Clondalkin

YOUR

FREE Clondalkin FREE

GAZET TE

40-PAGE LOCAL GAZETTE INSIDE!

MAY 24, 2012

Find us on

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

R1

Clondalkin GAZET TE FREE

MAY 24, 2012

Find us on

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: Volunteers enjoy a fundraising pub quiz and raffle P8-9

Boxing: Katie

Taylor adds fourth World title to honours

Page 38

Football:

Round Towers into semi-final after epic tie Page 37

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ..................... 4 BUSINESS ................... 23 MOTORS ....................... 24 TRAVEL......................... 26 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 28 CLASSIFIEDS ................31

TREATY: Richard Boyd Barrett on

Europe’s resistance to austerity P12

€33,333 funding to aid job skills training I PAUL HOSFORD

A LOCAL area partnership has been awarded €33,333 in funding from the European Social Fund and will be used to help women in Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Lucan and Newcastle gain vital job-skills training.

“It’s a huge boost for us and the programme that is being run at the minute,” said Noel Fox of CPLN Area Partner-

ship, which has had to take on more clients due to the economic downturn while recent funding cuts have bitten hard.

“Rolling out new projects and finding new funding like this is keeping us going.

“This is the fourth phase of the funding and the women on the courses are now up to FETAC Level Four and Five certificates,” he said.

Full Story on Page 4

Digging in: Rosanna tests out new range of gardening tools

WITH the June Bank Holiday just

around the corner, former Miss World, Rosanna Davison, is getting ready for a spot of gardening by testing out a new range of gardening products being officially launched across all nine B&Q stores. The

DIY superstore will officially launch their new group brands - Blooma, Verve and MAC Allister this weekend which will provide new products across horticulture, garden care, equipment to help get people into outdoor living.

4 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 24 May 2012

WOMEN: BOOST FOR RANGE OF PROJECTS

SCHOOLS Evening showcases Collinstown Park CC

Funding of €33,333 for local area partnership CLONDALKIN, Palmerstown, Lucan and Newcastle (CPLN) Local Area Partnership has been awarded more than €30,000 in funding.

The funding was awarded to the CPLN Par tnership through the Equality for Women Measure from the European Social Fund (ESF), and is one of 36 positive action projects to receive funds nationwide.

“It’s a huge boost for us and the programme that is being run at the minute,” said Noel Fox of CPLN, which has had to take on more clients due to the economic downturn, while recent funding cuts have bitten hard.

“Rolling out new projects and finding new funding like this is keeping us going.

“This is the fourth phase of the funding, and the women on the courses are now up to FETAC Level Four and Five certificates.

“We’ll be running ten part-time courses from May to November, with 48 women, getting them all more competitive in the job market.

“On top of that, there are 30 women who will

benefit from our outreach, advice and mentoring services,” said Fox. Frances Fitzgerald, local Fine Gael TD, and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, welcomed the announcement of €33,333 worth of funding for the CPLN Local Area Partnership.

She said: “This is a huge boost to women across Clondalkin, Lucan and Palmerstown. This money will be used to support women’s initiatives and further increase women’s participation in the workforce.

“We are very lucky to have such active women’s groups in Lucan and Clondalkin, and I will continue to encourage these groups to link in with CPLN, who do such fantastic work for people throughout Clondalkin, Lucan and Palmerstown.

“Breaking glass ceilings is something some women still have to do in work places throughout the country. I am supportive of any initiative that equips and informs people on how to become more actively involved in their community, democracy or business,” said Minister Fitzgerald.

Students of Collinstown Park Community College, whose work was put on show recently for parents

Celebrating a range of hard work C OLLINSTOWN Park Community College staged an event recently to celebrate the great work of students across the school year, with many academic and social aspects of the students’ school lives on display on the evening of Monday May the 14.

Among those in attendance on the night were Dr

Marie Griffin, chief executive of County Dublin VEC, along with local politicians Joanna Tuffy (Lab), Robert Dowds (Lab) and Derek Keating (FG), all of who were united in their praise for the community-minded contributions of the students throughout the year, as well as their dedication to their studies.

A student shows off her work to some onlookers

Public speaking was one highlight of the evening

To mark the ocasion, several speeches were made, noting students’ successes

Deputy Joanna Tuffy (Lab) in discussion with a student

Live music added to the evening’s upbeat feeling

24 May 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5

RETAIL Politicians lodge joint objection, citing jobs

Flybus connects direct to airport

Concerns over scale of Tesco site proposal I PAUL HOSFORD phosford@gazettegroup.com

TWO local politicians have lodged a formal observation on the Tesco site at Liffey Valley.

Labour’s Deputy Robert Dowds and Councillor Eamon Tuffy have jointly lodged the formal observation with An Bord Pleanala about the recent planning permission, which the Bord expects to have a decision on by August.

In a joint statement, the two representatives said that they feel that the size and scale of the development is excessive.

“While we would be

happy to see a supermarket at Liffey Valley, it should be the right size to serve the local community.

“However, the planning permission given

by South Dublin County Council is for a large hypermarket.

‘Threat’ “Such a large store would pose a threat to existing jobs in Lucan, Palmerstow n and Clondalkin by competing with the villages and shopping centres that are already there.

“If one of the existing supermarkets closed, not only would jobs be lost immediately, but it would

have knock-on effects on local business.

“It would also force people to drive to Liffey Valley to do their shopping, as the public transport connections are very poor,” said the statement.

It continued: “The current plan for a Tesco supermarket at Liffey Valley includes permission for more than 500 car parking spaces, on top of the car parking already available in the area.

“This clearly suggests that the planned supermarket would be too large to cater for local residents without taking business away from exist-

TRANSPORT: NEW LINKS

Liffey Valley Shopping Centre

ing shopping centres.

“The proposed floor space is far larger than that of, for example, the established Superquinn shopping centre in Lucan.

“We have made it clear to An Bord Pleanala that we do not disagree with the idea of a supermarket at Liffey Valley, only with the specifics of the current plan.

“If An Bord Pleanala agrees with us, we would expect Tesco to draw up a new plan and go ahead with a smaller supermarket, like the one it already has in Clondalkin,” said the joint statement.

Te s c o h a d n o t responded to a request for comment by the time of going to press, but a spokesman recently 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.

A NEW local business is linking Tallaght, Clondalkin, Liffey Valley and Dublin Airport, direct.

Flybus is a premium coach service that is also looking for new routes that the local community would be interested in, and will extend its timetable for summer months, making connecting with the airport easier, as well as reducing their fares.

The company says that it offers a “top-class, tollfree coach service, offering the community reduced fares, online booking discounts and an extended timetable to help everyone in these tough times”.

For further information, see www.flybus.ie; email: info@flybus.ie; telephone 0818 91 9777, or find Flybus on Facebook and Twitter.

6 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 24 May 2012

SDCC Event will help consumers and businesses to be more energy-efficient

Council hosting energy-awareness exhibition SOUTH Dublin County Council will host Connect with Energy – an event aimed at providing advice and support to homes and businesses on how to save energy and money, as well as create new job opportunities.

The exhibition will take place from Monday, June 11 to Friday, June 15 in The Big Picture exhi-

bition venue in Tallaght Town Centre.

The initiative comprises an interactive energy centre in the council’s Big Picture multimedia venue; while suppliers of energy-related goods and ser vices in the county will be available to meet business people, homeowners and individuals interested in

learning more about how they can save money on energ y consumption within their businesses, workplaces, homes and other premises.

The event has been organised as part of South Dublin County Council’s (SDCC) commitment to acting as a focal point for energy efficiency, and is also

represented by current involvement in a range of energy projects and initiatives.

Programmes The two major programmes currently being undertaken by SDCC are the EU Intelligent Energy Europe-funded Leadership for Energy Action and Planning

project, and the Sustainable Energy Community Programme, supported by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland.

T he Connect with Energy event is a key milestone in the council’s commitment to energy efficiency.

The event will also showcase SDCC’s own track record in piloting

and developing sustainable energy measures.

Mayor Caitriona Jones (Lab) welcomed the announcement of the event as “an opportunity for local businesses and homeowners to become more energy-efficient and reduce their energy costs.

“This will improve business competitive-

ness and job creation in South Dublin.”

Further information is available from the South Dublin Energy Team by emailing energyteam@ sdublincoco.ie, or telephone 01 414 9000, ext 2389; or see the website w w w.southdublinenergy.ie and follow the link for Connect with Energy.

Slide to shine with Ruaille Buaille gig SOUTH Dublin County Council’s Arts Office and Library Services are set to welcome Ireland’s leading traditional band, Slide, to conduct a week-long programme of workshops, master classes and concerts as part of Ruaille Buaille Lucan! 2012.

Slide’s festival residency will conclude with a live, outdoor performance in Griffeen Park, Lucan on Sunday, June 10.

Once again, Ruaille Buaille Lucan!

2012 will play host to Musical Theatre Ireland’s Operantics, who will perform Mozart’s The Magic Flute in an abridged version for children, in an open air performance on Lucan Village Green on Saturday, June 9.

The day will also feature a range of other opera events and fun family activities, and organisers are advising attendees to bring their own picnics, rugs, opera masks and comfortable seating, sit back and enjoy the afternoon of opera and an array of other children’s musical events.

Tickets With more than 40 events taking place over six days, as ever, there is much to look forward to at the festival.

Tickets range from €2 to €3, and family events are all free.

For general festival enquiries and other bookings, contact Artscope on 01 505 9582, or email info@artscope.ie.

Criminal Courts of Justice, Parkgate St, Dublin

COURTS: SEVEN YEAR SENTENCE

Man jailed for role in teenager kidnap A MAN who was involved in kidnapping a 16-yearold and holding him for ransom has been jailed for seven years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Darren Boylan (21), of St Mark’s Grove, Clondalkin pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning

the teenager on July 27, 2010 at Portrane Road, Donabate.

He also pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to him at Beaverstown Road, Donabate and to making a demand for €4,000 from his sister on the same date.

Garda Aidan McGuire told prosecuting counsel Michael Bowman BL that the victim and his friends were returning home from a house party when a car, driven by Boylan, pulled up alongside them at Beaverstown Road in Donabate.

An argument broke out before one of the men got out and threw an empty beer bottle at the teen.

Boylan drove the car away and crashed into a wall, damaging the rear of the car, before driving back to where the victim and his friends were.

The teen’s friends ran away, and Boylan drove the car at him, causing him to fall onto a gate.

Three men got out and started hitting the teen with a wheel brace. They grabbed him and put him into the boot of the car.

Boylan drove for 45 minutes to the M50, where the gang took the teen out of the boot and tied his legs together

before pushing him into a ditch. They told him they wanted money for the damage caused to Boylan’s car.

The men made the teen phone his sister to get her to bring €4,000 to them.

They threatened her that if she didn’t bring the money, her brother would be killed.

She informed her mother and uncle who, in turn, called gardai. Shortly afterwards, the men untied the victim and ran away, leaving him alone on the motorway, where he contacted gardai from an emergency phone. He was brought to Beaumont Hospital and treated for facial and head injuries.

Boylan was arrested at his home in Clondalkin a short time later, and admitted to gardai it was a “spur of the moment” incident which began with a drunken exchange of words between the two groups and “then got out of hand”.

24 May 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7

SDCC Lavelle proposes energy efficient lighting plan

Proposal to tackle lighting overspend phosford@gazettegroup.com

SOUTH Dublin should become a sustainable energy hub, to avoid an overspend of nearly €500,000 on public lighting.

That is the opinion of Fine Gael councillor William Lavelle, who tabled a motion at this month’s council meeting suggesting “that the proposed Sustainable Energy Action Plan should include a detailed multi-year plan for a phased approach (with clear and realistic targets) to incrementally increase the percentage of public lighting columns in the county using energysaving technology”.

Though the motion was moved to next month, Cllr Lavelle wants the issue tackled, after figures at April’s council meeting showed the council overspent by €469,329 on public lighting.

The report said that the additional expenditure related to “increased energy costs associated with the provision of public lighting” and that the overspend was “offset by savings elsewhere within the division”.

While the council said this week that it had

increased the budget for public lighting for 2012, Lavelle said that the increase would be unnecessary if the council were to adopt energy efficient lighting.

“I believe South Dublin County Council should become a leader in the provision of energy-efficient public lighting.

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

‘This move would also support local businesses in our county who are already developing cutting-edge technologies’

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

Cllr Willliam Lavelle, FG

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

“This could save the council hundreds of thousands of euros every year, while also contributing to our efforts to reduce the council’s carbon count.

“This move would also support local businesses in our county who are already developing cutting-edge technologies such as LED public lighting and a dimming mechanism,” said Cllr

Lavelle.

Responding, the council said that there were nearly 30,000 lighting fixtures in the county and their provision had to balance value and service.

“There are approximately 29,500 public lighting fixtures of varying wattage in operation within South Dublin County.

“Each fixture lights during hours of darkness for a total of 4,100 hours per annum.

“South Dublin County Council is currently exploring options for increasing public lighting energy efficiency; with (to date) the strategic installation of dimming technology on suitable public lighting circuits powering 1,200 installations (about 4% of public lights in South Dublin County Council) a reduction of approximately 30% in energy consumption has been realised at these sites.

“On an ongoing basis, infrastructural maintenance work and new public lighting installations incorporate dimming capabilities which will lead to further energy consumption reduction over time,” said the council.

Civic to stage play’s world premiere THE Civic Theatre in Tallaght will present the world premiere of Griswold, the new play from Arnold Thomas Fanning, the writer of Dumped and Those Powerful Machines.

According to the theatre company, Griswold is a riveting new play full of black humour about the dysfunctional relationship between two men who both need and depend on each other to survive in a hostile environment.

Two young Irish men are living illegally in a post-9/11 New York, with their lives falling far short of the American

Dream. Living in dire financial straits, their mutual friendship comes under unbearable strain as they struggle to survive in the most ridiculous and dangerous of circumstances.

Griswold is described as darkly comic and dramatic, and as “an experience not to be missed, with Fanning a writer whose work articulates a fresh and dislocated Irish voice”, said the show organiser. The show runs from Tuesday, June 12 to Saturday, June 23 at 8pm, with tickets priced €20/€16 concessions.

M

I PAUL HOSFORD

Taking it to the limit: New Corsa delivers more drivability and more attitude Fine Gael councillor, William Lavelle

MOTORING PAGES 24-25

8 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 24 May 2012

FUNDRAISER Clondalkin Tidy Towns hosts a fun pub quiz and

Ticket master, Danny O’Brien

Ronan Connolly, chairperson, Clondalkin Tidy Towns, presents Lynn Ni Bhaoigheallain with her raffle prize. Pictures: Ian Fleming

Community spirit sweeps locals along

OLUNTEERS from Clondalkin Tidy Towns swapped litter-pickers and bin bags for pens and paper last week in Round Towers’ GAA clubhouse, where they were holding a fundraising pub quiz and raffle.

Founded this year, with help and support from South Dublin County

V

Council (SDCC), the Tidy Towns members meet every Tuesday evening at 6.30pm in Tuthills’ car park, and on Saturday morning at 10am at the same location.

Several local businesses sponsored a wide range of prizes on the night, helping the members, and their supporters,

Lily Frost

to raise €700.

The night’s sponsors and supporters included Midas Touch, Dunnes Stores, Himalayas, Cribbins Butchers, McLoughlin’s Butchers, Newlands Garden Centre, Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce, Clondalkin Nurseries and, of course, SDCC.

MC Thyes Kavanagh, Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce

Enda Coughlan, Ronan Farrelly, Eileen Brady and Yvonne Farrelly

Ann Gill

Connor Connolly

24 May 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 9

raffle, with lots of great support from locals and businesses

Ann Byrne and Frances O’Sullivan

Kate Gill, Peter Ging, Mary Dardis, Ronan Connolly, Agnes O’Neill, Alpha Gassama, Tommy Keogh and Clare Donnellan

Ronan Connolly and Helen Ging

Mary Timmons

Councillor Trevor Gilligan (FF), Norah O’Brien, Kate Gill and Declan O’Broin

10 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 24 May 2012

REALITY Dublin Housewives set to take TV3 by storm

Andrew Murphy and Suzie O’Connell

Jo Jordan, Lisa Murphy, Virginia Macari, Roz Flanagan and Daniella Meagher. Pictures: Una Williams

Sean Montague and Brendan Marc Scully

Cathy O’Connor

Launch

Ladies out on the town

Claire Ronan and Emma Copolla

Roz Purcell

Chris O’Hara, Lisa Murphy and Edward Smith

HE launch of TV3’s latest reality show, Dublin Housewives took place last week.

The stars and their friends hit the town to celebrate their arrival on our televisions in style. Those present included Virginia Macari, Roz Flanagan, Lisa Murphy, Jo Jordan and Danielle Meagher. The show promises a glimpse into their lives as they shop and lunch their days away before spending their evenings sipping cocktails. Each housewife, of course, sports her own handsome husband, beautiful children, immaculate home and fabulous wardrobe. Dublin Housewives airs Monday to Thursday, May 28 to 31 at 9.30pm on TV3.

T

Roz Flanagan with her daughters Moniquea (left), Melissa and Vicky

Melanie Finn and Michelle McGrath

24 May 2012 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 24 May 2012

TREATY ‘In 2015, our national debt is expected to be €200bn’

Vote No and join the European resistance

RICHARD BOYD BARRETT (PBP) claims resistance to austerity measures is growing across Europe, and urges voters to consider the long-term costs

IN THE debate on the Fiscal Treaty Referendum, the Government has engaged in a campaign of bullying and scare tactics – threatening catastrophe if people refuse to vote Yes. They have threatened to impose even harsher austerity and cuts in forthcoming budgets.

They have implied that Ireland might be thrown out of the euro, or that money might not come out of ATM machines.

We should not be intimidated by this nonsense

and scaremongering.

In reality, the opposite is the truth. It is precisely the agenda of cuts and austerity that has been applied by the EU-ECBIMF over the past number of years, and that is copper-fastened in the Fiscal Treaty, which is crippling our economy and the wider European economy, and is now threatening to turn economic recession into a continent-wide depression.

The Fiscal Treaty is, pure and simple, a recipe for long-term austerity and cuts being imposed

on ordinary citizens in order to protect the interests of banks and financial speculators.

It is also a further attack on democracy in Europe – handing more power to unelected bureaucrats in the EU. The Treaty proposes to put a legal compulsion on states to reduce their structural budget deficits to 0.5% of GDP (the total output of the economy), and to reduce the national debt to being no more than 60% of GDP. Under the terms of the Treaty, states that fail to

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 licence 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

do this will have automatic “correction” imposed on them to force them to meet these targets, and can have hefty fines of up to €160 million for breaching the fiscal rules.

The Government claim this is simply a matter of good housekeeping.

However, what they fail to acknowledge is that a very large part of the reason that Ireland has a big budget deficit, and an enormous national debt, is that the EU-ECB-IMF has forced almost €100 billion of private banking debt onto the backs of the Irish people.

In this context, the demand to slash budgets to reach the Treaty’s debt and deficit targets is, in fact, a demand that the Irish people accept massive cuts and austerity for years to come, in order to pay off the gambling debts of European banks and speculators.

The Government have refused to own up to this fact, and to tell the public how much this will cost our society in terms of further cuts and austerity.

In fact, throughout the debate on the Treaty, the Government have relied completely on scare tactics – warning of the supposedly dire consequences of voting No – but have refused to talk about what is actually in the Treaty, and what the consequences would be of applying the Treaty’s provisions to the Irish economy.

This is despite the fact that the Government have the facts and figures, and know quite well what the cost will be.

The Government’s forecast for the structural deficit in 2015, when Ireland is due to exit the EU-IMF programme,

Richard Boyd Barrett: Fiscal Compact ‘a recipe for permanent unemployment’

and when the provisions of the Treaty would come into force, is 3.2%.

Our GDP at that point is expected to be €179 billion. So, in order to bring the deficit down to 0.5%, we will have to make a further €5.7 billion in cuts. This will come on top of €8.6 billion of cuts the Government are obliged to make over the next three years under the EU-IMF programme.

On top of this, the Treaty requires that, every year, the Government must pay down 5% of the gap between our debt-toGDP ratio, and the Treaty target of 60%.

In 2015, our national debt is expected to be €200 billion, and 120% of GDP.

So, the gap will be €100 billion, and we will have to pay down 5% of that annually – which means, in the first year that the Treaty provisions are applied, we will have to pay-off €5 billion; more than €4 billion for the next four years after that, and more than €3 billion for the next four years after that.

On top of all this, we will also be paying interest on this massive debt every year, which, in 2015, will be about €8 billion in interest.

Quite simply, this level of cutting is unsustainable, and even attempting to impose that level of austerity would devastate our economy and society. It is a recipe for

permanent mass unemployment and economic depression.

We have to say No to this economic madness.

We must tell Europe’s leaders that this odious debt must be writtendown, and that the banks and speculators who caused the crisis in the first place are the ones who must pay to clean it up.

Voting No on May 31 is the best way to send this message to Europe, and to play our part in the growing resistance across Europe to the failed and disastrous policy of austerity.

Richard Boyd Barrett People Before Profit TD, Dun Laoghaire

24 May 2012 GAZETTE 13

CONFERENCE Publishing’s future issues

Put on your runners to help with the cancer fight

Gallagher, Tweetgate and media challenges discussed

I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

THE main attraction at the recent Media Future conference held in the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire was ex-presidential candidate, Sean Gallagher.

Gallagher was giving his first interview since the infamous “Twittergate” incident on RTE’s Frontline programme, which hosted a debate between all of the Presidencial candidates.

Jack Murray, founder/ director of Mediacontact, and the Media Future conference, interviewed Gallagher at the end of the conference.

On May 14 and 15, Murray brought together in the theatre the world’s leading media people, in an event that was sponsored by Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Coun-

cil, RTE, IADT, Failte Ireland and many more.

During the two-day conference, there were 30 speakers, as well as four workshops.

Among the other speakers at the two day event were John Macht, Harvard Business Review Group publisher; Raju Narisetti, The Wall Street Journal; Mariann Hardey, Durham University; Laura Evans, The Washington Post; Ian Wharton, creative partner, Zolmo; Olivia Solon, associate editor, Wired.co.uk; Hugh Garry, BBC Radio and Kevin O’Sullivan, editor, The Irish Times.

All conference speeches were available to watch live, as it was streamed on Media Future’s website.

Matters being discussed included key media trends, technologies and topics that will

HEALTH: ANNUAL FLORA WOMEN’S MARATHON

Businessman and former Presidential candidate, Sean Gallagher, was a guest speaker at the Pavilion Theatre

shape the future.

Olivia Solon, of Wired. co.uk, a technological web-publication, spoke of the possibility of robots replacing journalists in the future.

However, according to Solon, journalists need not worry just yet, as there are still many distinctly human things that robots cannot process, and journalists’ honing of these special skills will assure their dominance.

She mentioned such points as humour, empathy and instinct among journalist’s most valuable advantages over machines.

Anthony Mayfield, who deals with digital

brand marketing, spoke of the media as a field inhabited by optimists.

In the future, Mayfield sees the way forward as a “low and slow approach”, which sees a larger picture towards a company’s goals, and works on building a system for engaging with customers, rather than the single campaigns of old.

Ian W har ton, of Zolmo, spoke of new technologies and their application to companies in novel ways.

His company currently provides an app for Jamie Oliver’s recipes, and he insists on using the right tool for the right job. For instance, the recipes are much handier to read

on an iPad than on an iPhone.

Wharton said that everything today is “convenience-driven”, and the mobile phone is the most convenient device for media today – the Apple app store is about to hit 25 billion downloads.

However, he thinks the public need to be reeducated on the value of online material, as they’ve been used to getting all kinds of material – including news – online for free.

All of the food at the conference was sponsored by Indian restaurant, Rasam, of Glasthule, and was specially praised by the organiser, Jack Murray.

HELP stomp out cancer and cross the finishing line for the Irish Cancer Society in this year’s Flora Women’s Mini Marathon 2012.

For the past 30 years, thousands of women have put on their running shoes to get fit, have fun and raise money in the annual Flora Women’s Mini Marathon.

This year, the Irish Cancer Society is appealing to runners, walkers and joggers to cross the finishing line on its behalf.

The society hopes to raise €300,000 through the event, which will go towards providing care and support to people living with cancer in Ireland.

This year alone, almost 30,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer in Ireland, and new cancer cases are expected to reach more than 43,000 by the year 2020.

Cancer will affect onein-three people in Ireland during their lifetime, and the biggest risk factor for developing cancer is increasing age.

The early detection

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

‘The Irish Cancer Society hopes to raise €300,000 through the event’

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

of cancer is crucial for a good outcome, and up to 50% of all cancers are preventable. Cancer differs from most other diseases in that it can develop at any stage in life, and in any body organ, but it is primarily a disease of ageing.

Cancer is increasingly viewed as a condition from which people survive, and very high cure rates can be achieved for some types of cancer.

Support the Irish Cancer Society and join the Women’s Mini Marathon team on Bank Holiday Monday, June 4.

For a sponsorship pack and t-shirt, CallSave 1850 60 60 60, or email womensminimarathon@irishcancer.ie. Join in the fun and be cancer aware.

14 GAZETTE 24 May 2012

EVENT: FAMILY FUN

MUSIC Tom Dunne, Newstalk DJ and the former

Amazing line-up at Leixlip Festival

Search for

I PAUL HOSFORD phosford@gazettegroup.com

LEIXLIP Festival, taking place from May 31 till June 4, promises to be the best year yet with an amazing line-up of talented musicians.

Bressie, Ryan Sheridan, Damien Dempsey and Delorentos are all taking part on the line-up, which includes many talented local bands as well.

Entertainment There will be nightly pub entertainment, as well as clowns, stilt walkers, fire-eaters, a Punch and Judy show, bouncy castles, magicians, as well as many more.

There will also be a summer fair in the grounds of St Mary’s Church on Saturday, June 2 and a tug-o-war competition on Sunday, June 3.

For more details go to www.leixlipfestival.com.

Tom Dunne, Newstalk DJ: ‘Playing is the best way to hone your art’

TOM Dunne wants to hear you sing. But, before you start accosting the Newstalk DJ, Dunne is interested in finding the best unsigned singer songwriter in the country.

The former Something Happens frontman is no stranger to the trials and tribulations that come with putting a song together, and will be joined on the judging panel by Indie-pendence festival organiser, Shane Dunne; A&R consultant, Thomas Black, and Steve Wall, of The Walls.

On offer is a spot performing live on the Tom Dunne show, a slot on the Indie-pendence festival alongside Feeder, Royseven, Delorentos, and Jape, and a day’s recording in the worldrenow ned Windmill

Lane recording studio.

Dunne says the response has been overwhelming, so far.

“It’s been very good so far. There’s a lot of MP3s and CDs coming in. People really like it, and I think the reason is – and I’m at pains [to point out] – it’s not one of those reality shows where you get slagged or pilloried.

Encouragement “If the stuff is good, we’ll give it encouragement; if it’s not good, we’ll have a quiet word.

I think songwriting is something that responds to a bit of encouragement and a bit of expert help along the way.

“That’s what we’re trying to do,” says Dunne, whose passion for the subject is evident throughout talking to The Gazette.

Having Dunne on the

panel adds a legitimacy that other competitions lack. With no Facebook voting or viral videos needed, this is one competition that is purely about finding someone with promise.

He says: “Some people get good at songwriting very quickly, but it is a craft. The more you do it, the better you’ll get at it.

“When I think back to what we wrote in the early days, there were little glimpses of promise in it, which, I suppose, is why Virgin signed us.

“But it wasn’t until we got to the second album, when we were rehearsing and writing eight hours a day, that it went up in a quantum leap.

“I think about two words: talent and opportunity. You can have all the talent in the world and not get the opportunity, or can have no talent and get all the oppor-

24 May 2012 GAZETTE 15

frontman of Something Happens, on new contest

‘best unsigned singer’ tunity and it still won’t go anywhere,” he says.

The level of patience to allow bands develop is something that is increasingly being lost in a world where success is demanded immediately.

“I think it’s an encouragement thing, to be honest. When you look around and see good bands dropped really quickly, you get the sense of ‘What’s the point in trying?’. Bands get discouraged very quickly.

“There’s a number of bands that didn’t get good or successful until their third or fourth album. REM must have been on their sixth album by the time they got successful.

“It’s a different environment, now. We were talking to [U2 manager] Paul McGuinness, and he’s convinced that, somewhere in Dublin, someone is writing a

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

‘I’m looking for some small degree of originality...

All of the really good songs can be played with just an acoustic and a voice’

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

Tom Dunne, DJ

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

Dunne made his mark with Something Happens

song that we’ll all be singing in a year.”

Dunne, whose 1990 hit, Parachute, is still being sung today, says that there is currently too much focus on writing “that” hit, and he advocates a more natural approach.

“You should be going after quality and trying

to write a good song. I think if you start thinking about what will pay your bills, it becomes a prophecy of deceit to yourself.

“I listen to pretty much everything I get, and I’m looking for some small degree of originality, be it in the voice, the lyric or the approach.

“All of the really good songs can be played with just an acoustic and a voice,” says Dunne.

“Walt Whitman gave great advice to songwriters to ‘Start with the chorus and repeat it”, and it’s great advice.

“If you think of our most popular song, it starts with the chorus.

The first line is, ‘Take a parachute and jump’. “ I don’t think it’s an accident that it’s there and it became a success. We never set off to make it like that, it just came out that way,” says Dunne.

With all of the craft involved, the position on Indie-pendence is a huge

opportunity, he says.

“Playing is the best way to hone your art.

You don’t know how great your songs are until you play them to an audience.

“You learn more in an hour on stage than in months in a rehearsal studio.”

The competition allows Dunne to be both radio host and music aficionado, which pleases him greatly.

“Music is still my number-one passion, and to be able to try to lend an ear and encouragement is great, and I love doing it.”

Entries should be sent by Friday, June 8, to demos@newstalk.ie, or by post to Tom Dunne Show, Newstalk 106108FM, Marconi House, Digges Lane, Dublin 2.

The winner will be announced the following Friday, June 15 at 10am.

OLYMPICS

Dublin girl to carry the Flame ONE Dublin girl will be lucky enough to carry the Olympic Flame through the streets of the capital this June.

Lauren Lawless will carry the Olympic Flame during the Dublin leg of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay this summer as part of Coca-Cola Future Flames.

Lawless, 16, divides her time between volunteering at Localise Community Service Project with school and sport.

W hen she’s not involved with her school student council, helping first-year students with their project, entitled, The Face of Homelessness, Lauren also trains girls’ soccer and Gaelic teams in her old primary school.

As a sideline, she has also raised funds for Our Lady’s Crumlin Hospital for the past four years.

16 GAZETTE 24 May 2012

GazetteContacts

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day

Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251

Managing Director: Michael McGovern email:mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Acting News Editor: Mimi Murray email: mmurray@gazettegroup.com

Picture Editor: Paul Hosford email: picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Ad Manager: Louise Fitzgerald email: lfitzgerald@gazettegroup.com

Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com

Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com

Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com

Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com

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

GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW!

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

Andy McInroy Clean Coasts 1 - Fanad Head Lighthouse

Scenic beauty of our coasts

FROM Balbriggan to Killiney, help to capture the beauty of the Irish and Dublin coastline with An Taisce’s Clean Coasts Photography competition.

The competition, launched as part of CocaCola Clean Coasts Week 2012, is set to attract a big interest from the nation’s amateur photographers.

T he theme of An Taisce’s Clean Coasts Photography competition this year is Love Your Coast. The prize fund is an impressive €4,000.

The four main categories for the competition are: Coastal Heritage, Coastal Landscape, People and the Coast and Wildlife and the Coast.

Last year, the com-

petition received thousands of entrants and it is expected that this year’s entrants will double to that of previous years, giving the panel of judges a difficult task ahead.

Diverse

Speaking about the competition Annabel FitzGerald, An Taisce’s coastal programmes manager and competition organiser said: “The beauty of Ireland’s coastline can really be captured through the lens.

Last year, the photos showcased the diverse character of our coastline from Fanad lighthouse at moonrise in Donegal to a breaking wave in Clogher, Co Kerry, from an underwater shot of a

hermit crab in Greenore, Co Louth to a hardy swimmer at Dollymount, Co Dublin.

“These photographs reflect the importance that the coast and ocean have for Ireland’s residents and visitors alike.

These snapshots of our coast serve as a reminder of the responsibility that we all have in protecting our coastal environment.

I am really looking forward to seeing this year’s entries,” she added.

Public affairs and communications manager Coca-Cola Hellenic Ireland, Erica Roseingrave commented on some of last year’s winning images, saying: “The entries last year were of an incredibly high standard,

genuinely making judging a very difficult task.

However, the stand-out images brilliantly capture the scenic beauty and wilderness of our beaches and the unique and special relationship the people of our island nation have with our coastline.”

The Clean Coasts Programme is operated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce and supported by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Coca-Cola and Fáilte Ireland.

For further information or to find out how to enter the competition, log on to www.cleancoastphoto.org

www.gazette group.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

24 May 2012 GAZETTE 17

ENTERTAINMENT Calling all passionate amateur chefs

In search of this year’s Master Chef

I LAURA WEBB lwebb@gazettegroup.com

HEAT up the stove, and test out that signature dish as the search for Ireland’s very own MasterChef is back on.

RTE television announced the search for MasterChef Ireland 2012 last week. The national broadcaster is calling on all passionate amateur cooks to apply for the new series which brings back some familiar faces.

Michelin-starred chef Dylan McGrath and top restaurateur Nick Munier are together again as judges, dishing out their verdict on contestants’ cooking.

Commenting on the second series of the show, Dylan McGrath said: “We want to find Ireland’s best amateur cook

and we want to hear from everyone in Ireland who thinks they have what it takes to be the next MasterChef champion. MasterChef Ireland is such a great opportunity to show off the talent that exists in Ireland at an amateur level, and to showcase the Irish produce that we have. Although we have a small population, I’m absolutely confident that we can compete at an international level.”

Exceptional

Nick Munier is hoping to see “exceptional cooks that operate by instinct and have a natural flair for taste and flavour”.

“This could be a lifechanging opportunity for the winner and I want to find someone with the determination and drive

to succeed, regardless of their background,” Munier added.

Huge hit

Executive producer of the show, Larry Bass now wants to hear from anyone in Dublin and Ireland who thinks they have what it takes to be the next MasterChef Champion. “Last year’s series was a huge hit and really captured the public imagination. This year, we expect it to be even bigger and better.

“We are looking for brilliant amateur cooks who will be available to take part in a busy filming schedule over this summer. You need to be obsessed with food and cooking and up for a challenge. We want to hear from all over Ireland, so if you think you’re a fan-

tastic amateur cook get online now and apply at www.rte.ie/masterchef.”

Applicants have until May 28 to apply. Successful applicants will then go on to compete against the best amateur cooks in the country to gain a place on the hit television series.

Final

The final 16 will be put through their paces with a series of intense tasks and challenges put before them as they try to impress the MasterChef judges.

Week by week contestants will be eliminated until one is crowned the winner and will walk away with the title of MasterChef Ireland champion 2012 and with a prize fund of €25,000.

Michelin-starred chef Dylan McGrath and top restaurateur Nick Munier

18 GAZETTE 24 May 2012

EXHIBITION The stars come out to enjoy photographer

Liam Cunningham, Glenda Gilson, Barry McCall, Keith Barry and Louis Walsh Pictures: Leon Farrell

Glitzy opening for acclaimed artist HE opening of photographer Barry McCall’s newest exhibition, Pho20graphy, at The Copper House Gallery located off Synge Street took place this week. The event was to showcase a selection of works extracted from Barry’s book (also called Pho20graphy) which showed his

T

Guggi

unique and innovative style of photography.

The invite-only event was attended by many faces from the world of entertainment, fashion and music who feature in the book. Some invitees included Liam Cunningham, Sharon Corr, Glenda Gil-

Saoirse Ronan and Louis Walsh

son and Felim Gormley. All of the works, together with limited edition prints, will be available for sale with proceeds designated for the benefit of the ISPCC. This exhibition will run from May 15 until June 11 2012 at The Copper House Gallery, and admission is free.

Lorraine Keane and Barry McCall

Sharon Corr

24 May 2012 GAZETTE 19

Barry McCall’s visual feast at exclusive opening

Keith Barry and Louis Walsh

Saoirse Ronan poses with a photo of herself

Liam Cunningham and Glenda Gilson

Barry McCall and Saoirse Ronan

Felim Gormley and Sharon Corr

20 GAZETTE 24 May 2012

GazetteSTYLE STYLE Helping to control asthma symptoms IN Ireland, over 470,000 adults and children suffer from asthma and more than one person a week dies from the condition. Asthma is a condition that affects the narrow airways that carry air in and out of the lungs.

It can develop at any stage of life, although it most commonly begins in childhood.

In an asthmatic patient, the airways are overly sensitive, reacting to normally innocuous particles, such as dust or pollen causing them to tighten and narrow.

Sticky mucous is also produced making it increasingly difficult to get the necessary oxygen into the lungs.

The most common symptoms of asthma include coughing (particularly during the night), shortness of breath, wheezing and tightness in the chest. If you have been diagnosed with asthma, talk to your pharmacist who can help keep your symptoms under control by ensuring you are using your inhalers correctly.

With thanks to the staff at Lucan Village Pharmacy

Edited by Laura Webb

A window into the work of emerging visual artists T’S not often we get to incorporate art with style and beauty, so when we heard that Brown Thomas was merging the two we just knew it was something we had to talk about.

The windows of Brown Thomas in Dublin, and also in Cork, Limerick and Galway have been taken over by 36 contemporary Irish visual artists.

Each of the 60 pieces in the exhibition was selected by Brown Thomas creative director John Redmond and young artist, Stephen Morris. The idea of the Art and Style exhibition is to promote the work of emerging visual artists.

John Redmond said: “Art and Style aims to draw attention to the vibrant arts scene that exists in Ireland. Presenting works of art in a fashion environment and on this scale is new for us, but we hope visitors to our stores will find the exhibitions refreshing and stimulating.

“We want to celebrate the diverse range of work that is being created by these artists and help bring it to a wider audience,” he added.

Wa l k i n g p a s t t h e Grafton Street window,

I

Cathy McHugh with Raymond Henshaw’s exhibit Nicole Tilley with her exhibit

shoppers see a different story in each window.

Eight ar tists were assigned a window to frame their work for the duration of the exhibition including artist Nicole Tilley. W hen Gazette Style walked through Grafton Street to take a glimpse of what’s on display, we were pleasantly surprised by the work and ended up spending more time window shopping than spending.

Featuring in the Art and Style at Brown Thomas Dublin is Dee Walsh. According to a Brown Thomas spokesperson, Walsh’s “intricate paintings examine maps of Dublin to draw inspiration from the city’s environment and architecture”.

A similar approach is

that of Miranda Blennerhassett whose “site specific painting installation deals with the viewer’s connection to architectural forms in two-dimensional format”.

While, David Folan is a sculpture and installation artist, who has just returned from his well received solo show Lost Horizons at Dino Eli Gallery, NYC. Karen Donnellan, a video and glass artist, has also exhibited in New York. Conceptual artist, Francis Wasser will dominate the bridge between the store and the Brown Thomas car park and Dee O’ Shea will demonstrate her work with video and installation. Aisling Conroy is a sound artist, Ciúin Tracey works through the medium of

David Booth with his exhibit

photography and Kitty Moss is an illustrator.

Painter Stephen Morris explores the possibilities of painting and its role compared to other fine art mediums in today’s culture and society. The artist has exhibited in Ireland and the United States and his interest lies in the relationship between figuration and

abstraction.

The Art and Style event was officially launched by distinguished Irish Art consultant, Suzanne Macdougald, director of Solomon Fine Art last week. The launch night was attended by Michael Mortell and Oonagh Finn, Norma Smurfit, Eimear Mulhern, Cecily McMenamin and Emer

and Ken O’Reilly. The reception was sponsored

by Peroni.

So when shopping in town this week, why not take a quick look at what this unique Art and Style range has to offer.

Art and Style pieces are available to purchase from €200. For a full list of artists, log onto www. brownthomas.com

24 May 2012 GAZETTE 21

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC

REVIEW: A SUBLIME AND MOVING SET FROM BLUE NILE STAR

Diamonds are forever

I ROB HEIGH

WAY back in the day, I was privileged to see the first live show from The Blue Nile, the Glasgow based band responsible for the most astonishingly heartfelt and cinematic music over their 22-year career. Their live dates were as rare as their albums, and as keenly and breathlessly anticipated as the return of certain deities.

With the concert in full flow, an ecstatic fan brought lead singer, Paul Buchanan, and most of the band to tears of laughter after shouting out, “Diamonds are forever!” between songs.

How right she was. The precious, invaluable songs from The Blue Nile’s hardly prolific repertoire still shine and resonate as some of the finest pieces of music ever committed to tape.

It is with equal anticipation and thankfulness

WE HAVE 135,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240

Paul Buchanan’s Mid Air, possibly the best album of 2012

that the news arrives of a new solo release from Buchanan, Mid Air, eight years after the release of the last Blue Nile opus, High.

Recorded in his Glasgow apartment over the course of the last few years, the record consists of 14 snapshots that barely last beyind three minutes each, but which say

more and express more than most acts manage in entire careers, continuing the tradition that The Blue Nile started in 1982 of making utterly glorious, heartfelt and unique music.

Over a pared-back soundtrack that features simple piano figures and synthesised washes of strings and horns, Bucha-

nan presents on Mid Air what feel like the auditory equivalent of Polaroids from a life, perfectly created short stories that catch a moment in time, which reveal just enough to show an insight into the authenticity, romance and poignancy of simply being.

Opening with the words, “The buttons on your collar, the colour of your hair, I think I see you everywhere,” Mid Air is poetic and vivid, setting a trend that continues throughout its 36 minutes, which pass by far too quickly, by which time you’ll have tried on several occasions to explain to anyone in your zone that you have something in your eye, no, really... mff...

Some of the tracks melt into each other, but their distinctive flavours stand out gloriously.

The lyrics are classic Buchanan, clipped and concise phrases that

conjure huge, widescreen panoramas and precise, diamond-drill pinnings of emotional experience.

It’s true to say that noone in music does this so well, so utterly believably, so beautifully. It’s also true to say that with records this good, you wish that Buchanan would record more, and shorten the gaps between releases, but that’s the appeal of his recorded output with The Blue Nile and now, on this solo record. The gaps allow you to return time and again to the music, to learn their every nuance, to make them part of your life and imbue them with your own meaning and significance. Mid Air is another of those records to return to time and again. Forever.

FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods THE Axl has come full circle. Hats off to Guns N’ Roses for a stormin’ gig at The O2 last week. Even those fans still reeling from the 2010 show (where the frontman showed up late on stage only to storm off again amidst a hail of bottles) were singing his praises. And he appeared only an hour after Thin Lizzy finished their set. So all fans needed was a little Patience.

And who’d have thought one day Elton John would out-diva Axl Rose? Elton’s been showing those who thought his ‘Tantrums and Tiaras’ days were over that The Bitch Is Back after a disastrous show in Las Vegas recently where he started late, finished early and didn’t bother doing an encore, as well as acting “like a spoiled brat” on stage.

Insiders say the 65-year-old father of twoyear-old Zachary has been very narky lately (the answer why may just be in that sentence!)

22 GAZETTE 24 May 2012

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: TAKING ON A PARROT NEEDS A SERIOUS AMOUNT OF DEDICATION

Prepared to be a parrot parent?

HIS week, I thought I’d try to tackle the subject of exotic birds.

Did you know there are approximately 10,000 species of birds on this planet, but only a selection of them can live with us as companion animals?

So for those of you who think they may wish to rush out and purchase an exotic bird this summer, perhaps it would be wise for you to first do some research because not everyone is compatible with parenting a feathered friend.

So this week, in order to ensure the physical and psychological well being of your bird, I thought it might be an idea to offer you a few

T

guidelines.

Polly’s House The cage must be large enough to allow Polly plenty of room to spread her wings.

Have a ready supply of toys for her to play with and make sure you’ve got lots of paper to line Polly’s cage and be prepared to change this daily.

Your House Parrot proof your home by removing appliances with Teflon, the fumes are toxic when it comes to birds.

Lighting scented candles and smoking are a no no.

Behaviour Bringing up Polly is akin to bringing up a

Polly needs plenty of room to spread her wings

human being. Parrots require the same amount of care and attention; you will need lots of patience and many people are unequipped to take on this type of responsibility.

Polly can have mood swings, develop an attitude, scream, misbehave, be mean to you, bite you and, like any difficult

child, Polly can ignore you.

Polly’s Diet Feeding your parrot can be costly and time consuming. Again, not unlike a human’s diet, Polly will thrive on fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds, a bit of cooked chicken breast and cheese as a treat.

Avoid banana, avocado

or items containing butter because these are difficult for her to swallow.

Have at least five feeding bowls available for Polly to choose from – four to hold food and one to hold fresh water. Place fresh veg in one, fruit in another, a treat such as cheese/chicken in the third, seeds/nuts in the fourth and water in the fifth. Change food every single day and never leave leftover food hanging around; it will make your bird ill. Chop food in easy, bite sized pieces.

Exercise You must be prepared to allow Polly out of her cage for several hours a day to exercise with the absolute minimum being four hours.

Holidays Do you plan to have a stay-cation for the rest of your life? Yep, it’s going to be difficult to get a carer for Polly and remember, just because you love her doesn’t mean your relatives will– especially if Polly gets upset and starts to rip out her feathers and scream in frustration because mam has gone away and left her with an unprepared minder.

How long will Polly live?

Well it depends, the larger the bird the longer the lifespan – if you’ve got an African Grey it can live for up to 60 years, a cockatoo or a macaw can live for 70 years. That means, they can outlive their owners.

Now I know there are responsible parrot parents out there and I salute them for dedicating the rest of their lives to spending it with what is possibly the equivalent of a petulant teenager; the guidelines above are for those who have yet to make up their minds and admit it. Nobody knows what the future holds for them so taking on the commitment of a pet who will possibly outlast even the longest marriage requires a serious amount of dedication.

Are you prepared?

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

24 May 2012 GAZETTE 23

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Shane Cronin of Rafting.ie

The rise and rise of Rafting.ie MARK Downey and Shane Cronin started the business of Rafting.ie in 2010. They both have been involved in the outdoor industry for some 45 years between them.

The business started very small with just one raft, to test the water so to speak, and has now developed into a six raft operation with the capacity to run 48 people at once, three times a day.

The business is a great example of eco tourism with clients coming from all over Europe and Britain to sample the delights of the Liffey’s whitewater and the special ecological nature of the Strawberry Beds.

There is a lot of integration with local hotels and cab companies who accommodate and transport the international guests.

The product is all about making it easily accessible and fun to do, as they do mini bus airport pick ups and city centre collections to the raft centre, and bring them back to the city centre after their hot showers on site.

It’s a great corporate activity also with lots of local Dublin companies arranging pick ups at their premises, enjoying the rafting activity whilst team building and then perhaps going on to the city centre for a meal later on.

Their website and Facebook page at rafting. ie have videos and contact information for stags, hens, corporate and families alike.

Shane Cronin

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

A: A raft guide

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

A: Washing the wetsuits

Q: What was your first job?

A: Working as a lifeguard

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Any outdoor sports that

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: From Coolmine Sports Complex in Blanchardstown

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: Myself and Mark started Rafting.ie in 2010. Both avid kayakers we wanted to get people floating. Rafting is an easy way to get wet and have fun safely!

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Selling fun in these difficult times. How many people can say that? At least until the Government figure out how to tax fun or fresh air we’re laughing.

get your lungs filled with the fresh air

Q: What sport can you play?

A: Down here we all raft, kayak, mountain bike and sail regularly

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

A: By the time a day’s work is done here there’s no time for TV

Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward?

A: Really you’re asking that?

Brian O’Driscoll – what an athlete

Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your

iPod/iPad? A: Josh Ritter on always

A: 157 pairs of river shoes for our clients

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: All our Facebook fans

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: A stag party in Budapest,

Q: What was your last Tweet/status update?

A: Mmmmmm Fresh air

blah. Big cities suck, do something original

about 5 mins ago

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Mmmmmm Burgers off the barby on the river bank

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

A: Rain check! Can we not just go paddling on the river instead?

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: On my toys for my river adventures

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Rafting the Zambezi Q: What would be your dream job?

A: A raft guide in Ireland if the sun shone all the time and we had consistently high water levels on the river

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

A: I’m self employed, is that even possible? By the time I hit the age of retirement the Government will have moved it out another 25 years beyond reach.

PENSION RELEASE Q – I have been made redundant after only 12 years’ service ( now 36 ). The pension itself is worth €75,000.

Can I release any of this money now or do I have to wait til age 65 ? Greg – Rathgar A – Sorry to hear of your redundancy – employment is the key to our survival and with 14.3% of the country’s workforce unemployed, we do need all hands on deck to drive that impetus to full employment.

You appear to be in an occupational pension scheme and therefore precluded from making any withdrawals now.

Usually contributions continue til age 65 at the end of which (and presuming it is a defined contribution pension) you can take 25% of the fund then as a tax-free lump sum and the balance, again depending on what is left, into an annuity or an approved retirement fund (ARF).

If you leave the fund as is with your current employer, it is deemed paid up but should still grow each year.

As long as your now ex-employer remains solvent, at 3% growth each year, your €75,000 fund at 65 will grow to c€171,595.

At 5% growth, the fund would rise to €294,000.

Of this, €42,899 you can take on retirement as that 25% tax-free lump sum.

The balance of €128,696 can be invested into an annuity (guaranteed income for life based on a fixed deposit rate.

When you die, the insurance company keeps the fund. Generally the first five years’ income is guaranteed and if you should die before that time is up it goes to your spouse for the remaining years; or provided by that time, you do not have an annual pension income of at least €18,000, invest €120,000 into an Approved Minimum Retirement Fund which you cannot touch until age 75 but the balance you can invest yourself.

However this will only be €8,696 out of which every year you MUST take 5% (€ 36.23 per month taxable !)

With the ARF/AMRF should you die, the proceeds at least will go to your estate.

Redundant If you feel the company that has made you redundant may not be there itself in 29 years’ time, you can opt for a Buy Out Bond or Preretirement Bond.

You transfer the value of your pension NOW to a bond in your own name (still cannot release funds til age 65) but you now have control over your own pension management.

If left with the company, on retirement you would need the signatures of the trustees to release funds – they may not be around in 29 years’ time.

Either way, you need to see a report EACH year on the performance of your fund and understand the implications – ask questions if it is not performing. Best of luck with the job hunting.

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

24 GAZETTE 24 May 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs The all-new Ford Ranger has finally arrived in Ireland THE all-new Ford Ranger has just arrived in Ireland and is available from stockists.

It combines the toughness and capability of a pickup truck with smart technology, safety and high standards of quality and comfort.

The Ranger made history when it became the first pickup truck to be awarded a maximum five-star safety rating by safety testing body, Euro NCAP. It achieved one of the best overall scores ever awarded by Euro NCAP; reflecting a strong performance in adult, child and pedestrian protection.

The latest incarnation of the Ranger is offered in two cab bodystyles – Double and Regular – along with an extensive list of practical features that are available in four series choices. Both cab styles are among the roomiest in the segment.

The compact pickup is available in a 4x4 drivetrain.

Built new from the ground up, Ranger was designed and developed to be best-in-class or amongst the leaders in every area important to customers, especially those who use it for both work and leisure purposes. It now delivers more payload and class-leading towing capability and, at the same time, is fitted out with innovative and comfort features that dual users will appreciate.

The new Ranger platform takes advantage of global Ford assets, particularly robust engines and six-speed transmissions proven in tough commercial-vehicle usage. The design and product development teams also had full access to Ford’s global capabilities, testing facilities and extensive pickup truck knowledge.

The new Ford Ranger is available in four series: XL, XLT, LTD and Wildtrak with the following powertrains: 2.2 TDCi 125PS and 150PS; and 3.2 TDCi 200PS. The entry-level Ranger is the Compact Cabin, 2.2 TDCi producing 125PS with six-speed gearbox and four-wheel drive. This model is priced from €25,194.

The Opel Corsa Limited Edition is designed to appeal to the kind of young driver who is looking for something with more attitude than the standard model

No limits for Opel’s stylish new Corsa CORMAC CURTIS

ONE of the most difficult aspects of reviewing cars is figuring out if the car you are driving is a good fit for the target market.

Even more difficult can be figuring out who that target may be.

One of the quirkier cars that I have spent time in this year is the Opel Corsa Limited Edition.

In recent years Opel have put some serious effort into re-branding their line-up, and the Corsa has had plenty of attention in the process.

A very high-profile ad campaign full of cool, urban puppet characters enjoying a comi-

SPECS: OPEL CORSA LIMITED EDITION Top speed: 163km/h 0 – 100km/hr: 14.9sec Economy: 5.3 ltr/100km CO2 emissions: 110g Road Tax Band: A Entry Price: Base model from €14,700. €17,955 exc options €19,422 inc air con and metallic paint

cally active lifestyle and telling each other to “c’mon” was given some serious air time, and definitely lif ted the image of the oncehumble Corsa, giving it a far cooler and edgier appeal.

It was a good move by Opel, as car manufacturers have increasingly needed to find their own corners of the market to take ownership of.

The Corsa has been enjoying the fruits of Opel’s labour, and has found its way into the hearts of many young drivers.

And there is the answer to one of my questions- who the target market is– youngsters.

T his does make a great deal of sense, not least because youngsters are about the only people who would have disposable income for this kind of motor, providing they haven’t moved to Australia yet and they still have a job.

This incarnation of the Corsa, the Limited Edition, is designed to appeal to the kind of young driver who is

looking for something with more drivability and a lot more attitude than the standard model.

Possibly moving up from another model in the Corsa stable.

So, what does the Limited Edition offer?

There’s no doubt that it stands out from the crowd – every time I stopped at traffic lights, young men between the ages of about 16 and 24 literally stopped and pointed at the car.

This wasn’t a huge surprise, as the model I drove was almost completely black.

Getting back to the car’s image, with the exception of the Opel logo and the front grille, the only other glimpse

of chrome is two very attractive accents around the air scoops on the front bumper.

Other than this, the car is black – even the tail lights have been given the smoked glass treatment for a look with real edge.

I n my t h r e e - d o o r model, the rear windows were also smoked to add to the slightly menacing look of the car.

The range isn’t all “midnight black” and “d a r k- s h a d ow g r e y ”.

With bright body colours and design themes presented on black 17-inch alloy wheels, these are looks that will appeal to a broad range of drivers.

The specification also

24 May 2012 GAZETTE 25

Edited by Cormac Curtis

RoadSigns Road Signs

SKODA SIGN SPONSOR DEAL

SKODA have been announced as the new broadcast sponsors of the 2012 GAA AllIreland Senior Championship on Newstalk 106-108fm. The 2011 GAA All-Ireland Senior Championships season marked a key milestone in Irish broadcasting.

For the first time in GAA history, a broadcaster outside the state-run body was awarded exclusive national radio commentary rights. During their inaugural year of GAA broadcasting, Newstalk provided GAA fans, across the country, with an exciting and fresh alternative.

Speaking at the launch, Raymond Leddy, head of marketing Skoda Ireland, said: “Today’s announcement is another significant milestone for the Skoda brand in Ireland.”

The Limited Edition comes in both the stylish New Corsa coupe-like three-door and family-friendly five-door body variants

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

‘The Corsa has been enjoying the fruits of Opel’s labour, and has found its way into the hearts of many young drivers’

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

includes a lowered sport c h a s s i s , e nve l o p i n g sport seats, aluminium pedals, black sapphire roof and a chromed, oval exhaust pipe.

In the interior, the centre console is in piano black while air vent rings and stitching on the seat upholstery

are colour-coordinated with the exterior paint.

The splashes of red on the dash of the test car really did lift the otherwise monochrome interior – although the use of glass black finish on certain panels was attractive.

All Limited Edition

variants are available with the 1.2i-VVT (75 PS) petrol unit and the 1.3-CDTi (75 PS) ecoFLEX unit.

I must say that seeing an estimated range just shy of 1,000kms when I get into cars these days is becoming more and more common, and it is encouraging to see that companies are applying their fuel-saving technologies and designs right across their ranges, this car (the 1.3CDTi version) being no exception.

In addition to the New Corsa Limited

Edition, a Linea pack is also available as an option on Corsa SC and SXi. It is available in six exterior colours and features two large white stripes leading from the hood over the roof to the tailgate.

T he 17-inch white alloys and white side mirror caps are coordinated with the stripes.

The Limited Edition comes in both the stylish New Corsa coupelike three-door and family-friendly fivedoor body variants.

So that’s the image

covered, let’s get down to brass tacks.

If you want air conditioning and metallic paint – don’t expect too much change out of €19,500.

At my stage in life, if I were to be putting my hand that far into my pocket, I would be looking for a huge boot, sunroof, loads of space for me and the family… but I need to remind myself that this car is not meant for me.

Thrill The people I caught ogling the Corsa don’t

care about what I care about – they want a stonking little motor that will turn heads and give them a thrill when they drive.

And, to be fair, the Corsa Limited Edition ticks those boxes.

And they get lowered sports suspension, front fog lights, a chunky leather-covered steering wheel, cruise control, sports pedals, heated door mirrors and a multifunction trip computer.

Target market identified, and, no doubt, more than satisfied with the new look.

26 GAZETTE 24 May 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel The Garden of Ireland’s delights will grow on you Be at Royal Portrush at tee-time for this year’s highly-anticipated Irish Open Golf Championship

WITH this year’s Irish Open Golf Championship at Royal Portrush set to be one of the biggest in the competition’s history, Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) are reminding visitors to book their tickets and accommodation now to avoid potential disappointment.

With Ireland’s most prestigious golf tournament still more than five weeks away, the European Tour announced last week that Saturday and Sunday are already almost sold out, while ticket sales for the Thursday and Friday aren’t far behind, with close to 20,000 tickets sold per day.

A crowd of 100,000 is expected over the four days of the event, from Thursday, June 28, to Sunday, July 1, and accommodation around Portrush has also been selling fast but NITB’s Alan Clarke reassured visitors, particularly those travelling from the Republic of Ireland, that there are still plenty of rooms available on the Causeway Coast.

He said: “Tickets have been selling faster this year than for many years, which is no surprise given the success of our golfing superstars, and the fact that the Irish Open is returning to Northern Ireland for the first time in 60 years.

“I would urge golf fans not to risk turning up on the day and expect a ticket, as they will most likely be disappointed, particularly at the weekend.”

For more information on accommodation offers for the Irish Open, as well as details on all of Northern Ireland’s golf courses and other Northern Ireland events in 2012, check out the NITB’s free advice and booking service, and callsave 1850 230 230; visit the Tourist Information Centre in Suffolk Street, or click on www.discovernorthernireland.com or www.ni2012.com.

Advance day tickets for the Irish Open are available for £30 – a saving of £5 on the gate price – with four-day season tickets priced at £70 – a saving of £10. Advance concession day and season tickets are priced at £20 and £50, respectively.

STAFF REPORTER

IT IS often said that we do not appreciate what we have on our doorstep and, to really get the feeling that we are getting away from it all, we must take a flight to sunnier climes, cultural or cosmopolitan city destinations, or at least endure a four-hour drive to a far-flung part of Ireland.

With Failte Ireland increasingly encouraging us all to do our patriotic duty and holiday at home, we decided to take it a step further and go local by taking a weekend break in Co Wicklow, the Garden of Ireland.

For those of us living in the Dublin area, a trip to Wicklow will unearth tinges of nostalgia, such as revisiting the sites and sounds of school tours in days gone by, or memories of being squashed into the back seat of a car on the way to your summer holidays in Co Wexford.

Returning to the present day, we began our journey by heading south-west towards Rathsallagh House – a stunning historic period country house and golf club nestled in the rolling west Wicklow Hills, near the sleepy hamlet of Dunlavin, only 45 mins from Dublin.

En route to Rathsallagh, we took in Blessington and its national park, a

paradise of woods, mountains, rivers and lakes – a perfect starting point for the outdoor adventurer in us, or for those who are happy to take a stroll and breathe it all in.

For the art and culture lovers amongst us, a stop off at Russborough House is highly-recommended.

Renowned for its beauty and classical interior architecture and furnishings, Russborough House was famous for Sir Alfred and Lady Beit’s collection

T he lush ground, inhabited by tall, slender and graceful trees, welcome you, along with the aromas of wild garlic and the distinctive scent of burning turf.

After freshening up, we had a drink in the ornate drawing room before heading into the dining room for a well-earned meal.

Starters of beef carpaccio and portobello mushroom with goat’s cheese whet the taste

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

‘At Rathsallagh House, one could almost picture oneself sipping a gin and tonic, playing croquet with the aristocracy and equine set in days gone by’

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

of fine art before “ordinary decent criminal” Martin “The General” Cahill took a fancy, and raised the house’s profile with a daring robbery in the 1980s.

Thankfully, these paintings were retrieved and returned to their rightful home, where they continue to reside and are well worth a look.

On arrival at our final destination for the day, heading up the long meandering drive gives you a sense of beauty in which the 570 acres of Rathsallagh House grounds, including the golf club, is set.

buds delightfully, after which a vodka sorbet sets us up nicely for the main course of locally-sourced rack of Wicklow lamb, and blackened salmon with an oriental twist.

A shared tarte tatin, complemented with a lush honeycomb and toffee sauce, tasted as if straight from the finest Parisian patisserie.

Before bidding adieu to Rathsallagh, we toured their walled garden, where many seasonal vegetables and herbs are grown for the restaurant.

The grounds also boast wonderfully-manicured gardens, enlivened by the

early summer chorus of birdsong.

One could almost picture oneself sipping a gin and tonic, playing croquet with the aristocracy and equine set in days gone by – previous owners of the house once reared thoroughbred horses for the British army.

The next leg of our journey eastwards took us across the stunning Wicklow Gap, starting at Hollywood. We took in the spectacular and colourful scenery which, in parts, mimics the Rocky Mountains of North America.

After successfully negotiating the hilly and meandering roads, we stopped off at Glendalough, exploring the valley of the two lakes and St Kevin’s sixth-century monastery.

No visit to Wicklow would be complete without a visit to Mount Usher Garden’s.

Spread across 22 acres along the River Vartry, Mount Usher’s Robertsonian-style gardens is home to more than 5,000 species of rare and exotic plants, bursting with vitality and a broad range of colours.

As the af ternoon moved towards evening, we headed downriver to the charming and historic Hunter’s Hotel, Wicklow, Ireland’s oldest coaching inn, which also boasts its own award-winning gar-

The enticingly attractive

den – a perfect spot for afternoon tea and scones in the sunshine.

Steeped in more than 300 years of history, and run by five generations by the same family, Hunter’s Hotel retains all of its oldworld charm.

The hotel also boast a very famous and diverse patronage over the years, as detailed by its guest book. Ranging from royalty (the king and queen of Sweden are regulars) to the political aristocracy (Charles Stewart Parnell regularly stopped by for a game of cards), Hollywood’s most renowned residents include Stephen Spielberg, Liam Neeson and local actor, Daniel Day Lewis, who, we were told, will be playing Abraham Lincoln in a forthcoming biopic – remember where you heard it first.

Dinner at Hunter’s Hotel was a wonderfully

24 May 2012 GAZETTE 27

Edited by Mimi Murray

garden at Hunter’s Hotel is but one lovely feature of the historic hotel, which also boasts the title of Ireland’s oldest coaching inn

rustic affair, very much in keeping with its charming surroundings.

After a hugely satisfying meal, we retired up the broad oak staircase to our delightfully furnished and spacious room overlooking the Victorian gardens.

A glowing fire welcomed us and helped us off into a peaceful slumber.

Breakfast at Hunter’s offered the traditional fry, porridge, continental spread and baked fish of the day, which set us up nicely for the final leg of our journey.

The early May sunshine pointed us to the beach, where we took in the nearby Silver Strand and then on to Brittas Bay, where we explored the powdery white sands and famous dunes. A fitting end to a great weekend.

Now, why would you want to go anywhere else?

The welcoming exterior of Rathsallagh House is more than matched by the hotel’s many attractions

28 GAZETTE 24 May 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Travesties

FOLLOWING the hugely successful and popular Plaza Suite, Rough Magic are back at the Pavilion Theatre with the delicious comedy Travesties by Tom Stoppard.

Best-known as the author of the Oscar-winning film Shakespeare in Love and the plays Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and Arcadia, Stoppard is at his best in this absurdly funny masterpiece featuring James Joyce, Vladimir Lenin and Dadaist Tristan Tzara. Running from June 7 to 23, tickets are priced from €18 to €25.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Fruitcake

NANA Casey teaches Della many things in life, like “how to bake the perfect Fruitcake.” As Della Dolan (McEvoy) demonstrates just how to do that she gets caught up in provoking memories to give a fascinating account of her checkered upbringing on a farm in rural Ireland… each ingredient reminding her of past memories and decisions which ultimately change the course of her life. The show, wriiten by Alice Barry takes place at 1pm and 8pm on Wednesday June 6. Tickets are priced at €15.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Ardal O’Hanlon

AWARD winning comedian, actor, writer - and star of Father Ted (C4), My Hero (BBC 1), Val Falvey (RTE) and Leagues Apart (RTE), Ardal O’Hanlon brings his unique brand of stand up comedy back to Ireland. A highly acclaimed stand up, Ardal has toured to sell out audiences internationally and has released two Top Ten stand up DVDs. He continues to be one of the most sought after comedians working with regular sell out solo tours in the UK, USA and Australia.

Catch him on June 6 at 8pm, tickets are €20.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Blast From The Past

THIS is a Hip Hop Dance Show for all the family to enjoy.

Fit Kids and Fit Teens Dance Schools have been running in Blanchardstown for 26 years and have performed in Draiocht many times. This end of term show gives the children a chance to show all their hard work as they dance to some of our favourite tunes from the past, including tracks by their favourite acts. Catch this show at 7pm on Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2, with a 2pm matinee on Saturday. Tickets are €10

WE HAVE 135,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS

CALL 60 10 240

Chris Rock gets to grips with Julie Delpy in the farcical comedy, 2 Days in New York.

I love New York

Julie Delpy follows up 2 Days in Paris by grabbing Chris Rock and going to New York. Well, if she can make it there...

I PAUL HOSFORD

LAST week, I flexed my indie muscles, all set to return to the mainstream when The Dictator hit screens.

I did make it to a film about foreigners on American soil, but 2 Days in New York is about as far removed from Sacha Baron Cohen’s antics as you are likely to find.

Indeed, though The Dictator is perfectly serviceable nonsense, the latest film from French ingenue Julie Delpy is spot-on counter-programming.

While the bearded Cohen allows you to leave your brain at the door, oddly-bearded Chris Rock commands your attention.

An atypical sequel to Delpy’s 2007 effort, 2 Days in Paris.

Since the events of that film, Adam Goldberg’s Jack and Delpy’s

FILM OF THE WEEK: 2 Days in New York #### (15) 96 mins Director: Julie Delpy Starring: Julie Delpy, Chris Rock, Daniel Bruhl, Albert Delpy, Alexia Landeau, Alexandre Nahon

OUR VERDICT: BEFORE you decide to part with your time and money on this film, ask yourself one question; how much do I like Julie Delpy and indie cinema in general? Because, despite the presence of Rock, this is no mainstream comedy. Instead, we are treated to an excellent dissection of adult relationships, language barriers and, of course, the difficult nature of family.

Marion have split up.

Not before they could conceive a child, Lulu, however.

Now living in New York with her new boyfriend Mingus (Rock) and his daughter, Marion’s world is set to be turned upside dow n when her family decides to visit the Big Apple.

Much of the farce comes from the broader culture clashes, as Marion’s father, sister and sister ’s ex-boy friend gatecrash what is, essentially, the biggest week of her life.

Delpy, has written odes to Paris before,

with 2005’s Before Sunset extolling the virtues of her birthplace.

Long a resident of New York, she is able to draw the comedy from both settings clashing because she has a unique perspective on both; she can see them as an insider as easily as an outsider.

T hat allows for a range of nuanced looks at how cultures sit uncomfortably with each other and how natives of one place can cling to the idea of home as identity.

Of course, that is not the plane that the film

sets out to sit on, it just happily rests there.

It is more at home in the arena of French farce, a genre in which Delpy makes herself firmly at home, feet under the table and all.

The lone rock in the sea of insanity is Rock, playing the straight man for once, who becomes increasingly bewildered by his Gallic in-laws and can find his only solace in his cardboard cutout of Barack Obama (Obama’s presidency is a fantastic runninggag).

Like the first film, plot is a secondary concern.

In its place are misunderstandings, tears, arguments, recriminations and reconciliations.

In one of the film’s high-points, Vincent Gallo shows up in a mental, unbelievable and ridiculous cameo that manages somehow to be both brilliant and

likeable.

Delpy’s Gallic-eyed view of the city that never sleeps is a refreshing take on a city many will feel at home with purely due to films, while her script keeps the pace breakneck and the dialogue fizzing.

In the midst of all of this madness, it would be easy to forget that there are characters there to be explored., However, to her testament, Delpy finds time to return to key themes of love, life and loss.

Far removed from the young girl of 1995’s Before Sunrise, her voice now carries the weight of experience and, hinting at a jaded soul, there’s a tinge of sadness as Marion accepts the inevitable end of romance.

That said, even if the world she has created is somewhat burnt out, it is still a place full of joy.

24 May 2012 GAZETTE 29

GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Hat’s quite a fun game

Determined adventurers will have to keep their heads when facing a hungry hydra – while hoping the fearsome beast loses all of its annoying noggins – during one of the many challenging battles awaiting them in the Japanese-developed, Dragon’s Dogma

Dark knights ahead SHANE DILLON

WITH Skyrim proving such a runaway success on a number of platforms, several developers and publishers are hoping to match that title’s success, as a number of similar fantasy landscapes are coming into sight, ready for adventurers to make their (next) mark in.

As such, Capcom are next out of the traps, with the imminent release of its Dragon’s Dogma.

Bringing several key Capcom figures together on the project, gamers have a lot of expectations from the Dogma team, knowing that heavyhitting developers have colluded in creating the

major new title.

Dragon’s Dogma treads a familiar path – that of an ancient land, plagued by foul beasts and bandits, and with legendary (and legendarily-tough) creatures ruling over certain parts – while a murderous dragon must be slain and the kingdom protected.

So far, so familiar.

However, while this sub-Tolkien scenario forms the basis for any number of fantasy games, Capcom have put their distinctive mark on their title by adding several great new elements.

As with Skyrim’s land of Tamriel, a massive open world awaits in Gransys, complete with a day and night cycle, leaving the

protaganist free to wander where he or she chooses – even to places where they shouldn’t. Yet. So far, so familiar, which is where Capcom begins to tinker with the familiar fantasy formula.

For example, night and day create very different challenges, with night being particularly dark for those foolhardy folk caught out in the wild, far beyond a keep’s welcoming walls, or an inn’s comforting fireplace.

More worryingly – or, more entertainingly, depending on your point of view – nightfall draws forth tougher, hungrier creatures, all drawn to any passing party that’s foolish enough to blun-

Anotherweebyte...

For some, the war is (almost) over OH-OH. War makes a lot of money for games companies, and online multiplayer games have become almost more popular than the singleplayer experience in the past few years.

However, a lot of Battlefield 3 players have been voicing their frustration recently at the near total decline of available servers, on which to play with other Battlefield 3 gamers, following the move by Electronic Arts, and DICE, to withdraw many of the official servers, leaving many hardcore “shmup” fans scrambling to play against each other on rented servers, instead.

While all online games eventually go dark as their servers are shut down for the last time – and while Battlefield 3 is still playable on official servers – it’s regrettable that such a comparatively recent title is already seeing its popular online component heading towards the Game Over screen. The battle to keep the gameplay going continues ...

der about in the dark, and creating a distinctly different, darker feeling to the game.

However, of most interest to gamers (and the key selling point for Dragon’s Dogma) comes courtesy of its Pawn system.

Having chosen a specialist field to specialise in and master, the player also creates a permanent sidekick – or Pawn – to sally forth alongside them, aiding in battle and in other ways throughout their exploring.

While many gamers will groan and roll their eyes at the thought of having yet another AI character tag alongside them – a generally unpopular feature of many games for modern gamers – what makes Dragon’s Dogma Pawns so interesting is that the player can complete a party of four by momentarily borrowing another player’s Pawns, who may have key skills, or experience, for the c u r-

There are several character classes to choose from

rent task at hand.

As such, while you and your Pawn will develop your skills and rise in rank throughout the game, you’ll also have help and useful advice from a range of other borrowed Pawns, creating a diverse, changing shift in how the game plays out.

It’s an interesting technique, with a lot of scope for emergent gameplay and on-the-fly techniques – and, make no mistake, the player will need all the help they can get, as Gransys is home to some pretty tough battles, here and there.

Familiar fantasy stalwarts are all present and correct, while an interesting coterie of creatures sees hydras, griffins, chimeras and more adding a rather classical note to beastly encounters.

Meanwhile, the figures behind the title, including Hiroyuki Kobayashi (Resident Evil 4), Hideaki Itsuno (Devil May Cry 2, 3, and 4) and Makoto Ikehara (Breath of Fire) have added punchy combat and other, quirky touches to the gameplay.

Borrowing elements from other great games, and with its own fresh style, Dragon’s Dogma will make many gamers believe in the fantasy genre once again ...

ANOTHER week, and another cracking XBox Arcade game to highlight. Fez, priced 800 Microsoft points, has been on release for a short while – but, never mind, as there’s a lot here to enjoy.

Fez sees Gomez living an idyllic life in a cute, colourful and flat world, with his 2D existence seeming just fine – until a mysterious fez hat lands on his head, giving him the peculiar ability to rotate the 2D world through distinct 90-degree angles, so that, suddenly, Gomez discovers the bizarre concept of “3D space” , which, here, looks like 2D, except when the world is rotating.

With his universe suddenly expanded via this previously unknown third dimension, Gomez sets off to explore, rotating the world at will as he goes, enabling him to find, and align, strange new paths forward through a land full of secrets and treasure.

Already an indie darling, and an award-winning title, its cutesy graphics belie an occasionally demanding platformer and puzzler, but it all makes a distinctive and fun title to add to the XBox 360’s increasingly beefy downloadable Arcade games.

30 GAZETTE 24 May 2012

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY Extend your home into the sunshine

WITH the sun finally making an appearance, it’s time to break out the garden furniture and live a little in the fresh air.

Homevalue Hardware are one company making it easier for homeowners to extend their living space out into the garden with their new range of products.

Homevalue have over 50 stores nationwide, meaning that there is a branch easily accessible across the country. For a list of their stores visit www.homevaluediy.ie.

And if you would like to make the garden a little more feature-filled, there is an option to give a quick lift with GrowRings.

The modular, circular design allows you to have a fit for purpose raised garden bed in a matter of minutes. There are no tools necessary - two or more panels snap together to form a natural circular raised bed, ten inches in height. You simply add compost and topsoil and away you go, ready to plant.

The trellis GrowRing is €19.95 if you order from their website, www.growrings.ie

Number 38 Annfield Court in Castleknock is for sale for €220,000 from Sherry FitzGerald

CASTLEKNOCK: THREE-BEDROOM TERRACED HOUSE FOR €220,000

Score a fine home at Annfield in D15 SHERRY FitzGerald in Castleknock are pleased to present for sale an immaculately-presented three-bedroom home located in the popular development at Annfield Court for the asking price of €220,000.

Number 38 Annfield Court, Castleknock, is a spacious, bright and beautifully maintained home, which also benefits from a car port that provides off-street parking, and a good-sized private back garden, with access to the communal gardens.

The accommodation comprises an entrance hall with wooden flooring, an alarm panel and a hot press.

The light-filled living room boasts a feature fireplace in a dual aspect room with large window to the front and double doors leading to the back garden. It features wooden flooring

and an attractive coaleffect gas fire inset with wooden surround.

The kitchen/breakfast room has a tiled floor, and contains ample wooden floor and wall units. It is plumbed for a washing machine, and there is a door from the kitchen that leads to the garden.

There is also a bedroom, which overlooks the front with built-in wardrobes and wooden flooring, and a bathroom, that features a tiled floor and a suite comprising a bath with s h owe r a t t a c h m e n t , W H B a n d WC , a l l located downstairs in the property.

The master bedroom with an en suite shower room and a second double are upstairs.

The master bedroom is a wonderful bright and spacious room with built-in wardrobes, which gives access to

the en suite shower room, which has a tiled floor, shower unit, WHB and WC. Bedroom two upstairs is a double room with built-in wardrobes.

Immaculately presented throughout with a good-sized back garden with storage shed, the property has access to a wealth of shopping, and leisure facilities. Transport facilities are available locally between Carpenterstown, Castleknock Village and the Blanchardstown SC. Viewing is strictly by appointment with Sherry FitzGerald Castleknock at Ashleigh Retail Centre, which can be contacted at 01 820 1800, or via email at castleknock@ sherryfitz.ie. For more information on other properties available in the area, log on to www. sherryfitz.ie.

GAZETTE

24 May 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31

CLONDALKINclassifieds

ALARMS

To advertise, call us now on 01 60 10 240

PLUMBING

Email us at sales@gazettegroup.com PLUMBING

BUILDING

PLANNING NOTICE SOUTH DUBLN COUNTY COUNCIL

BATHROOMS

DVD SERVICES PAINTING

Eamonn & Dympna Boyce are applying for permission for development that will consist of a first floor extension for domestic uses to the front and side of the existing two storey ( part dormer ) dwelling with associated changes to elevations at 54 Monastery Park, Clondalkin, Dublin 22.

This application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of South Dublin County Council during its public opening hours of 9am - 4pm, MonFri, and a submission or observation may be made to South Dublin County Council in writing and on payment of the prescribed fee (â‚Ź20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt

by South Dublin County Council of the application.

15627

DENTAL

WANT TO TALK TO YOUR LOCAL MARKET?

RECRUITMENT

TALK TO US!

SUPPORT CLONDALKIN BUSINESS

HANDYMAN

M

SHOP LOCALLY

Call your local sales person,

Imelda Armstrong

CALL THE GAZETTE ON

01 6516239

60 10 240

now on

iarmstrong@gazettegroup.com

32 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 24 May 2012

24 May 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 33

GazetteSPORT

EUROPEAN QUEEN: Mary McKenna celebrated in new sports book: Page 34

Conor O’Donoghue from St Colmcille’s SNS celebrates after scoring a goal

Scoil Muire is Seosamh Bayside sisters Sarah and Lorna Redmond, Saoirse Malin and Catherine Ronayne from St Pius X GNS celebrate

Hannah Cosgrave

Sean Doyle, Scoil Muire is Seosamh Bayside, in action against Dylan McCarthy, Scoil Mhearnog

Come on, Cumann

Croke Park hosts 2012 mBunscol OUNG hurling and camogie stars from all over the city recently converged on GAA headquarters to take part in the semi-finals and finals of the 2012 Cumann Na mBunscol event.

Teams representing almost every part of Dublin were on hand to provide their families, fans and supporters with some great, entertaining games over the course of the week, which saw everyone who took part represent their schools and the GAA with aplomb and honour.

There were fine performances from everyone involved, and future Dublin stars are sure to emerge from these ranks!

Scoil Holy Trinity players celebrate victory over Mary Mother of Hope. Picture: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE

Y

Scoil Loreto Crumlin’s Jade Kinsell celebrates with Noma O’Enehikhire,

Dublin footballer Declan Lally, speaks to the Mary Mother of Hope

Jennifer Dijon, Shauna Bowden, Sarah Whyte and Aimee Brady

players during half-time in their game against Scoil Holy Trinity

34 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 24 May 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Happy memories for golfing great

Mary McKenna is an icon of Irish women’s golf, and her achievements are recounted in Fingal Sporting Heroes, writes STEPHEN FINDLATER Get ready for the new Tag Rugby season THE Irish Tag Rugby Association is celebrating 12 years at the top with the launch of the 2012 tag rugby season, which is set to be one of the largest, with venues throughout the city with a few places still available for local teams to sign up to join in the fun.

There are tag leagues taking place across Dublin, and there are places still available currently at UCD rugby, Wesley College, Westmanstown, Terenure and NUIM Barnhall, and potential players should sign up at www.tagrugby.ie as soon as possible.

From 2000 to date, the Irish Tag Rugby Association have enlisted 15,000 players in 26 nationwide venues playing in leagues, and this season’s start will see an equally enthusiastic reaction from the nation’s rugby afficionados.

The CEO of ITRA, Peadar Niland, has been thrilled to see such loyalty and growth in a previously unknown sport, particularly among businesses.

“As 98% of our audience is professional and aged between 20 and 35, we have seen numbers shoot up in the corporate team entry. We believe there has been a shift in promoting team spirit, morale and ‘the company that plays together, stays together’ ethos is apparent. So much so, our Corporate Cup Day has had to change venue for 2012 to facilitate increased numbers.

“If anything, the recession has brought more people out to play. It’s an easy way of participating in a ready-made team sport, and we find a team for each individual who wants to play.

“We recognise the urgent need for people to be active, yet in a fun and social manner, and, at an average of €4 per game, it is an inexpensive activity, too,” said Niland.

This year, the ITRA is teaming up with the Irish Heart Foundation as its chosen charity, and UMPC Beacon as a health partner.

To make it easy for the players to get involved, the ITRA have developed a smartphone app, that embraces and encourages fun and sport, and provides information about venues and fixtures.

ONE of the Curtis Cup’s most iconic figures, Mary McKenna, is looking forward to taking in the premier team event in the women’s amateur golfing schedule next week in slightly more laid-back mode.

Her exploits in the competition — nine call-ups as a player before captaining the side in 2008 and 2010 — among other groundbreaking acheivements earned the Donabate golf club member an MBE last November.

These are among the exploits documented in Fingal Sporting Heroes – written by Paul Harris with the support of the Fingal Local Studies and Archive department – and ones which the Malahide

resident holds closest to her heart.

“In the amateur game, the Curtis Cup is the highlight of your career, and is just about as high up as you can go,” she told GazetteSport.

“I played nine times

home clubs of the Curtis sisters. So, I was very lucky that I had two very special occasions.”

Enjoyment The event switches to The Nairn in Scotland on the June bank holiday

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

‘When I played, it was an era before goal-setting. You just went out and played your heart out in every match’

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

which was incredible, and then had the honour of captaining, which was even more special because it was at St Andrew’s.

“Two years later, it was at Essex country club, which was one of the

Mary McKenna and Mayor Gerry McGuire at the launch of Fingal Sporting Heroes. Picture: GAApics.com

weekend, and McKenna is looking forward to enjoying a different side to the competition she graced with such distinction.

“I’ll have time to talk to past players and supporters and be able to attend various events. The last two times I was there, you really don’t have time to socialise.

“As a player, you only have to worry about your own game. As captain, you have to watch all eight games, and are making sure all the players are happy.

“Stressful? It wasn’t hugely so. Quite honestly, I had two wonderful teams, they all mucked in and enjoyed it and played their hearts out. You’re worried; you think, ‘did I do the right thing putting them in the right pairings?’

“If you win, then you’re great and if you lose, it’s your fault. It’s like soccer managers – you have absolutely no control

once they go off the first tee.”

McKenna first took up a golf club as a 14-year-old.

Her family began playing the sport en masse, despite having little in the way of background in golf as she and her mother made the short trip up the Baskin road.

With Donabate, her progress was aided by the presence of Vivienne Singleton in the club who went on to become a fellow international and foursomes partner for many years.

And they found their progression eased by a path laid out for them by trailblazing Irish female golfers.

“You follow in the footsteps of Phil Garvey, Kitty McCann and Ita Butler. It just seemed to all happen for me. The first championship I played in, I got to the final, and the second year, I won it.

“It was an era before goal-setting; you just went out and played your heart out and tried to win every match.”

At her first attempt, she claimed the Irish Close Championship in Lahinch in 1968, and reached the British Open championships semi-final a year later, helping McKenna nab her first Curtis Cup place.

Indeed, she was the only Irish player to make the British and Irish Curtis Cup side throughout the 1970s, but still managed to lead Ireland to

a first European team title in 1979 in 72 years – something for which she received the DAKS Woman Golfer of the Year award.

Domestically, she was equally dominant, winning an incredible eight Irish titles before retiring in 1993.

It came at a time when the professional ranks were not an option, though suggestions were she could have been a major challenger.

“In later years, the professional European tour started, but I was very fortunate. I had the best of both worlds because I worked in the Bank of Ireland and my original boss was a golfer, so I could work around holidays.

“I was a bit of a homebird and to turn pro when I was at the right time, I would have had to go to the States. In a way, I didn’t really know enough about it.

“I didn’t have any history of golf in my family. We all started golf together and had no relations who knew much about it, so it was never on the cards.

“I love amateur golf and I have absolutely no regrets. I’m not sure I really would like the Tour because it is hard graft and not so comfortable for a girl.

“But it’s a different world now and there are more tournaments and a little bit more money – although compared to the men, it’s tiny.”

24 May 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 35

2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - MAY NOMINEES

FastSport

# STARof the MONTH

EOIN RHEINISCH

GAVIN MOYNIHAN

LEO CULLEN

SALMON Leap’s Rheinisch once again sealed Olympic qualification this month when he gave a top-class performance at the European Championships.

The Island Golf Club’s young star was the winner of the 2012 Irish Amateur Open Championship at Royal Dublin Golf Club this month.

THE talisman of Leinster rugby has become the most successful captain in European cup rugby after the province once again claimed the Heineken Cup.

# TEAMof the MONTH

ST BRIGID’S

OWENS/FLANIGAN

PORTMARNOCK CS

A seldom achieved milestone was impressively claimed by the Under-14 footballers and hurlers as they claimed the Dublin Feile double this month.

THE dynamic duo got their pass for London 2012 when they acheived entry into the gold fleet of the 470 class at the world championships in Barcelona.

PORTMARNOCK CS capped a brilliant season this month when they added Leinster glory to the north Dublin and Dublin titles they claimed this season.

Sexton grants wishes: Tally nets €5,900 for Make-A-Wish charity LEINSTER hero, Ireland rugby international, and Make-A-Wish ambassador Jonathan Sexton handed over €5,900 to Make-A-Wish Ireland at the end result of his Kicking for Charity campaign in partnership with Volkswagen Ireland.

Volkswagen approached Jonathan, pictured here with Maeve McCarey of Volkswagen Ireland and Susan O’Dwyer of Make-A-Wish Ireland, and agreed that for every kick (drop goal, conversion or penalty) and try that he scored as part of the 2010 season (incorporating the Heineken Cup, Magners League, Guinness Autumn Internationals, RBS 6 Nations, Guinness Summer Series and Rugby World Cup) they would donate €50 to the charity of his choice, Make-A-Wish Ireland, resulting in this grand total.

Curran launches 2012 Tattersalls’ fair IRELAND team captain Geoff Curran, member of the 2008 Irish Olympic Team and who will be competing for a place on the 2012 team, recently launched the 2012 Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair, as Ireland’s top riders prepare for the Olympic qualifier this June Bank Holiday weekend.

Taking place from May 31 to June 3 in Ratoath, Co Meath, Ireland’s premier international three-day event attracts top-class competitors who will compete in the three equine disciplines of dressage, cross-country and show jumping in a bid to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics.

Roger Casey, general manager of Tattersalls, said: “The 2012 Tattersalls International Horse Trials and Country Fair promises to be an exhilarating event for all the family to enjoy.

“We hope to top last year’s attendance numbers and encourage people to get behind the Irish riders as they compete for a place on the Irish Olympic team.

“International entries include riders such as the UK’s Zara Philips and William FoxPitt and New Zealanders Blyth Tait and Mark Todd to name but a few.

“This is a great opportunity to see Irish riders such as Camilla Spiers, Mark Kyle and Jayne Doherty as they compete amongst the best in the world.”

The fair promises to be a great event for the entire family to enjoy, with over 50 shopping stands including brands like Dubarry and Magee Clothing, locally-produced food, picnic areas and old fashioned carnival stands, everyone will have the opportunity to see world-class eventing and some of the world’s most fearsome Olympian’s up close and personal, while enjoying all the fun of the fair.

Tickets range from €5 for one day adult admission to €50 for a picnic pass (includes entry for two adults and two children) For more information, see www.tattshorsetrials.ie.

36 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 24 May 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

SOCCER: CABINTEELY SHOW LEVEL HEADS AND EXPERIENCE

A great day for sport as Clondalkin shines THE EASTERN region’s Special Olympics soccer season reached its climax last Sunday in DNG Park, Sallynoggin, the home of St Joseph’s Boys FC, as they played host to the final blitz of six this year for both the men’s and ladies’ leagues.

Over 200 male athletes registered to compete in this season’s league across three divisions.

After the previous five blitz days held all over Dublin, there was very little separating the teams in each division to see who would end up receiving the winners and runners-up trophies.

Tension was high in the Premier division after Ronanstown and Speisialta, both from Clondalkin, finished in a 4-4 draw leaving just one point separating the top three teams, but which meant that Ronanstown took the division title over their near neighbours.

In the Major 1 league, Mobhi Magic narrowly pipped Cabinteely FC to the runners-up spot after receiving extra bonus points throughout the season for goals scored, with Walkinstown taking the main prize.

United Warriors and Sports Club 15 were deserving trophy recipients after competitive team performances throughout the league.

This season’s ladies’ league welcomed new team from the Leinster region, Royal Rovers, and they were to end up as ultimate victors in the competition, making it past the post just ahead of Prosper Fingal.

In total 49 female athletes registered for the league and six teams competed all season for the league trophy. The finals day was the first time this season athletes played on all-grass pitches.

Despite good play from Kingswood, Cabinteely went on to win the Liam Dodd Cup

Magpies miss out in the final LIAM DODD CUP FINAL Cabinteely Kingswood

2 1

sport@gazettegroup.com

SUPER-SUB Rob Carr’s sublime 61st minute lob was the defining moment when Cabinteely denied local side Kingswood in their Liam Dodd Cup final encounter, in Frank Cox Park last Thursday night.

The result meant that Cabo repeated their 2009 success.

Cabinteely always had the edge over Kingswood – who reside a division below the southside contenders in the LSL Saturday Premier 1 – but goalkeeper Philip Mur-

ray pulled off a couple of impressive saves to keep the West Dublin side in the contest.

But two late red cards, borne out of frustration, stunted their ability to nab a late equaliser, despite seven minutes of injury time.

In a lively opening salvo, Peter Robson nodded onto the bar seven minutes in to serve Kingswood with a major warning shot. Murray subsequently got low to deny Niall King from close range and the keeper was to become the right-wing’s nemesis on the night.

But Kingswood had their moments on the counter with David

Bracken – a former Bohemian and Republic of Ireland U-21 panellist – the fulcrum of the attack.

His delicate curler on the half-hour dipped just wide as the magpies caught Cabo dallying in defence.

But the Kilbogget men had the lead five minutes before the break after a sustained burst. Robson had an initial effort taken out of the goal by David Jones while Kevin Baker’s header was stopped brilliantly by Murray.

The third phase fell invitingly, though, to Robson who finished well.

Half-time came at an opportune time for Kingswood and they respond-

ed in fine fashion, hitting back just 40 seconds after the restart as John Broderick hit home from the edge of the box from an excellent Bracken lay-off.

Parity should have been broken seven minutes later, however, when Cabo were set through two-on-one with Murray. Baker dropped the ball right to King but he allowed Murray get too close to the ball and he got a strong palm at the winger’s feet to deny a gilt-edge chance.

Baker was replaced by Rob Carr three minutes later and the move paid almost instant dividends as he broke through onto a loose ball from

player of the match Sam Crowe. While he could have taken the ball on, he chose to shoot early and applied a sublime lob from 35 yards out which bounced off the inside of the left post.

It left Kingswood chasing the game once more.

Bracken drew the best from Oisin Geoghegan with a low header seven minutes from time but his dismissal, as well as that of strike partner Broderick led to their side ending the game in low-key fashion with nine men.

Cabo, though, were left to celebrate another notable success having finished second in the league campaign.

Irish football stars in the making sport@gazettegroup.com

FORMER St Francis man Ian McLoughlin and Palmerstown native Conor Clifford were both announced in the Republic of Ireland U-21 panel for games against Denmark and Italy.

They meet the Danes at Tallaght Stadium in a friendly international on Monday, May 28 (7.30pm) then meet Italy in a UEFA U21 Championships qualifying Group Seven fixture at the Showgrounds, Sligo, on Monday,

June 4 (3.00pm).

King said: “We’ve assembled a good squad that we will be looking to build on our previous performances. At this stage of the season some players have not played for a couple of weeks so the Denmark game will be extremely important.

“Italy are a very well-prepared side that recently beat Scotland 4-1 in a warm-up game so everything is geared towards being prepared for that fixture.”

Captain Rob Kiernan has

not been included as he is undergoing treatment on an injury but may join up with the group later. King also has the opportunity to add one or two more players if needed.

Under-19 international squad members Samir Carruthers and Sean Murray will join up with the squad after their UEFA Championships qualifying tournament duties with Paul Doolin’s squad have been completed. Eunan O’Kane and John Egan are the two other uncapped players in the squad.

Clifford is currently signed to Chelsea

24 May 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 37

GAELIC FOOTBALL: A BATTLE TO THE FINISH

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ROUND TOWERS CONGRATULATIONS to the Junior Footballers who defeated Man-OWar in the championship on Sunday morning to advance to the semi finals.

087 770 4297.

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 13, 19, 27 and 28; Bonus Ball 25.

There was no winner of this week’s Jackpot of €7,200.

The minor hurlers lost narrow-

Congratulations to Gareth Hews-

ly to Erins Isle in the league. The

on, GF Slater and Bernie O’Sullivan,

Intermediate Hurlers face Setanta

who were the three €100 winners.

on Wednesday evening in the cham-

Match 3 + Bonus Ball N/A. Nex t

pionship, all support welcome.

week’s Jackpot will be €7,300.

Scrap Saturday returns to Round

The Lotto committee are looking

Towers! Once again Round Tower

for your assistance to sell Towers

GAA Club is looking for your unwant-

Lotto tickets on a Friday evening

ed metal. The collection this year will

for one hour once a month.

take place on Saturday, May 26, from

There will be four teams, and each

10am to 4pm at Monastery Road,

team will be rostered once a month

Clondalkin.

and no more than one hour will be

For collection information, contact

needed.

Niall Connaughton on 087 629 0870, Ed

If you are able to help please con-

O’Malley on 087 807 3391, Richie Har-

tact Matt McCormack on 087 683

ney on 087 745 9373 or Rory Dunne on

6737 or email info@roundtower.ie

LUCAN SARSFIELDS Round Towers played to the final whistle and had the fortitude to hold on to reach the semi-final

Towers into semi’s after winning War JUNIOR A FOOTBALL Round Towers Man O War

0-15 1-11

I sport@gazettegroup.com

A L AT E r a l l y f r o m R o u n d Towe r s w a s enough to send them through to the semifinals of the Dublin junior A Football Championship by the narrowest of margins after they fought back to take the victory against Man O War. With a resilient Towers side trailing by a point with two minutes remaining, a breaking ball from a Man O War kick-out was won

by Ger Hickey whose precise pass into the inside-for ward line, found midfielder Dermot Milton. He kept his composure and kicked a superb point from out near the touchline to bring the home side level for what looked like a draw.

But Towers were now on top and had the

momentum in their f avo u r, a n d H i c ke y and Milton were again influential in fielding possession and it was substitute Paudie Swinburne, from Milton’s pass, who struck the winning score from 30 metres.

It looked certain that the tie was set to be an extremely close one from the kick-off. James Fleming opened the scoring for Towers, and a great ball inside from Paul Clifford allowed Eoghan Young to put Towers 0-2, 0-1 ahead.

Man O War were a point ahead after 15 minutes when both s i d e s we r e r e d u c e d to 14 men when one from each side was dismissed.

Soon thereafter, Dermot Milton scored a free and Justin McGrane pointed from 40 metres to give Towers a 0-4 v 0-3 lead.

Corner forward Tom Curran, who posed

problems for the visitors’ defence throughout, fed James Fleming to point after 20 minutes and give Towers a two-point advantage.

Pointed points Curran then got himself on the scoresheet when he scored an excellent point from a tight angle after Ger Hickey found him with a precise cross-field pass.

But, coming into the break Towers found t h e m s e l ve s b e h i n d , when Man O War pointed and then scored a goal, having missed two good chances earlier in the game.

Another Milton free left a point in it at halftime 0-7 v 1-5.

The visitors extended their lead straight af ter the break and McGrane then pointed a free before substitute Stephen Homan won a high ball when surrounded by three Man

O War men, and the free he won was converted again by McGrane.

But two points for the visitors left Towers three behind against the tough and resilient north Dublin side.

Time was on Towers side, however, and a converted 45 from Milton and point from Ger Homan, following a good run in the inside forward line by Curran, left just a point in it with bare minutes remaining.

A great one-on-one save from Gordon Gallagher kept Towers in the championship, and Man O War extended their lead before Milton pointed a free, after Stephen Homan won yet another ball in the full forward line.

M a n O Wa r we n t on to score their final point, leaving the score at 0-13 v 1-11, before the late rally from Towers brought success in this hard-fought contest.

WELL done to our Under-11 hurlers,

ners were: 1st : Garry Beagan - 39

who were crowned Dublin Commu-

pts; 2nd: Gerry O’Grady - 37 pts;

nity Games champions, and now go

Cat1 : Derek Quilligan - 32 pts; Cat

on to represent Dublin in Leinster.

2: Dinny Malone - 31 pts; Cat 3: Mick

Congratulations to Lorna Mur-

O’Hara - 36pts.

tagh, representing the Mama Mia’s,

Our next outing is in Castleknock

who beat off stiff opposition to win

on Saturday, June 9. A full list of

the final of Sars Stars on Saturday

next weekend’s fixtures are on our

night in the clubhouse.

website.

Thank you to all the contestants

Our nurseries for boys and girls

who took part in the competition

born in 2005, 2006 and 2007 con-

and the huge audience that attend-

tinue every Saturday at 1.30pm on

ed each night.

our all-weather pitch at the 12th

Thank you also to those who

Lock. Camogie nursery at 2.30pm

donated raffle prizes, especially

for girls aged six and over. This is

Kathleen Roche and Cathy O’Neill.

your child’s chance to be coached

Well done to our senior footballers on winning their first championship game last Wednesday.

by Dublin senior hurling captain, Johnny McCaffrey.

Opening times for our club shop

There were good wins last week-

are Tuesday and Thursday from

end for Under-8 hurlers and minor

7.30 to 8.30pm and Saturday from

B hurlers, despite being short key

10.30 to 11.30am.

players.

Last week’s lotto numbers were

Results from our Castlewarden

16, 17, 19 and 28. There was no win-

outing: 28 golfers turned out for

ner. Next week’s jackpot will be

our first evening outing. The win-

€6,500.

ST PAT’S PALMERSTOWN THERE WERE great wins this week

free transport from Palmerstown

by both adult football teams, espe-

House and a voucher for sausages

cially the senior footballers, with an

and chips. Kids go free with par-

impressive win over St Mark’s.

ents.

The U-13 footballers were unlucky

Lotto number and results: First

in their replay against Scoil Ui Cho-

draw numbers drawn were 6, 9, 21

naill.

and 24. There was no winner.

For all members interested the 2012 Senior Football and Hurling

Second draw: Numbers drawn were 7, 17, 25 and 2. There was no winner.

Championship Prediction Compe-

Any three numbers had four win-

titions, it begins next weekend on

ners: Ambrose Condron, Sean Car-

www.facetheball.com.

son, B McCloat and Shiv Branagan.

Tickets for the greyhound night on

Next Sunday: First draw jackpot

Friday, June 1, are now available. The

of €10,000; Second draw jackpot of

cost is €15 per adult, and includes

€2,000.

ALL OF YOUR CLONDALKIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 33-37

KINGS DETHRONED: West Dublin side

undone by Cabinteely Liam Dodd quality P36

CURTIS QUEEN: McKenna on amateur golf’s top honour P34

GazetteSPORT

Katie Taylor got the better of Russia’s Sofya Ochigava to annex yet another world crown and supplement her Olympic qualification

MAY 24, 2012

Fourth world title for superb Katie Following qualification for the Olympic Games, Taylor crowns Chinese mission in serious style clondalkinsport@gazettegroup.com

WHILE Olympic qualification was always the chief ambition, Peamount United’s Katie Taylor describes being able to travel to the London Games as a four-time world champion as “unbelievable”.

Having qualified for the Games by virtue of her run to the semi-finals, being one of the last three European entrants left in the competition last Wednesday, she closed out the competition with a successful defeat of Russian Sofya Ochigava for the gold medal.

Speaking about another excellent success in her already glittering career, she said: “It’s unbelievable really. It’s what I have been training for all year. To come away with a fourth world title is just amazing to go with Olympic qualifications. To go into the Olympics as a four-time world champion, this is perfect.

“For the last couple of years, people have been wishing me well in the Olympics and I can’t stop telling people, I have to qualify first.

There was so much pressure on me going into this competition; it’s just a big relief now to finally qualify.”

Qualification was fraught with pitfalls for Taylor, especially as many fighters had emerged from the woodwork to take on the 60kg class, one of just three weight categories on the women’s side which will be fought for in the Games.

Ochigava was one of the few opponents which Taylor has prior experience of but she kept her nerve immaculately.

“Every fight at this level of competition is different. The final was a game of patience and its only one or two points which make a difference.

“She’s a fantastic boxer and congratulations to her. We have a great rivalry and are friends outside the ring which is brilliant but inside the ring it’s such a different fight.

“It’s the proudest feeling ever. It’s an honour to represent my country and come away with these world titles and to hear Amhran na bhFi-

ann is a dream.

“There are so many people to thank at home; my family, my friends who continually prayed for me over the last few weeks.

“It was so close all the way through. It was just a game of patience and nerves, like the last time we boxed. I had to keep concentration going for the whole fight but it’s one or two points that really make a huge difference.

“Thankfully, I got those couple of points and turned it around. She’s a complete counterpuncher and it was always going to be difficult for her once she goes a few points down.”

After months of training in limbo, waiting for this single qualifier, Taylor is now delighted she can firmly focus on London in late July.

“It will be a hectic build-up but it’s always been my dream to represent my country and to come home with a gold medal.

“Thank God I’m there now and I’ll do my best to go into the Olympics in the best shape I’ll ever be in. Hopefully, if everything goes well, I can come home with a gold medal.”