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INSIDE: The Laurels Charity Crew presents €106,970 to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin Page 6

Football:

Round Tower land silverware at U-15 level Page 31

Soccer:

Bus parked as Wayside pick off half dozen Page 30

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

OPINION: Minister Fitzgerald calls for a Yes vote in the Children’s Referendum P8

Rowlagh ‘up in the air’ – Dowds  paul hosford

A LABOUR TD has said that the process of delivering a primary care centre in Rowlagh is “up in the air” after the Minister for Health said that the centre was never planned to be State-funded.

Deputy Robert Dowds asked a number of questions of Minister for Health Dr James Reilly but had to appeal an answer to the Ceann Com-

hairle, Sean Barrett, who compelled Minister Reilly to make a more definitive statement regarding Rowlagh.

Deputy Dowds said that the response showed that the process is “up in the air”. “I am glad that the Ceann Comhairle directed the minister to answer my question directly,” said Dowds, who met with the Junior Health Minister Alex White to discuss the situation.

Full Story on Page 4

Derek’s run: A 5K fundraiser marks an anniversary in style BRIDGET Mulally and Bernie

McEvoy were two of the many people who turned up for the commemorative 5K fun run at Rathcoole Park recently, honouring the memory of Bridget’s late son, Derek. His fifth-year anniversary

was marked in style, with lots of runners, walkers and participants taking on the course in bright sunshine, with all funds from the run going to help support Pieta House.

Picture: Cathy Weatherston

See Gallery on Page 6

2 CLONDALKIN Gazette 1 November 2012

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heritage Call to help hold a national party

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

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Launching the €2m IPB/Gathering fund were George Jones, chairman, IPB Insurance; An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny and Imelda Rey, head of engagement and communications, The Gathering

‘Apply now for a share of The Gathering fund’  paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

LOCAL civic organisers have been urged to take advantage of a new investment in The Gathering programme for 2013.

The Gathering is a yearlong celebration of Ireland, and a major tourist drive designed to encourage visitors to Ireland.

People at home and abroad are invited to host or attend an event. and local councillor Emer Higgins (FG) is hoping that locals will take advantage of the money on offer to create attractions for visitors.

We l c o m i n g t h e

 Paul Hosford news@gazettegroup.com

announcement of an additional €2 million in funding for the event, which is being supplied in equal measure by the Government and IPB Insurance, Higgins said that people in Dublin Mid-West should take advantage of the funding.

She said: “€2m in additional funding is being supplied to assist the people of Lucan and

Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Newcastle and Rathcoole and beyond in their attempts to organise events and activities at a local level as part of The Gathering 2013 – the biggest tourism initiative ever planned in Ireland.”

City and county councils will be administering grants of €25,000 to €60,000, which will support up to three flagship events in each council area.

Grants of €500 to €2,500 will also be available for other local and community events.

Cllr Higgins added: “The Gathering 2013 is a fantastic opportunity

for each locality to demonstrate all they have to offer. It’s a fantastic excuse to bring friends and family home, or to encourage those who merely have an interest in Ireland and Irish culture to pay us a visit.

“It is hoped that the year-long series of festivals and events will bring an additional 325,000 tourists to Ireland next year, which have a significant impact on our economy, contributing to our overall economic recovery.”

Labour councillor for Clondalkin, Breeda Bonner, added her support for the fund and said that at a time when many people

have family abroad, bringing people home would be a huge boost.

She said: “There is a huge potential in this, because everyone has family abroad.

“The recent St Joseph’s BNS book launch was full of people who had come home from abroad and there is huge potential in terms of local history,” said Cllr Bonner, who pointed to Clondalkin particularly as having the components needed for tourism.

“We have hotels, the Round Tower and an historic village. We just need to get our thinking caps on,” she said.

Cyber bullying victims urged to seek help  paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

CLONDALKIN-based charity Console has urged young people who are suffering from cyber bullying to seek help immediately.

The call comes just days after a

13-year old girl in Donegal took her own life after posting a message suggesting she was being bullied online.

Console founder and chief executive Paul Kelly said: “Through our work, we see how vulnerable communities as a

whole are in the aftermath of such tragedies, and we want them to know we are there for them.

“We would like anyone affected by these tragedies, or who feels especially vulnerable, to get in touch with our 24-hour helpline on Freephone 1800 201 890,

where they will receive professional and experienced support.

“Young people in particular can also text ‘help’ to 51444 for one-to-one support, or can contact us at www.console.ie.”

Console can be contacted directly at 01 868 5232.

1 November 2012 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3

charity

charge: cllr gino kenny (PBP) issues a rallying call to locals

Santa Bear in appeal

‘Stand firm against the household tax’

 paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

A LOCAL councillor has called for the people of Clondalkin to “stand firm” in their non-payment of the household charge.

People Before Profit councillor Gino Kenny made the call as the first of the letters were issued

by South Dublin County Council (SDCC) in relation to non-registration of the controversial charge, with more than 45% of the denizens of South Dublin still having not paid.

Cllr Kenny said: “This is the first shot across the bows of householders that have made a conscious decision not to pay the

household tax. This will be one of three letters that will be sent to homeowners that have refused to register.

“The letters will get more threatening in the coming months, and will threaten the homeowner with court action if they do not pay.”

The letter states that homeowners who didn’t register before the March 31 deadline have accumulated fees up to €27, making the charge now €127.

Cllr Kenny, who is spokesperson for the Campaign against the Household Tax in Clondalkin, reiterated the campaign standpoint that non-payment was a

democratic right.

He said: “What we are saying in the campaign locally is to stand firm and don’t be bullied by these letters. More than 45% of homeowners in the SDCC area, and the country, haven’t registered for this charge.

“They can only bring a fraction of people to court and, when they do, householders will be defended in a court of law.

“People that refused to register have made a courageous decision to send the Government a message that they are refusing to pay. It’s their democratic right to boycott this charge in whatever manner they choose,” he said.

 hiromi mooney

Hat’s quite a look: Clondalkin man’s memorable Monday marathon run CLONDALKIN man James Hempsey was Dustin time for the Dub-

lin Marathon on Monday, where the colourful character added to the fun of the bank holiday run through the city centre’s streets.

Although James didn’t wing it across the finish line in first place, his imaginative style made him a winner on the day, as he joined 15,000 other runners to take part in the popular marathon event.

A NATIONWIDE Santa Bear Appeal will take place from December 1 to 11.

This is the Central Remedial Clinic’s (CRC) biggest annual fundraising event, and asks people to “buy a bear and show you care”.

Volunteers are asked to sell Santa Bear products from home or work, with products including badges, key covers, and pens. They come in boxes of 25, and each item sells for €2 each.

To volunteer for this year’s Santa Bear appeal, call the CRC’s fundraising department at Freephone 1800 612 612, or email santabear@crc.ie

4 CLONDALKIN Gazette 1 November 2012

FastNews

health Answers still sought on care facility diabetes:

advice available

Library to host health talks

Local artist to showcase at Dunboyne Castle Hotel ACCLAIMED Clondalkin artist Deborah Donnelly will become the first ever artist in residence at Dunboyne Castle Hotel.

As part of her residency, Deborah will host special painting classes and her work is being exhibited in the hotel’s Ivy Brasserie.

Deborah’s work has gone global and she graces the walls of art enthusiasts including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Keanu Reeves and many well-known Irish personalities including Pat Kenny and Louis Walsh.

Deborah is hosting her popular Paint And Pinot classes in the hotel on Friday and Saturday evening, November 9 and 10 at 7.30pm.

The class includes all oil paints and materials, wine and finger food and costs just €65 per person, and can be included as part of the hotel’s special artist accommodation rates.

Her Coffee and Cupcakes class is on Thursday, November 8 at 10.30am. This class is €58 per person, for further information see www.dunboynecastlehotel.com .

Celebrate good times, come on!

Library to go experimental this month

SOUTH Dublin County Council will present Celebration, a event that showcases talent and creativity in the South Dublin County area on Monday, November 12 at 8pm at the Civic Theatre in Tallaght.

There are a variety of acts taking part on the night, including a rock band, drums, dancers, twirlers, singing, a play, poetry reading and more.

The council say that they are very proud of this dynamic event as it will serve as the grand finale of Social Inclusion Week.

Tickets, priced at €5, are available from www.civictheatre.ie

CLONDALKIN Library is getting experimental this month, as they host free sciencethemed events in conjunction with Science Week.

On Tuesday November 13 at 9.45am, 11.30am and 3pm, there will be an Everyday Experiments event which will give children the opportunity to make a connection with science in everyday life and, on Thursday, November 15, at 10am, Dave’s Jungle will be on site to show off exotic animals and creepy crawlies.

 paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

Labour TD Robert Dowds says that the process for awarding Primary Care Centres is changing regularly

Centre process ‘up in the air’ – Dowds

 paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

A LABOUR TD has said that the process of delivering a primary care centre in Rowlagh is “up in the air” after the Minister for Health said that the centre was never planned to be State-funded.

The controversial centre, which has been the subject of fierce debate in recent weeks, was announced as a publicprivate partnership (PPP) model, although many people had expected it to be the State-funded model.

Labour Deputy Robert Dowds asked a number

of questions of Minister for Health Dr James Reilly in the aftermath of the release of the list, but had to appeal an answer to the Ceann Comhairle, Sean Barrett, who compelled Minister Reilly to make a more definitive statement regarding Rowlagh.

Answering Deputy Dowds’ question, Minister Reilly said that the centre was not, in fact, on the Goverment’s Capital Plan list.

His response said: “I should point out that Rowlagh/North Clondalkin was never included in a Capital Plan and was not, indeed, included on the 2012

Capital Plan submitted to the Department.

“Approval has recently been issued for the 2012 plan, and details will be posted on the HSE’s website as soon as is practicable.”

Deputy Dowds said that the response showed that the process is “up in the air”. “I am glad that the Ceann Comhairle directed the Minister to answer my question directly,” said Deputy Dowds, who met with the Junior Health Minister to discuss the situation.

“The answer shows that the entire process seems to be up in the air, and that it is being changed

on a regular basis. I met [Junior Health] Minister Alex White, and he confirmed that the situation is fluid,” said the Labour TD, who said he would be investigating whether the PPP model would work in Rowlagh.

“For that reason, I will be meeting with local GPs in the near future to see whether the PPP model will work. If it is not the fastest way of getting this development built, or if there are big problems with it, I will be pressing for the Rowlagh primary care centre to be built entirely by the Government’s Capital Pro gramme,” he said.

A SIX-week programme on managing Type Two Diabetes will be held in Leixlip Library from next year.

T h e X- P e r t p r o gramme outlines how to manage Type Two Diabetes, giving guidelines on how to manage weight, supermarket shopping, possible complications of diabetes and how to prevent them, and the importance of lifestyle, diet and exercise.

The course is free and will be running in Leixlip Library from November 7 to December 12, taking place every Wednesday for the six weeks from 10am to 12.30pm.

The most recent estimates from Diabetes Action Ireland suggest that nearly 200,000 people in Ireland will suffer from some form of diabetes by 2015.

Fiona Moloney, who is a HSE senior community dietician, is the facilitator of the course.

For further information or to book a place, contact Fiona on 01 610 6144.

Clondalkin Leisure Centre is gold again  paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

CLONDALKIN Leisure Centre was recently awarded with their tenth White Flag for Excellence Award from the Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management (ILAM).

The centre was rewarded for their high standards with a gold award, the highest possible, as

well as being awarded silver in the Disability Provision category.

The ILAM White Flag Excellence Programme is the “quality standard for spa and leisure” that all leisure facilities must strive to achieve.

Launched in 2001, the White Flag is an independently audited award, recognised throughout the Leisure Industry, endorsed

by Failte Ireland and the Irish Hotels Federation.

The staff at the centre were congratulated by local councillor Trevor Gilligan, who said that the standards achieved in the centre could be seen on a day-to-day basis.

“The new community centre was built at a cost of €12 million with €9 million of this coming from South Dublin

County Council. I would like to thank the management and the employees, who put a lot of effort into achieving the highest standards possible,” said Cllr Gilligan.

“As a regular user of the facilities, I see on a regular basis how committed the staff are to their customers and I wish them many more years of success,” he concluded.

1 November 2012 CLONDALKIN Gazette 5

6 CLONDALKIN Gazette 1 November 2012

gazetteGALLERIES

Carolyn and Thomas Farrell

The participants set off from the starting line. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

fun run: Remembering Derek

A

5K fun run to commemorate Derek Mullally’s fifth year anniversary recently took place in Rathcoole Park.

All proceeds raised from the run are in aid of Pieta House, the centre for the prevention of self-harm or suicide.

There were many participants on the day, and they had the choice to run, jog or walk in the fun run.

Luckily the weather stayed dry and sunny, and it was an enjoyable day for all.

Frank Walsh and Ian Daly

Dennis McCarthy; Emma Cooney, Our Lady’s Children’s

Gay and Maud Nolan

Conor Murphy

Elaine and Mary

Gemma and Philip Carr

Gerry McCarthy, Dennis Kelly and Pauline McCarthy

CHARITY: FUNDS DONATED TO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

106,970 thank-yous for Laurels Crew A

Christina, the late Derek Mullally’s mother, Bridget, and Deirdre Mullally

TRULY outstanding figure of €106,970.60 was raised through The Laurels Charity Crew’s fundraising efforts this year, which were presented at The Laurels pub to the Children’s Medical Research Foundation (CMRF), which is the fundraising body for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. In a now annual event, earlier this year The Laurels Charity Crew undertook a Galway to Dublin fundraising cycle which, this year, saw 200 cyclists take part, with a fleet of support vehicles helping ensure the event’s success, while a number of other fundraising events added to the volunteers’ superb total, leading to them having earned the accolade of being the hospital’s single-biggest non-corporate donor.

1 November 2012 CLONDALKIN Gazette 7

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online onlinefrom fromonly onlyâ‚Ź6.99 6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

Part of the promotional material that helped to highlightg the cause

Susan and Des Nicholson

John Quinn, Alan Kennedy, John Brady and Eddie Guidon. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

Hospital, Crumlin; Gerry Cully, Children’s Medical Research Foundation and Damien Long

Brian Skelly and Pat Tormey

Tracey Cummins and Ann Kernan

8 CLONDALKIN Gazette 1 November 2012

FastNews

opinion ‘The referendum’s focus is on the child’

Public meeting on disability services THE HSE Integrated Services for Dublin South Central are inviting locals to a public meeting on Progressing Disability Services for children and young people.

The meeting will take place in Cherry Orchard Hospital on Thursday, November 8, at 10.30am.

There is no booking required, and representatives of the group will speak on the day.

Colleges show at education fair CPLN – the Clondalkin, Palmerstown, Lucan and Newcastle area partnership - will host an education fair in Ballyfermot Civic Centre on Tuesday, November 20 from 10am to 1pm, in association with Ballyfermot/Chapelizod Partnership.

Colleges from across the country will be in attendance and admission is free. For further information, contact Declan at 01 898 9162, or Miriam at 01 450 8748.

Course to cater for local youths RONANSTOWN Youth Centre are looking for young people aged to 25 who might benefit from a Get Connected course.

The idea of the course is to put youths in contact with local employers and educators.

The target group is any young person not in education, training or employment.

It is due to begin on Thursday, November 8, and will run on Thursdays for four weeks at 10am.

For further information, contact Miriam McNamee at 01 450 8788.

Pictured with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald at the Fine Gael launch of the Children’s Referendum Campaign are the chairman of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, Charlie Flanagan; Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar; An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny and Minister for Justice and Equality Alan Shatter

A Yes vote on November 10 is a vote for all of our children P R O T E C TING children.

Removing inequalities in adoption.

Supporting families. Recognising children in their own right. These have been my four guiding principles leading up to the Children’s Referendum on November 10.

The referendum wording is the result of very intensive work in recent months and the contributions of many dedicated people over more than a decade.

All have informed and shaped a proposal which, I believe, will make a real difference. At the core of this long debate has been one question – why shouldn’t children have express rights in the Constitution, when other groups do?

For the vast majority of children in Ireland, life is as it should be within a happy, loving and caring home where they are valued and nurtured.

The referendum is about all children, but it

is particularly for those “exceptional cases” – that is, for those children most vulnerable and at risk.

Some have argued that the referendum proposal either goes too far, or does not go far enough. I would argue strongly that the referendum wording strikes a good balance.

I am in no doubt that it will make a difference (not least regarding adoption), will add to the protection of children and will contribute to supporting families and their unique role in Irish society.

How does this proposed change to the Constitution help protect children? Above all, it places at the highest legal level our national determination to ensure the safety of children.

The focus is on the child and the impact of a parental failure on the child’s safety and welfare.

It sets out when, and how, proportionate intervention by the State should occur if necessary.

How does it improve

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

‘[Voting on this referendum] is about Irish society, how we value families, and each family member’

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

inequalities in adoption?

Currently, some children can never be adopted, no matter how much it is in their best interest.

Firstly, the amendment would change the current situation to allow married parents to voluntarily place their child for adoption.

Secondly, the test to allow a child in long-term foster care to be adopted will be changed so it will not be so difficult to meet.

I have published draft legislation on adoption which makes very clear the safeguards that will apply in these situations.

How does the proposal

support families? My priority has been to ensure balance between the unique role of the family and the rights of children themselves.

It outlines in clear terms the proportionate action the State may take in exceptional cases where failure on the part of a child’s parents has put that child’s safety and welfare at risk.

At the same time, not one word of the Constitution’s article on the family (Article 41) is changed.

Nothing in Article 42 about the family as “the primary and natural educator” is changed.

How will the proposal recognise children in their own right? It would give explicit recognition to consideration being given as to the best interests of the child and – if sufficiently mature – to the view of the child in specified legal proceedings.

The decision to hold the referendum was agreed unanimously by all members of both Dail and

Seanad Eireann – a rare moment of consensus in Irish politics!

That consensus tells us that on this very particular issue – the best interests of children – we share a common commitment and want to set the standard which will inform future policy and decisions.

I am aware that there is a very strong level of support for the proposal.

This is not simply about putting a proposal and voting – this is about Irish society, how we value families, and each family member.

I hope this is just the start of a discussion where all of the different viewpoints and ideas – including those expressing opposition or concern – will help us all define better policies and approaches for the future.

T h e G ove r n m e n t will play its part fully, through my department’s dedicated website, www. childrensreferendum.ie, and our detailed booklet

which is being distributed to every household.

The Referendum Commission is carrying out its important work, and I join its call for people to vote on November 10.

Finally, I am pleased that this referendum takes place on a Saturday, which should be more family- and child-friendly than our traditional weekday polls.

I hope that it will encourage people to come out and vote, particularly those who are working or studying away on weekdays.

In particular, I hope that November 10 will be an opportunity for parents to bring their children to the polling station, to give them a taste of democracy in action.

What better occasion than when the children themselves are the subject of the vote?  frances gitzgerald

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

1 November 2012 CLONDALKIN Gazette 9

people Clondalkin native runs for Crumlin

Garda legs it to help support hospital  paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

A LOCAL school showed their generosity recently when they raised €500 to support a former pupil’s fundraising drive.

A Clondalkin native, Garda David Browne was part of the Malahide Garda Station contingent that took park in the Great Garda Run, which saw 100 members of An Garda Siochana take part in the Munich Marathon last Sunday to raise funds for the St John’s Ward in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin.

As part of his fundraising, David asked his old school, Colaiste Chillian, to pitch in. The student council organised a non-uniform day, which netted €500 towards the oncology unit in the hospital.

For David, it was the second time he has lent

his legs to the charity initiative, having run the Chicago Marathon in 2009.

According to the organisers, the “sole focus of the Great Garda Run is to raise money for worthy charities, and that the event is not an athletic contest”. They have raised hundreds of thousands of euro for charities in Ireland, with this year’s total expected to top €100,000.

The programme is unique in that all expenses are paid directly by volunteers, so that the charity will receive 100% of the proceeds, and David is delighted that he and his colleagues have achieved more than their fundraising target.

He said: “Two lads out of my station did the first [Great Garda Run] in 2008, and were looking for numbers for Chicago in 2009. I said I’d give it a go and really got into it.

Awareness meeting to highlight domestic abuse CLONDALKIN Women’s Network is inviting local women to a domestic abuse awarenessraising event, which will take place on Monday, November 12 at 10am.

The meeting will be held in the Bawnogue Enterprise Centre, and will be run by Dublin 12 Domestic Violence Service (DVS), with two guest speakers on the day coming from DVS. To book a place, contact Clondalkin Women’s Network at 01 467 0748.

Liffey Valley applies for area to stage Christmas events

Clondalkin native Garda David Browne, based in Malahide Garda Station, returned to his old school, Colaiste Chillian, for a cheque presentation of €500 to help with his fundraising for the St John’s Ward in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin. Ruairi Hamilton and Deirbhla Ni Thonnaigh presented the funds on behalf of the students, with the monies raised during a non-uniform day.

“Six of us did it from the station. It all went very well, and we raised a substantial amount for the charity, so we said we’d do it again.”

Training with workmates can make it easier, David said, but undertaking the long runs alone can be gruelling.

“We would do five mile runs regularly on our lunch breaks. The longer runs we did separately, and that’s tough, because you have to get yourself up and going.”

The charity has a special place in David’s heart, with a young cousin having spent some time in the oncology ward in Our Lady’s.

“His family were told

that, three years previously, they wouldn’t be able to treat the rare form of cancer he had.

But, every morning, Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital were in contact with a children’s hospital in the US, and they were discussing him and other patients.

“He’s healthy now, and those little things that were done for him were hugely helpful.

“A member of staff came out to Munich with us and read a letter from a young girl on the ward and it was gut-wrenching stuff. It’s great to have been able to contribute.”

To learn more, or to donate, see www.greatgardarun.com.

Brush up on dental health for dogs  hiromi mooney

PEDIGREE DentaStix is hosting an oral health campaign for dogs this month.

Although 80% of Irish dogs over the age of three suffer from gum disease, 90% of owners rate their own dog’s teeth as good or perfect.

Entitled Dental Care Month 2012, the campaign sees partici-

FastNews

pating vets across Dublin offering free oral care check-ups to dogs throughout the month.

Amongst the participating vets are Vetcare Rathcoole, Palmerstown Veterinary Hospital and Blanchardstown Veterinary Hospital.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, TV3’s resident vet on Ireland AM, Pete Wedderburn,

said: “During Pedigree Dental Care Month 2012, we are helping dog owners to get into the habit of making their dog’s oral health a priority by offering a free dental care check-up so that any issues can be identified, treated and a regular dental care regime, including tooth brushing, can be started at home.”

For further information, see www.ie.pedigree.com.

LIFFEY Valley Shopping Centre has applied for a 2,400 sq m area in which to stage their Christmas events.

The October 10-dated planning request applies for an extension to the three-year approval for the structure, which was given in 2009.

The request says the structure would comprise “an ice rink, Santa’s grotto, funfairs, craft and antique fairs, exhibitions, community events, sporting activities, etc; in an open area of 2,359sq m, located to the rear of the centre between service yards 2 and 3”.

10 CLONDALKIN Gazette 1 November 2012

gazetteGALLERY

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Singer Mary Byrne

Adam Dalton was top banana in the stands, with friends Mikey Lovett, Matthew Nolan and Jack Dalton

Bainisteoirs kick off in a fun final

W

ITH the continuing popularity of Celebrity Bainisteoir, there was everything to play for when the final rivals hit the pitch at Parnell Park recently, with Roz Purcell’s Newtown Cashel team going head to head with Calum Best’s Moy Davitt’s.

With everything to play for between Tipper-

ary and Mayo, the RTE show mixed things up a bit in this series with its The Rivals, which saw each celebrity paired against a rival celebrity from their own world, so that, for example, X-Factor took on The Voice, with singer Mary Byrne against Richie Hayes, and so on.

Amy Murphy

Calum Best and Roz Purcell. Pictures: Una Willliams

Martina Maheady and Sarah Cruse with Dermot and Karen Washington

1 November 2012 GAZETTE 11

ASDFSDAF BUSINESS P27 P16

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



GAZETTE

COOKERY SCHOOL P13

COMPETITION: €10,000 FOR OVERALL BEST ENTRY

Uniquely Dublin contest seeks original entries DUBLIN City Council and the Little Museum of Dublin are offering local people the opportunity to win an overall prize of €10,000 in a new competition to find what makes Dublin so unique.

The Uniquely Dublin contest is a search for the most creative demonstration of what makes Dublin so special, and entrants can depict this through any of seven creative

methods of music, film, animation, photography, graphic design, visual arts and the written word.

The judging panel will make a shortlist of 14 entries of two from each category, and these entries will be displayed in cinemas, on buses and on billboards all over the city and will be put to a public vote.

There will be €1,000 for each of the winners of

the seven categories, and the overall winner will be chosen by the public and will have their work displayed in Dublin throughout 2013.

Last week, author Roddy Doyle set the whole thing off by supplying the first competition entry with his homage to the Why Go Bald sign on South Great George’s Street.

George Boyle, found-

er of creative business association Fumbally Exchange and Maeve Higgins, comedian and author, artist Robert Ballagh and economist David McWilliams are among the judges of Uniquely Dublin which also includes and more.

You have until January 28, 2013 to get your entry in, and can do so by going online to uniquelydublin. ie.

Fiona Ross, left, of the National Library with comedian Maeve Higgins, both judges for Uniquely Dublin

12 Gazette 1 November 2012

Gazette

dublinlife Bookmark dates for Book Festival

BIBLIOPHILES across the city should take note – the Dublin Book Festival is set to open its pages later this month.

The festival, which will feature book launches, debates, inter views, readings and workshops for adults and children, is centred around the Smock Alley Theatre in Temple Bar, which historically was a home to printers and publishers.

Running from November 13 to 18, the festival

features an array of mostly free events featuring an impressive array of speakers and contributors, including Roddy Doyle, Patricia Scanlan, Fintan O’Toole, Vincent Browne and Jimmy Magee.

There will also be events for children, with readings, treasure hunts and a cartoon workshop with author and cartoonist John Joyce, as well as literary walking tours of the area around the theatre.

For more information and the full itinerary of events, log on to www. dublinbookfestival.com

french film festival in ifi THE Irish Film Institute will be hosting its French film festival this month, which is set to take place from November 14 to November 25.

The festival will open with Love by controversial director Michael Haneke, and gallic star

presence will be out of this world, with special guests including actress Beatrice Dalle, who will introduce a rare screening of cult classic Betty Blue, and Oscar winner Juliette Binoche, who stars in Another Woman’s Life.

Other highlights include Cannes successes Laurence Anyways, Xavier Dolan’s vivid melodrama of an impossible love story, and the engaging documentary, The Invisibles. The packed itinerary also features the documentary Step up to the

diary

Get a unique view of the literary life in the city when the Dublin Book Festival kicks off at the Smock Alley Theatre on November 13

Plate and the animated Ernest and Celestine.

The festival is supported by the French Embassy in Ireland, the Institut Francais, Uni-

france Films, and the IFI’s principal funder the Arts Council. For more information on films and events, visit www. ifi.ie.

Knitting and Stitching show in rds for dsPCA THE DUBLIN Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has reported an infestation of cuddly mice and other furry little creatures at their Rathfarnham hub as craft-makers flood the shelter with knitted toys for pets.

Supporters of the Knitting and Stitching Show, which takes place in the RDS this weekend have responded ‘pawsitively’ following an appeal by the shelter for knitted toys which help socialise kittens and dogs housed in the centre.

As part of ‘Pawsitive Knits’ campaign, easy-tofollow patterns for cat’s toys - including knitted mice - have been available to download on the Knitting and Stitching Show website, www. twistedthread.com, and at the DSPCA home page, www.dspca.ie.

The knitted toys and coats can be brought to the RDS during the show, or sent directly by post to the Dublin SPCA. T he K nitting and Stitching Show is the largest, family-focused textile and craft event in Ireland.

It is expected to attract a record 23,000 people this year.

1 November 2012 GAZETTE 13

COOKING

Dinner made easy at cookery school  HIROMI MOONEY

AFTER a long day in work, you’re most likely not in the mood to cook up a meal at home. But sometimes you simply just don’t want the junk food option and would prefer to have something healthy, as long as it’s quick and easy to make.

But what can you make and where do you start?

These questions were in my head until I got the answers at the new Robyn’s Nest Cookery School in the Town Centre Mall in Swords.

The cookery school has just recently opened, and is run by mother and daughter Linda and Emma Callan. Linda told me that their cookery school places “emphasis

on relaxed learning and it’s sociable”.

On arrival I was greeted with a choice of tea or a glass of wine by the owners and the teacher for the night, Lily Ramirez-Foran. Lily writes her own blog, A Mexican Cook In Ireland, in which she shares both her own Mexican recipes and her family’s traditional recipes.

She sells many of the ingredients necessary for Mexican dishes from her online food shop, MyMexicanShop.ie.

The menu for the class that evening was a variety of healthy tacos, refried Mexican beans, homemade green tomatillo and avocado salsa served with tortilla chips, and a frozen strawberry marga-

rita to top it all off. Now, I am no Jamie Oliver, so at first all of this seemed impossible to make. But I do know the basics of what to do in a kitchen, so that was a good start to the cookery class.

The class was very interactive as it was a combination of watching Lily’s demonstrations and cooking some of the dishes yourself.

My favourite dish of the evening was the courgette flower and sweet corn tacos. Lily demonstrated how to cook this by frying up an array of ingredients, which included dried oregano, feta cheese and a finely chopped onion. I was surprised by how easy it was to prepare and make these meals. Not only

The impressive interior of Robyn’s Nest, with inset, owner of the Cookery School Linda Callan during a demonstration on how to bake scones

were they healthy, but they were bursting with flavours and very quick to make.

Every week there will be baking classes and

guest chefs at The Cookery School. There are courses to suit all levels.

For bookings and more information, visit www. cookerycourses.ie.

GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

Gazette

14 Gazette 1 November 2012

dublinlife

schoolLife Get involved with our new Gazette schools pages 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 and, 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 more details, contact me at rheigh@ gazettegroup.com, or on 01 601 0240.

schools

fair: experiments

Celebrate science in our lives  eleanor o’dea and

erica ryan Notre Dame School

SCIENCE Week is Ireland’s biggest annual promotion of science to the general public. The aim of the week is to promote the relevance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in our everyday lives, and to demonstrate just how important it is to the future development of Irish society and

the economy.

For the week beginning November 12, Notre Dame School will be running a series of events to promote Science Week.

These events will include all staff and students of the school and surrounding primary schools.

The events will include a science fair, exhibiting a range of projects, and interactive, fun experiments along with many competitions.

Even a soft drink has a role to play in science, as will be revealed at Notre Dame

O n We d n e s d ay, November 14, the Transition Year students will be hosting the science fair in the hall. There will be a variety of different interactive experiments for everyone to try.

At the fair, there will be 18 projects covering biology, chemistry and

physics, exploring all the mysteries of life that you always wanted answered - from electricity and magnetism to the human mind, all of which have an interactive element.

There are prizes to be won, and fun to be had for everyone who gets involved.

On top of all this, there will be a quiz for the whole school to enjoy. We have invited a large number of primary school students from our local area, so it should be a great day.

It’s going to be a fastpaced science extravaganza, and you won’t want to miss a second of it!

1 November 2012 Gazette 15

Gazette

feature

Hot tips to stay warm in an energy-efficient way WITH November likely to feature some belowaverage temperatures as a whole, and the weather set to become progressively colder as we go through the month, the winter chills are here, and keeping warm is definitely going to be a priority.

These cooler periods of weather could be accompanied by snowfall across higher ground, and these are also likely to develop across some lower levels of the country at times – so, don’t think you are going to get away without being affected by the cold

conditions.

Keith McGouran, of Topaz Local Fuels, is well aware of the cold weather, and passed on some tips about energy efficiency at this time of year.

He said: “Our customers depend on us most in adverse winter weather conditions. We understand that the oil distribution business is an integral service all year round, but especially so when it’s colder.

“Our promise to customers is that we will not leave them in the cold, and this year will be no

exception.

“With Christmas edging ever closer, getting the expense of home heating out of the way now will leave you with a clearer view of your financial position come the festive season – not to mention the reassurance it brings that you and your family won’t run out of oil on a truly cold winter night.”

With that in mind, here are a few cost-saving energy efficiency tips that you can follow.

Programme your heat – get a programmable thermostat, or program-

mable radiator control, so you can vary temperature throughout the day, keeping the heat down when not needed.

Service your boiler each year, and improve your overall efficiency by 10% – the benefits of an annu-

al service include a longer life, and the reduced likelihood of breakdown, along with added safety and maximum efficiency.

An efficient boiler creates more heat from less fuel, reducing energy costs.

Follow the 30-minute

rule – set the heating to switch off 30 minutes before bedtime, and set it to turn on 30 minutes before you get up in the morning.

Keep radiators and heaters free from obstructions, to allow maximum

benefit.

Only heat the rooms you are using – turn off the heating when you’re not there, or if you’re going away for a few days.

For further information and advice, see www. topazlocalfuels.ie.

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 1 November 2012

DUBLINLIFE

Q&A

TARA SHORTHALL, HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE

Setting standards in home care excellence TARA Shortall is the owner and managing director of Home Instead Senior Care.

“Our vision is that everyone should be entitled to remain in their home for as long as possible with comfort, independence, and dignity,” she said.

In five years, the company has proven there is a great need for its service,

working with private pay clients, as well as acting as an approved home care provider to the HSE. Home Instead Senior Care is also proud to be a significant local employer.

For further information, or for a free confidential care assessment, contact Shortall directly at 01 895 0010, or see www.homeinstead.ie.

How long have you been in business?

for their loved one at the right price.

We started our Home Instead Senior Care office in March 2007. My husband, Ken, and myself now run the business alongside our wonderful office team and 100-strong team of loyal, trustworthy and caring care givers.

What makes your business successful?

Firstly, we are passionate about caring for and serving our clients and their families, giving them the opportunity to live in their homes for longer than would otherwise be possible.

Secondly, we are always looking to improve our business and standards of care we provide. Thirdly, rigorous business planning and disciplined cost, cash and financial management.

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

We offer a premium home-based care service, ensuring we match the most compatible caregiver to the client’s personality and care needs.

We also work in partnership with our clients and families to deliver care, advice and support at, what is for most, a very difficult time

How has the recession impacted your business?

We’ve grown our business year on year since 2007. There is a growing need for our services, in light of Government cutbacks and the desire by families to get the best possible care

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

We have a culture of continuous improvement. In an industry that is currently unregulated with no barriers to entry, we are at the forefront of leading the development of standards and processes in the industry.

We take very seriously our role of “thought leader” in the global and Irish home care industry.

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

Regulate the home care market and register all home care workers so there are only reputable and approved operators and care staff in the market, ultimately meaning that vulnerable older adults in our society are protected to the maximum.

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

We use Facebook and Twitter daily with updates and feeds. We use Facebook for many promotions, and special initiatives we are working on.

We also have a blog on our website, and this also feeds into Facebook and Twitter. I have my own personal LinkedIn account, which I am currently working on to reconnect with the large group of great people I’ve worked with and got to know over the past 20 years.

BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

When negative equity strikes DID you buy in the boom? Wanted to get on that housing ladder at whatever price, no matter what the obstacles were?

Perhaps you bought an apartment that was more than adequate seven years ago, but you have since had two children and you only have two bedrooms in your apartment.

The biggest obstacle, to date, for young families looking for a larger home is negative equity – that’s when you owe more than the property is worth.

Blackrock, the US company which analysed €100 billion-worth of mortgages for the Central Bank, believes that negative equity is the primary predictor of arrears. Negative equity seems to play a bigger role than even unemployment, which used to be the main cause of arrears.

Moody’s recent report says that loans with high negative equity have an estimated default rate of 21.7%.

The bond credit rating experts expect default on all mortgages to peak at 20% in early 2013, and have calculated that negative equity makes a mortgage holder 1.7 times more likely to default.

“Principle modification” (which is a nicer way of saying “debt forgiveness”) is, according to Moody’s, the only solution, and endorsed by Blackrock.

My view is that it’s not “debt forgiveness”, but “debt reality”, and the sooner we face up to this, the easier it will be for us to take the medicine.

Of the 780,000-plus mortgages in Ireland, half of

them are in negative equity, and 11% are in arrears. If you fall into these categories – you are not alone.

If you are young (under 40), have permanent employment, and you are happy where you are living, then you don’t have a problem. As long as those repayments are being made every month – capital and interest, not interest only – your mortgage will inexorably diminish and, eventually, be paid off.

Even if that is in 25 years, this is not a problem and, please God, values will surely have returned by then, and you will have an unencumbered – mortgage-free – home for your twilight years.

Trouble raises its ugly head when you either a) lose your job, or b) need to move because the current accommodation is inadequate.

So, what happens then?

Part Two continues next week.  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

CONSUMER ACTIVITY: ELECTRONICS FARE BEST

Retail sales disappoint as IT, computing dip 20% RETAIL sales continued to disappoint during the third quarter of 2012 (Q3, 2012), according to Retail Excellence Ireland’s (REI) Irish Retail Industry Performance Review for the period.

The worst-performing sectors for Q3, 2012 included IT and computing (down 19.90% on Q3 in 2011), garden centres (down 8.54% on Q3 in 2011), and photography and camera stores, which were down 7.10% on Q3 in 2011.

The recent digital TV changeover gave a small boost to some industries, as the best-performing retail industry sectors included consumer electronics and home appliances, both increasing sales levels in Q3, 2012

compared with Q3, 2011.

Overall, year-on-year sales levels fell by an average of -1.04% during Q3, 2012. This continued the longstanding trend of falling sales in Ireland’s retail industry, and saw Q3, 2012 become the 14th consecutive quarter of consecutive sales decline.

Speaking at the publication of the Q3, 2012 retail figures, REI chief executive, David Fitzsimons said: “There were mixed fortunes experienced by different sectors in Q3, 2012.

“It is no surprise that non-discretionary sectors, including grocery, pharmacy and hot beverages, enjoyed a reasonable trading period, while the inclement summer weath-

Continuing the trend of falling sales in Ireland’s retail industry, levels fell by an average of -1.04% during Q3

er negatively impacted on ladies’ fashion sales and garden centre activity.

“Consumer electronics enjoyed a buoyant period, helped for the most part by the digital switchover, while computing sales were hit with price deflation and purchase postponement.

“It is disappointing that the quarter gradually disimproved – primarily due to Budget 2013 specula-

tion – indicating that a return to growth is less likely than first thought.

“Home-dependent sectors, including furniture and flooring, and home and giftware, continue to suffer, due to the lack of a functioning residential property market. If matters do not significantly improve in the run-up to Christmas, further failure is assured,” said Fitzsimons.

1 November 2012 Gazette 17

asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P24

MOTORS P22

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 DSPCA’s PET of the week: BOA

The cast of the American Idiot musical will take to the Dublin stage this month

music: green day’s american idiot show to rock bord gais energy theatre

From Broadway to Dublin  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

IF you’re feeling the new kind of tension all across the alien-nation, and if you know where that line comes from, the place to be this month will be the Bord Gais Energy Theatre when American Idiot, the hit Broadway musical based on the music of rock heroes Green Day, runs from November 5 to 10.

Dublin is one of only eight venues chosen for the tour of the show, which has won two Tony awards and a Grammy, and the Gazette caught up with one of the stars, Alyssa diPalma, ahead of the show’s arrival, and she explained her journey into the spotlight.

“I got into performing because my mother was a singer in a band called Northern Lights for 13 years. They were

very popular around the New Jersey area, and I used to love seeing her rock out every night. So she and I would then do acoustic duets together.”

Alyssa is of Irish, English and Italian descent, and is a graduate of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Though she claims some Irish heritage, it’s very minimal but she says that a small drop of Irish blood is better than none.

She was keen to join the show when she saw it in New York: “I’ve only been involved with the show since July and it’s really a dream come true. I saw it [on Broadway] and turned to my friend and said, ‘I’m going to play that part’ and it came true. It’s incredible, but with hard work and belief you can make your dreams come true.”

According to Alyssa, the themes

American Idiot deals with are very relevant to today’s youth. “It absolutely speaks to my generation. Because it was written after September 11, with all the media saturation that existed, everyone was glued to their TVs and afraid to go outdoors. I was 12 years old when it happened so I grew up amid fears and all my memories are of fear and anger.

The show tells us that it’s okay to break through and make mistakes and find your way back to who you’re meant to be.”

Although Alyssa was new to the cast, and not around last year when Green Day singer Billy Joe Armstrong played the lead, she met the band in New York.

“We were back from tour and had some time off and got to meet Billy Joe. He was so kind and humble and it was truly

a surreal night.”

A movie of the show has been mooted on many media websites, with Tom Hanks named as producer. If it goes ahead, Alyssa would love to reprise her role for the silver screen.

“I would audition for it, for sure. I love the character I play [Whatsername], she’s way cooler than I am. She’s very urban and passionate and headstrong.

She’s a freedom fighter and a survivor.”

She regards the show as bringing a message of hope to the audience. “In the final monologue, there is a question about whether it’s the end or the beginning. It’s really saying that as one chapter ends another begins and the next time, you can make different choices.”

Tickets are from €20 and are available through Ticketmaster at 0818719377.

BOA is two years old and as you can see he’s a very handsome chap!

In his own words: “I’m black and white in colour and a very friendly fella who is full of chat and loves to make new friends.

“I was very scared when I first arrived here in the DSPCA, but it didn’t take me long to see that this was a nice place and the folks here were giving me plenty of TLC! “I can’t wait to be part of a loving home and I know I am sure to melt the heart of anyone who takes the time to get to know me.

“I love to follow you around and watch what you’re doing - I am a great companion.”

The DSPCA is Ireland’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity and was founded in 1840. It takes in stray, sick, injured and cruelly treated animals.

You can see more of the animals looking for a home and the DSPCA’s adoption policies by visiting www.dspca.ie/ AdoptaPet.

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 1 November 2012

OUT&ABOUT

STYLE

BEAUTY news

Awear €60

Slant Black

Smoky Layers

Dunnes €50 Farfallina

Pure Luxur y

as us fabrics such . o ri xu lu ly p ee s for €55 dollars with d r from Dunne ze Feel a million la b is th e lik ssories velvet, trims and acce d le lace, fur and el w je h it adence w Add ex tra dec

Get J-Lo’s sexy eyes with the Shu Uemura eyelash range

Debenhams €34

 LAURA WEBB

Marks & Spencer €47.50 Next €81

ONE of the world’s biggest recording artists Jennifer Lopez was in town recently to stage her Irish concert debut, but before the big performance her make up team headed into Brown Thomas to pick up 10 pairs of Shu Uemura false eyelashes.

False lashes are a great way of enhancing the eyes, there are subtle kinds, outrageous kinds and the fancy dress kind, so there is a style for everyone. This week Gazette Style found out just what J-Lo bought, so we can try to copy her eyelash style!

Oasis €TBA

• Three pairs of Shu Uemura Dazzling Diamante false eyelashes. Inspired by Shu Uemura ’s diamond-lined false eyelashes, this classic false eyelash design with a black diamante band helps create a voluminous lash effect, with a delicate flare.

Penneys €15

Penneys €40

• Three pairs of Shu Uemura Farfallina false eyelashes. The triple layers of brown and black tones boast different levels of curls and longer lashes toward outer edge, enabling a natural delicate look and ideal volume on the lash.

• Two pairs of Shu Uemura Smoky Layers, layers of thin black lashes, which add volume to the lash line, creating a sultry eye look reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour.

Next €111

Dune €120 Next €19

• Two pairs of Shu Uemura Slant Black, a full set of dramatic lashes that extend and flare outwards.

Alternating lengths and delicate wispy lashes add a touch of subtlety for a voluminous and feminine finish.

Check these great lashes out for yourself at Brown Thomas.

1 November 2012 Gazette 19

Gazette

MUSIC FASTtaches

Are you ready to grow a mo for cancer research this year?

It’s not music but it is an essential announcement: men of Dublin — prepare for Movember, when moustache is king and knowledge is power.

This is the fifth and biggest year yet for the Irish Movember mission, which is the month to raise awareness and funds for men’s health.

All Irish Mo Bros have to do is simply register at Movember. com, start the month clean shaven then work on your fine moustache stylings for the remainder of the month.

Compton’s latest discovery, Kendrick Lamar, who has released one of the rap records of the year

MUSIC REVIEW: a modern odyssey from the hood

Coming straight outta Kendrick

CONCEPT albums are still occasionally in vogue, though thankfully have progressed out of the prog-rock arena and into a less stratified realm.

Even rap occasionally offers up concept classics, like Kanye’s College Dropout, but few maintain a consistent theme throughout.

That’s where Kendrick Lamar’s official debut release, Good Kid, mA Ad City, diverges from the path. Described on the cover as a “short film about Kendrick”, it essentially and compellingly takes you on a journey through the life of this prodigal star in the making.

A prodigy of Dr Dre and signed to his After-

 ROB HEIGH rheigh@gazettegroup.com

math Records imprint, Lamar takes a microscope to the concerns that fuelled the fury of the breakout album by Dre’s NWA, Straight Outta Compton.

Kendrick comes from the same streets as EazyE, MC Ren, Ice Cube and DJ Yella, but that was then, and this is now... or so you would think.

There is the same aural density and invention on Good Kid that marked Compton out as some-

thing unique in rap at the time - what was, in 1988, an East Coast version of the channelled rage of Public Enemy, but with a call to arms being a real call to arms, not a call to vote and be politically proactive and aware as Chuck D was advocating.

Racist cops, gang violence, the catch 22s and traps of living in the poverty gap with its attendant narcotic escapes - all the concerns from 20 years ago are patently still there for Lamar, and he approaches the description of life and how it’s lived with a dynamic and precise flow and one of the best and most focused productions on a rap album in many years.

Good K id, mA Ad City is easily one of the records of the year. coming close but just missing out on catching the tails of Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange.

The production work by the likes of Pharrell, Just Blaze and Scoop DeVille is exemplary, evoking the journey that young Lamar takes and that is best summed up by the voicemail message from his mother on penultimate track, Real: “If I don’t hear from you by tomorrow, I hope you come back and learn from your mistakes...

When you do make it, give back with your words of encouragement. And that’s the best way to give back to your city.”

All of the money raised here in Ireland will go directly towards the Irish Cancer Society’s initiative, Action Prostate Cancer.

Movember is not just for the boys. Girls can get in on the action by taking on the role as a Mo Sista for the month and encouraging the men in their life to grow the Mo. Amongst some of the men joining the Irish Mo Bros are Irish rugby international players, Jamie Heaslip and Cian Healy, Italia 90 stars Ray Houghton, Packie Bonner and Tony Cascarino.

Gazette

20 gazette 1 November 2012

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

more

theatre THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 Port Authority

A young boy leaves home for the first time, a man begins a job for which he is not qualified, a pensioner receives a mysterious package. As each man confronts the significance of these events, they are forced to take stock of themselves, their feelings, and of the decisions they have made. Painting a vivid picture of life in contemporary Dublin, this is a gripping tale of love, loss and family.

November 2 and 3, tickets are priced at €18/€16.

Draiocht 01 885 2622 I, Elizabeth

Dano and Kazan indulge in what appears to be the opposite of skinny dipping

At a vital crossroads in history a young queen steps from the shadows to unburden herself of her many troubles and reveal her innermost thoughts on marriage, succession, religion, war, and the challenges to her throne. But time is against her... Elizabeth I, queen at 25, political phoenix and famously unmarried, she was the most educated woman of her age – but who was the woman beneath the crown?

November 8 at 8pm, tickets are priced at €18/€14.

cinema: Paul dano and zoe kazan star in this offbeat romantic comedy

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Ride On

A Honda 50 bike-run forms the background of a hilarious new play by writer Seamus O’Rourke.

Five members of the Drumkarren Honda Club are sitting in a run-down shed in Co Cavan, ready to embark on a bike-ride, awaiting the other 20 members (seemingly “stuck” in a pub in Killeshandra).

Running from November 6-10 at 8pm, tickets are €20/€16.

This Ruby sparkles THE idea of perfection is a tough one to nail down, particularly when it comes to a relationship.

The idea of the perfect man or woman is, essentially, a fallacy perpetuated by Hollywood.

The notion that there is a person with all of the positive items on a checklist who comes free of negatives is, quite honestly, ridiculous.

Most people know that, yet somehow romantic comedies still turn great business and Matthew McConaughey still makes a better living than me from them.

In Ruby Sparks, the notion of perfection is taken and turned on its head, and it makes a cautionary tale.

S c r e e nw r i t e r a n d star Zoe Kazan turns

 paul hosford

phosford@gazettegroup.com

in a script that is deftly nuanced, star tlingly assured and refreshingly different.

Kazan, the daughter of screenwriters Nicholas Kazan (Payy Hearst) and Robin Swicord (Matilda) and the grand daughter of Elia Kazan (who directed the seminal On The Waterfront and A Streetcar Named Desire), shows that the talent for writing is certainly a hereditary thing.

Writing her first film, Kazan gives the leads to both herself and her

real life boyfriend, Paul Dano.

The pair are directed

by Dano’s Little Miss Sunshine directors Jonathon Dayton and Valerie Faris, who are helming their first picture since the 2006 breakout hit.

Any doubt that the pair would turn away from their indie roots is quickly dispelled in this tale of a frustrated writer whose latest creation comes to life, as his girlfriend.

Dano’s Calvin originally puts Ruby’s appearance down to a mental breakdown of sorts, giving the film some of its funniest moments.

But, as it becomes clear that Ruby is not just a figment of his imagination, he settles into the relationship.

Of course, telling his cynical older brother

Film of the Week: Ruby Sparks h h h h (12A) 103mins Director: Jonathon Dayton, Valerie Faris Starring: Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, Antonio Banderas, Annette Bening, Chris Messina, Steve Coogan, Elliot Gould

OUR VERDICT: THE biggest concern that there was around this film was whether the quirky rom-com had run its course, or whether you could make one without Joseph Gordon Levitt and still succeed. However, Ruby Sparks is more honed in on its darker side and in creating a perfect girlfriend, creates some imperfect characters. If you can get past that, you’ll love it.

(Messina) that he is dating a character he made up is somewhat difficult.

As the pair go through the early stages of a relationship, complete with parental introductions, the film sparkles.

The hope that these two characters can be as perfect as they appear on paper is part of the pull of the film.

But, as the film eases into the third act, Ruby Sparks sets itself apart

from its indie-romance brethren.

As the obvious cracks in the relationship start to deepen, Calvin reveals himself to be not entirely sympathetic.

It is a brave move on Kazan’s part to make her male lead so cloying and needy.

Many won’t root for him as his girlfriend pulls away, leaving him with the option of writing to control her or letting her

excercise her free will.

As he pursues the former, the film comes uncomfortably close to the bone.

Watching two people effectively set out to hurt each other is grim, but it is carried off with enough charm and imagination to cover most, if not all, of the film’s flaws.

In the end, this is less a romantic comedy than it is a study of the nature of relationships and compatibility.

If you could draw up a list of perfect characteristics for a partner, would it match your current beau?

Chances are, it wouldn’t, but sometimes things that shouldn’t work on paper do anyway, just like Ruby Sparks.

And that’s just fine.

1 November 2012 gazette 21

Gazette

GAMING tech: ipad’s ‘tablet-tablet’ challenger finally arrives

Apple’s mini commotion  shane dillon

THE biggest story of the tech week, and one of the biggest for the year, had to be the unveiling last week of the long-awaited iPad mini (or mini iPad, as I’d bet my bottom dollar it’ll be called by most people from now on, but I’ll just call it the mini for the remainder of this feature).

In a move which surprised precisely nobody, anywhere, Apple finally produced its champion to tackle the growing tablet market.

Sure, tablets devices have been around for ages – just look at the bazillion sales of the iPad, and all its iterations, for example – but sales of what I’ll call the tablettablet (or, a more portable-friendly tablet, with a typical screen size around the seven-inch diagonal mark) have grown legs and started making bigger impacts in the past 18 months in particular.

So, although it’s coming a little late to the tablet-tablet party, Apple has finally waltzed through the door and immediately grabbed all the attention with the mini – though

 shane dillon

sdillon@gazettegroup.com

not necessarily for all the right reasons, as I’ll explain ...

Firstly, the mini is very much what it sounds like – a smaller version of the iPad, drawing on many of the legacy elements that made that tablet such a success.

Ranging from a very similar physical style to its compatability with all iPad apps (while having beefy enough power under the hood), the mini is, in many ways, “just” a smaller iPad. However, in recognition of markets that don’t necessarily think that bigger is better, its smaller size gives it a greater appeal for some markets, making it a more

portable-friendly device to take off to work.

With this launch, Apple has finally moved to tackle rival tablet-tablets, such as the Kindle Fire HD, or the Nexus 7, which have been slowly but surely carving out a reliable market share for themselves in the past year.

Indeed, once rarer than hen’s teeth, such devices are now commonplace on Dublin Bus, the Luas, etc, with

eBook readers also quite commonplace, now I could continue, but you get the point – the mini seems like a sure-fire winner for Christmas, and beyond, as Apple prepares to muscle in on Google and Amazon devices.

However, despite its charms, there have been criticisms, too – for starters, its price point, which is notably more expensive than rivals, hasn’t impressed many, as analysts and consumers alike

had expected something more budget-friendly.

Instead, this premium product retains a premium price.

Techheads also noted that there’s little that’s truly revolutionary about the mini, which shares similar specs to the iPad 2, but doesn’t have a dramatic design on its own basis.

Still, despite having an air of “me-too”, there’s no denying that the mini should make a big impact when it goes on sale from this Friday, November 2.

SPECS THE iPad mini shares many traits with its big brother, incorporating a number of legacy features that have served Apple so well. Its specifications make for interesting, if predictable reading, including:

• Colours: Black and white • Available in 16, 32 and 64GB models • Wi-fi (with 3G, 4G models to follow, soon) • H: 7.87in (200mm), W: 5.3in (134.7mm), D: 0.28in (7.2mm) • It’s a notable lightweight, weighing in at just 308g • 7.9in (diagonal) LED-backlit touch screen, with 1024 X 768 resolution at 163 PPI (Note: not Retina-quality display) • Full HD recording, with a 1.2MP front-facing camera, and a 5MP rear-facing camera; tap for focus/exposure controls • Rechargable battery offers potential 10-hours of use • Finally, its price – from €339 (16GB model) upwards ...

Despite being seen by some as a bit of a “tweener” device - lying between a smartphone, and a full-sized tablet device - the iPad mini will appeal to a great many consumers, and help Apple attack their rivals’ territory

BYTES&PIECES

meet the new-new ipad

Suprise reveal of an updated platform SINCE this week’s page has turned into something of The Apple Show – and why not, for a change, as tons of people use their tech – at the same launch of the iPad mini, Apple surprised lots of people with the unexpected reveal of the iPad 4.

Barely half a year on from the release of the iPad 3, the iPad 4 was also revealed at the mini event, with the main difference from its predecessor being its greatly souped-up power, which will doubtless be exploited by developers soon after its imminent release.

While consumers are, by now, used to Apple’s periodic updates of its tech, the swift reveal of a new iPad was not automatically welcomed by everyone, given that the vast majority of people buy such a device in the expectation that it won’t be superseded soon afterwards ...

22 GAZETTE 1 November 2012

GAZETTE

&ABOUT OUT road

MOTORS

NOISE

DS5 Hybrid4 named Best Eco Car EARLIER this year I drove what was probably the coolest car of the year, the Citroen DS5.

Now to add to its already bulging awards cabinet, the distinctively styled flagship has another exciting achievement as the DS5 Hybrid4 was named Best Eco Car at the recent Scottish Car of the Year Awards, as voted for by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers.

“Out greening” three other contenders to the title, the DS5 stood apart from the competition with its innovative and ecologically considerate drivetrain, which delivers impressive performance combined with fuel and CO2 efficiency.

The advanced, 200hp full hybrid diesel powertrain combines several technologies to deliver outstanding CO2 emissions as low as 91g/km.

John Murdoch, president at the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said: “Making the most of every drop of fuel is the perpetual quandary of car makers. Whilst some try to go further by skimping on equipment or driving pleasure Citroen DS5 offers all this and much more.”

The Citroen DS5

CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED FOR CAR AWARDS: A FIELD of 36 candidates for the Continental Irish Car of the Year 2013 awards was announced by the Irish Motoring Writers’ Association (IMWA) today.

The Continental Irish Car of the Year and Continental Irish Van of the Year will be revealed at a gala event in the Convention Centre, Dublin, on Thursday, November 22.

Gerry Murphy, chairman of the IMWA, commented: “In spite of the general economic slowdown, we are still seeing the arrival in Ireland of a lot of innovative new car models brim full of

new automotive technologies and the field of runners for the 2013 title certainly doesn’t disappoint.”

The 28 voting members of the IMWA assess each vehicle, attributing points on the basis of criteria ranging from innovation and safety, to space, comfort, build quality, driving quality and value for money.

“As with each year, the IMWA car jury provide a great service for Irish motorists in helping them to make sense of the bewildering array of new cars that has been launched in Ireland this year”, commented Paddy Murphy of Continental Tyres Ireland, Irish Car of the Year sponsor.

The Ecoboost engine was hailed as remarkable and won International Engine of the Year with a record score

CAR COMPARISON: FOCUS ECOBOOST AND THE FOCUS TITANIUM X

Experiencing the best of both Fords

 CORMAC CURTIS

TWO exceptional cars came on the market from Ford this year – both very similar, but at the same time very different indeed.

To be clear, I’m not saying Ford just released two exceptional cars, but for me these stand out.

I am talking about the Focus Ecoboost and the Focus Titanium X models. Fortunately, I was able to test these cars one after the other to get a real feel for what each had to offer.

I was lucky enough to test the Ecoboost model for a day back in July when it first landed here – and it was a revelation.

The experience really drove home to me just

how different two individually spec-ed models can be.

The engine was hailed as remarkable by the jury that this year awarded it International Engine of the Year with a record score, and it’s no surprise.

This engine simply flies in the face of accepted wisdom, it is a 999cc direct injection turbopowered engine, but offers a choice of 100PS and 125PS output and is the most fuel-efficient petrol engine in its class, with the 100PS version promising 4.8litre/100km (58.9 mpg) and emissions of just 109g/km, or 22g fewer than the current 1.6 petrol.

The lively 125PS version claims a top speed

of 193kmh (120mph) yet with a frugal appetite of just 5litre/100km (56.5mpg) and emissions also in Band A, at 114g/ km. And it doesn’t half move.

Ford believes that this engine in this car will help keep the Ford Focus as the No 1 selling car in Ireland, and I wouldn’t care to bet against them.

Generally speaking, cars striving for serious economy tend to go with diesel engines, but Ford feel there is a latent demand out there for a petrol-engined car in this segment which can match a turbo diesel for punch and economy, but which is quieter and has less vibration, and the Focus fits that bill to the letter.

The EcoBoost range starts from €21,485 for the Focus 5-door entry level model, rising to €22,335 for the Focus Edge. The EcoBoost 125PS debuts on the Focus Zetec, from €24,235.

At the same time, there is always an appetite for a car that offers the driver high levels of comfort and specification, something that sets it apart from the crowd – enter the Focus Titanium X. This is a model with a distinctively sporty and premium feel.

The new Focus Titanium X provides an additional level of premium quality to the Focus range.

It is available in four and five door models and is powered by the same

1.6 TDCi diesel engine as the Zetec S and has a 95PS output. The Focus Titanium X spec includes the features such as 17” titanium alloys; deflation detection system; active park assist (Ford’s automatic parking system for getting the car into tight parallel parking spots); visibility pack; Bluetooth voice control and USB connectivity; and full size spare wheel.

This is the kind of car that will appeal to a loyal Ford customer who wants to reward themselves with something a little bit special.

This limited edition has been carefully thought out by Ford, and goes far beyond simply bolting on accessories; it is a distinctive and stylish motor.

1 November 2012 CLONDALKIN gazette 23

24 CLONDALKIN gazette 1 November 2012

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT fast

Bournemouth: England’s south coast offers more than beaches

TRAVEL

Spectacular setting for a deserved break

Autumn is not the season for hibernating but a time when Ireland looks at its very best. As one of the country’s most spectacular settings, the mountain resort of Aherlow House Hotel and Lodges in the Glen of Aherlow, Co Tipperary, has breathtaking views of the Glen and the Galtee Mountains and is the perfect destination for a well-deserved break. Enjoy two night’s accommodation and a full Irish breakfast each morning at a hotel full of character and warmth.

The hotel’s special autumn package includes a warm picnic for exploring the surrounding forests, mountains and unspoilt countryside as well as a delicious evening meal by chef Jose Vega. End your day of exploration with a complimentary hot toddy next to an open fire.

The autumn package at Aherlow House Hotel & Lodges is available from €129 per person sharing. For more information, visit www. aherlowhouse.ie or call 062 56153.

Enjoy some seaside tradition with a twist

 Dave Phillips

Gohop’s got great offers to portugal: Portugal has always been a favourite for Irish holiday makers, thanks to the amazing architecture, sublime beaches and charming countryside towns.

Whether it’s the picture perfect beaches of the Algarve, the beauty of the Lisbon Coast or the breathtaking Island of Madeira, Portugal can offer the ideal break away even during the winter months.

Gohop.ie are currently offering flights from Dublin to Portugal, with four nights

accommodation on a room-only basis from just €115, travelling during December 2012. Travel in January 2013 and spend five nights on a room-only basis from just €295 per person or spend 12 nights in February from just €316 per person. Price includes return flights from Dublin, accommodation as stated in three and four-star hotels and all taxes and charges. These prices are based on current airline prices and are subject to availability and dates of travel.

For more information or to book, visit www.gohop.ie.

British seaside holiday. Once heard, this unlikely combination of words can trigger an array of mental images w h i c h m ay i n cl u d e striped deck chairs, knotted handkerchiefs on bald heads, and a young Barbara Windsor.

But a recent trip to Bournemouth revealed that England’s south coast has left behind the stereotypes to embrace a revived seaside experience that stretches far beyond the beaches.

Under two hours from

London, Bournemouth has long been a popular spot for a break from the city, and with a recently revitalised airport and new Aer Lingus Regional route, it is now a great getaway option for Dubliners.

Aer Lingus Regional run daily flights from Dublin and one immediate appeal of flying direct to Bournemouth is that you bypass the lengthy queues found at larger airports.

The town itself is a unique space and, since its beginnings in 1810,

has been cultivated as a place of bathing, leisure, and relaxation.

A 10-minute walk through the Victorian Pleasure Gardens divides the town centre from the pier and seafront that throng with people in the summer months.

The 12km of beach is kept busy year round with walkers, cyclists, and surfers. A colourful, cutting-edge restaurant Urban Reef serves locally procured food stylishly, while next door Sorted Surf Shop offers

The Norfolk Royale Hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the promenade

Bournemouth’s 12km beach is kept busy all year round

rental and tuition.

From its current ultra-modern and vivacious state, it’s difficult to imagine the Boscombe pier area derelict - around four years ago major funding went into rejuvenating the area.

The idea of marrying the traditional seaside holiday with a more modern and nuanced feel has been carried over into much of the accommodation and food on offer in the area.

The Green House is a popular hotel which sits in a quiet residential area within comfortable walking distance of both Bournemouth town and Boscombe.

It operates a strict eco-friendly philosophy, but refreshingly achieves this in a very upmarket way.

It is enlightening to see the lengths the owners have gone to in order to retain the green ethos.

From the chemicalfree paint used throughout the hotel to the bar stocked with beers from nearby micro-breweries, local trade and business are always a priority and style and comfort are in no way compromised.

T he Green Room, a restaurant housed within the hotel and open to non-residents, is definitely one of Bournemouth’s culinary highlights and features a menu which changes on the organic ingredients available daily.

Right in the centre of Bournemouth town, the Norfolk Royale is another four-star hotel which is guided by a philosophy, this time to embrace its Edwardian heritage and offer guests a distinctly indulgent seaside experience.

Especially recommended are weekend high teas where you’re encouraged to spend the

1 November 2012 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

Travel

fast

TRAVEL

Citalia’s offers for a fantastic winter city break

with walkers, cyclists, and surfers

afternoon relaxing in the sumptuous lounge with tea, coffee, or a Martini cocktail and enjoy enormous platters of cake.

The summer months offer lunchtime specials of lobster and chips, and champagne is half price every Fizzy Friday.

While the sea and beaches remain the main attractions, there is still plenty to see and do on a weekend trip.

Fans of history and literature will enjoy a visit to St Peter’s Church, which houses the remains of Frankenstein author Mary Shelley, along with the heart of her husband.

While being a convenient walkway to the pier, the Victorian Pleasure Gardens also house a tethered hot air balloon, which rises to 500ft to give a brilliant, but potentially terrifying view of Bournemouth, the seaside, and its sur-

rounds.

There is a lot in the immediate area to see, and while Bournemouth makes an ideal weekend break from Dublin, it could also serve as a base for a longer stay in the region.

A short drive inland is the New Forest area, a 56-hectare national park, famous for its wild ponies, which can be explored by foot or by hiring bicycles.

Another worthwhile day trip explores the Jurassic Coast, England’s first natural World Heritage Site, where fossils are common from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.

Bournemouth is one of the most popular areas in Britain for retired people to settle, but also boasts a growing surf community and an active university population, making for an interesting mix of old meets new.

The result is a place that is at once mature and full of history and at the same time fresh and modern.

It’s this air of “tradition with a twist” that makes Bournemouth a great tourist destination.

Coupled with the regular affordable flights, mild south coast weather, and year-round attractions, it’s a short trip that can offer a far different seaside experience.

Aer Lingus Regional operate daily flights from Dublin from €29.99, www.aerlingus.com.

Rates and information for the Green House hotel and Green Room restaurant at www.thegreenhousehotel.co.uk Rates and information for the Norfolk Royale hotel www.peelhotels. co.uk For more information on Bournemouth and surrounding area www. bournemouth.co.uk

The Victorian Pleasure Gardens house a tethered hot air balloon, which rises to 500ft to give a brilliant view of Bournemouth

WHETHER it’s taking a cruise on a gondola in Venice, visiting the famous sites of the Italian capital or seeing an opera in northern Verona, Italy’s favourite destinations could be the ideal location for a much-needed winter city break.

And with fantastic offers from Citalia by Travelmood up for the taking, the only thing left to do is to pack your weekend bag.

Venice is renowned for the beauty of its setting, its architecture and its artworks and is a city which is in its entirety listed as a World Heritage Site.

Visit St Mark’s Basilica, take a gondola trip down the Grand Canal and see the Piazza San Marco from just €299 per person.

Travelling on November 17, 2012, the price includes a three-night stay at the four-star Bonvecchiati Hotel on a B&B basis.

Or visit Italy’s capital of Rome and see some of Europe’s most beautiful and renowned historic sites including the Colisseum, the Sistine Chapel and the Pantheon.

Travel on December 1, 2012, and spend three nights at the three-star Augustea Hotel on a B&B basis from just €264 per person.

Verona is one of the main tourist destinations in northern Italy, owing to its artistic heritage, several annual fairs, shows and operas, such as the lyrical season in the Arena, the ancient amphitheatre built by the Romans.

The city has been awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO due to its urban structure and architecture.

Travel on December 8, 2012 and spend three nights at the three-star Mastino Hotel on a B&B basis from just €276 per person.

All prices include return flights from Dublin, taxes and charges.

For more information or to book, visit www.travelmood.ie, or call their dedicated team on 01 4331020 or visit the Travelmood store in Duke Street, Dublin 2, just off Grafton Street.

26 clondalkin gazette 1 November 2012

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planning Notice South Dublin County Council We, Mrs.Weronika Butrym & Mrs. Ewelina Matusiak, intend to apply for planning permission at 13 Foxborough Glade, Lucan, Co. Dublin. Development consists of adaptation the dwelling into a full day care of children aged 3-5 years, from Monday to Friday.

A 111,5sq.m storey floor house. The building will contain 3 pre-school activity rooms, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, resting room, 3 parking spaces.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€ 20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the of the Planning Authority.

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1 November 2012 CLONDALKIN Gazette 27

boxing 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

athletics P29

FastSport kennedy wins handball title:

Sara Lawlor with her Bus Eireann women’s national league player of the month award for September/October

soccer: United’s star striker honoured for her five goals in three games

Peamount’s Lawlor named women’s player of the month PEAMOUNT UNITED striker Sara Lawlor has been named the Bus Eireann Women’s National League Player of the Month for September/October.

Lawlor was voted player of the match when she scored for her club in the recent FAI Umbro Women’s senior cup final against Raheny United.

The 24-year-old has three Ireland caps and was presented her award by Republic of Ireland women’s international team manager Sue Ronan.

Dubliner Lawlor scored five goals in her opening three games in the Bus

Éireann Women’s National League, which sees Peamount top on goal difference from their rivals Raheny United in the preliminary phases of the marquee competition.

Lawlor admitted she was honoured to get the award but felt that a number of her club-mates could have been in consideration.

“It’s lovely to get an award like this but I was a little surprised because lots of the girls played very well over the last month,” she said.

“We were very disappointed not to

win the cup but the great thing is that we didn’t let it get to us and we’re very focused on the Bus Eireann Women’s National League.

“Our next game is on Saturday November 3 at Raheny so we have an excellent opportunity to bounce back and look to maintain our 100% start to the season.”

Lawlor also scored three goals in two FAI Umbro Women’s Senior Cup games in the same period.

“Bus Éireann congratulates Sara on winning the player of the month award.

“Sara has continued her incredible form from last season with some important goals in Peamount’s unbeaten start to the 2012–2013 season,” said Andrew McLindon, Bus Eireann PR manager.

Peamount’s Chloe Mustaki and Emma Cahill were both part of the Republic of Ireland U-19 side that won their UEFA U-19 Women’s European Championship group, winning all three of their games to qualify for the next phase of the competition. They beat Cyprus, Latvia and Serbia in order to advance.

EUGENE Kennedy, father of multiple All-Ireland winning St Brigid’s star Eoin, completed the double last week as the world handball championships in Citywest.

He claimed the diamond masters (Over60) singles title while he grabbed the doubles, too, in tandem with Wexford’s Ned Buggy.

Played over 10 days in west County Dublin, over 2,000 players contested the championships over a host of grades across the fantastic purposebuilt Citywest Arena, where an amazing cauldron of action and excitement was created for the 3,000 additional fans who pack into the amphitheatre style seating for the event.

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 1 November 2012

SPORT

DublinGazetteNewspapers

boxing: neilstown man triumphant once more

2012 dublin sports awards october winners

H STARof the MONTH

Kenneth Egan was one of four Irish boxers to land a winner’s prize at the Tammer Elite Multi-Nations event

john brophy 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

TEAMof the MONTH H

Egan lands gold again in Finland  sport@gazettegroup.com

kilmacud crokes THE Glenalbyn club bridged a 27-year gap to claim the Dublin senior hurling championship in excellent style. They came within one step of a rare double as the club’s senior footballers fell at the last hurdle in the Dublin county final on Monday evening

NEILSTOWN’S Kenneth Egan claimed his fifth gold medal in five tournaments on Finnish soil as he was one of four Irish winners at the 33rd Tammer Elite Multi Nations.

The 2008 Olympic silver medallist was joined on the winning rostrum by David Oliver Joyce, John Joe Joyce and Conrad Cummings while Con Sheehan and Ross Hickey took home silver from an exceptional team performance.

For Egan, it completed the

hat trick of wins over the hosts at the expense of Tomi Honka.

The 10-time Irish elite champion, boxing well within himself, was rarely troubled in this lightheavyweight decider en route to a 16-8 decision.

It followed earlier wins over England’s Lawrence Osueke in the quarter-finals tonight to book his ticket into the semi-finals where he met Finland’s Niklas Räsänen who he duly beat by 10-points.

“The entire squad boxed superbly all week and it is fantastic to be taking home four gold

and two silver medals in our first Elite tournament since the Olympic Games in London, he said.

“Overall, the entire squad produced some fantastic displays – young Michael Nevin also won one bout here – and we’re delighted with their performances.”

Talented Portlaoise BC prospect Michael Nevin – appearing in his first Elite tournament – won one bout for Ireland in Tampere.

D av i d O l i ve r J o y c e a l s o scooped the Best Boxer Award in Finland.

O’Conaill lands European and London Open wins  peter carroll sport@gazettegroup.com

East Coast Jiu Jitsu Academy’s Darragh O’Conaill celebrates his victory at the London Open

DARR AGH O’Conaill, Ireland’s youngest brown belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu, continued his fantastic recent 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.

As well as his personal glory, O’Conaill’s East Coast Jiu Jitsu Academy - based in Dun Laoghaire - took another haul

of medals as Dean Barry and Stephen Byrne took gold, John Sheridan won four more including one silver and Marcus Phelan and Daniel Ha claimed bronze honours too.

O’Conaill, who had been eyeing these tournaments all year shared his disappointment that the challenge was over.

“I’ve just been building up to this tournament all year,” said the European champion. “Every training session and every competition was just a warm up for this and now that it’s over I’m genuinely sad.

“It’s a strange feeling that I haven’t had before, I loved every second of action in the matches and I could see a huge improvement in my game when I faced off against some people that I had fought before.”

Now in preparation for the Nogi World Championships in Los Angelos, O’Conaill is in confident mood, despite the organisation of accommodation still being left up in the air for the Dun Laoghaire coach.

“I’ve been in great form all year and I think I’ll be able to keep it up. To stay there, I’ve

been enquiring with friends of friends – a life of competing is an expensive one to live,” he said.

With his constant jet setting and his commitment to his students competing, O’Conaill believes that jiu jitsu is his calling and the 25-year-old believes he is going some way to turn his lifestyle into a career.

“If I wasn’t competing so much, I would be living comfortably. It’s just an expensive sport, but what I’m trying to do at ECJJA is allow people to make the sport their career.”

1 November 2012 CLONDALKIN gazette 29

Local runners produced a series of superb runs at the Dublin marathon last Monday with athletes from DSDAC and Rathfarnham AC medalling in the Irish championships IT WAS something of a family affair for Maria McCambridge, the former Dundrum South Dublin AC runner, as on the day she claimed the women’s Woodie’s DIY Irish national marathon title on the streets of Dublin her 17-month-old son Dylan completed his first marathon.

He was pushed around the track in a buggy by her husband Gary for the entire 26.2 mile route, albeit three hours slower than McCambridge’s time, a personal best of 2.35.28, one second better than the time she produced in Paris in 2009.

It was good enough for seventh place overall for

 stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

the 37-year-old and created a new record for any Irish woman in the Dublin marathon, bettering Sonya O’Sullivan’s time from 2000.

Speaking about the race in its aftermath, McCambridge – who has run in Letterkenny AC colours for the past couple of seasons since relocating there – explained that it was a “very satisfying” outcome in the wake of a tough year

that saw her miss out on a place at the Olympic Games despite achieving the qualifying time.

“As soon as the Olympics weren’t on, for me, I just put it behind me, and put my head down in preparation for this,” she said.

“So it is very satisfying, and that’s the great thing about being a runner – there’s always another race. It’s not the Olympics but I’m delighted,” added McCambridge.

Barbara Sanchez, (Raheny Shamrock AC) took the silver medal in 2.42.10 and Pauline Curley, (Tullamore Harriers) took bronze in 2.45.49. The women’s race in Dublin was won

Maria McCambridge, left, with her son Dylan and Georgina Drumm

by Magdaline Mukunza of Kenya in 2.30.47.

On the men’s side, Rathfarnham AC proved one of the stand-out clubs on the day as Sean Hehir took second in the men’s Irish national title while club mate Barry Minnock claimed third

Dublin team categories as Brian Furey also ran well to finish in 2.33.06 to finish 27th overall.

The men’s race, from an Irish perspective , was won by Paul Pollock who had earlier raised much cheer when he raced into the overall lead eight

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‘That’s the great thing about being a runner. There’s always another race. It’s not the Olympics but I’m delighted’ - Maria McCambridge

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place.

It laid the base for the club’s ultimate success in both the national and

miles into the marathon.

The Annadale Striders runner had to settle for ninth place in the end as Kenyan and Ethiopian runners dominated the event won by defending champion Geofrey Ndungu of Kenya in 2.11.09.

This was a big breakthrough performance though for Pollock who won the Woodie’s DIY national Titleincorporated in the Dublin event in 2.16.30, the fastest time in Dublin by an Irish athlete in 13 years.

Both Paul Pollock and Maria McCambridge now plan on turning their attention to cross country. Both athletes have ambitions to gain selection on the Irish teams for the European Cross Country Championships in Budapest in December.

Gazette

Marathon success for local runners

FastSport

Glenn Whelan at last year’s launch

Late night leagues back in action in November FRIDAY Night late night soccer leagues will kick off on November 2 across Fingal.

Open to boys and girls aged 13 to 15 and 16 to 21, the games will take place in Corduff Sports Centre, Round Tower, Lusk; Skerries Community Centre, Rivervalley Swords and Glebe North FC Balbriggan, on Fridays from 9pm to 11pm.

The leagues will run for five weeks with the winners from each group qualifying for the Dublin finals, which will be held in early December.

The Late Night League (LNL) is a fivea-side tournament that has taken place in numerous venues around Fingal over the last number of years and has proven very successful.

It is run in conjunction with local authorities, youth groups and Community Garda policing units, and aims to provide a safe, fun and healthy social alternative to teenagers on Friday nights.

Niall Mc Guirk, senior sports officer with Fingal County Council added “The joint partnership between Fingal County Council’s sports office, the FAI, An Garda Síochána and our venue providers has enabled the programme to develop around the county.

“Late Night Soccer provides a positive sporting activity for young people to take part in; studies have shown it has helped in reducing anti-social behaviour and it gives the youth of Fingal something to look forward to on a Friday night.”

Interested participants just need to turn up on the night to register their interest and there’s no cost to participate.

For further information on the Late Night League initiative, or any football programmes, contact the local FAI development officer: Balbriggan/Lusk/Skerries area - Paul Keogh (FAI) T: 086 044 4435 E: paul. keogh@fai.ie; Blanchardstown Area – Sharon Boyle (FAI) T: 087 132 3260 E: sharon. boyle@fai.ie; Swords area – Mick Pender (FAI) T: 087 127 3258 E: mpender@fai.ie.

Gazette

30 clondalkin Gazette 1 November 2012

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: coldcut side struggle to cope with absentees

Peamount U-13s end tabletoppers Leixlip’s winning run JOSH WALKER’S second-half penalty was enough for Peamount United to take the first points of the season off Under-13B league leaders Leixlip United.

Despite the visiting side going into the game at Greenogue on Saturday morning with a record of seven wins from their first seven league games the home side dominated the early exchanges.

Striker Sean O’Brien went close on three occasions in the opening 10 minutes as Peamount kept the visitors pinned back in their own half.

However, a lapse in concentration from the home side saw Leixlip break mid-way through the half and open the scoring against the run of play.

The home side responded well after the break and were quickly rewarded when a handball in the box from Walker’s inswinger corner gave him the chance to equalise from the spot.

The attacker, pictured above fourth from the left in the front row, made no mistake to fire into the bottom corner for his third goal in five league games.

Goalkeeper Gavin Walsh was forced into an excellent save soon after as Leixlip responded and the visitors were unlucky with efforts late on that missed the target by only a matter of inches.

Clon clubs on the up in LSL CASTLE Park continued their unbeaten start to their LSL Sunday Premier campaign as they got the better of local rivals Alpine Express last Sunday.

It was the Watery Lane’s first league game in six weeks but they edged home 1-0 to make it three wins from five outings, adding to a couple of draws.

While they lie tenth in the division, should

they win all their games in hand, they will move into top spot in the league.

Booth Road Celtic fell 3-2 last weekend to Blackrock College to stay fifth in the division.

Peamount/Moyle Park, meanwhile, moved up to fourth place in the LSL Sunday Senior 1 thanks to a 2-1 win last Friday evening in Drogheda, making it two wins on the spin for the Greenogue side, bouncing back after a tough start to the campaign.

Dublin Bus LSL Saturday Major boss Eugene Cooke attempts to lift his side’s spirits after a tough day out against Wayside Celtic

Bus fall by the Wayside lsl saturday major Dublin Bus Wayside Celtic  carl duffy

0 6

sport@gazettegroup.com

WAYSIDE Celtic produced an emphatic 7-0 away victory against Dublin Bus to move up to second place in LSL Saturday Major league table.

Dublin Bus, who were missing six first choice players through injury and suspension could do nothing to prevent a well organised and enthusiastic Wayside team from continuing their impressive early season form with Ryan Lettiman scor-

ing a “perfect” hat trick on the day.

Wayside made an immediate impact by scoring in the opening minute of the game when centre forward Collie Emmet, who bagged a brace on the day and assisted in two other goals, collected the ball on the right and lifted in a looping cross, that keeper Mark Maloney could only clear as far as the six-yard box and allow Lettiman an easy finish into the empty net.

Wayside played with a high tempo throughout the game, got their second goal on 10 minutes. A long

Gaelic 4 fathers Initiative has big impact for Round Tower’s club round Tower’s Gaelic 4 Fathers team has

proven to be a huge success for the club in recent years, affording club members the opportunity to continue playing whilst remaining involved with the club and enjoying the social side to Gaelic Games.

The side are sponsored by Pixel Impact (http://www.pixelimpact.ie/) whose representative Gavin Lawler (right) presented a set of jerseys to team captain Ken Byrne in the clubrooms recently

ball from goalkeeper Alex Meade Wilson was collected on the left, crossed in dangerously, where a mix up by the Dublin Bus defence allowed Emmet to slot the ball home.

The home team did not put their heads down though with Tom McDonald’s pace and energy causing some concern for the opposition defence as he sought to link up with ex- Shelbourne player Jeremy McConnell Cooke whose height posed an aerial threat early on into the match.

However, their efforts were in vain, when Ciaran O’Connor scored with a

superbly hit strike from 30 yards out that curled into the top corner of the net and gave the visitors a commanding lead at halftime.

Despite the efforts of experienced ex league of Ireland defender Colm Notaro to organise and rally his team at half time, Wayside’s relentless charge could not be halted with Lettiman and Emmet scoring one apiece quickly into the second half.

Bus had to finish the game with 10 men when centre back Mark Carberry was sent off for dissenting with the referee

which enabled Lettiman to complete his hat trick and substitute Paul Sandua to score the final goal of the game on the 90 minute.

Dublin Bus coach Eugene Cooke felt his team struggled with the absence of six first team players and the “ three soft goals” they conceded in the first half set the tone for the game but did want this to take away from Wayside’s “very good performance”.

Cooke feels that once Dublin Bus “can get back their full complement of players they can be a match for anyone”.

1 November 2012 clondalkin Gazette 31

 sport@gazettegroup.com

LUCAN Sarsfields’ premier camogie squad missed out on the chance to make history as they missed out on their first ever senior A league title in any code in its 126-year history when they were edged out 1-11 to 0-11 by Na Fianna.

Played in fine though

windy conditions at St Margarets, they had their chances in a tight game where there was never more than a score between the teams.

A somewhat shellshocked Lucan conceded a lot of early and often unnecessary frees, giving territorial advantage and indeed some easy scores to the opposition.

In response, Lucan opened their scoring with an Emma Flanagan point while Mairi Moynihan discovered her scoring touch to landed six points.

Na Fianna scored just three points from frees in that first half, but landed four vital points from play. to lead 0-8 to 0-7 at halftime.

Another Moynihan free improved things before Na Fianna landed two frees to bring the game to level. Then came the decisive score of the game as Na Fianna worked their way downfield where Mary Nevin gave Kate Whyte no chance with a fine angled shot.

Fight as Lucan tried, they could not respond.

football: clondalkin club lands silverware

round tower, Clondalkin CONGRATULATIONS to the U-15 foot-

directly from Matt McCormack on 087

ballers on defeating Fingallians in the

6836737.

U-15C shield final.

Tower GAA club. The next collection will

Fianna. The U-21 hurlers face Setanta

take place Saturday, November 10 and

on Saturday afternoon in the commu-

persons are asked to leave their metal

nity centre in the U-21 championship at

to Monastery Road between the hours

2.30pm, with the minor hurlers facing

of 10am and 4pm.

St Kevin’s in the minor championship

This week’s lotto numbers were

on Sunday morning in Dolphin Park at

9, 10, 21 and 27. The bonus ball was 7.

11am. All support welcome.

There was no winner of this week’s

A fundraising night of music and

jackpot of €9,500. Congratulations to

craic will be held by the hurling sec-

Ned O’Byrne, John Curtin and Theresa

tion on Friday, November 2 with music

Verso who were the three €100 win-

by Farmer and Friends in Round Tower

ners; match three plus the bonus ball

GAA clubrooms. Doors open 8.30pm,

- Catherine Murphy. Next week’s jack-

admission is €5. Tickets can be pur-

pot is €9,600

chased from any of the adult hurlers.

The clubrooms are available for

Round Tower club present Jigs and

rental for parties, anniversaries, etc.

Reels in association with a local Irish

Please contact Jimmy behind the bar

dancing club on Friday, November 16

or on 01-4592960.

in the Green Isle hotel at 8pm. A great

Pick your lotto team leader and help

night of entertainment and fun is in

them become the top Friday night sell-

store with members from across all

er. One hour once every seven weeks

sections taking part with an experi-

is all it takes. If you are able to help,

enced dance partner.

please contact Matt McCormack on

O’Connor, Fiona O’Shea, Jessica

u-15 c shield final Round Tower Fingallians  peter carroll

5-10 0-2

sport@gazettegroup.com

ROUND Tower’s claimed the U-15 C Shield last Sunday in Lawless Park when they overcame Fingallians in convincing fashion 5-10 to 0-02, with centre half forward Kevin McGibney playing the protagonist in the one sided victory for the Clondalkin side.

Having beaten Clontarf in the first round of the championship, Tower’s went out to St Finian’s of Swords in the

second round putting them in the mix as far as the shield was concerned.

Seeing off Peregrine’s in their first game in the competition, 3-07 to 3-06, Tower’s went on to face Clontarf again in the semi final and beating them well they moved onto the final.

S t e p h e n B r a c ke n grabbed the first goal of the day when he won the ball at an impossible angle. Coaches screamed for the full forward to pass the sliotar on but the confident young man cracked it into the back of the net with a fantastic effort.

Kevin McGibney was found in space ten minutes later to fire home for a second goal and Tower’s went in at the break with a big lead of 2-05 to 0-01.

It was Bracken who netted for the first time in the second half when he won a 50/50, rounded his marker before he sent ripples through the net.

Conor Fleming capitalized on Fingallians lakc of enthusiasm when he ran unchallenged before he notched Tower’s forth goal of the day.

Sean Ryan finished the scoring with an effort similar to Fleming’s, finishing off a high scoring

affair for the Clondalkin men who were then presented the shield by Dublin’s lone All Star for 2012, Paul Flynn.

“After such a hard season in the league, I’m delighted the lads won so well and have something to show from a hard fought season,” said manager Gerry Banks. “We have Templeogue in the league to finish up, and a win there could put us into the playoffs for relegation.”

Elsewhere, the club’s minor footballers drew 2-5 to 1-8 with Na Fianna in the group stages of their championship.

087 6836737 or email info@roundtower. ie.

O’Malley, Linda Delaney, Martin Ryan,

The club shop is open in the club

Eric Byrne, Simon Breslin, Shane

every Monday night from 7.30-8.30pm.

Cross, Eoghan Hutchinson, Podge

You can call Betty Ward or Catherine

McKeever, Jason Joyce, Willie Kennedy,

Moran direct if you have any particu-

Chris Kavanagh and Gavin Lawler.

lar enquiries on 087 6752238 or 086

This will be one of the nights of the

Tower’s triumph in U-15C shield in style

Scrap Saturday is returning to Round

The minor footballers drew with Na

Those signed up are Rebecca

Round Tower’s minor footballers added to a decent weekend when they drew with Na Fianna Picture: Peter Parker

Gazette

Lucan denied senior A camogie glory

ASDFASDSAF Club Noticeboard

year and is not to be missed. Tickets are available from the clubrooms or

8303207 respectively.

Bingo is on Tuesday night, first call 8.30pm.

st pat’s, palmerstown A QUIET week for the bank holiday weekend.

The lotto numbers and results were: first draw winning numbers – 10, 14,

Any three numbers: no winner.

Lucky dip for €50 each: Ken Crowther, Charles Ryan, Kay Heary, Jim Lennon (tickets drawn by Maree O’Toole).

16 and 8; there was no winner. Second

The next draw is on Sunday, Novem-

draw winning numbers – 4, 14, 19 and 1,

ber 4, the first draw jackpot is €10,000,

there was no winner.

the second draw jackpot is €3,600.

lucan sarsfields THE club Mass for deceased mem-

ings (10.30am – 11.30am) opening only

bers will take place in the function

until Christmas. Occasional opening

room on Wednesday, November 7 at

during nurseries on Saturdays when

8pm.

staff are available. No Thursday

We are currently looking for vol-

openings until further notice. Socks,

unteers to either join an existing

shorts etc will be available from the

lotto team or start their own lotto

bar during club hours.

team. You would only be committing

Our nurseries now take place every

to giving up one Sunday night every

Saturday on our all-weather pitch at

10 weeks or so to check lotto tickets

our clubhouse grounds at the 12th

for the winning numbers. Training

Lock. Football and hurling for boys

will be provided. If you are interest-

born in 2006, 2007 and 2008 is from

ed or would like more information,

1.30pm to 3pm. Football for girls born

please contact Mary Flannery on

in 2005, 2006 and 2007 is from 1.30pm

087 7469143.

to 2.15pm and camogie for girls aged

Club shop opening times: Tuesday (7.30-8.30pm) and Saturday morn-

six and over is from 2.15pm to 3pm.

No need to pre-register.

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

towering performance: Round Tower’s U-15s capped a fine weekend with shield final success P31

november 1, 2012

Dublin marathon delight: Annual race around the city sees local runners star P29

Clondalkin man Aidan Price, pictured back in his Shamrock Rovers’ days, is among a number of local players hoping to claim the FAI Senior Cup with St Patrick’s Athletic this weekend

Local trio eye Senior title Carroll, Price and Croly fully focused on task at hand in the Aviva Stadium this weekend as Pat’s aim to end over 50-year wait for the FAI Senior Cup  peter carroll

sport@gazettegroup.com

ST PATRICK’S Athletic’s local defensive duo, Jake Carroll and Aidan Price, will be looking to capture the club’s first FAI Cup in over 50 years when the Inchicore side face off against Derry City this Sunday, November 4 at the Aviva Stadium.

The mid-October league clash the two sides had, coined “the dress rehearsal” by most fans, ended up in a 2-1 win for Derry, but Carroll claims that the result gave the team a much needed wake-up call before the final.

“To be honest, we played them back in Sep-

tember and we won 3-0 so we really didn’t think much of them as a side at the time,” said the centre half.

“When we went to Derry and they beat us 2-1, it showed how much of a good team they were and the threats they pose. We got a wake-up call that day and hopefully it won’t happen again.”

Considering a lot of players contracts are under review for the Saints, Carroll believes that the uncertainty of the future will give his teammates an added incentive.

“A lot of our contracts are running out, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we have to move clubs. Everyone will be out there on Sunday doing their best to get a new contract

on the table, so in a way, it’s a good thing.”

Another situation that has stirred anxiety in the Pat’s faithful is the latest news that assistant manager, Trevor Croly, a Clondalkin man, has been linked with the Shamrock Rovers job, something that has been suggested to have caused a rift between himself and veteran coach, Liam Buckley.

“That really has nothing to do with the team,” said Carroll. “We are focusing on our game, this match is our main concern and whatever is happening there is none of our business.

“All we are thinking about at this stage is the FAI Cup. Our fans want this more than they want the league. They’ve been waiting 51

years to win this trophy and that’s taking up all of our attention at the moment,” said the determined defender.

Pat’s will be in good spirits coming off a 1-0 win over Cork City that ensured their place in the Europa League next season and their good finish to the league that saw them claim third position behind Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United has also helped them to be placed as favourites for the final.

However, the Derry supporters will not be rolling over easily with a reported 6,000 fans from the North set to travel down to the capital for the game, with 60 buses already being booked by the candystripes to secure their trip to the national stadium.