Clondalkin GAZET TE FREE
JUNE 7, 2012
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INSIDE: Community joy as church’s running is given to diocese P8-9
A MOTHER’S PLEA: Family’s book in bid to find Amy Fitzpatrick Page 14
A marathon effort: Locals step up to help CLONDALKIN women put their
Soccer: Peamount girls help MGL side to Gaynor Cup Page 32
Dublin GAA: Locals help Dubs to success in championships Page 31
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ........................21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
best feet forward to join in the fun, and fundraising, of the recent Flora Women’s Mini Marathon in the city centre. Elaine Homan and Gillian Hickey showed great spirit in stepping, jogging and running forward for the marathon, which saw them signing up as part of the 1,000 woman-strong group that ran in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland’s 1 in 1,000 campaign – just one of a number of worthy causes that many of the participants were supporting.
Council slams PBP ‘ornaments’ claim Neilstown CCTV I PAUL HOSFORD
recording at all times – SDCC
SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) has hit back at claims that CCTV cameras in Neilstown are “ornaments” and are not monitored. SDCC was responding to comments from People Before Profit councillor Gino Kenny,
who said that, since installation, they have not been used. A council spokesman said: “It is understood that the cameras were recording at all times since installation and access to recordings is available to the gardai, in accordance with the protocol agreed and the approval of the coun-
ty council. “There have been protracted negotiations between the Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Lucan, Newcastle Partnership, SDCC and the gardai regarding a monitoring system similar to that in operation at Tallaght Garda Station.” Full Story on Page 4
2 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7 June 2012
TRANSPORT Local business praised at national awards
Libra Trans Logistics commended LIBR A Trans Logistics, based in ParkWest industrial estate, has been thanked for its contribution to The Pallet Network and was highly commended in the environmental sustainability category at this year’s annual Small Firms Association (SFA) Awards. The Pallet Network (TPN) is one of Ireland’s leading freight, transport and logistics services providers. Libra Trans is one of the 23 regional
national network carriers for TPN. Libra Trans, founded by Gary Turner and Tom Duffy in 1992, operates with a fleet of 30 vehicles, including 15 trucks and 15 vans at their state-of-the-art facilities. Libra Trans is based in a purpose-built warehouse and employs 40 full time staff. Gary Turner, principal, Libra Trans, said: “Despite the continuing economic downturn, we have focused on becom-
ing as lean as possible, cutting costs while maintaining services. Being part of TPN, a multimillion euro network, enabled the company to grow because of the support and encouragement from the other network members. “T his year we are going to focus on staying lean and providing the best overnight service and the best customer service. These are the initiatives that helped us thrive in 2011. We are
looking ahead to a successful 2012 and hoping to be shortlisted again next year in the SFA awards.” Seamus McGowan, managing director, TPN said: “TPN and its 23 members are delighted to have been highly commended in the SFA’s environmental sustainability category. As concern for the environment rises, TPN has taken into account the external costs of logistics associated with
climate change, air pollution, noise, vibration and accidents and has put in place a number of systems and new, greener, more fuel efficient equipment to help combat these growing concerns. The efforts of members like Libra Trans have meant that we are meeting the needs of both small and large enterprises and keeping our services levels as high as ever. We hope to continue this success throughout 2012.”
Open day: New centre for local clubs FINE GAEL Minister Frances
Fitzgerald and Cllr Emer Higgins dropped in to the open day in the brand new Palmerstown Community Centre. “Today is an important milestone for this brand new facility,” said Cllr Higgins. “Today’s Open Day is an opportunity for the newly established management committee to showcase the facility. Local clubs and organisations have been invited here to see the kind of spaces the centre can offer and its hoped that the committee can entice as many clubs as possible in to use the facility.” she explained . “I was delighted to drop in to support this open day.” said Minister Frances Fitzgerald.
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CONTRACT: CONTRACTOR DECLINES TO COMMENT ON REMARKS
TD queries awarding of waste deal to Greyhound I PAUL HOSFORD
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CLONDALKIN-based recycling firm Greyhound has said that it has “no comment to make” on remarks by a Labour TD criticising the South Dublin County Council waste contract being awarded to Greyhound. The Labour TD Robert Dowds was commenting in the wake of the revelation that the company is facing a potentially massive fine after it was found to be illegally storing 3,000 tonnes of waste on a farm in Kildare.
Inspectors discovered 3,000 bales of rubbish – each weighing just less than one tonne – and ordered the waste firm to remove it. T h e E nv i r o n m e n tal Protection Agency (EPA) has also launched an inquiry into the illegal storing of the waste. The body emphasised that the storing of waste is illegal unless there is a waste permit or licence registered with the site. It’s understood that the waste was processed and baled before being stored on the land. Inspectors found the
waste left on hard stands outside on the farm with no proper licence in place to do so, according to Kildare County Council. Greyhound may now face a hefty fine or other sanctions from the council – in what is sure to alarm councillors in the city. This follows on from the successful prosecution of Greyhound by the EPA in January 2011 for a number of licence breaches involving waste storage outdoors without the agreement of the agency and waste stor-
age outside designated areas. Deputy Dowds said that the environmental issues, along with complaints he has received about customer service at the company, led him to question the awarding of the contract. “When environmental problems like these are coupled with poor service to customers – including missed collections and difficulty in contacting the company by phone – it raises the question as to whether the company should ever have been given the council’s waste
collection customers in Dublin City and South County Dublin. “It is much to be regretted that county councils have almost entirely given up collecting waste. For all their flaws, they provided a better service. It’s a great pity that county managers did not make more effort to ensure that councils’ waste collection systems were made to work more effectively,” said Dowds. A spokesman for Greyhound told The Gazette “We have no comment to make.”
7 June 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3
CHARITY Annual cycle to honour Pieta House’s work
Removal of phone boxes planned
Footballers get two-day cycle started I PAUL HOSFORD
DUBLIN Footballers Paul Flynn and Eamonn Fennell launched the annual Tomas Mulligan Cycle in aid of Pieta House, the suicide and self-harm crisis centre. The cycle, in its fifth year, is held in memory of Dublin footballer Tomas Mulligan who took his own life in 2007. Mulligan was a talented footballer, who played for Good Counsel, Ballinteer St John’s and Clondalkin Round Towers through his career. The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday August 1 and 12. This year, the riders’
destination is Dundalk and the Cooley Peninsula, following last year’s trip to Athlone. The cycle aims to raise awareness of the work carried out by Pieta House and to celebrate the lives of those lost to suicide. Journey
The two-day journey will see the riders setting off from Drimnagh, before heading north through Swords, Rush, Skerries and Balbriggan, before taking on counties Meath and Louth and stopping for the evening and returning on the same route the next day. The cycle will begin at
9am on Saturday and the aim will be that all cyclists will reach Dundalk by 6pm, allowing for rest stops along the route. On Sunday, cyclists will leave Dundalk at 9am and the aim will be for all cyclists to arrive at the finish line by 6pm on Sunday evening, this again allows for a number of breaks along the way. Every year, there is a mid-Cycle dinner with up to 150 people attending. This year dinner, will be provided in a private function room at the Carrickdale Hotel. Most people attending the meal will also stay in the hotel but, there is alternative accommoda-
COUNCIL
T WO disused phone boxes are to be removed from Clondalkin Village this week. South Dublin County Council confirmed the news to FF councillor Trevor Gilligan, who said the move made sense. “It has been a long time coming, but no one uses the phone boxes, everyone either has a mobile or a landline in the house. Lost count Paul Flynn and Eamonn Fennell Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland
tion in the area. Since opening in Lucan in 2006, Pieta House has seen and helped over 4,600 people to cope with emotional pain and dark times. Since the beginning of the economic recession, there has been a big increase in the already substantial rate
of suicide and a further considerable increase is forecast. Pieta House income is derived 80% from fundraising so they are appealing for sponsorship for this year’s cycle with all donations very much appreciated. It is only through the contin-
ued awareness and generosity of businesses and the general public that the much-needed help provided by Pieta House can be sustained. You can register on www.tmcycle.ie or by emailing mariepeelo@ pieta.ie for booking forms.
“I’ve lost count of the number of times they have been either smashed, used as bins or worse “The removal of these telephone booths can only help the Tidy Towns efforts in Clondalkin. I would like to thank the council for their help with this issue,” said Cllr Gilligan.
4 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7 June 2012
COMMUNITY: NEILSTOWN CAMERAS ‘ORNAMENTS’, SAYS CLLR KENNY, PBP
SHOP LOCAL The Gazette continues its
Supporting our local business
Safety forum defend CCTV T I PAUL HOSFORD phosford@gazettegroup.com
A LOCAL safety forum has rejected claims that CCTV cameras at Neilstown Shopping Centre are “ornaments”. Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Lucan and Newcastle Area Partnership (CPLN) were responding to claims by local People Before Profit (PBP) councillor Gino Kenny, who said that almost €200,000 had been wasted on the project. The cameras were installed in 2007 at the Neilstown shopping area and Collinstown Park. However, since their installation, which cost more than €190,000, they have never been used or monitored, says Cllr Kenny. He said: “The cameras have become ornaments for the past number of years. It’s unbelievable that taxpayers’ money has been spent on these cameras and, basically, they have never been used or monitored. “The CPLN, which have ultimate responsibility in relation to the matter, have questions to answer on how, for the past number of years, they have been left in their current state. “If €190,000 was spent on any project in this area, and it was never utilised – as in this case – surely, as citizens, we would be asking questions,” he said. A spokesperson for CPLN confirmed to The Gazette that the monitoring of the cameras had been handed over to South Dublin County Council some time ago.
At a 2010 Clondalkin Area Committee meeting, then Labour councillor (now TD) Robert Dowds asked for an update on the monitoring of the CCTV by gardai. He was told that Ronanstown Garda Station would be monitoring the cameras. On December 1, 2010 the council said: “With regard to Garda monitoring of CCTV, Ronanstown Garda Station is installing cabling to allow the system to be viewed at the Garda station. “At a public policing meeting held on November 16 in Neilstown Community Centre, the gardai stated that it should be live within two weeks.”
Monitoring This week, a Garda representative could not confirm to The Gazette that the station handled the monitoring of the cameras. Cllr Kenny said that he feels the money could have been spent on something that would have benefited the local community more. “I think the money should have been spent on something more progressive other than CCTV cameras. “I’m now hoping that with all the monies that have been spent on the CCTV, that at least the CCTV could be utilised in some way for the community,” he said. South Dublin County Council, who it is believed have taken over the control of the CCTV, had not responded to a request for comment from The Gazette by the time of going to print.
HE Gazette is determined to m a ke p e o p l e aware of just how important it is to support our local businesses. We have never been backward about coming forward when it comes to our supporting the local community – but it is just as important, now more than ever, that we support our local economy too. Support is the key to a thriving local community, and every member of the public can contribute to this support. Simply put, shopping locally benefits the local area.
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By shopping locally, without any of the expedition involved in travelling across the city, we can support local business, enterprise and industry, all of which play a far greater role in our quality of life than one
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might imagine. On a very basic level, the commercial rates that even the smallest of such local businesses pay, goes directly to our local council. Without these rates, the quality of public amenities, from parks nesses for residents to get behind. For 2012, the Gazette is continuing our sup-
port of local businesses, and will continue to work closely with the Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce to promote the local economy. Thyes Kavanagh, a local businessman, says that he hopes that jobs can be preserved and business can grow if people can be convinced to Shop Local. “In these difficult
times, Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce is calling on people to Shop Local. “Please support local business, not only do they offer great value for money but also a personal service. These businesses employ a large number of local people, both full and part-time, and need your support. “Clondalkin Cham-
ber of Commerce is at present working on their own campaign to promote local business and are also updating their website. “We would like to thank the Gazette for their Shop Local feature and hope that shoppers will support the advertisers within the supplement,” Mr Kavanagh said.
7 June 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 5
focus on the benefits of spending locally
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6 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7 June 2012
FastNews Council unware of problems with cars at green area SOUTH Dublin County Council has said that it is not aware of any problem with cars using the green area at Lindisfarne Green in Bawnogue. At the most recent Clondalkin Area Committee meeting, Councillor Trevor Gilligan (FF) asked the council to consider placing a Cllr Trevor Gilligan “railing/barrier to prevent cars driving through [the green] and endangering children’s lives. There is a huge wall on the green so children cannot see the cars, nor can the cars see the children.” In response, the council said that Parks Department workers had inspected the area and not found any worrying signs. “The open space at this location was not provided or designed to be used by cars. At a recent site inspection, there was no evidence to indicate that this area is being used on a regular basis by cars. “The area will be monitored over the next three months and, in the event that an issue with cars is evident, consideration will be given to installing two/three bollards adjacent to Number 18, Lindisfarne Green, subject to the identification of the necessary resources,” said the council.
Palmerstown house is raided by drugs gardai A HOUSE in Palmerstown was among those raided last week, as gardai seized more than €1.5 millionworth of cannabis across the city. As part of an ongoing investigation targeting the activities of criminal groups involved in drug trafficking, gardai carried out a search operation in West Dublin on Thursday, May 31. During the operation, which involved members from the Blanchardstown Division and the Garda National Drugs Unit, searches were carried out at houses in Blanchardstown, Mulhuddart and Clonsilla. Cannabis plants and herbal cannabis, with an estimated street value of €1.5 million (pending analysis), was seized, along with €20,000 in cash.
CRIME Number of break-ins terrify doctor
Dr Fayyaz Sharif’s Palmerstown surgery has been repeatedly targeted by thieves this year, as has the pharmacy next door (inset)
Patient data on GP’s stolen laptop I PAUL HOSFORD
phosford@gazettegroup.com
THE medical records of more than 2,000 patients have been stolen from a doctor’s surgery in Palmerstown. The records were on a laptop stolen a few months ago in the Palmerstown Medical Centre, which was established two and a half years ago by Dr Fayyaz Sharif, who said: “They took a computer, but forget about that – there were patient records on that. The data is the important thing. “We still have the hard copies, so they’re not missing, but the computer was stolen.” Based on the Old Lucan Road, the facility, which serves more than 2,000 people, has suffered five incidents of burglary in the past five months,
with the pharmacy next door being targeted twice in the same period. The doctor has d e s c r i b e d h ow t h e spate of robberies at his premises has left him “terrified”. The most recent incident occurred last Friday, when Dr Sharif’s car was broken into in daylight in a busy car park. The first incident took place in January, when a back door was broken down and computers stolen, with subsequent incidents including a robbery of the cash on the premises, and the theft of signs and security equipment. Dr Sharif says that, in the most recent incident, there were a large number of people in the area. “It was last Friday [May 25], and everybody was walking around at
2.30 in the afternoon. To do that [robbery then] is cheek. “I’m not sure that the incidents [between us and the pharmacy] are linked, but I’m worried that people look at this place as a hot-spot, because they think people pay in cash, or that they can rob computers,” said the doctor.
Frustrated Dr Sharif says that, following the car break-in, he was extremely frustrated, even thinking about moving the location of his business. But, in the end, he recognises that the business has a role to play in the community. “On Friday, I was so annoyed that I thought: ‘Close the place and move somewhere else’, but we worked hard to
establish ourselves and, if we moved, people would lose out.” Dr Sharif says that the bigger issue for him is feeling comfortable in his workplace. “It’s hard to feel comfortable when you’re treating someone, and you’re not sure if someone is going to come in and rob you.” Gardai confirmed that one man was arrested for the robbery at the adjoining pharmacy on April 30, but that “discussing named individuals” would be “difficult”. A Garda statement said: “Gardai are investigating a robbery at a pharmacy at Palmerstown on April 30, and a man in his 20s is currently before the courts in relation to this incident, having been arrested at the scene.”
Local rise in Live Register figure I PAUL HOSFORD phosford@gazettegroup.com
THE number of people signing on to the Live Register in Dublin MidWest has risen, new figures have shown. The figures for May show that 9,261 people are signing on – an increase of 255 on the previous month. Sinn Fein representative Eoin O’Broin said that the figures were worrying.
He said: “The latest CSO figures released last week show a sharp rise in the number of people on the Live Register in Clondalkin and Lucan. “Once again, Dublin Mid-West is experiencing a higher level of unemployment than elsewhere. “There is an urgent need for the Government to look at constituencies such as Dublin Mid-West to identify the causes of the higherthan-average unemployment. “There is also a need for
increased levels of investment to get people back to work,” said O’Broin, who hit out at Government promises made in the recent referendum campaign. “In the weeks leading up to the referendum vote, Government ministers waxed lyrical about the need for a ‘growth agenda’. “Talking about jobs doesn’t get people off the dole. Only investment, by the Government, in real job creation will address the unemployment crisis,” he said.
7 June 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7
8 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7 June 2012
RELIGION Society of Missions for Africa return running of St
Fr Donal Toner, with members of the St Peter Apostle Church choir: Pat Gilligan, Marie Geraghty, Geraldine Wasl, Lily Kinsella, Marie Murray, Mary Mulcahy, Pat Gavin, Ann Brennan and Mamel Walsl
John Stokes with Fr Donal Toner; Nora, Daniel and Bridget Stokes; Fr Paul Monahan and Fr Derek Farrell
Lauren Rafferty made a presentation to Fr Paul Monahan, in recognition of his work, left, while Mary Stokes made a presentation to Fr Donal Toner, right
Community bids a farewell to Order
HE Society of Missions for Africa, which has been the residing religious order in St Peter the Apostle Church in Clondalkin, this week handed the running of the church back to the diocese of Dublin. A large number of locals and dignitaries, including the Most Reverend Raymond Field, Auxilliary Bishop of Dublin, were on hand to see the order off, with parish chairman Brian Reynolds effusive in his praise. The day consisted of a special Mass in the church, before the crowd went to St Peter’s Junior School for a reception in honour of the order.
T
Sister Carmel Earls, Bridget Stokes and Fr Tom Harlow
Fr Paul Monahan, Brian Doherty and Fr Donal Toner
Sinead and David Whyte and Marie Jones
7 June 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 9
Peter the Apostle Church, Clondalkin to the diocese of Dublin
Memory lane ... Sister Carmel Earls, Fr Paul Monahan and Marie Duffy
Fr Donal Toner; Most Reverend Raymond Field, Auxilliary Bishop of Dublin; Fr Fachtna O’Driscoll and Fr Paul Monahan
Pat Gilligan and Lorena Reilly. Pictures: Ian Fleming
Marian Rutledge, Fr Paul Monahan, Marian Reilly, Fr Donal Toner and Fr Fachtna O’Driscoll
Fr Paul Monahan, Lily Doyle and Fr Donal Toner
10 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7 June 2012
GARDENS Almost 80,000 flock to Phoenix Park for Bloom 2012
Gerry Daly
Cyrilla O’Carol and David
Ian Borher certainly looks the part for Viking
Murray
Lawnmowers
The Mallow Chords performing on the farm. Pictures: Ania Sherlock
Blooming good fun NCE again hordes of fans of everything horticultural flocked to the Phoenix Park over the June Bank Holiday for Bloom, Ireland’s largest gardening, food and family event. This was the sixth year for the gardening extravaganza, and with cookery and craft demonstrations, free gardening advice from the experts, Irish food
O
produce, live entertainment and gardening workshops, there really was something for everyone. This year’s event offered expanded walking space in which to accommodate the large numbers expected to visit the 27 show-gardens, 100 Irish food and drink producers, 40 nurseries, 25 cookery demonstrations and 160 retailers.
A beautiful and unique vegetable display from Mr Middleton Garden Shop
David Shortall
7 June 2012 GAZETTE 11
12 GAZETTE 7 June 2012
SNAPSHOT The stories of the day from around the capital
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Song for LauraLynn DUBLIN singer/songwriter Mahoney has released a rousing anthem in anticipation of Euro 2012 with proceeds going to LauraLynn House, Ireland’s only children’s hospice. The song We’re on our Way was co-written with Rob Malone, whose past credits include working as a writer and bassist with international chart-topper David Gray. Irish captain Robbie Keane has given his seal of approval to the song saying “It’s a winner and I love it” and the video has already clocked over 300,000 views on YouTube. LauraLynn House, which opened in September 2011 at the Children’s Sunshine Home in Leopardstown, will receive proceeds from each sale. The funds will be used to support the annual running costs of the hospice, which amount to €1.5 million. At present, the hospice receives no financial state support. The song is now available for download from iTunes and from all good music stores.
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TWO talented Dublin photographers have scooped up major prizes in the Epson Birdwatch Ireland National Photo Competition with their images Little Egret and Merlin. Mark Camody of St Mary’s Abbey, Dublin 7, was awarded the prize for second runner up in the Senior Category, and John Fox of Fairview, Dublin 3, took an overall runner up prize in the same category. The beautiful Little Egret image, which was taken at Rogerstown Estuary, captured both the wildlife and scenery in the area, and was
Irish Captain Robbie Keane (right) helps Dublin singer/songwriter Mahoney launch his rousing anthem ahead of the Euro 2012 campaign along with Irish soccer fans , brothers from left Ben (11) and Mathew (7) Horkan from Dublin
well deserving of the prestigious award. The judging panel was particularly impressed with how the entrants captured their natural heritage and the high technical quality of the images. The competition received an overwhelming response from photographers and birdwatchers alike. Oran O’Sullivan, head of operations at BirdWatch Ireland said: “It is wonderful to see the growing interest in this space and we thank all entrants for taking part.”
Gospel music THE new Matt Talbot Community Trust Centre is set to benefit from a charity concert where the Dublin Gospel Choir will play Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Ballyfermot. This one-off event will be a
great opportunity to see the famous Dublin Gospel Choir, with members from all over Dublin, in an intimate setting and to support a local charity. Commenting on the announcement of the concert, Eoin Hickey chairman of the Matt Talbot Community Trust said: “We are delighted to have the likes of the Dublin Gospel choir performing live in concert to benefit our centre. This is a great opportunity to see them in such a unique environment as Our Lady of the Assumption Church. We hope as many people as possible come out and support our great cause.” Tickets are available to buy at www.ticketsireland.ie, alternatively call 01 626 4899 or drop into the Matt Talbot Community Trust Centre. Tickets are adults €12.50, children €5 and concession €8.50.
7 June 2012 GAZETTE 13
GRANTS Dublin Bus chooses Capuchins
FAMILY: EXTRA VIGILANCE AT THE POOL OR BEACH
Have a safe summer in the water I ELLEN COONEY
Former Irish footballer Niall Quinn with Brother Kevin Crowley, Fr Bryan Shortall and Mark Kelly, manager of Dublin Bus
Day centre nets Quinn’s ¤5k F O O T BA L L l e g e n d Niall Quinn has donated €5,000 to this year’s Dublin Bus Community Spirit awards, with the generous sum going to the Capuchin Day Centre. Patron of the programme since 2003, Quinn travelled to the Capuchin Day Centre on Dublin Bus recently to launch the ninth year of the company’s programme, which awards grants to numerous voluntary groups across Dublin. Delighted with his generous donation, Dublin Bus has chosen The Capuchin Day Centre as
the charity to receive the money in recognition of its invaluable service that supports homeless and marginalised people in Dublin. According to a spokesperson for Dublin Bus, in times of economic uncertainty, the services provided by the Capuchin Day Centre and the tireless work that Brother Kevin undertakes on a daily basis “are more important than ever”. Since its inaugural year back in 2003, Dublin Bus has helped over 1,300 community and voluntary groups located across its network throughout the county.
Successful applicants over the years include Draiocht, Ringsend’s Collide Dance Academy, Fettercairn Youth Horse Project, the Sunshine House in Balbriggan and Santry Active Retirement Association. Commenting on the award Draiocht received last year, Sarah Beirne, children and youth arts co-ordinator at Draiocht, said: “We applied for funding for CREATEability. This is a series of bi-monthly arts workshops aimed at families with a child with an intellectual disability between the ages of eight to 13 years.
The Dublin Bus Award enabled us to develop CREATEability into a longer-term project, giving the participants the time they needed to get to know us and our building and feel that they belong there.” Speaking about his role as patron of the programme, Quinn said: “This is my ninth year as patron and I have seen first hand the difference these grants can make to local community groups and I want to encourage every voluntary group in the Greater Dublin Area to fill out an application form and get their entry into Dublin Bus.”
Under the terms of the programme entrants submit a proposal with details about their organisation and the project they wish to have funded. Each application is then judged independently and grants ranging from €5,000, €2,000 and €1,000 are awarded. Organisations can apply to the programme by completing an application form. Forms are available now on the Dublin Bus website: www.dublinbus.ie or by phone at 01-7033208, or email community@dublinbus.ie. The closing date for applications is Friday, June 6 at 5pm.
SUMMER holidays are closing in and Irish parents are being urged to stay vigilant and attentive in cases where children are near water. With families flocking to beaches and pools at every glimpse of sun, it is increasingly important for people to be aware of any and all dangers. A drowning incident can happen silently and instantly, in as little as one inch of water and in less time than it takes to answer the telephone. Carol McNally, who runs Water Babies classes in Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Wicklow and Louth, says: “We all look forward to getting away from it all and letting our little ones splash around, but parents tend to relax and gain a false sense of security for children in a holiday setting, when in fact they should be more vigilant than usual. “Ver y young children react instantly and adversely to sudden and unexpected submersion, and are temporarily paralysed with fear.” The good news is that using a few simple guide-
lines, parents and carers can minimise the chances of such a tragic incident befalling their child. Supervision
These include active supervision of children around the water by an adult who is a capable swimmer, being safety conscious around the pool and saving local emergency numbers on your mobile phone. Parents must also be aware that flotation devices are not life preservers and that swimming in areas with large waves, strong undercurrents or no lifeguards is extremely dangerous. Carol McNally is a strong advocate for vigilant water safety. The multiple award winning Water Babies lessons teach children how to swim from a very young age, further ensuring their safety. Most will happily be swimming distances underwater by about 30 months, and then naturally start swimming on the surface as their strength increases. For more info on Water Babies classes, check out www.waterbabies.ie
14 GAZETTE 7 June 2012
WINNER
Wedding giveaway
PEOPLE New book reinforces family’s search for
A mother’s
THIS May, the Red Cow Moran Hotel delighted one lucky bride-to-be, Louise Campbell, when she was declared the winner of its spectacular wedding giveaway. The life-changing prize, worth more than €10,000, was given away at the hotel’s wedding fair. Louise left the venue with a couture wedding dress courtesy of Tamen Michael, a wedding reception for 100 guests in the Red Cow Moran Hotel, and a five-star honeymoon to Lanzarote, thanks to Thomas Cook. The Red Cow Moran Hotel sales manager said: “This was by far the most successful wedding fair for us – it was great to work with fellow wedding suppliers and roll out a huge giveaway.”
I NATALIE BURKE
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Audrey Fitzpatrick and her book, Please Find My Amy, which she hopes will prompt someone to come forward with information to help find her missing daughter
AS THE mother of missing schoolgirl Amy Fitzpatrick releases a book in a desperate attempt to solve the mystery of her daughter’s disappearance, new information has emerged which could possibly help the family find some answers. Just after 9pm on Tuesday, January 1, 2008, 15-year-old Amy said goodbye to a friend and began the short walk to her family’s villa on Spain’s Costa del Sol. However, she never made it home. Somewhere along the way, the teenager vanished, and no trace of her has been found since. For the last four years and five months, Amy’s mother, Audrey, has been campaigning to find her daughter, and officially launched her story last week, on the same night she received a telephone call from Spanish police to tell her about a possible development in the case. The call from the Spanish authorities has
led Audrey to believe that an Irish gangster, already serving time in a Spanish prison, could be questioned in the coming days as to Amy’s disappearance. The development came after a stranger contacted the Fitzpatrick family through Facebook, and told them the convicted man had allegedly boasted about killing Amy four years ago.
Devastated While the latest lead could result in being another dead-end for the devastated family, Audrey insisted she would pursue every lead possible in helping to solve the case. She said: “It could be a dead end, and we have done this so many times before, but when we get any little thing that might have an effect on the investigation, we go for it at 100 miles an hour.” While the Spanish authorities chase the latest lead in the case, Audrey is keeping busy promoting the book she hopes will help end the
family’s four-year ordeal. Audrey Fitzpatrick: Please Find My Amy, which is ghost-written by crime journalist, Michael O’Toole, details the Fitzpatrick family’s relentless search for Amy. Audrey said: “The book came about because we just started taking everything down, copies of legal information, police statements, as well as our own notes. “We didn’t know what day of the week it was for a long time so it was hard to remember certain things and certain dates. “It got to the stage where we were going back years to when she was younger, and it began to be kind of therapeutic. So, we began to pour everything on to paper. “Michael O’Toole was the ghost writer, and he wrote the book brilliantly. We had lots of information and facts, and he helped us make it into a story that people could read, so it was great,” she said. Audrey said she pins her hopes on someone who might have some
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7 June 2012 GAZETTE 15
missing 15-year-old Amy Fitzpatrick, who vanished in 2008
plea to find her daughter -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
‘When you read it and are finished with it, don’t put it in the bin – leave it in your hotel room, or by the pool. Someone from some country might recognise Amy.’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Audrey Fitzpatrick, mother of missing teenager, Amy
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Audrey Fitzpatrick and her partner, Dave Mahon, who have never given up looking for Amy
information recognising Amy’s picture, and is appealing to holidaymakers to pass the book on once they have read it. “We were hoping to have it in the airports for the summertime for people going away on holiday, and I say to people all the time, when you read it and are finished with it, don’t put it in the bin – leave it in your hotel
room, or by the pool, or in a hotel lobby for other people to read. “You never know – someone from some country might recognise Amy,” she said. A disappearance such as Amy’s is every parent’s worst nightmare, and it plunged Audrey, her partner, Dave, and their son, Dean, into a living hell that continues
to this day. According to Audrey, all that the family have left of Amy are their precious memories, and a determination that will keep them fighting for her. The campaign to find Amy has cost the family everything they had, and more. Their life savings have been frittered away as they spent a fortune in keeping Amy in the public’s consciousness. It has cost them their home, and the great life they worked so hard to achieve in Spain, as well as their physical and mental health. Dave has had stressrelated chest pains, while Audrey’s heart stopped
last year, following a number of panic attacks. She said: “Our health issues were one of the reasons we returned from Spain to Ireland in January; we know we will be
looked after, here. “Another reason is because we were broke, but, also, the book was a major thing for us. “We tried for the past couple of years with pub-
lishers, but we were only back in Ireland five days when we got this publishing deal,” said Audrey. Today, Audrey and her family take one day at a time, and continue to focus on solving Amy’s disappearance. “We’re only back a few months, and we’ve done a lot. We were really left on our own to do a lot, so we did a lot of the investigating ourselves.
“Even now, having PR for the first time, I still do stuff on the side as well. I can’t leave it alone or I feel I’m not doing something right. So I keep going, all the time,” she said. Please Find My Amy, published by Paperweight Publications, was officially released on Tuesday, June 5, and is available from book stores around the countr y, priced €12.99.
16 GAZETTE 7 June 2012
R1
GazetteSTYLE STYLE Students battle for top spot in Triumph awards Edited by Laura Webb
Diabetes: Are you at risk?
DIABETES results when the body is unable to remove sufficient amounts of glucose from the blood. It is estimated that there are about 146,000 undetected prediabetics in Ireland at present. Uncontrolled diabetes dramatically increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and can lead to nerve damage, kidney damage, and damage to the eyes, foot ulcers and risk of infections. If you suffer from constant thirst, frequent urination, or regular infections, visit your local pharmacy for a fiveminute diabetes test to rule out this disease. With thanks to the staff at Lucan Village Pharmacy
I ELLEN COONEY
RISH fashion students watched last week as their creations battled for a place in the world finals of the Triumph Inspiration Awards in Brown Thomas. The city centre department store hosted the national final of the fifth annual competition, where Triumph once again challenged young students from all over the world. Sixteen of Ireland’s brightest and best
I
fashion students came together on the night to compete for the opportunity of a lifetime. The hopefuls came from the award winning Griffith College Dublin and Limerick School of Art and Design. Judging
With Xpose’s Karen Koster acting as MC, the 16 selected students watched as their creations were displayed for the prestigious judging panel. The panel comprised celebrities, such as TV
personality Bruno Tanioli, who has judged both Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars, and industry experts including Brown Thomas creative director, John Redmond and newspaper columnist, Triona McCarthy. Triumph invited the students to display their creativity and expertise to produce a catwalk showpiece inspired by this year’s theme Dragons and Butterflies. Shanghai
T he quintessential Chinese symbols that represent opposing elements were chosen because the International Grand Final is taking place in Shanghai this October. The Irish winner will be travelling to the beautiful city to represent Ireland and to compete against 30 other international winners for the top prize.
The Triumph Inspiration Awards curates the most innovative and inspirational lingerie designs and provides a platform for young people to showcase in front of a renowned jury of fashion, design and media greats. Last year ’s exper t
judging panel included Viktor&Rolf, Ellen von Unwerth, Lily Cole and Helena Christensen, to name but a few. Winner
The winner of the TIA 2012 will follow in the footsteps of the winner
from Triumph Inspiration Award 2011. Boglarka Bodis’ extraordinary creative design, Les Fleurs du Mal, will be commercialised into a limited edition collection that will be available in autumn 2012 in selected stores.
Models Isabelle, wearing a design by Orla Doyle from LCAD, Yomiko, wearing a design by Claire Tolan GCD, Sarah wearing a design by Leanne Ryan LCAD and Teo wearing a design by Sarah DeGreeve GCD
7 June 2012 GAZETTE 17
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: TRAVELLING CAN BE VERY STRESSFUL FOR BOTH YOU AND YOUR PET
Ensure a safe, happy and relaxing travel experience HE sun is out, signalling the start of the holiday season and I want to remind pet parents to make every effort to ensure their pets – as well as their family – have a safe and happy experience when travelling to and from that holiday destination; whether it’s by road, sea, rail or air. Remember, travelling can be very stressful for both you and your pet; I know, I’m one of those people who bring their dogs everywhere, and take it from me, poor holiday planning can literally be listed as grounds for divorce in our house. However, with thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe, happy and comfortable experience for everyone. Here’s a few top tips from a weary traveller. • The first thing you must do is log onto www. agriculture.gov.ie/pets and check out the requirements for entry or re-entry of dogs, cats and ferrets into Ireland because, as
T
of January 1 this year, an EU passport system came into effect. • When you and your spouse are excitedly discussing your travel plans and destinations, make sure you remember to get your pets involved. And no, I don’t mean sit down and ask them where they’d like to go! I’m simply suggesting you factor your furry friends into the equation. • Take your pets to the vet to ensure they are up-to-date on all vaccinations and that you have a supply of any medication they are currently taking. • If you own dogs that will be in contact with other dogs, make sure they are vaccinated against kennel cough. • Additionally, make sure your dog has basic training so that he will at least behave during the trip. • Obtain a clean certificate of health from your vet and make sure this is dated at least 14 days before your departure if travelling by air or sea.
• Ask your vet about any parasites, health risks, and so on to your animal that may be associated with your planned destination. • Make sure your pet wears a collar and ID tag and is micro chipped. Make sure his details are up-to-date and clearly displayed. For Air/Ferry Travel The first time I took my dogs on a ferry and somebody callously described them as “cargo”, I nearly had a fit. However, this is how they are considered and even if your dog is the most relaxed canine in the world, (a la our middle one, Belle), the cargo hold does not make for a pleasant travel experience. If required, purchase an approved shipping crate – it should be large enough for your pet to comfortably stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. Write the words, LIVE ANIMAL, clearly on at least two sides of the crate and use arrows to prominently indicate the
Ferret in transit: Does your pet need a passport? Check it out online
upright position of the crate. Make sure the door is securely closed but not locked so that airline/ ferry personnel can open it in case of emergency. Whenever possible, book direct flights and tell every airline/ferry employee you encounter that you are travelling with a pet in the cargo. This way they will be ready if any additional attention is required. Always check ahead with your airline’s/ ferry’s pet policies.
For Car Travel Plan the journey tak-
ing into account any rest stops and/or restaurants where you can safely eat with your pet. In order to make the journey safe and secure, a well ventilated pet carrier/crate, large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in should be provided. Alternatively a pet harness/safety belt should be attached. However, if your dog is anything like my lot, they will probably gnaw through the straps, rendering them useless. So,
it’s up to you; you know your own pet so you’ll know the best way to secure them. Don’t allow your pet to travel with his head outside the window. This can subject him to inner ear damage and lung infections and your pet could be injured by flying objects. Cats should always be held in a carrier. Don’t allow your children to tease or annoy your pet whilst travelling. Never, ever, leave your animal alone in a parked car. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a
parked car can turn into a furnace and very quickly, in a matter of minutes, heatstroke can develop, causing death. In cold weather a car can turn into a fridge, holding in the cold, causing the animal to freeze to death. Take along plenty of bottled drinking water from your own tap. Drinking water they are not used to could cause the animal’s tummy to become upset. Bring along a travel bag for your pet and include things like first aid kit, clean towel, fresh water, paper towels, poo bags, treats, favourite blanket and favourite toys. Above all, remember to try and enjoy your holiday because one bad experience for both you and your pet can prompt you to say what I’ve said so many times… “Never again!” For more information,
log onto www.dspca.ie or contact your vet or email me at miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie
18 GAZETTE 7 June 2012
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC Bloody marvellous rerelease of indie’s timeless classics “THEIR CDs are round and their cassettes are rectangular, but that’s about all My Bloody Valentine has in common with anyone else making records these days.” - Hype Magazine, 1992. 20 years later, with My Bloody Valentine reformed, the only thing needing to be changed in that statement is the possible deletion of the word cassette. Rumors of re-issues of their hallowed and classic releases have been seeping through the internet since 2004, but as with most good things, it took slight-
ly longer than expected to come to fruition. Finally, Sony have released the final collection. While the original studio albums have been painstakingly re-mastered by Kevin Shields, Loveless comes as a 2-disc set featuring a previously unreleased re-mastering from original analogue tapes. It’s an album that isn’t supposed to be played at full volume, which is what many speaker systems are built specifically for these days. The re-mastering has added some clarity to the music, while carrying
over many of the small details from the 1991 release. Butler’s voice is a triumph and the guitar sound which was praised so much still shines through. The main difference to be heard is in the volume boost, which many fans may argue, actually takes something away from the original purpose behind the music. The two versions of Loveless together make a fantastic release and provide an exceptional way of comparing the different sounds, especially for those still in possession of
My Bloody Valentine’s rereleases show the enduring quality of what at the time was a revolutionary approach
the original 1991 copy. Loveless was always going to be a controversial rerelease, but the rest of this collection won’t spark much of a debate for one simple reason. There’s very little at fault with any of the other three discs. Isn’t Anything was originally recorded in Wales over the space of two weeks and was the band’s
debut LP. The record was greatly overshadowed by the release of Loveless, but has now come into a life of its own through a perfect, re-mastering. Its unique feel still remains, with its dense sounds mixed with Kevin and Bilinda’s otherworldly vocals. The light re-mastering makes for a re-release that takes very
little from the original, but gives an opportunity for new fans to be captured by My Bloody Valentine’s music. To top the collection off there’s the compilation of EPs which span both the old favourites and some which were previously unavailable. Spanning over two discs, the set gives fans a chance
to reminisce over more lightly re-mastered versions, and to discover sounds they never knew existed. All in all these releases are a must have for any My Bloody Valentine fan, and a great addition to any music enthusiasts collection, giving opportunities to compare, discover, and rediscover.
7 June 2012 GAZETTE 19
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS A different take on architecture
Supported by AIB
Interview: David Shannon, architect
THIS time last year David Shannon was strongly considering emigrating and leaving Ireland in search of employment. Due to a sudden drop in the construction industry, he, like many of his colleagues were looking further afield for employment opportunities. Prior to committing to a move, he closely looked at the current architectural market and analysed the possibilities of setting up his own practice. A primary consideration was that his practice needed to be different and it needed to cater to the general public. With that in mind, he opened an architectural shop. David moved into
what was a vacant space (which used to be the mortgage department of First Active Bank) on Patrick Street, Dun Laoghaire and converted it into an architectural studio. The workings of the studio are directly in public view, it being a shop window. This reveals to the public what an architect actually does. David makes models, sketches designs and discusses interesting projects with clients in this space. The studio operates outside the remits of a traditional or conventional architect’s office and caters for passing trade. He endeavours to
David Shannon
encapsulate an informal atmosphere where conversation and design can take place. Currently he is running an open door “free architecture” service, where people can drop into the studio to discuss potential projects they may have or
day do you ‘delegate’? A: Early morning and late in
astronaut, a flying doctor or something rather ambitious like that.
the evening are probably my most productive times during the day – no phone calls, no emails, no distractions.
Q: What was your first job? A: Washing dishes in an old
Q: What sport do you follow? A: I enjoy watching rugby and
folks’ home on the weekends. I remember the porridge always being a difficult one to shift off those bowls.
especially going to watch my younger brother play at the weekends.
Q: And your first pay cheque? A: Was very welcome. I remember thinking how liberating it felt to earn my own money.
Q: When did you start your present job? A: I opened David Shannon Architects on July 18, 2011.
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: Everyday is different, challenging and ultimately rewarding. I enjoy designing spaces for people to live, work and play in. I get great satisfaction from seeing how space can enrich, inspire and excite its users.
Q: What part of your working
Q – Ulster Bank announced recently they are going to allow tracker mortgages to be transferred to the next purchase. Will the other lenders follow suit do you think ? Pat – Swords A – Yes, good news at last. It was obvious there would be a huge amount of borrowers trapped in their homes unable to move to bigger or better located homes for fear of losing the coveted tracker rate. You can see why from the following table: Mortgage
questions they may have with regard to design, planning issues, certifications etc. David thinks it’s a very exciting time for architecture and the build environment. “Yes, we are certainly in challenging times,
but great creativity is happening all around us, especially in the design fields. “I am ever encouraged by the level of enthusiasm and positivity of people and with that, our ceaseless ambition to succeed.”
Q&A Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: I probably wanted to be an
CHANGING TRACKERS
Q: What sport can you play? A: I enjoy surfing, I try to get to the west as often as I can. I find the ocean revitalises me and is a great stress reliever.
Q: What is your guilty music/TV or movie pleasure? A: If I owned a TV, it would probably be David Attenborough’s wildlife programs, I could watch them all day, fantastic cinematography coupled with Attenborough’s voice over; amazing.
Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: Is that a trick question? Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: No “Pod”, no “Pad”. But
if I did, it would probably consist of a real mixture; from Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd to Air and Daft Punk, including all the classic 1980s favourites of course.
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: Local businesses, I try to be as supportive as I can.
Q: What was your last tweet/status update? A: I have been working on expanding my studio space in Dun Laoghaire, so keeping people updated with all the goings on there. I also make updates on current and new projects in the studio.
Q: Describe your dream meal? A: Sitting outside in the evening sun, enjoying fresh fish just off the barbecue, with a baked potato and a cold beer.
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Probably Mr Kenny, as I have a couple of questions I would like to fire his way.
Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?
A: I tend not to spend money frivolously. If I do, it’s normally on a bicycle or surfboard or something of that nature.
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: One which has a hole in the sole (I must throw them out), one which I am wearing now and one for weddings and the like.
Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: No such thing, never had one.
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: Warm, dry weather, travel, culture, camping, fresh food, cycling, swimming in the sea, all topped off with some good company.
Q: What would be your dream job? A: I am in my dream job! Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Retire? It’s not even on the radar yet, but I believe architecture will always play a part in my life. It would be nice to have a place over in the west, overlooking the sea.
Rate
Term
Repayment (capital & interest)
€200,000
1.5% (0.5% 25 yrs over ECB rate)
€799.87 per month
€200,000
5.99% 25 yrs (standard variable rate)
€1,287.38 per month
So if you have sold your current home irrespective of negative equity or not BUT as long as you have the income capacity to still justify the new mortgage (may include additional monies) you will be allowed to retain that element of your mortgage on a tracker rate which was the same amount as your previous tracker mortgage. The surplus, if it is required, will be subject to the standard variable rate or a fixed rate if available. Lending is at a 40-year low and this could stimulate the market. As regards other lenders, yes I think they will follow and soon. Remember though it is still down to your income ability as all lending is based on the ability to repay. Before you approach your lender, do your sums and pre-empt any objections arising.
SAVING FOR YOUR CHILDREN Q – We have two children aged one and four and after hearing that the cost alone for 3rd level education without fees exceeds €42,000 for each child, need to knuckle down and start some serious saving. Any suggestions ? Carmel – Blackrock A – Very sensible. Planning is where it is at – from the moment your child is born you should be planning. Even putting some of the child benefit away each month from day one would be a help. I worked out that if you lodged the full child benefit of €140 per month and add another €110 to it totalling €250 each month into a deposit account from the time your child is five until they reach 18. For 13 years at 3% interest per annum, the total saved would be €42,000… enough to put ONE child through 3rd level education – and that is not including fees (source: Bank of Ireland). Saving in a regular saver account – all the deposit takers have them – is a good stepping stone to amassing a sizeable sum at the end of each year and then investing that in a longer term, higher yielding deposit account. You could also invest some in a stock market investment – equities basket – where over time, the returns should outstrip the deposit returns. Make sure you obtain professional independent advice. Contact John with your money questions at
jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor
20 GAZETTE 7 June 2012
GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY
Number 2 Pear Grove, Castle Avenue in Clontarf is presented to the market by Savills for an asking price of €250,000
CLONTARF: TWO-BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE NEAR VILLAGE FOR €250,000
2 Pear Grove is a group peach of a property .com
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SAVILLS Estate Agents are bringing 2 Pear Grove, Castle Avenue, Clontarf, Dublin 3, a pristine two-bedroom townhouse, to the market for an asking price of €250,000. Tucked away off Castle Avenue in Clontarf, in a very private location, this magnificent home has much to offer. The accommodation comprises an entrance hallway extending to 1.23m x 3.22m, which features laminate timber f looring and an impressive feature spiral staircase. The kitchen has wall and floor kitchen units, a granite worktop, an integrated oven, hob and extractor fan, as well as a dishwasher and fridge freezer. The sitting room is carpeted and has a feature fireplace with gas inset.
Upstairs in the property is a landing with access to a hot press, and the two bedrooms in the property. The main bedroom is 4.14m x 2.64m and has timber flooring and a slide robe. The second bedroom also has timber flooring and a built-in wardrobe. The bathroom has a WC, wash-hand basin, and a bath with shower over, with a tiled surround. The bathroom has a window lighting it, as well as a heated towel rail and tiled flooring.
Benefits The property has a management fee of €1,200 per annum (subject to change), which includes house insurance, bins, a car parking space, external maintenance and repairs and maintenance and lighting of the common areas.
T he proper ty also benefits from gas fired central heating and has a house alarm. It has a recently installed kitchen, which was fitted a year ago, and has been double glazed in the past two years. Situated in a superb and mature location just off Castle Avenue, Clontarf, this property is only metres from the Seafront promenade and Clontarf Castle, with ever y possible amenity that Clontarf has to offer a stone’s throw away. 2 Pear Grove is within walking distance of Clontarf village and benefits from a bus and Dart station close by. This property is also ver y convenient for access to the city centre. Viewing is very highly recommended and can be arranged by contacting Savills, Clontarf on 01 853 0630.
7 June 2012 GAZETTE 21
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS
Edited by Cormac Curtis
RoadSigns Road Signs
JAGUAR TAKES A TOP ACCOLADE:
Although some may say that Opel aren’t the most exciting of car manufacturers, recent years have seen Opel sharpening both their brands and designs. The Insignia Elite 2.0CDTi 16v (with stylish dash, below) has a near-exhaustive list of features, adding a notable level of polish and luxury to this very accomplished executive saloon.
Elite addition, indeed CORMAC CURTIS
IN RECENT years, Opel have been upping their game in the looks and image departments. Let’s face it – as a car manufacturer, you couldn’t always accuse them of being terribly exciting or cutting-edge. But, to be fair, despite their lacklustre moniker, a series of well-crafted advertising and marketing campaigns have elevated the German brand’s image beyond recognition. With the Insignia, we were presented with an uber-cool feature filmstyled ad with a Jason Bourne-type character spying on the latest Opel release – it certainly grabbed my attention, and it certainly marked a new move for Opel. There is no doubt this is a very accomplished executive saloon with exceptional attention to detail and a very high build quality. The model I got to test drive was the very comfortable Insignia Elite 2.0CDTi 16v, which was
SPECS: OPEL INSIGNIA ELITE 2.0CDTI 16V Top speed: 221km/hour 0 – 100km/hr: 9.5 secs CO2 emissions: 115 g/ km Tax Band: A – Road Tax €160 Entry Price: €34, 860 inc options (base model from €25,495)
priced at €34,860. From the driver’s point of view, there is nothing taken for granted in terms of equipment – the list of features is exhaustive, to say the least. It boasts a fully integrated satellite navigation system (Navi 600) with 7” colour screen, SD memory card, centreconsole multi-function controller, USB connection, CD player with MP3 functionality, stereo radio, seven speakers and shark fin aerial. There is a high standard of leather trim, with heated front seats for comfort. The driver’s seat is further upgraded at this level with eight-way electri-
cally adjustable settings with memory. Unfortunately, this is where I found myself getting frustrated with the Insignia, as the pampering and comfort just began to get in my way. The driver’s seat very generously moves backwards when you turn off the engine to give more room to get out. This is indeed a nice touch, but every time it did this while one of my kids was in the back seat, it pressed up against their feet, and led to a flood of complaints. Getting back into the car meant there was a few seconds that you had to wait for the seat to move forward into posi-
tion before you could safely start driving again – when you’re running late, this kind of thing can really set you off! I’m certain there are ways to disable these functions, but, for the life of me, I couldn’t find them – and I explored the custom car settings at length in an effort to solve the problem. To be fair, they are very comfy seats, and the electric four-way lumbar adjustment keeps the back from getting sore. Moving on, the visibility is enhanced with intelligent adaptive forward lighting with high-pressure headlight washers and dynamic headlight beam levelling, as well as
front fog lights. Add to this rain-sensitive windscreen wipers, front and rear parking distance sensors, and an electro-chromatic rear view mirror, and there is a driver’s paradise of features at hand. The internal climate of the car is controlled with a dual-zone electronic climate control, with heat-ref lective windscreen and humidity sensor. Add to this electricallyoperated rear windows, and it means you can easily stop the kids from letting a gale of wind in when you’re on the motorway and maintain the perfect temperature. This model featured
Bluetooth control and brilliant paint as extras, adding €480 to the price – which came in at €34,860. As a premium saloon, my only real gripe with the Insignia is the room in the back – I don’t feel it would accommodate four adults in comfort over any kind of distance. But, otherwise, it really does tick all the boxes. Everything is built to a high standard, and it includes just about every extra you could want. It certainly isn’t up to the level of other German brands, but it will lead the likes of the Skoda Superb and Ford Mondeo, given its attractive price range.
LUXURY car brand, Jaguar, has been announced as the number-one manufacturer in the JD Power and Associates/What Car? 2012 UK Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study (VOSS). The study was based on the evaluations of almost 18,000 individuals, after an average of two years’ ownership. Every aspect of vehicle ownership was rated, ensuring that the results allowed the VOSS to be the most comprehensive of its kind. When split into model line-ups, the Jaguar XF finished second overall – a rise of 15 places within just 12 months. The 2012 result marks the culmination of a steady rise in owner satisfaction, with Jaguar having finished third in the 2011 survey.
22 GAZETTE 7 June 2012
GazetteTTRAVEL Fast Travel Golf trip is the perfect gift for Father’s Day IF you’re still thinking about what to get your dad for Father’s Day, then you might consider From the Green to the Screen golf package at Waterford Castle. The Garden Lodges at Waterford Castle are beautiful examples of contemporary design which optimise space and light to create a relaxed and stylish ambience. The threebedroom selfcatering lodges were designed by awardwinning architects Fewer Harrington Lawlor and sleep up to six people. They have been fitted out to the highest specifications, and strike a perfect balance of country retreat and luxurious contemporary living. The stunning contrast between the lodges’ contemporary lines and the surrounding natural beauty and old-fashioned castle is a perfect marriage of two worlds coming together in harmony. This highly distinctive parkland golf course is a treat to play on and the special package also takes each golfing group to a garden lodge after their round, where pizza and cold beer will be waiting for them. This will be delivered to the lodge from the Clubhouse in time for guests to watch that day’s big Euro 2012 match on a huge screen. Prices start from just €165 per person sharing for two nights (minimum of three people sharing). Go to www. waterfordcastle.com or call 051-878203 to book.
The Heritage Golf and Spa Resort offers guests luxury accommodation with a variety of options to choose from
The life of luxury in Laois ALEN MCMAHON
HAVING recently been married, and with our honeymoon not until July, my new wife and I decided to have a mini honeymoon to fill in the gap until the real one. The 5-Star Heritage Golf and Spa Resort in County Laois came highly recommended from friends who had played on the hotel’s 72-par championship golf course, designed by Seve Ballesteros and Jeff Howes Golf Design. Nestled in the charming village of Killenard, the hotel combines a great countryside setting with optimum convenience for both business and leisure guests. Located just off the M7 motorway, the resort was only about an hour’s drive from Dublin. The weather was glorious as we arrived, which really showed off the hotel in
The Spa Experience provides an amazing heat and cooling journey
all its finery. I was hugely impressed with the design and grandeur of the place. We were staying in one of the junior suites which offered wonderful living space and a fantastic view over the golf course and the Slieve Bloom Mountains. As well as plenty of space, the room featured two interactive flat screen TVs, an electronic safe, full turn down service, gas fireplace, 24-hour room ser vice, indi-
vidually controlled air conditioning and an executive desk among just some of the great features. The grounds boast a 5k walk around the golf course which has some breathtaking views. All in all it took about 40 minutes and made sure we were ravenous just in time for our meal. There are three restaurants at the resort and opening days vary depending on the day of the week and holi-
day season. Sol Oriens award-winning steakhouse and Italian restaurant on the grounds of the hotel was our choice and the concierge was only too happy to whisk us the short distance on a golf buggy which we both enjoyed. We were warmly greeted and received excellent attention by the staff. I started with warm goat’s cheese, roasted peppers and sun dried tomatoes while my wife had fresh mussels cooked two ways, both went down a treat. Braised veal shank and marinated rack of Irish lamb for mains were both cooked to perfection, and devoured with vigour. The restaurant also has an extensive wine selection – we chose a Pinot Grigio which was very reasonably priced. Tiramisu for both was a delightful end to a fantastic dining experience.
After that we headed to the Slieve Bloom Bar for an after-dinner drink. A f ter a great night’s sleep brought on by a very relaxing evening, we got up early for breakfast as we were due in the spa resort at 10am. Breakfast was amazing; they had everything on offer, from full Irish to pancakes and waffles with a great range of juices, fruit, yoghurts, breads and pastries available. An underground corridor leads to the luxury spa which boasts 20 treatment rooms with a wonderful selection of treatments and packages. The spa experience provides an amazing heat and cooling journey which left both of us extremely relaxed and feeling refreshed for our trip home. With summer finally here and schools closing, the hotel has a number of
family breaks on offer.
3-Night Package Enjoy three night’s B&B in a family guestroom from €290pps with an evening meal on one evening in the Arlington restaurants for the family. 5-Night Package Enjoy five nights B&B in a family guestroom from €465pps, with an evening’s meal on three evening in one of the resort restaurants for the family. Summer Family Package Enjoy three nights B&B in a set of deluxe interconnecting rooms from €599 per stay. Enjoy a family dinner on an evening of your choice in the Arlington restaurant. Visit www.theheritage.
com or call 057 8645500.
7 June 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
KILKENNY: FROM CULTURE TO COMEDY, THIS CITY HAS IT ALL AND IT’S ONLY AN HOUR AWAY
Something to suit every visitor DAVE PHILLIPS
KILKENNY has shown itself to be a top spot if you’re looking for a night or two outside of Dublin, but don’t want to face half a days drive. This summer sees several new gallery shows and smaller music festivals running over weekends, alongside the more established comedy festival, and the wealth of permanent and always popular cultural attractions that feed into the lively and creative air of the place. On a recent visit to the city we stayed in the Pembroke Hotel on Patrick Street. The Pembroke is a boutique four-star hotel, which offers a modern, clean, and comfor t-
able experience; pulling together a sturdy, minimalist chic mixed with some traditional charm - the rooms include towelling robes, slippers, and a bowl of fresh fruit. The location couldn’t be better, situated right in the heart of the city. This makes it very handy to take advantage of the hotel car park (with off-street parking in the courtyard and overflow parking close by) and really get to explore the narrow streets by foot. The famous Kilkenny Castle is just a minutes’ walk away from the front door of the hotel and most of the other cultural and heritage attractions aren’t much further if you’re on the historical trail. Around the hotel
you’ll also easily find a selection of boutique clothes shops, antique stores, and pubs where you’ll undoubtedly be able to find a quiet corner or lively session according to your taste. An evening meal in the hotel is definitely recommended - Stratham’s Restaurant offers a seasonal menu with a great selection of wine. Much like the rest of the hotel, the menu is kept simple in a way that effuses quality and style. The result is a short selection of dishes that are cooked and presented expertly, an approach which is much preferable to a longer selection of hit-or-miss dishes. The combination of generous rooms that
are well provided and exceptionally clean, with excellent food, and in a location where you can forget about the car for the weekend makes the Pembroke highly recommended as a place to stay if you’re visiting Kilkenny this summer. Accommodation, particularly for a short trip, should be hassle-free, and that’s exactly the feeling the Pembroke has, delivered with a, classy, modern, and reassuringly chunky feel. For more information on the Pembroke Hotel and Stratham’s Restaurant and Bar visit www. kilkennypembrokehotel. com For information on upcoming events in Kilkenny visit www.kilkennytourism.com
The Pembroke offers a modern, clean, and comfortable experience
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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 Bloomsday Celebration THE Mill Theatre and Roly Saul’s present a special Bloomsday Celebration Brunch to mark the 90th anniversary of the publication of Ulysses. Join the team in Roly Saul’s restaurant for a buffet brunch with fare inspired by Leopold Bloom’s breakfast, including a glass of burgundy! Brunch will be accompanied by theatrical readings from Ulysses and music and song from the Joyce era. The celebration takes place on Saturday, June 16 from 11.30am. Tickets are priced at €15.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Griswold 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. 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 darkly comic and dramatic, an experience not to be missed. Running from June 12 to June 23 and tickets are €20.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Niamh Kavanagh and her band NIAMH’S back with her brilliant blend of rock, soul, r&b, Eurovision hits, tracks from her successful albums and her own favourites with that amazing voice Commitments’ director Alan Parker ‘‘had to have’’. Described as the ‘‘Rolls Royce’’ of Irish singers, Niamh Kavanagh represented Ireland at the Eurovision twice, collecting maximum points from the Irish vote, and is the voice behind three of the biggest hits from the Commitments ever. Catch her on June 30 with tickets €20/€16.
Bella was wondering who this grizzly man was and what he had done to her androgynous vampire friend
Once upon a time The fairest of them all? Not sure about ‘them all’ but it’s certainly fairer than the other Snow White film this year I NIALL BERMINGHAM
I KNOW just what you’re thinking. Honestly, I do. “You wait so long for an updated, retelling of Snow White in film form and then, all of a sudden, two come along in the same year.” Magical. However, unlike the dismal Mirror Mirror (starring Julia Roberts and Sean Bean), Snow White and the Huntsman is actually alright. It’s neither terrible nor is it the new Citizen Kane but the breathtaking visuals, effective set pieces, and generally good performances from the cast make it enjoyable at best. I say “generally good performances” because there is an exception. Snow White is played by K risten Stewart (Twilight) who has been showing us the same kind of character in all of her film roles: a drab,
FILM OF THE WEEK: Snow White and the Huntsman ### (12 A) 127 mins Director: Rupert Sanders Starring: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Bob Hoskins, Ray Winstone, Nick Frost, Ian McShane
OUR VERDICT: ENJOYABLE to a point, I don’t think anyone is going to experience anything life changing while watching it but as a harmless summer flick, it does its job. With enough action to keep the boys satisfied and the fact that it’s a Snow White film, it’s obviously going to get the girls in. Not for the very young though.
boring, 40 shades of grey kind of character. Even though Stewart is the main character, it just seems as though she’s there while everything is happening around her. You can look past Stewart’s performance though at the world around her. A world beautifully designed with tremendous love and care. The main reason that director Rupert Sanders got the job (his first major directing credit on a film) was because of the wonderful image of the world that he had imagined. The sets used are fan-
tastic and the effects are seamless. Everything, from the biggest sweeping shot of a landscape to the tiny fantasy creatures in the background of the haunted forest, is just a delight to see. I’m fairly certain everyone knows the story of Snow White so I won’t go into too much depth about it. There’s an evil queen (Charlize Theron), a magic mirror, a poison apple, a damsel in distress, dwarfs (more on them later) and a huntsman (Chris Hemsworth of Thor fame). The main difference in this take on the fairy tale
is that the huntsman, instead of just letting her go, decides to help Snow White and show her the subtle arts of war so that together they can lead a revolution against the evil queen and free the land from her tyranny and corruption (both of which are shown through some very dark scenes throughout the film). And so together, Snow White and the huntsman raise an army, which Snow White takes command of (Stewart fails to show any semblance of leadership or charisma in her role as commander). The battle scenes, like everything else, look amazing and the action is genuinely exciting. The biggest surprise of the whole film however is the dwarfs, eight dwar fs to be exact. The level of actors that they got to play them is just astounding: Bob Hoskins, Ray Winstone,
Nick Frost and Ian McShane to name just a few. This merry band of miniature men adds a lot to the film with song, dance and good humour in spades. Despite all the good things about this film (the look of it, Theron’s uncompromisingly evil queen, the dwarfs) and its near infinite potential, I believe it fell short due to the casting of a plank as the lead role, a pretty lame love story and some pretty major plot holes. All in all not completely forgettable but not memorable either. If you have an undying love for Stewart or are a 15-year-old girl then you’ll find it’s right up your street. If you are neither of the two mentioned, have nothing else to see and can manage to ignore Stewart then you might enjoy yourself. Now, bring on Prometheus.
7 June 2012 CLONDLAKIN GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Pick up a Porsche for 1,200 points
Funnelling wide-ranging influences from everything from television’s Lost to Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, Tomb Raider’s forthcoming reboot is already creating quite a stir, with its release holding lots of promise of a reinvigorated franchise
Lara Croft is back* I SHANE DILLON
*WELL, almost. This article’s slightly-misleading headline points to some interesting news, as it’s just been revealed that Tomb Raider, and its back-to-basics reboot, has just been offcially – and finally – confirmed for a release date of March 5, 2013. Once again starring everybody’s favourite aristo-turned-adventurer Lara Croft, the long-delayed title has been tantalising industry figures for a while now, popping up on the radar every so often but without anything more tangible to
say than, yes, a substantial game exists but, no, there’s no release date. Until now. With a new trailer also just released, showcasing further gameplay elements and pointing at a new direction for the long-running (and somewhat stale) franchise, there’s a slow-burning excitement about Tomb Raider. Whereas the most recent releases in the long-established franchaise were somewhat formulaic, and considering that PlayStation 3’s Nathan Drake has cornered the Globe-trotting Adventurer segment of
the market, Tomb Raider’s developer, Crystal Dynamics, really had to think long and hard about how to make Tomb Raider relevant to gamers again. After all, there are too many gamers out there who associate Lara Croft with 1990s platforming, rather than with CurrentGen gaming. So it is that Lara’s being taken back to basics – literally, as there are few more basic matters than the battle to survive against a hostile world. It’s already known that Lara’s gaming world will be an open one, as she
finds herself shipwrecked on a mysterious island, littered with all manner of wrecks from across the ages, and where desperate survivors, and hostile figures, await. In a nod to several other world-exploring titles, Lara’s island exploration will be somewhat curbed until later in the game, once she’s unlocked the necessary items and skills to access previously inaccessible areas, and thus further develop the story. In the meantime, the frightened young lady washed up on the shore at the start of the game will face a grim, but
character-forming journey around the island, as she’s forged into the resourceful, determined adventurer that people have come to expect ... Or so, at least, we can expect the press bumpf to say once Tomb Raider gets its release, next March. It’s certainly a great gaming prospect to look forward to, with a mature theme to explore as, perhaps, the industry itself matures a little, in line with many of its gamers who, like yours truly, have hit the 40-year mark. Tomb Raider will be released on XBox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.
Anotherweebyte... Sony’s Cloud-based service could shower you with 15,000,000 songs FED-UP battling iTunes? Ever get that syncing feeling when you’re trying to organise your music? Well, Sony Ireland could have the answer, courtesy of its free Music Unlimited app, available now on iTunes (and likely to greatly reduce your need to use the blasted thing again). Well, I say “free”, because it’s free to download – however, unsurprisingly, a basic or premium subscription is then needed, along with an internet or mobile data connection. So far, so in line with lots of current streaming services. It’s all part of Sony’s increasing interest in Cloud-based services, and the obvious growth such functionality offers, with Music Unlimited promising more than 15 million songs to down-
load, manage in playlists, browse by genre, wander off exploring similar artists, and so on – all related to the user’s subscription level. Originally launched in December, 2010, the service has grown pretty decently since then, with solid home Wifi networks, increasing numbers of public hotspots (and those lucky enough with work access), as well as mobile roaming, providing plenty of scope for lots of users to avail of Music Unlimited’s Cloud-based collection. You can easily find Music Unlimited on iTunes, bearing in mind that it’s free to download, but that a service subscription is also required. Once you’re up and running (and roaming), its Cloudbased service will probably make quite a splash.
Music Unlimited provides access to more than 15 million tracks
IT’S been a while since the last available racing update, but there’s no denying that petrolheads aren’t getting plenty of bang for their buck from Turn 10 Studio’s Forza Motorsport 4, which has just released yet another expansion pack – this time, in the shapely form of Porsche , and the downloadable pack’s 30 new vehicles and related events Available on the XBox Live Marketplace for 1,600 Microsoft points, it is, perhaps, a premium price for an expansion pack – then again, that’s an awful lot of Porsche for your points and, once again, the vehicles look better here than in real life. So ... shiny ... I know about as much about racing as Del Boy Trotter knows about patent infringement legislation, but even I’m impressed by the consistent quality in these irregular packs – did I mention that the cars look better than in real life, already? True, you’d probably have to really love racing, and understand the sheer scope of how tuning your motor makes all the difference, but who doesn’t love Porsche, let alone the chance to grab about 30 of them? Motor on over to XBox Live, now ...
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GazetteSPORT
HIGHER GROUND: A new era dawns for Irish cricket in Malahide: Page 29
SAILING: VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT AS ICONIC TALL SHIP RACES SET TO END IN DUBLIN
Come aboard, me hearties, for a memorable trip sport@gazettegroup.com
DUBLINERS with a hankering for a taste of a life on the ocean wave can now apply to get exactly that with the announcement that volunteers are being sought for the Tall Ships Races 2012, which run from August 23 to 26. This year, Dublin is set to be the final host port for the races and there will be a four-day long celebration in the city,
with the quaysides, north and south of the Liffey, alive with street performers, buskers and bands all weekend. The Tall Ships Races, which will have passed through France, Portugal and Spain on their way to Dublin, will see the city burst with festival atmosphere both on and off the water. An exciting family programme in Grand Canal Square will present nautical themed workshops
and installations, interactive concerts, puppet shows, storytelling and water-sports displays in Grand Canal Dock. Following the conclusion of the Tall Ships Races 2012 Dublin event, some of the fleet will compete in the inaugural Irish Sea Tall Ships Regatta, which will be a race from Dublin to Liverpool. Up to 1,000 volunteers are required for the Tall Ships Races 2012 to give visitors the warmest of
Over 1,000 volunteers are required to help stage the Dublin aspect of the Tall Ships Races 2012
welcomes, help create a great atmosphere and an experience the city and the visitors will never forget. People are being sought to offer their experience, volunteer your skills, learn
something new and have fun doing it. There are a variety of voluntary roles which need to be filled, including production, hospitality, ship liaison, media and marketing, event co-
ordination, stewarding and volunteer management. For more information and to apply today to become a volunteer of The Tall Ships Races 2012 in Dublin, see www.
dublintallships.ie/volunteer or e-mail enquiries to volunteer@dublintallships.ie. Applicants must be over 18 years old and training and induction will take place before the event.
28 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7 June 2012
GazetteSport Sport
Cathal Williams (left), and Tom, Sam and Alex Dunne, pictured here with Dublin hurler Liam Rushe
Louisa, Tommy and Ciaran Curly
Children of all ages were invited to show off their skills
Hurling hooley Parnell Park is host to day of family fun ENTRA launched its Brighten Up Your Day community events in 2012 with a free family event which visited Parnell Park in Dublin recently, but which will be running every weekend in 15 locations around Ireland until July 28. The event in Parnell Park featured Liam Rushe of Dublin and John Mullane of Waterford and featured an array of family entertainment including BBQs, live music, a hurling simulator to test your hurling skills, face painting and a hurling skills session for children.
The children who participated at the Centra Brighten Up Your Day community event at Parnell Park
C
Liam Rushe and John Mullane with Cathal McHugh, Jean Lyons, and,
Jack Murray, Joseph and Cameron Cooper, and Evan McGlynn are
in front, Mark Coulter, Cian McHugh, and Jack O’Sullivan
seen here with Centra’s McCarthy Family
7 June 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29
Malahide level the playing field With the reinvention of cricket in Ireland in full effect, Malahide Cricket Club have seen their international standard arrive, writes ROB HEIGH The culmination of a long process of fundraising, planning and plain hard work has arrived at Malahide Cricket Club. The progressive north county-based side last week saw their first team play the very first adult competitive match on their new pitch at The Village against Old Belvedere, the realisation of years of development that started first in 2006, when the club members first floated the idea of developing their grounds to international standard. That standard has now been achieved, and GazetteSpor t spoke to Malahide CC president, Kevin Murphy, last week, ahead of the first bales being placed upon the field in anger. “This is the culmina-
tion of a long process of renovation of the grounds and playing sur face at Malahide CC. “Last week, we held an internal club game, with two teams featuring a mixture of young
and see how we - and it - settle in. “This process started in 2006 when the idea was first floated, and it has been brought through to fruition now, with the pitch ready to host international
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
‘There is a real sense of excitement about the new grounds and the possibilities they represent.’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
and old, male and female members of the club, to be the first players to play on the new pitch. “We are watching how the grounds develop at the moment. Like when the builders move out in a house renovation, we need to get used to the new surface,
cricket matches.” Those prestige international matches will be able to be watched by around 11,500 spectators thanks to the thoughtful planning that has gone into the grounds’ redevelopment. “Around the earthworks and remodel-
The Malahide First XI side who took on Old Belvedere at The Village last week when the first competitive match took place on the new surface
ling of the ground, which has created a bowl effect, there are elevated mounds that mean that spectators can look down onto the pitch and watch the matches in comfort. It’s a spectacular spectator’s arena. “There is also the space and land that for larger games, we will be able to install temporary stands.” The first international match to be played at the ground will be against South Africa A, who will be coming to Ireland for a pair of T-20 matches on August 31 and September 2, but the major news alongside the ground redevelopment coming to its apex is the announcement by Cricket Ireland that the auld enemy, England, will be coming to Malahide to face Ireland on September 3, 2013, in a first one-day international to be held at the grounds (subject to ICC granting ODI accreditation), where the home nation will be hoping for a repeat of their famous victory over England at the 2011 World Cup, a prospect which is exciting current Ireland cricket coach, Phil Simmons. “I live just around the corner from the ground so it’s fantastic for the club and the area to be hosting a game of this magnitude,” Simmons said.
“It’s going to be a super venue for cricket, and the fact that it’s England coming will give the whole day that extra edge that contests between the countries in all sports seem to inspire.” Kevin Murphy reflected on the process of the development of Malahide Cricket Club, its grounds and the prospects that it creates not only for the club, but for the sport in the country. “The process began when we began negotiations with Fingal County Council for additional ground for the club, which all came through. The Spor ts Council grant came through, and the contractors began work in late September last year on the larger area. “We laid a new square two years ago, which was the first physical par t of the process, which was something that the club raised the funds for, as that aspect takes far longer than the other works. “The feeling at the club is that everyone is delighted with the new surface, it’s quite spectacular, and it bodes well for the future of the club. “We intend to get a real sense of excitement about the new grounds and the possibilities that they represent. It’s all systems go now.”
FastSport
Fennell and Flynn launch Mulligan cycle DUBLIN footballers Eamon Fennell and Fingallians’ Paul Flynn were on hand last week to launch the annual Tomas Mulligan Memorial Cycle in aid of Pieta House, the suicide crisis centre. The fun cycle, which is in its fifth year, is held in memory of Dublin and Round Towers footballer Tomas, who was lost to suicide in 2007. This event, organised by the Mulligan family, takes place on August 11 and 12, and this year’s destination is Dundalk and the Cooley Peninsula. The cycle aims to raise awareness of the work carried out by Pieta House and to celebrate the lives of those lost to suicide and have fun. For more information, see www.pieta.ie
Shamrocks host Childline charity run RAHENY Shamrock Athletic Club are holding a charity 5km race in St Anne’s Park on June 17 in aid of Childline. The race, which begins at 11am, is open to runners, joggers and walkers from all over the city. Race headquarters in the Cara Hall, near Raheny Garda Station, and the route is a flat twolap course which takes its path inside the park, with no traffic to inhibit the athletes. There will be prizes in all usual categories, and medals to all finishers. Participants can
enter online at www. rahenyshamrock.ie for €15, or enter on the day for €20. For more information on the event, contact Sean on 087 224 8274.
Get your game faces on WITH Ireland’s first match against Croatia set to kick off this weekend, fans who want to add a little colour to their support should look no further than Churchtown-based company Team Colours Online’s range of tricolour tattoos and pendants. These Irish flag products are available from www. teamcoloursonline. com and at Heaton’s stores nationwide.
30 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7 June 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
SOCCER: UNDER-12S CLAIM LEAGUE AND CUP SUCCESSES
Towers seeking new players for U-11 sides ROUND Tower GAA club are making a big push to increase the number of children born in 2001 to play hurling for the club. The club currently has a panel of 23 players who play in two teams at Under-11 level, but next year’s teams will play 13-a-side games, meaning that more players will be needed to compete in these games. The Under-11s train in Corkagh Park every Thursday and Friday from 5.45pm to 7.20pm (beside the fishing lakes). Parents with an interest in encouraging their children to play can contact Eric at 083 404 2121.
Trio of legends set to host Euro nights SOME of Ireland’s favourite footballing heroes, Paul McGrath, John Aldridge and Alan McLoughlin, will be in The Pavilion at the Red Cow Moran Hotel to commentate on Ireland’s first three Euro matches. On June 10, John Aldridge will be special guest at the Red Cow when they show Ireland taking on Croatia on their big screens in The Pavilion. John will interact with the audience
and give his expert opinion on all the action as it takes place. There will be plenty of other fun and games on the evening including a barbecue, a penalty shoot-out for some great prizes and a live DJ after the match until late. Similarly, Alan McLoughlin will be the special guest for Ireland versus Italy on June 14, and Paul McGrath will do the honours in the Red Cow on June 18 when Ireland face Spain. Tickets to these special Euro 2012 evenings at the Pavilion cost €5, or a ticket to all three evenings costs just €10.
Beech Park’s Under-12s were celebrating after securing their third title this year at Greenhills Park
Beech Park’s historic treble MAJOR LEAGUE CUP Beech Park Railway Union
3 0
sport@gazettegroup.com
BEECH Park’s Under12 soccer side claimed an historic treble last week when they defeated Railway Union in the Major League Cup final at Greenhills Park. With a league and cup double already in the bag, Beech Park were one win away from a remarkable achievement. However, Railway Union started the better of the two sides, and were unlucky not to score early on when
they hit the crossbar and the ball bounced agonisingly on the goal line after five minutes. Beech Park’s goalkeeper Jordan Tackerberry had to be on his toes early on to clear up any danger, and he was ably assisted by Nana Boakye in defence. Beech Park gradually got into their passing game, with Michael Pop giving a tigerish display in midfield. Dragos Mamaliga was a key presence in the side on the night, and Tolu Bello put in a captain’s performance throughout the first half. Even though Beech
Park were on top in the latter part of the first half, Railway restricted them to long-range efforts, and the half ended goalless. Drive
In the second half, Beech park upped their performance and created chance after chance. Railway stood firm until the 40th minute, when a cross from the left by Thomas Oluna was met by Adedamola Oluwafemi inside the box who gave the keeper no chance with a thundering drive into the roof of the net. J u s t t wo m i n u t e s
later, Park went 2-0 up, when Bello bisected the Railway defence with a through ball to Oluna, who scored from 18 yards out with a fierce drive. Railway kept to their task, defending well and kept on passing which was very encouraging to see. But Beech Park were well on top with Connolly, Opoke and Butler in control, with Flynn solid and Conlan and O’Mahoney combining well up front to create several chances. Beech Park made the game safe with 10 minutes left on the clock when Mamaliga put
in a pass to the feet of Oluwafemi, who scored his second with a powerful drive. Even though Railway Union battled on till the final whistle, Beech Park were well deserving of their victory on the night, achieving the first treble success in the club’s 30-year history. Jordan Tackerberry, Edward Connolly, Jack Collins, Gary Philpott, Tolu Belo, Dragos Mamaliga, Michael Pop, Andrew Conlon, Thomas Oluna, David Lyons, Nana Boakye, Adedamola Oluwafemi, Darragh O’Mahoney, Marvin Opoke, Cian Butler, Ian O’Flynn.
Joseph’s amazing medal success sport@gazettegroup.com
DEANSR ATH CC student Joseph Ojewumi picked up a pair of medals at the Aviva AllIreland schools track and field championships last weekend at the magnificent Tullamore Harriers stadium. The sprinter claimed the 200m Dublin championship title early in May, and he went on to add bronze at national intermediate level in Tullamore with a time of 22.65 seconds, 0.08 outside of the silver medal position.
He went one better in the 100m race when he clocked 11.05, but he found Sligo’s Zak Irwin in brilliant form, finishing in 10.92 for gold. Elswhere in the competition, Dubliners performed well across the board. Colaiste Iosagain’s Siofra Cleirigh Buttner added to her wealth of titles when she took the intermediate 800m crown in 2:10.27 to better Amy O’Donoghue’s championship record of 2:10.80 from 2010. Buttner later completed a double when she won the 1,500m, finishing
11 seconds ahead of the field. Her schoolmate, Claire Ni Carthaigh, was another longdistance medallist when she took silver in 10.27.88 in the senior girls 3,000m while, at inter level at the same distance, Sarah Ni Mhaolmhuire took bronze. Wesley’s Stephen Rice was another big winner when he claimed gold in the inter boys javelin event with a throw of 50.59m, three metres clear of Raphoe’s John Kelly. The championships had hardly begun before the first
record was set in the girls’ intermediate hammer. Alice Akers (Scariff CC) had a throw of 47.04m in the fourth round before improving significantly to 48.22m in the last round. Her throw improves on the record of 47.59m achieved by her sister, Rachel, in 2001. Another record went in the inter girls discus, which was won by Hannah O’Sullivan (Boherbue Comp School) with a throw of 43.04m, to improve on the record of Clare Fitzgerald, who threw 41.92m in 2008.
7 June 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31
GAELIC GAMES: HURLERS, FOOTBALLERS IN ACTION
CLUB NOTICEBOARD ROUND TOWERS THE clubrooms are 50 years old this
Clondalkin Sports are the latest ven-
compilation can be found in the new
dor to join the Friends of Round Tow-
edition of Between The Posts.
ers. All current club members get a
Lotto: Numbers drawn were 9, 18, 21 and 28; Bonus Ball 30. There was no winner of the jackpot of €7,400. Congratulations to Bunnie Stynes, Brian Douglas and Mary McCann, who were the three €100 winners. Next week’s jackpot is €7,500.
Dublin’s footballers and hurlers shone at the weekend as they returned to big game action. Picture: Fergus McNally
Dublin soar in spite of simple NC tests I sport@gazettegroup.com
A COMBINED tally of 5-45 to 1-19 provided a resounding start to the Dubs’ championships summer, but both Pat Gilroy’s footballers and Anthony Daly’s hurlers will still emerge from last weekend’s proceedings with a degree of cautious optimism. For the hurlers on Saturday in O’Connor Park against Laois, St Pat’s Liam Rushe ran amok in the first half, while his pair of goals were added to by Cuala man David Treacy’s deft deflection. 3-14 to 1-1 ahead at the break, it was scarcely a contest, but it did provide the likes of Conal Keaney, Stephen Hiney and Tomas Boland with comfor table returns to the line-up, as they sought to build toward championship fitness. Rushe’s goals were suitably spectacular while Paul Ryan – one of six Ballyboden St Enda’s
men in the starting lineup, joined later by Davie Curtin and Simon Lambert — clipped some fine scores for his 0-9 total. Club-mates Keaney, Conor McCormack and Shane Durkin all added a brace of points each, as the final total ran to 3-23 to 1-7. Next up, though, is the real challenge of the summer’s early stages when the focus turns to All-Ireland champions, Kilkenny, who Dublin will face on Saturday, June 23 in O’Moore Park, Portaoise (5pm) with the Electric Ireland Leinster MHC semifinal between the Dubs and the same opponents providing the curtainraiser. M a n a g e r A n t h o ny Daly said afterwards he had hoped for more of a battle, despite his side claiming their first win of the year. “ We s p o ke a b o u t June 2 quite a bit during the year and that
was the target for all of the injured boys to get themselves ready. “There was a good lot of positives, but, obviously, it wasn’t much of a hard game really. “The second half was a bit dead and drab, but we came as ready as we can be, and that’s all you can do.” For the footballers, it was a case of more of the same at a damp Croke Park on Sunday, when Bernard Brogan put away a pair of firsthalf goals and Louth were all but dismissed by the break. A wonder point from Fingallians’ Paul Flynn from the base of the Hogan Stand’s 45 line had helped push Dublin into a 0-9 to 0-3 lead, with St Sylvester’s Darren Clarke providing the only responses from frees. But Kevin Nolan and Alan Brogan unlocked the door for Bernard to clinically flash home the
opening goal. Flynn was central to the next major moments later and the contest was done, 14 points in the margin at half-time. There were plenty of chances to extend the gap to even more emphatic proportions as Kevin McManamon and Diarmuid Connolly did everything but raise the green flag again. It left Gilroy lamenting a few glitches, but he has four weeks to smooth out the kinks ahead of a date with either Longford or Wexford in the semi-final, set for early July.
invited to attend.
week and, in commemoration, a photo
10% discount on all in-store sales. Clondalkin Sports stock everything from gloves and boots for football to hurling grips and helmets, and many other training products. For more info, go to www.clondalkinsports.ie.
Our minor footballers have lined up
The Lotto committee are looking for
a night of music and craic in the club
your assistance to sell Towers’ Lotto
next Saturday, June 9. Round Towers
tickets on a Friday evening for one
musicians will entertain all for what
hour, once a month.
promises to be an excellent night.
There will be four teams and each
Doors will open at 9pm; admission is
team will be rostered once a month,
€5.
and no more than one hour will
Round Tower GAA club’s 34th annual
be needed. If you are able to help
Mass for deceased members will be
please contact Matt McCormack on
held on Wednesday, July 4 at 8pm in
0876836737 or email info@roundtower.
the Clubrooms. All are welcome and
ie.
ST PAT’S PALMERSTOWN CONGRATULATIONS to both junior
ior hurlers and footballers on the
and senior footballers on their vic-
championship win this weekend.
tories during the week.
Special congratulations and
The U-14 footballers were very
thanks to Liam Rush and Shane Sta-
unlucky against Ballymun Kickhams,
pleton for their performances dur-
some fine goals were scored.
ing the game.
The U-11s had a great game against Na Fianna. There was an excellent display by the U-12 hurlers, beating O’Dwyer’s by 13 points.
A great day is anticipated for Monday’s fun day in Glenaulin Park. Lotto numbers and results: First draw - numbers drawn were 16, 21, 24 and 9. There was no winner.
Thanks to all who came to the night
The second draw - numbers drawn
at the dogs and the county colours
were 11, 20, 24 and 6. There was no
night. It was a great night again this
winner. Any three numbers win-
year.
ners were Phyl Butler and Sandra
Congratulations to the Dublin sen-
Gilbert.
LUCAN SARSFIELDS WELL done to Johnny McCaffrey and
cheque from Intel last week for
Peter Kelly on helping the Dublin hurl-
€10,000 for the volunteer scheme
ers to a great win over Laois last Sat-
they run.
urday. Great to see Paul Casey making an appearance for the Dubs footballers
Our County Colour Barbecue takes place on Friday, June 8 at 8pm in the clubhouse.
again in Croke Park; very encouraging
Special guests this year will be
also to see Emmet O’Conghaile being
Olympic gold medallist, Michael Car-
warmed up on the sideline.
ruth, and 1995 All-Ireland winning
The senior footballers play in the championship this Thursday against Brigid’s in Parnell Park at 8:15pm.
centre-back, Keith Barr. Sizzling steaks and great craic guaranteed.
Well done to all the local schools
You can now register for our sum-
that competed in the Hugh McNally
mer camps on our website www.
Schools Cup recently. The future of
lucansarsfields.ie. The cost this year
Lucan hurling looks bright if this was
is €55.
anything to go by. We were delighted to receive a
Our next golf outing is in Castleknock on Saturday, June 9.
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ALL OF YOUR CLONDALKIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
DOUBLE DELIGHT: Beech Park net second trophy within a fortnight P31
JUNE 7, 2012
PRESTIGE IN-CREASE: Malahide ready to host topclass internationals P29
GazetteSPORT
Peamount United’s five young stars who lined out for the victorious Metropolitan Girls League in their first ever Gaynor Cup appearance
Doyle and Kelly lead Peas’ Gaynor glory Peamount United’s quintet of local representatives netted a huge 27 goals in seven games for the MGL clondalkinsport@gazettegroup.com
PEAMOUNT’S young stars produced a series of incredible goal-scoring feats last weekend in Limerick as the Metropolitan Girls League U-14 side took down the Gaynor Cup over the Bank Holiday weekend. Eleanor Ryan Doyle netted 14 times over the course of the seven game competition including three hat-tricks while club members contributed 27 goals out of the 32 the Dublin league produced. Indeed, Lauren Kelly was on the mark twice in the decisive game against Limerick County with Ryan Doyle grabbing the other in a 3-0 victory and a dominant overall showing in the MGL’s first year entering the Gaynor Cup. As such, it was the first ever national title for the fledgling league and the team’s players and managers suitably paid tribute to Carlie Fitzgerald without whom the MGL would never have started. They won out from an entry list of 18 inter-
league sides from around the country in an event which forms a key part of the Republic of Ireland selection process at U-15 and U-17 level. Getting under way, they started the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Donegal in one of their tightest games before overcoming a Clare selection 2-0.
Goals galore The goals started to flow in a 9-0 success against Roscommon EGWL, a 5-0 success against Waterford and 6-0 against Limerick WSSL. With Inishowen dismissed 4-1, it left the Dublin league in a showdown with Limerick County for the overall honours and they showed few nerves in running out comfortable winners in the final reckoning with a blistering display. Kelly’s brace brought her tournament tally to eight goals while her Peamount club mates Niamh Farrelly and Nimmy Chemaou grabbed
a pair each and Danie Murray scored one as they carried their prolific scoring form into the team. It follows their superb domestic results in the local competitions as Peamount won both the U-13 and U15A MGL titles in the league’s maiden season adding to the senior women’s teams Women’s National League and FAI Cup double. Peamount will be hoping for more glory later this month following the inclusion of Brooke Dunne, Rachel Doyle, Rebekah Carroll, Hayley Nolan, Lauren Kealy and Chloe Murphy. For each of these young stars, they will be hoping it will be another step along the way to becoming international stars as they hope to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Louise Quinn, Dora Gorman and Stephanie Roche. Indeed, the Peas had two representatives on the Republic of Ireland U-17 sides who completed the UEFA qualifying campaign last March, showing the strength and depth of the club’s female section.