Clondalkin

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SEPTEMBER 6, 2012 Find us on

C L O N DA L K I N • R OW L AG H • B AW N O G U E • N E I L STOW N • D E A N S R AT H • K I N G SWO O D • TA L L AG H T

INSIDE: Jedward have a hospital’s birthday bash all wrapped up P2

TOTAL FARRELL: The Gazette talks to Dublin’s Hollywood hero Page 12

What’s it all about? Settling into school days THESE two little learners could be

Hurling: Round Tower beat Setanta to reach IFC final Page 31 and 32

forgiven for looking a little distracted for a moment, as they tried to make sense of what school is all about on their first day in junior infants at Gaelscoil Cluain Dolcain. However, any confusion and early nerves were soon left behind as the dedicated teacher and school staff helped them to settle into their new routines, as well as having fun learning as Gaeilge while making new friends.

Picture: Cathy Weatherston

Full Gallery on Pages 8-9

Soccer: Glenville crush Glenmore to fly high in LSL Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 BUSINESS .................... 18 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Fitness equipment installed in parks Free facilities to help improve personal health

I PAUL HOSFORD

DUBLIN company DynamX has completed the final installation of fitness equipment in a number of south Dublin parks, including Waterstone Park, Ballymount Park and Corkagh Park.

Local Fine Gael TD Derek

Keating urged Clondalkin natives to avail of the equipment. He said: “I am delighted that this campaign has proven successful and that the equipment is being well utilised, even at this early stage.

“Particularly in the difficult economic circumstances in Ireland today, it is impor-

tant that people and families have options for leisurely and healthy activities that do not put extra burden on finances.

“These new facilities are free of charge, are of good quality, and provide options for people to remain healthy or to improve their personal fitness.”

Full Story on Page 3

2 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 6 September 2012

LOCAL

MUSIC Jedward help mark a

medical milestone

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60 10 240 John – or is it Edward? – reaches out to fans at the front of the audience. Pictures: John T Ohle

Pop pair perform for Peamount A S PART of Peamount Healthcare’s (formerly Hospital) centenary celebrations, Jedward recently took to the stage in the medical facility’s grounds to help mark its milestone year, with Peamount Pulse also marking the centre’s first such event.

Heralded as Jedward’s first gig in their home area, a

suitably large crowd was in attendance to catch Lucan’s most famous twins in action, as the Grimes boys enthusiastically bounded about the stage, treating everyone to a range of their songs. A wide range of fun activities, ranging from dance classes to Jedward hair makeovers, added to the fun at Peamount Pulse.

The fans of all ages were delighted with Jedward’s lively performance on the day

Although Jedward weren’t showing their distinctive quiffs at the event, lots of fans in the audience had their own versions on show

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6 September 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 3

HEALTH Keating praises completion of installation

Appeal to find teenager

Free exercise equipment in place in parks DUBLIN company DynamX has completed the final installation of fitness equipment in a number of South Dublin parks, including Waterstone Park, Griffeen Valley Park, Hermitage Park, Ballymount Park and Corkagh Park.

There are 11 pieces of equipment in each park, and they have been positioned so that people can commence with a light workout and finish with a cooldown.

The free adult exercise equipment is suitable for adults of all ages, especially the elderly.

Local Fine Gael deputy Derek Keating is delighted the equipment has

been installed.

“The outdoor exercise and fitness equipment has arrived after a long period of campaigning, including the community group I established in 2009 to assist in the campaign.

“As a qualified sports and fitness instructor, with a specialist qualification in the fitness of children and teenagers, in the interest of their overall well-being, both mental and physical, I set about to campaign on behalf of that community group and the entire Lucan community with the aim of ensuring that South Dublin County Council has installed outdoor exercise and fitness equipment in local parks

for the first time,” he said.

Deputy Keating says that the equipment has already been well received by local park users.

“I am delighted that this campaign has proven successful and that the equipment is being well utilised, even at this early stage.

“It is so important that people and families have options for leisurely and healthy activities that do not put an extra burden on personal or family finances.

“These new facilities are free of charge, are of good quality, and provide options for people to remain healthy or to improve personal fitness,” he said.

POLICING: SEARCH

Deputy Derek Keating (FG) gives Anita Fletcher from Griffeeen Community

GARDAI in Clondalkin are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of 16-yearold Mark O’Brien, who has been missing since August 14.

Mark was last seen on Cherry Orchard Avenue, Ballyfermot, and he is described as being 5’ 4” in height, with black hair, and weighing about seven stone.

Development Group some pointers on the equipment

Deputy Keating added that the value of exercise went beyond the physical gains.

“I also know – because of my work in the area of mental health – that the investment in this equipment will be of great assistance in helping to combat growing and emerging societal problems, including obesity, depression, low self-esteem, self-harm and suicide.

“I also believe that the

provision of more exercise and fitness equipment will discourage people, including many young people, from excessive alcohol consumption, including binge drinking.

“It is only when we, as a nation, become less dependant on alcohol, that we will achieve our full potential on the world stage, and that we will compete more successfully in sports, including at Olympic Games and

world championships.

“Given the success of Lucan’s new outdoor exercise and fitness equipment, I support South Dublin County Council in its efforts to install similar equipment in as many parks as possible in South Dublin, and to all other city and county councils to rollout this successful project throughout Ireland,” said Deputy Keating.

Clothing When last seen Mark was wearing grey tracksuit bottoms, grey shoes with red on the soles, and a grey t-shirt.

Mark is known to frequent the city centre area, and Connolly Station.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Clondalkin Garda Station at 01 666 7600, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

4 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 6 September 2012

PROTESTS

Anti-tax campaign escalates THE Dublin Mid West Campaign Against the Household Tax has said it intends to target TDs in the area who support the introduction of the new property tax.

At a recent meeting in Clondalkin, the campaign said they intend to organise public meetings in all three main areas of the constituency when plans for the tax are announced.

It was also agreed that the campaign would target sitting TDs’ constituencies offices who support the charge.

People Before Profit Councillor Gino Kenny, who convened the meeting, said: “There has been a Mexican stand-off since the end of March with boycotters of the charge and the Government.

“If Revenue is the collector of the tax, this begs the question: ‘Where is the money going, central coffers or to fund local services?’” he asked.

LEISURE Studies suggest dance good for children

Get your kids dancing to see grades step up WITH the academic school year beginning once again, the term at Tanya Michelle School of Dance in Clondalkin is also set to start, with a new report suggesting the two types of school – academic and dance – could be more closely linked than previously thought.

At first glance, there would appear to be little connection between a 600-year-old dance form and a child’s academic performance, but recent American studies have shown that children taking ballet classes score better grades than their non-dancing classmates.

One American study showed that children who

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

‘One American study showed that children who dance had school grades 15% higher than those who did not’ ---------------------------

dance had school grades 15% higher than those who did not.

“I’m not surprised at these findings,” said Tanya Michelle Farrell, owner of the Tanya Michelle School of Dance.

“I’ve been involved in dance since the age of four, and it’s helped me

in many areas of life. With kids spending so much time in front of the computer or playing video games these days, I think an even more important benefit of ballet is in keeping them healthy and fit.”

This view is backed up by a study from the University of Bristol, which revealed that 15 minutes of dance a day can halve the risk of obesity in boys, and cut it by almost 40% in girls.

With more than 300,000 Irish children either overweight or obese, these are important findings.

Obesity accounts for 5% of heart attacks and strokes, 10% of osteoar-

Local woman, Tanya Michelle Farrell, of Clondalkin’s Tanya Michelle School of Dance, is not surprised at the results of studies suggesting that there is a positive link between dance and academic success

thritis, 20% of hypertension, 30% of cancers and 80% of Type 2 diabetes.

A British study has proposed that dance should be considered as an alternative to sport for children. The study from Laban of London found that a 10-week dance programme undertaken by 348 children improved their selfesteem and motivation, as well as increasing their lung and aerobic capac-

ity and flexibility.

“Clondalkin kids have really taken to ballet,” said Farrell, whose school at the Scouts Hall on Watery Lane begins its third year this September.

“We’ve had a great reaction to the school.

We’re expanding this year to include modern theatre or jazz dance.

“It’s somewhere between hip-hop and ballet, so it suits the children who like something a bit

more contemporary.

“We’re registered with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, so children still work towards exams to ensure that they can progress.”

The new term in both ballet and jazz starts on Saturday, September 8.

Parents who are interested in enrolling their children should contact Tanya at 087 237 7186, or see the website at www.tanyamichelledance.com.

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6 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 6 September 2012

ENTERPRISE Chambers of Commerce to host seminar

Briefing to discuss business opportunities in Dubai CHAMBERS of commerce from across Dublin are set to come together this month to host a seminar on doing business in Dubai.

The Greater Dublin Chamber has announced details of a special Dubai business briefing on Thursday, September 13, at 6pm in the Radisson Blu Hotel at Dublin Airport.

The business briefing is being supported by and organised in association with the Govern-

ment of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce.

Fayha Sultan, a representative from the department, will speak about the business opportunities for SMEs and multinationals in Dubai, which has proved to be a haven for foreign business, with 80% of the city’s 1.3 million residents being foreigners.

The Greater Dublin Chamber says that the city is a great place to do business. A spokes-

person said: “Dubai is a city of contrasts where the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, East and West blend seamlessly to produce a fascinating and exciting place to do business.

“Dubai has long earned the reputation of being one of the world’s most desirable business destinations, with its positive economic policy and ambitious growth plans underpinning the introduction of an

equally progressive infrastructure with first-class facilities across the board, from telecoms to ports and aviation.

“Dubai is relentlessly continuing its march towards becoming a global business hub – be it in banking, finance, trade, logistics, tourism, aviation, hospitality or shopping.

“Dubai has been crowned ‘Middle East City of the Future’, underlining its premier status as the key business des-

tination in the region.”

Dubai was recently named

by IrishJobs.ie as one of Irish expats’ favoured job destinations, with the city having attracted thousands of national, international and global companies who are all keen to take maximum advantage of the liberal business laws and taxation structures offered.

The Greater Dublin Chamber is an amalgam of Fingal Dublin Chamber, South

Enjoy Culture Night’s events SOUTH Dublin County Council is urging locals to get involved in Culture Night 2012.

The yearly event takes place across Dublin on Friday, September 21, and South Dublin will feature a number of events for the first time.

Culture Night 2012 at the Civic Theatre features the work of three creative companies – The Wheelchair On My Face, written and performed by Sonya Kelly for Fishamble; a sequence from Pageant, a new show to be performed and toured by CoisCeim Dance in 2013; and Music In Similar Motion, by Philip Glass, to be performed by Kate Ellis of Crash Ensemble.

St Maelruans’s Church, Tallaght, opens its doors to songwriters from eight European countries, who will perform a concert that explores the Irish folk music tradition, while contemporary arts centre, Rua Red, also in Tallaght, is holding an open studio evening featuring a mix of visual artists, producers, designers and writers.

All events are free but must be booked with the individual venues. All programme details are available from participating venues, South Dublin Libraries or online at www.culturenight.ie and arts.southdublin.ie.

For further information, contact Orla Scannell at South Dublin County Council on 01 414 9000, or email oscannell@sdublincoco.ie.

Dublin Chamber and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Chamber working together to represent and promote business in the Greater Dublin region.

The seminar, sponsored

by Dublin Airport Authority, Emirates, Aramex and Radisson Blu Hotel Dublin Airport, will cost €30 per person.

For further information, contact Freda at 01 890 0977, or email info@fingaldublinchamber.ie.

The right chemistry: Marking a milestone STAFF at DocMorris

Pharmacy in Clondalkin gave a warm welcome to La Roche-Posay’s Aoife O’Loughlin, Caroline Kearney and Brian Fagan when they called to the outlet recently to help mark the dermatalogical specialist’s 12th year in Irish pharmacies. The skincare specialists’ representatives came bearing gifts, and a cake, to add to the event’s fun.

HIGH COURT: JUDGE SAYS RULING GIVES HIM LITTLE SATISFACTION

Pakistani chef loses award as judge warns on Permits Act I PAUL HOSFORD phosford@gazettegroup.com

THE High Court has quashed a compensation award to a chef working in Clondalkin who was described as being “the victim of the most appalling exploitation by his employer”.

In the ruling last week, Mr Justice Gerard Hogan said the decision gave him “little satisfaction”.

He held that the Labour Court could not lawfully have awarded the compensation, most of which was for back pay, for breach of the rights of chef Mohammad Younis.

Mr Younis (57) had claimed he was recruited

in Pakistan as a tandoori chef in 2002 by his employer and cousin, Amjad Hussein, owner of the Poppadom restaurant at Newland’s Cross.

He was unable to speak English when he arrived in Ireland, and contended he had been grievously exploited by his cousin, who required him to work seven days a week for pocket money with no holidays.

Claims He had resigned in 2009 when it came to his attention his position had not been legally regularised with the relevant authorities, and set in train a series of claims,

which Mr Hussein strongly disputed.

Mr Justice Hogan said Mr Hussein contended that Mr Younis had no standing to invoke the protection afforded by employment legislation since any contract of employment was an illegal one in the absence of an employment permit.

He added that the Labour Court could not uphold an application in relation to an employment contract that was “substantively illegal” and, for this reason, its decision to make the award could not be allowed to stand.

“While this conclusion seems to me to be ines-

capable on the application of established legal principles, it is not a result which yields much satisfaction,” he said.

‘Exploitation’ Mr Justice Hogan said that if Mr Younis’ account was correct, and the Labour Court had found that it was, then he had been the victim of the “most appalling exploitation”, but that he had no legal recourse.

“While I am bound to apply the policy as articulated by the Oireachtas via the 2003 Act, there must be some concern that this legislation will produce, and perhaps has produced, consequences

which were not foreseen or envisaged,” he said.

Mr Justice Hogan went on to say that the Oireachtas has to regulate the labour market by specifically deterring illegal immigrants from taking up employment, as the failure to do so could have serious implications for both employment and immigration policy.

‘Vulnerable’ “If, however, that legislation is applied in a rigorous and unyielding manner, it might have serious consequences for vulnerable migrants who found themselves exploited by unscrupulous employers,” he said.

Grainne O’Toole of the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland said: “A fundamental problem with the Employment Permits Act has been uncovered.

“This is devastating, not only for Mr Younis, but for all undocumented migrants who are now left without protection against exploitation under Irish labour law.

“It is a sad day for Ireland when a man who suffered extreme exploitation is denied justice while his exploiter walks free. “ F o r m a ny y e a r s , Mohammed Younis was subjected to modern-day slavery. He was paid 55 cent per hour,” she said.

6 September 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 7

8 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 6 September 2012

SCHOOLS Some first-day fun (and just a little bit of nerves)

Pure concentration ... An attentive new pupil pays close attention to the muinteoir at the Gaelscoil. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

Learning all about the fun of school HERE were some first-day nerves at Gaelscoil Cluain Dolcain when the new class of junior infants gathered at the Old Nangor Road school, but they soon passed away as the children settled into their new routine.

T

Some simple fun and games helped to ease the children into their new school life, with the Gaelscoil ethos of educating through Irish very much to the fore. The bright, welcoming classroom, and the friendly staff, soon

saw the little learners relaxing, beginning to make new friends, and getting to grips with what the strange new “school” experience is all about – and all through the wonderful experience of learning as Gaeilge.

It took them a little while to get used to their first day, Some fun colouring was a great way for the pupils to relax on their first day, and to begin to start making some new friends, too

but the children enjoyed the new experience

6 September 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 9

for the new class of junior infants at Gaelscoil Cluain Dolcain

After some fun and games outside, and after posing for their first class photo with Fionnaula Ni Bhaoill (muinteoir) and Maria Nic Colgan (cunta), the new pupils soon settled into their new routine

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10 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 6 September 2012

EVENT LA Make Up Academy hold graduation ceremony

Amanda O’Dwyer and Gavin Renneck

The graduates

Graduates brush up on celebrations A Make Up Academy recently held a graduation for their one-year make-up specialist classes from the 2011/2012 year.

The graduation ceremony was a great success. Students donned their gowns and hats for the special occasion where they received their certificates in front of their friends and families. LA Creative Academy offers a host of

L

internationally accredited courses spanning make-up, beauty therapy, special effects, hair styling, fashion design, fashion styling, millinery, shoe making and photography.

To find out more about LA Make-Up Academy and their range of modules and services, email them on info@lamakeupacademy.com or call +353 (0)1 6751999.

Anca Condrache (winner of best make-up) and Gavin Crona Rooney

Renneck

Anca Condrache, Gillian Hooper, Paula Lynch and Julie Davis

6 September 2012 GAZETTE 11

C O M M E R C I A L F E AT U R E

Spectacular style, excitement and racing at the Moyglare Stud Stakes this Sunday F R E E A D M I S S I O N F O R A L L , C O U R T E SY O F M OYG L A R E ST U D

2004 winner Chelsea Rose, owned by Mrs. A.J. Donnelly, trained by Tracy Collins and ridden by Pat Shanahan

THE much-anticipated Moyglare Stud Stakes will take place at The Curragh this Sunday, 9th September 2012 and promises a day of premier racing, with spectacular style, thrilling entertainment and pageantry and a family friendly atmosphere sure to whet the appetite of seasoned race goers and newcomers alike.

To c o m m e m o r a t e the 50th Anniversary of Moyglare Stud, founder Walter Haefner’s daughter, Eva-Maria Bucher Haefner, is offering race goers free admission on the day in celebration of this momentous occasion.

The prestigious Moyglare Stud is also sponsoring all of the races throughout the eight race card day; with each race named after a famous Moyglare horse.

The highlight of the day will undoubtedly be the Group One Moyglare

Stud Stakes for two year old Fillies, which is now celebrating its 40th year and still carries one of the longest r unning race sponsorships in the world.

To add to the thrilling atmosphere, every race on the day will be a MOYGLARE 50 race, with each winning breeder receiving a €1,000 cheque from Moyglare Stud in recognition and acknowledgement of their success and the challenges that they face.

The MOYGLARE 50 series of flat races for fillies and mares was introduced by Eva-Maria Bucher Haefner in honour of her late father, Walter Haefner, and is a celebration of his love of breeding horses in Ireland.

While the thoroughbreds battle it out on the racecourse, the ladies will raise the style stakes when the Newbridge Sil-

verware Style Icon competition gets underway.

Moyglare Stud is also offering an incredible prize to the winner of the “Style Icon” Competition

ruary.

There they will enjoy luxury 5 star accommodation for one night at the landmark Badrutts Palace Hotel, one of

entry to the Spa Club and the exclusive Kings Club - the most famous nightclub in St Moritz!

The winning Style Icon will also receive a

The White Turf Horse Races, St. Moritz, Switzerland. Photo by Andy Mettler

on the day. The winner is invited to bring a guest to the unique White Turf Horse Races set against the breathtakingly beautiful and unspoiled scenery of St Moritz in Feb-

the leading hotels of the world.

The prize also includes flights, private transfers, one additional night’s accommodation in a top hotel in Zurich and free

Newbridge Silverware voucher to the value of €5,000, together with an exquisite piece from the Newbridge Silverware Vintage Collection.

Judges of the New-

bridge Silverware Style Icon Award will include the newly crowned Rose of Tralee Nicola McEvoy, eminent broadcaster Mr Gay Byrne, Eva-Maria Bucher Haefner from Moyglare Stud and Fashion Editor of the Irish Independent Bairbre Power.

The entire family will be catered for at the Moyglare Stud Stakes at The Curragh, with free entertainment for children and also face painting, bouncy castles, the RACE horse racing simulator and the Giddy Up Club - a chance for children to learn all about horse racing and meet some famous jockeys. There will also be live music and entertainment throughout the day courtesy of the No 1 Army Band.

Singing sensation Mark Boylan will perform a specially commissioned song penned by him celebrating the 50

years of Moyglare Stud in Ireland.

The 14 year old County Offaly native has received worldwide acclaim by composing a number of racing themed songs that have become internet hits and netted him personal invitations to racing festivals including Cheltenham and the Breeders Cup in the USA. He was the youngest person to perform at Vicar Street on his own when he supported the High Kings earlier this year.

An art exhibition of the work of children from local schools will also be on display at The Curragh, depicting their celebration through art of 50 Years of Moyglare Stud.

These masterpieces have been judged by an independent artist and each child will be presented with a prize and will get their mounted painting home on the day.

THE CURRAGH RACECOURSE 9th September 2012, First Race: 2.15pm The Curragh is located off exit 12 on the M7. Free car parking. Trains to Kildare town with free shuttle bus to the racecourse. Dublin coach provides a service, see dublincoach.ie

12 GAZETTE 6 September 2012

GazetteContacts INTERVIEW The Gazette meets Colin Farrell Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251

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Colin recalls his film highlights

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Castleknock son – and Hollywood A-lister – Colin Farrell and his mother, Rita, at the Dublin premiere of his latest film, Total Recall (right)

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B E C A U S E L O C A L M AT T E R S

I LAURA WEBB

HOLLYWOOD superstar Colin Farrell was back on Irish soil recently for the European premiere of his latest blockbuster – Total Recall – saying it was great to bring his co-stars to the city that shaped him into who he is today.

During his brief promotional trip for the remake, Farrell took time out to talk to The Gazette about his new movie, and what’s it like to be back home – even if it is just for a short while.

He said: “It’s really great to be able to bring a premiere back to a city that shaped me – as a boy, and as a man.

“Also lovely to have Len [Wiseman], Jess [Jessica Biel] and Kate [Beckinsale] here, too. I think for all of them, it’s their first visit to Dublin.”

Unfor tunately, the busy father of two wasn’t

able to visit his hometown of Castleknock, saying his return for the Irish premiere of his new movie was “a fleeting visit”.

“I normally get back to Castleknock over Christmas when I am in Dublin for longer than this particular promotional pit-stop.”

According to Farrell, there is a little pressure involved in making remakes – memorably, Total Recall was first filmed by Paul Verhoven, and starred Arnold Swartzenegger in1991 – but he feels this version of the classic scif-fi/ action movie works.

“Well, naturally, there is the issue of expectation, and people wondering how similar or dissimilar it may be to the original film, but I think, generally, we made the film we wanted to make.”

In the movie, his character is implanted with

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‘I normally get back to Castleknock over Christmas when I am in Dublin for longer than this particular promotional pit-stop’

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

Colin Farrell

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the life memories of someone else.

W hen asked if he thinks the plot parallels his life as an actor, which allows him to play someone else and walk in their shoes, his brief response was simply: “God, no, man.”

He has worked with some of the best directors in cinema during his career, to date, including Stephen Spielberg,

Oliver Stone, Terry Gilliam and Michael Mann, but Farrell says he has no particular favourite.

“Each director brings something unique and different to a film and to a film set. It’s been an honour to work with all those directors that you mention and, indeed, some that you did not, such as Terence Mallick or Niall Jordan.

“Honestly, I don’t have a favourite – you just hope that when you work with these kind of directors, that you do justice to their choice of cast.”

Stepping into the big shoes of the original star of Total Recall, Arnold Schwarzenegger, we asked Colin if Arnie had been in touch to give him any pointers. Sadly, he hadn’t.

“He didn’t call, he didn’t write. Nope – no pointers! But I think that is just as well, as these are two different films made in two different decades,”

said Farrell.

He started out his career on the small screen with some small roles here and there.

His career started to get a little more interesting when he was cast in the BBC series, Ballykissangel, in 1998 and 1999.

His first feature film was in The War Zone, which was directed by English actor, Tim Roth.

However, Farrell’s performance in Tigerland, directed by Joel Schumacher, catapulted his career, which later saw him star in films such as Miami Vice, Minority Report, Phone Booth, The Recruit and In Bruges.

Now a household name, Farrell continues to impress critics with his acting skills, and his latest film has been given the thumbs-up from film critics across the globe.

The 2012 version of Total Recall is in cinemas now.

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ZOO NEWS: GIRAFFE’S A WINNER

Zoo stick neck out with new name I LAURA WEBB

DUBLIN Zoo’s newest arrival, a female giraffe, has been named following a recent competition held by the popular tourist attraction.

The rare female Rothschild giraffe was named Tamu, which means “sweet one” in Swahili.

The suggestion was submitted by Grainne Byrne of Summerhill in County Meath.

Helen Clarke-Bennet, team leader for Dublin Zoo’s African Plains area, said: “Tamu is doing very well standing tall at six feet with a pale tan coat which makes her easily recognizable amongst the herd. She is an extremely well-adjusted and relaxed calf, following the herd wherever they wander.

“We received an overwhelming number of superb suggestions and picking the winning entry was not easy. We chose the name Tamu as it fits her personality perfectly,” Helen added.

For further information about Dublin Zoo, including upcoming events and news on what’s happening, log on to www.dublinzoo.ie

6 September 2012 GAZETTE 13

HERITAGE A special night to celebrate arts, culture across Dublin

Free events for everyone at Culture Night I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

DUBLIN is staying open late on Friday, September 21, for Culture Night – a one-night only celebration of arts and culture in the city, and all over the country.

Museums, galleries, churches, historic houses, artists’ studios and cultural centres will open their doors late into the

evening, welcoming people of all ages to sample their cultural delights for free, and there are some genuine highlights in store for local people.

The Irish Film Institute is celebrating 20 years in Eustace Street by screening Far and Away, starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.

The Irish Film Theatre at Earlsfort Terrace will

show an animated short film at 7.45pm, presented

by Arts and Disability Ireland.

The Culture Night Guided Tour will meander along the historic streets of the capital, retelling old and forgotten Dublin stories from 3pm to 5pm.

Each tour lasts for 90 minutes and takes in the architecture, history and geology of the venues it

will visit.

Establishments throughout Dublin opening late include the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s Cathedral, the National Concert Hall, the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, the National Museum of Ireland, the Natural History Museum, the Gutter Bookshop, Gaiety School of Acting,

Temple Bar Gallery and many, many more.

There will be plenty of fun for children, too, as Culture Day for Kids runs activities for fifthand sixth-classes at many cultural spots throughout the city.

For an interactive guide to all of the events taking place, there is a Culture Night app available to download for free from

the App Store, Google Play, or by going to www. culturenight.ie.

Culture Night is an initiative co-ordinated

by Temple Bar Cultural Trust, and is supported by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in partnership with the regional arts offices and local authorities throughout the island of Ireland.

Plan for free public wi-fi I LAURA WEBB

Brazil-iant: Brazilian community gathers to show off their style and culture in Dublin FOLLOWING on from the huge success of the inaugural Brazil Day Dublin, another day of music, food, dancing, and fun is on the way.

A day born out of the increasing numbers of Brazilians who reside in Dublin.

On June 17, Dtwo nightclub hosted 1,800 revellers ranging from curious Irish party

goers to the beautiful girls of Brazil. Numbers are expected to surpass the 2,000 mark on September 9 as Brazilians in Dublin will celebrate 190 years of independence.

For more information on the day, see www.facebook.com/brazildaydublin or follow the Twitter account @BrazilDayDublin.

THE Government has announced plans to introduce free wi-fi across the public transport system in 2013.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, L e o Va r a d k a r ( F G ) announced the plans to make wi-fi accessible across almost the entire public transport system. The project aims to encourage more passengers and boost tourism.

Such internet access will be introduced on Irish Rail’s Dart and commuter rail services this autumn, and on 80 new Dublin Bus vehicles

by Christmas.

Wi-fi is already available on Irish Rail Intercity services and most

of Bus Eireann’s fleet.

It is also currently being tested on LUAS services, and should be available across the city by the end of the year.

Commenting on the announcement, Minister Varadkar said: “We need to ensure that public transport remains an attractive and competitive option for passengers.

“Free internet access gives public transport a significant edge over the car, and is already proving popular with passengers, where provided.

“In order for Ireland to compete as a tourism destination, we must offer 21st century services to 21st century tourists,” said Minister Varadkar.

14 GAZETTE 6 September 2012

GOT A STORY? THEATRE The Ark pilot event for families Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

Festival opens doors to first autism event I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

THE FIRST autismfriendly theatre performances for children in Ireland are to be part of the Dublin Theatre festival’s Family Season, which runs from late September to mid-October.

The Dublin Theatre Festival, in conjunction with The Ark, will present a family season of productions tailored for children and schools.

This year, four theatre companies will bring their work to young audiences of children aged two and over and, for the first time in Ireland, there will be an autism-friendly theatre performance included in

the programme – a production of White by the Catherine Wheels Theatre Company.

The Ark is a unique company housed in a building especially designed for children aged two to 12 to explore everything from theatre, music and literature to painting, film, dance and more.

The Ark’s theatre programmer, Maria Fleming, spoke to The Gazette about the initial idea behind the autism-friendly performances.

“This is a pilot project based on autism-friendly theatre in Britain and the USA. We studied best practice in these

countries and there are a number of things to be put in place to make it easier for autistic children and their families to enjoy the performance.

These performances are also known as ‘relaxed performances’.

“We leave the doors open so people can come and go freely if they feel claustrophobic; we flag the audience if there will be any loud noises, so the children can cover their ears or use the earplugs provided. We will also have fidget toys for children to use if they get agitated. Everyone in the venue and the cast are aware it will be a relaxed performance.

Actors from The Ark performing in White

“The parents have no worry about disturbing others if their child gets upset as the space is so accepting. There is also a chill-out space in the foyer if the child needs some time out.

“Families with autistic children really appreciate the idea of the whole family going to something together as a unit and every child should be able to enjoy theatre.

“We offer information

packs online too with pictures of the characters and details of the story to be performed so there will be no surprises on the day as this can frighten some autistic children.”

The family season will run from September 28 until October 14 in the intimate theatre space at The Ark in Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin. Tickets for both public and school performances are now on sale.

6 September 2012 GAZETTE 15

GOLF CLASSIC For Marie Keating Foundation

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Ronan Keating focuses on his game at the Marks & Spencer Marie Keating Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic at the K Club recently. Picture: Adrian Melia

Ronan and celebrity pals in charity drive A HOST of famous names came to Ireland recently to play a round of golf in aid of one of Ireland’s top cancer charities.

The celebrities were in town to play the Marks & Spencer Marie Keating Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic, which took place on the acclaimed Palmer Course at the K Club on August 27.

The annual event, which is now in its 13th year, has become one of the most prestigious Irish charity golfing events.

Once again, the highprofile event saw a host of big names descend on the world-renowned golf course to enjoy a great day of golf, followed by a

dinner at the K Club, all in aid of promoting cancer awareness and raising funds for the Lucanbased charity.

Swords man Ronan Keating, himself a keen golfer, hosts this event every year and as usual, each team of three golfers was joined by an additional celebrity teammate for the event.

This year, the guests rubbed shoulders with we l l - k n ow n n a m e s including: Sir Bobby Charlton, Ronnie Whelan, Steve Staunton, Alan Hansen, Ronan Keating, Bressie, Simon Thornton, Gary Murphy, Brian McFadden, Vogue Williams, James Nesbitt, Allan Lamb, Shane Byrne, Teddy

Sheringham, Charlie Swan, Mick Fitzgerald, Mick Kinane, Darragh O’Shea, Andrew Coltart, Bobby Davro and Paddy Cole.

Retail giant Marks & Spencer are a long-time charity partner of the foundation and were the title’s sponsor. Many of their own staff and suppliers took teams as an added show of support for the work done by the charity.

Speaking at the event, Ronan Keating said: “This is one of my favourite fund-raising events, not only because of the fact that I love to golf myself but because it’s brilliant to see the support it continues to get every year.

“The K Club is an amazing venue and there is always a fantastic buzz about our golf classic. I think it’s that combination that keeps people coming back year after year.”

Also speaking at the event, Carmel Breheny, marketing manager for Marks & Spencer Ireland, said: “Marks & Spencer has proudly been supporting the Marie Keating Foundation since 2002 and has raised well over €1 million for the charity in those 10 years.

“We are delighted to have been headline sponsor of this year’s golf classic, another fantastic event for such a worthy cause.”

16 GAZETTE 6 September 2012

EXCLUSIVE The Gazette catches up with legendary comedian, David Strassman

Master of puppets back for bravura new show I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

AWARD-winning veteran ventriloquist and comedian, David Strassman, is exited at the prospect of “coming home” when he arrives in Ireland this month with a brand-new show, Be Careful What You Wish For, at the Olympia.

The new show, which will run for five nights this September, will see Strassman returning to Dublin: “I lived in Clontarf for a year, my son was born in Mount Carmel’s, and I married a Donegal girl, though we’re now happily divorced.”

Strassman, from Los Angeles, has certainly travelled a long way since his introduction to ventriloquism in junior high school there.

“A teacher, Mr Horowitz, decided to teach ventriloquism as an elective class. I really chose it to get the easy grade.

He saw that I excelled, and then he showed me how to place an

ad in a local paper to do kids’ birthday parties. So, at age 14, I was making $50 for a half-hour show, while all my mates were cutting the grass and raking leaves for five bucks a day.”

David is accompanied as ever by a cast of puppet characters in his new show, and they form the basis and the theme of the production.

“This particular show is truly my most wild, funniest and has amazing production value. It’s basically about my main puppet, Chuck Wood, who wants to take over my brain and tries to get all the other puppets to mutiny against me. One of my puppets, Angel, has the power magically to make wishes come true and when I hear there’s a mutiny about to happen, I say to the puppets, ‘I wish you never existed’.

“Through the magic of theatre, I travel through a wormhole into another dimension where all my puppets exist without my

influence, so each puppet has a doppelganger in another dimension and they don’t know me I’ve to find my way back home.”

Strassman’s technological wizardry, which he first developed with the help of a NASA engineer, is used to great effect in the show. “I’ve developed a technology where in one scene, I have a hand-held wireless device which operates my puppet live.

“I have graduated to a wireless device, enabling me to operate a puppet without using my hands in the traditional way, but 80% [of the show] is still traditional puppetry.”

Strassman’s father was a psychiatrist, and the connection between this and his multiple puppet personalities was something that he was very aware of.

“My dad was a psychiatrist and, well, I call [what I do] ‘controlled schizophrenia’. But my dad never psychoanalysed me.

The characters have always had

their own individual personalities, hopes, dreams and fears.

Each character has parameters of what it would say or do in their imaginary puppet life.

“But there is an element between my two major characters, Chuck Wood and Ted E Bear and real life. The sibling rivalry between those two puppets is very similar to the relationship I had with my brother.

People love to see Chuck pick on Ted E, and Ted E loving Chuck unconditionally - it makes for a great dynamic in theatre.”

And which character did Strassman play in real life? “Oh, I was Chuck! I was the meanest of the two,” he said.

David Strassman’s Careful What You Wish For will run at The Olympia Theatre from September 11 to15. Tickets are available at The Olympia Theatre and cost €28 / €29. For more information, see www. chuckwood.com or www.ticketmaster.ie

Ventriloquist David Strassman, pictured here with Chuck Wood, is back in Dublin from September 11

6 September 2012 GAZETTE 17

GazetteSTYLE STYLE Autumn eyes feature some bright and bold colours COLOUR eyes beautiful this autumn/winter with some fantastic eye-shadow palettes from a range of cosmetic companies.

It’s the time of year when everyone waves goodbye to the summer (if you can call it that) and reluctantly says hello to the autumn, but on the bright side it brings with it some new wardrobe styles and great make-up selections.

This season’s eye makeup range isn’t all about dark and subtle colours, bright bold colours are making headway throughout the catwalk this season with a pop of colour seen across the eyes on many models.

Max factor has mixed the smokey eye effect eyeshadow with pearl beige in

the inner corners, sweeping in a vibrant turquoise over the middle section and adding the pop of colour with ultra violet into the inner upper socket area - a look perfected on the catwalk.

L’Oreal Paros introduces its new Colour Richer Quad eyeshadow palette collection that is designed to make eyes smoulder, add luminosity or make bold statements with palettes including Sumptuously Smokey Collection, Lavishly Luminous Collection and Bold Brights Collection.

The range also has a wet-technology that transforms satiny powder into a luxurious cream.

This palette range is available in eight shades

with an RRP €11.99.

Revlon has palettes that suit every occasion, day or night. Their ColorStay 16 Hour Eyeshadow Quads offer a range of colours from creams to purple.

Each palette contains

shades inspired from the latest catwalks.

Mystic Violet Mono and Heathered Plums Duo create the Dark Romance Look for a/w12 perfectly.

Whilst Precious Metals Duo and Bronze Lustre

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

This season’s eye make-up range isn’t all about dark and subtle colours

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

four expressive, silky, blendable shades that won’t crease, fade or smudge. The RRP price for this range is €11.25.

Elizabeth Arden is offering 20 single and 7 duo eyeshadow palettes that can be mixed and matched to create any look you desire.

The new range offers

Mono can be built up to give the on-trend stunning Sunset look to the eyes.

Elizabeth Arden’s range of Beautiful Colour eyeshadow cost €20 for single and €25 duo palettes.

All collections and colour palettes are available at participating cosmetic stores and pharmacies nationwide now.

Edited by Laura Webb

Make-up master classes MAKE-UP artist to the stars, Shehla Shiakh, is paying a visit to Ireland this month where she will host a number of master classes and one-toone exclusive appointments.

During Brown Thomas’s Autumn Beauty event, Shehla will be at the Lancome counter in Dublin on September 10 and 11.

Her visit also coincides with the launch of Lancome’s autumn make-up collection, Midnight Roses.

To book an appointment with Shehla or attend one of her masterclasses, contact the participating Brown Thomas counter.

18 GAZETTE 6 September 2012

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS Making no bones about treatment Supported

by AIB

Interview: Alan Moynihan, Laurel Lodge Physiotherapy owner

A FIRST-TIME BORROWER

Q – THIS is the last year that first-time borrowers can avail of mortgage interest relief, but is it worth bothering about? I am single, on a salary of €55K, and have no debts. What’s all the fuss? Terry – Wicklow A - IN A word – yes! First of all, property prices have reduced by up to 70% and it is still a buyer’s market.

While money is still “tight” with the lenders, if you meet the parameters and conditions, you will find approval.

First of all, on your income, with no debts, you could be eligible to borrow up to a maximum of €250,000, depending on the lender.

Even if you bought at €200,000 – and there is good value at this level – you would need a minimum €25,000 to cover your deposit (you may obtain a 92% loan – the normal is 90%, while there are some lenders only prepared to lend 80% of the value of the property you wish to purchase), stamp duty (1% ), and legal costs (c. 1%, plus VAT and outlay). You might also want to provide for furnishings.

Now let’s look at the monthly costs on a mortgage of €180,000: - Mortgage repayment (at 3.5% over 30 years): €808.28 per month; - Tax relief (at 25% on the interest paid): €131.25 per month. This relief is available for the next seven years.

- Net payment, therefore, is €677.03 per month.

On the Net Disposable Income method (your financial monthly commitments must not exceed 35% of your net monthly income), you would need to have a net monthly income of €2,309.37, or somewhere around a gross income of €35,000.

If you have the ability and capacity to buy, and you are looking for a home, then now is the time.

Seize it!

Contact John with your money questions at

jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

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MAYBE it’s the proximity to the Phoenix Park – it certainly can’t have been the weather this summer – but, whatever it is, the Dublin 15 community are remaining active, running, training and getting out and about, according to Laurel Lodge Physiotherapy owner, Alan Moynihan.

Moynihan, a char tered physiotherapist, is at hand to assist with the treatment and rehabilitation of any injuries that fitness fans may pick up.

Having practiced extensively as a physiotherapist in Britain, New Zealand and Ireland, he returned home and founded Laurel Lodge

Physiotherapy last year, fulfilling an ambition to open his own practice in his native Dublin 15 area.

Moynihan enjoys working with local sports people and says he relishes the challenge of trying to get to the bottom of long-term back and neck pain sufferers’ symptoms.

“Dublin 15 has seen a surge in athletes taking up running and endurance events such as triathlon.

“A lot of these athletes require treatment, particularly in the lead-up to the Dublin City Marathon,” he says.

From his modern, fully

e q u i p p e d cl i n i c l o c a t e d upstairs in Laurel Lodge Shopping Centre, Moynihan specialises in the treatment of lower back and neck pain, joint aches and pains and sports injuries.

He also offers a comprehensive rehabilitation service for patients recovering from orthopaedic surgery, such as knee and hip operations.

Services on offer at Laurel Lodge Physiotherapy include char tered physiotherapy, deep tissue and sports massage, trigger point dry needling, back and neck pain treatment, and post-op orthopaedic rehabilitation.

Alan Moynihan, chartered physiotherapist: on hand in Dublin 15 to treat and help rehabilitate a wide range of injuries

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

A: All the usual ones – astro-

that you once thought you could not pull off?

A: Still hoping to run a mara-

naut, footballer, James Bond

thon in a few years, but enjoying 5-10k races at the moment

Q: What was your first job?

A: Packing shelves in Superquinn, Blanchardstown

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: £50-60 Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: Never Q: When did you start your present job?

Last year Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Meeting new people every day, and trying to help them recover from their injuries

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

A: Mostly nothing – phone answering, occasionally

Q: Have you achieved anything

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

A: A packet of salt and vinegar Tayto, but they won’t be for long!

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

A: Not sure that there is a record on me

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: All of them – football,

car

A: Weekend away in a few

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

A: Neither – you’d have to go

weeks, meeting up with some friends I haven’t seen in two years

with Katie Taylor right now

Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: I don’t have one; I’m still using CDs

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Mostly accounts that tweet Irish news and sports; love @ secondcaptains

rugby, athletics, golf; loved the Olympics

Q: What was your last tweet/ Facebook status?

A: I tweeted about National

Q: What sport can you play?

A: Running, Gaelic, golf

Potato Day, which was on August 25 – big fan of spuds!

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

A: I’ll admit to occasionally playing Garth Brooks in the

Q: Describe your dream meal?

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

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

A: Enda Kenny Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: Holidays – they tend to be short, these days, so I enjoy them

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Definitely not as many as my football boots and runners

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: Loved New Zealand, but woke up one morning with 43 mosquito bites all over my body

A: Seems so far off ... Travel, golf, play poker

6 September 2012 GAZETTE 19

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY CLONDALKIN: THREE-BEDROOM FAMILY HOME FOR €270,000

Superb sale on St Brigid’s Road

BROE Auctioneers are bringing 19, St Brigid’s Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, a threebedroomed family home positioned close to Clondalkin village, for the asking price of €270,000.

Positioned in an appealing location, No 19 holds all the ingredients needed for a family home, and offers a bright, well-proportioned accommodation with further potential.

Set just a short stroll from Clondalkin village and close to an abundance of amenities including shops, schools and leisure facilities and a short distance away from the M50 motorway and Luas light railway, which enables easy access to all parts of the country.

The accommodation includes an entrance hallway which features a storm porch, alarm panel and phone point.

The ground floor fea-

No 19 St Brigid’s Road is on the market for €270,000

tures two large reception rooms, including a living room which features a tiled fireplace and gas fire inset. It also has ceiling coving, a TV point as well as double doors to the dining room, which has a tile open fireplace, ceil-

ing coving, and a patio door leading to the rear garden.

The kitchen also has a tiled open fireplace, fitted wall and f loor units, and contains a door which leads to the rear garage.

Upstairs are three

bedrooms, all of which have built-in wardrobes, and the family bathroom, which was recently refurbished, and contains a WC, wash-hand basin and large corner shower unit.

The bathroom is also

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fully tiled on floor and walls.

To the front, there is off-street parking sided by lawn, while the rear garden is very private and is bordered with shrubs and mature trees.

This property requires light modernisation.

Other features of the property include gasfired central heating, double glazing throughout, and a gated side entrance.

Viewing is by appointment which can be organised through Craig Leap at Broe Auctioneers, who can be contacted at Tower House, Monaster y Road, Clondalkin Village, Dublin 22, and for more information, call 01 459 4433 or log on to www.broe.ie

Kitchen class: New Avalon style added to range CASH & CARRY Kitchens nationwide

showrooms are continuing to extend the range of affordable luxury kitchens with the inclusion of the stylish Avalon kitchen to their range.

Cash & Carry Kitchens also carries a range of accessories to perfect the kitchen keeping it practical yet stunning, with drawer pulls and cupboard handles from top European designers, and much more.

20 GAZETTE 6 September 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS The battle RoadSigns Road Signs of the small cars rumbles on Five-star safety rating for Cee’d

THE all-new Kia Cee’d has been awarded a maximum 5-Star accident safety rating by Europe’s leading road safety organisation, EuroNCAP. The five-door hatchback achieved high scores for adult occupant protection (89%), child occupant protection (88%) and safety assist equipment (86%), recording the maximum possible score in the dynamic element of the child occupant safety test. EuroNCAP testers were also impressed with the inclusion of electronic stability control across the entire new Cee’d range in Europe ahead of it becoming a compulsory test criteria.

“The previous generation Cee’d was the first Kia to achieve a 5-star EuroNCAP rating. In the last five years, testing criteria have become tougher, making it harder for manufacturers’ products to be awarded top marks. It is a testament to Kia’s on going commitment to vehicle safety that we are able to once again achieve a high score for the Cee’d,” comments Benny Oeyen, vice president Marketing and Product Planning, Kia Motors Europe.

Toyota to sponsor Newstalk rugby TOYOTA Ireland has announced that from September 2012 it will become the new sponsor of rugby coverage on Newstalk 106-108fm.

The deal will see Toyota supporting all rugby broadcasts on the station including Newstalk’s innovative rugby analysis on the multi awardwinning Off the Ball, The Right Hook and Weekend Sports as well as Irish international game analysis and its live broadcasting of up to fifteen Heineken Cup games.

Regular contributors to Newstalk’s rugby coverage include a host of former stars and expert analysts like Shane Horgan, Keith Wood, Denis Hickie, Emmett Byrne, Liam Toland and Matt Williams.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Ian Corbett, marketing operations manager for Toyota Ireland said: “At Toyota Ireland, when it comes to sponsorship, we aim to partner with people and organisations that show exceptionally high standards and dedication to their craft.

“The sports team at Newstalk delivers the best rugby analysis and coverage and that comes across in the quality of journalism, contributors and the overall entertainment value of their broadcasts.

“We’re delighted to announce this new sponsorship and look forward to working with Newstalk into the new rugby season.”

CORMAC CURTIS

IRISH motorists have always had great affection for small cars.

They make sense on many levels, and as the marketing departments of the car manufacturers are beginning to realise, small cars appeal to a wide cross section of the market.

Young drivers as well as the so-called “empty nesters” share the same priorities when it comes to choosing their cars.

They demand a very attractive sticker price, low running costs, bottom-dollar road tax, and real fuel economy.

Can this be achieved with an attractive look and a comfortable drive?

T he answer seems to be yes, yes and yes again.

There is a nothing short of a motoring war raging in the small car segment at the moment, and two cars that are really going at it for a piece of the Irish market are the Volkswagen Up and the Skoda Citigo.

Also throwing punches in this particular bout is the SEAT Mii. Skoda and VW are brands that currently share the affections of a great deal of Irish motorists, VW have enjoyed success over the years, with the Golf

and Polo in particular always selling well.

In recent years, Skoda too has begun to capture the hearts of buyers.

They are seen as the plucky underdog, eager to succeed against the odds – the kind of scenario that the Irish will always get behind, probably because our rugby and football teams do the same thing!

As reported earlier this year, I attended the European launch of the Skoda Citigo and got a good look at it ahead of its Irish launch.

Over the summer, I managed to test the Citigo, as well as the Up on Irish roads to really see how they matched up to one another.

First in to the ring is the Up. I must admit, I was really looking forward to this car – I’m married to someone who has a lifelong love of VWs, the Golf in particular, so a new model was an appealing prospect.

Before I get into the details, it’s important to remember that the Up, the Citigo, and even the Mii, all come from the same stable, so there are striking similarities as all three cars share a chassis and many internal components.

Having said that, we are still talking about

cars with a set of unique characteristics.

The Up is certainly a small car, measuring just 3,540mm in length and 1,641mm in width, but don’t let that put you off.

The VW engineers have managed to squeeze more than enough room out of the interior for two adults to travel with plenty of shoulder and headroom, and in real comfort.

Up can be shoehorned in to some seriously small parking spaces.

But just because this car is small don’t think that it isn’t practical – I managed to fit a fullsized law nmower in the back with the seats folded down.

The Up also scores well in the looks department. Clever use of materials and colours really gives the car a lift.

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

‘I must admit, I was really looking forward to this car – I’m married to someone who has a lifelong love of VWs, the Golf in particular, so a new model was an appealing prospect’

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

The test car I drove was the three-door version, which makes it a little tricky for full-sized adults to get in and out of the back – the kids didn’t have any trouble at all, in fact they were even sliding the seats out of the way by themselves within a day.

It goes without saying that this kind of car is not going to break any speed records, but for driving around town, it’s a marvel.

Because the wheels are set at the extremities of the car, it excels in manoeuvrability – the

The exterior colour is matched on the interior, and, in the model I drove; even the dashboard had a highly polished finish in the same colour.

One very nice touch was the flat-bottomed chunky steering wheel, it’s a small feature that adds the driving experience.

Moving on to the Skoda Citigo, and we are faced with a very similar car indeed.

T his was also the three-door version, and again, the kids had no problem getting in and

out and buckling up, so my back was spared the contortions that some three-door cars force it into.

As I said, both cars are based on the same chassis, with the Citigo measuring about 2cms longer than the Up. T he styling of the Skoda is a little more understated than the V W, w h i c h , I m u s t admit, I prefer.

The grille helps to give

6 September 2012 GAZETTE 21

Edited by Cormac Curtis

RoadSigns Road Signs Volkswagen Bank lending set to grow in 2012 to €120m

The Volkswagen Up and the Skoda Citigo

the front end a more complete look and the side windows offer more traditional lines.

The interior finish in the model I drove was a bright affair called Club Reverse in ivory and it gave the already generous interior a greater sense of space.

T here are lots of clever storage compartments and pockets for drinks, documents etc. as well as a park-

ing ticket holder on the windscreen and hooks on the B columns Skoda are offering their City Safe Drive emergency braking feature as an option in the car, which makes a lot more sense than a sat nav in my opinion.

The City Safe Drive feature automatically stops the car when it senses an imminent collision.

When it comes to the

actual drive, to be honest I didn’t really feel an enormous difference between the two cars.

The Skoda was the 60hp version while the VW was the more powerful 75hp.

For city driving, the Skoda had more than enough poke to get around, so I wouldn’t see any real benefit in the 75hp option.

All in all, these cars are attractive, practical

and very good value for money.

Both offer enough options to tick the boxes of almost any prospective buyer, so it really comes down to personal taste.

For me, that would be the Citigo.

I do like Skodas, and the 60hp option makes it a more affordable car to own.

I would definitely recommend the City Safe

Drive feature and without doubt the five-door version is well worth an extra €500.

The Skoda has an entry price of €9,995 while the Up kicks off at €10,995.

So the battle of the small cars rumbles on, and now that Skoda are also offering some ingenious finance and leasing packages, they certainly seem to be ahead on points.

VOLKSWAGEN Bank Ireland, a division of Volkswagen Financial Services, Europe’s biggest automotive finance provider has revealed that in the first seven months of 2012 it has provided approximately €100 million in vehicle finance packages for Irish consumers and expects lending to grow by almost 10% year on year (2011 -€109m) by the end of 2012 with a target of €120m.

The financial wing of Volkswagen Group, this finance has been provided via a range of attractive finance packages through Volkswagen Group’s five car marques which are: Audi, Skoda, Seat, Volkswagen and Volkswagen commercial vehicles.

Providing vehicle finance in Ireland since 2008, Volkswagen Bank currently employs 30 staff at its headquarters in Leopardstown, Dublin 18. Volkswagen Bank has provided over €320m in vehicle finance to the Irish market in the last three and half years and it has viewed a significant surge in lending applications over the last 24 months as Irish motorists become more aware and more familiar with the competitive finance offers available via Europe’s largest automotive bank.

Commenting on the increasing level of finance provided, Mutlu Gur, general manager, Volkswagen Bank said: “2012 has seen surge of consumer interest in Volkswagen Bank. Irish motorists are embracing the Bank as a very real alternative source of finance compared to the traditional banking sector.

“The sound financial foundations of the Bank, enables Volkswagen Group to provide very competitive financial terms and this is reflected in the fact that we are lending record levels of finance so far in 2012 and that 70% of this lending has been provided for new car finance.”

With a market leading acceptance rate of over 80%, approximately 6,500 tailor-made finance packages with a average finance terms of 39 months were provided to Irish consumers by Volkswagen Bank Ireland so far in 2012. Over 20,000 Irish motorists have purchased their cars through Volkswagen Bank Ireland since its launch in 2008.

Finance packages vary across the five brands, reflecting each brands consumer segment with rates starting as low as 0% APR. In total, 40 varying finance packages provided a comprehensive menu of finance options for Irish motorists during 2012 and this trend looks set to continue with a new range of packages currently in planning for 2013, these will be revealed later this year.

For further information on the range of finance packages available across the Volkswagen Group go to www.readywhenyouare.ie

22 GAZETTE 6 September 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Experience an important part of Irish history Discover a unique family theme park with Stena Line

STENA Line has launched a brand new getaway package to the Legoland Windsor Resort Hotel, giving families the chance to enjoy an action-packed trip to London from only €197 per adult, per night (minimum stay two nights). This great price includes return travel from Dublin Port to Holyhead or Rosslare to Fishguard by car, accommodation with breakfast and what’s more – kids go free! Legoland Windsor Resort is a unique family theme park which boasts over 55 interactive rides, live shows, building workshops, driving schools and attractions, all set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland. For further information or to book, call Stena Line on 01 204 77 33 or log onto www.stenaline.ie.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel and Spa is the perfect summer escape

EXPERIENCE the wonders and beautiful beaches of Dubai or take a trek on a desert excursion in Abu Dhabi with Gohop.ie. With prices from just €602 per person to Dubai or €608 per person to Abu Dhabi, there has never been a better opportunity to discover the Middle East, without breaking the bank.

Dubai is an extraordinary Middle Eastern destination that has raised the bar time and time again. From first class shopping and spectacular high rise buildings to beautiful beaches, luxury hotels and fantastic golf courses, Dubai has more than enough to offer any visitor. Dubai’s attraction extends to the mix of old and new between the ultra-modern and the enchantingly traditional and is a melting pot of cultures and beliefs that is sure to satisfy even the most seasoned of travellers. Travel on September 22, and stay in a four-star hotel for seven nights on a room-only basis from only €602 per person. Price includes return flights from Dublin to Dubai, accommodation, taxes and charges.

Or travel to Abu Dhabi and stay in a four-star hotel for seven nights on a room only basis from just €608 per person, departing from Dublin on September 19. The unique atmosphere created by the perfect blend of Islamic culture and western charm combined with world class shopping, glitzy hotels and desert excursions make Abu Dhabi a city that stands alone as a premier city break destination. Price includes return flights from Dublin to Dubai, accommodation, taxes and charges.

For more special offers, for more information or to book your holiday, visit www.gohop.ie/specials.

The Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai

DAVE PHILLIPS

A LITTLE trip off the motorway when heading west can bring you to some unexpected places.

One such spot is Strokestown Park, County Roscommon.

The parkwill be familiar to anyone who is native to the region, where it is a popular venue for day trips and wedding snaps, but I found many Dubliners, myself included, were unaware of it.

Located along the N5, making it a perfect pitstop en-route to Westport, Strokestown is a small town which claims the widest street in Europe.

One end of the town is dominated by the entrance to the park and house.

Once on the land you’ll

The photography room

find the impressive Georgian house, which is in a continual process of gentle restoration and preservation.

Other attractions include a restaurant serving delicious hearty food, several miles of woodland walks decorated with sculpture pieces, and a six-acre walled pleasure garden.

Strokestown Park is also the location for the National Famine Museum, which was opened in 1994, a fitting location given that Famine ties together many of the elements of the park, and features heavily in its history.

Major Denis Mahon, a descendent of the Mahon family who was granted the land in 1653, initiated emigration schemes dur-

ing the Famine, which made him massively unpopular with local tenants.

In 1847 he became the first landlord to be assassinated during the period.

The land stayed in the Mahon family until the late 20th century, when it was bought by Westward Garage Ltd. The idea had initially been to expand an adjacent dealership onto the land, and sell off the excess land for agriculture; but having discovered the rich history contained in documents collected in the estate offices, the decision was to preserve Strokestown Park as a historical and cultural monument.

While the divide between the wealth inside

and the poverty outside the walls of Strokestown Park is explored in the museum, a similar divide existed within the house.

Daily guided tours show what life was like both for the family in residence, and for the workers who lived there.

Fans of Downton Abbey will find the stratified system of living familiar: passages and tunnels exist for the staff to move about the house out of sight of the family.

The kitchen is galleried, with a mezzanine level so the lady of the house could visit and deliver orders from above, without needing to physically step into the hustle and bustle of the kitchen.

A tour of the pleasure garden is also highly recommended. Here you can explore several acres of carefully manicured land, where avenues of roses run down to a lily-filled lake. A large knocker sits on a door through which the family entered, and three loud knocks signalled any garden staff to obscure themselves from view.

Today, you’re more likely to surprise the chef – all of the food served in the restaurant is grown in the garden. A large area at the back is dedicated to fruit and vegetables, including the infamous Lumper potato, which still remains

Strokestown Park is a unique visitor attraction in Co Roscommon

prone to blight. Parts of the original walls still contain an original flue system, which piped hot air through them to encourage growth of more exotic fruit.

With its blend of evocative history, carefully preserved beauty, and its wholesome food, Strokestown Park is recognised as one of the most significant private restorations in Ireland.

There’s enough to keep you busy for a day if you’re staying nearby; or if you’re driving to the West, make a point to schedule your stop there. It’s a great way to experience an important part of Irish history, and you can be sure you’ll never settle for forecourt sandwiches again.

For more information on Strokestown Park, log on to www.strokestownpark.ie

6 September 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 23

Edited by Natalie Burke

TravelBriefs

Turkey’s Aegean Coast

Enjoy a sun holiday in September free from the hustle and bustle of the peak family season WITH children returning to school, September brings with it the perfect opportunity for couples to enjoy the fine weather in sun resorts free of the hustle and bustle of the peak family season.

And to make the most of your free time, Thomas Cook Ireland has a range of exclusive post-rush packages with relaxation, romance and all-inclusive luxury in mind on the Turkish Aegean Coast, with prices starting from just €655 per person.

The quaint village of Yalikavak is the perfect resort for a taste of real Turkish life mixed with great tourist services.

The four-star-plus Delta Beach Resort is a real oasis of tranquillity, with its stunning seafront location, magnificent views over the bay and superb facilities. It is available for seven nights from €725 per person on an all-inclusive basis, with drinks and meals included, and departs from Dublin on September 22.

A little further North, Cesme is a charming fishing village which has retained its friendly atmosphere, and boasts two of the best beaches in Turkey. Close to its centre, the four-star Piril Hotel is a relaxing and welcoming property, with stylish rooms and two excellent pools. Thomas Cook is offering seven nights from just €655 allinclusive per person, departing from Dublin on September 22.

The peaceful location and beautiful beach front setting of the four-star Fantasia Hotel in Kusadasi sets the tone for a blissful all-inclusive week, with food, drink and the hotel’s many facilities all included in the price of just €745 per person for seven nights, departing from Dublin on September 15. The great variety of shops and restaurants in the Long Beach area are just 1.3 km away. For more information or to book, call the Thomas Cook team in Dublin on 01 514 0328, or log onto www.thomascook.ie

The beautiful walled gardens

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS The House is unchanged from the time when the Mahons The Famine Museum

lived there

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24 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 6 September 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT GOT A PICTURE? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email picturedesk@gazettegroup.com

Tom Hardy taking aim at the stylist who told him that that cardigan looked good.

I fought the law and...

An all-star cast makes an early run at Oscar glory, but the result is more packed with cliches than plaudits I PAUL HOSFORD

DE PR E S S IO N - E R A America has been a rich picking ground for Hollywood in recent years.

With directors such as Sam Mendes (Road To Perdition) and Michael Mann (Public Enemies) having taken on the era in recent times, it is no surprise that Lawless would be gaining such a buzz.

After all, it has everything a late-year drama needs: hot young cast (Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Jessica Chastain), check; hype from a top festival (Palme D’Or nomination at Cannes), check; interesting writer/ director combo (Nick Cave, yes that Nick Cave, and The Road’s John Hillcoat), absolute check.

So, all the constituent parts are there, the ducks are in the proverbial row.

So why am I so disappointed?

I l ove t h e e r a , I immensely enjoyed The

FILM OF THE WEEK: Lawless ### (18) 115 mins Director: John Hillcoat Starring: Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Guy Pearce, Gary Oldman, Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Dane DeHaan

OUR VERDICT:

THE period elements feel spot on and the young cast, Hardy, LaBeouf and Chastain in particular, are excellent, but the fixation with being gory and on edge takes away from characterisation, leaving the end-product feeling somewhat uneven. It is still a notch above most films this year, however.

Road and I seem to be about the only person on the planet that finds Shia LaBeouf likable, I should have been throwing stars at this like a ninja with an arm spasm.

Yet, here I am, doling out a mid-level film and reflecting on whether the problem is me. Am I just too jaded?

As I enter my 26th year, have I lost my ability to enjoy period action?

Has my love of gangsters, bootleggers and hardboiled police-men lost its lustre?

Or maybe this just isn’t very good.

It’s probably the latter,

to be honest.

Lawless is the true-life story of the Bondurant brothers, a trio of Robin Hood-esque bootleggers who control Franklin County.

With their bar acting as a front for their activities, life is good for the boys.

Of course, the happygo-lucky life of a bootlegging family does not a film make and Guy Pearce is on hand as a special agent intent not on stopping the Bondurants, but on ensuring that he gets his cut.

It is actually the arrival of Pearce, an actor of immense talent, that starts

the film’s shift from almost contemporary commentary on the foundations of American society into a lost narrative on a pantomime villain and a trio of wayward brothers.

Whereas Hillcoat kept The Road, a grand sweeping novel, on a tight leash and focused solely on the relationship between father and son, Lawless bounces between storylines.

The early going is spent gravitating to Tom Hardy’s menace as middle-brother Forrest, who is the head of the operation.

Hardy does a manful job of adding gravitas to a man who essentially only communicates in single syllables and has a penchant for serious violence.

Seeing Jason Clarke, who you may recognise from TV’s Brotherhood or The Chicago Code, in a major film role is a delight, but his character, oldest brother Howard is,

unfortunately massively underwritten.

A World War I veteran who has taken too much of the bootleggers produce, Howard has the most potential to ground the film in something human, but that opportunity is lost.

Fresh-face LaBeouf is obviously the actor most enjoying himself, playing against type and not, for once, playing a nervous teenager. His Jack is almost the protagonist and after witnessing Gary Oldman’s cuty thug Floyd Banner gun a competitor down in cold blood, Jack delves further into criminal life.

His brothers’ reluctance to allow him join the business is another story strand left frustratingly unfinished.

The end product is a violent, uneven, occassionally brilliantly directed film that shows that in a world of villains, heroes are hard to come by.

6 September 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING The right Wei for adventure in Hong Kong I SHANE DILLON

The recently released Sleeping Dogs, a Hong Kong-set title, mixes together lots of gaming tropes with several Hong Kong crime films to create an interesting new open-world game.

Chinese-American police officer Wei Shen goes back to Hong Kong to go deep undercover in the city, with the aim of taking down a local Triad organisation from within.

Of course, to rise further within the ranks

and get closer to the top, Wei has to be a “good” Triad member – and do lots of very bad things, with the tacit approval of the few higher-ups in the police who know his true identity.

Along the way, Wei’s loyalties are tested, as he grows increasinly attached to his Triad brothers, yet can’t forget his duty as an undercover cop, and – Well, at this point, Sleeping Dogs’ plot plays out like half a dozen Hong Kong action films, as this kind of conflict-

ed-loyalties dilemma is a familiar theme in many Asian films.

Turning instead to the gameplay, and Sleeping Dogs is certainly going all-out to establish its own strong identity in the open-world genre.

As you’d expect, Wei is very handy with his, well, hands, with extensive martial arts adding to the typical run ’n’ gun gameplay.

Wei’s barely able to walk down the street with rival triad thugs trying to beat him up, like a mash-up between

Aweebyte Extra Skyrim

Although a little rough around the edges, there’s an undeniable sheen to many of Wei Shen’s travels around neon-soaked Hong Kong, particularly in wet weather

enjoyable Dreamcast title Shenmue II and the PlayStation series, Yakuza.

Hong Kong, too, has set the scene for an interesting playground for Wei’s storyline.

While not quite a true cultural representation of the iconic Chinese city, it is, nevertheless, a fairly faithful intrepreta-

tion of it, complete with many Asian influences that spice up the gameplay, and storyline, quite a bit.

While most gamers will be concentrating on everything from “standard” driving, shooting, sailing, exploration and mar tial ar ts-related antics around the city, others will note the

excellent voiceover work by a strong cast, including Lucy Liu, Emma Stone and Tom Wilkinson, to name but a few.

All in all, it’s a decent late-summer release that will feel instantly familiar to gamers, yet which has a strong visual identity of its own, as well as an interestingly “Eastern” storyline.

MANY games’ lives get regularly extended and enriched through downloadable content (DLC), and one DLC expansion that’s on the way has caught my eye.

Skyrim – the absolutely gigantic multiplatform game set in a pseudo-Nordic medieval land – gets another DLC expansion soon, entitled Hearthfire.

As the name suggests, gamers will be able to buy land in Tamriel, then design and build their dream home to return to as a base – assuming that you’ve always wanted your “dream home” to have a stuffed orc or two, a weapons rack for crossbows and enchanted blades, and other such oddities.

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GazetteSPORT

SPORT STARS: August’s monthly local award winners revealed: Page 29

SOCCERFEST: PHOENIX PARK SET TO HOST ANNUAL SPORT AGAINST RACISM EVENT

SARI host 16th annual intercultural event

sport@gazettegroup.com

SPORT Against Racism Ireland will host their 16th annual Tesco mobile SARI Soccerfest in the Phoenix Park on Saturday and Sunday.

Soccerfest is an intercultural 7-aside tournament and family event with music and entertainment for everyone that highlights the need to live in a new Ireland that embraces diversity and integration.

It has become the

largest intercultural soccer tournament in Ireland. Established in 1997 initially for members of the new communities to integrate with local communities and give them a platform for mainstreaming opportunities, it has developed into the largest intercultural soccer tournament in Ireland.

It now includes 48 teams for men and women that participate from across Ireland and spectators of over 4,000.

A number of football players from Ireland’s new communities started out at Soccerfest and now play for a number of FAI league clubs and the Irish youth team.

The event has many high profile supporters including former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr, Apres Match’s Gary Cooke and former Shamrock Rovers’ defender Victor Ekanem.

A range of cultural activities including live

Team Rocha celebrate their cup victory in the 2007 SARI Soccerfest at the Garda soccer grounds in the Phoenix Park. The event this year expects to attract 48 teams and over 4,000 spectators

entertainment is provided for all the family.

As part of the activities participants are given advice on mainstreaming into other sports organisations including developing links with soccer clubs.

Soccerfest provides an

environment in which people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures can appreciate their shared passion and compete in a respectful way, recognising the diversity that is among the population and a feature of interna-

tional sport.

Over the weekend, there will be a men’s tournament of 40 teams, a women’s tournament of eight teams and also a boys and girl’s tournament for Under-13’s.

If you are interested in entering a team,

would like further information, or would be interested in working as a volunteer at Soccerfest, contact SARI on 01 873 5077 or email info@ sari.ie.

Admission to the event is free all weekend.

28 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 6 September 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

CYCLING: HUGE LOCAL CONTINGENT TO TAKE ON RAS NA MBAN

Moynihan named in Junior Ryder Cup side GAVIN Moynihan has been named in the European team for the 2012 Junior Ryder Cup, which takes place at Olympia Fields Country Club in Illinois, USA, from September 24 – 25.

The Pobal Scoil Iosa and Island golfer has been in scintillating form this year to earn his place in a team that comprises two U-16 boys, two U-16 girls, four U-18 boys and four U-18 girls.

They will attempt to regain the trophy from the USA after a 13½ - 10½ defeat at the Gleneagles Hotel in 2010. The Junior Ryder Cup was formally introduced in 1997, following an exhibition match between teams of boys and girls from Europe and the United States in 1995. It traditionally takes place just before the Ryder Cup. Moynihan was the youngest player ever to win the Irish Amateur Championship this year to take up one of the U-18 boys’ spot and is joined in the panel by Austrian Matthias Schwab, who played on The European Tour as a 15 year old in the 2010 Austrian Golf Open.

England’s Toby Tree and Sweden’s Victor Tarnstrom make up the U-18 quarter. The girls are represented by Linnea Strom of Sweden, who has dominated junior golf in her country, Quirine Eijkenboom of Germany, Harang Lee from Spain and England’s Bronte Law. The Junior Ryder Cup has been the platform from which successful professional careers have been launched for numerous players.

Spaniard Sergio Garcia played in the 1995 exhibition match and four years later was part of the full European team at the Country Club in Brookline, while Suzann Pettersen played in the Junior Ryder Cup in 1997 and 1999 before becoming Norway’s top female golfer and taking part in six Solheim Cups.

Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy was in the victorious 2004 team, since then he has won two major championships.

Thirty-six women from across Ireland will battle it out with an international field in the Ras na mBan which gets under way on Saturday

Orwell lead Irish push sport@gazettegroup.com

LOCAL riders will provide a large portion of the 36 Irish entrants who will take the line for the An Post Rás na mBan which gets under way in Sneem on Saturday.

With last year’s winner Olivia Dillon absent on international duty at the world championships in the Netherlands, the way has been left clear for the five riders on the Irish team in Kerry to make their mark.

All but one of the selected squad will be making their Irish debut at the event with Lauren Creamer having worn green on her way to 11th overall last year.

The Welsh-based rider will be looking forward to an opportunity to shine having spent last year’s race supporting Dillon, and Irish team manager

Gillian McDarby has plenty of other options in the fight for overall honours.

London-based former Orwell rider Lydia Boylan has been in scintillating form on road and track this season and takes up an Irish shirt on the back of a raft of strong results including fourth at the national road race championships.

Amy Brice and Anne Dalton rode last year’s event on the Ulster and Leinster teams respectively and both have made enormous strides on the national road scene this year.

The fifth member of the team is 20-year-old Fiona Guihen from Navan Road Club, a Rás na mBan rookie whose elevation to the national team comes on the back of impressive form this season.

The Leinster team

includes Caroline Conway, one of the reserves for the Irish team, who rode the event with Leinster last season as did team mates Orla McEvoy and Niamh Stephens.

Charlotte McDonald and Fiona Cooke graduate to the Leinster team having made their debuts with Orwell Wheelers last season.

The mighty Dublin club DTC Orwell Wheelers sends two squads to An Post Rás na mBan this year along with their representatives on the Ireland and Leinster teams.

Star veteran rider Orla Hendron will marshal the troops for a tilt at the County Rider prizes aided

by Ciara Kinch, Lucy Soden and Mags Donnelly. The fifth member of the Dundrum Town Centre supported team is Kerry-born Trish Buckley, an emerging force in

Leinster league racing.

The Orwell Joe Daly’s Cycles team includes a couple of guests: junior European championship rider Lauren Gourlay swaps her Castlebar CC colours for the event while ace vet Monica Marconi rejoins her old club for the week. They are joined by up and coming Orwellians Isabel Cogan, Catherine Downes and Siobhan O’Connor.

One of the stars of the local racing scene this season has been Spain’s Sara Ortiz who leads the Galway-based Black Rose Racing Team. Ortiz, a former Giro Donne competitor, will surely be a force to reckoned with.

Ortiz will be joined in the team by Clare Dallat, the Australian based Irish woman who went within forty seconds of winning the Irish Time Trial Championship when finishing

fourth in 2010.

Backing them will be the in-form road and track star Rosin Kennedy, Derry’s Tonya Moran and Scottish visitor Anne Ewing.

The final local-based team in this year’s race is the Wheelworx 3D TC team made up of triathletes Vanessa Fenton, Aisling Coppinger, Marie Fox, Tania Finn, Maria Mulvany and Karen Robinson.

Riding on the Londonbased Look Mum No Hands! team - but also eligible for the Sneem Hotel County Rider classification - are twice former winner Louise Moriarty and event sophomore Siobhan McNamara.

The An Post Rás na mBan teams face 400km of racing in six stages over five days running from Saturday to Thursday, September 13.

6 September 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 29

DublinGazetteNewspapers SOCCER: CLIFFORD AND MCLOUGHLIN IN U-21S 2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS AUGUST WINNERS

STARof theMONTH KATIE TAYLOR THE PEAMOUNT United club member set the world alight as she became one of the very first female Olympic boxing gold medallists in London early in August. She added the 60kg title to the world title she won earlier this year, indelibly confirming her place in the pantheon of all-time Irish sporting greats.

TEAMof theMONTH FOXROCK CABINTEELY JUST nine years since forming, the southside club claimed the Dublin senior ladies football championship title with a stunning display against reigning champs Na Fianna in Parnell Park. They now move on to represent the county in the Leinster championship for the very first time, another huge step forward in their history.

AUGUST proved to be a massive month for female sport in Ireland as Katie Taylor became the country’s first female Olympic medallist since the controversial Michelle Smith back in 1996 in Atlanta.

With Rathfarnham sailor Annalise Murphy mixing it with the best in the Laser Radial competition, earning the Irish Times sportswoman of the month title, they were among Ireland’s stand-out Olympians in London this time

around.

On the team front, there were a number of notable firsts with Foxrock Cabinteely’s being the greatest of them, edging out St Sylvester’s, both clubs producing truly ground-breaking performances so early in their development on the ladies football scene.

Their performances highlighted a sparkling summer of sport, leading nicely into the autumn sporting calendar.

Chelsea’s Conor Clifford remains an integral part of the Republic of Ireland U-21 side

Local duo get Ireland calls sport@gazettegroup.com

PA L M E R S T OW N ’ S Conor Clifford and Clondalkin man Ian McLoughlin have been included in Noel King’s Republic of Ireland Under-21 team for the forthcoming UEFA U21 Championship qualifying Group Seven fixtures with Hungary and Italy.

The Irish face Hungary in Kecskemet on Thursday, September 6 then meet the Italians in Casarano four days

later.

After the recent defeat

by Turkey in their final home game, Ireland have a very difficult task ahead of them but the Irish boss is confident his side can turn the odds in their favour.

“We have two games to go in our group and the simple facts are that if we win the two of them we’ll get at least second place and hopefully that will secure a playoff place,” said King.

“We can’t concentrate on the Italy game

until we’ve dealt with Hungary. We’ve beaten Hungary before in Sligo so we go there knowing that we are capable of winning the match.

“Of course there was disappointment after our defeat by Turkey last time out. Overall the performance was good and we played well in sections of the game but we conceded a late goal. We have to pick ourselves up now and travel with a positive mindset.

“What has been posi-

Soccer camp: Locals enjoy Bayern prize THE annual Allianz junior football camp kicked-off in Munich, Germany, this week with 63 teenagers from 21 countries taking part in a five-day footballing adventure with Bayern München.

The children, including Lucy Ashmore, Jonathan Keating and Ashington’s Steven Mullins got to take in a private training session with the famous club.

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

tive is that a lot of our lads have five or six more games under their belt since the Turkey game and will be sharper. Fitness wasn’t an excuse for the loss to Turkey but it will definitely be helpful that the lads are a bit further into their season.”

A number of players have returned after missing the Turkey game with Jeff Hendrick, Adam Bar ton, Sean Murray, Samir Carruthers and Rhys Murphy all back in contention.

30

CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 6 September 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Liffey Valley frustrated as AUL pitch unplayable LIFFEY Valley Rangers (LSL Sun Premier 1) were left frustrated last weekend after a damaged pitch in the AUL complex saw their league fixture against Pioneers FC called off, writes Nathan Kelly.

Pioneers are using the complex for their home games this season, but got no use of it on Sunday as the pitch was said to be in a sorry state.

Valley manager Gareth Grainger let his frustrations be known afterwards. “We felt hard done by as we walked across two or three pitches on our way back to the dressing rooms and we asked could we use one of those but the AUL said no way,” he told GazetteSport “It really felt like a defeat after travelling over with all the costs on the lads with petrol and toll charges, especially knowing we’re going to have to travel over again.

“The AUL could have been a lot better knowing there were two teams trying to play a game of football.”

The complex has a reputation for holding some of the finest pitches in junior football, with handfuls of cup finals and tournaments being hosted in it every season, so an unplayable pitch on a weekend where weather was fine is a rarity.

The postponement meant that Rangers could not make it three league wins out of three in LSL Sun Premier 1. The Clondalkin side are new in the league having won Division 2 last year along with the Tom Cullen Cup. Liffey Valley have got off to a fine start this season, following up a positive pre-season which saw them get results against Cherry Orchard and St Francis.

Grainger’s young side have scored 12 goals in their opening two games after a 5-1 win against St Pat’s Athletic FC followed by a 7-3 disposal of Larkview Boys.

These results have been earned with much of the same team as last season, although summer recruit Adam Towell has proved to be quality addition to midfield.

They face a tougher challenge this weekend however when early league leaders Blessington FC visit Ballyowen Park for what promises to be a cracking tie.

SOCCER: GLENMORE UNDONE BY PALMERSTOWN’S GLENVILLE

Glenville’s Andy Duffy rises highest to get his header in ahead of Eddie Verhoeven at St Tiernan’s last Sunday

Monarchs of the Glen LSL SUNDAY SENIOR 1A

Glenmore Dundrum 1 Glenville 3 I STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

JUST 15 days into the season, Glenville are fast establishing themselves as league favourites as they swept to their fourth win from five outings, incredibly building a six-point gap at the top in the early season standings.

While the goals that had them 3-0 up by the 55th minute were giftwrapped, there was little doubt they had the edge on a Glenmore side who fought gamely at St

Tiernan’s but could not keep the likes of Mark Roche, Jay Hegarty and Andy Duffy at bay.

The warning signs were there early on as the Palmerstown fullbacks overlapped at will.

Stephen Holmes burst forward to get around goalkeeper Shane Reid but, from a narrow angle, he could not find a way around Kevin Rogers on the line.

Mark Fogarty’s corner rebound was similarly blocked by a scrambling defence before parity was broken on the half hour.

Again, it came down the left flank as Holmes

Senior success: Hermitage land East Leinster’s top prize HERMITAGE golf club claimed the East Leinster title at the Private Home Care InterClub Championships, held at Malahide last Sunday.

They got the better of Elm Park 2-1 as Suzie Hayes and Barbara Harte got the better of Louise Mernagh and Deirdre HoganMcGrath while Carmel Cahill and Niamh Prenderville beat Nano Brennan and Pam McNicholas in the decisive third leg. Rosemary Hayes and Aisling Brennan just missed out on making it a clean sweep. Pic: Pat Cashman

swirled in a cross and while Ciaran MacDonnell charged in to cause a distraction, the ball went in unimpeded off the inside of the post.

And Glenville were deservedly 2-0 up at the break. It came in similar fashion as Andy Duffy drifted an inviting cross from the left that flirted with the line of the sixyard box. Reid could only get fingertips to the ball and Hegarty gleefully nodded home from close range at the back post.

Glenmore looked to bounce back early in the second half when the combative Declan Reid

aimed a forceful header at Carl Donnelly from a neat Tony Breslin chip.

But the tie ended as a contest soon after a mix-up at the near post saw Roche’s persistence rewarded. Amid a melee of players on the ground at the right post, he poked out a leg to roll home the third.

From there, Glenmore finally found some rhythm where previously their passes were loose and intercepted as Peter Love proved a particular nuisance. His lofted effort agonisingly bounced off the base of the post.

And he was the man to pull one back 12 minutes from time as a couple of battling tackles, the latter from Stephen Canavan, served as the buildup to work the ball into the striker’s path and he calmly slotted home.

Glenville, however, still had the slicker edge and had Hegarty managed to locate Jeff Smith, it might have been four. while Glenmore ended the tie with the men.

Nonetheless, a f ter going so close to promotion a season ago, Glenville have made a blistering start to this year’s push.

6 September 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 31

HURLING: FANCIED WHITEHALL SWEPT ASIDE

CLUB NOTICEBOARD ROUND TOWER CONGRATULATIONS to the intermediate

with the aim of getting the views of

hurlers on reaching the championship

youth members on the GAA.

final after a battling win over Whitehall in the semi finals last Saturday.

Any member between 16 and 22 is invited to come down and participate.

The senior footballers face St Pat’s

For more info, please contact Niall Con-

on Saturday evening in the Community

naughton on 087 6290870 or Dean Alford

Centre with the junior A footballers at

on 086 1035874.

home Sunday morning to Naomh Mear-

There is a now a dedicated Tower’s

nog while the junior B team take on St

Match tracker service for all teams in

Sylvester’s away. All support welcome.

Tower’s! https://twitter.com/RTower-

The Tommy Curran cup will be held on Saturday, September 8 in the Community Centre at 2pm.

sTracker.

The Twitter account is @RTowersTracker - we would like to include all

All club hurlers over 16 are invited to

results for all teams - we encourage all

come down and take part with all other

mentors, juvenile and adult, players and

members welcome to show their sup-

supporters to send in the result of your

port.

game using one of the following meth-

The flag weekend fundraiser is taking

ods: text - 087 6290870 email - tracker@

place over the weekend of September

roundtower.ie or send a Tweet to @

9 (All-Ireland hurling weekend). This is

RTowerstracker

a vital club fundraiser on the calendar.

The lotto committee are looking for

If you are free Friday, Saturday or Sun-

your assistance to sell Tower’s lotto

day for one hour, please contact Niall

tickets on a Friday evening or Saturday

Connaughton on 087 6290870.

morning for one hour once a month.

This week’s lotto numbers were 2, 6,

If you are able to help, please contact

15 and 23. The bonus ball was 3. There

Matt McCormack on 087 6836737 or

Round Tower’s hurlers are set for a return to senior hurling following their victory over Whitehall Colmcilles

was no winner of this week’s jackpot

email info@roundtower.ie.

Inter final beckons for Tower’s heroes

of €8,700. Congratulations to Kieran

The club shop is open in the club

Lynch, Eamon Collins and Ger Hodgins

every Monday night from 7.30-8.30pm.

who were the three €100 winners. Next

You can call Betty Ward or Catherine

week’s jackpot is €8,800.

Moran direct if you have any particular

IHC SEMI-FINAL Round Tower Whitehall Colmcilles I PETER CARROLL

1-19 0-13

sport@gazettegroup.com

ROUND Tower’s hurlers confirmed their place in the intermediate championship final last Saturday, after they turned in a convincing result against Whitehall Colmcilles, who were favourites for the semi-final, 1-19 to 0-13 at the neutral ground of St Peregrine’s, Blakestown.

Playing with a big wind in the first half, Tower’s wasted no time putting scores on the board, with Barry Finn finding his way around the keeper, and despite not scoring a goal, the sliotar soared over the bar and began a good day for his team.

Colmcilles replied with a point, but it would be the closest the opposition would get to the Clondalkin men, with Eric Finn putting in a wonderful performance to help his team through

to the final.

Already clocking up a seven-point lead, Eric Finn took an important goal that saw his side gain a certain degree of comfort leading into the second instalment, when his free strike just ducked under the post leaving the Colmcilles’ goalkeeper with no option but to look on as it rippled the net, leaving the score at 1-10 to 0-2 at half time.

The second half saw Colmcilles attacking from the off and they managed to bridge the gap quite significantly in the opening 10 minutes, getting within five points of Emmet Carroll’s men who led 1-12 to 0-10.

It was Eric Finn who grabbed another crucial point that saw an end to Colmcille’s scoring run, with a point from play from the midfield against the wind that seemed to reinvigorate Tower’s attack.

Spurred on by Finn’s wonderful score, Tower’s

made the game their own again, and they went about putting themselves amongst the scores for the remainder of the half, with the man of the moment, Finn, converting the vast majority of his frees, taking home a personal tally of 1-5 for his hard work on the day.

In the other semi-final, St Sylvester’s of Malahide overcame Setanta, who were favourites to be pitted in the final against Tower’s tough Whitehall opposition.

It makes for a very interesting final with the two sides having plenty of experience against

each other from the league this year, where the Clondalkin men won their only match up, albeit against a Syl’s unit that were missing a few key players.

Still in the running for a promotion from the AHL 3 as well, a championship win could be the perfect icing on the cake from the young side who surely will be in amongst the pursuit for titles over the next few years.

However, with Syl’s coming off an underdog victory of their own, both sides will be brimming with confidence for the final.

The GAA youth workshop will be held on September 12 in the clubrooms at 7pm.

This is a central council workshop

enquiries on 087 6752238 or 086 8303207 respectively.

Bingo takes place this Tuesday. Line €10 Full House €20. First Call 8.30pm.

ST PAT’S PALMERSTOWN THE senior camogie team scored three goals but could not hold back Na Fianna who won their game last week.

The senior hurlers fought hard but were unlucky against a strong Lucan side on Saturday.

Only one single ticket application per fully paid-up member.

The draw will be made on Thursday and successful applicants will be notified by text before 8pm.

You must pay for ticket on collection; ticket cost is €80.

The juniors managed to pull a draw

The lotto number and results were:

out of the bag against Trinity Gaels

first draw winning numbers – 17, 25,

on Monday with a much improved

29 and 30. There was no winner; sec-

second half performance.

ond draw winning numbers – 3, 6,

There is only a very small allocation of tickets for the All-Ireland hurling

20 and 30; there was no winner. Any three numbers: Sonja Corrigan.

final. To apply for the draw to pur-

Next draw is on Sunday, September

chase a ticket, text your name to our

9. First draw jackpot of €10,000, sec-

ticket hotline on 086 7255586.

ond draw jackpot of €2,000.

LUCAN SARSFIELDS WELL done to our U-14 ladies’ foot-

for girls aged six and over from 2.30

ball team on winning their league on

to 3.30pm. No need to pre-register.

Tuesday night last. Well done also to

A l l o u r j u ve n i l e t e a m s h ave

our U-14 camogie team on winning

resumed training after the summer

All–Ireland bronze in the community

break. For information on any team,

games.

contact lucansarsfieldspro@gmail.

Our nurseries now take place

com.

every Saturday on our all-weather

Golfer of the year 2012 (best four

pitch at our clubhouse grounds at

scores) - the leaders after four

the 12th Lock. Football and hurling

rounds are 128 - Paddy Collings, Eoin

for boys born in 2006, 2007 and 2008

Mullarkey, 123 - Gerry O’Grady, Derek

from 1.30pm to 3pm. Football for girls

Quilligan, 120 - Michael Malone. Our

born in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008

next outing is at the Hermitage golf

from 1.30pm to 2.30pm and camogie

club on Thursday, September 13 .

ALL OF YOUR CLONDALKIN SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

GLENVILLE GLEE: Palmerstown club get LSL campaign off to stunning start P30

SEPTEMBER 6, 2012

SPORTS SUPER STARS: August award winners revealed inside P29

GazetteSPORT

Emmet Carroll was a key part of the Ballyboden St Enda’s side that claimed five successive Dublin SHC titles

Anything is possible for Carroll’s Tower’s Clondalkin club set up an enticing championship decider with Sylvester’s following their big win over Whitehall Colmcilles PETER CARROLL

clondalkinsport@gazettegroup.com

EMMET Carroll has made a massive impact in his first campaign at the helm of the Round Tower hurlers, with the team already confirmed to be playing at senior level in 2013 by virtue of their place in the final of the intermediate championship, getting the better of Whitehall Colmcille’s in the semi-final.

There, they will meet St Sylvester’s where former Dublin intercounty player Carroll will endeavour to get one over on his former manager in sky-blue, Tommy Naughton, who now runs the line in Malahide.

Not likely to get swept away in the excitement, the modest Carroll seems ever analytical with an eye to the final, and despite making the championship his target when he took on the challenge of the hurlers for the season, he is far from celebrating, noting the threat that the Malahide team pose.

“St Sylvester’s were just as much an underdog as

we were going into their semi final against Setanta, I’m sure the majority of neutrals had the championship final down as Setanta and Whitehall Colmcille’s.

“They are a really good side, there’s no doubt about it. We played them earlier this year and we managed to get the better of them. But they were missing a few key players and anything can happen in a final,” said Carroll.

Perhaps the manager is keeping his cards close to his chest in his debutant season because the finishing score was quite convincing when the two sides met in late July, and it came in the middle of a spell that shaped the Clondalkin side’s promotion aspirations.

Ten points divided the sides when the final whistle blew that day in the Tower’s backyard, 0-21 to 1-8, but Carroll refuses to believe it will have a bearing on the final outcome.

He has been aided and abetted by former Ballyboden St Enda’s club mate Dave Sweeney as well as John Hoolan in a year when they have also pushed on in AHL3 to be in with a promotion-

shot.

“Well, it’s obviously been a very successful year for the team so far, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t delighted with the way things have gone in the league and in the championship,” admitted the manager.

“I looked at the side when I got the job and because we don’t have the biggest of squads – the championship seemed like a far more realistic target.

“If we were to suffer a few injuries, we would only have the juniors to bring in, and although there are some very capable players in our ranks, it’s hard to win a league that way.

“The lads have rallied really well and now we could be looking at promotion from the league.”

When it comes down to it, Carroll can’t help but back his men for the win with the journey they’ve been on this year.

“On our day, we can beat anyone, and the final would be a perfect chance for the lads to announce themselves as a tough outfit – anything is possible now,” he concluded.