to help them gain more confidence in themselves in everyday life. International singer and actress Tracy Leonard runs a new stage school in Lucan and Rush
Q&A When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A singer. What was your first job? Farmer’s daughter and then helping run a video shop when I was 15. I didn’t want to get muddy anymore!
soon as you started renting your former home. There are so many people who were forced to rent out their homes because of their inability to maintain repayments, but did not stop the TRS. This could come back to haunt them. Presumably, you are also making the usual offsets against the rental income tax liability: • 75% of the mortgage interest • Service charges (including block insurance) • Repairs and maintenance • 12.5% of furniture and fixtures (keep receipts) for each of the first eight years • PRTB fees • Property management fees • Contents insurance if contents are your own The NPPR and household charges are not allowable for offsetting against your rental income tax
What part of your working day do you “delegate”? I leave the dancing to Thomas…we work on production pieces together, but when it comes to choreography, I have a cuppa… What sport do you follow? I like rugby.
And your first pay check? I remember wanting these runners and thought if I work for two weeks, I’ll be able to get them. It made me feel great to be able to get them myself.
What sport can you play? I used to play camogie and Gaelic football, but now I just walk a lot and run around after my toddler…keeps me fit to say the least!
When did you start your present job? August 2011 with the stage school and singing forever it seems. Before that for weddings, shows and events.
What is your guilty music, TV or movie pleasure? I just love Sky Plus. I get to watch it all after baby is in bed and I can wind down with the soap stories, a nice cuppa and some choccy.
What is the best thing about your job? The kids. Seeing them achieve a dance move they couldn’t do before or hitting a note that seemed out of reach, not being shy to read out or “act” in front of their peers.
least you stopped the TRS (tax relief at source) as
What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? Everything from Heads Shoulders Knees and Toes to Rhianna for DAS Academy classes.
Who do you follow on Twitter/ Facebook? Just friends and family really, as my husband is American, so I keep in touch with all my friends and in-laws that way. It’s great for sharing photos and stories. Describe your dream meal? Cooked oysters and then a big, thick medium-rare steak and cheesy potatoes. Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? On my son and my husband – online. That way it’s a surprise when it arrives. I’m not a complete martyr though, I do get myself stuff too. How many pairs of shoes do you own? Mmm, let me think … about 40. BUT can’t wear half of the really high heels at the moment. I do intend wearing them again in the future, so refuse to throw them out (not sure if I’m in denial or not though!)
What was your worst holiday experience? My last trip to California (where my husband is from). The holiday wasn’t the problem, the travel was! Dublin to London to San Franciso was so long and my son was only six months old at the time. He was great on the flights but I hate flying! So, while hubby and son snoozed away, I was envisioning all sorts of scary airplane movies! Describe your dream holiday? Me, hubby and son by a pool with a maid to do all the cooking and cleaning. What would be your dream job? Singing/acting a couple of days a week and teaching the DAS Academy kids a couple of days a week too – I have done both, but not together yet. What do you plan to do when you retire? IF I retire, which will probably only ever be part-time retirement, as I love singing, acting and teaching. I will travel, relax and spend time with my son and future children and me and my husband’s family.
liability. As regards tax relief on your second home, the original allowance of seven years has now expired – the last two years being at 20% tax relief. 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
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20 GAZETTE 10 May 2012
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GazetteMOTORS MOTORS
New Astra lives RoadSigns Road Signs CORMAC CURTIS
Eircom calls on Kuga for its new fleet IRELAND’S leading telecom services provider, Eircom, has taken delivery of 20 new Ford Kuga Commercial vehicles for its national team of radio site engineers. The Kuga is powered by Ford’s efficient 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine and has fourwheel drive capability, enabling the Eircom teams to gain easy access to off-road sites. Michael Lynch, head of transport and logistics for Eircom, said: “Our teams need a tough, reliable vehicle in their daily work and the initial reaction to the new Kuga has been very positive. The Kuga has the right mix of style, versatility and toughness.” Ford Ireland’s commercial vehicle sales and Marketing manager, Ciaran McMahon, said: “Our Kuga Commercial is the ideal stylish package for any business user who needs that little bit more muscle in their daily work. And with prices from €26,604, it truly is a great value package”.
Volkswagen claims number one spot VOLKSWAGEN Ireland has claimed the number 1 position in the Irish motor industry during April, with 867 registrations, a market share of 12.9%. So far this year, Volkswagen has registered 6,513 vehicles representing a market share of 12.3%, up 0.5% (on 2011). This performance places Volkswagen immediately behind Toyota, and suggests it is closing the gap. Commenting on the figures, John Donegan, head of sales and marketing for Volkswagen Ireland said: “We are delighted with our performance during April and credit must go to our dealership network and their exceptional efforts. “With a gap of just 200 registrations between Volkswagen Ireland and the top spot we will be doing our utmost to continue this strong performance in the second quarter of 2012 and maximise a strong order bank.” Volkswagen Ireland’s strong performance is against the backdrop of an overall motoring industry that year to date is 7.2 % down on 2011 with April down 22% on April 2011.
EAR in, year out, car companies the world ove r t e a s e u s with incredible concept designs that they promise indicate the direction their latest models are following. Unfortunately, year after year, what eventually rolls off the assembly line doesn’t quite live up to our, admittedly juvenile, expectations. A certain part of every driver’s psyche (well, mine at least) wants to see a car that breaks the rules and doesn’t apologise for it. I have an insatiable appetite for a car that has all the charm, character, looks and power of a James Bond villain, just in motoring form. Something that really has a menacing personality. So, when Opel released their concept images of the newest incarnation of the Astra GTC at the Paris Autoshow in 2010, not too many members of the motoring press held their breath in anticipation of the final product matching the beauty of the concept. How wrong were we? Very. With the exception of the alloys and the racing seats featured in the pre-release images, the Opel Astra GTC is almost exactly as promised. A s m a ny w i l l b e aware, the Astra hatchback has been held close to the hearts of many a young boy racer over the years. And, as those boy racers have matured, Opel have kept a close eye on how the Astra has developed to match the needs and, indeed, the desires of their customers. This time, though, the design team led by
Y
SPECS: OPEL ASTRA GTC 2.0-LITRE DIESEL SRI Engine: 2.0 CDTI Economy: 49.6mpg CO2 emissions: 127g Price: €27,995
Opel’s vice-president of design, Mark Adams, has produced something wonderful. You simply can’t help but grin from ear to ear when you lay eyes on this car. The contours appear to have been modelled on the lines in a speed tunnel, making the car’s profile similar to a cross section of an aeroplane’s wing. This thing looks like it’s moving when it’s standing still. External chrome has been kept to a stylish minimum – only appearing on the front grille and as a highlighting arc over the side windows. The front lights have all the subtlety of a snarling panther, and, at night, the effect is exaggerated with some beautifully designed illumination. Let’s just say you’ll notice this car from a mile off – and you will feel like giving it plenty of space and avoiding eye contact. This Astra is also the first Opel coupe that offers an option of 20” alloy wheels the model I tested was sporting this option, and I couldn’t imagine the car without them. The biggest issue for my kids is rear seats – do they have enough room, and can they buckle themselves in to their booster chairs? In the Astra GTC, this was, surprisingly, absolutely no problem. Not only that, but, both kids could even flip the front seats for ward themselves to get out. Practicality reaches further back in to the
The Astra GTC is well worth a test drive if you can drag yourself away from the beauty of the outside
car, as the boot provides between 380 and 1,165 litres of volume – over 200 litres more than some of the competition. I was impressed with the high-quality materials that feature in all GTCs, and with the attractive chromeedged instruments in deep-set binnacles that give drivers clear and well laid-out information. Standard on all GTCs are DAB stereo and USB functionality, while the SRi gets an onboard computer and leather-rimmed steering wheel. My test car came in a beautifully striking Morello Red, and featured the
new premium leather trim, and a six-way adjustable driver’s seat. I was relieved that the sports seats in this car were forgiving enough to allow me to drive in incredible comfort – which is not always the case with figure-hugging sports seats! This car would not be complete without some serious performance ability – and the 2.0CDTi packs 165PS with an exceptionally strong 350Nm of torque from just 1,750rpm. This helps it to a c h i e ve a 0 - 6 0 m p h time of just 8.4 seconds and 50-70mph in 6.4 seconds, together with a combined fuel consumption of 58.9mpg
and emissions of just 127g/km. In short, enough poke for some laugh-out-load fun on the road. Driver comfort is further enhanced as the engine is bolted in position via hydraulicallydamped mountings that minimise vibration through the body structure. Opel’s Start/ Stop system is fitted to all 2.0-CDTi models as standard and works nicely. So, there is a lot going on in the new Astra GTC, and it won me over quicker than it can reach 60mph. It’s well worth a test drive if you can drag yourself away from the beauty of the outside!
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up to expectations
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22 GAZETTE 10 May 2012
GazetteTTRAVEL
Edited by Mimi Murray
Enjoy non-stop Las Vegas casino action
Cancun is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world
Enjoy the crisp ocean air in Cape Cod
AMERICA: BEAUTIFUL BEACHES, FANTASTIC THEME PARKS AND CARIBBEAN CRUISES
Get away to the USA hether you’re looking to see the beauty of Cape Cod, get Mickey Mouse’s autograph, or chance your luck in the casinos, American Holidays have some great US offers at the moment.
W
Orlando and Clearwater Beach
Stay 10 nights at the 4-star Crowne Plaza Universal Orlando and four nights at the 4-star Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort, with 14 nights car hire included, from only €1,049pp. The Crowne Plaza Universal Orlando Hotel, located on Universal Boulevard, is just a quick walk from Orlando’s world-renowned International Drive. It offers an outdoor pool, fitness and business centres, and offers high-speed and wireless internet access. Complimentary shuttles
whisk visitors from the hotel to SeaWorld, Wet ‘n’ Wild, and the Disney and Universal Orlando theme parks. Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort stands on 10 acres of white-sand beach in Clearwater Beach and Pier 60, positioned adjacent to the resort, hosts nightly sunset celebrations. The Show Queen Riverboat is docked two blocks from the hotel. Price includes: Return flights from Dublin to Orlando, 14 nights accommodation and 14 nights car hire with fully inclusive insurance. Price based on two adults and two children sharing. Boston and Cape Cod
Spend three nights in the 3-star Midtown Hotel Boston and four nights in the 3-star Cape Codder Resort and Spa Hyannis from only €1,219pp
Centrally located in downtown Boston, the Midtown Hotel blends comfort and convenience with affordability. This moderately priced hotel, nestling in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay, puts the city at your doorstep. Boston is an exciting city to visit and the Midtown Hotel is the place to stay. At the award-winning Cape Codder Resort and Spa, enjoy the crisp ocean air and rolling sand dune scenery, providing numerous attractions, shopping and dining for its guests. Comfortable lodgings and excellent restaurants are available as is fun for all the family in the complex’s amazing indoor wave pool. Price includes: Return flights direct from Dublin to Boston with Aer Lingus, seven nights accommodation and four days car hire. Prices based on two adults sharing.
Orlando Stay and Western Caribbean Cruise
Stay five nights in the 3-star Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando Hotel and seven nights aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas from only €1,329pp. Take the family to Orlando this Christmas and stay in the Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando Hotel on the famous International Drive, within driving distance of Universal Orlando, Sea World, Walt Disney World Theme Parks and many other Orlando attractions. The hotel also provides a complimentary scheduled shuttle transportation service to each of these attractions. The newly-enhanced Freedom of the Seas is a marvel of maritime engineering, packed with awesome innovations to stir your imagination. Catch a first-run movie in the 3D theatre or poolside under the stars on the outdoor movie
screen. Infuse colour into your cruise with the artworks of the BRITTO Gallery or with the frosted confections of the Cupcake Cupboard. Plus, enjoy all the revolutionary features Freedom of the Seas has always been known for - FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, ice-skating rink, Royal Promenade, cantilevered whirlpools, mini-golf course, H2O Zone water park, and much more. Price includes: Return flights from Dublin to Orlando, five nights accommodation in Orlando, seven nights full-board cruise and taxes. Excludes gratuities. Terms and conditions apply. Price based on two adults sharing. Las Vegas and Cancun
Stay three nights in the 3-star Excalibur Hotel and seven nights in the 3-star Viva Wynham Maya in Cancun, Mexico from only €1,479pp.
Stay in royal accommodations in the Excalibur Hotel in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Excalibur offers everything you’d expect from a Las Vegas hotel - from top-notch dining and entertainment, to non-stop Las Vegas casino action. Surrounded by pristine beaches and submerged among coral reefs, the Viva Wynham Maya is enchanted by ancient Mayan ruins. The all-inclusive resort experience shines with a seemingly endless array of exciting possibilities. Dine at one of seven restaurants, offering a tempting array of cuisines in a variety of beautiful settings. Price includes: Return flights, internal flight, 10 nights accommodation and airport transfers in Cancun. Prices based on two adults sharing. Call American Holidays to book on 01 6733800.
10 May 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23
24 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 10 May 2012
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Seann William Scott and Jason Biggs explain to the rest of the gang what it felt like to have a career beyond the American Pie films. Out of shot, Chris Klein plots Rollerball 2.
This slice is stale Thirteen years after their first adventure, the American Pie gang are reunited, but they’ve left the charm behind I PAUL HOSFORD
AVENGERS Assemble may have announced the arrival of summer in cineplexes, but another reluctant team are coming together this week to fight off their own demons and play dress up. Unfortunately for the cast of American Pie: Reunion, Joss Whedon didn’t work his magic on the fourth (or eighth, depending on whether you class direct to video sequels) instalment of the series. Because, whereas the characters you know and love are back, they are basically the same people. Sure, Jim (Jason Biggs) and Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) are now parents of a two-year-old, Oz (Chris Klein) has become a sports caster with a blonde girlfriend ( 3 0 R o c k ’s K a t r i n a Bowden).
FILM OF THE WEEK: American Pie: Reunion ### (15) 113 mins Directors: Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg Starring: Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Tara Reid, Eugene Levy, Mena Suvari, Jennifer Coolidge
OUR VERDICT: ONLY nostalgia gets this film such a high score. A film without characters as warmly built and easily recognised may have dipped below three stars. That said, there are genuinely funny parts and some that are laced with the good-hearted sweetness that made the series so successful. It is definitely worth a watch, but not worth rushing to.
Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas) has settled into the life of a househusband, Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas) is a welltravelled man of the world, Mena Suvari’s Heather is a doctor, Stif ler’s (Seann William Scott) still Stifler, and Tara Reid’s Vicky is... living in New York, which is all we learn, but that’s ok because her character was the worst. So, 13 years after their graduation, the gang are back in town for a reunion and all ruminating on how their
lives haven’t gone as expected. It’s an odd fit, trying to make a mid-life crisis comedy of a franchise that got famous for its unconventional use of baked goods. So, we have the gang wistfully looking at the kids these days, wondering where their own youth has gone and alternately being their usual selves, which is the film’s biggest flaw. Jim will have his customary mishap, Finch will become obsessive about a toilet, Oz and Heather will look at
each other doe-eyed, Stif ler will scam on younger girls and get the best lines, while Kevin and Vicky will continue to be massive, lumberingly unfunny, millstones around the neck of the franchise. Directors Hur witz and Schlossberg created the Harold and Kumar series, itself a race-concious homage to American Pie, so you would feel that this project was right in their wheel-house. Unfor tunately, the pair seem to have mistaken watching the first film for making the fourth. Most of the jokes are callbacks to the original instalment, and nothing more than that. The only character given room to grow is Jim’s Dad, played with typical dryness by Eugene Levy. With his wife, Jim’s Mom, dead, his attempts
to get back into the dating game are peppered with brilliant Levy dialogue. Of course, there is the inevitable meeting with Stifler’s Mom (Jennifer Coolidge) and the two play off each other magnificently. But, this all feels like an afterthought. Like somewhere through filming, someone pointed out that Levy and Coolidge are two gifted comedians and the fans would probably like to see them get together. The actors struggle manfully with the material and, to an extent, seeing characters that you have built a genuine affection for back on the screen isn’t the worst way to spend two hours, but that alone just isn’t enough. This is why reunions are short-lived affairs; after the initial buzz of being back together, you realise why you left.
10 May 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING Blackberry’s battle SHANE DILLON
IT’S not that long ago when the (then) ubiquitous Blackberry was half-jokingly referred to as the “Crackberry”, given its near-addictive hold over its owners, and their seemingly constant need to be toying with it, checking up on their emails. Flash forward a few short years, and Blackberry’s maker, Research in Motion (RIM) faces terribly civilised barbarians at the gate, in the form of Apple and Samsung – but barbarians, nonetheless, threatening to hack and slash what remains of the Blackberry’s collapsed share of the mobile smartphone/ internet phone market.
In a bid to beat back its rivals’ ever-advancing pincer movements, RIM’s alchemists have emerged with the Blackberry 10 – an almost all-ornothing device that RIM hopes is the secret weapon it needs to guarantee its survival, or, at the very least, provide some market breathing space. Of course, as an awful lot of current-gen Blackberry owners will tell you, there’s nothing very “wrong” with their devices – it’s just that the general expectation of the mass market for what their phones (at heart) can do has shifted, incrementally, with the public perception that, foot by foot, RIM has been left behind on the way to the all-conquering peak of
Research in Motion (RIM) chief, Thorsten Heins, unveils the Blackberry 10 (inset) at RIM’s annual BlackBerry World gathering in Orlando, last week
market dominance. And so, the Blackberry 10 has a number of contemporary features, with de rigueur touchscreen helping to maximise a new OS aimed at keeping pace with its peers (assuming, of course, developers row in behind the new OS – given the
comparative paucity of Blackberry apps, they have to). However, what’s most striking, from the prototype, is that the iconic ke y b o a r d h a s b e e n ditched, in line with modern smartphone stylings, helping to retool the Blackberry into a more
streamlined smartphone. With shareholders fielding blows to stock values, profit warnings and its first quarterly loss, coupled with other woes, RIM’s bosses must be praying Blackberry 10 can beat back the hordes, or the Blackberry’s very future could be axed ...
Bytesandpieces Puppets string out a fun Fable FROM chicken-kicking to lute-playing, the Fable series of games has always had much more to do than merely saving the kingdom, for those looking for a dash of fun with their adventuring. Now, building on the wellestablished world seen throughout the series, we’re presented with Fable Heroes, a not-entirely-obvious (but fun, nonetheless) title launching on XBox Live Arcade, priced 800 Microsoft points. Adding to the rush of quality titles winging their way to Live Arcade, Fable Heroes sees bright, colourful and intensely competitive multiplayer action rolling out across the land of Albion, with puppet heroes joining forces to battle evil, level up their characters, unlock ever-greater weapons and powers and compete for gold rewards. As for any chicken-kicking – well, play the game to see ... Anticipated with some puzzlement by the gaming press, the silly, cheeky and intense battles are lots of fun, presented with a gorgeous art style in the instantly memorable land of Albion. Boss battles, party games and side-scrolling action are certainly fun reasons to sally forth with your hero.
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GazetteSPORT
WONDER WARD:
Portmarnock’s Ireland star on his hopes for Euro 2012: Page 29
GOLF: KELLOGG’S SKILLS COMPETITION TO TEST THE BEST OF COUNTRY’S GOLFERS
Challenge is set for Dublin’s golfing stars sport@gazettegroup.com
GOLFERS all over the city are being called upon to show their skills in a new initiative from the Golfing Union of Ireland and Kellogg’s. The Kellogg’s NutriGrain Golf Skills Challenge competition, which is being run to mark a new partnership between the organisations, aims to find Ireland’s most skilled golfers.
There are seven skills involved in the challenge — driving, 135metre shot, pitching, up-and-down, bunker play, difficult lies and putting. There will be a number of regional qualif ying events, from which qualifiers will progress to a national final. These include qualifying events at Donabate Golf Club on Friday, June 22 and Hollystown Golf Club on Friday, August
10, prior to the national finat at the GUI National Golf Academy at Carton Demense. Ireland rugby player and Kellogg NutriG r a i n a m b a s s a d o r, Rob Kearney, attended the launch of the new partnership at the GUI National Golf Academy, and said: “As a professional athlete, I fully appreciate the need to practise basic skills and drills day in, day out. If I could bring the disci-
Rob Kearney (right) with pro at the GUI Academy, Kenny Fahey, and Jim McNeill of Kellogg Ireland
pline and time I devote to r ugby to my golf game, I’m sure I could drop another few shots off my handicap.” Speaking on behalf of the GUI National Golf Academy, Alan Kelly
said: “T he Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Golf Skills Challenge presents golfers from around Ireland the opportunity to challenge themselves and really make all their practice pay off.
T he idea of skills challenge came about after we saw the reaction to our short game clinics over the last couple of years, and now we have the opportunity to establish the challenge
in golf clubs.” The competition is open to all golfers over the age of 18, who have an official GUI or ILGU handicap. Online entry is available at w w w. learntogolf.ie.
28 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 10 May 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
Get your spot picked out for Star Saturday THIS year, the UEFA Champions League final and the first all-Ireland Heineken Cup final both take place on May 19. This sporting feast of a day will deliver exhilarating viewing experiences for rugby and soccer fans alike, and key sponsors, Heineken, are inviting fans to catch both finals at specially prepared venues on what they are describing as Star Saturday. In a monumental day for Irish rugby, two Irish provinces meet in the Heineken Cup final for the first time. Leinster clash with Ulster in Twickenham at 5pm and, with both provinces having tasted Heineken Cup glory in the past, they will be keen to recreate their respective heroics to claim the coveted trophy once more. In the UEFA Champions League final, Bayern Munich will look to use their home advantage and lift the famous trophy in front of their adoring fans. However, they face a stern test against a rejuvenated Chelsea team that recently eliminated Barcelona. This huge fixture kicks off at 7.45pm. Throughout Ireland on May 19, Heineken will host Star Saturday in participating pubs, with competitions running across nine venues, allowing fans to win some special prizes. The action-packed day is set to be filled with sporting drama, and Heineken are inviting fans to get down to participating pubs to enjoy the action with friends, and snap up the best seats to both finals. Fans can locate their nearest Heineken Star Saturday venue on www.heineken.ie/starsaturday.
RUGBY: OVER-35S TAKE CUP CROWN, OTHER SIDES MISS OUT
Clondalkin RFC’s Over-35 side celebrate after winning the Fox Cup at Gordon Park last week
Wily Clon take Fox title I sport@gazettegroup.com
CLONDALKIN RFC’s saw their old guard show their young cubs the way last week when the Over-35s proved to be the club’s big winners in a run of three cup finals. The Over-35s claimed the Fox Cup with a convincing 18-0 win against Terenure, closing out their opponents in response to their defeat against the same side in last year’s equivalent final. Clondalkin dominated the game from the off with an inspired try from Gareth Steed, taking Terenure’s “Legends” by surprise in the early minutes of the game. Terenure fought back but couldn’t get a past a determined Clon side
and, following immense pressure on Terenure’s five-metre line, the scrum fed Mark Molloy with the ball and he drove on to score Clon’s second try. After stealing the ball from a Terenure lineout on Clon’s five-metre line, Gordon Park was on its feet cheering on Paul Fitzgerald as he sprinted the entire length of the pitch, e v a d i n g Te r e n u r e ’s best efforts to halt his progress to the line. Captain Marty O’Brien thanked Terenure for their efforts and an elated Clon team accepted the coveted trophy and medals, thanking their coach and manager as well as all the loyal Clondalkin suppor ters for their constant support. Elsewhere, the sec-
onds proved unable to freeze out Birr at Gordon Park in the final of the Provincial Plate, losing out 8-25. The game was dominated by Birr from the off, but Clondalkin kept the pressure on their opponents until the last whistle of the game, although their pressure did not convert to points. An early Clondalkin try was quickly followed by Ben Foran scoring a penalty to give Clon an early lead at 8-3. That proved to be Clon’s last score of the match, and though they put pressure on the Birr line at times, their opponents were more than equal to the task and closed out the match in the second half. There was a lot of fantastic rugby at play dur-
ing this game, with both sides evenly matched and neither willing to concede. In the third final of the week, Enniscorthy were to triumph over Clondalkin’s thirds in the Anderson Cup final, 10-34. Clon played to their strengths and gave their all in a tough encounter
in Carlow. S i m o n C u m i s ke y scored Clondalkin’s lone try which was converted by Andy Tyndall, who also scored a penalty to provide Clon’s total. Despite trailing Clondalkin continued to fight, but were unable to close in on Enniscorthy’s total.
10 May 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29
Green manifesto for Euro glory
FastSport
Stephen Ward is set to put a tough season behind him when he travels to Poland with Ireland for Euro 2012, writes STEPHEN FINDLATER AT TIMES, Stephen Ward has to pinch himself. His most vivid childhood memories were defined by Ireland’s appearance in major international tournaments, but now he stands ready to take his European championships bow. As a four-year-old, he remembers “causing carnage” at street parties in 1990. In 2002, his parents “allowed” him to skip a fifth-year engineering exam to watch Robbie Keane strike late for a 1-1 draw against Germany in the World Cup. Now, it is the Portmarnock man’s time to shine on the international stage.
Stephen Ward
Wolves’ relegation from the English Premier League means his focus is already firmly trained on Poland and, hopefully, Ukraine, with the time to create new memories on the agenda.
but I can still remember street parties, no cars and tables up the road. I knew something big was going on. “From there, I remember where I was for all the games in 1994 and 2002.
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‘There are still a lot of players over here that could make it in England but it’s just about a manager taking a chance on you’
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“Your best memories are when Ireland are in major tournaments,” he said at the launch of the FAI Summer Schools this week. “I was only four in 1990
It’s a dream come true. For kids growing up now, hopefully, this will be part of their memories and we can give them some of the highlights.” Having such a carrot has offered some respite for Ward. He has played every minute of Wolves’ ultimately doomed campaign this term, one of the club’s top performers in an ultimately forgettable campaign. Such setbacks, indeed, do not always lead to a loss of form. In 2002, Matt Holland bounced back from relegation with Ipswich to score for the Republic in their opening World Cup game against Cameroon. It is an irony not lost on Ward when reminded of the stat: “I’d take that! It’s not nice going as a relegated player. “It’s been devastating, but the writing has been on the wall for a few weeks, so we’ve had a bit
of time to reflect on what has happened.” Terr y Connor has offered Ward a chance to rest in recent weeks but is keen to finish off a complete season and build toward Poland. It is quite the position to be in for the former Bohs’ man who opted to stay in Dublin at the start of his professional career rather than move across the water in his mid-teens, owing a lot to club mate, Kevin Doyle. “I certainly don’t feel I’d be where I am today if it wasn’t for the League of Ireland.
Opportunity “It definitely helped me grow up. Hand on heart, I don’t know how I would have reacted going away at 16, moving to an environment where everyone is trying to make it. “Doyler opened a door for a lot of people with how easy he took to it in his first season. He keeps telling me I owe him! It is true, though. “If he hadn’t gone over and done as well as he did, we wouldn’t have this opportunity. There are still a lot of players over here that could make it in England but it’s just about a manager taking a chance on you.” Ireland manager, Giovanni Trapattoni was another to take a chance on Ward, and he has become a key player on the left in recent time.
So much so, he is now in a position to emulate the vintage of Jack Charlton’s 1-0 victory over Italy in 1994 – one Ward watched enthralled with 15 family members in his house. “No one gave us a chance in that game, and no one will do that against Spain. I know it’s a different scale, but you look at what Chelsea did to Barcelona, it can happen – these teams can be beaten. In the last World Cup, Spain lost to Switzerland and went on to win it. “They can slip up and, hopefully if they do, it will be against us. I think we can shock a lot of people. Not many people will give us a chance of getting out of our group. I think that will suit us. “We always seem to do well with an underdog tag. We’re going there with a world-class manager. Qualifying is down to him and the way he prepares us. Obviously there are better technical teams in the tournament – Spain and Italy are among the best teams in the world. But when it comes to 90 minutes, we can make it really tough for anyone. “The first game will be vital but if we’re still in contention coming into the Italy game, we’ll have a great chance of progressing. After that, you just hope you can go as far as possible.”
GOAL calls on Transition students to get active TRANSITION year students throughout Dublin are being challenged to take on their teachers as part of a new annual multi-sport challenge taking place during May in aid of humanitarian agency, GOAL. Launched nationwide last week, the GOAL Sports Challenge provides all schoolchildren — from junior infants right up to Leaving Certificate level – with the opportunity to compete against each other in a wide range of popular sports and games. The event is aimed at boosting fitness levels amongst children and teenagers, and raising money and awareness for some of GOAL’s programmes for vulnerable children throughout the developing world. Teachers are also being encouraged to participate, by either taking part in as many events as they can, or by arranging and supervising games for the younger children. “We expect the students versus the teachers event, in sports like rugby, soccer, Gaelic football or hurling to capture the imagination of most schools, but we have proposed a number of other games, such as skipping, hula-hoop rolling, long puck and long kick events, GOAL miles and relays as types of events that will suit boys and girls of all ages and fitness levels,” said GOAL’s development education officer, Maeve Seery. “However, schools are more than welcome to come up with their own ideas, too. “We have also suggested Friday, May 11, as a day to hold the GOAL Sports Challenge, but it may be easier for schools to run the event at another time, whether it is during a sports day, a lunch break, or even a PE class.” Participating children and teachers are being encouraged to donate whatever they can afford towards GOAL. For more information, including tips and guidelines for individual games, students and teachers should log on to www.goal.ie, or call Maeve at GOAL on 01-2809 779.
30 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 10 May 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
SOCCER: LADIES TAKE HONOURS IN CUP AFTER LEAGUE WIN
Local duo named in Euro 2012 squad CLONDALKIN native Glenn Whelan and former Bluebell United midfielder Keith Fahey were named last Monday in Giovanni Trapattoni’s Republic of Ireland panel to travel to Euro 2012. Both will be jockeying for a midfield berth, with Stoke City man Whelan a fixture in a central role under the Trapattoni reign. Fahey, meanwhile, was more of a doubt for inclusion, but James McCarthy’s withdrawal due to personal reasons meant that he was more assured of securing a spot. Making the announcement, the Republic of Ireland manager, Trapattoni, said: “I had a very difficult task in choosing this 23-man squad. Several players have proven their abilities to us during the qualifying campaign, and we are thankful to all who have played a part. However, we are happy with our choices. “We will look to emulate the attitude and performance that brought us qualification, and push our limits further as we prepare for this tournament. We will be focused as we enter this important time. ” Trapattoni elaborated that while his charges may not come from the illustrious European clubs of group rivals Croatia, Italy and Spain, the grit and determination shown in qualifying means the opposition know they have a battle on their hands. “I think my colleagues respect us,” he said at the announcement. “In Italy and also in Croatia I have friends and the managers there say that Ireland is a strong team with a strong mentality. “Spain’s manager was an important player. I played against Vicente, I know him and he knows me. Also the Croatia manager, he played in Germany and he knows me because we played against his club. Prandelli was my player. So I don’t think any of my colleagues would be arrogant enough to think they are superior. “My philosophy is to be careful. Games can be decided by the little details. Italy at the last World Cup lost because of a throw-in. “I don’t know at these European Championships if there will be a situation like this but what is important is that we believe in our quality and our system. We have work to do. We have to improve but we have to believe in what we can achieve together.”
The Peamount United squad celebrate their voctiry in the Women’s National League cup final at Tallaght Stadium
Peamount claim the double WNL CUP FINAL Shamrock Rovers Peamount United
0 1
sport@gazettegroup.com
PEAMOUNT United won the Bus Eireann Wo m e n ’s N a t i o n a l League cup final with a narrow victory over Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium last Sunday. The triumph, secured by a Stephanie Roche winner on 33 minutes, completes the league and cup double for the west Dublin side after they had finished top of the Bus Eireann Women’s National League. Rovers pushed their
opponents all the way on their home patch at Tallaght yet couldn’t turn their second half possession into many clearcut chances. B o t h t e a m s we r e slow to get going, with Peamount’s Caroline Thorpe first to threaten when her shot from the edge of the area sailed just over. Peas’ skipper Louise Quinn tried her luck on the half hour with a long-range free-kick that Sarah Devlin comfortably dealt with. Roche was starting to become more prominent in attack and she broke the deadlock
after Wendy McGlone fed a pass from the left to Sarah Lawlor, whose lay-off along the edge of the box was struck firsttime by Roche high into the top left corner of the net. More chances were fashioned by Peamount approaching the break, with Devlin denying Roche and Thorpe’s effort clipping the crossbar. Rovers had more purpose to their play after the break, allowing Niamh Connelly and Noelle Murray licence to roam further forward from midfield. Unlocking Peamount’s
offside trap was their biggest challenge and, when they did, Linda Meehan was swift to advance from her goal to avert any danger. The league champions had two opportunities in a minute to extend their lead. Substitute Caroline Healy drew a save by Devlin on 65 minutes before Thorpe was once again thwarted by the post when her chip beat the ‘keeper. Seven minutes later, Murray’s corner at the other end caused danger though Orlagh Nolan couldn’t get a proper connection on her header and the opening went
amiss. Dora Gorman could have settled it for Peamount moments after being sent clear but her drive brushed the crossbar and went over. It was frantic stuff d u r i n g t h e cl o s i n g stage and, in stoppage time, a cross by Rovers substitute Zara Dillon broke kindly for Rachel Jenkins eight yards out yet her instinctive shot was gathered by Meehan. PEAMOUNT UNITED: L. Meehan; M. Haughton, S. Byrne, L. Quinn, S. McGlone (C. Healy 50); C. Thorpe, C. Mustaki (J. Ferrari 78), D. Gorman, W. McGlone; S. Roche, S. Lawlor.
Taylor enters final phase for London sport@gazettegroup.com
KATIE Taylor’s Olympic journey takes a very real step forward this week when, after months of anticipation, she begins her qualifying campaign in Qinhuangdao, China. The competition doubles as the world championships, with the Peamount soccer star hoping to make it a fourth world title in a row. But qualifying for the London Games is the primary aim in the 60kg lightweight class as she bids to reach the Games, the first time
women’s boxing has been included at the showcase event. Taylor — along with flyweight Ceire Smith and middleweight Sinead Kavanagh — make up Ireland’s three-fighter team, the same trio that travelled to the 2010 AIBA World Women’s Championships in Barbados. Taylor has been one of Ireland’s best medal hopes but the qualifiers represent a path fraught with potential danger. Boxing begins on May 12 after the general weigh-in, after which the AIBA Seeding Commission will review all rankings.
“Katie, Ceire and Sinead have prepared well and are eagerly looking forward to competing at the AIBA World Women’s Championships. Hopefully, we can get another few boxers over the line for the London Olympics. That’s what it’s all about,” said Tommy Murphy, the president of the Irish Amateur Boxing Association. “This will be an historic World Championships as it is the first ever Olympic qualifier for women’s boxing. It will obviously be very competitive, but Katie has consistently proven what she can do at this level and Ceire and
Sinead have the experience of competing at this level. “Women’s boxing is continuing to grow in popularity in Ireland. We are currently running the National Girls’ Championships at the National Stadium and almost 200 young boxers entered. “Some of the finals of these championships were held last weekend and we have another session of finals to be decided this weekend. The qualify of boxing and the sheer enthusiasm of our young boxers at this tournament augur well for the future of the sport in this country.”
10 May 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31
FOOTBALL: THIRD NATIONAL TITLE IN A DECADE
CLUB NOTICEBOARD ROUND TOWERS MEMBERSHIP is now overdue. Dis-
Match 3 and Bonus Ball: N/A. Next
count on club cards will be cut
Week’s Jackpot is €7,100.
for those who have not renewed.
The Lotto committee is looking
Renewal forms are available on the
for your assistance to sell Towers’
club website or in reception in the
Lotto tickets on a Friday evening for
clubrooms.
one hour once a month. There will
Congratulations to our U-14 foot-
be four teams and each team will
ballers and mentors in winning the
be rostered once a month, and no
Dublin Feile Division 4 title on Sunday
more than one hour will be needed.
in Parnell Park, and to Jim Gavin and
If you are able to help, contact Matt
the Dublin U-21 footballers in winning
McCormack on 087 683 6737 or email
the All-Ireland title for the second
info@roundtower.ie.
time in three years. The minor hurlers were beaten by Ballyboden St Enda’s in the league.
Dublin secure AllIreland U-21 crown Dublin Roscommon
2-12 0-11
I sport@gazettegroup.com
CASTLEKNOCK’S Ciaran Kilkenny played a key part for the Dublin U-21s when they helped Dublin to claim the county’s third Clark Cup with victory over Roscommon in Tullamore last Sunday, adding to the Sky Blues’ success at this level in 2003 and 2010. The Dubs finished like a freight train to capture the title, with manager Jim Gavin becoming the first Dublin manager to lead the county to two All-Ireland glories, having managed the team in 2010. Dublin led 1-5 to 0-6 at the interval thanks in part to the clinical accuracy of Paul Hudson. Indeed, it was the Thomas Davis sniper whose goal in added time in the first half that proved to be the
only major of the first half, after he skillfully jab-lifted the ball before rifling to the roof of the Roscommon net. The goal arrived in the 32nd minute when John Kelly’s delivery was broken down by Ciaran Kilkenny, and Hudson showed terrific guile to find the net. The Dubs could really have held a stronger advantage, but failed to convert possession into scores, and were guilty of not combining to telling effect up front as the Rossies dominated territory and possession for the first 30 minutes. Roscommon threw caution to the wind after the restart and were rewarded with four points without reply as the lively Donie Smith (two), Cian Connolly and Colin Compton were all on target. But when his side needed him most, Emmet O’Conghaile regained a foothold for
the Dubs at centrefield, while the introduction of Paddy O’Higgins, like nearly all the substitutions, helped to turn the balance of power the way of Gavin’s men in a frenetic second half. At the back, the likes of team captain, Kevin O’Brien, and Sean George kept their opponents at bay with some heroic defending. Now on the front foot, Dublin began to open up Roscommon with some direct running from the likes of Gary Sweeney and sub Harr y Dawson and, over the concluding ten minutes, Dublin hit 1-6 without reply as they turned on the turbo drive to finally shake off a very committed Roscommon side. Ciaran Kilkenny put in an excellent last ten minutes, while centreback John Kelly’s points summed up the “never say die” attitude of the Dublin team as they
and is delivered in a fun environ-
This week’s Lotto numbers were
ment to allow them learn the skills
5, 15, 16 and 30; Bonus Ball 25. There
of our national games. The nursery
was no winner of last week’s jackpot
is run every Saturday morning on
of €7,000.
our state-of-the-art all-weather
Congratulations to Breda Grant,
surface in Monastery Road. More
Matt McCormack and Kevin Gilligan,
information is available by calling
who were the three €100 winners.
Paul Faughnan on 087 661 3104.
LUCAN SARSFIELDS
Dublin manager Jim Gavin and team captain Kevin O’Brien with the All-Ireland trophy
ALL-IRELAND U-21 FINAL
Round Tower GAA Club’s Nursery is open to four- to seven-year-olds
stretched themselves to the limit to capture victory. Deep in injury time, Paul Mannion raised Dublin’s second green flag after being denied at the original attempt, to add All-Ireland glory to Dublin’s provincial success.
WELL done to Emmet O’Conghaile and
those who wish to play should text
Ciaran McHugh and the Dublin U-21
Gerry O’Grady at 086 0560111 By Fri-
footballers on being crowned All-
day, May 11.
Ireland champions.
born in 2005, 2006 and 2007 continue
had a good win over Wexford on Sat-
every Saturday at 1.30pm on our all-
urday at the 12th Lock, with our own
weather pitch at the 12th Lock. Cam-
Siobhan Grimes, Claire Rigney, Ali
ogie nursery at 2.30pm for girls aged
Twomey, Kate Whyte, Niamh Berry,
six and over. This is your child’s
and Ciara Sheehan all playing their part. Well done also to Maeve Dowler who was chosen to referee in Croke Park in last Saturday’s Cumann. Best of luck to Scoil Mhuire senior hurling team who play in the Sciath Ui Neill final in Croke Park this week.
DUBLIN - JB Carthy; S George, K O’Brien, M Concar, L Fletcher, J Kelly, J McCaffrey, E O’Conghaile, C Reddin, G Sweeney, D Byrne, M Schutte, P Hudson, P Ryan, C Kilkenny. S u b s : P M a g u i re fo r Schutte (ht), G Seaver for Byrne (34), H Dawson for Ryan (41), P O’Higgins for Reddin (42), P Mannion for Hudson (58).
chance to be coached by Dublin senior hurling captain, Johnny McCaffrey. Congratulations to Maria McGrath (ladies’ football) and Stephen Murphy (junior hurlers) on their wedding on April 21. Opening times for our club shop are
This week’s Lotto numbers are
Tuesday and Thursday from 7.30 to
available on our website, www.
8.30pm and Saturday from 10.30 to
lucansarsfields.ie.
11.30am.
Six out of six for our Gaelic 4 Mothers team in the Carbury blitz.
SCORERS: Dublin: P Hudson 1-4, C Kilkenny 0-4 (0-1f), P Mannion 1-0, P Ryan, J Kelly, G Seaver, H Dawson 0-1 each. Roscommon: D Smith 0- 4 (0-2f ), C Compton 0-3 (0-1f), D Keane, C Connolly 0-2 each.
Our nurseries for boys and girls
The Dublin minor camogie team
Race night is this Friday, May 11 at 9pm. Our next golf outing will be at Castlewarden on Thursday, May 17. All
Deepest sympathy to the McNamara family on the death of Gerry’s brother-in-law Tony Cannon. A full list of next weekend’s fixtures are on our website, www.lucansarsfields.ie.
ST PAT’S PALMERSTOWN THERE was a good win last Thursday
Lotto number and results: First
by the junior footballers, beating St
draw numbers drawn were 4, 13, 15
Jude’s.
and 23. There was no winner. Second
Good luck to St Lorcan’s third and fourth class boys when they take part in the hurling blitz in Croke Park this week.
draw numbers drawn were 7, 9, 15 and 28. There was no winner. Any three numbers: The winners were Michael Sommers, Noel Math-
Well done to all involved in the Feile
ews and Liam Smyth. Next Sunday, the
held in Glenaulin last Saturday. Spe-
first draw jackpot will be €10,000, and
cial thanks to U-14 parents.
the second draw jackpot of €1,600.
Unwanted books are now being col-
Members are advised to keep June
lected; feel free to drop into the club-
Bank Holiday free for a full sched-
house any evening with your dona-
ule of activities for the St Pat’s club
tions.
weekend.
ALL OF YOUR CLONDALKIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31
TICKET BOOKED: Clon duo Whelan and Fahey named in Trapattoni’s Euro squad P30
MAKING MEMORIES: Ward spies potential Euro surprise package P29
GazetteSPORT
The Round Towers U-14 panel and mentors who won the Dublin U-14 Feile football division four title in Parnell Park last Sunday
MAY 10, 2012
Incredible Towers Feile comeback Clondalkin U-14 footballers recover from scoreless first half to win division four title in stunning fashion clondalkinsport@gazettegroup.com
ROUND Tower’s U-14 footballers produced a stunning comeback to win the division four Feile football title last Sunday in Parnell Park with a 2-4 to 1-4 win despite being kept scoreless in the first half. They arrived at the home of Dublin GAA relaxed if not a little nervous after a narrow two point win over Parnells in the semi final. A fine showing saw them emerge from the group stages on Saturday with a young team which also featured three players stepping up from the U-13 section. The toll of the intense nature of the competition, though, left them nursing a couple of injuries which might have derailed their tournament hopes. Nonetheless, they set up a date with Naomh Fionnbarra who had narrowly beaten them in the group stages and it was the Cabra side who took the early initiative with a 1-1 burst in the first half.
It came about despite some nice fielding from the likes of Matthew McLoughlin and Ryan Kinsella while Graham Proctor and Eoin Brady had dangerous shots blocked down. Three other chances slipped wide but the introduction of Shane Scappaticci to the fray just before the turnaround proved a big move as the game wore on. The second half started as the first had ended with Finbars getting the next two scores, leaving Clondalkin wondering whether they could at least salvage a score in the final. But they responded in brilliant fashion when Kinsella plucked a ball from the skies and drove it to Scappaticci who beat his marker and played a ball to Sean Tunney who rifled it into the back of the net. McLoughlin added a point from a Conor Farrell pass to reduce the margin yet further and it was well and truly game on when Tunney’s shot cracked the crossbar. The resulting rebound fell into the danger zone and Scappaticci mopped up the scraps with a second goal.
The Towers back line of Luke Peden, Mikey Bergin and Eoghan Fitzgerald starting to win all the breaking ball while the half backs were driven forward with Cormac Peden in particular winning and giving fine ball to the forwards. Scappaticci kept the momentum going with another couple of points to push Towers two points clear. McLoughlin added the final point of the game for good measure while Naomh Fionnbarra tried to force an equaliser in the last minute but a superb interception by Bergin saw him solo up the field away from danger. It proved to be the last play of the game as the referee blew for full time, sparking wild celebrations for the young Clondalkin side who showed remarkable spirit to rise from the ashes and get their just rewards. Captain Darren Gilligan, who was unfortunately injured in the very first game of the competition, collected the trophy and the stands erupted with joy, a day this group of players will never forget.