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INSIDE: Cool kids and trendy styles help to pull in €3,200, and make a fundraising fashion show a hit P8-9

Football:

St Pat’s pipped to points against Cuala Page 31

Soccer:

Bluebell brace for Senior Cup tie with Derry Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES....................... 8 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................25 SPORT............................27

opinion: Minister Richard Bruton says abolish the undemocratic Seanad P6

30 jobs could be lost at DIY store  paul hosford

UP TO 30 jobs look set to be lost in Clondalkin as DIY store Homebase announced plans to close their Fonthill Road outlet this week.

The store will be one of three closed as the company enters examinership.

Homebase has filed a petition with the High Court in Dublin seeking the appointment of an examiner.

The court appointed Kieran Wal-

lace of KPMG as interim examiner, providing protection for Homebase Ireland during the examinership period.

Cllr Trevor Gilligan (FF) said that the news was a “huge blow” for the area, which has seen a rise in the numbers of people on the Live Register. He said: “I hope that there is something done for the staff to help them get back into work as soon as possible.”

Full Story on Page 4

Well done: Graduate gets to grips with the science of teaching PROF Hannah McGee, dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, congratulated Evelyn McDermott, St Bernadette’s Jnr School, Quarryvale upon her completion of the col-

lege’s Come to Your Senses summer course recently. The specially tailored course was designed to help Evelyn and other primary school teachers from across Dublin teach the primary science curriculum.

2 CLONDALKIN Gazette 18 July 2013

dublin GAZETTe newspapers i n f o r m at i o n

jobs Lucan, Clondalkin figures defended

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

c o n ta c t s Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Editor: Mimi Murray mmurray@gazettegroup.com

The Department of Social Protection has rejected claims that the Government is failing the people of Lucan and Clondalkin, where a rise in the Live Register has been recorded, saying that such a rise reflects national trends affected by seasonal returns

Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Laura Webb picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Suzanne Sheehy ssheehy@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240 sales@gazettegroup.com

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

Department hits back at ‘locals being failed’ claim THE Department of Social Protection has rejected claims that the Government is “failing the people of Lucan and Clondalkin”.

It was responding to last week’s Gazette report in which Sinn Fein representative Eoin O Broin hit out at the latest Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures on the number of people signing on to the Live Register.

Latest figures from the CSO show 8,987 people signing on in the Clondalkin social welfare office in June – the highest since the start of the year. That figure is up from 8,918 people in May, but down from 9,431 in June 2012.

The figures also show the number of people under the age of 25 signing on has risen to 1,730, again the highest rate this year.

 PAUL HOSFORD phosford@gazettegroup.com

A Department spokesperson said the rises were due to the time of year.

“There is no difference in the increase in the Live Register in Clondalkin and [at a] national level since the start of the year; the increase is caused by seasonal returns from Back to Education [schemes] at this time of year.

“Addressing unemployment will remain one of the Government’s top priorities.”

T he spokesperson added that the Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton had made available funding that

would see more than 80,000 people benefit from training and work schemes. The roll-out of the new JobsPlus scheme was also lauded by the spokesperson.

“The Minister secured additional funding in Budget 2013 which ensures that up to about 85,000 people will benefit from work, training and education schemes throughout the country this year.

“This week, JobsPlus, a new employer incentive scheme operated by the Department of Social Protection, was launched, which will incentivise businesses to hire jobseekers from the Live Register, boost job creation and reduce long-term unemployment.

“T he innovative scheme is focused on people who are long-

term unemployed, and will see the State cover approximately €1 in €4 of the typical cost of hiring someone who has been on the Live Register for 12 months or more.

“Under the scheme, regular cash payments will be made to employers to offset wage costs where they employ jobseekers who have been on the Live Register for more than 12 months.”

The incentive will be payable on a monthly basis over a two-year period and will provide two levels of payment: a payment of €7,500 over two years to the employer for each person recruited who has been unemployed for between 12 and 24 months.

There will also be a €10,000 payment over two years to the employer for each person recruited who has been unem-

ployed for more than 24 months.

O Broin had called on the Government to invest in jobs, but the Department of Social Protection say that the new Intreo service will tackle that.

Speaking in response to the depar tment’s statement, O Broin said: “People need jobs, not rhetoric from the Government. Unemployment and emigration remain unacceptably high.

“While Fine Gael and Labour did not create the jobs crisis, during the 2011 General Election both parties promised to invest in job creation.

“Fine Gael promised to invest €47bn over five years as part of their fivepoint plan. Labour promised €2bn via a strategic investment bank. Both of these promises have been broken.”

18 July 2013 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3

boost 250 construction jobs to be created at the Grange Castle site contest Name the cafe for iPad Mini

Pfizer to invest $100 million  paul hosford

PHARMACEUTICAL giants Pfizer will invest $100 million (€77 million) in their Grange Castle plant, creating up to 250 construction jobs.

The investment will create additional manufacturing capacity by expanding the unit that produces protein drug substance using mammalian cell culture biotechnology.

The unit makes drug substance for Pfizer’s biologic rheumatoid arthritis treatment and a new production line will be established that will increase capacity and thereby double productivity.

Pfizer vice president Dr Paul Duffy said that the American drug company were following up on their previous investments in

Ireland and hoped to add new drug lines.

“There is opportunity for Pfizer’s Irish sites to attract the development of new medicines, while also continuing to manufacture existing, important medicines.

“Our Irish operations are significant and we have excellent colleagues across our sites, dedicated to the highest standards of manufacturing quality and excellence.”

IDA chief executive Barry O’Leary said that the investment, which will be supplemented by a $30 million investment in the Ringaskiddy plant in Cork, underlined the company’s commitment to Ireland.

“The Ringaskiddy site was Pfizer’s first manufacturing facility in Ireland almost 45 years ago

– it is fantastic to see the work at that site evolve into high-tech manufacturing.

“Since Pfizer first set up in Ireland in the 1970s, it has invested more than $7 billion in developing the skills, scale and capability necessary to manufacture some of its leading medicines for global export from Ireland.”

We l c o m i n g t h e announcement Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton said: “[This] is confirmation that we are taking the right steps to ensure that Ireland is a key location for companies like Pfizer to expand and grow their business.

“I am determined to ensure that we build on such success and provide the opportunities for further growth in this sector

Joining Pfizer vice president Dr Paul Duffy (right) to announce the company’s investing of $100 million (€77 million) in their Grange Castle plant were Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald and her Fine Gael party colleagueMinister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton

and create the jobs we so badly need. Pharmaceuticals and life sciences generally are a hugely important sector for the Irish economy and the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs includes a series of measures to sustain and grow this sector.”

Clondalkin Labour Party representative Ken Kinsella said that while the jobs were to be welcomed, the lack of permanent jobs was one sour note.

“There is a worrying trend in all sectors of society where staff

are employed on an ad hoc basis. This level of uncertainty is leading to a weakening of consumer confidence and spending.

At this stage of recovery we need to focus on longterm sustainable investment in permanent full time employment.”

THE owner of a new cafe in Clondalkin is looking for local residents to name it.

The cafe, which opened last week in the Tower Shopping Centre, is currently called Name It Cafe, but one lucky local will be in with a chance of winning an iPad Mini if they choose the winning name.

The cafe opens from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, and serves all day breakfasts and homemade pastries that are baked on site.

Entry To be in with a chance to win this competition, see the cafe on Facebook (search Name It Cafe), on Twitter @nameitcafe, or send an email to nameitcafe@yahoo.ie.

4 CLONDALKIN Gazette 18 July 2013

examinership DIY giant plans to close down three of its 15 stores

Homebase to close its Fonthill branch with loss of up to 30 jobs Up to 30 jobs look set to be lost as DIY giant Homebase announced the closure of their Fonthill store this week.

The store on the Fonthill Road will be one of three closed as the company enters examinership.

Homebase has filed a petition with the High Court in Dublin seeking the appointment of an examiner.

The court has appointed

Kieran Wallace of KPMG as interim examiner, providing protection for Homebase Ireland, during the period of examinership.

Homebase Ireland has 15 stores in the Republic of Ireland, employing 558 staff. Of these 114 are full-time and 444 are part-time.

The examinership documents say that based upon both the current trading per-

formance and forecast projections, it is proposed that three of the 15 stores will close.

These stores are located in Fonthill, Carlow and Castlebar.

In total, they employ 17 full time and 79 part time staff.

In addition, the future viability of the remaining 12 stores will depend on a number of factors including securing the agreement of individual landlords of improved lease terms.

Robert Burke, chairman, Homebase Ireland said: “The significant deterioration in consumer spending over the last five years coupled with high rents at each of our stores has made restructuring an imperative in order to re-establish a sustainable business, to secure the future of as many stores as possible and to protect as many jobs as possible.

“[This] appointment represents an important step in this process.

“Customers can be reassured that the business will trade as normal during the examinership and all ordered products, pre-payments, credit notes and vouchers will be fully honoured.”

Fianna Fail councillorTrevor Gilligan said that the news was a “huge blow” for the area,

which has already seen rises in the numbers of people on the Live Register.

“It’s a huge blow for the area and comes after some previous issues with the likes of B&Q and Xtra Vision.

“I would have thought it was one of their busier stores, but I hope that there is something done for the staff to help them get back into work as soon as possible.”

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or email news@gazettegroup.com

care’s €45k boost

F u n di n g o f ove r €45,000 will be made available to local childcare ser vices by the Department for Children and Youth Affairs.

A sum of €45,396 has been granted in capital funding to 13 local childcare services across Clondalkin, Lucan, Rathcoole and Newcastle.

The funding will go towards educational equipment and facilities as well as safe outdoor play spaces in childcare services, improving buildings and supporting services to ensure that all children have better experiences within early year’s settings.

Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald said that the funding was of great importance.

“It is so important to invest in children in their early years and I am delighted that local service providers are benefiting from this funding.

“The allocation of over €45,000 to our area will help ensure that we continue to improve the quality of early childhood care and education across Clondalkin, Newcastle and Rathcoole.

“I am pleased, for the second year in a row, to be in a position to provide capital funding for the childcare sector.”

18 July 2013 CLONDALKIN Gazette 5

6 CLONDALKIN Gazette 18 July 2013

opinion Richard Bruton argues the Government’s position

Abolish the Seanad

Minister Richard Bruton: “The Seanad is a luxury the political system can no longer afford, and I believe a reformed Dail can deliver accountable government with fewer but more effective politicians”

ABOLISHING the Seanad would save €20 million a year, and reduce the number of national politicians by about a third.

It would also bring Ireland into line with other small countries in Europe, all of which have only one chamber of parliament.

You will have the opportunity to vote yes to bring about these changes, when the Government holds a referendum on abolishing the Seanad in autumn.

Most people are probably unfamiliar with the workings of the Seanad, which isn’t surprising when you consider that just 1% of the population voted to elect the current Seanad – and only 3% of the population are actually entitled to vote for the Seanad in the first place.

[This situation] is utterly undemocratic and dysfunctional, and the reality is, the Seanad doesn’t do anything that isn’t already done in the Dail.

The savings that would be brought about by scrapping the Seanad are

TELL US YOUR STORY Call our news team on 60 10 240 and SELECT OPTION 2 or email news@gazettegroup.com

considerable.

It would save about €100 million over the course of a five-year Dail term – that’s money that, I think, could be much better spent on building schools, running our hospitals and improving our roads.

At a time when every family in the country is making sacrifices, I think it is only right that the political system does the same.

Ireland is unique when compared to other small countries in Europe, because we are the only

We would love WHAT HAS IT to hear it!

HAVE YOU WHO DISCOVERED? CHANGED WHAT YOUR DID YOU LIFE? INSPIRED FIND? YOU?

nation with a population of less than ten million with two chambers of parliament.

Other small countries, such as Sweden and Denmark, have shown that single-chamber parliaments not only cost less, but they also work more effectively and with more transparency.

At the moment, Ireland has a lot more politicians than other countries of a similar size. In fact, we have, on average, 40% more politicians than other countries with a population of four to five million.

By abolishing the Seanad, we will reduce the number of national politicians by 30%, bringing us into line with our international counterparts.

The Seanad has been dysfunctional for decades, and yet no meaningful effort has ever been made to reform it.

Not only is it elected by a tiny, privileged minority, it is almost powerless – the last time the Seanad actually rejected a piece of legislation was 50 years ago.

Occasionally, the Seanad delays legislation, but most of the time it just rubberstamps laws already approved by the Dail.

In other words, the Seanad is an undemocratic body with very little power, costing us 10s of millions of euro a year to run.

Those who are opposing the referendum on the abolition of the Seanad say it should be retained and reformed, yet there is no agreement on what sort of reforms should be implemented.

This is nothing new; in its 75 years of existence, 10 reports have been published on reforming the Seanad, but no meaningful reform has been implemented.

Rather than putting another ineffective reform

plan forward, this Government is asking a much more fundamental question: does Ireland need the Seanad?

If we really want to improve our system of democracy, we must push ahead with far-reaching reforms of the Dail.

In tandem with the referendum on the future of the Seanad, the Government is putting forward a series of measures to reform the way our national parliament works, to make it more accountable and transparent.

This includes overhauling the committee system to make it more independent and allow outside experts to be put centre-stage.

Changes will be made to the way draft laws are considered, to allow backbench and Opposition TDs to have a greater impact on key legislation.

We’ve already taken steps to increase female representation in the Dail, cut the overall number of TDs, eliminate corporate donations and make lobbying more transparent.

Radical reform is vital if we are serious about changing the way our political system works.

I believe that we have too many politicians in this country, which is costing us money which could be better spent on public services.

Put simply, the Seanad is a luxury the political system can no longer afford, and I believe a reformed Dail can deliver accountable government with fewer but more effective politicians.

If you agree, then I urge you to vote yes to abolish the Seanad.

Richard Bruton Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, and Fine Gael’s director of elections for the Seanad Abolition Referendum

18 July 2013 CLONDALKIN Gazette 7

report Increase in wills, landlord-related issues

Pictured at the launch in the Clarence Hotel of the Free Legal Advice Centres 2012 annual report was FLAC director general Noeline Blackwell

Local visits to free legal aid centres fall by 20% in 2012  paul hosford

VISITS to local legal aid centres dropped by 20% in 2012.

The Free Legal Advice Centres (FLAC) annual report shows that visits to the four Dublin West centres in Lucan, Clondalkin, Ballyfermot and Blanchardstown all saw a drop-off in the need for free legal advice.

FLAC is a human rights organisation that exists to promote equal access to legal representation for all.

As a non-governmental organisation, FLAC relies on a combination of statutory funding, contribu-

tions from the legal professions and donations from individuals and grant-making foundations to support its work.

In Clondalkin Law Centre last December, there were 177 people waiting for their first appointment with a solicitor, and the average waiting time for an appointment was 15 months.

This May, 135 people were waiting for their first appointment, and the average waiting time had decreased to 12 months, says the report.

The main area of enquiry was family law, accounting for 37% of all enquiries. This was fol-

lowed by employment law queries, at 12%, while wills and credit- or debtrelated queries were the next most common, at 9% of all callers each.

The number of queries about wills rose by 46% in this area when compared with the previous year.

According to FLAC’s director general, Noeline Blackwell: “2012 was a milestone year for FLAC where, after years of campaigning to reform personal debt law, we finally saw the passage of personal insolvency legislation, its many flaws notwithstanding.

“Across all of our work, we continued to seek

greater consistency and fairness in the basic systems that allow people to access their rights – whether in social welfare, in legal structures and services, in consumer credit or in personal debt law.

“In 2012, FLAC was proud of the fact that we helped thousands of people through our advice and information services. From those contacts and our work with other organisations, we know that people are worried sick and afraid about basic issues,” she said.

FLAC’s statistics – showing that 25,450 people accessing its phone

line and centres in 2012 – indicate that family issues, employment problems and money worries continue to dominate the agenda, constituting about half of all of its enquiries nationally.

However, some areas of law have seen increased queries, such as housing/ landlord and tenant law.

The phenomenon of the “accidental landlord” has been noted by FLAC – people who have had to rent out their homes to meet rising mortgage payments, or who invested in property as a pension provision.

The report recognises the work of volunteer

lawyers in offering legal advice in free and confidential centres all across Ireland, in partnership with Citizens Information Centres.

Blackwell said: “In its work, FLAC seeks to recognise and remedy where people are being excluded from accessing essential systems that they need to live their lives in dignity.”

FLAC offer free, confidential basic legal information on their Lo-call telephone line at 1890 350 250, and free legal advice through a nationwide network of volunteer evening advice centres. For a full listing, see http://www. flac.ie/gethelp.

policing

Appeal for info on Angie Smith GARDAI have relaunched an appeal for information on the 1987 murder of a Clondalkin woman.

Antoinette “Angie” Smith was last seen leaving the David Bowie concert on July 12 in Slane, Co Meath.

Ramblers at Glendoo Mountain in Enniskerry found her body some nine months later. She was wrapped in plastic bags, and a post mortem revealed that the mother of two had been raped and strangled.

Last week, gardai officially called on the public to try to recall any information that they may have about the killing.

Det Garda Supt Pat Lordon said that the time since the crime should not put people off from making contact with authorities.

He said: “Perhaps you know somebody who was acting out of character at the time, or perhaps you saw something unusual but thought little of it at the time.

“Even information which seems insignificant could be very important.”

Ms Smith lived in Kilmahuddrick Court in Clondalkin, and returned to Dublin city following the gig. The last confirmed sighting of her was at 2.15am on Sunday, July 12 on O’Connell Street.

Anybody with any information is asked to contact Crimestoppers at 1800 250 025.

8 CLONDALKIN Gazette 18 July 2013

gazetteGALLERIES

Dominika Kowalska, Lisa Baker, Tirma Slevin and Shamira Solana

Fingal Mayor Kieran Dennison (FG) with Lauren Smith

Caroline-Marie McCormack, Caroline Ward and Donna Marie Cullen

Cllr Trevor Gilligan (FF), Aislinn McDonnell, Josephine

fundraiser: siopa lara fashion show a hit

Stylishly entertaining

Fort Lucan owners John Martin Smith and his daughter, Gillian

Deji Coo with his sons, Ayo and Okiki

Ava Dunne meets Elaine Brunton and Jordan Donnelly. Pictures: Ronan Sullivan

birthday bash: Wall-to-wall fun as Fort Lucan turns 20

F

ORT Lucan was even busier than usual as lots of people came along to attend its 20th anniversary birthday party. There was fun for all ages as, in addition to the range of rides and activities, some colourful characters helped to add to the day’s party atmosphere.

Owners John Martin Smith and his daughter, Gillian, were delighted with the turn-out, happy to welcome so many old and new friends, and Fort Lucan fans, as the birthday evening was also acting as a fundraiser. Fingal Mayor Kieran Dennison (FG) was also on hand to help with the celebrations. With a party to have lots of fun at, and in the knowledge that the night was in aid of Barnados, the children’s charity, Fort Lucan’s 20th was a night to remember.

Lauren Dowling, Saoirse Chatham and Shauna Bond

Ava Connolly

18 July 2013 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 9

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

Models at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel event showcased a wide range of styles available at Siopa Lara in Bawnogue Enterprise Centre, with the fundraising event raising more than €3,200 for the stroke unit in St Denton, Deirdre Power, Jade McGann, Leon Darbey, Helen Mackey and Lisa Baker

James’s Hospital. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

10 CLONDALKIN Gazette 18 July 2013

gazetteGALLERY

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

Sarah Buckley,

Deirdre Cleary, manager AIB Dundrum, with Sive

Greentouch

Geoghegan, Graph Engineers. Pictures: Patrick O’Leary

Sebastian Lucas, Loic Lucas, Polus Intelligence, with Shaun Bryson and Patrick Lane, Venture Networking

Growing business

B

usinesses in and around the Dublin 14 area attended an evening of showcasing, networking and talks at a business networking evening with Venture, The Business Network, at the BankCentre in

Ballsbridge recently. Deirdre Cleary, manager of AIB Dundrum, introduced the speakers to a packed hall. Keynote speakers were Kingsley Aikins of Diaspora Matters and Orlaith Blaney, chief executive of McCann, Dublin.

Keith McGovern of Chef Direct Mary O’Higgins, AIB Clonskeagh, with Brenda

with David O’Sullivan of

Cappelli, AIB Sandyford

Sandyford Motors

18 July 2013 Gazette 11

beat the heat P13

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

asdfsdaf businessP27 P16

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Gazette

diary P12

animals: a second calf for rio and marmaduke

Dublin Zoo delighted over birth of Brazilian tapir Dublin Zoo is celebrating the birth of a Brazilian tapir. The male calf, born on July 1 to mum Rio and dad Marmaduke, is the breeding pair’s second calf and has an older brother, MJ which stands for Marmaduke Junior, who was born at Dublin Zoo in June 2012.

Team leader Eddie O’Brien said: “We are delighted with the birth of the tapir calf, he is already getting on really

well with his older brother MJ who is very protective of him. The calf was up and about quickly after he was born, he is already more adventurous than his older brother was at his age!”

The story of Dublin Zoo’s tapirs is a heartwarming one; two years ago R io, the young female tapir, arrived at Dublin Zoo from Marwell Wildlife in the UK to join Marmaduke

the male tapir who had recently lost his longterm female partner Hillary, who died.

T he keepers were hopeful the pair would connect and just over one year on Dublin Zoo was celebrating the birth of the pair’s first born calf and now just 12 months later they welcome their second calf.

This is Rio’s second calf; Marmaduke has successfully fathered 18

tapir calves to date.

Tapir calves are born with a number of white spots and stripes which act as camouflage in the wild.

To celebrate the new arrival, Dublin Zoo is inviting people to suggest names for the male tapir calf based on his Brazilian origin. Suggestions will be accepted through the Dublin Zoo Facebook page w w w.facebook. com/dublinzoo.

Dublin Zoo’s latest baby, a Brazilian tapir who is already quite adventurous

Gazette

12 Gazette 18 July 2013

dublinlife

diary

Say ‘I do!’ and get set for the 5k wedding run A 5K wedding fun run is set take place in the Phoenix Park this weekend.

The Barnardos 5K Wedding Run is a fancy

dress run and will be followed by live music, family entertainment, freebies from Weddingsonline.ie suppliers and refreshments at

the post-run reception party.

Olympic sprint star Derval O’Rourke joined Barnardos to help launch the first ever

Isabella Crinnion, James Murphy, Kerri Nicole Blanc and Darragh Malone at the launch

wedding run recently.

She is preparing for her wedding later this year to fellow Olympian Peter O’Leary.

“I’m delighted to support the Barnardos Wedding Run. It’s really getting me excited for my own big day later in the year – it might even be an idea for my hen party!”

The run gets under way at 10am on Saturday, July 20 from Furze Road. Registration is €25 at www.barnardos.

ie with 100% of the proceeds going directly to fund Barnardos services for vulnerable children and families across Ireland. You can also register on the day from 9am.

seeking coastal champions An Taisce is calling on members of the Dublin community to put forward nominations for Ireland’s coastal champions.

An Taisce’s Coastcare Merit Awards are an annual initiative run by An Taisce which recognises the invaluable contribution that individuals, community groups, businesses and schools make on a daily basis in protecting and restoring Ireland’s beautiful coastline.

The awards form part of the Clean Coasts programme which encourages the public to care for, and celebrate Ireland’s coastal environment.

Patricia Oliver, director of An Taisce Education Unit, said: “These prestigious awards are about recognising these coastal custodians and celebrating their dedication to protecting Ireland’s beaches, seas and marine life.”

If you would like to recognise an individual, coast-care group, school or business that is making a valuable contribution to protecting our coast, you can nominate them at www.cleancoasts.org.

Nominations must be received by September 20 for inclusion in the selection process.

dent family who are Irish and proud, with big hearts and laughs and who work hard and know how to toast success.

If you think you’ve got what it takes, or know the family who does, call Casting House on 0044 1908 681 144.

family-based reality tv show

Home and Away hunk Dan Ewing visited Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin to lend his support to the hospital’s Heaven Cent appeal.

The Aussie actor, who plays Heath Braxton in the popular soap, visited the hospital with his wife Marni last week.

He dropped in to lend his suppor t to Heaven Cent, the joint fundraising campaign run by Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin and Temple Street Children’s Hospital by donating his cents to the fundraiser which finished on July 15.

The two national children’s hospitals hope to raise €2 million through donations from the people of Ireland who have donated loose coins for the fundraising drive for urgently needed funds.

If you’re part of a big Irish family with your own family business, you could be set to appear in a brand new reality TV show this year.

Casting House, a British-based TV production company, are searching for an Irish family with their own successful business to front a major new primetime TV show.

The show will celebrate traditional Irish enterprise and culture, and will display strong family values, relationships and, of course, banter.

The show will follow daily life in an enterprising family business, the strong family relationships that make the business work as well as sharing the parties and the magic family moments. Casting House are looking for a confi-

tv star does his bit for charity

18 July 2013 Gazette 13

R1

Gazette

feature outdoors: Coast Guard advice for public

Five drownings prompt appeal to exercise caution With five deaths through drowning occurring in the space of a week, the Irish Coast Guard is appealing to people to be sensible in the water.

The tragic deaths up and down the country have prompted an appeal from Declan Geoghegan, manager of the Irish Coast Guard, to people to stay safe and keep a close eye on their children when they are anywhere near water. “ Wa r m e r we a t h e r encourages everyone to enjoy the outdoors and brings thousands of people to our coastlines, to

our beaches and the outdoors. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors but to remember to take simple, basic advice about staying safe on the water and along cliff paths, when hill walking and enjoying the outdoors.

“Time and again, we see people ignoring basic safety advice, taking risks and then getting into difficulty, sometimes leading to loss of life. The Coast Guard is a 24/7 service but we must again advise caution as too many people are taking risks and ignoring our advice.”

Last month the Irish

Coast Guard launched a summer water safety campaign designed to protect children on beaches and near coastlines. The Coast Guard made available thousands of free waterproof wristbands under the Give Us A Hand campaign.

Parents or guardians can write their phone numbers on the wristband so that lifeguards, emergency services or members of the public can contact the child’s parents if the child becomes lost or becomes separated.

The wristbands carry a message reminding the

public to call 112 and ask for the Coast Guard for beach, water or cliff emergencies.

The wristbands are available from all Coast Guard units and are also from e-mail: admin@ irishcoastguard.ie Irish Water Safety echoed the advice of the Coast Guard, calling on people to avoid unsupervised waterways.

“Having IWS assessed Lifeguards nearby is reassuring in case you need advice, help with first aid or missing children,” said an IWS spokesman.

“They are trained to

The Coast Guard has launched a summer water safety campaign designed to protect children on beaches and near coastlines

prevent or react to unexpected incidents where seconds can make a difference.

“However, lifeguards are not a child minding service and members of the public have a duty of care to protect themselves and their families when visiting waterways nationwide.”

Inspector Pat O’Sullivan of Lucan Garda station said that for gardai, the good weather brought these problems, but urged people to be safe.

“There are generally no lifeguards on duty or lifesaving equipment in these areas, so we would advise parents and children not

to swim in these places.

There are designated swimming areas for a reason because there are certain safety criteria in place.”

Fingal County Council added that they have “limited resources” at their 13 beaches, so bathers should exercise caution when entering the sea.

Gazette

14 Gazette 18 July 2013

dublinlife

Celebrations for wedding winners

Man walks 140km canal route

 laura webb

A VISUALLY-impaired man has walked 140km along the Royal Canal Way, b e g i n n i n g i n Cloondara, Longford and finishing up in Dublin.

Rahim Nazarali, who is legally blind, started his journey on July 11 and finished up on July 14, with the assistance of a personal guide, Norman Capriani.

His journey was in aid of the Irish Wheelchair Association.

The route comprises steep, uneven terrain, and just 12% of the route is a dedicated pathway.

On average, Rahim walked 35km a day through counties Longford, Westmeath, Meath

COMPETITION winners have walked down the aisle after winning the Dream Wedding Giveaway at the Stillorgan Park Hotel last year.

Balbriggan couple Paul Webster and Elaine McNally tied the knot at a ceremony in Balbriggan, followed by a reception at Stillorgan Park Hotel.

In 2012, the couple were announced as the winners of the Dream Wedding Giveaway at the Stillorgan Park Hotel after entering a competition on Facebook.

They won a wedding package worth more than €10,000.

 laura webb

and Kildare before reaching his final destination in Dublin.

Speaking about the challenge before he set off, Rahim said: “I am a keen walker and runner. For a person who is visually impaired, this at times presents a number of challenges, but with a little planning, many obstacles that arise can be easily overcome.

“I have decided to turn what has been a longheld ambition of mine into an important fundraising opportunity.”

Rahim is a tutor and works with the Rehabilitative Training Unit of the wheelchair association.

The unit runs FETACapproved courses for people with physical dis-

abilities and other mobility issues.

The courses provide students with the necessary confidence, skills, knowledge and attitude to develop and pursue their own personal goals.

He said: “The [Rehab] course is funded by the HSE; however, the computer equipment used on a daily basis needs to be updated and improved to ensure that the students can continue to learn to use everyday technology that features in the home and the workplace.

“All sponsorship and donations are greatly appreciated, and you can [still] pledge your support at www.idonate.ie/ rahimscanalwalk.”

Also speaking ahead of

Impressive journey: Rahim Nazarali with adventure athlete Mark Pollock, the first blind man to reach the South Pole

the walk, Mark Pollock, an adventure athlete and the first blind man to reach the South Pole, said: “I wish Rahim luck with the walk and with his fundraising.

“Any programme that

enables people with disabilities to achieve their personal goals and to reach their full potential should be applauded.

“I encourage people to support Rahim in his endeavours and to help

him to raise vital funds for the RTU.” Waterways Ireland and the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland assisted Rahim to plan the route over the four days.

DUBLIN Gazette newspaper HAVE 169,000 READERS EACH WEEK *based on TGI-ROI 2012

advertise your business to our readers call 60 10 240

18 July 2013 Gazette 15

law: When a couple separate, is a spouse automatically entitled to half?

‘No automatic right to a claim on your ex’s assets’  Our legal expert Noreen Maguire, solicitor with Maguire Muldoon Solicitors, discusses the issue of assets this week.

THE courts in Ireland have a duty under the Divorce Act to make sure children and spouses are provided for adequately.

So, what would be considered “proper provision” in a divorce situation? Where time has passed since the initial break-up and a Deed of Separation exists whereby assets were already divided up, can the court redistribute wealth?

What happens if one of the parties’ circumstances have altered – for example, if they become sick?

Our Supreme Court gave guidelines in the case known as G v G, where a number of years after a legal separation the wife

suffered an illness and was unable to work. She ran out of money and debts began to mount.

The husband’s wealth substantially increased and he had a comfortable lifestyle. The High Court awarded a substantial sum to the ill wife, but the matter was appealed to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court looked at income and earning capacity, financial need, obligations and responsibilities. Also, the age of the spouse and the duration of the marriage were of importance.

The court emphasised that where there was a Deed of Separation in place, it must be taken into consideration, especially where it is “in full and final settlement”.

Unlike other countries, there is no “clean break” in Irish divorce; however,

it can be aspired to.

In other words, the court can look to achieve finality for the couple. In this case, the Supreme Court agreed that the award to the wife was excessive.

Just because there is more money in the pot since the initial separation does not mean there is an automatic entitlement to a divvy-up of these monies, especially where they are unconnected to a joint project of the spouses during their married life.

If an ex-spouse has managed his or her financial affairs cleverly postseparation, it would be unfair if the court took this into account when examining the matter.

Furthermore, the court indicated that the longer the time since the Deed of Separation, the less likely they are to interfere.

Of particular interest, the court said that monies inherited by one of the spouses were not to be considered marital assets.

However, the court’s job is to be fair and reasonable and, accordingly, if a wife or husband’s life has dramatically altered since the original split – because of a serious illness, or the bursting of a property bubble affecting the value of assets, for example – they will of course look at that person’s reasonable requirements.

The important point to remember is that provisions will be made if it is in the interests of justice to do so, but there is no automatic entitlement.  Any legal queries can be

put to Noreen by emailing mmurray@gazettegroup. com.

Noreen Maguire, solicitor with Maguire Muldoon Solicitors

Gazette

advice

Gazette

16 Gazette 18 July 2013

dublinlife

Q&A

business

More cash-saving ideas Our intrepid doctor John Lowe has over 100 ways to save cash. From this week and every week, we will publish five at a time. Cut out and keep – better in your pocket as they say ! If you have any cash-saving ideas, please send them to jlowe@moneydoctor.ie 16. Review your investments monthly – products are launched every week and you should be wary of their performance on a regular basis. Rates change, some investments go out of favour – you have to be vigilant. If there is a better rate or greater potential, do not be afraid to move. Better in your pocket.

Kevin O’Loughlin, Nostra systems

Love affair with IT leads to top-notch services Kevin’s love affair with IT began in the early 1990s when his idea of fun was to dismantle and rebuilt his first Mac Classic.

He began his career in the IT services industry in 1999, when he joined well known Dublin-based IT company, Typetec. He quickly established himself as an integral part of the team and was fast tracked to management inside a few short years. He remained

with Typetec in the capacity of IT sales manager until early 2006.

After a short period of time away from the industry, Kevin decided to establish his own IT services company in late 2006. It was from here that Nostra came to be.

Nostra now provides IT services to upwards of 150 clients, working with some of the most well-known companies in Ireland, and now also the UK.

How long have you been in business?

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

Nostra started in December 2006.

However, I have been in the IT service business since 1999.

What makes your business successful?

We started Nostra with something unique: our goal was to reduce IT in our clients’ businesses taking advantage of newer technologies.

We grew in the early days due to savings delivered. Now we grow on the strength of our team, our client referrals, and the fact that we are the longest delivering cloud services.

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

Our clients all have one thing in common, they need stable IT systems. By using cloud and onsite systems working together, we can deliver absolute stability at minimal cost.

Because of the model, we need more customers – which had its challenges in the early days but, thankfully, we are now in a good place.

How has the recession impacted your business?

We had to completely re-think our business when the recession hit. Many companies used to lease equipment, but in 2008 that began to stop. We had to find solutions our clients could afford, therefore we went to the cloud. We would have been the first to do this, but these savings meant a lot to our clients when the recession hit.

I use Twitter a little bit and really should use it more. We have a 2013 strategy to communicate more via Twitter. Facebook I am not sure if it will hit our market and we view people and advertise for employees on LinkedIn.

What is your ambition for the business?

I would love Nostra to become the largest IT provider in Ireland, servicing 25,000 end-users daily.

What is the best piece of business advice you ever received?

Hire an accountant the day you start your business. Advice I didn’t take!

What is your favourite thing about doing business in your local area?

I am a people person, I would love to think that I could go for a coffee and bump into clients. Also, as we are so close, we can deliver a phenomenal service without extra cost.

Who would your three dream dinner guests be and why?

Bill Clinton, I’ve heard him speak twice and he is an extremely intelligent man. Branson, because I would love to have a pint with him and meet the man behind the man.

Enda Kenny, I would love to give him some idea of what Irish businesses need.

17. Claim all your tax reliefs on residential investment properties – these include: a. 75% of annual mortgage interest paid b. Maintenance and repair costs c. Services charges (including buildings / block insurance) d. Property management charges e. Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) fees f. 12.5% of furnishings costs for each of the first eight years after purchase (receipts must be maintained) g. Property Tax – allowable to offset your tax liability in 2014 18. Working from home – if self-employed, be aware of the ability to reclaim partial costs by working from home eg electricity, heat and telecoms.

19. Save – be aware of the changing deposit interest rates while you should also have between three months and six months net annual income in a rainy day fund for three reasons: a. Emergencies (your car breaks down) b. Sudden loss of income (a partner loses their job) c. Investment opportunities (buying a rare Arabian oil lamp) 20. Rent a room relief – Renting a room in your home is tax free up to a limit of €10,000 per year – no expenses may be deducted and it is not available between connected parties. One-bedroom apartments do not comply!

21. Educate yourself – there is no excuse now to better inform yourself on any financial issue under the sun.

Seminars, webinars, the printed works, consultations and good old Google – you are not alone.  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

debt: improving your financial situation

Help is available for those in mortgage arrears Ireland is currently in the middle of a mortgage crisis, with people struggling to repay their mortgages and many in fear of losing their homes. But there are things you can do to improve your situation.

Engagement with your lender is vital. In order to gain the protections of the Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears, you must provide full disclosure of your financial position and adhere to any initial loan modification agreement with your lender. If your problem cannot be solved in the short term the banks now have longer term solutions as follows: Trade-down mortgage: This will involve selling your current home as part

of any arrangement and moving to a house which achieves a reduction in your debt to an amount you can repay over a reasonable period.

Split mortgage: This will involve the warehousing or parking of an element of your debt and repaying the balance over an agreed period.

The warehoused portion is reintroduced as your repayment ability improves.

Mortgage to rent: This is a government scheme under which you give up your house and rent it back from a housing agency.

Also the government will shortly introduce the new insolvency law which will lead to many people receiving debt forgive-

Author Fran Dalton

ness. To qualify a person must be insolvent which means they are unable to pay their debts as they fall due.

Before agreeing to any particular arrangement with your lender you should assess how you might fare under insolvency if this option is open to you. The use of a financial adviser is recommended at all stages in order to get the best result.

However in my book Making A Deal With Your Bank I have outlined in jargon-free terms the various processes to deal with mortgage debt and how you can achieve the best result.  Fran Dalton ( www. francisdalton.com ) is the author of Making A Deal With Your Bank – An Insider’s Guide To Managing Your Mortgage Debt in shops now or from www. orpenpress.com.

18 July 2013 Gazette 17

cinema P20

asdfsdaf P27 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

travel P18

Pets can you give izzie a new home?

Comedian Greg Proops is appearing at the Nut Hut with his Smartest Man In The World podcast and at the Vodafone Comedy Festival on July 27

comedy: improviser, comedian, podcast genius returns to dublin stage

Smartest stand-up in town

 ROb heigh

Beloved comedian, actor and podcaster Greg Proops is making a welcome return to Ireland in the coming weeks, with appearances at the Galway Arts Festival and the Vodafone Comedy Festival at the Iveagh Gardens on July 27.

The shows are a return to the Whose Line Is It Anyway format of improvisational comedy for Greg, who will grace the stage with Stephen Frost, Steve Steen, Andy Smart and Ian Coppinger.

He is also bringing his hugely popular and essential podcast, The Smartest Man In The World, to the Nut Hut on July 27, in which Greg hilariously dissects a huge array of subjects as varied as world politics, baseball and classic funk bands in his own inimitable style.

Currently in his home city of San Francisco, Greg took a few minutes to talk to The Gazette, and we started by asking what it was like to be coming back to improv in Ireland.

“It’s great fun. Frosty and the others are mad; we drink a lot and laugh like donkeys. I did a three-day tour of Ireland with Ian and Andy a few years back. Andy and Frosty and Steve I have worked with for 20 years. Since I was 11.

“It’s super easy to get back into the improv groove. I play all the time in the US with [Whose Line stalwart] Ryan Stiles in an [improv] group. Plus, I riff my podcast for the most part.”

An acclaimed stand-up as well as renowned improviser, Greg is set to tape a new comedy special — literally this week.

“I’m taping the special this Sunday. I hope it will go well. We are doing it at a vintage Hollywood restaurant called Musso and Franks. Humphrey Bogart and William Faulkner drank there. Now me.”

The Smartest Man podcast, a weekly online radio show in the form of an extended conversation in front of a live audience has had a profound impact on Greg’s career. Hundreds of people come to the recording of the shows, which have come from as diverse locations as the Edinburgh Festival, La Java in Paris and a cruise liner on the Carribean. It has grown by word of mouth and recommendations since late 2010, and the relationship it has established with his followers is something Greg says he is very grateful for.

“It feels groovy. It is the reason I became a comic. Now at this late date, I realise I am connecting [with my audience] in a much deeper way, which is why I always meet and chat with people at the live shows. The audience has given me everything and I am moved beyond measure.”

The success of the podcast is something that Greg says is having an effect on his stand-up material.

“I am sitting while doing stand-up a bit more. I am trying to spiel more and hack less. If anything, I am more free to more revealing about my life, which I never was before. As Bill Hicks once said, ‘Less jokes and more me’.”

Tickets for the Vodafone Comedy Festival are available at ticketmaster.ie. Log on to gregproops.com.

The Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is Izzie, a five-yearold crossbreed who has been at Dogs Trust for quite a while now. She is an absolute sweetheart of a dog, if a little shy and nervous at times. She will need a home with experienced dog owners, and preferably older kids.

Izzie just loves her walks and especially loves playing with her ball and other toys, though not the squeaky kind! She loves cuddles and being brushed and will make a fabulous addition to the right family. If you think you can give this gorgeous girl all the cuddles and love that she so deserves, call 01-8791000 for more information. Dogs Trust are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M5O. Map and directions can be found on their website www. dogstrust.ie

Gazette

18 Gazette 18 July 2013

OUT&ABOUT

north: THE Slieve donard hotel - a celebration of victorian grandeur

Drive north for great Mournes experience  Dave Phillips

To really experience the great outdoors in Northern Ireland, getting up to Down is the way to go.

It’s an easy drive from Dublin, heading straight up to Newry and then veering easterly, with the heathered Mourne Mountains providing ominous company for the rest of the drive.

In much the same way that Glendalough captures so much of the spirit of Wicklow, visitors to Down should consider the Mournes an essential part of any trip.

Thankfully though, you don’t need to climb to the top of the mountains to appreciate them.

The Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle, an outstanding celebration of Victorian grandeur, sits proudly on the coast commanding an unparalleled view of Ulster’s highest point. While the six-hour trek to the top is exceptionally rewarding, drinking it in from the hotel lawn or contemplating it while relaxing in the spa is rewarding in its own way.

Newcastle also acts as a great base for day

trips in the vicinity. A 40-minute drive north will bring you to Castle Ward, near Downpatrick.

Castle Ward is owned by the National Trust, and offers over 800 acres of walking trails, farmland and gardens, as well as activities like kayaking and archery.

T he 18th centur y house that sits just on the shore of Strangford Lough is a bit of architectural oddness. The side of the house that faces land is built in a classical style, in complete conflict to the Gothic-styled side that faces onto Strangford Lough.

A tour of the house shows how this is reflected in the interiors. The Jekyll and Hyde effect isn’t the result of one man’s madness; rather it is the result of one man and one woman.

Tradition holds that Lord Bangor favoured the classical side, and his wife Lady Anne favoured the gothic. This architectural tiff presumably had deeper roots as once the house was built Lady Anne left Castle Ward and never returned to live there.

Another amazing

National Trust attraction in the area is Mount Stewart. A very quick trip on the car ferry from Strangford to Portaferry will reduce the driving time from an hour down to around 20 minutes, and on a sunny day it gives an outstanding view of the gothic face of Castle Ward.

On the opposite shore, Mount Stewart boasts some of the most amazing gardens on the island of Ireland. While many places claim to have a micro-climate, Mount Stewart proves it by growing banana trees and fruiting kiwi trees outdoors.

Anyone interested in horticulture will be in heaven here as there is an array of gardens to wander around and plants and clippings can be bought to take home.

The house at Mount Stewart was once famous for its glamorous Gatsbyesque gatherings that saw many notable figures, from Churchill and the future Queen Elizabeth, to WB Yeats and Michael Collins, pass underneath the lintel. If you’re keen to immerse yourself in this world, it’s best to

Those who enjoy hiking can trek up the Mourne Mountains in County Down

The annual International Bread Festival takes

Visitors can unwind and relax at the Slieve Donard Hotel in

place in Northern Ireland in May

Newcastle

websites: planning your northern ireland advenure  www.discovernorthernireland.com  www.nationaltrust.org.uk  www.castlewardbreadfestival.com

visit while the residence jazz band play in the gardens, on the first and last Sunday of July, August and September.

The house itself is currently undergoing a huge amount of restorative work, but a tour is recommended if only to see the incredible amount of work that is involved in

such a project.

After spending time slogging up the hills or wandering gardens, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy a reward – the Slieve Donard Hotel has an amazing menu, and watching the silhouette of the mountains disappear into the darkness from the big

windows of the dining room is a very special dessert.

The second annual International Bread Festival was held this year at Castle Ward on the shores of Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland in May. The three-day festival showcased Northern Ireland’s strong culture of making diverse and unique breads and visitors once again enjoyed baking demonstrations, taster sessions, local tours, as well as breads and foods from around the world. The legendary

Van Morrison also performed an open-air concert during the festival.

For more information and updates on next year’s event, keep an eye on www.castlewardbreadfestival.com or visit w w w.discovernor thernireland.com.

Details on Mount Stewart and Castle Ward can be found at www. nationaltrust.org.uk.

The Slieve Donard Hotel offers classic double rooms starting from €130. For more information, visit www.hastingshotels.com/slieve-donard-resort-and-spa.

18 July 2013 Gazette 19

R1

Gazette

TRAVEL

Relax and cruise across the Carribbean Imagining the perfect holiday usually conjures up images of sunshine, swimming pools, fancy restaurants and spa treatments. Throw in a Chocolate Bar (the kind that serves drinks), a gym, a whirlpool and some live music, and you’ve pretty much checked all the boxes.

In fact, throw in a number of must-see destinations and you’ve got yourself a pretty good deal, especially when these particular holidays can start from just €2,919 per person for 28 nights this November with Thomas Cook Cruise.

Last month, the P&O Adonia cr uise ship pulled into Dublin

shores, offering some travel agents and trade the chance to explore onboard. With a choice of dining venues including the Pacific, the Sorrento and the Ocean Grill (by Macro Pierre W hite) , an onboard beauty salon, a gymnasium, two swimming pools and whirlpool spas, as well as a giant game of chess and golf net, is pretty impressive.

This adult-only vessel is exclusively for grown-ups and is one of the smaller ships in the P&O fleet. Its intimate size caters for just 710 passengers and 385 crew, and its compact size allows the ship to venture where larger ships cannot.

Visitors can sample fine cuisine onboard the P&O Adonia Cruise (left), and the atrium (right)

T he P&O Adonia Cruise sets sail on its 2 8 -n i gh t C ar i b be a n Cruise later this year, departing on November 22. The ship sets sail

from Southampton in the UK, making Madeira (Portugal), Barbados, St Lucia, St Bart’s, Virgin Islands, Antigua, Ponta Delgada (Portugal) - just

some of its ports of call.

Thomas Cook Cruise offers the trip at €2,919 per person. Prices are based on two sharing an interior stateroom.

Since an around-theworld voyage is the ultimate dream for those who have a love of travel, Thomas Cook Cruise can make it a reality for

Irish holidaymakers next year, with the Adonia spanning 26 countries, stopping at a total of 48 ports of call and travelling around the world in 112 days.

Over the 16-week voyage, the Adonia stops in destinations such as the Arab Emirates; India; Singapore; Malaysia; Philippines; Japan; South Korea; China; Vietnam; Cyprus; Greece; Egypt and Portugal.

Departing January 7, 2014, the voyage is priced at €12,159 per person.

For more information or to book, call the Thomas Cook Cruise team in Dublin on 01 514 0336, visit your local travel agent or log onto www. thomascookcruise.ie.

Gazette

20 Gazette 18 July 2013

OUT&ABOUT

Theatre THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 Love Hungry Farmer

DES KEOGH, one of Ireland’s foremost actors and entertainers, returns with his hugely successful and award winning show The Love Hungry Farmer by John B Keane. The play tells the story of John Bosco McLane, a bachelor of indeterminate age and according to his own assessment, ‘past his best’ and evidently still a virgin.

McLane’s amorous adventures range from the hilarious to the pitiful. July 18 and 19, tickets €20/18.

Draiocht 01 885 2622 Tupelo

TUPELO are an exciting, original, acoustic roots act. Their debut album Dirty Money came out back in 2011 with songs gaining plenty of radio play on national stations in the UK and Ireland including RTE and BBC. September 19, tickets €12/10.

Mill THEATRE Dundrum 01 296 9340 Mountains to Sea Book Festival

HAVE you met The Grunts? This most unusual of families can’t help but get themselves mixed up in frankly improbable but very funny adventures involving bendy railings, full-fat yoghurt and, beards made of bees! Enjoy lots of eccentric silliness that will leave you rolling in the aisles, with the amazing author Philip Ardagh! September 6 10am, tickets €3.

CINEMA

review: The bling ring

Good girl goes bad as Emma grows up STYLE is king in Hollywood, everybody knows that.

Sometimes a film, or a film star, can skate by with little in the way of substance but bags of style.

It is a time-honoured tradition for actors and actresses to get to the top based on little more than good looks or media hype.

In most places, that would be a bad thing, but in Hollywood it is something to be celebrated.

With The Bling Ring, Sofia Coppola takes on the story of a group that aspired only to being members of the Hollywood elite.

The vapid airheads of the Bling Ring were a group of Hollywood teens who longed to rub shoulders with the Lohans, Hiltons and assorted Hills cast members of the world.

Un f o r t u n a t e l y f o r them, they couldn’t get there on their own, so took to stealing from a number of celebrities.

It is a novel approach to notoriety and one that you feel the protaganists didn’t exactly regret, such was their fixation on getting onto the E! network.

The type of teenagers who drive white Audi’s

 xxxx zzzzzzzzz news@gazettegroup.com  Paul hosford

phosford@gazettegroup.com Hermione has fallen in with the wrong crowd at Hogwarts (above and below)

to school tend not to have a handle on perspective, you see.

Taking the accumulated material possesions of the likes of Paris Hilton, Orlando Bloom and Megan Fox is presented as fun and games as the film shifts into a heist movie.

It is a morally fluid shift as Coppola refuses staunchly to pick a side or openly condemn the actions, or attitudes, of her leads.

T his is where the film excels, holding an almost documentarylike view on the thefts, letting the audience decide if these are the actions of a group of naturally bad people or just some disaffected youth.

Visually and stylistically, Coppola masters the sheen and intoxicating glamour of the scene that these Bonnies and Clydes exist in.

Rather than settle for a formula in the thefts, Coppola makes each one feel unique.

Film of the Week: The Bling Ring hhh (15) 90 mins Directors: Sofia Coppola Starring: Emma Watson, Taissa Farmiga, Leslie Mann, Gavin Rossdale, Nina Siemaszk, Katie Chang, Israel Broussard

OUR VERDICT:

TREMENDOUSLY stylish and beautifully played, this is not a film that will age as well as Coppola’s previous output, but in the here and now, it is excellent. Gutsy decisions are made on both subject and stars and they all have paid off. Hat tips particularly to Watson, Chang and Leslie Mann.

O r l a n d o B l o o m ’s house gets the quickcut surveillance treatment, while Audrina Partridge (look her up, I had to) gets jacked in one glorious wide shot.

The choice of Emma Wa t s o n a s h o m e schooled brat Nicki raised eyebrows across Hollywood as commen-

tators wondered if Hermione Granger could be bought as a bad girl.

In another interesting selection by the former Gryffindor pupil, this perfect delivery of Valley-girl delusion builds on her excellent turn in last year’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower and marks Watson as a smart,

incredibly savvy actress.

It is a clever pick for both Coppola and Watson, but Katie Chang as the group’s de facto leader is a showstopper.

In her head, she wants to run a fashion label, but in reality is just something of a manipulative thief.

However, Chang’s dedication to her character’s bitchiness elevates the film as a whole.

As do the cameos from Paris Hilton and Kirsten Dunst, who send up the whole situation beautifully.

While Coppola may not have had it as an actress, as a director she’s fantastic.

18 July 2013 Gazette 21

22 Gazette 18 July 2013

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT road

MOTORS

NOISE

GM-Honda alliance for fuel cell vehicles General Motors and Honda have this week announced a long-term, definitive master agreement to co-develop next-generation fuel cell system and hydrogen storage technologies, aiming for the 2020 timeframe.

The collaboration expects to succeed by sharing expertise, economies of scale and common sourcing strategies.

The companies plan to work together with stakeholders to further advance refuelling infrastructure, which is critical for the long-term viability and consumer acceptance of fuel cell vehicles.

GM and Honda are acknowledged leaders in fuel cell technology.

Takanobu Ito, president and chief executive of Honda Motor, said: “Among all zero CO2 emission technologies, fuel cell electric vehicles have a definitive advantage with range and refuelling time that is as good as conventional gasoline cars. Honda and GM are eager to accelerate the market penetration of this ultimate clean mobility technology, and I am excited to form this collaboration to fuse our leading fuel cell technologies and create an advanced system that will be both more capable and more affordable.”

GM’s Project Driveway program, launched in 2007, has accumulated nearly three million miles of real-world driving in a fleet of 119 hydrogenpowered vehicles, more than any other automaker.

Honda began leasing the Honda FCX in 2002 and has deployed 85 units in the US and Japan, including its successor, the FCX Clarity, which was named the 2009 World Green Car. Honda has delivered these vehicles to the hands of customers in the US and collected valuable data concerning real-world use of fuel cell electric vehicles.

Volkswagen is king of the 131 plate: As motorists get used to the new 132 plate, Volkswagen is celebrating being the top-selling brand of the 131 plate with the new Volkswagen Golf also the top-selling car.

According to figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), Volkswagen claimed 12.64 per cent market share for the 131 plate with 6,730 units, ahead of Toyota in second place and

Ford in third place.

The Volkswagen Golf was also the top-selling model of the 131 plate, with 2,623 units or 4.93 per cent market share, ahead of the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Focus. Commenting on the figures, Volkswagen Ireland head of marketing Paul O’Sullivan said: “We are delighted with the results for the 131 plate and we would like to thank our customers for helping us maintain our number one position.”

Volvo’s new sleek and powerful S60

volvo: a compelling alternative to competing European sedans

S60 blends safety, style and sportiness

n Cormac Curtis

From one end of the spectrum to the other… that’s what it’s like moving from Volvo’s exciting, nimble and re-vamped V40, to their luxurious, classic, sleek and powerful S60.

In this job, driving different cars every week can be a challenge.

For instance, just as you get used to driving a 200 bhp four-wheeldrive SUV around some of Dublin’s tighter streets, you can be changing it for a sub-1litre city car in a week that you’re driving to West Cork.

But in recent weeks, I was fortunate enough to enjoy the experience of driving Volvo’s all-new V40 (as reviewed here last month), followed immediately by their executive saloon – the S60.

In many ways, the

smooth transition between the two cars says more about the level of quality and comfort in the former, rather than the latter – but let’s not take any sheen off the S60 just yet.

This is an elegant and superior drive – plain and simple.

I wish I could compare the S60 to some of its previous incarnations, but I can’t; I wasn’t fortunate enough to drive one before.

But what I can say is this: my wife drives a very high-end executive saloon, that has a threelitre engine, leather, and every bell and whistle imaginable. It is eyecatching, unusual and costs quite a bit when new. Personally, I would take the S60 any day of the week.

New, the S60 starts at €33,595, about half

the price of the car I just described (I’ll spare the manufacturer’s blushes and keep it anonymous); but offers so much.

One aspect of the S60 is just how incredibly subtle it is.

At first glance, yes, it’s pretty, but not something that would stop you in your tracks.

Even the metallic paint is very delicate, so much so that a few admirers asked me if it was metallic at all.

Like so many of the models in Volvo’s current line up, this one has presence without shouting about it.

It has stance that was lower than I expected, without any dramatic, over-the-top or aggressive lines. The front end is purposeful, without resorting to wildly angled headlights or a massive front grille; that said,

the headlight elements are nicely broken up between the main cluster and the grille itself.

The look is determined, purposeful, strong, and really attractive.

The lines of the car flow nicely toward the rear, with some very pleasing chrome highlights drawing the eye across the body, tapering toward the boot.

There are no huge surprises with this body shape, but it is undeniably handsome, and spoton for the understated, upper-end executive saloon buyer.

The real prize is when you sit in to the cockpit.

Lu xur y just about describes what’s on offer here.

The upholstery is dripping in leather, cream in this case, and just wraps you in comfort.

The dials and displays

are more subdued than the V40, but all the better for it. This is, after all, for the executive who isn’t interested in the distraction of bells and whistles.

The quality of materials and build feels right up there with Volvo’s best, reassuring to the touch and solid throughout.

The only real disappointment here was the lack of an automatic gearbox, a manual just doesn’t feel right in a car that excels at so many levels.

It goes without saying that this car drives like a dream; it’s comfortable, quiet, has just the right amount of power, and the handling is just quick and responsive enough.

Would I own one? Yes, but with an automatic gearbox and in a more interesting colour.

18 July 2013 CLONDALKIN gazette 23

Still shining bright

Gazette

interview: ash drummer Rick McMurray talks life on the road

MUSIC COMPETITION

Win Longitude tickets To celebrate this weekend’s Longitude festival presenting Paul Kalkbrenner (above), SBTRKT, and Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs on the Heineken Live Project stage, Gazette Music and Heineken are offering one lucky winner a pair of tickets for the Sunday of the Marlay Park festival (July 21).

To be in with a chance of winning, like and share this post, and answer this simple question: Which hip-hop act performed as part of the Live Music Project at the Academy in May? To enter, LIKE our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/DublinGazetteNewspapers, enter your answer in the comments on our Rod Stewart competition post and LIKE and SHARE the post. Winners will be contacted via Facebook.

 ROB heigh

rheigh@gazettegroup.com

Northern Ireland’s masters of the threeminute pop thrill, Ash, are returning to their natural habitat, the live stage, in the coming weeks and will be coming to Dublin to grace the stage at the Bulmers Live At Leopardstown on July 25.

Gazette Music caught up with drummer and founder member Rick McMurray, just after returning from the band’s studio in New York where he, guitarist and vocalist Tim Wheeler and bassist Mark Hamilton, convened to start work on new material, their first since the epic series of 26 singles in 2011, the A to Z Series.

“It was our first writing session in a while, and it was really exciting.

“It was weird, all of us were nervous to get started. We were expecting to get the ball rolling gently and get back into it - we ended up coming away with eight songs, and we were really pleased with that.”

Rick explained the band are set to get into the rehearsal studio ahead of their upcoming summer dates, which will

FASTtunes Ash: Vocalist and guitarist Tim Wheeler, drummer Rick McMurray and bassist Mark Hamilton

include a series of festival slots, playing support to Smashing Pumpkins and headlining a series of dates in their own right, and we asked if the band would be live demo-ing new material as they travel round Britain and Ireland.

“We are going to try to do a mixture [of live and studio writing], but we usually write in our studio in New York, which is what we have done since the studio was built in 2005.

“But on the next bit of the tour, as we are hyped

up about getting a good start on the new material, we are going to do some extra work on the road as well.”

The band’s live reputation more than precedes them, and they have built up their loyal following on the back of energetic and powerful performances, and Rick explains how Ash keep their edge in the live environment.

“Doing the festival circuit is all well and good, but festivals are only on the weekend - what are we going to do the rest of the week? Instead of

going home for a couple of days and then back out again, we’d rather just keep playing, especially the more low-key shows.

It keeps us match fit.”

Rick explained there is a particular vibe to the kind of show they will be playing in Dublin.

“Playing a show like Leopardstown is a lot like playing a festival, particularly the smaller vibe ones like Kendal Calling, where it’s a much different experience to the likes of Oxygen or T In The Park.”

As for what the fans

can expect when Ash hit the stage at Leopardstown, Rick said that there will be something for everyone who has loved the band over the years.

“We’ll be playing a kind of greatest hits kind of set, if we are doing a headline show, chances are that two thirds of that will pick itself, and the rest, we’ll chop and change things around.

We’ve not given the setlist too much thought, we’ll just work on it when we get into rehearsal next week, and see where it goes...”

with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

Hallelujah! New Pearl Jam material is coming Good news for Pearl Jam fans: the band is ready to strike with a new album before the end of the year. A giant countdown clock on www.pearljam.com signified a big announcement was looming, and after it hit zero last week, then came the news that their tenth record, Lightning Bolt, will hit shelves on October 14.

Eddie Vedder and Co have been working on the follow-up to 2009’s Backspacer since 2011 and the album’s first single, Mind Your Manners is available to download now.

US fans are especially happy with another announcement that Pearl Jam will also tour there later this year.

Gazette

24 CLONDALKIN gazette 18 July 2013

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FLOPS

and Summer Sandals  Laura Webb

Summer is finally here and Dublin is looking glorious, as is all the summer wear that is being flaunted around the city, but more so, the footwear.

It’s become apparent that most women have a big fondness for footwear, and when it comes to the summer months we can often get a little crazy with different styles of flip flops, sandals, wedges and heels – acquiring more than we can handle.

This week, Gazette Style is getting its flip-flop on with some of our favourite summer footwear. Plain, sparkle, studded, floral and comfortable - we have it un-covered with a flip-flop and summer sandal that will suit newly pedicured feet this summer.

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SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL We, Nick & Mary Fogarty wish to apply for planning permission for the construction of an extension to the side and rear of the dwelling to accommodate a shower room, a utility room and an extension to the existing kitchen with an “A� frame roof to the side and mono-pitch to the rear, at 1 Castle Close, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Town Centre, Tallaght, Dublin 24 during its public opening hours of Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm., and may also be viewed on the Council’s website – www.sdcc.ie.

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26 CLONDALKIN gazette 18 July 2013

DUBLIN GAZETTERECRUITMENT EXPORT SALES & MARKETING POSITION WITH FLUENCY IN CHINESE (Blanchardstown based)

MIDWAY provides a range of services for adults with intellectual disabilities in County Meath. We are currently recruiting for the following position/s:

Glenmar Shellfish has been serving the Export fishing industry for now over thirty years, and over the last three years particularly Glenmar Shellfish has modernized its approach towards the buying, production and selling to adjust to the rapidly changing face of the fishing industry.

Export Sales and Marketing Executive – Chinese Language

Service Coordinator/s The successful candidate/s will be responsible for all aspects of service provision and the day to day running of their allocated services. Applicants must have a third level qualification (Level 7 or 8) in at least one of the following: management, social care, education and training, intellectual disability nursing or another related discipline.

Previous management experience in a similar environment and a full clean driving licence are essential requirements of this post. Previous experience of working with adults with intellectual disabilities is highly desirable.

Applicants should submit a copy of their C.V. together with a covering letter to aquinnmidway@gmail.com before Monday 29th July at 5.00 p.m.

*Duties: Cold Calling and B to B Sales. Outbound / Inbound calling. Issue and organize export documentation. Established concrete foundation with key seafood importers in different parts of China.

Monitor Chinese Market Trends, And identify Gaps and Niches that represent new business opportunities for the company.

Work under company targets as part of a Dynamic team.

Control sales for 5 to 10 ton Irish Seafood exported product weekly into Asia.

Imperative: Chinese Language. Sales & Market and Shellfish Export Background.

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MIDWAY is an equal opportunities employer 18767

In the last two weeks, at least 88 people in Egypt have lost their lives trying to peacefully protest with another 1,500 wounded.

And while the media is focusing on the political fall-out, other events have passed virtually unnoticed. Women and girls protesting are time and time again, being sexually attacked by mobs, with authorities remaining idle.

Tens if not hundreds of men surround their victims, tearing-off their clothes and veils.

We have noticed.

With your help, we will stand with protesters. We won’t look away.

To donate today: TELEPHONE 1850 882 500, VISIT WWW.AMNESTY.IE/GIVE OR POST YOUR DONATION TO THE ADDRESS BELOW:

18 July 2013 CLONDALKIN Gazette 27

eamon zayed 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

hurl smart P28

FastSport Take your place at jackies’ summer camps:

The Irish display team of Eddie Goggins and Gerry Humphries take to the air over Bray. PIcture: Pat Lanigan Ryan

aeronautics: local flyer takes to the air for aerobatic demonstrations

Magnificent men in their flying machines over Bray A Cabinteely dentist has teamed up with a Limerick farmer to form an unlikely but exciting partnership as Ireland’s first ever civilian aerobatic formation team, and the duo will be making their debut on July 21 at the annual Air Spectacular, part of the Bray Summerfest for The Gathering.

The “flying dentist”, Eddie Goggins, and Gerry Humphreys, a former RAF pilot-turned-farmer, have both performed solo flying displays in Bray for the last six years but 2013 will see them performing together for the first time.

Tens of thousands of spectators are expected at the Air Spectacular, which takes to the skies above the east coast.

The UK-based Blades extreme formation team is set to perform a series of technically-demanding manoeuvres again this year. The four former RAF pilots are set to thrill the crowds with high speed formations such as the Hammerhead, the Blade Break, the Palm Tree Split and the Centrifuge.

Both Irish pilots will be flying homebuilt aircraft to perform The Split Shamrock, The Crossover Loop, The

Derry Break, Synchronised Hammerheads, The Scissors, Opposition Rolls and even The Love Heart.

There will also be special appearances by the Black Knights (the Defence Forces Parachute Team), the Irish Air Corps, the Irish Coastguard, the Aer Lingus retro plane and the Aer Arann ATR from Aer Lingus Regional. The recently-restored Chipmunk aircraft, flying in retro Irish Air Corps colours, will also be taking to the skies, along with the high speed SBach and the Silence Twister Aircraft.

Display director Se Pardy from Simtech Aviation said: “We have a whole host of eye-catching planes making their air show debut this year and we’re also welcoming back some firm favourites.”

The aerial action starts at 3pm on July 21 and more information is available from www.airspectacular.com, or at www.facebook/BrayAirSpectacular.

The official Twitter account is @ BrayAirShow and the official hashtag for July 21st is #airspec.

The Dublin Ladies Gaelic Football Association is hosting two summer camps and are inviting prospective future Jackies stars to take part in coaching that will be run by some of the Dublin ladies team.

Week one of the camp will be held in St Margaret’s GAA Club in north County Dublin from July 29 to August 2, while week two will be held in St Peregrine’s GAA club in Dublin 15 from August 12 to 16.

The camp is for girls aged nine to 13 years and costs €55.

They run each day from 10am to 3pm.

For registration information contact camps@dublinladiesgaelic.ie or log on www.dublinladiesgaelic.ie to download the application form.

c o n ta c t s Sports Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com

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

Gazette

28 CLONDALKIN Gazette 18 July 2013

SPORT

FastSport Penn state and UCF to contest 2014 classic at croker: Croke Park and the GAA announced at half time at the Leinster Senior Football championship final last week that the 2014 Croke Park Classic will feature the clash of Penn State and the University of Central Florida (UCF) on Saturday, August 30, 2014.

The match, which will be the season opener for both teams, will be the first internationallyplayed encounter in Penn State’s 127-year gridiron history.

UCF also will be playing outside the United States for the first time in their history.

Paraic Duffy, GAA director general, said: “Irish people are renowned for their love of sport as evidenced by the thousands who attend our games throughout the year.

I have no doubt that this game will be every bit as attractive.”

blitz: hurl smart week at somerton proves a great success

Camogie comes to ’Knock  sport@gazettegroup.com

Castleknock Hurling and Football Club were the focus of the city’s attention recently when they were the Dublin host for the Camogie Association’s

second annual Hurl Smart week.

The initiative is a partnership between the Camogie Association and the Nutrition And Health Foundation, and Castleknock were gracious hosts.

The attentive participants at the Hurl Smart week at Somerton

The week was organised with different events each evening which were aimed at encouraging everyone to Hurl Smart, increase their activity levels and lead a healthier lifestyle.

The week kicked off

Heads up at Somerton for the Hurl Smart event

with a strength and conditioning session in Castleknock’s Somerton grounds for the Under15 and 16s and older players, with Owen McGrath from Fingal Sports Department.

Players participated in a wide range of activities from core strength training to aerobic drills.

Ideas and tips were given to the players and all the mentors who also attended.

Wednesday saw a session from Dublin games promotion officer, Mark McManus, which focused on camogie skills and nutrition advice.

Un d e r-13 a n d 14 players were given an opportunity to pick up the many tips on offer

at this session and went away with plenty to put into practice.

Mini blitzes were organised across two nights for the Go Games team age-groups, with all girls Under-8 up to Under-12 invited to join in.

Huge turnouts were recorded for the blitzes where all players were given the opportunity to play several short matches and finals were held.

The excitement was heightened on the arrival of several of the Dublin senior camogie players who came to answer questions from the players and to sign autographs.

It was appreciated that Alison Maguire,

Helen Cosgrave, Mairi Moy nihan and Aine Fanning took time away from their training to visit Castleknock.

W i t h t h e h e a l t hy lifestyle focus for the week, Castleknock, with assistance from sponsor Keelings, arranged for healthy fruit and snacks to be provided to everyone who participated at the blitzes and all the other events throughout the week.

The week ended on a high with Saturday being the day for a Mum And Me event for the club’s nursery girls. The morning started a little blustery with Mums hovering, but that didn’t last long as they came out in force to try their hand at camogie.

Symmons named Irish Times sportswoman of June  sport@gazettegroup.com

Nikki Symmons receives a commemorative picture from IHA vice president Richard Kendrick prior to Ireland’s game against Canada

Ireland and Loreto hockey star Nikki Symm o n s w a s l a s t we e k named as The Irish Times / Irish Spor ts Council Sportswoman of the Month for June 2013.

The 30-year-old, who plays her club hockey for Dundrum’s Loreto, received her 200th Ireland cup last month, the first Irish woman in any team sport to amass that many international repre-

sentations.

She reached the milestone in the first game of a three-match international series against Canada in UCD. Sy mmons’ first cap came in 2001 when she made her debut for the national side at the age of 18 against Wales.

Symmons is currently dividing her time between the national team and her role as a mentor, along with Eddie O’Sullivan, D av y F i t z g e r a l d a n d

Kenny Egan, in a new RTE series called Ireland’s Fittest Family, which will air in September.

The accolade of winning the sportswoman of the month award means Nikki will be the sixth of 12 sportswomen who will be in the running for the prestigious title of Sportswoman Of The Year at an awards ceremony in December 2013.

Established in 2004, the aim of the Sportswoman of the Year awards is to

recognize the abilities and achievements of women in Irish sports.

The awards run over a 12 month period, with the judges selecting a winner each month for her ability to excel in her area. From the 12 monthly winners, the overall Sportswoman of the Year is selected and announced in December.

The winner is decided by a judging panel, which is represented by individuals from The Irish Times and RTE.

18 July 2013 CLONDALKIN Gazette 29

Gazette

Zayed comes home after Iranian odyssey Dundrum native Eamon Zayed hit the headlines in the Tehran derby with a remarkable hat-trick that made his name in Iran. He spoke to Gazette Sport about his return to the League of Ireland Dundrum man Eamon Zayed has had a varied and successful career to date. His standing as a top player in Irish football over the years has seen him claim titles and championships while playing for Drogheda United, Sporting Fingal and Derry City.

But offers from abroad and his experience playing for the Libyan national side, which he qualifies for by virtue of his father’s nationality led him to playing in Iran’s Pro League, first with Persepolis and then with Aluminium Hormozgan.

Gazette Sport caught up with Eamon after he signed up to return to the top flight of Irish soccer with Shamrock Rovers, and began by asking him about his decision to return home.

“I’m happy with my

 ROB heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com

decision and happy to be home. I’m delighted to be playing for Rovers under Trevor as the manager, as I know him through the League of Ireland, and working with him previously.”

The decision to move abroad to play was a natural one for Eamon.

“I always wanted to play football abroad. People always think about playing in England and Scotland straight away when they talk about playing abroad, but I represented Libya’s national team for the first time in 2010, and that opened up my eyes

to different cultures and football environments.

When I got the chance to play in Iran, it was worth my while, in terms of a footballing education and experience.”

Eamon says there were highs and lows about his Iranian experience, and a lot of lessons were learned.

“I really wanted to go, and I’m really happy I went. I learned a lot of things, and I enjoyed my year and a half over there.

In saying that, there were some difficult times, and the last half year was difficult enough, just being away from home.”

B a s e d i n Te h r a n , Eamon made his mark in the derby match between Persepolis and Esteghlal Tehran when he scored a hat-trick in only his second appearance for the side.

Shamrock Rovers manager Trevor Croly and new signing Eamon Zayed

“If I hadn’t scored that hat-trick, I would have been back in two months.

I had signed a contract for six months, and after one month, I hadn’t gotten any game time. The manager didn’t know who I was, the president of the club had signed me. When I turned up for training on

attitude changed and I played every game I was fit for. The fans perception of me was unbelievable. I couldn’t go anywhere without being recognised.

I was going into supermarkets and had crowds around me.”

But contractual wrangles and restrictions of

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

‘Playing in Iran was worth it in terms of a footballing education and experience’ - Eamon Zayed

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

the first day, the manager asked me who I was.

“I was contemplating packing it in, but when results were not going our way, I got gametime.

In the first game, it was a nil-nil draw. The next game was the derby. I didn’t really understand how much it meant to the people. I do now - it’s life and death for them, quite literally.

“We were 2-0 down, down to 10 men with 10 minutes to go. It was just one of those Roy Of The Rovers things, three chances and three goals.”

The impact of his goals were seismic both within and outside Persepolis.

“Everything completely changed. I played every single game after that.

The players’ attitude to me changed - it was hard to integrate, and I felt like an outcast. But the next day, they were speaking a few words of English to me. The manager’s

trade meant that Zayed moved to Aluminium Hormozgan a year into his stint in Iran.

“In the middle of May, the season finished in Iran. I flew to Libya to play in three national team games there. When I got back, I wasn’t sure what the next step would be. I had offers to play in Iran, in Malta, and in America, but there were a few back in Ireland. After debating it with my family and friends and girlfriend, I decided to come back to Dublin.”

A happy return it has proven to be, with Eamon making his return to the first team at Shamrock Rovers last week, ironically against his former club Derry City. Although he did not manage to get on the scoresheet, he was a constant threat up front as Rovers claimed a 2-1 victory after Sean O’Connor fired a brace to bring the points home.

FastSport

Healy and Fitzgerald at Terenure summer camp Leinster Rugby stars Luke Fitzgerald and Cian Healy joined in on the fun and tough training at the Leinster Rugby summer camp held in Terenure College RFC last week.

The Leinster players were on hand to help aspiring rugby stars of tomorrow improve their fitness, fine tune their rugby skills - such as passing, tackling, evasion and kicking - and of course to join in on the craic.

The camps are open to boys and girls aged six to 12 and are run by fully accredited IRFU coaches.

They will take place in 19 venues throughout Leinster in July and August, including a large number of Gazette Country locations, and will run from Monday through to Friday 9.30am to 1.30pm each week.

The venues and dates are as follows: July 29 to August 2: Donnybrook, Dublin 4 August 12 to 16: DSLP FC, South Dublin and Garda/Westmanstown, Dublin 15 August 19 to 23: Clontarf FC, North Dublin As well as learning new skills, meeting Leinster players, making new friends - each camp attendee will receive an official Canterbury of New Zealand Leinster Pack which includes a T-shirt, ball, boot bag and water bottle.

For more information, log on to www.leinsterrugby.ie/camps

Leinster set for battle in pre-season Leinster Rugby have announced that they will be facing off against two heavyweights of Irish and British rugby in their pre-season matches which will take place in late August.

The reigning Challenge Cup and

PRO12 champions will play Ulster at Ravenhill in a repeat of the recent PRO12 Grand Final on Friday, August 23 with a 7.30pm kick-off.

A week later on Friday, August 30, Leinster will face Northampton Saints in Donnybrook with a 7pm kick-off ahead of the start of the full season a week later.

Tickets are on sale now from www.leinsterrugby.ie

Gazette

30 CLONDALKIN Gazette 18 July 2013

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: prime fai senior cup encounter for united

Kavanagh announces September fight night World-renowned MMA coach John Kavanagh has announced his return to fight promotion with announcement of the Euro Fight Night, due to take place on Saturday, September 14, in the Pavilion at the Red Cow Hotel.

Kavanagh, who pioneered the sport in Ireland and has guided the likes of Conor McGregor, Cathal Pendred, Chris Fields and Aisling Daly to world titles in the past, believes that the new promotion will be the perfect launch pad for upand-coming Irish fighters.

“I’m very excited to do this again,” said Kavanagh. “I ran some of the first MMA promotions in the country about eight years ago. They were the shows that gave Conor McGregor, Gunnar Nelson and Aisling Daly their breakthroughs.

“Back then it was out of necessity, not being able to get those guys fights. Now, even though there are great promotions in the country, a lot of them of them have ‘amateur only’ events and we are looking to put on a card with half professional and half amateur bouts.

“With Euro Fight Night we want to put some of the more experienced amateurs on show as well as giving some fighters their professional debuts.”

Kavanagh also revealed that he is promoting the event with his fellow coaches in mind and wants all professional fighters to receive top of the range rehydration systems after the weigh ins as well as specific food to replenish their bodies after their respective cuts.

“We want to show the new pros the approach that some of the top professionals have at the big shows.

“We have FighterFood on board as well and they will provide the competitors with some diet specific food. The whole package is worth about €300 and for most of the new professionals, that’s more than they would get paid for a show.

“There will be fight purses and ticket deals as well, but I’m coming at this from a coaching perspective. I want to make it as easy as possible for the guys making weight so they can put on their best performance.”

Tickets for Euro Fight Night are available now, priced at €30 and €45. To book, call 087 676 8911 or email info@eurofightnight.com Picture: Ciaran Maher

Glen Madden of Bluebell United in action in the FAI Umbro Intermediate Cup Final against Avondale United. Picture: Brian Lawless/Sportsfile

Bluebell relishing Derry tie  stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

BLUEBELL United boss Andy Noonan said that his club has landed one of the plum ties in the FAI Senior cup third round draw, one which pits them against Derry City in late August.

It follows their epic replay victory over Athlone Town in the second round, and has the potential to be a lucrative day out against the League of Ireland Premier side.

Speaking to GazetteSport, he said Derry were one of the sides the club were hoping to draw.

“They were one of the four big names in the hat that we were looking to get. For the club itself and the players involved, it’s a massive occasion and a huge task for junior players to go up against the likes of Derry, who are a fantastic side.

“But on any given day anything is possible and if we prepare ourselves right, a shock could be on the cards.”

For Derry, the tie will come at peak-time, with just a couple of months remaining in their league season. For Bluebell, however, the August date comes just a week after

like father, like son Grange Castle members take Carton skills test GRANGE Castle Golf Club’s Emmett

Holland Jnr and Emmett Holland were present at the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Golf Skills Challenge regional qualifier which took place at the GUI National Golf Academy, Carton House last weekend.

The challenge aims to find Ireland’s most skilled golfers and comprises seven regional qualifying events, and qualifiers will progress to a national final at the academy in September.

Picture: Pat Cashman

the start of the Leinster Senior League campaign, a situation which adds to the importance of their pre-season programme.

Noonan says that while the league is the priority, such a big cup tie will focus the side.

“It is definitely something that will be referred to over the course of preseason, because the fitness level of the League of Ireland is streets ahead of anything we will come up against.

“We need to be as fit as possible and as organised as possible. Even for our league campaign, it will be a massive boost.

“It’s something to work towards but our main focus is our first league which will be the week previous to it. We’re gearing up for that; the cup is an occasion that can be enjoyed.”

Currently, the club are starting to look into options on where they can host the tie. Noonan says, though, that he will not be involved in that process, but added that he does not really mind where the game is played, saying: “We’ll play in the Phoenix Park if the FAI allow us”.

His panel will be reasonably settled for the

tie with only Ian Cherry moving on during the off season, switching to Verona to take on the managerial reins.

Gareth Cooney, Tony Keeler and Andy McNulty have been added to the panel, while a few more could be brought in before the season starts.

For club captain Glen Madden, it is likely to be a family affair with his younger brother Simon a regular Derry starter.

“We definitely won’t be overawed by the occasion; it’s just about getting ourselves physically and mentally right to compete,” said Noonan.

18 July 2013 CLONDALKIN Gazette 31

Gazette

Gavin says Meath test vital for Dublin  sport@gazettegroup.com

JIM Gavin says that Meath gave his Dublin senior football side an important test last Sunday in Croke Park, one which he says will serve as a warning to his players to keep their standards high.

The Round Tower man saw his side run up a 2-14

to 0-13 win over the royal county in the Leinster SFC final in Croke Park last Sunday but they were made to work all the way, trailing by two points.

It was Dublin’s eighth Leinster win in nine years and was Gavin’s second title since taking over from Pat Gilroy, adding to the National League win in the spring.

Speaking afterwards, though, Gavin said there is still plenty of work to do if an All-Ireland title is in the pipeline.

“We keep winning, that’s what it’s about.

Once we keep winning and try and link in a consistency of performance that we have been searching for, and we haven’t got it yet. So the

players themselves know there are lots of areas for them to improve on on the training field over the next couple of weeks.”

“I was satisfied with the result. We always knew it was going to be very difficult. I think both halves showed that. In the last quarter we pulled away, but right up until the end it was in the mix.”

football: Palmerstown side come close to win

Club Noticeboard round tower clondalkin The SeNIOR footballers defeated Templeogue SS in the league.

The intermediate footballer s

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

defeated Round Towers Lusk in the

One hour once every seven weeks

quarter-finals of the championship

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

and O’Dwyer’s in the league.

please contact Matt McCormack on

The junior footballers lost to Thomas Davis in the quarter-final of the championship and St Brendan’s in the league.

087 683 6737 or email info@roundtower.ie Club nursery is open for four- to seven-year-olds every Saturday

Congratulations to Jim Gavin on

morning in Monastery Road from 10

guiding the Dubs to the Leinster

to 11.30am and is delivered in a fun

senior football championship with

environment to allow children learn

victory over Meath. We also extend

the skills of football and hurling.

our congratulations to Frank Roe-

Please contact Catherine Moran on

buck, club member, who is a key

087 8303 207 for more information.

part of Jim’s backroom team. Round

The club shop is open in the club

Tower GAA Club is very proud of the

every Monday night from 7.30 to

success Jim & Frank have brought

8.30pm. Please call Betty Ward or

to Dublin football and we wish them

Catherine Moran direct if you have

the very best in the quarter finals.

any particular enquiries on 087 675

Lotto: numbers drawn were 8, 12, 20 and 30; Bonus Ball 2. There was no winner of the jackpot of €10,000.

2238 or 086 830 3207 respectively.

Bingo is on every Tuesday night, first call 8.30pm.

Congratulations to Brendan Stynes,

Enquiries for rental of the club-

Margaret Cullen and Anthony Banks

rooms for parties, anniversaries,

who were the three €100 winners.

etc to Jimmy behind the bar on

This week’s jackpot is €10,000.

01-4592960.

lucan sarsfields St Pat’s Palmerstown’s Peter Keaney in action against Cuala at Hyde Road last week

Sheanon brace pips St Pat’s to points afl division 2 Cuala 3-12 St Pat’s Palmerstown 2-11  Stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

JOHN Sheanon’s pair of goals either side of the 13th minute ultimately saw Cuala stay clear of St Pat’s Palmerstown in Hyde Road last Saturday evening, keeping their outside promotion hopes alive.

It helped them lead from pillar to post but not before Pat’s made them sweat, reducing the gap to three points with the game approaching injury time.

At that stage, both Colm Sheanon and Jonathan McDermott had been given their marching orders following an unseemly scuffle on the 20metre line early in the second half.

Early on, Cuala had shaded the opening phases with goalkeeper Darren McBrien’s 45 building a 0-3 to 0-1 lead which John Sheanon duly added to with his brace of goals.

The first came off the back of a flowing move with Ronan Sweeney’s hand-pass well weighted, allowing the former Dublin U-21 to check back onto his left boot and clip

home at the near post.

His second was similar in execution a minute later to put seven between the sides and, bar a couple of Cillian McHugh saves before half-time, it could have been worse for Pat’s.

But they rallied well with Damian Farren powering forward to smash in a goal, helping reduce the gap to 2-4 to 1-5 at the break as Cuala only scored a single point in 18 minutes.

Graham Dunne was particularly effective in that defensive display and it gave Pat’s plenty of halftime hope.

But that looked to

be extinguished when Eoghan Breathnach found sub Con O’Callaghan – who was a lively influence on his introduction – to fire home Cuala’s third goal.

The dual dismissal of Colm Sheanon and McDermott seemed to slightly favour Cuala initially but Paul Faughnan’s pair of points began Pat’s comeback.

Donal Murray’s scrambled goal and an Aidan Glennon free made for a tense finish but Niall Carty’s calmly taken point in the 64th minute provided the necessary insurance score.

Our first summer camp was a great

galore. All support greatly appre-

success with over 170 boys and girls

ciated.

taking part in the fabulous weather all week.

You can still register online for our summer camps run by the cap-

Mega hurling rebounders are now selling fast from the club shop and from behind the bar at a reduced price of €30.

tain of the Leinster hurling cham-

Pictures from our recent golf

pions Johnny McCaffrey at www.

classic are now on our website

lucansarsfields.ie.

and can be viewed through the Golf

Camps run from 10am to 2.30pm.

Society link.

Our nurseries for boys and girls

Our annual barndance with a Pig

have now finished for the summer

on a Spit will take place on Satur-

break.

day, July 27 from 10pm with music

There were great wins for our inter and senior football teams on Saturday with the inters beating Kilmacud Crokes by 16 points to 5 and the seniors beating Vincent’s by 1-17 to 12 points.

from Jumpin’ Johnny Peters. Tickets €5 each.

This weeks lotto numbers were 8, 20, 25 and 27. There was no winner.

Nex t we e k’s j a c k p o t w i l l b e €4,000.

There will be a table quiz organ-

Hugh McGonigle’s team will be in

ised by the senior hurling section

charge next Sunday night, when

on Friday, July 26 at 9pm in the bar.

our sponsor will be Carey’s Newsa-

€40 per table of four. Spot prizes

gents.

st pat’s palmerstown THE senior footballers fought

hard but could not take the lead against Cuala. The junior footballers took another championship scalp, scoring some great goals to defeat O’Dwyer’s.

7, 9 and 12. There was no winner.

Second draw: Numbers drawn were 3, 4, 5 and 16. There was no winner.

Any three numbers: Mick Dunne, Mrs Mulhall.

Next Draw is on Sunday, July 21:

Lotto results:

First draw jackpot of €10,000.

First draw: Numbers drawn were 6,

Second draw jackpot of €5,200.

32 clondalkin Gazette 18 July 2013