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Get ready for Halloween with creepy costumes and make-up tips

see style page 20 OCTOBER 25, 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 dMonth • Ta lXX, l ag2012 ht

INSIDE: Colaiste Bride students visit Intel to enjoy schools science programme P3

pretty in pink: Moyle Park students and teachers dress up for charity Page 6

Cheque it out: Charity Crew’s huge donation Football:

Round Tower junior Bs land promotion Page 31 and 32

despite the recession over the last few

years, The Laurels Charity Crew have amazingly managed to raise huge amounts of money for charity. The group has organised a diverse range of fundraising activities which have been greatly supported by the local community and businesses. Pictured are Dennis McCarthy, Emma Cooney, Gerry Cully and Damien Long handing over a cheque for over €100,000 to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital.

Full Gallery Next Week

Soccer:

Peamount’s young stars keep shining Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES.......................6 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................27

Call for focused action to address jobs crisis Business initiatives must provide jobs for local people, says Sinn Fein

 PAUL HOSFORD

A CLONDALKIN councillor has said that there is a need for specific initiatives to target areas, such as north Clondalkin, where unemployment and

long-term unemployment are highest in the country.

Sinn Fein councillor Matthew McDonagh was speaking as the par ty announced the details of an initiative to assist peo-

ple in the areas of high unemployment to avail of upcoming job opportunities.

Cllr McDonagh pointed to new business initiatives in the area, saying that it was imperative the jobs in

those developments are filled by locals.

“We need to make sure that people from the local community are in a position to take advantage of opportunities.”

Full Story on Page 4

2 CLONDALKIN Gazette 25 October 2012

dublin GAZETTe newspapers i n f o r m at i o n Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publish eight weekly quality free titles, covering the greater Dublin area from Swords to Dun Laoghaire

litter Local complaints prompt action

Council set to clean up ‘eyesore’ laneway  Paul Hosford news@gazettegroup.com

c o n ta c t s Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Acting News Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Paul Hosford picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sport@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward ads@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240

sales@gazettegroup.com

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

Councillor Breeda Bonner (Lab) called for the laneway beside Rye Cottage, on Boot Road, to be cleaned up, given “there is a big problem with graffiti and weeds”

A LANEWAY described as an “eyesore” will be cleaned up, South Dublin County Council (SDCC) has confirmed.

At last week’s Clondalkin Area Committee Meeting, Labour councillor Breeda Bonner said: “The laneway beside Rye Cottage on Boot Road in Clondalkin is a source of constant annoyance to residents.

“T here is a lot of dumping and there is a big problem with graffiti and weeds, etc.”

She presented a motion “to ask the manager can an action plan be put in place to tackle this eyesore?”

In response, the council said that the laneway would be cleaned, saying: “Rye Cottage is currently vacant and has been deemed derelict, pursuant to the provisions of the Derelict Sites Act l96l.

“Estate agents acting on behalf of the owners of the property have confirmed that the property has recently been sold, with the transaction to be completed within a period of eight to 10 weeks.

Adjoining “In the interim, the c o u n c i l ’s C l e a n s i n g Unit has been requested to arrange an early clean-up of the laneway adjoining this property,” said the council.

Cllr Bonner said that the key to tackling litter at the laneway was community participation.

“[The area] has become something of an ongoing litter black spot, and the residents are sick of it.

“I’m in no way criticising the litter wardens, because they come and do the clean-up, but it happens regularly. “ I ’ ve b e e n t r y i n g to reactivate a local residents’ group in the area because we need a group there who can take on the work.”

Cllr Bonner said that the sight of a group doing the clean-up work would discourage the dumping.

“I think if people saw residents up there doing the work, they’d be much less likely to dump in the area.”

Encouraging She said the news that the cottage had been sold was encouraging, and she hoped the new owner would become involved.

“Thankfully, the cottage has been sold, so it would be nice if the new owner would become involved and help protect against this dumping.

“The local Tidy Towns group have done a lot of great work over the last year or so and it is a shame that some individuals, who may not even live in the area, take it upon themselves to ruin that good work.

“Traditionally, the laneway was said to be haunted, so it is a shame that the ghost hasn’t scared off whoever is dumping,” said Cllr Bonner.

Prior to its sale, the house had been on the market for some time and, having fallen into disrepair, it is hoped the new owner will fully restore it.

25 October 2012 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3

retail: chicken restaurant chain employs 380 people in six outlets

ronanstown

€20k of cannabis found

Nando’s creates 50 jobs in Liffey Valley

AROUND 50 jobs will come on stream in the coming weeks when c h i c ke n r e s t a u r a n t Nando’s opens in Liffey Valley.

Overall, the South African company will create 110 jobs within a week, with the opening of its new store in Liffey Valley, and one in Blanchardstown, on November 21 and 14, respectively.

T he new jobs will bring Nando’s workforce in Ireland to 380 people – four years after its first foray into the Irish market – with the stores bringing to six the number in the capital.

Nando’s has been operating in Ireland since 2008, when the

first restaurant was opened in Belfast’s Victoria Square.

Since then, the restaurant has grown the number of Irish restaurants to nine, with the opening of Blanchardstown and Liffey Valley this November. They also have units in Dundrum and Swords, as well as two in the city centre.

Highly-skilled Alan Snyman, managing director of Nando’s Ireland, said that the jobs had attracted extremely highly-skilled workers, which, he believes, will increase the quality of the restaurants.

He said: “We’re really excited about expand-

ing in Ireland with the opening of two new restaurants in great locations.

“Finding the right site is never easy, but after exploring a number of different locations, we decided on Liffey Valley and Blanchardstown – both vibrant, busy locations with excellent footfall.

“Regarding the new roles, we’ve been really impressed by the standard of the applicants in Ireland.

“Having a strong, enthusiastic team in Ireland ensures that customers will have the best Nando’s experience possible, which has been central to our success here.”

Electrifying stuff: Local students visit Intel to learn about science THESE Colaiste Bride students joined hundreds of their peers for an electrifying visit to Intel’s headquarters in Leixlip, as part of EirGrid’s schools science programme.

Esther Jurak, Esther Aknbodun, Rachel Oyedokun, Esther Lugembg, Lorenta Eguavoen and Angelike Jurak had fun participating in the initiative, under the theme, Understanding Electricity – From Power Station to PlayStation, which aimed at educating students on the diverse world of electricity creation, management and consumption, and the many different ways in which electricity plays a crucial role in driving enterprise and businesses such as Intel.

A man was arrested last week after gardai found €20,000 worth of cannabis and seized six cars following searches of two halting sites in Ronanstown.

Gardai said that as part of a multi-agency operation involving gardai from Ronanstown, divisional search teams and national units, Revenue, Social Welfare and South Dublin County officials, a search was carried out at two halting sites in Ronanstown on October 17.

During the course of the search, cannabis resin and cannabis herb were discovered with an estimated street value of €20,000. Six vehicles and a number of items of property were also seized.

4 CLONDALKIN Gazette 25 October 2012

jobs ‘52% of people in area unemployed’

FastNews

Sinn Fein call for action in north Clondalkin

Gluais calling for new leaders Gluais, the voluntary organisation working with transition year Students in schools in Lucan, Clondalkin and Celbridge, is calling on applicants for new leaders.

Gluais teaches the students leadership and organisational skills in a five-day intensive course, which they can then use in their schools.

The deadline for applications is Friday, November 30.

For more information, see http://www. gluais.org/

Get behind the scenes of Mass THE Parish of the Immaculate Conception will host four evening sessions of Exploring The Mass at the Parish Pastoral Centre in Clondalkin Village every Thursday next month from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

The sessions aim to inform people about what happens at Mass, how the liturgy developed and the various ministries involved in mass.

The first session will take place on Thursday, November 8.

Click and win in photo contest SOUTH Dublin Libraries are calling on entrants for their annual digital photography competition, entitled Click!

Entrants can submit up to three images, which best represent the county and what a great place it is to live, work or play.

The first prize is an Apple iPad3, and the closing date is October 31.

For more information, see http://www.southdublinlibraries.ie

 paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

Trick or treat: Farrah and Seth get in spirit Farrah (3) and Seth Park (5) are in for a spooktacular treat as they visit Liffey Valley Shopping Centre’s Hansel and Gretel cottage which holds a thrilling collection of tricks and sweet treats. From 1-4pm, October 27-31, the centre will host a packed schedule of spooky Halloween events. For a full line up visit liffeyvalley.ie

A CLONDALKIN councillor has said that there is a need for specific initiatives to target areas, such as north Clondalkin, where unemployment and long-term unemployment are highest in the country.

Sinn Fein councillor Matthew McDonagh was speaking as the party announced the details of an initiative to assist people in the areas of high unemployment to avail of upcoming job opportunities.

Cllr McDonagh said: “North Clondalkin has always had higher levels

Councillor Matthew McDonagh, Sinn Fein

of unemployment and long-term employment than other parts of Dublin Mid-West.

“In [a] recent Sinn Fein survey, 52% of people in north Clondalkin were unemployed.”

The most recent Live Register figures show

that unemployment in Clondalkin was down in September, but much of that decline is believed to be down to the transfer of claimants to Tallaght Social Welfare office.

Cllr McDonagh pointed to new business intitiatives in the area, saying that it was imperative the jobs in those developments are filled by locals.

“The new Tesco in Liffey Valley will provide both construction and retail jobs. We need to make sure that people from the local community are in a position to take advantage of these opportunities.”

Cllr McDonagh went on to say that, with the

sting of unemployment being felt particularly amongst qualified tradespeople, specific action is needed to be taken at a local, grassroots level.

“Sinn Fein is in discussions with community organisations on the establishment of a local trades register. The plan is to set up a database of qualified tradespeople which can be used both by employers and the local community.

“Our message to employers and to local people is that if there are jobs to be done in the local community, then why not employ people from the local community,” said Cllr McDonagh.

25 October 2012 CLONDALKIN Gazette 5

Shop Local The benefits of shopping and spending in your local community

Supporting our local businesses

The Gazette is determined to make people aware of just how important it is to support our local businesses.

We have never been backward about coming forward when it comes to our supporting the local community – but it is just as important, now more than ever, that we support our local economy too.

Support is the key to a thriving local community,

and every member of the public can contribute to this support.

Simply put, shopping locally benefits the local area. By shopping locally, without any of the expedition involved in travelling across the city, we can support local business, enterprise and industry, all of which play a far greater role in our quality of life than one might imagine.

On a very basic level, the commercial rates that even the smallest of such local businesses pay, goes directly to our local council. Without these rates, the quality of public amenities, from parks nesses for residents to get behind.

For 2012, the Gazette is continuing our support of local businesses, and will continue to work closely with the Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce to promote the local economy.

Thyes Kavanagh, a local businessman, says that he hopes that jobs can be preserved and business can grow if people can be convinced to Shop Local.

“In these difficult times, Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce is calling on people to Shop Local.

“Please support local business, not only do they offer great value for money but also a personal service. These businesses employ a large number of local people, both full and part-time, and need your support.

“Clondalkin Chamber of Commerce is at present working on their own campaign to promote local business and are also updating their website.

“We would like to thank the Gazette for their Shop Local feature and hope that shoppers will support the advertisers within the supplement,” Mr Kavanagh said.

6 cLondalkin Gazette 25 October 2012

gazetteGALLERY

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only €6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

The boys had a great Model Roz Purcell with some of the boys who raised over €1,000 for cancer charities. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

Boys pretty in pink S

TUDENTS and teachers in Moyle Park College recently raised €1,086.87 for charity by dressing up in pink.

The boys turned up to school in a variety of pink costumes, from Nicki Minaj to cowboys to babies.

Their outfits were judged by model Roz

Purcell, boxer Kenny Egan and footballer Sean Long.

This is the fourth year that the school has held the fundraiser event for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and all proceeds raised will be donated to various breast cancer awareness charities.

time dressing up

Model Roz Purcell and Adam Craig

Daniel Fitzgibbon as a Teachers Fiona Quigley and Pauline Cunningham

pink credit card

25 October 2012 CLONDALKIN Gazette 7

8 CLONDALKIN Gazette 25 October 2012

FastNews

South Dublin Social Inclusion week set to be launched SOUTH Dublin County Council Social Inclusion Awareness week will be launched

by Mayor Cathal King (FF) in the County Hall in Tallaght on Monday, November 5 at 12.15pm.

The week aims to help reduce social exclusion and poverty and promote inclusion and diversity through a range of events in community centres and libraries in South Dublin County.

For further information, contact Maria Finn, social inclusion officer or Sandra Hickey, staff officer on 01 414 9270/086 3803060 or see the website at www.socialinclusion.southdublin.ie

A night of Irish and Ukrainian dance and food AN evening of Ukrainian and Irish dancing will take place at Aras Chronain in The Irish Culture Centre in Watery Lane, Clondalkin Village on Friday, November 9 at 7.30pm.

There will be Irish and Ukrainian dance classes and performances,

awards Local teens step out in style

Film festival proves to be a CAS act for youth  Noel Kelly

DURING World Mental Health Week 2012, Clondalkin was treated to an event with a difference when the Clarion Hotel, Liffey Valley was the venue to host a film festival.

The film festival was organised by the young social innovators of Collinstown Park Community College in association with Community Action on Suicide (CAS). The film festival showcased the work done by 25 different groups from across Lucan, Clondalkin and Ballyfermot.

Over 300 participants attended the evening and the festivities were made even more extravagant as everyone turned up in their finest suits

Ukranian food tasting and traditional Irish music.

Ukrainian dancing is seen as a typical representation of Ukrainian culture and is faster and more energetic than Irish dancing.

Traditional Ukrainian food includes soups and roast meats.

For more information, contact The Intercultural Centre at 01-4577213 or email intercultural1@cpln.ie.

Some of the members of Ronanstown Youth Service collecting their award

and ball gowns. During the interval, guests were kept entertained by the Glee choir and the Band Factory from Clondalkin Youth Service. Entertainment was also supplied by the Collinstown Park Community College Gospel choir.

The atmosphere was electric as the night ended with four films from a variety of organisations nominated for their significant contribution to mental health.

These were Ballyfermot Youth Service, who presented The Voice, Ronanstown Youth Service’s Five A Day To Mental Health, Clondalkin Youth Service’s Behind The Scenes and Clondalkin Addiction Support Programme’s Help.

25 October 2012 CLONDALKIN Gazette 9

10 clondalkin Gazette 25 October 2012

gazetteGALLERY

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only €6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

Mary Jackson. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

Mirriam Errity and Gerry share some great memories about the school

Author Gerry Flanagan with Holly, Emma, Lorcan, Michael, Alison, Ronan, Lorna, Lily and Kay

Praise for Joey’s book

A

BOOK about the history of St Joseph’s Boys National School by the school’s former deputy principal, Gerry Flanagan, was recently launched in the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel.

Many locals and past pupils showed their support at the launch of his book, entitled

From the Monastery to the Boot – A Bicentennial History of the Monastery School (St Joseph’s Boy’s National School (1813 - 2013) .

All proceeds from the book will go towards learning support in St Joseph’s, which caters for children with specific learning difficulties, such as ADHD, autism and dyslexia.

Gerry Reid holds a photograph of his Sinead Corless and Breda Farrell

class that is featured in the book

25 October 2012 Gazette 11

schools P14

dublinlife

Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week, as well as the latest from our schools

business P16



Gazette

diary P12

scary words: funtime at the ark, temple bar

Tall tales and spellbinding stories for kids of all ages THE children’s cultural centre, The Ark, in Temple Bar, is holding interactive book experiences every weekend in November called Telling Tall and Tiny Tales.

There will be stories, activities and fun, as well as original artwork from well-known children’s books on display.

Children can learn how to make up their own stories by choosing any one

of a selection of workshops on offer, and there will also be Halloweenthemed storytelling at the Ark every day throughout the mid-term break, with ghost stories to read.

The workshops and special events start on Wednesday, October 31, with a Halloween special storytelling event with Niall de Burca.

Children are encouraged to come dressed up

in their spookiest Halloween costumes.

On the same day, at the National Gallery of Ireland, a Skulduggery Pleasant Extravanza takes place, where author of the acclaimed series, Derek Landy, its illustrator, Tom Percival, and editor Nick Lake will talk about the Skulduggery Pleasant books.

Children are asked to come along as one of the

Skulduggery characters.

In November, there are gigantic illustration workshops with Niamh Sharkey on November 3 at the Ark and, on November 9 and 16, there will be workshops for toddlers with Kate Wilson.

On November 10 and 17, Jole Bortoli will host Plant a Book workshops, and on November 24 PJ Lynch is giving workshops for budding illustrators.

Niall de Burca will host the spookiest Halloween storytelling event

Gazette

12 Gazette 25 October 2012

dublinlife

diary

Travel fun day raises €35,000

THE inaugural Travel Trade Fun Day surpassed its fundraising target recently, when it successfully raised a massive €35,000 for Pieta House and the Irish Cancer Society.

The fun day, which took place last month in the ALSAA Sports Club in Dublin Airport, was the first of its kind in Ireland and saw over 400 people attend.

The Travel Trade Fun Day committee includes

Blue Insurances, Etihad Airways, Travelport, Royal Caribbean, Sunway and United Airlines, who presented the charities with a cheque on Thursday, October 11. Each charity received €17,500.

Commenting on the event, the Travel Trade Fun Day committee said: “We would like to thank everyone in the travel trade who supported us in hosting this inaugural event. We are very grateful for all of the donations

Advertise with the G a z e tt e c a l l 6 0 1 0 2 4 0

received, big and small, and we hope the funds raised go a long way in helping both of these worthwhile charities.”

Sports classes kick off for little champs AWARD-winning ClapHandies, which runs play and developmental classes for babies and toddlers, has joined forces with exercise experts Fit For Life to provide an exciting sport and fitness experi-

Local

Matters

ence for children aged three to eight in venues across the city.

PlayFit classes are designed to develop the crucial basic movement skills, building the key elements of physical fitness endurance, strength and flexibility.

The earlier these skills are learned, the more likely children are to develop an active lifestyle and love of sport.

Mark Sweeny of Fit for Life says: “If a child does not learn how to run, jump and kick a ball adequately

The two cheques of €17,500 each were presented to Pieta House and the Irish Cancer Society after a fund-raising day organised by the travel trade

at an early age, their skill levels soon fail to match those of their peers, and they increasingly participate in sports and physical activity less.”

Play-Fit classes will start in October in a number of locations across Dublin before being rolled out to 10 new venues in January

2013. For further information, see www.playfit.ie.

Dublin taxi drivers voted fifth friendliest in the world HAILING a taxi this week could put more of a smile on your face than usual after the Diary found out that Dublin taxis have been ranked fifth in the world for their friendliness.

The question of our Irish taxi drivers, “Are you bus y tonight?” clearly enhances the Irish charm, with Dublin drivers receiving 5% of the overall vote, in a survey compiled by Hotels. com.

London topped the poll for the fifth consecutive year as the best cabs in the world, with Dublin sitting in 13th place, while New York were named as being the most available.

Hugh Cregan, director of Transport Investment and Taxi Regulation, commented: “It’s great to see that Dublin’s taxi drivers continue to make such a good impression on visitors to our country and I congratulate them on that.

“The taxi industr y nationwide is a vital part of our public-transport network, and good customer service benefits everyone.”

25 October 2012 Gazette 13

Gazette

14 Gazette 25 October 2012

dublinlife

schoolLife

Get involved with the Gazette As part of the relaunch of the Dublin Gazette Newspapers, we are reaching out to all the schools in our catchment areas to become a closer part of our community than ever before.

Schools are the beating hearts of communities – one of the last places around which a community can gather. We are calling on budding writers and photographers from all of our schools to help fill the pages.

In order to encourage the next generation of journalists and snappers to get involved, we are partnering with Harvey Norman to present the Dublin Gazette Newspapers Cub Reporter and Cub Photographer of the Year awards.

For further details, contact me, Rob Heigh, news editor at rheigh@gazettegroup.com, or telephone me at 01 601 0240.

opinion: new junior cycle approach is to be welcomed

A refreshing change of direction  mary slator

Colaiste Bride, Presentation School, Clondalkin

AS A student who has just recently completed my Junior Cycle of postprimary school, and who was also one of the thousands of students to be the last to take the Junior Cert exams, I, myself, was deeply interested in the fate of the next Junior Cycle nationwide.

R ua iri Quinn, the Minister for Education, believes that if the whole

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

‘This new programme offers teachers and students alike a flexible approach to learning and teaching’

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

programme was changed, there would be a lessened likelihood of pressurised students dropping out of school at such a young age, because of the stress that comes with the exams.

Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn examining a project at the annual BT Young Scientist competition. There are hopes that the revised Junior Cycle at schools will see an improvement in academic results nationwide

The majority of settings that provided the JCSP are secondary schools, but it is also available in numerous other facilities,

such as special schools, children detention schools, Traveller training centres, and also Youth Encounter Projects.

I believe that Ruairi Quinn is worried, due to the fact that, countrywide, literacy levels have declined dramatically.

This new programme offers teachers and students alike a flexible approach to learning and teaching, instead of a traditional, subject-based curriculum to follow.

I’ve been told that the majority of the work to be done for the new programme is quite a lot of hands-on and group work. This, personally, sounds like a refreshing development in Irish education.

The two major purposes of this programme statement are: to outline the nature and content of the JCSP, and to present examples of good practice changing for the JCSP. This new programme is completely different from the previous Junior Cert programme, as a certain percentage of your overall grade can be achieved through regular class tests, unlike just having exams at the end of three years in your junior cycle.

As the quality of education and levels of basic literacy has faltered, there is only hope that the Minister for Education’s new techniques will turn the whole thing around and bring a brighter, more intelligent Ireland.

25 October 2012 Gazette 15

Gazette

schools talks: local issues

schoolLife

Students praise DLR Comhairle  charlotte kennedy St Raphaela’s Secondary School, Stillorgan

S T R A P H A E L A’ S Secondary School in Stillorgan, along with other local schools, has taken part in Comhairle na nOg in [the] Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown [region].

The Comhairle, which can have up to two representatives per school or youth club, is a place

where discussions and solutions to problems are made for young people, by young people.

This year, the focus of the Comhairle is on the Lost Years – the years between childhood and being an adult (basically, us moody teenagers).

Many things are being discussed in this topic, for instance, voting at 16, and the fact that there are no student fares on public transport.

Fingal fifth years get a lot out of great Siemens talk

 erica o’sullivan Fifth Year, Fingal Community College

Examining the Comhairle na nOg report

A simpler way to explain the Comhairle is by its slogan: Young Voices, Local Issues.

Charlotte Kennedy, a furth year student at St Raphaela’s, said: “I had

never heard of the Comhairle before, but it was something I was immediately drawn to, as I love to argue and wanted to make my voice heard.

“T he DLR Com-

hairle is a great place to make a change for young people. I have loved my experience so far, and can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings.”

SIEMENS Diagnostics came to Fingal Community College last week and students in Fifth Year LCVP were treated to a talk by Michael Farrell, of Siemens, as part of [the] Enterprise Education [initiative].

He engaged the fifth years in a very interesting talk on the production of highquality and accurate products for the medical industry.

The students were especially impressed by a short film that brought the manufacturing process to life.

All members of LCVP gained an insight into enterprise in the Swords area, learning that Siemens employs 300 people in the town.

Opportunity The fifth years were delighted with the opportunity to learn more about this local industry, and look forward to working with Siemens later in the year.

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 25 October 2012

DUBLINLIFE

Q&A

BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Financial Planning – Part 3 Continued from last week

THE following is a checklist to help decide what you want from your financial planning. What should your financial objectives be? Here are some options:

TOM NAUGHTON, PW THERMAL BUILDING SOLUTIONS

Insulating against the impact of recession TOM Naughton is the general manager at Pw Thermal Building Solutions Ltd, which provide thermal solutions for the energy retrofit market, specialising in powerwall external insulation systems for homes and businesses nationwide.

He studied construction management at GMIT in Galway, and spent the first seven years of his career working in both the residential and commercial construction sector in

both Britain and Ireland Tom joined Pw Thermal Building Solutions Ltd in 2009, having made the internal move from its parent company, The Sherling Group, based in Inchicore, and became general manager in January 2011.

For further information, find them on Facebook at Powerwall External Insulation, email info@pwthermalsolutions.com, or see pwthermalsolutions.com.

How long have you been in business?

We formed our company in early 2009

taken hold when we started our company, we never got too big for our boots and are constantly trying new angles and avenues in search of new business.

What makes your business successful?

I believe the success of our company can be directly attributed to the people working within our company.

They’re hard-working, innovative and hands-on dedicated staff with one common goal: a successful company with satisfied customers!

What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors?

Some of our competitors are part of large multinational companies, supplying products and services all over Europe. We are a much smaller homegrown company, dealing with people on the ground locally and in a manner that is much easier for them to understand.

Our customers find us much more approachable because of this.

How has the recession impacted your business?

We, like everyone else have taken a serious blow as a result of the economic downturn. Sales are down, confidence is down but we are still here, fighting.

What have you changed about your business to combat the effects of the recession?

We are constantly changing and evolving as a result of the recession, but because the recession had already

What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business?

There is a lot of talk at the moment about the residential property tax, which is going to be introduced at some stage in the near future.

Our products and systems are aimed at making homes and businesses more energy-efficient, so I would like to see homes and businesses that are more energy-efficient paying less tax. This would provide an incentive to carry out this type of work, and would create more business and employment, benefiting all involved.

How do you use social media (Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn, etc) to help your business?

We have a Facebook-like page which we use to keep people up to date with our special offers, as well as changes within the industry.

We also upload project photos and details to show people what can be achieved with our products.

What is your ambition for the business?

To survive the current economic turmoil first and foremost, but to also see our company grow into a successful, proud business with satisfied clients.

• Having an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses.

• Paying off any personal loans, credit-card debt, overdrafts, store cards, hire purchase, leases or other debts.

• Building up short-term savings.

• Protecting your most valuable asset – your income – in case you are unable to earn money for any reason.

• Protecting yourself (and, if relevant, your partner) with life cover.

• Starting a pension plan.

• Buying a home.

• Saving for major purchases.

• Planning for education fees.

• Building up your personal investments.

To this, I suppose we could add planning for longterm care. Bear in mind the following principles when deciding what your financial priorities should be: 1. For most people, their greatest asset is their income.

Under the circumstances, you don’t want to risk it, and you don’t want to waste it. There are all sorts of inexpensive insurance policies designed to protect your income.

2. Personal debt, by which I mean everything from store cards to mortgages, will be the biggest drain on your income. If you’ve borrowed money, then you should make it a priority to repay your loans as quickly as possible.

3. It’s vital to have a safety net or emergency fund to deal with those trials and extra expenses that life often throws our way. Also, you want to make as big a return as possible from your investments.

4. If you’ve got a good, secure income, it doesn’t actually matter what other assets you possess. Emotionally, it’s nice to have the security of owning your own home.

But an investment that is just as good and maybe better is a really decent pension plan.

5. Know thyself. There’s no point in setting financial objectives that you’re going to find impossible to attain.

Your financial objectives may involve modest changes to your behaviour, but they shouldn’t require a complete change in your personality.  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

SEARCH: BEST MANAGED COMPANIES COMPETITION

Dublin businesses go on to top Deloitte contest

 NATALIE BURKE

EIGHTEEN Dublinbased companies have been shortlisted to be among Ireland’s Best Managed Companies, according to a recent announcement by Deloitte, the business advisory firm.

Now in its fifth year, the Best Managed Companies Awards recognise Irish companies across the country that are operating at the highest levels of business performance.

Local companies through to the second phase of the competition include Dublin 15 companies, Blue Insurances Limited, NPP Group Limited, and Java Republic Roasting Company, the Now Factory in Sandy-

ford, and Noonan, located in Swords.

For the next stage of the competition, the shortlisted companies will demonstrate to a judging panel how their organisations are meeting their strategic objectives and adding value to their business.

The companies will work closely with coaches from Deloitte and Irish Life Corporate Business and will receive customised feedback, benefiting from the business advice and expertise.

Kevin Sheehan, a partner at Deloitte, said it is “extremely positive” that the competition has such strong contenders this year.

He said: “Feedback we have received from previous winners is that they

Judging panel members David Harney, chief executive, Irish Life Corporate Business; Siobhan McAleer, head of strategic partnerships, Irish Management Institute and Kevin Sheehan, partner, Deloitte

have found this process to be extremely beneficial and practical in relation to their company’s future strategy and it is a considerable benefit of participating in the programme.”

The awards are open to companies from all 32 counties of the island of Ireland.

It is the only awards programme that consid-

ers a business performance from every perspective, not just financial.

The companies that have been awarded the Deloitte Best Managed Company accolade, to date, have total revenues of more than €10 billion, and employ more than 24,000 people.

The winners of this year’s awards will be announced next March.

25 October 2012 Gazette 17

MOTORS P22

asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P24

OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week



Gazette

MUSIC P19

Pets dog’s trust dog of the week

Witching hour can be a lot of fun for all ages

halloween: enjoy ghoulish action with spooky tours, parades and crafts

City fun will be a scream  LAURA WEBB

GETTING spooky this Halloween?

Are you attending one of the attractions around the city this All Hollow’s Eve? Out & About has trawled through the pumpkins and cobwebs to find out what’s on this Halloween mid-term.

From ghostly tours to spooky arts and craft classes, from a horror farm to parades of ghouls, Dublin and its surroundings have every scare covered.

Samhain 2012 is taking place at Marlay Park on Sunday, October 28. Each year, families flock to the park where, for one night only, it comes alive with freaky fog, ghastly spiders, skeletons, creepy pumpkins, chilling witches and demons. Residents are invited to walk in the Haunted Forest in their scariest cos-

tumes. This is a free event for those with wristbands which will be distributed on Saturday, October 27, at CoCo Market in Marlay Park from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday, October 28, from 10am until 3pm behind Marlay House. The Samhain 2012 sessions will take place that Sunday, October 28, at 3.30pm, 4.30pm, 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm. Check out www.dlrevents.ie.

Hidden Dublin Walks presents the Halloween Northside Ghost Walk every Friday and Saturday until November 1 from 8pm to 10pm. According to the organisers, Dublin is one of the most haunted cities in the world and these walks take visitors through one of the oldest parts of Dublin once know as Oxmanstown.

Participants will have the chance to see

sites such as Saint Mary’s Abbey, one of the most powerful monastic settlements in Ireland in medieval times, now just a small ruin down an alleyway, and hear the story of Lord Norbury, the infamous and sadistic hanging judge who presided over the trial of Robert Emmet. Hated in life, in death he returns to continue his reign of terror, so the story goes.

You will also hear tell of the mummies of Saint Michan’s Church, surely the most macabre tourist attraction in Ireland, and a major inspiration to the young Bram Stoker, native of Clontarf and author of Dracula. Tickets cost €13.

Check out www.hiddenwalks.com.

Threshold, the national housing charity, is hosting a Wacky Witches and Wizards Walk on Sunday, October 28, in Tibradden, South County Dublin. Start-

ing at 5pm, this three-hour walk is suitable for adults and children.

Everyone is being asked to dress up and there will be prizes for the most whimsical wizard and wackiest witch among others. Registration is €50 for one adult and up to three children.

Check out www.threshold.ie South Dublin County Council is celebrating Halloween on Wednesday, October 31 with a fun-filled spectacle for families in a safe environment.

Over 200 young people from Tallaght and Clondalkin will create artistic pieces in arts and performance workshops to display on Halloween night from 5pm to 7pm. There will be a parade in Tallaght and a pageant in north Clondalkin with music, dance and games at both events.

Continued on Page 23

Dublin Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dog’s Trust, Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity, to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs.

This week’s dog is Herbie, a 12-year-old crossbreed. This distinguished older gentleman adores his creature comforts and at this ripe age would love a home with a nice big soft bed to put his paws up and relax in.

This independent little man is quite happy to potter around doing his own thing or in the company of other doggies and big kids.

If you think you can give Herbie a loving home for his twilight years then contact Dogs Trust on 01 879 1000.

More information about their work can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie All dogs that are adopted from Dogs Trust are vet-checked, vaccinated, neutered and micro-chipped before being rehomed.

Gazette

18 Gazette 25 October 2012

OUT&ABOUT

MUSIC

FASTtunes

New night in Tallaght proves hotbed of fresh local talent Two new acts, Lora & Amy and Cash Is King, will be appearing at Brady’s Pub in Terenure next Friday, October 26 as the first showcase of new acts managed by Keith McLoughlin.

Lora & Amy are a songwriting duo from Balbriggan and veterans of the Ballyfermot Rocks festival, while Cash Is King are a four-piece with members from Dublin, Wicklow and Kilkenny.

McLoughlin is involved with community radio and promoting unsigned artists, and this event is an official launch night at the home of The Brady’s Sessions, which is a monthly singer/ songwriter night.

Allo Darlin’ - guitarist Paul Rains, drummer Michael Collins, bassist Bill Botting and singer Elizabeth Morris

MUSIC REVIEW: pop perfection from london-based four-piece

Allo, allo, allo...

AN INVESTIGATION of the current state of the musical firmament would tend to point t ow a r d a c o m p l e t e dearth of new ideas and fresh talent. Some would say we’ve heard it all before. Anyone who has listened to the Jake Bugg album would certainly agree.

T i m e s l i ke t h e s e require ear bleach and a sense of perspective... and then, you hear a band who take all the elements that you love from all the bands you adore, and you really don’t mind a bit of nostalgia-tinged tunesmithery.

Allo Darlin’, a fourpiece based in London, released their second

 ROB HEIGH rheigh@gazettegroup.com

album proper, Europe, earlier this year and, damn, if I’m not annoyed I didn’t know about it before, because it would have been the soundtrack to the summer.

Led by former Tender Trap member, Elizabeth Morris, the band have released a number of top-notch EPs - including the brilliantly titled Henry Rollins Don’t Dance - and their eponomously titled debut

album in 2010, which was singled out as a record of the year by several cognoscenti of the scene.

Written around Morris’ ukelele and guitar, the record holds your attention utterly from start to finish, the combination of the classic tropes of jangle pop with lashings of ginger-beer flavoured slide guitar lines and string sections on the side create something that simultaneously transports you back to a more innocent and shinier time while being completely contemporary and excellent.

Taking the shimmering girl guitar pop of the likes of BMX Bandits, the album contains 10

perfectly crafted songs that are infused with a lyrical wit and mastery of harmony and melody.

Imagine if you will the best moments of the likes of The Magnetic Fields, Sufjan Stephens, The Vaselines, The Pipettes and Teenage Fanclub and you are someway close to what Allo Darlin’ are capable of, but even those comparisons are faint praise.

The songs, from bubbly and wry opener Neil Armstrong to bittersweet closer My Sweet Friend, are uniformly straightfor ward and emotionally genuine, while underpinned by the band’s clearly innate understanding of how to craft a pop classic.

You’re held enraptured listening to where Morris is going to take you next with her words, which are never anything less than beguiling. Going all Louis Walsh for a moment, she reminds me of a young Billy Bragg, when he wrote songs like New England, full of charm and hope and love and disappointment and everything else that great pop music needs to understand as essential.

There’s nothing revolutionary here, except four individuals creating a record that everyone with a pulse and a love of good music ought to hear. Which, in this pop day and age, is pretty revolutionary.

25 October 2012 Gazette 19

GAZETTE

20 GAZETTE 25 October 2012

R1

OUT&ABOUT

STYLE

Marks & Spencer from €15

Accessorize €5.50

BEAUTY news

Spooky Halloween Makeup Tutorial

! s e m u t s o C C r e e py

e for n is a fun tim ee w lo al H s, d to little ki from Tesco From big kids witch’s outf it y k o o sp is th like €10 dressing up star ting from

 LAURA WEBB

Marks & Spencer from €13

Seeing that it’s the season of dressing up, Gazette Style is dedicating this week’s section to all things spooky. Make-up Forever is sharing one of their best looks - The Ventriloquist Doll, which is easy to re-create and is suitable for adults and children.

Marks & Spencer from €15

HERE IS A STEP BY STEP GUIDE: Step One: Complexion Use pale foundation in Mat Velvet No.15 to whiten the face creating the base for the Zombie look. Seal your foundation with a white powder in Velvet Finish No.21.

Accessorize €6 Tesco from €10 Accessorize €5.50

Step Two: Eyes Use eyeliner in Aqua Black Liner to create shape and widen the eyes for a doll-like effect. Build up your eyeshadow colour into solid blocks to create the false doll look using colours in White Matte in No.00, Pink Matte in No.75, Purple Matte in No.92 and Black Matte in No.40. Recreate the lower lash line using your eyeliner about 1-2 cm lower than your natural bottom lash line and then fill in with white eyeshadow in No.00. Finally add faux lashes to the upper and lower lashes along the false eyeliner line, the more exaggerated the lashes the better the doll effect. Faux Top Lashes: No.110 Bottom Faux Lashes: No.150.

Step 3: Eyebrows Draw in the eyebrows with the same product and extend out the end of the eyebrow using Aqua Black for a very false look.

Accessorize €15 Accessorize €12.50

Marks & Spencer from €13 Accessorize €5.50

Accessorize €6

Step 4: Cheeks Use a pink or red blush in circular motions to apply the colour in Pink Matte in No.75. Add Strass Diamonds to create a speckled diamante finish in Pink Diamonds No.18, Red Diamonds No.19, Black Diamonds No.23 using Due Glue.

Step 5: Chin Using your eyeliner, lightly mark the corner of your mouth down to your chin then once it is straight, take the eyeliner and draw a line down. This creates the effect of the doll’s mouth enabling it to move up and down. Add depth to the false chin look using Sculpting Kit in No.3.

Step 6: Lips Apply lipstick as normal using N31 Bright Pink Lipstick, use a darker lipliner to outline the lips in 12C Aqua Lip liner and finish with Diamond Powder No.09 on top for added effect and sparkle.

Marks & Spencer €3.25

All make up is available at Make-Up Forever, 38 Clarendon St, Dublin, 01 6799043.

25 October 2012 Gazette 21

Gazette

GAMING BYTES&PIECES

A dashing design

XBox 360 interface gets a subtle revamp

In the rapidly deteriorating battle for earth, this team of pumped-up super-soldiers are potentially just a few moves away from mission failure – and being turned into a pile of ashes – in the challenging multi-platform title, XCOM: Enemy Unknown

XCOM Enemy Unknown: strategy classic’s excellent update

Challenging, but a blast  shane dillon

GAMERS and techheads have a busy couple of months ahead, as the predictable deluge of end-of-year goodies has begun.

Indeed, there are some terrific gaming titles due out in the very near future, as the crucial Christmas wars start between all manner of steely-eyed games developers, with a Darwinian battle of survival ahead between several triple-A titles.

It’s hard to think of a harsher battle for survival than the one found in the wonderful multi-platform title, XCOM: Enemy Unknown, which was released very recently.

 shane dillon sdillon@gazettegroup.com

It’s a reboot of a fondlyremembered (and deeply challenging) old strategy game from 1994. Here, aliens have started invading, with Earth belatedly waking up to the everincreasing threat of distinctly hostile foes.

So, it’s time for a secret organisation to organise a crack team of elite soldiers with state-of-the-art secret weapons at a revolutionary base ...

Only to watch them

BYTES&PIECES a starkly stylish work of beauty flies onto psn

die swiftly, and messily, at a variety of locations around the world, as this is a strategy title that demands brains a lot more than brawn.

One wrong move; one step too far; one foolish oversight of a seemingly harmless alien out on the battlefield – which ranges from train stations to garage forecourts – can instantly turn the tide of battle, seeing not just one soldier, but your entire squad swiftly wiped out.

Horribly.

Assuming they survive the mission to hand, your soldiers can level up, gaining new abilities and increasing importance – all of which will make you curse your bad luck, and

miss their specialist skills, if they come a cropper a few missions later ...

Wonderfully detailed presentation, and lots of gameplay flourishes (ranging from base expansion to research), add to the wide-ranging depth and fun of the title.

The main gameplay is also pretty interesting, as you and the aliens take turns to position and attack with troops.

Repeat such moves, until someone – or something – has won the mission, with great rewards to be claimed by the humans, or bitter regret if things don’t go so well. And if you mess up, entire countries begin to

SONY have a very creative title available now via PSN, in the stylish form of The Unfinished Swan. Developed

by Giant Sparrow, this visually striking title is something of a melancholy treat. Starting with a blank canvas, the world is revealed by liberally splashing black paint around, with the paint’s splatters and tracks giving form and depth. More colours, and gameplay mechanics, eventually come into play through its brief life. As its name suggests, although it’s stark and not very long, this is a beautiful title indeed.

go dark ...

As someone who’s routinely saved the world before breakfast, I have to say that XCOM isn’t remotely an easy prospect, which is great, as this is a strategy game, after all – immersive, engaging and explosive in equal amounts, but still something where planning, and thinking five steps ahead, is key.

While there are certainly bigger titles coming out in the next couple of weeks, and months, XCOM deserves to be a hit. It’s definitely challenging and unforgiving, but that only adds to its appeal, making the outof-this-world title a true star on the retail shelves.

MANY people may have already noticed that their 360’s dashboard looks a little different – that’s because an update is rolling out to millions of consoles around the world as I type, with all consoles expected to be upgraded to the new format within a two-week period or so.

The new dash has a number of interesting features, such as its Internet Explorer functionality, the new XBox Music service (with a monthly fee), a merging and reorganisation of tabs, and so on – all within the nowfamiliar Metro tiled format. Perhaps most interestingly, you can now pin favourite content to the dash, to allow quicker access to favourite games, sites, and so on.

There are plenty of changes that you can all Google to your heart’s content – or simply wait for your console to update itself, if it hasn’t already – with the move a welcome one for the console and entertainment hub.

digging the new stuff

Game-changing update finally hits Minecraft STICKING with the 360, and presenting about my 1,278th nod at Minecraft, if you’re one of the literally millions of people who’ve been burning up the internet with impatient questions about when the long-awaited Update 1.8.2 (AKA the Adventure update, mate) would arrive – relax.

It’s here, and deserves the hype. Apart from offering lots of new content, its most keenly-awaited feature is the new Creative mode, placing flight – and infinite blocks – at your blocky fingertips. There’s never been a better time to start building a giant gold statue of yourself, methinks ...

22 GAZETTE 25 October 2012

GAZETTE

& OUT ABOUT road

MOTORS

NOISE

Rob Kearney with the Audi A6 Avant S Line

Try out the 2013 Audi collection AUDI brand ambassador and rugby star Rob Kearney launched the Audi Future Now Sales event recently. Rob was on hand to launch the event as he received the keys to his stylish new Audi A6 Avant S Line.

The Audi Future Now Sales event is effective until December 31st, and offers both existing and prospective customers the opportunity to enjoy the very latest award-winning 2013 Audi collection with significant savings of up to €8,344.

Customers can now choose from a range of unique offers available on selected models across the range.

From the Audi A1 right up to the exclusive A8, features such as xenon lights, automatic transmission and quattro four-wheel drive will now be available at unbeatable prices to those who place their order before the end of December.

The Audi North Dublin event took place on October 20 and 21 where existing and potential Audi customers got the opportunity to experience the Future Now Audi range while families, adults and kids alike, were treated to a few hours of fun.

A cooking demonstration was provided by Bon Appétit Dublin, where guests sampled the very best from Oliver Dunne’s award-winning Michelin Star Kitchen. Other events are being hosted around the country in Kilkenny, Galway and Offaly.

Anyone that takes part in the Future Now test drive at these events will be in with a chance to win an Audi Sportscar Experience where customers will have the opportunity to experience the thrills of one of the world’s most exciting cars, the Audi R8 V10 Coupe, World Performance Car of the Year 2010.

Customers wishing to experience Future Now and test drive the 2013 Audi collection can do so at their local Audi dealer. For information on a Future Now event in your area, visit www. audi.ie/futurenow

The Volkswagen Cross Polo in a shade of Magma Orange which makes it hard to ignore

VOLKSWAGEN: NEW BEEFED-UP CROSS POLO IS A REVELATION

Turning a ‘nice’ car into a mean machine

 CORMAC CURTIS

I DON’T know who came up with the idea of bringing out a beefed-up version of the Volkswagen Cross Polo - but whoever it was, they should be given a corner office and made vice-president in charge of coolness.

Seriously.

W h o wo u l d h ave guessed that VW could take a car as downright ordinary as the Polo and make it so cool?

To be fair, I’m pretty sure that the target audience probably don’t even use the word cool , and if they do they most likely spell it k-e-w-l or some such nonsense.

B u t t h a t d o e s n ’t change the fact that the car has been given a huge new lease of life with

its latest incarnation. I spent a week with the Cross Polo recently and really had a blast.

To be honest, an eyegrabbing motor like this always gives me a kick, but sometimes the highprofile can work against you a bit.

L a t e o n e S u n d ay evening, I needed to get home quickly from the office, which involved some pretty erratic driving from yours truly.

There may have been a few red lights broken, there is a chance I lost my patience with some other drivers, and it is quite possible that I may have even disregarded a speed limit or two.

Despite my questionable driving that particular evening, I remain convinced that the gardai

who pulled me over only noticed me because I was driving the most orange car of all time.

Yes, orange.

VW refers to it as Magma Orange, and it’s so bright it doesn’t even need the metallic treatment.

Did Xzibit bring this car to his paint shop for a little pimpin’? It wouldn’t surprise me if he did.

Styling Colour is one thing, but the styling of this car is absolutely spot one.

Take a Polo, stretch it, pull it, and pump it up until it starts to bulge.

Next, grab some very nifty alloys and give the body a few hunks of matt-finished dark grey plastic panels for a proper urban look and,

finally, give the interior some nice touches so the outside look is also carried inside.

Not forgetting the silver anodised roof rails – there’s nothing I like more than when form and function are brought together with such a stylish approach.

It all sounds so simple, but it’s amazing how many car manufacturers make a right pig’s ear of a model upgrade.

The Cross Polo is also very well powered by a nicely tuned 70hp 1.2l diesel engine that’s matched to a solid 5-speed transmission.

For the size of the car, 70hp might sound a little on the light side, but I found it to be a nice little mover, albeit not laden down with any extra

weight like the family or luggage. Like any car that stands out from the crowd, you do pay extra for the privilege.

In this case, it’s a little over €17,000 but for the money, you do get plenty of kit, including: 17” Budapest alloys, climatic manual air conditioning, electric windows front and rear, ABS with brake assistant, ASR, EDL and EDTC, front fog lights sports front seats, silver anodised roof rails, bumpers in unique ‘cross’ design, silverpainted external mirrors, the ground clearance is increased by 15mm and it has hill-hold control.

Volkswagen should be proud of this latest entry to the Polo family, and I hope we see plenty of them on the road.

25 October 2012 CLONDALKIN gazette 23

Gazette

activities halloween: devilish plans are afoot for spine-tingling entertainment for all

Share the scares with lots of ghoulish and ghostly fun THERE is no excuse for anyone to be at home this Halloween thanks to the many events that are on offer.

If your kids enjoy art, why not make some spooky arts and crafts with Imelda at Clondalkin Library on Tuesday, October 30, at 3pm? This is suitable for children aged eight to 12 and booking is essential. Contact Clondalkin Library at 01 459 3315.

Most libraries have events happening throughout the Halloween mid-term to keep the kids happy, or to show them that making a costume themselves can be 10 times more fun than buying a readymade one in stores. So why not go into your nearest library to find out what’s on this Halloween?

Elsewhere, the GAA Museum is being transformed into a spooky den,

with witches, ghouls and wizards there to welcome visitors. Activities include the Trick or Treat Trail, Terrifying Treats, Halloween Crafts, a Halloween Costume Competition and more. Visit www. crokepark.ie for further information.

Even the animals at Dublin Zoo are getting involved this Halloween, but let’s hope all the visitors’ costumes don’t scare them too much.

As part of the celebrations, the team at the zoo have organised the annual Boo at the Zoo which takes place this year on Sunday, October 28, and Wednesday, October 31, from 12 noon to 3pm on both days.

Visitors will enjoy festive face painting, scary arts and crafts as well as spooky Halloween keeper talks. A monster disco will also take place on the lawn for young visitors to

Don’t look now: Drive In Movies at Halloween Horror Nights at Tattersalls Country House, in

Youngsters having fun at last year’s

Co Meath, may leave you feeling a wee bit uneasy in your car

Samhain event in Marlay Park, Dublin

enjoy.

Meanwhile, the Haunted Spooktacular Horror Farm located deep in the Meath countryside is said to be Ireland’s biggest scare attraction and definitely worth the trek.

This is the seventh year of an event that leaves people screaming with fright. With a devilish

plan to create 10 acres of fear, the scream team plan to push the boundaries this year even more with scenarios to produce new frights and claustrophobia. State-of-the-art special effects will also help to create an extreme scream experience. It combines live actors, special effects sounds

that help to create a fourdimensional attack on the senses. This will take place from Friday, October 26, to Wednesday, October 31, starting at 6.30pm and finishing at 10pm. Prebooking is essential and it’s priced at €25. Check out www.hiddendublinwalks.com.

Finally, park your fear

at the door as Tattersalls Ireland presents Drive In Movies at Halloween Horror Nights featuring a haunted village with live actors, Halloween props, graveyards, spooky characters, and a spine-chilling selection of classic horror movies at Tattersalls Country House, Ratoath, Co Meath.

Enjoy a selection of Hollywood’s iconic horror movies while sitting in the comfort of your own car. Park in the best seats of the house for €20 per car, with two screenings per night to choose from.

Tickets are available from the Tattersalls House on 01 886 4300, or visit www. tattersalls.ie/house.

Gazette

24 CLONDALKIN gazette 25 October 2012

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL

A bold and interesting menu at the Courtyard  paul hosford

GETTING away from the hustle of Dublin can seem a lengthy enterprise. Planning, driving and organising for a night away isn’t exactly the most appealing to those with busy lifestyles.

Luckily for me, the surrounds of Co Kildare are just on my doorstep and, 10 minutes drive from Clonsilla is the Courtyard Hotel in Leixlip.

Conveniently located in the heart of Leixlip, the Courtyard is a beautifully laid-out hotel which features, unsurprisingly, a large courtyard which is used as an outdoor bar and, as was the case when we visited, is absolutely perfect for a warm day with friends.

Sitting on the River Liffey, the area around the hotel is a great place to take a short walk.

Hotel restaurants can often seem to go one of two ways. Either they play it safe, accept their lot as a convenient eatery for the weary traveller, or they try to be bolder and do something new and genuinely attempt to do excellent food.

Luckily for me, the RiverBank restaurant in the Courtyard falls firmly into the latter category. My rabbit and ham hock terrine starter set the tone for a beautiful meal, while my girlfriend’s duck spring rolls left me wishing I could have had more than one starter.

For mains, I opted for a herb-crusted cod with bacon and tomato salsa which was fresh and full of flavour, while the girlfriend went for a chickpea masala that was a revelation for a carnivore such as myself.

Dessert consisted of a pavlova for the lady and sticky toffee pudding for myself, both of which perfectly rounded off an excellent meal and an ever better short break.

kinnitty castle: offaly hotel and restaurant is taste of excellence

Step back in time to luxurious grandeur  Hiromi mooney hmooney@gazettegroup

IF you’re thinking about organising a weekend staycation, why not travel to the midlands and enjoy some of the countryside the Emerald Isle has to offer?

One such place to stay is Kinnitty Castle in the quaint town of Kinnitty, just outside Birr in Co Offaly. The castle has a deep history which dates back to 1209, so not only do you have a chance to relax here, but it is a chance to

get away from the busy real world and feel as if you’re travelling back in time.

Plus, it’s nestled at the foothills of the picturesque Slieve Bloom Mountains, so you can enjoy some breathtaking scenery along the way.

Kinnitty Castle is a completely different experience from the modern hotels that we are more used to these days. From the moment my partner and I drove up the long driveway through the forest to

A beautiful seated area in Kinnitty Castle

the hotel entrance, we felt like we had travelled through to a different era.

This feeling continued as we stepped inside the front door and were welcomed by stone steps which were lined with candles and two knights in shining armour. The walls were decorated with stuffed deer heads, large paintings and mirrors.

The hotel houses 37 distinctively styled bedrooms, so your stay will be a unique experience each time. My partner

One of the distinctive bedrooms at Kinnitty Castle, Co Offaly

and I stayed in the lavish Hutchinson Suite, which was an extremely large room that overlooked the entire front lawn.

We were told that Kinnitty Castle is a popular wedding destination, and it is rightly so. There was a wedding planned for the next night, so we had a quick peek at the banquet hall which was set up beautifully.

It was quite a romantic setting for the bride and groom’s special day.

It also seemed like a perfect venue to celebrate any other impor tant occasion like a birthday or communion.

We enjoyed a nice m e a l i n t h e d r awing room, and as the evening progressed and it grew darker outside, the candles glowed more brightly and gave the room a completely different atmosphere.

We later went to the bar in the old dungeons where there was some traditional Irish music playing.

Countryside

After a good night’s rest, we were up bright and early to avail of two of the activities available on site. We first went pony trekking around the grounds, which gave us a chance to explore the area and enjoy the fresh countryside air.

We later tried clay pigeon shooting, which I discovered is not for the faint-hearted like myself. But my other half literally had a blast, shooting most of the clay pigeons that were fired out.

If you’re the adventurous type, you should definitely take a shot, quite literally, and experience it for yourself.

But if you are prone to

25 October 2012 CLONDALKIN gazette 25

Gazette

Travel fast

TRAVEL

Five-star city style at a friendly price

THE Dylan hotel, one of Dublin’s leading five-star boutique hotels, is offering guests the perfect opportunity to spoil themselves as the winter temperatures begin to set in.

The sophisticated urban retreat just 15 minutes’ walk from the heart of Dublin’s shopping street, Grafton St, is located on Eastmoreland Place off Upper Baggot Street and is set in an original Victorian building housing 44 bedrooms. A new package from the stylish hotel includes overnight accommodation, complimentary full Irish breakfast, complimentary valet parking and free wi-fi, with rooms available from €179 per night.

With two Experience Suites, three Experience rooms and one Signature suite, guests are offered a unique experience, with each room individually designed in warm, autumnal colours. Bedroom accessories include Belleek pottery, REN products and a Bose sound dock with an iPod. For more information or to book an overnight city break, visit www.dylan.ie.

be easily startled like me, you are better off just watching from a safe distance – it’s just as enjoyable!

There is plenty to do nearby as well, like walking or cycling through the nearby mountains.

But if you’re looking to learn about some of the local heritage, Tullamore Dew Heritage Centre should be your next stop to visit.

It’s only a 20 minute drive from the hotel and it’s easy enough to find. The centre was recently refurbished, and the displays were very impressive. Our tour began with a video in the auditorium which explained the history of Tullamore Dew whiskey and the story of Daniel E Williams.

From here, we were given a guided walk through the process of making whiskey – from

harvesting the crops to the distilling process to when it’s finally made and bottled.

In short, a weekend break in the midlands is a chance to unwind and enjoy the fresh air and countryside activities.

For more information about Kinnitty Castle and nearby activities, v i s i t w w w. k i n n i t t y castlehotel.com.

T he Cosy Castle Comforts package at Kinnitty Castle Hotel offers two nights’ accommodation with a full Irish breakfast each morning, dinner at Sli Dala Restaurant on the evening of your choice, followed by a complimentary night cap at the traditional library bar as well as a Cosy Comforts Hamper on arrival.

The special offer is available from just €149 per person sharing.

The majestic Kinnitty Castle at dusk

A magnificent bedroom with a four-poster bed

26 clondalkin gazette 25 October 2012

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25 October 2012 clondalkin Gazette 27

monthly awards P28

asdfsdaf gaelic games P27 P31

dublinsport Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community



Gazette

MOTORSPORT P29

FastSport taylor named boxer of year:

Members of the Lucan Boxing Club that met the Irish ambassador to Denmark following their exploits at the HSK Cup last week

boxing: local club claims six medals from international tournament

Brabazon hails epic showing from Lucan boxing’s octet EIGHT Lucan boxing club members last week took on one of the biggest competitions in Europe, competing against 330 boxers from 11 nations at the HSK Box Cup in Denmark.

In the process, they claimed three gold and three silver medals, making for an historic couple of days for the west Dublin club with club coach Karl Brabazon proclaiming: “Sometimes the higher the standards are set, the higher we reach to achieve them.”

Team captain Mick Clarke led the way pulling off a sensational knock-out in the first round of his heavyweight

final, a right hook that left his opponent face first on the canvas. It will provide a memorable part of his highlight reel as he intends to hang up the gloves this year.

Luke Byrne produced the fight of the competition by hammering his opponents with his tight skills, regularly using guts, bravery and will to slip big heavy right crosses, brilliantly slipping six inches either way before landing power shots Conor Burke brought controlled work rate to his wins and a gold medal to boot. Brian Haskins and Petru Ursu

brought home silver in close fights that could have gone their way.

Robbie Coyle and John Joyce showed heart, courage and toughness and came into touching distance of that silver medal.

Then Adam Cross stepped up to finish off the tournament with the very last fight with a hometown favourite in opposition. As the shouts came in for the home lad from his supporters, the 10-strong Lucan team around the ring responded “ole, ole, ole, ole” to a thunderous noise that echoed and deafened any other sound in the sports hall. Cross

lost by split decision and one point.

The Lucan team were subsequently hosted by the Irish ambassador to Denmark at the Irish embassy before returning home.

Speaking about his club’s involvement in the competition, Brabazon added: “A quick rundown of these fights doesn’t do these lads justice, the skill, effort and determination put in warmed the hearts of each of us trainers.

“Each of the lads put in all that hard work and dedication; this was a big moment for Lucan sport that they pulled off.”

THE AIBA confirmed that Katie Taylor will receive the 2012 AIBA World Elite Female Boxer of the Year Award for a historic third time.

The 2012 AIBA Award Ceremony will take place in Armenia on December 7. Taylor scooped the prestigious award in 2008 and 2010.

This year, the 26-year-old claimed the Olympic, world, European and European Union lightweight titles, picking up the best boxer award in China and London.

“Katie has won the award three times now and that has never been done before. It’s a great honour and we’re absolutely delighted,” said Taylor’s coach and dad, Peter Taylor.

c o n ta c t s Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@gazettegroup.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@gazettegroup.com Phone: 01 651 6205

Gazette

28 CLONDALKIN gazette 25 October 2012

SPORT

DublinGazetteNewspapers 2012 dublin sports awards october nominees

A WET and wild October proved a happy hunting ground for local GAA clubs as near neighbours Kilmacud Crokes and Cuala claimed two of the biggest prizes in the county game, finally ending their respective hoodoos in the senior hurling and inter football championships, respectively, and have Leinster campaigns to look forward to. On the individual front, the local stars have very much been looking to Europe as jiu jitsu star Darragh O’Conaill claimed a European title while Kenneth Egan showed class is permanent with a fourth gold medal from four trips to Finland. John Brophy, meanwhile, is hoping that he can play his way into the Republic of Ireland amateur squad on a more regular basis as they build toward a European championship in San Marino. November has the promise of plenty of other Leinster campaigns with Castlkenock also flying the GazetteSport flag.

H STARof the MONTH

darragh o’conaill

john brophy

kenneth egan

IRELAND’S youngest Brazillian jiu jitsu brown belt continued his fantastic form by claiming two gold medals in the middleweight division – one at the London Open and the other at the Nogi European Championships, which was also held in the English capital

THE Phoenix striker’s recent form with his club and with the Leinster senior league panel was good enough to earn him a first-ever Republic of Ireland amateur call-up, a just reward for his excellent start to the season with the Scribblestown club

BEIJING silver medallist Kenneth Egan showed there is plenty of life left in his career as he swept to a gold medal at the Tammer tournament in Finland.

In a superb Irish showing, Egan was one of four gold medallists at the multi-nation event

kilmacud crokes

cuala

Round tower

THE Glenalbyn club bridged a 27-year gap to claim the Dublin senior hurling championship in excellent style. It could be the first half of a rare double as the club’s senior footballers are a step away from their third Dublin title in five years

AFTER two painful final defeats, the Dalkey club finally claimed the Dublin intermediate football championship title with a fine victory over Fingallians in Chanel College, winning out by four points off the back of a great first half showing

THE Clondalkin club made incredible strides this year at junior football level with both their AFL5 and AFL9 teams earning promotion this month.

The latter did so despite being in danger of folding the team at the turn of the 2012 season

TEAMof the MONTH H

5k event draws huge crowds to Kilbogget Park  sport@gazettegroup.com

Over 800 people took to the startline of the annual DLR Community 5k last week

THIS year’s DLR Community 5K in Kilbogget Park saw over 800 participants of all ages and fitness levels taking part. The event, once again kicked off Social Inclusion Week in the county.

A great family atmosphere was brewing before the start with a mass warm-up run by an instructor from the DLR Leisure Services that had everyone set to go when An Cathaoirleach, CllrTom Joyce (Fine Gael) sounded the starter hooter.

A constant stream of people,

from seasoned athletes to babies in prams, from 80-year-olds to teenagers, past the start line to do the 5km route at their own pace.

Everyone who made it around the picturesque Kilbogget Park to the finish line was a winner with some groups using the event to fundraise for their chosen charity.

With an entry fee of just €5 for adults (children were free) all participants received a t-shirt, medal and goodie bag as well as refreshments to keep energy levels up.

Shane McArdle, co-ordinator with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

sports partnership, commented: “Our key aim was to have an event that was open to everyone, from wheelchair users to joggers, to complete the course and have fun.

“We are delighted to have had such a huge turnout and most importantly wide range of abilities take part and enjoy the family atmosphere.”

The DLR Community 5K is organised by Dún LaoghaireRathdown sports partnership in conjunction with a number of partner agencies to provide a fun, inclusive event for everyone.

McArdle also added “a huge thank you has to go to Cabinteely FC for the use of their facilities, the Parks Department in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for their assistance, the Community Gardai and Dublin Civil Defence for their help on the day and of course the large number of volunteers who ensured that everyone was safe and had fun.

“With their help, and for the fourth year in a row the appearance of the sun, the DLR Community 5k continues to become bigger every year.”

25 October 2012 CLONDALKIN gazette 29

Gazette

Cruel twist of fate for D15’s Kennedy Jack Kennedy endured a traumatic end to his second season in the British Supersport championship when his bike gave way and he was denied the title seven laps from the finish CLONSILLA man Jack Kennedy is learning not to beat himself up after round 12 of the British Supersport championships, where a technical glitch forced him to retire, when he only needed a finish to claim the series title.

As soon as championship leader Glen Richards went off the track on that fateful day, a seventh place finish was all Kennedy needed to seal the championship but, on lap eight the Blanchardstow n resident’s bike gave way and the despair of the pilot was seen as he was forced to roll the Martrain Yamaha into the pits.

 peter carroll sport@gazettegroup.com

“I remember seeing my clipboard and knowing that Glen had gone off around the third lap,” said Kennedy.

“I wasn’t trying to go hell for leather, I took it easy and I was thinking about challenging for a podium, but I definitely didn’t want to get involved in any scraps at the top of the field.

“Then I just noticed the bike getting slower, the back brake seemed

to be interfering with the speed and I just knew it was finished then.

“It’s been a tough time since it happened, but I’ve to learn not to beat myself up.

“I had the championship won and it was the first mechanical failure of the year for the team. It was just very unlucky,” said the Supersport ace.

Martrain had invested faith in the young Irishman after seeing him recover from a big injury the year before, with the rider’s comeback being a win at Brand’s Hatch.

Kennedy admits that in signing him,

Jack Kennedy produced an excellent campaign only to fall short at the final hurdle

Martrain knew he was capable of some wins, but the Northern Irish team probably didn’t think that he would be in contention for the title.

“They knew I had won races, they were probably expecting a

even though it didn’t work out in my favour.

“We were the only team that challenged for a large part of the season on a bike that wasn’t running on a Triumph engine and that shows the skill and determination that was

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

‘I’m hungrier, more determined and faster than ever. I’ll be up there looking for podiums. I certainly won’t be making up the numbers’ - Jack Kennedy

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

fifth place finish in the championship, so it was great to be involved in a championship run,

present throughout the whole team.

“To perform the way they did is a big deal for a small team for Northern Ireland, and the fact that the first mechanical fault came in the last race of the year shows how good the team are,” said Kennedy.

Without the finances to re-enter the Supersport stakes for next year, Kennedy is now eyeing a ride in the main event, the British Superbikes championship, as Martrain are in talks to represent Yamaha on their R1.

“I’m hungrier, more determined and faster than ever. If it’s superbikes I’ll be up there looking for podiums, I certainly won’t be there to make up the numbers,” said the confident 24-year-old.

FastSport

French side in driving seat in Leinster group FORMER Ireland and Lions manager Donal Lenihan believes Clermont Auvergne are looking an ominous force ahead of their double showdown with Leinster.

The blues got over the challenge of Scarlets in Wales last Saturday but have still yet to hit top form in the Heineken Cup despite winning twice in succession.

Churchtown resident Isa Nacewa got the blues’ only try of the game while Johnny Sexton kicked the rest of the points in the 20-13 result.

Also included in the side were former Blackrock College men Ian Madigan, Brian O’Driscoll and Leo Cullen, Rathfarnham native Shane Jennings while Castleknock College alumni Devin Toner came off the bench.

But Lenihan says Clermont will be a level above the offering of Scarlets and Exeter Chiefs in the past fortnight: “Clermont look in a league of their own at the moment. Their performance is on a different level. Clermont versus Leinster is the place to be for round three.

“It’s not going to be easy for Leinster to click into gear as they will be handicapped by the autumn internationals. They will probably only have one more match together before Clermont.

It’s a big ask. After two rounds you would have to say they [Clermont] are the team in the driving seat.”

He was speaking about Leinster’s hopes in connection with the Heineken Star Predictor, a competition in which members of the public compete against high profile pundits to see who can predict the outcomes from this season’s Heineken Cup matches.

Among the prizes are Heineken Cup match tickets while the ultimate prize of an exclusive VIP package to the Heineken Cup final at Aviva Stadium. Among those playing the game are Irish cricket star Niall O’Brien, Newstalk’s Ger Gilroy, rugby pundit Brent Pope, former Dublinstar Jason Sherlock and broadcaster Tom Dunne.

To be in with a chance of winning Heineken Cup match tickets, and an opportunity of beating George Hook, play Heineken Star Predictor; log on to www.heineken.ie/heinekencup and register for round three by 5pm on Friday, December 7.

Gazette

30 CLONDALKIN gazette 25 October 2012

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: liffey valley bow out of lfa u-17 youths cup

Peamount young guns in flying Under-9 form COLM Callan and his Peamount U-9s were in great form this Saturday when they banked a massive comeback win over Orchard Celtic who at half time led the game 2-0, before Justin Doherty and Kyle Bowen bagged a brace each to claim the victory for the Peas, 4-2.

Callan opted to play an 8 a-side game with the Celtic manager before the game kicked off, and the Clondalkin side originally found it hard to get used to the small, heavy pitch.

A couple of well-timed passes for Celtic put their centre forward in on goal and despite a fantastic effort by the Peamount goalkeeper, Josh Ahern, Celtic took the early lead.

An opportunistic goal led to the home team doubling their lead, but Callan knew his side could comeback after showing a fantastic eye for goal, taking six in their last league showdown.

After the break, Justin Doherty took his first five minutes in after a move that went the length of the pitch, from the kick out to the right wing and then on to the advancing midfielder who tucked the ball away casually.

Bowen was on point shortly after when he meandered through the opposition defenders only to regain the ball after an initial challenge then skipping by the next challenger, he tucked the ball away to level the game.

With momentum on their side, it was Bowen who stepped up again to give his side the lead after a fast counter attack that caught Orchard Celtic sleeping.

Jack Quinn put a pin point cross in for Doherty to finish off for the Peas final goal, showing how sharp the team are just three games away from their competitive debut in the U-9 shield which will take place in the new year.

Manager Colm Callan has seen vast improvement in the side and believes they will relish the step up in competition when it comes.

“Kids are naturally competitive, so I’m sure they’ll be very excited about the shield,” said Callan. “I’ve had the team since U-8 and their progression has been amazing – the penny is finally dropping!

“They all know their positions very well, they play a good passing game and I’m very impressed with them getting their heads up to look around when they’re in possession, it’s a very good sign,” Callan concluded.

The Liffey Valley Rangers U-17 side that hosted Shelbourne last Sunday at Ballyowen Park in the LFA U-17s Youths Cup

Shels see off Rangers lfa u-17 Youths cup Liffey Valley Rangers Shelbourne  Carl Duffy

2 4

sport@gazettegroup.com

LIFFEY Valley Rangers’ run in the LFA Youths Cup came to an end as they fell 4-2 to Shelbourne in Ballyowen Park last Sunday morning.

Shelbourne’s Reece Weldon was a constant threat throughout the game and put in a man of the match performance, scoring one and creating three goals for his team to swing the tie in the northside club’s favour.

The first chance of the

game fell to the home team on the 10-minute mark with Ireland Under16 international Dylan McKeever taking the ball from midfield and playing through the ball to his strike partner Jack McDonnell whose shot, forced the first save of the game from the Shelbourne keeper.

In response, Shels created their first real chance with Weldon out on the wing, pulling back a pass to the edge of the box after seeing the run of his teammate Jack Lyons, whose thunderous shot flew past the outstretched arms of Liffey Valley keep-

defibrillator drive Round Tower run novel fundraising initiative thanks to the efforts of the Round Tower club members, Clondalkin Active Retirement and the ladies of Tuesday night bingo in the club, €1,170 was raised toward purchasing a new club defibrillator.

The local GAA club have done this through recycling unwanted clothes, shoes, runners, handbags, luggage, sheets, towels, curtains and fabrics. The drive is ongoing and anybody with items can leave them into the clubhouse on Convent Road.

er Stephen Kavanagh and rattled the upright of the goal.

The opening goal went Shelbourne’s way with Weldon playing a terrific through ball for Lyons on the edge of the box, who duly dispatched a low powerful drive into the bottom corner of the net.

The home team equalised a few minutes before half time when they took advantage of a defensive lapse from Shelbourne, who misread a long pass into their box and allowed McKeever to score a well taken goal.

The turning point of the game came in the sec-

ond half when Weldon’s audacious shot from the edge of the box caught Liffey Valley off guard and sailed into the top corner of the net.

Shelbourne strengthened their lead on the 60th minute when Weldon dribbled the ball down the right wing, cut a pass across the box onto the path of Stephen Lynch, who curled an unstoppable shot into the back of the net.

Weldon and Lyons linked up brilliantly for their team’s fourth goal, as they played a one-two pass with one another and produced a low pass into

the six yards box which substitute Aidan Rowe dispatched for a classic goal poachers finish.

McDonnell and McKeever teamed up again for the final goal of the game on the 70th minute, with McDonnell doing well to hold up the ball on the 35 yard-line.

From there, he passed the ball to McKeever who skipped past two defenders and slotted the ball home.

It was too late to affect the result but McKeever and McDonnell showed they will be a handful for any opposition they may face this year.

25 October 2012 CLONDALKIN gazette 31

 sport@gazettegroup.com

ROUND Tower’s youngsters enjoyed a lively couple of weeks with the Clondalkin club’s U-9 camogie team playing in the Gala U-9 Go Games blitz in Ballyboden.

T hey played three matches against Ballyboden, Good Counsel and St Olaf’s, coming

away with two draws and a very unlucky loss to Good Counsel.

The best part of their game was definitely their defence and goalkeeping and they seemed to relish the pressure that was put on them. Their numbers are very good and if they can recruit a couple more players they might be in a posi-

tion to put in two teams for the next blitz.

Last week also saw the final league match for Tower’s two U-11 football teams against Ballyboden who were chasing the league title.

Both Round Tower teams played exceptionally well, with two skilful and well contested matches at this age level.

Towers won one of their matches by nine points and lost the other match by 12 points. These results meant both Tower’s teams ended up second in their leagues.

Every player gave their full effort with some outstanding performances

by Adam Hanlon, Daniel Mitchell, Aidan Kelly and Julia O’Flannery.

football: clondalkin club celebrate

Gazette

ASDFASDSAF Round Tower’s teams in flying form Club Noticeboard round tower, clondalkin CONGRATULATIONS to the junior B

There was no winner of this week’s

team on winning AFL9 on Sunday

jackpot of €9,300.

with a win against St Oliver Plun-

Congratulations to Bob Russell,

kett’s/ER and to the junior A team

Gary Kinsella, and Lordy who were

who are promoted to intermediate

the three € 100 winner s. Match

football next year although they

three plus the bonus ball: n/a. Next

could not defeat Raheny to win the

week’s jackpot is €9,400.

league.

The clubrooms are available for

Commiserations to the U-15 ladies

rental for parties, anniversaries,

who were defeated by Naomh Olaf’s

etc. Please contact Jimmy behind

in the division two championship

the bar or on 01-4592960.

final on Saturday.

Look out for our jigs and reels ticket sellers this week - the night takes place on November17 in the Green Isle hotel.

Pick your lotto team leader and help them become the top Friday night seller.

One hour once every seven weeks is all it takes. If you are able to help,

Scrap Saturday is returning to

please contact Matt McCormack on

Round Tower GAA Club. The next

087 6836737 or email info@round-

collection will take place Saturday

tower.ie. The club shop is open in

November 10 and persons are asked

the club every Monday night from

to leave their metal to Monastery

7.30-8.30pm.

Road between the hours of 10am and 4pm.

This week’s lotto numbers were 5, 10, 14 and 28 . The bonus ball was 6.

You can call Betty Ward or Catherine Moran direct if you have any particular enquiries on 087 6752238 or 086 8303207 respectively.

st pat’s palmerstown CONGRATULATIONS to the U-12 foot-

place on Friday, November 9 at 8.30pm

ballers on finishing second in their

in the clubhouse. All welcome.

league following a playoff at the weekend.

Darren Core saved an early penalty as Round Tower produced a superb performance to win AFL9

Rampant Tower’s sweep to AFL9 title Afl division nine

Round Tower 2-14 St Oliver Plunkett’s/ER 0-9  sport@gazettegroup.com

AN emphatic first-half display of teamwork and score-taking provided the platform to allow the Round Tower junior B footballers claim AFL9 in the community centre last Sunday.

They ran out comprehensive winners over St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh by 11 points to claim the league title in emphatic style.

In ideal conditions for football, the Clondalking club made the most

of them. Six minutes in, midfielder Shane Byrne pointed from long range to start the run.

The visitors did respond and could have moved ahead but for an excellent penalty save low to the ground by Tower’s keeper Darren Core.

But that was as good as it got for Plunkett’s in the first half as Tower’s forwards constantly caused problems and their willingness to shoot from distance allowed them rally to a comfortable and ultimately unassailable lead.

Ciaran Dunne led the charge when he kicked a terrific point from the

right touchline while halfforward Keith Weldon’s running caused considerable problems. Ray Davis was kicking frees from distance with great accuracy and he registered his first 35m out while another effort extended the lead to 0-5 to 0-1.

Martin Corrigan was looking similarly dangerous and he and Davis combined for the first goal, the former on the mark.

Mick Kelly, playing at centre-half-back, then carried the ball 40m before feeding Shane Byrne and his pass to Dunne on the outside was finished with

a point.

Tower’s were putting on a superb show and it was crowned with a superb Byrne goal four minutes before half time.

Corrigan found himself with his back to goal on the 45 and turned to play a precise ball back to Byrne and he made no mistake.

Plunkett’s bravely fought back in the second half but were never going to catch the home side, with kicks from Weldon and Davis allowing the Tower’s out this crucial AFL9 clash with a comfortable victory that secured the league title.

Lotto number and results: first draw numbers – 11, 18, 28 and 3; there

The club was very proud to see two

was no winner. Second draw numbers

Pat’s men lined out for Dublin foot-

– 6, 8, 21 and 2; there was no winner.

ball on Sunday as they beat Louth in

Any three numbers winners: Paul

a challenge game. Great work from

Byrne, David Jordan, Ciaran and Liam

Barry O’Hanlon and Jonathan McDer-

McCarthy, John Dolan, Gary Sliney

mott.

The annual mass for deceased members, relatives and friends takes

The next draw is on Sunday, October 28. First draw jackpot of €10,000, second draw jackpot of €3,400.

lucan sarsfields TEAM of the week goes to our U-7

The club is organising a clothing col-

footballers and hurlers who gave an

lection to raise funds. Please leave

excellent display against Na Fianna

items of clothing, towels, curtains,

last Saturday morning.

shoes, handbags, belts and soft toys

Well done to our U-15 hurlers on win-

inside the front door of the clubhouse

ning the division two league title on

weekdays from 6pm and weekends

Sunday, beating Ballyboden by 3-15 to

from 12 noon up until this Friday, Octo-

2-16.

ber 26.

Well done also to our senior A cam-

We are currently looking for volun-

ogie team who came from eight points

teers to either join an existing lotto

to two down to win by 1-7 to 0-9 against

team or start their own lotto team.

St Vincent’s in the league semi-final.

You would only be committing to giv-

The final on this Thursday in St Mar-

ing up one Sunday night every 10 weeks

garet’s at 8.15pm.

or so to check lotto tickets for the win-

Our U-14 ladies footballers won

ning numbers. Training will be provid-

their championship final by 4-9 to 3-7

ed. If you are interested or would like

against Cuala. Thanks to Cavan Devel-

more information, please contact on

opments for the use of their teleporter

Mary Flannery on 087 7469143.

last weekend.

The club shop will be open on Tues-

The club Mass for deceased mem-

day, October 23 only. No opening on

bers will take place in the function

bank holiday weekends , therefore

room on Wednesday, November 7 at

the shop will not be open on Saturday,

8pm.

October 27.

GazetteSPORT all of your clondalkin sports coverage from page 27-31

Junior double: Round Tower joy as they claim second football promotion in recent weeks P31

october 25, 2012

kennedy’s devastation: Clonsilla man within seven laps of glory P29

Tower’s turnaround to win AFL9 title  peter carroll

sport@gazettegroup.com

WILLIE Kennedy shared his delight with his Round Tower’s AFL9 team securing the league title last Sunday at the Community Centre against St Oliver Plunkett’s, making it a fantastic season for the junior footballers who claimed the cup only two weeks before the clinching league game.

“It feels brilliant,” Kennedy told GazetteSport. “I’m absolutely delighted. The league was always the one that we wanted, not just me but the lads too, so it was great to wrap it up with a comfortable

win.”

After a dramatic start to the game that saw Shane Byrne drop a long range effort over the bar for Tower’s, only for Plunkett’s to go up the field and win a penalty which was stopped in its tracks by the Clondalkin stopper Darren Core, Kennedy could see the stars aligning for his side.

“To be honest, when they got the penalty I was thinking they would put it away and make it hard day for us. But when Darren made the save I knew it was our day, we were very solid and I couldn’t see it going against us.

“We went on to take a really good hold of the first half. We

were scoring well and breaking down their play so well. It dampened down in the second half, I really think that Plunkett’s settled for defeat. They seemed to throw in the towel to be fair but we were happy to take the win,” said Tower’s manager.

Giving up is something Kennedy can recognise. Without doubt one of the greatest achievements of the year was the Clondalkin man keeping the side together when everyone seemed to think it best to disband the group.

“It was looking dodgy last year,” admitted Kennedy. “The team was basically broken up; we didn’t even know if we were

going to play. It’s a big turnaround now when you see how good the atmosphere is in the team.”

Kennedy can nearly pinpoint the moment when the team changed its tune, in the only defeat of the year, their first game against Scoil Ui Chonaill.

“It was a big shot in the arm. We had two of the lads off the starting 15 late for the throw in, we just knew it couldn’t happen again.

“We constantly drew back on that game – ‘I hope Scoil Ui Chonaill doesn’t come back to haunt us’ – it was a real watershed moment and we took a far more professional approach since that game,” said Kennedy.

Round Tower saw off Plunkett’s to top AFL9