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Check out The Gazette’s tips for a cracking weekend of Easter fun

see page 12 March 28, 2013

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INSIDE: The perfect hat for some less than perfect weather at the Paddy’s Day parade Pages 6-7

property tax: Robert Dowds criticises letters sent to local authority tenants P8

Teddy to have fun: Enjoying a hotel’s great fundraiser Rugby:

Clondalkin make history with promotion Page 32

Basketball:

Moyle Park miss out on All-Ireland title Page 30

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

RICKY Lee and Patrick Anthony O’Brien picked up a couple of furry good friends at the recent Daffodil Day fundraiser held at the Green Isle Hotel. Despite the poor weather, the boys, and locals, were rich in spirit to help support the cause, with funds going to help support the Irish Cancer Society in its work. The hotel’s Catherine Power and Suzanne McCabe, along with other staff, also organised a great spread in the dining room to further support the charity.

Seven horses found dead at Clonburris

Regulated system of ownership called for after animal death discovery

 paul hosford

CALLS have been made for a regulated system of horse ownership after the discovery of seven dead horses over a period of days.

All of the horses were

found on privately-owned land at Clonburris, prompting Cllr Gino Kenny (PBP) to call on authorities, including South Dublin County Council, to act.

Cllr Kenny, who is working with the newly-formed

Clondalkin Equine Club, said: “The situation at this present time is completely unacceptable and unsustainable.

“There are horses that are having to fend for themselves with very little food, water

and practically no shelter.”

In one incident on St Patrick’s Day, Dublin Fire Brigade was called to help a stranded pregnant mare stuck in a ditch, which, unfortunately, died that night.

Full Story on Page 2

2 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 28 March 2013

DUBLIN GAZETTE OUTRAGE Call for action on animal welfare NEWSPAPERS I N F O R M AT I O N Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publish eight weekly quality free titles, covering the greater Dublin area from Swords to Dun Laoghaire

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Following the discovery of seven dead horses at Clonburris Little last week, Cllr Gino Kenny, PBP (inset) said: “The situation ... is completely unacceptable and unsustainable in terms of the welfare of the horses”

News Editor: Mimi Murray mmurray@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Paul Hosford 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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Seven horses are found dead at Clonburris Little THE discovery of seven dead horses on land at Clonburris has prompted calls for a regulated system for horse ownership.

People Before Profit Councillor Gino Kenny has called on all parties to resolve the situation with abandoned horses in Clonburris, after seven horses were found dead in the space of a few days last week.

All of the horses found were on privately-owned land, which is commonly known as Clonburris Little.

The lands have been used over the past 20 years to graze horses.

Cllr Kenny, who is

 PAUL HOSFORD

phosford@gazettegroup.com

working closely with the newly formed Clondalkin Equine Club, said: “The situation at this present time is completely unacceptable and unsustainable in terms of the welfare of the horses.

“There are horses there that have to fend for themselves with very little food, water and practicably no shelter.

“This has led to these

poor horses either starving to death or so desperate to escape that they have died in trying to do so.”

In one incident on St Patrick’s Day, Dublin Fire Brigade was called to help a stranded pregnant mare which was stuck in a ditch.

Local people, including Cllr Kenny, helped to free the animal, but, unfortunately, it died that night.

“The short-term solution is to assess the health of the remaining horses that are in the fields,” said Cllr Kenny.

“The long-term solution is that all parties come up with an equine

management plan for horse owners in Clondalkin, and work with the newly formed Clondalkin Equine Club – otherwise, we will face the same situation next year.

“The vast majority of horse owners in Clondalkin are sickened by what is going on in Clonburris, but also feel passionately that a solution has to be found in addressing the issue.”

In response to the situation in Clonburris, the Irish Horse Welfare Trust and the Clondalkin Equine Club held a delicing and de-worming programme free of charge at the site.

Cllr Kenny added: “South Dublin County Council’s policy of simply impounding horses is failing in Clondalkin.

“I’m hoping that out of this desperate situation, we can find a solution.

“It will take some lateral thinking on the part of all civic bodies to address the issue.

“This has to be [done] in conjunction with horse owners to not let this horrendous catalogue of events happen again,” he said.

South Dublin County Council representatives had not responded to a request for comment by the time of going to press.

Free credit clinics for small local businesses BANK of Ireland in Newlands Cross is offering support to small local businesses which want information about borrowing.

T he bank is r unning a series of free credit clinics in its branches, which will help

people to learn all about the loan application process and get tips and advice on what is required in terms of financial documents and business plans.

“Start-up small businesses tend to be run by one or two

people with strong skills or knowledge about their own business but can find the whole area of finance a bit of a challenge.

“Some are quite anxious about approaching a bank for finance and are not sure what

is involved in the borrowing process,” explains Gabriel Bannigan, regional manager Dublin, who is involved in the initiative.

For more information, contact the branch on 01-4593571.

R1

28 March 2013 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3

council Maintenance requests fulfilled

€114,000 spent on Balgaddy works EXACTLY 1,000 maintenance requests were fulfilled in Balgaddy in 2012 at a cost of €114,000.

Council staff carried out the works in Meile

an Ri, Burig an Ri and Tor an Ri on foot of 1,063 requests, South Dublin County Council has told the Clondalkin area committee meeting. The council also revealed

that the works cost an average of €114.39.

The council said that the architectural services department has confirmed that remedial works in the area had

been completed.

The works were the subject of a number of reports throughout 2012, when it was revealed that many of the homes were in need of work.

Congratulations, mum: Doctorate caps academic success for local pictured are Clondalkin woman Dr Liz Coleman and her daughter, following her confer-

ral with a Doctor of Philosophy PhD at a ceremony at NUI Galway last week.

More than 65 students were conferred at the university, with NUI Galway president Dr Jim Browne speaking after the ceremony: “We in NUI Galway are determined that this university will play its full part in producing the graduates and the leaders who will create the future. We have significantly increased our number of PhD graduates in recent years as we strive to meet the needs of the knowledge and innovation economy.”

council: eightfold rise in incidents in 3 years

‘Shocking’ rise in illegal dumping in Clondalkin  paul hosford

I L L E GA L d u m p i n g has risen eightfold in Clondalkin in the past three years, it has been revealed.

Figures presented to the Clondalkin area committee meeting last week show that in the first three months of 2013, there had been 171 incidents of dumping in Clondalkin, along with 31 complaints to litter wardens.

Sinn Fein councillor Matthew McDonagh, who asked for the council to present the fig-

ures, described them as “shocking”.

According to the report, in 2010 there were 21 reports of illegal dumping – by 2012 that had jumped to 101 and, in the first three months of 2013, it has risen to 171.

Cllr McDonagh said that the figure was a representation of what he has noticed locally.

He said: “In recent months I have noticed a dramatic increase in illegal dumping in Clondalkin.

“Since 2010, reports of illegal dumping have

risen eight fold, from 21 in 2010 to 171 in the first three months of 2013.

This is a truly staggering figure.”

Cllr McDonagh linked the dumping to the privatisation of waste collection in South Dublin.

“It is my firm view that the increase in illegal dumping is directly linked to the decision to end the waiver for low income families.

“The end result has been increased costs to the council and to the local community. Every euro spent cleaning up

illegally-dumped rubbish is a euro not spent on vital community services.

“There is an urgent need to review this problem. I will be raising this matter with officials in the coming period. In the meantime, I would once again urge people not to illegally dump their rubbish,” he said.

In their report, South Dublin County Council management said that council staff were “engaged on [a] daily basis in the surveillance of illegal waste operators.”

4 CLONDALKIN Gazette 28 March 2013

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tell us about your local competitions, events or winners!

health: ‘water is safe’

Council rejects fluoride claims  paul hosford

SOUTH Dublin County Council (SDCC) has rejected claims that some estates in Clondalkin suffer from excessive levels of fluoride in their drinking water.

Fianna Fail councillor Trevor Gilligan said that residents from Monksfield and Woodford had contacted him with regard to the level of the mineral, which, if taken in large quantities, can cause health problems.

S e ve r a l r e s i d e n t s claimed there were issues regarding the taste and colour of tap water in the estates.

Cllr Gilligan said: “Many residents have contacted me questioning the quality of water.

“On top of this, more people are questioning the link between fluoride in water and cancer.

“I think it is only fair as a local county councillor that I raise this issue with the council if there is even a slight health issue towards tap water.”

Responding to Cllr Gilligan, officials from SDCC said that the drinking water in the county is monitored regularly and follows national standards.

A council report said: “The public water supply is monitored to ensure compliance with all water quality legislation and standards.

“The principle regulations are the EC (Drinking Water)(No.2) Regulations 2007.

“Samples are taken throughout the South Dublin network and

analysed at Dublin City Council’s central laboratory at Marrowbone Lane on behalf of South Dublin County Council,” said the report, which went on to say that more than 250 samples were checked last year.

“In 2012, 268 check samples were undertaken across the county and analysed for 12 parameters – mainly key health and aesthetic parameters.

“An additional 19 audit parameters were undertaken across the county for all 46 chemical, indicator and microbiological parameters specified in the regulations.

‘High standards’ “The annual Environmental Protection Agency reports on The Quality of Drinking Water in Ireland consistently show that the drinking water standards in South Dublin County are high, with respect to public water supplies.

“A summary of the results of drinking water testing and analysis for the past seven years is on the council’s website,” said the report, which closed by saying that there had been no incidents of a sample having too much fluoride for “a long time”.

“There has been no incidents of exceedences of fluoride levels in the drinking water in the South Dublin County Council area recently, or for a long time.”

In Ireland, 71% of drinking water contains fluoride, and Ireland is the only EU member state to permit widespread fluoridation of drinking water.

28 March 2013 CLONDALKIN Gazette 5

6 CLONDALKIN Gazette 28 March 2013

gazetteGALLERIES

Daniel Keating and James Nulty Phil Corcoran shaved his head and dyed it green to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society

Alice Morrin

The parade featured some bikers, who were dressed Liffey Valley Vineyard Church had a colourful Noah’s Ark float. Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

up for the occassion

FLOAT ON: LUCAN TURNS INTO A BIG SEA OF GREEN

Shamrockin’ on St Patrick’s Day

H

UNDREDS of people braved the cold weather and donned their best green outfits to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Lucan.

The crowds gathered wearing leprechaun hats and shamrocks to

watch the colourful floats in the parade, which came from across Lucan, Celbridge and Clondalkin.

One of the best highlights of the popular parade was the Liffey Valley Vineyard Church, which displayed

Westmanstown Gaels GAA took part in the parade

a vibrant Noah’s Ark float, with the parish children dressed as various animals.

Both adults and children alike had a great day, and they are all looking forward to next year’s parade.

Lee O’Reilly

28 March 2013 CLONDALKIN Gazette 7

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Lucan Boxing Club stepping out

Clondalkin Youth Band marching in the parade

Ashling Murphy

8 CLONDALKIN Gazette 28 March 2013

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housing ‘This is madness and not acceptable’

FastNews Fun day at McDonald’s

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Trabolgan Holiday Village, Cork have used the Dublin Gazette Newspapers for the last few years to advertise various aspects of our holiday village including special offers. We have always had an excellent reader response from the advertisements run and have found the area’s covered by all 8 papers of great value to Trabolgan.

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B e c a u s e L o c a l M a tt e r s

Labour’s Robert Dowds said the letters were sent, despite tenants not being the owners of their property

Revenue slammed as tenants get tax bills  paul hosford

The Revenue Commissioners has been criticised by a local TD for sending property tax bills to local authority tenants.

Labour TD Robert Dowds said that the letters were sent, despite tenants not being the owners of their property and therefore not being directly liable for the tax.

The properties should be taxed by Revenue sending a bill to each local authority for the total housing stock which they own and the local authority passing it on to tenants.

Despite this, Revenue has, Deputy Dowds believes, mistakenly sent out bills to tenants in local authority housing.

This comes despite the fact that Revenue was provided with a full list of local authority housing

stock by South Dublin County Council.

Deputy Dowds said that he had been approached by locals in recent days.

“A lot of people living in local authority housing have come to me asking why they have received property tax bills even though they don’t own their houses.

“The only answer I can give them is that they should not have received these bills and that the Revenue Commissioners have made a mistake.

“I have been informed that local authority tenants will now have to write back to Revenue to tell them that they are not liable because they are local authority tenants, even though the local authority had given all the information on their houses to the Revenue Commissioners.

“This is madness and is not acceptable.”

A Revenue spokesperson said that the issue was an administrative one and non-liable tenants should correct the mistake.

“The majority of local authority housing has been matched and LPT letters have not issued in these cases.

“Because there was no existing complete register and because there were inconsistencies in addresses provided to Revenue, letters will be issued to authority tenants in a minority of cases.

“It is clearly stated in the LPT letter that, if you are not the owner of the property, you should contact Revenue on 1890 200 255 so that we can correct our records. It is most important that a tenant doesn’t ignore the letter because in the absence of any correction, Revenue

will proceed on the basis that he or she is liable to pay LPT in respect of the property.”

Fianna Fail, however, hit out at the Labour Party’s handling of the issuing of the letters, something that Junior Minister Sean Sherlock (Lab) admitted was “a mess”.

Fianna Fail Justice spokesperson Niall Collins called it “classic Labour Party hand wringing”.

“Having learned nothing from the chaos he created with the household charge and the septic tank registration scheme, Fine Gael’s Minister Phil Hogan has gone for the hat-trick with this mess over who will be exempt from his badly designed and unfair family home tax. In response, the Labour Party has offered only ineffectual hand wringing.”

MCDONALD’S Drive-Thru in Clondalkin is unveiling its new look this week, following a €500,000 investment.

Owner-operator Gerry Hayden will welcome regular and new customers to the restaurant in the Mill Shopping Centre, as it hosts a family fun day from 12 noon to 5pm on Saturday, April 6.

The entertainment on the day will include a special visit from Ronald McDonald himself and a DJ spinning the latest hits, as well as face painting and balloon modelling for the kids.

Speaking ahead of the day to mark the refurbishment, Hayden said: “Judging by the feedback we have received from people already, this refurbishment is going down really well.”

Volunteer for Techspace TECHSPACE in Griffeen Youth Centre, Lucan, is looking for a volunteer Technology Champion.

In Lucan, Techspace provide sound, text, video, image and digital instruction to educate and up-skill young people aged 10 to 8 in developing their artistic potential.

Volunteers will be required for three hours on Saturday afternoons and will need an interest in technology and creative digital media.

Anyone interested should contact South Dublin County Volunteer Centre at 01 462 8558 or email pat@volunteersouthdublin.ie.

For more information on Techspace, see www.techspace. ie.

28 March 2013 CLONDALKIN Gazette 9

families

death: mourners recaLL A ‘lovely, brilliant’ son and student

Easter treasure trail fun

Hundreds pay their respects to late teen

HUNDREDS of people turned out to pay their respects to Jake McGill Lynch last Friday.

The 14-year-old took his own life last week in the family home at Woodford Terrace with a legally-held firearm.

Jake, a student at Moyle Park College, was laid to rest in Kilmashogue Cemetery in Rathfarnham following a packed-out mass at the Church of The Immaculate Conception in Clondalkin village.

Crowds spilled from the church as friends and neighbours remembered a “lovely boy from a lovely family”.

Jake’s mother, Stephanie, paid tribute to her son, whom she said the family loved dearly.

She added that he was “brilliant” academically, noting that, for Jake, “failure was just not an option”, before saying that she was “so proud and extremely privileged to have been his mother”.

Mrs McGill Lynch said that when she came to write her eulogy, she felt her son there with her, urging her to finish it.

She then thanked the “hundreds” of people who had paid visits to the home, saying that the family “have a great support network”. She extended her thanks to the people of Clondalkin.

Jake’s father, John, thanked the “hundreds” of people that had been in contact throughout the week, including the staff

of Tallaght Hospital and the gardai whose kindness, he said, “will never be forgotten”.

He paid special tribute to the staff of Moyle Park College who, he said, had gone “above and beyond the call of duty” over the years.

Mr Lynch closed by saying that “for Jake, this seemed like the only answer, but it never is and we will work to help others in that situation”.

Moyle Park College said that their thoughts were with the family.

A statement said: “The school has experienced the sudden death of a student. We are deeply saddened by this, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Great days out: Northern Ireland Tourist Board showcases activities pictured are Kelly Crawford of Armagh Cider Company, Mary Duffy and Peg McMeel of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA) Liffey Valley Guild, and Joanne Taylor, of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, at the Great Days Out Fair, which was held recently at Titanic Belfast.

The fair was organised by the tourist board, in partnership with the ICA, and showcased Northern Ireland’s best days out. More than 50 exhibitors from Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Down, Fermanagh and Tyrone were on hand to offer guests inspirational ideas for booking group trips. The fair showcased the North’s diverse attractions, from visiting Belfast or other busy contemporary spots, and escaping urban stresses to some of the region’s many relaxing getaway spots and charming rural retreats.

ROUND Tower GAA Club is calling on all six- to 10-year-olds to join their Easter Treasure Trail.

This “exciting, mysterious adventure” will take place on Easter Saturday, March 30.

The trail will begin at 10am and run for more than two hours.

It will feature games, snacks and prizes and provide plenty of entertainment and fun for local children, both members of the club and nonmembers.

Goodie bags will be provided to all children and the organisers ask that all children are supervised.

Entry to the trail will cost €2. For further information, see the club’s website at http://www. roundtower.ie.

10 CLONDALKIN Gazette 28 March 2013

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Sandra, Georgina and Darcey Carr Model Alison Canavan, who recently attended the Walk In My Shoes charity night at Fitzpatrick’s Shoes on Grafton Street

Roz Flanagan

Walk in my shoes F

ITZPATRICK’S Shoes on Grafton Street recently hosted a special showcase of a celebrity shoe exhibition in its store.

The exhibition marked St Patrick’s Hospital Foundation’s Walk in My Shoes initiative, which provides mental health services to vulnerable young adults throughout Ireland.

Celebrity shoes on show included U2’s

Adam Clayton, golfers Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington, The Saturday’s Una Healy, signer Nicky Byrne and his wife Georgina, The Late Late Show host Ryan Tubridy, and rugby stars Rob Kearney and Brian O’Driscoll.

Guests on the night included model Alison Canvan, Roz Flanagan and Joanne Hynes, who all donated shoes.

Astrid Brennan and Nicola Meyer

Kate Moran and Rachel Armstrong

28 March 2013 Gazette 11

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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

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schools P14

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Kilimanjaro: fundraising night at the dogs

Off to the races to benefit Roof Of Africa expedition K ilkenny hurling star Brian Hogan was on hand to kick off a fundraising night at the dogs at Harold’s Cross greyhound stadium, which will raise money for sick children.

The event will be held from 7.30pm on April 5 in aid of the aptly named Tallamanjaro Ospideal Climb 2013.

The climb will see greyhound stadium general manager Philip Peake

and volunteers made up of doctors, nurses and Tallaght IT students head to Kenya on May 18.

There, they will climb the highest peak in Africa as part of an expedition that will last for 10 days.

The money raised will be used to purchase specialised equipment for children going to theatre in the National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght.

Climbing Kilimanjaro for The National Chil-

dren’s Hospital Tallaght was the brainchild of the late climber Ian McKeever, who was a regular visitor to the hospital.

Commenting on the climb Eleanor O’Leary, head of anaesthetists at the National Children’s Hospital said that the group were anxious to start.

“Fifteen of us depart for Kilimanjaro in May and we are excited about reaching the Roof Of

Africa - the highest free standing mountain in the world.

“Monies raised from this climb will purchase essential equipment for the operating theatre in Tallaght Hospital.”

Mountaineer Mike O’Shea is leading the expedition with Brian and comedian Maeve Higgins, who have come on board as ambassadors.

For more information log on to www.igb.ie

Philip Peake (second from right), greyhound stadium general manager, with volunteers

Gazette

12 Gazette 28 March 2013

dublinlife

DIARY President set to attend traditional music finals The finals of the Siansa Gael Linn music competition will be held this April in the National Concert Hall. Siansa is a competition in which traditional music groups from around Ireland vie for a prize fund of €4,500.

The eight qualifying groups that have made it to the finals will all perform in front of special guest of honour president Michael D Higgins.

Gael Linn is an organisation which promotes the Irish language and Irish heritage in Ireland and is a non-profit body. The concert will be compered

by Aine Hensey, RTE Raidio na Gaeltachta on Sunday, April 14 in the NCH at 7.30pm. Tickets cost €12 and €6 for students and are available from www.nch.ie.

holiday: there’s something for everyone in our guide

Tips for a cracking weekend of Easter fun

The kids are off school and spring might just finally be in the air.

With that in mind, the Gazette has sourced the best events and camps dotted around the M50 this Easter.

In Dublin 15, Dublin Zoo has a very egg-citing line up for the Easter weekend, which includes keeper talks about the bird’s eggs and chicks at the zoo, face painting, arts and crafts and an Easter Bunny disco on Easter Sunday (only). See www.dublinzoo.ie for further details.

Soccer Sisters camps are happening across Dublin including Ongar, Castleknock, Swords and Malahide. This is an FAI programme that aims to encourage more girls to start playing soccer.

There are venues nationwide and it’s for girls aged seven to 12yrs, who can learn to play soccer in a fun, friendly and safe environment. For further info email soccersisters@fai.ie or phone 01 8999559.

Blanchardstown Centre has a feast of events over the Easter holidays. The Woolly Wards Petting Zoo is at the centre from 1-4pm March 28 and 29.

The Easter Bunny Mad Hatter Party takes place on Saturday, March 30 from 1-4pm with live entertainment for all the family including a Mad Hatter Magic Show and Disco, Spot Prizes, Arts and Crafts. While on Easter Monday, April 1 Jack Flash magic shows, arts and crafts, and face painting will take place between 1- 4pm. See www.blanchardstown-

centre.ie.

Meanwhile, Farmleigh Estate’s Food Market is back on Sunday, March 31 from 10am until 5.15pm.

Newbridge House and Farm will be hosting an Easter Eggcitement event over the Easter holidays this year. From March 23 until April 7, from 10am until 5pm, families can take the Easter egg and treats hunt tour throughout Newbridge House.

Costing just €10 per child (one adult free with each paying child, additional adults €5), the event also includes access to the farm. For more information, call 01 8436534 or visit www.newbridgehouseandfarm.com.

Put a bounce into your little bunny’s step at the Swords Pavilions this Easter with The Mad Hatter’s Easter Egg Hunt taking place on Saturday, March 30. Meet The Mad Hatter at the information desk at 1pm and help him look for the Swords Pavilions Easter Egg with lots of fun for all and lots of prizes to be won. The shopping centre will also have arts, crafts and facepainting from 1pm until 3pm.

See www.pavilions.ie for more details.

Join Alice, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts for a day of Easter fun in the Secret Walled Garden of Malahide Castle on Saturday, March 30. The family day out will feature a special Easter egg trail, facepainting and cupcake decorating. Tickets are priced at €12 per child and €7 per adult. For more information, visit www.malahide-

Join Alice, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts for a day of Easter fun in the Secret Walled Garden of Malahide Castle

castleandgardens.ie or call 01 8169538. Tickets must be booked in advance.

The Ardgillan Castle Easter Egg Trail will be supported by Cadbury this year, one of 20 events across Ireland to be chosen by the famous chocolate brand. The trail will take place on Monday, April 1 at 3pm and is welcoming all families and members of the community to take part. Entry fee is €3 per child and all proceeds go towards the upkeep of the Castle see www.ardgillancastle.ie.

In Lucan and Clondalkin, there is plenty to keep children happy over the Easter break.

From Friday, March 29 until Monday, April 1, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre will welcome the Wizard, as they ask shoppers to follow the yellow brick road.

From 12-4pm, Liffey Valley’s own version of Oz will feature fantasy and fairy tales from Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion and Scarecrow and magical entertainment from the Tin Man. Visitors will

also be able to stir up a whirlwind with the Wicked Witch of the West and cast a spell with the Good Witch Glinda.

There will also be plenty of Easter camps around the area, with Lucan Leisure Centre running a kid’s camp for boys and girls aged five to 15.

Activities include basketball, football, tennis, arts and crafts, and many more. The camp will run from April 2 to April 5 and the cost is €52 for a first child and €47 for a second child.

All activities are fully insured and there are small numbers in each group. Email info@ lucanleisure.com or call 01 6241930.

Clondalkin Leisure Centre will also hold Easter camps, also spanning the five to 15 age range from April 2 to April 5.

The cost is €52 for one child and €47 for a second child.

Call 01 4523300 for more information.

Easter will be choc full of interesting things to do in Dun Laoghaire-Rath-

down this year with a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in Deer Park on March 31 from 1pm to 5pm. Everyone is welcome to this free event run by Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council and all are encouraged to wear their craziest hats to attend.

Dundrum Town Centre’s Miss Ali Stage School is running an Easter Camp for children aged five to seven in Hamley’s Toy Store. From April 1 to 5, a host of entertainment will be on offer for creative children to let off some steam during the Easter break.

The Easter Camp will have drama, dance and art workshops as well as games and a planned big trip.

In Dun Laoghaire, the National Sailing School on the West Pier is holding an Easter camp for children interested in all things nautical.

The camp starts on April 2 and runs until April 5 and there will be plenty of expert training given by the sailing school over the four days.

28 March 2013 Gazette 13

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14 Gazette 28 March 2013

dublinlife

schoolLife

Get involved with Gazette schools pages and become a real writer or photographer CALLING all students! Dublin Gazette Newspapers continue to reach out to schools in our catchment areas so that we become a closer part of our community than ever before.

Schools are the beating hearts of communities; one of the last places around which a community can gather.

We want all budding writers and photographers from all of our schools to help fill the pages and, in order to encourage the next generation of journalists and snappers to get involved, we are partnering with Harvey Norman to present the Dublin Gazette Newspapers’ Cub Reporter and Cub Photographer of the Year awards.

For more details, contact rheigh@gazettegroup.com or telephone Rob Heigh at 01 601 0240.

schools

trip: fifth year students enjoy visit to siemens plant

A fascinating insight  erica o’sullivan Fingal Community College

A NUMBER of fifth year LCVP students at Fingal Community College were treated to several talks recently by employees of Siemens Diagnostics as part of an enterprise education initiative.

In December, the students took part in mock interviews in the Siemens Diagnostic plant in Swords.

The interviews were organised to give students an insight into the process of applying and interviewing for a job.

In order to participate in the interview, students

had to have sent a cover letter and CV to Siemens in advance and arrive in full interview attire.

All students were given feedback on how their interview went. Every student left the room grateful to have taken part.

At the end of February, the students were invited to the Siemens Diagnostics plant in Swords as part of Engineer’s Week.

The students were given a tour of the plant and were treated to several talks by different employees of Siemens.

They engaged the fifth years in a very interesting talk on Siemens and the production of high-quali-

ty and accurate products for the medical industry.

The students were also given advice on creating a CV and interview preparation.

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

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

As a result of their experience, the students decided to make a short film as part of a feedback session to thank Siemens for what they had learned, and the

Students gained an understanding of Siemens’ diverse work in Swords

students hope that they can share what they have learned and help others to prepare for an interview through the film.

The film was planned and created in three weeks and will be presented to

Siemens at a later date.

All LCVP students would like to thank their teachers, Ms Gibson and Ms Hynan, as well as Fedelma, the schools business liason [official] with Siemens.

28 March 2013 Gazette 15

Gazette

16 Gazette 28 March 2013

dublinlife

Q&A

business

Focus on personal finances Continued from last week

Step six. Shop well No financial ill can befall anyone who shops carefully. Value for money means more than just the lowest price but can incorporate convenience, service, quality and speed of delivery. Don’t be afraid to negotiate and rejoice in the fact that the silver lining to our country’s woes is that there are some great deals to be had.

cormac o’sullivan, manager of the club

Making positive effects in health and fitness Cormac O’Sullivan is the manager of The Club, at Fitzpatrick’s Castle, Killiney. He has been working in the health and fitness industry here in Ireland for over 15 years.

With over 10 years’ experience at management level, with spells working for some of the largest operators in the sector, Cormac has seen firsthand

the effects of the recession on the sector here in Ireland.

A qualified yoga teacher, Cormac and the team at Fitzpatrick’s are championing the Exercise More – Stress Less message and insist that even small amounts of regular exercise can have dramatically positive effects on our lives.

How long have you been in business?

an impact on the health and fitness industry here in Ireland and The Club at Fitzpatrick’s has not been exempt from that. Our strategy to deal with this has centred on making sure that our memberships offer great value for money with plenty of added services included in the price.

I have been working in the health and fitness business for over 15 years.

I started out as a fitness instructor and worked my way into management within a few years. I have been managing The Club here at Fitzpatrick’s Castle for the last year and a half.

What is your ambition for the business?

Here at The Club our approach places our current members at the centre of everything we do. So rather than constantly focusing on finding new members, our number one priority is to look after the one’s we already have. This has been our key strategy for the last few years in particular and we are now enjoying the rewards.

To continue providing a service that allows members to be part of a club where they feel part of something special. These days’ people have lots of options to choose from when it comes to deciding which gym to join, but there is something special about being a part of a club where you can actually make new friends. I am delighted to confirm that this happens regularly here in our club at Fitzpatrick’s.

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

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

What makes your business successful?

Our club is one of the longest established health and fitness clubs in Ireland, so the atmosphere within it is totally unique. We also provide some additional services that are unique to The Club – in particular our free creche service is very popular amongst our customer base, as it frees up members so they can incorporate exercise into their daily lives.

How has the recession impacted your business?

For sure the recession has had

The people… I find that when I am out promoting The Club people are always interested in hearing what I have to say. They’ll stop and chat with me and many times I’ve ended up having the most remarkable, honest and open conversations with people about why they gave up playing sport or why they stopped exercising and how much they miss it. I love when people are open and upfront like this and I also love that our product can impact positively on people’s wellness if they give it chance.

Step seven. Cut the cost of your borrowing There is a simple but effective formula for dealing with debt. If you can, consolidate all your debt into a single, less expensive loan and then pay it off as quickly as possible. If you can’t, hustle all your lenders until you get a better rate and always pay the most expensive debt off first. The rate of interest makes a huge difference.

Step eight. Aim for high returns and minimal risk There are plenty of ways to make a high return on your investments without taking undue risk. The first secret is not to consider what the market is doing and the second is not to chop and change your mind. Over the medium to long-term the stock market has always (and I mean always) produced greater profits than anything else. Investors who split their money between shares and bonds and achieve average returns do better than almost everyone else. Check out Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) as the low cost way to invest. Don’t, by the way, waste money on unnecessary management fees.

Step nine. Get protected at the right price Review all your insurance. Have you got the cover you actually need? Could you switch providers and save?

It is possible to make huge savings by reviewing your insurance on a regular basis. Do you realise if you have quit smoking over 12 months, you could be entitled to a 50% reduction in your life cover premiums.

Step ten. Be optimistic The economy is cyclical. Everyone is talking gloom, gloom, gloom now but in due course it will become boom, boom, boom again and when it does the canny will make a fortune. If you are entrepreneurial the recession is your friend. The costs of starting and running a business are lower in real terms than they have been for over a decade. Suppliers are offering great deals. Rents are down, professional advisers are charging less and – there are plenty of skilled employees looking for work.  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

communication: easy way to access services

A Plus Skips launches its convenient new website Dublin business A Plus Skips recently launched its new website, www.aplusskips.ie, which it says offers customers a convenient and easier way to access its services, as it prepares to expand its business further.

This is just the latest stage of A Plus Skip Hire’s continued growth and expansion since it was founded in 2004 by brothers Paul and James McCann.

Starting with just two trucks, it now operates a fleet of 17 vehicles and employs over 40 staff in Ballycoolin, Dublin 15.

According to managing director Paul McCann, the growth and expansion of the business has been overseen by John

McGrane, the financial controller.

“John joined us over four years ago. I felt with my knowledge of the waste industry and his expertise in development we would be able to take the company to the next level.”

John said it was a matter of going back to basics: “Our vision was to offer fair prices to customers, excellent customer service, and offer an environmental answer to all waste needs.

“We felt the only way to achieve this goal for our customer was to purposely design and build a new facility.”

The next phase of development for the company is to make the recycling facility larger to

John McGrane, financial controller of A Plus Skips

allow the team to install specialised equipment for even more segregation of the waste.

“It is anticipated with successful planning permission, that we shall commence the expansion of the facility in July 2013 – creating 15 shortterm construction jobs and 20 full time jobs,” said John.

A civic amenity cen-

tre is among its plans, which will allow the general public to dispose and recycle household items at designated collection points.

“I feel very proud of what we have achieved and what the future holds for A Plus Skips,” John added.

For more information, log on to www.aplusskips. or call 1890 401 020.

28 March 2013 GAZETTE 17

MUSIC P19 ASDFSDAF P27 TRAVEL P24

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

PEOPLE: HAPPY TO SING AT CHARITY GIG

Pets

Cabinteely girl set to support The Saturdays

 BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

A CABINTEELY singer has won a competition to support popular girl band The Saturdays at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre this month.

On the Friday before St Patrick’s Day, Sophie Hannah Byrne got the news that she had won the chance to sing at a special charity concert featuring The Saturdays in aid of St Vincent De Paul.

The nationwide competition was set up by Bord Gais Energy and was open to all entertainment acts aged 16 and over for the chance to support the chart-topping girl band at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on Thursday, March 28.

Sophie told The Gazette about how she got involved in the competition.

“It was great to hear I won; it was a great start to St Patrick’s weekend.

I first found out about the competition from Bord Gais Energy Theatre’s Facebook page, and thought I’d give it a go as I already had a few videos of myself singing on YouTube.

“So I entered, as I thought it would be a good platform for me.

“I’ve been singing since I was three years old, and really want to get my name out there so I sent my version of Rihanna’s We Found Love in, and then forgot all about it.

CAN YOU GIVE BUDDY-CASPER A NEW HOME?

“I was truly amazed, therefore, when I was shortlisted and then won the competition. My mother, Bernie, and my friends have been great, sharing my videos on Facebook since then.”

As far as performing with The Saturdays goes, Sophie is very excited, though also a little apprehensive about performing in front of such a big crowd in the theatre.

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

‘I would love a recording contract and to maybe write my own songs some day, though I don’t play an instrument’

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

“Well, I’m always nervous before any performance, but once I’m onstage, everything is fine and I feel like I was born to do it.”

Sophie intends to create as many opportunities for herself through this performance, and is excited at the possibility that she might sing with The Saturdays, though this has not been confirmed, as yet.

“I’ll be on the look-out for their manager, and I’ll hand out business cards as you never know what might happen, and I want to really use such



GAZETTE

MOTORS P22

Sophie Hannah Byrne: excited to sing at Bord Gais Energy Theatre

a huge platform because these opportunities don’t come along every day.

“I would love a recording contract and to maybe write my own songs some day, though I don’t play an instrument. I’d love to get into a studio with a good producer.

“I love 1960s music, especially soul artists like Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke and Stevie Wonder, and my voice is naturally suited to that kind of music.”

The special concert in aid of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, featuring The Saturdays and Sophie Hannah Byrne, is on at the Bord Gais Energy Theatre on Thursday, March 28. Tickets are €20 to €35 from Ticketmaster.

Sophie hopes the gig will be useful for her

THE Gazette Newspaper has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs. Our Dog of the Week is Buddy-Casper, a very handsome two-year-old male Staffie cross who celebrated his second birthday a little while ago!

This gorgeous guy was spoilt rotten with kongs and a canine cake to mark this special day, he was a true king and loved every minute of it! He absolutely adores his walkies and little treats.

He is a good humoured fella but can find being alone quite worrying, so he would love a home where he has constant company.

He would also be happy to share his new forever home with another canine fourlegged friend and big kids 13+. He would love to find dedicated owners who have a real interest in his basic training and socialisation skills, someone who really gets him for the special man that he is.

If you think you could give Buddy-Casper or any of the other wonderful dogs at the centre the loving forever home they deserve, please contact Dogs Trust on 01-8791000. They are based in Finglas, just off exit 5 on the M50.

18 GAZETTE 28 March 2013

GAZETTE

BEAUTY OUT&ABOUT BEAUTY news The sport of keeping your skin in top shape

Shocking colour with Avon’s eye-catching gel eyeliner

AVON’S SuperShock Gel Eyeliner Pencil gets a 2013 make over with new limited edition shades this spring/summer season.

The SuperShock Gel was launched in 2010 and has made a name for itself in the beauty world.

This year, Avon has launched four new eye-catching shades to help create dramatic eyes with colour and glam up our make-up look.

It’s supersoft formula lets the SuperShock Gel Eyeliner glide on easily and evenly, leaving an intense colour finish for long lasting, extreme eye-drama.

Liz Pugh, part of Avon’s professional make-up artist team says, “Statement-making eyes are all over the runways this season and metallics are a big trend. Now you can get the catwalk look with Avon’s new SuperShock Gel.” The available shades are Aqua Pop, Steel, Khaki Shimmer and Flash and costs €8.

Collector’s edition of Touche Eclat gets the golden touch IT can be found in many make-up bags and is well known for its highlighting abilities, so to honour the Touche Eclat highlight pen, Yves Saint Laurent is launching a collector’s edition this year.

In 2013, the famous make-up pen has been dressed in shimmering gold.

Every season since 2010, Touche Eclat dons a new golden packaging in tribute to the Saint Laurent house’s most beautiful creations.

The 2013 edition is delicately engraved and embossed with a sparkling shower of light like an exquisitely embroidered dress and was inspired by the crystal bead-covered Haute Couture “Edition Soir” evening gown designed by Yves Saint Laurent in the 1960s.

Touche Eclat was created in 1992. It enhances facial features and contours, erasing all signs of fatigue and dark circles. A few magic strokes and the complexion is beautifully illuminated.

The Touche Eclat Collector 2013 is available from mid-April in shades N° 1 and N° 2.

 LAURA WEBB style@gazettegroup.com

SPORT fanatics listen up, while exercise is good for the mind and body, it can be tough on our skin, so for that reason Buff Day Spa have put together an exclusive package for sports people, to help achieve excellence in the skin too.

We would be doing something very wrong if we didn’t sweat just a little during our workout.

But exercise induced sweat can clog the skin with impurities, so for this the team at Buff Spa have a Spa Custom Facial which includes skin analysis, deep cleansing, steaming, exfoliation, extractions, massage and customised face masque. Ridding the skin of impurities, this deep cleanse facial can help restore skin to radiance.

Those who run or do other types of car-

dio will notice that the back is prone to excess perspira tion, which means the back can get clogged with spots. With this in mind, there is a Dermalogica Beautiful Back that is essentially a Dermalogica facial performed on the back to help keep it looking clean and clear.

This combines a deep cleansing action, deep exfoliation with a 15minute back massage to relax your muscles and re-energise your body.

Across the ocean, in Brazil, it’s usual for footballers to wax their legs in order to prevent infections while injured, and its spreading to Europe. We all know swimming and triathlon entrants will smooth their skin so they can win medals.

Cyclists also wax their arms and legs because of the frequency of accidents during training and competition. Inju-

Exercise can be tough on skin and induced sweat can clog it with impurities

ries can become infected and inflamed due to road dirt and hair.

Removal of hair from arms and legs reduces these risks. A full leg wax costs €45. An underarm wax costs €25.

The full package for a spa custom facial, a Dermalogica beautiful back, a full leg wax costs €145 (regular price is €189) The Buff Day Spa is now also offering sports

massage for only €75 for a session.

The Buff Day Spa, 52 South King Street, Dublin 2. For further information call: 01-677 4624 or see www.thebuffdayspa.com

Giorgio Armani Beauty unveils new foundation shades THERE could well be a bundle of complexions radiating this April when Giorgio Armani Beauty unveils new tones and shades in its Luminous Silk Foundation and Fluid Sheer products.

The make-up giant will launch the two products next week, which claim to match each woman’s “unique complexion shades”.

The foundation and the Fluid Sheer are teamed together to add radiance to the skin tone, as well as sculpt and blend.

Luminous Silk Foundation and Fluid Sheer can be blended or layered

B l e n d Luminous Silk and Fluid Sheer together to create your unique shade.

Layer Fluid Sh ee r ove r Luminous Silk Foundation, to direct and tailor the light, as you illuminate and accentuate the details of your face.

Linda Cantello, international make-up artist for Giorgio Armani Beauty, said flawless, professional make-up begins with “a luminous, natural

looking complexion”.

“By blending Luminous Silk and Fluid Sheer, any woman can find her perfect skin tone while adding radiance and correcting any imperfections.

“I like to start by applying Luminous Silk evenly across the face. Then, using the dedicated Blender Brush, I can use Fluid Sheer to add definition.

Layering the weightless products for a customised result,” she said.

Luminous Silk Foundation is light-perfecting and weightless. Now available in 24 shades – including seven new tones – to precisely match

every woman’s most radiant skin tone.

Fluid Sheer skin tone embellisher is the light-sculpting colour veil for your most dazzling complexion. The radiance enhancer is available in 12 versatile “colored light” shades to highlight and sculpt the face, warming-up the complexion for an instant, healthy glow.

Giorgio Armani Cosmetics are available exclusively at Brown Thomas Dublin and Cork, from April with the following recommended retail prices: Luminous Silk Foundation – €42.69 and Fluid Sheer – €42.69.

28 March 2013 GAZETTE 19

STYLE I have a tummy and need help finding what to wear to hide it?

Orlaith from Dublin 6

Tanya’s Advice: If you want to disguise or minimise your tummy, make structure your best friend. Dresses that are fitted around the waistline will create a more natural silhouette and will streamline your midriff. The black version from the naturally curvaceous Holly Willoughby range illustrates my point perfectly (Holly Willoughby Lace Insert Pencil Dress €79). The black is not only slimming but its structured centre creates a more hourglass figure than a rounded one. There is nothing wrong with having curves, it is just important to know how to embrace and complement them. Avoid fabrics that cling such as jersey and polyester, and opt for more structured fabrics such as tweed and cottons, and if you can, look for dresses that have a lining in them as they will offer more support. Another great way of distracting the eye from a problem area is again through print; all over print will bring the eye in many directions instead of allowing it to focus on one area, so don’t be afraid to give print a try. This printed version from Savoir is ideal, (Confident Curves Mid Length Dress, €40) as it not only has lots of lovely print, but it’s also cut in a wrap style so this will break up the top part of your body even further. I hope this helps and happy shopping!

 Star Question!

I fell in love with a bright yellow dress and bought it for my son’s communion in May, but am now stumped for what colour accessories, shoes etc would go best with it? Paula from Leitrim Tanya’s Advice: Yellow can often appear more intimidating than it has to, and in fact can look great with a variety of colours. For a more dramatic look, team it with black accessories and ideally a print shoe like this monochrome version from Colleen’s range, they will break up the yellow and give it more of a fashion edge (Coleen Fonda Woven Platform Shoes, €57). Complement this even further by adding a black clutch and a

statement necklace for extra drama. Alternatively if you wish to tone down the yellow, nude and gold accessories create a more subdued ladylike look. These nude and gold tipped shoes from Love Label tick all the right boxes with their extra metallic touch (Love Label Goodwin Slingback Shoes, €32); finish with a nude clutch such as this one from Dune, (Tassel Detail Clutch Bag, €59) and your look will be both elegant and fresh.

Style Q&A

Gazette Style and Littlewoods Ireland have teamed up to help readers with some style dilemmas

On the last Thursday of each month, Littlewoods Ireland Ambassador Caroline Morahan or their resident stylist Tanya Grimson (left) will answer your fashion queries through great tips and looks from their many collections. So if you are stuck in a fashion rut and need answers, then email style@gazettegroup.com with your question, name and location. The top questions will be chosen to feature on the page. The reader with the one question deemed the star question of the month will receive a €50 voucher for Littlewoods Ireland.

STAR QUESTION - I am small of stature, what kind of clothes should I wear to make me appear a little taller? Where can I get jeans with short legs as I am forever having to take up the leg length? What type of tops should I wear to flatter my figure?

Sandra from Dublin Tanya’s Advice: These days most labels will offer a petite range which really helps when it comes to getting trousers that actually fit you, but even better, is that ankle grazing jeans are very much in style at the moment. They sit on the ankle bone and, if you team them with a pair of high heels, it will create the illusion of longer legs. Another great way of attracting attention to your now longer pins is to add an injection of colour and this version from South, Petite Curvalicious Super Slimming Skinny Jeans, €37, are ideal for creating this effect. Wedges are great not only for giving some extra height, but also for their comfort factor, meaning that they can be worn every day. This pair from Kurt Geiger (KG Nickle Stud Wedge Sandal, €194) has the added benefit of being equally dressy and casual and would look great with these ankle grazers. Keep your tops to the waist, don’t go for longer tunic styles as these will shorten your silhouette, and if you want to keep the focus on your face add some print to your top or don a statement necklace.

Gazette

20 Gazette 28 March 2013

OUT&ABOUT

Theatre

THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 Tuesdays With Morrie

THIS deeply emotional drama is the autobiographical story of Mitch Albom, an accomplished journalist and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor.

Sixteen years after graduation, Mitch reconnects with Morrie after learning that his old professor is battling Lou Gehrig’s Disease. What starts as a simple visit turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a last class in the meaning of life.

April 3 and 4, tickets are priced at €18/€16.

Draiocht 01 885 2622 Swinging in the Sixties

Feeling Groovy? Coolmine Musical Society invites you to step inside and relive the music of the 1960s. From Swinging London to the Summer of Love, it will feature songs that capture the spirit of the golden decade.

The show will include hits from Burt Bacharach, The Beatles, The Mamas and Papas and the Kinks. April 5 and 6, tickets are priced at €16/14.

Mill THEATRE Dundrum 01 296 9340 Folk the Recession

WITH a wonderful selection of songs by composers such as Marty Robbins, Tom Paxton and Woody Guthrie etc combined with their own arrangements of tunes this is really is a feast of folk music. April 5 tickets are priced at €18/€15.

Ego monster Burt Wonderstone gets ready to embark on his latest trick

review: Good characters, great performances, so why so average?

Every little thing LIFE after Dunder Mifflin has been fairly quiet for Steve Carrell.

Since hanging up his paper-selling boots on the hit US TV version of The Office, the former Michael Scott has yet to turn in a truly brilliant comedy.

Maybe he set the bar too high early in his career with Anchorman and the 40 Year Old Virgin, but Carrell is a supremely talented comedic actor in need of a fitting vehicle.

His first attempt at crea ting a ma rquee comedy icon is The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, a farcical

comedy about magicians, their rivalries and their inspirations.

As far as setting goes, it is a novel idea, but hardly relevant.

If you’ve seen any movie from a Saturday Night Live alumnus in the last decade, you

Film of the Week: The Incredible Burt Wonderstone h h h (15) 100 mins Director: Don Scardino Starring: Steve Carrell, Steve Buscemi, Alan Arkin, Jim Carrey, Olivia Wilde, James Gandolfini

 Paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

know the drill; egomaniac lead character starts out horrible, has a few bad things happen to him, maybe a love interest and he reforms.

Simples.

But the strength of this genre is not its ingenuity, its storytelling or even its overall worth as film.

We watch films like this when we don’t want to tax our brain too much, to take it easy, sit one out.

These films rely on our suspension of disbelief to be at a point where anything seems remotely plausible, as long as you laugh.

OUR VERDICT:

IT is good. It is certainly not bad. But it could have been excellent had Scardino and screen writers Jonathan M Goldstein and John Francis Daley decided what the film was actually about. Three potentially excellent storylines - the relationship between Burt and Anton, the reemergence of Rance Holloway and the ascension of Jim Carrey’s delightfully bonkers Steve Gray - all go unfulfilled.

Which is handy for B u r t Wo n d e r s t o n e because, despite leaving a number of narrative threads unfulfilled, it will attract numbers through the door based on having quite a few very funny set pieces and characters that are written large enough to leave an indelible mark on viewers’ minds.

Much of the film’s charm comes from Carrell’s talented but complacent Wonderstone.

As it becomes clear that Jim Carrey’s upstart Steve Gray, all urine-holding, hot coal sleeping, is winning the

battle for ticket sales in Las Vegas, Woderstone and his assistant, Anton Marvelton (played with deadpan excellence by Steve Buscemi) must evolve or die.

As the two bicker, the film soars and one attempt by Burt to do their two -man show solo is an absolute highlight.

But the film can’t stay focused long enough to decide what it wants to be, which is highly frustrating.

John Francis Daley (Dr Sweets in T V’s Bones) and Jonathan M Goldstein wrote 2011’s

Horrible Bosses and, much like that effort, Burt Wonderstone is too scatty to really engage.

As the tone shifts, three narratives vie for screentime and none gets the time they deserve.

Alan Arkin, who has made a career out of deadpan comedy, finds himself all at sea, despite his magic legend Rance Holloway being a fantastic comic creation.

In the end, what’s left is a bit of a jumble and it is a shame.

With a bit more care in the script, Wonderstone could stand alongside Ron Burgundy and Chazz Michael Michaels.

As it is, Carrell and Carrey are on fine form, Arkin is excellent and a decent film comes very close to being a very good film.

28 March 2013 Gazette 21

Gazette

FASTtunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

Easter gift from the Jimi Hendrix vaults Suede’s wilderness years, like those of David Bowie, appear to be behind them now after a creative and artistic explosion with Bloodsports

review: a welcome return from britpop legends suede

A fire in the blood...

AS FAR as comebacks are concerned, this has already been a great year. David Bowie’s The Next Day was a marker, a creative high watermark in his output since the 80s, and in a similar vein, last week saw the release of Bloodsports, the first album in a decade from Britpop icons Suede.

Suede were one of the acts who first lit the fuse of Britpop that blew away the grunge movement on this side of the pond over a glorious three-year period that saw them appear on innumerable magazine covers and deliver on the hype of being the best new band in Britain.

Classic singles like

 ROB heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com

The Drowners, Animal Nitrate and New Generation, and their run of first three albums cemented them as a class act, and ensured a level of fan devotion close to mania.

B r e t t A n d e r s o n ’s androgynous, agressive croon was the perfect foil for Bernard Butler’s (and later, Richard Oakes’) intricate and shining guitar parts, the combination recalling early 70s Bowie, filled with London swag-

ger and pop sensibility that ensured their longevity extended well beyond other acts from the scene who tried to plough the same furrows.

For a band who blazed so brightly at their first appearance on the scene, to have gone out with the whimper of A New Morning in 2002 was hugely disappointing.

Promising at the time of their split the year after A New Morning’s release to come back when the time was artistically right is something that Suede have delivered with Bloodsports.

The record is everything that New Morning was not — bright,

confident and full to the brim with great tunes, to the extent that there are songs here, like opener Barriers and lead track It Starts And Ends With You, that have already been added to the ultimate Suede playlists of fans worldwide.

Barriers, and the other songs that comprise the first half of the record, stake Suede’s case for a justified return to the battlefield in the same way as The Next Day does.

Everything you ever loved about Suede is here - the tubthumping drums, the shimmering production and lyrics that invoke glorious vulnerability, postcards from the underside of city life.

Snowblind is a soaring stomp, while the most glaringly Suedeesque track, Hit Me, ticks all of the boxes for classic status, a rollicking opening and chorus that scales the speakers, and one of the more gratuitous uses of “La la la, la la” in rock in recent times.

Taking the pace down for the last four tracks, Suede deliver some of their most affecting songs of their careers, Sometimes I Feel I’ll Float Away and Faultlines both recalling one of their finest moment, The Wild Ones.

Anyone thinking of making a comeback this year now has another incredibly high bar to clear.

Happy Easter! As the countdown to the chocfest continues, I know what I’m doing this weekend (think the chocoholic nun from Father Ted...)

And given that the Easter Bank Holiday weekend is upon us, it’s pretty fitting that a resurrection of sorts is happening in the rock world.

Jimi Hendrix is regarded by many as one of the greatest guitarists to ever pick up a Fender.

Despite only enjoying a few years of fame when he was alive, his legacy has stretched the length and breadth of the music world, influencing every artist from Miles Davis to Stevie Ray Vaughan.

A dozen albums have been released since his untimely death in September of 1970 at the age of 27, including this month’s release of People, Hell And Angels, an album made up of 12 previously unreleased tracks which were in the pipeline for the follow-up to Jimi’s third (and what turned out to be last) album Electric Ladyland, released in 1968.

The release of People, Hell And Love is also poignant when you consider Hendrix would have been 70 this year.

And if you’re wondering where all this material came from, Hendrix was famous for using studios as rehearsal space meaning although management were forking out heavy fees, the tapes were rolling for much of The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s jam sessions.

However, rumour has it People, Hell And Angels is likely to mark the end of four decades of posthumous album releases, though the guitarist’s engineer, Eddie Kramer, has said there is still a load of live footage in the vault, so the next Hendrix release could be in the form of a DVD. And with Hendrix’s live performances as famous as his fingers - it will be guaranteed to be as electric as ever.

Gazette

22 gazette 28 March 2013

OUT&ABOUT

GAMING

BYTES&PIECES

get lost on a year walk

Tree-mendous sense of design in a chilly game I’M a little late to mention this, as it’s been out for a wee while now, but not unlike the starting cabin deep in its forest, Year Walk isn’t going anywhere any time soon.

While there are tons of new IOS games released every day, only a few of them ever get noticed, with Simogo’s title catching plenty of attention upon its pretty recent release on the Apple store.

At its simplest, you could describe Year Walk as a kind of ... forest walk-em-up, starting off at a serenely quiet Swedish cottage as snow drifts down. From there, you flick the screens around, with trees and other objects unfolding into view, depending on where you’re wandering.

However, the paths and trails don’t quite go where you’re expecting, with a disorientating sense of space, and place, adding to the confusion, while you may meet a number of ... forest spirits on your journey, and not all of them creatures you’d wish to meet in a snowy Swedish forest as night falls ...

An interesting mix of Scandanavian design and folklore, married to quaintly charming graphics that makes good use of IOS platforms’ tactile interfaces, Year Walk is an abstract, atmospheric and elegantly presented title that’s well worth taking a stroll with. Just don’t blame me if you get lost within its deceptively simple setting ...

from free to almost free WhatsApp confirms charge coming

THIS news may not come as a very huge surprise, but the popular free messaging app WhatsApp has confirmed that it’s to start charging an annual (small) subscription cost for its IOS users from some time this year.

One of the must-have apps on many people’s smartphones, WhatsApp has been very successful. Even though it has rivals, it still maintains its very substantial user base for texting and exchanging pictures (without any pesky, annoying ads getting in the way).

While Windows Phone, Android, BlackBerry and Nokia phone users already pay a minimal annual subscription, IOS users can expect to see their free WhatsApp become, well, very almost free, later this year, with chief executive Jan Joum making the sensible decision to apply a charge ...

Previously something of a sidekick in the Gears of War universe, sarcastic, quick-witted Baird (right) steps up as lead protaganist in this exploratory prequel, set shortly after Emergence Day. Baird’s joined by some familiar, and new, faces on this latest intense romp.

gears of war: judgment still shooting for the top

The action ticks along

WITH the XBox 360 nearing the end of its life cycle, several games have been rolling out to show that there’s plenty of life in the old gal yet.

And they certainly don’t come much livelier than entries in the XBox 360-exclusive Gears of War series, that’s for sure; a series that has graced this page before.

Still, with the Gears series seemingly well and truly w rapped up at the end of the recent-ish third title, where next for the franchise?

Well, step forward Gears of War: Judgment, the

prequel!

 shane dillon sdillon@gazettegroup.com

(Oh, Epic Games, whatever next? Gears of War: The College Years?)

Okay, so prequels are generally poorly-received by most people – after all, it’s hard to build up any kind of narrative drama when you know that soand-so will be okay and go on to other adventures.

Still, kudos to GoW:J, wonky name spelling and all, for working out an interesting new angle.

This time round – or, err, before – a previously ancillary character gets top billing as lead protaganist, as sarcastic, highly intelligent Damon Baird begins the game in trouble with the higher-ups.

He’s on trial with a

Fan favourite Augustus “Cole Train” Cole steps up for duty, with his younger self proving as tough as ever

number of other COG soldiers (including perenially popular Cole Train) of being disobedient soldiers in the chaos following Emergence Day – the day when a hostile species, the Locust Horde, suddenly began pouring into the world from below.

Now, Baird, Cole and the others are forced to explain what really happened to lead them to this point (which is all set several years or so before the first Gears of War game, don’t forget). Cue the explanatory flashbacks ...

From the get-go, Gears fans will be in instantly familiar territor y, as nobody does “destroyed beauty” as well as Epic Games, with one ravaged cityscape or landscape after another to plough through, Lancer (chainsaw-gun) a revvin’.

Reavers,Wretches,Tickers, Lambent and more – all the usual Locust horde are here, and some more, and all looking to cause tears before bedtime for Baird and his buddies,

As a way to mix up the action, players can choose to “remember the truth” of what happened at certain locations, where they spot the Gears logo – thus triggering area-specific challenges to undertake

whether in the single player or in the (highly entertaining) online multiplayer modes.

Perhaps the most interesting feature is the ways gamers can undertake optional challenges throughout, all of which help to, firstly, add greater challenge (as though the game was easy to begin with), and, secondly, to flesh out Baird and co as characters.

It’s hard not to feel that GoW:J isn’t more of the same, but that’s not always

a bad thing, as the Gears universe, characters and, well, vision have always been singularly entertaining to begin with.

While the big-scale spectacle of previous titles has been stripped back a little here to focus on tighter encounters, the action certainly hasn’t been short-changed, making it quite a blast. (Sorry, Baird – pun intended.)

Gears of War: Judgment is available for 18+ gamers now from a variety of retailers.

28 March 2013 CLONDALKIN Gazette 23

Combining classic cabriolet with the best of a hatchback

road

Gazette

review: Citroen launches a new chapter continuing the DS line

MOTORING

NOISE

n Cormac Curtis

It MAY not feel like it, but it will soon be summer, or at least we hope so.

In anticipation of some clear blue skies, Irish motorists can rest assured that Citroen is continuing the DS line story with the launch of a new chapter, the DS3 Cabrio.

Irish motorists will be able to enjoy the slightest ray of sunlight thanks to the newcomer’s intelligent architecture that makes convertible life considerably easier. The DS3 Cabrio is all about pleasure. Non-stop.

The DS3, launched just three years ago, has proved an undeniable success, totalling nearly 180,000 registrations.

Boasting enhanced personalisation possibilities with a range of roof collections, the DS3 has led the way in boosting DS line awareness and success.

The DS3 Cabrio is above all a real DS3. It features all the strong points behind the success of its sister model, namely bold styling choices, refinement down to the last detail, and instant driving thrills.

Citroen has chosen a modern technical solution for the DS3 Cabrio to underscore the DS3’s unique character and retain all of the original model’s road feel. Contributing to the personalisation effort, three softtop roofs are available: black, Infinite blue and DS Monogramme. The DS3 Cabrio is also heir to all the sophistication of the DS line, with an innovative 3D rear light signature and a highly original

Rugby legend Keith Wood, event organiser Padraic Quinn and Raymond Leddy, Skoda Ireland

Skoda Ireland steps up as Tour de Conamara sponsor

The DS3 Cabrio features bold styling choices, refinement down to the last detail, and instant driving thrills

tailgate opening motion.

The DS3 Cabrio blazes a trail in the cabriolet segment with a new wave of modernity: electrically manoeuvrable roof up to 120 km/h; the only real 5-seater in the category; the largest boot in the category; available from just 99 g/km of CO2.

The DS3 Cabrio inherits the strong personality of the hatchback. At 3.95m long, 1.71m wide and 1.46m high, it retains the original’s compact proportions, denoting agility and energy. All the customary bold styling choices are present, from the “floating” twotone roof and shark fin that reinvigorates the car’s waist line, to the side recesses that underline the LED daytime running lights and sculpt the car’s “face”.

The architecture of the DS3 Cabrio is fully in DS3 character. The canvas roof becomes a new source of personalisation with a range of original colours and designs that add to the car’s unique person-

ality. The new model also features all-new 3D LED lights at the rear and a chrome-finished handle that elegantly highlights the top of the tailgate.

While most convertibles weigh in at some 100kg more than the regular model, the DS3 Cabrio is just 25 kg heavier than the DS3 hatchback. The optimised architecture of the cabriolet model retains all of the agility and responsiveness of the original. Citroen engineers have managed to give the DS3 Cabrio the rigidity of the hatchback, notably by using the same architecture for the sides and adding structural reinforcements around the boot.

Equipped with the same technical base as the regular DS3 – ie structural components and running gear – the Cabrio keeps all of the eager handling that makes the DS3 such a treat to drive while at the same time offering topnotch control and safety.

The Irish range offers a choice of three engines

and three equipment grades, with a full range of options.

From safety to comfort to communication and entertainment, the Citroen DS3 Cabrio DSIGN has every angle covered.

High specification features include cruise control with speed limiter, 3D LED rear lights, rear parking sensors and sports suspension as standard.

The new highly-efficient petrol VTi engine is available on DSIGN level with CO2 of 112g and combined fuel economy of 4.9 l/100km.

The step up to level two DSTYLE adds interior mood lighting, signature daytime-running LEDs, air conditioning and 16” Ashers alloy wheels. At

DSTYLE level the e-HDi 90 EGS6 offers the lowest CO2 at just 99g and delivers fuel economy of 3.8l/100km.

The range topping DSPORT equipment level adds connecting box, digital air-conditioning, 17” Black Bellone alloy wheels and a double chrome exhaust pipe. With a step up of just €1,500 the DSPORT grade comes with the sporty petrol THP 155 engine with CO2 of 137g or €280 annual road tax.

The DS3 Cabrio was designed to bring occupants pleasure with no compromises. It combines the advantages of a classic cabriolet with the strong points of a hatchback.

Five-time Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault and rugby legend Keith Wood are among the international sports stars lining up for the 2013 Skoda Tour de Conamara (www.tourdeconamara. com).

The event on May 25 is part of a weekend of cycling activity that will see the Connemara area host Ireland’s first sportive team time trial in Carna.

Speaking at the launch of the event Raymond Leddy, head of marketing, Skoda Ireland said: “Skoda is delighted to become the official sponsor to the Tour de Conamara. We have a rich tradition in cycling and are the official partner of the Tour de France. To be able to get behind a local event such as this was an easy decision to make and we wish all the participants well.

“Monaghan & Sons, our local Skoda dealership in Galway, will be offering participants the option to get pre tour VIP treatment with further details to be announced closer to the event.

“The event has already attracted considerable international interest with registrations already received from cyclists in Britain, France and the USA,” according to event organiser Padraic Quinn.

He explained: “We are hoping to build on the success of last year’s cycle and have made a number of changes to provide a weekend of activity for visitors to the area. The Saturday cycle in Clifden offers 140km and 80km routes. The option to take part in the Sunday team trial event in Carna is something that is already attracting a lot of attention from cycling clubs and corporate teams.”

The weekend is rounded off with a Family Funathlon in Carna that will include cycling, walking and family entertainment. The Newstalk Team Time Trial event and Family Funathlon are fundraiser events for Cancer Care West.

Speaking about the return of Bernard Hinault to Connemara, Padraic Quinn revealed the French cycling legend expressed an immediate interest in returning in the aftermath of the 2012 event.

Quinn noted: “Bernard was very taken with the event atmosphere, scenery and the reaction of Irish cyclists to him. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Tour de France so it is a real honour to have one of the sport’s true legends join us in Connemara for the event.”

24 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 28 March 2013

GAZETTE

&ABOUT OUT fast TRAVEL NEWS

Set your sights on all the States has to offer

SETTING your sights on the States for that muchlonged for honeymoon offers couples a range of holidays to suit every type of romantic getaway.

With fun activities such as safari cruises, watersports and evening entertainment, as well as the much-needed sunshine and, of course, Disney World, a vacation in Clearwater Beach or St Petersburg in Florida has everything you need for a fun-filled honeymoon.

American Holidays, the Florida experts, have just released these great all-American sun packages, giving you even more reason to head to the Sunshine State this year.

Travel on June 6 and spend five nights at the three-star Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando and five nights at the three-star Sirata Beach Resort from only €639pp. Price includes return flights from Dublin, 10 nights’ accommodation as stated, taxes and charges. Plus, you can add on car hire from only €20 per day.

Spend seven nights at the three-star Barefoot Beach Resort on a self-catering basis from only €629 per person when you travel on June 5, or spend seven nights at the four-star Hilton Clearwater Beach from only €1,109 per person when traveling on May 12. Prices include return flights from Dublin, accommodation as stated, taxes and charges. For more information visit www.americanholidays.com or call 01 6733804.

ADVICE : TOPFLIGHT

Fit for a king and queen!

FOR those loved-up couples in search of something fit for a king and gueen (or a new husband and wife), one way to celebrate your marriage is with a stay at the Residence in Dubai, the luxurious beachfront villa situated within the five-star JA Palm Tree Court.

Located in its own exclusive bay, with 800m of private beach, the hotel offers newlyweds the chance to relax in the epitome of luxury.

Guests can take advantage of a pre-stay planner and start customising their stay in the run up to departure, ensuring the booking of a de-stress spa treatment or a romantic meal on the beach.

On landing, the complimentary Marhaba welcome service at the airport will ensure a relaxed VIP arrival at the resort.

Prices range from €300 a night based on two people sharing a garden view junior suite, or €723 for a bedroom suite at The Residence. For more information, visit www.jaresortshotels.com.

The Residence in Dubai

OFFERS: FINDING THE PERFECT, ROMANTIC TRIP OF A LIFETIME

Honeymoons

When it comes to planning your honeymoon, there’s the added pressure of ensuring this once-in-a-lifetime trip is just that – a romantic trip of a lifetime and one giant excuse to really spoil yourself and your new partner in life. Whether you’re planning an alternative honeymoon at home, or bending the budget to jet off into the sunset, there are plenty of options out there for newlyweds to find their post-wedded bliss in some of the world’s most far-flung retreats. And to help make those all-important plans a cinch, we’ve managed to pull some of the best choices together just for you!

Options are endless for newlywed getaways WHEN it comes to choosing a honeymoon, the options are endless.

So, whether you’re a sand-dweller or a home bird, travel expert Hotels. com has compiled a list of popular honeymoon destinations to inspire everyone’s preferences.

Mexico

In Costa Careyes, Mexico, prices start from just €174 per room per night on Hotels.com.

Stay at the El Careyes Beach Resort in Jalisco, Mexico, a firm favourite with celebrity honeymooners and a perfect choice for couples looking to escape after their big day.

Surrounded by subtropical rainforest and nestled in a secluded cove on the Pacific Ocean, this resort exudes elegance and tranquility.

Bora Bora

Stay at the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa in Bora Bora, French Polynesia, with prices starting from €503 per room per night on Hotels. com.

With celebrity fans including Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, newlyweds can enjoy the island paradise with spectacular views of the Otemanu Volcano from the sea shore.

Get tropical in Bora Bora,

Arizona

French Polynesia or stay close

If you’re not looking to follow the classic honeymoon recipe that requires an exotic beach, you can enjoy the exclusive service of the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa in Arizona, USA. A boutique hotel located on Camelback Mountain with a splendid view of Paradise

to home and enjoy Donegal

Valley, even celebrity couple Beyonce and Jay Z are rumoured to have honeymooned here.

Prices start from €357 per room per night.

Donegal

Or to stay a little closer to home, why not enjoy

your post-wedding moon at Lough Eske Castle in Co Donegal? Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker chose Donegal for her honeymoon and with prices starting from €166 per night, you too could enjoy a very fashionable holiday in the weeks after

your big day.

A stunning five-star, Lough Eske is set within 43 acres of forest woodland the perfect location for that honeymoon closer to home.  For further information

visit www.Hotels.com.

28 March 2013 CLONDALKIN gazette 25

Gazette

TRAVEL fast

TRAVEL NEWS

Get romantic and see the sights of Rome and Sicily

The white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Thailand make for an ideal romantic getaway

In the mood for travel Whether you are looking to explore the wonders of the United Arab Emirates or the beauty of Thailand, Travelmood have something to suit all needs and tastes to make that special occasion one to remember.

Maldives

Travel to the Maldives on May 12, 2013, and spend nine nights in the four-star Bandos Island on a B&B basis from only €1,299 per person. The price includes return flights from Dublin, accommodation

as stated, speedboat transfers and all taxes and charges.

modation, internal flights and all taxes and charges.

Thailand

Mexico

Travel to Thailand on May 22, 2013, and spend three nights at the four-star Rembrandt Hotel in Bangkok on a room-only basis, before enjoying seven nights at the five-star Indigo Pearl Hotel in the Premium Pearl Bed Suite in Phuket, on a B&B basis from just €1,429 per person.

Price includes return flights from Dublin, 10 nights’ accom-

Spend three nights in the five-star Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa in a Premium Deluxe Tropical & Garden View room in Mexico, on an all-inclusive basis from only €1,398 per person for couples travelling on June 10, 2013. Price also includes return flights from Dublin, accommodation as stated, internal flights and all taxes and charges.

Honeymoon Lowdown!

Over 100 engaged or recently married respondents completed the survey which was conducted by Hotels.com through Confetti.ie, the online home of Irish bridal title, Confetti Magazine. While results showed that one-in-four Irish couples spend on average between €5,000 and €10,000 on their dream holiday, it seems that is not all!  Despite the recession, 99% of newly-

weds plan to take a honeymoon  While traditionally it was the groom’s

job to book the honeymoon, it seems the modern bride is leaving nothing to chance with 69% of people polled saying that researching and booking the honeymoon is a joint decision.  Thailand is the most popular honey-

moon spot (19%) followed by Italy (11%) and Australia (9%)  7% of couple say they plan to honey-

moon at home

Dubai

Or finally, spend five nights at the five-star Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate in Dubai on a B&B basis, before spending seven nights at the four-star Avani Kalutara Resort in Sri Lanka, in a superior lagoon view room from just €1,564 per person.

Prices include return flights, 12 nights’ accommodation, internal flights, taxes and charges when travelling on May 11.

For further details or further dates available, visit www.trav elmood.ie or call 01 4331063.

Essential tips for the ultimate stress-free post-nuptial holiday Whether you are planning a romantic beach holiday or a whirlwind city break, your first trip as a married couple should be full of excitement and romance and an excuse to wine and dine. But being swept away in the run up to the much-anticipated nuptials can sometimes mean overlooking some of the vital details.

Dr Graham Fry, director of the Tropical Medical Bureau, knows all about the problems faced by newlyweds and says that a small forgotten detail when planning your all-important honeymoon can shatter your dream holiday.

To help your honeymoon run as smoothly as possible, Dr Fry offers a number of essential tips.

1. Ask someone responsible to send your marriage registration form to the general

There is so much to see in Italy, from the captivating city of Rome, to the sandy beaches in Sicily.

If Italy is your dream honeymoon destination, you are in luck – Citalia can send you there for incredibly low rates.

Travel to Bologna for four nights at the Metropolitan hotel, on a B&B basis, for just €459 when you travel on April 23.

Or spend a holiday in Verona for two nights at the Mastino Hotel, and Lake Garda for five nights at the Parcha Del Garda Hotel, also on a B&B basis from only €649, travelling on May 9.

Or perhaps you will be tempted to relax by the turquoise waters of Capri for seven nights in the Syrene Hotel, also on a B&B basis from €969, travelling on May 17, 2013.

All prices are based on two people sharing and include return flights, taxes and charges. For more information, visit www.travelmood.ie

registration office when you’re away – the form must go in within one month of the ceremony.

2. A meal at a top restaurant might be romantic, but steer clear of the shellfish when abroad to avoid honeymooners’ most common malady.

3. Don’t forget the suncream! Looking like a lobster won’t turn anybody on, even if they have sworn in sickness and in health.

4. If possible, have a day at home after the wedding before the honeymoon. This will hopefully prevent the “I forgot the tickets” scenario.

5. Don’t use your married name on the tickets unless your passport reflects the change – you might not be allowed on the plane.

For more tips, visit www.tmb.ie .

Go the extra mile to Cancun or Dominican Republic Long-haul destinations combine brand new experiences with relaxed, home-from-home accommodation, so going the extra mile could make the world of difference to your holiday retreat and Thomas Cook are offering a range of idyllic destinations this honeymoon season.

Spend 14 nights at the luxurious five-star Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort in Cancun, Mexico, offering honeymooners a secluded white-sanded beach setting. A 14-night package on an allinclusive basis is available from €2,178 pps on September 22, 2013.

Or stay 14 nights at the romantic four-star Sirenis Suites in Punta Canta, Dominican Republic, on an all-inclusive basis from €1,210 pps. The hotel is set in a tropical haven, nestled between a coconut grove and a spectacular beachfront.

Price is based on a departure date of October 1, 2013.

Both prices include direct flights from Gatwick, however flights can be arranged from Dublin to Gatwick at an additional cost.

To book call Thomas Cook Ireland in Dublin on 01 514 0316.

advice : topflight

Sirenis Suites in Punta Canta

26 CLONDALKIN GAZETTE 28 March 2013

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Find us on

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

INSIDE: Arlene’s hopes to pluck Rose success Page 8

‘HONOURED’: Robert Dowds to join Constitutional convention See Page 2

Moving forward: IT company to create 20 posts LEADING IT security services

provider, Ward Solutions, has announced that it is to increase its workforce by 50%. The company plans to invest â‚Ź3m and create 20 jobs for highly qualified and experienced information security professionals and sales staff. Pictured at the announcement were Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD, Pat Larkin, chief executive, Ward Solutions, and Paul Hogan, chief technology officer, Ward Solutions.

Basketball:

Ballon granted Super League status Page 30

Hurling:

Round Tower’s keep promotion hopes alive Page 31

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

200 jobs secured across Clondalkin Redundancies averted and new positions created

ďż˝ PAUL HOSFORD

THERE was good news on the jobs front for Clondalkin this week as nearly 200 jobs were secured in three separate moves.

Firstly, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre has announced the arrival of eight new nation-

al and international retailers, which will create 120 new jobs within the centre.

There was good news for existing jobs also, as workers in two local stores were granted reprieves in the face of possible redundancies.

The Atlantic Homecare store in Liffey Valley will

remain open, after it had been marked for closure when the company went into administration last month, and 40 jobs in Ballymount were rescued last week after a management buy-out of building providers TJ O’Mahony, part of the Moritz Group.

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28 March 2013 CLONDALKIN Gazette 27

rugby 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

sport awards P29

FastSport O’COnnor opens edmonstown:

The Ireland team brought home an impressive 16 medals from the 2012 Paralympic Games in London

paralympics: investment for the future will assist host of local stars

Funding boost for inspiring athletes on the road to Rio Following the success of Team Ireland at last year’s London Paralympic Games, where the country’s competitors secured 16 medals, the Minister for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, has announced an investment of €910,000 to Paralympics Ireland for 2013, marking a significant stepping stone for the Paralympic movement in Ireland on their road to Rio in 2016.

The announcement was part of a package of support to Irish high-performance sport of €8.6 million, which also included direct financial support

to 25 Paralympic athletes totalling €604,000 under the Irish Sports Council’s international carding scheme.

The funding represents the first time that Paralympics Ireland has not seen a cut in their funding in the first year of the four year Olympic cycle after previous Games.

Liam Harbison, chief executive of Paralympics Ireland, said: “This investment package is very significant for Paralympics Ireland and sets us on a sound path to further sustained progress on the road to Rio 2016.

“The improved resource allows us to sustain the huge progress made in securing 16 medals in London and ensuring we deliver top class services to Paralympic athletes,” said Harbison.

Commenting on the investment in the performance programme, Nancy Chillingworth, Paralympic performance director said: “The four year performance plan for Rio can now be implemented in full with increased support to sports, sports science and medical provision and improved levels

of professional technical expertise to assist athletes. The plan sets us on a path to sustained success commencing with major Championships in each sport over the coming six months with athletes already targeting qualification slots for the Games.

“Continued investment throughout the next four years is essential for Paralympic sport to continue the huge strides made in London.”

Preparations for Rio 2016 have begun in earnest with the first inspection visit completed this month.

Irish golfing legend Christy O’Connor Junior was on hand last weekend to officially open the new professional facilities at Edmondstown Golf Club in Dundrum.

The club has invested over €400,000 in its new pro facilities, which includes a 2,000 square feet pro shop and a state-of-the-art swing room.

The opening included a tournament sponsored by Bill Sheehan and Sons and Mitsubishi Motors.

O’Connor was generous with his time and coached several of the student members of the Edmonstown club on their technique.

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 28 March 2013

SPORT

DublinGazetteNewspapers 2013 dublin sports awards march nominees

WILL it ever end? Not the terrible weather, but the amazing achievements of Dublin’s sporting men, women and children which is making our job in choosing the nominees for the Dublin Sport Awards such a difficult job. This month is no different, but there were some stand-out performances that deserved extra attention. Siofra Clerigh-Buttner has been making waves in athletics for years and continues to hit the heights nationally, while Barry Cahill called time on an inspiring inter-county career. Fiona Coghlan and the Irish women’s rugby team impressed on every level, making history on the way to the 6 Nations Grand Slam. Monkstown managed to claim the Irish Senior Cup title this year before a centenary of missing out on the title came to pass, and Clondalkin RFC achieved their third promotion in five years to reach the Leinster League Division 1A.

H STARof the MONTH

siofra clerigh-buttner

barry cahill

fiona coghlan

Colaiste Iosagain’s Siofra Cleirigh Buttner continued her incredible schools record with an emphatic victory in the senior girls 2,500m race at the Irish Schools’ Cross Country Championships in the University of Ulster, Jordanstown this month.

THE St Brigid’s star and former Dublin captain called time on his inter-county career, having won eight Leinster titles, an All-Ireland and an All Star during his 11 years representing Dublin, avowing his belief in the next generation of players.

LUCAN teacher Coghlan has been the leader of the pack with Ireland’s women’s rugby team, captaining the national team to their historic set of achievements in the 2013 6 Nations championship run, only the third captain ever to claim the Grand Slam.

ireland women’s rugby

monkstown HC

clondalkin RFC

A HISTORIC season for Ireland’s senior women’s rugby team saw an incredible 6 Nations campaign crowned with an array of firsts - the first win over England in the competition, first Triple Crown, first championship title, and the holy grail, the Grand Slam.

MONKSTOWN hockey club ended their 99-year wait for Irish Senior Cup glory, finally breaking their hoodoo in the competition in the most thrilling of finals as Andy Ewington, for the second time in a week, netted a silver goal winner.

CLONDALKIN rugby club will celebrate their 40th year in the giddy heights of Leinster League Division 1A, the highest level of competition they have ever contested, following a superb 27-6 win over Cill Dara last Saturday that saw them earn promotion.

TEAMof the MONTH H

Get set with Gazette Sport for Great Ireland Run  sport@gazettegroup.com

D u blin G a z e t t e Newspapers is delighted to announce that we have teamed up again this year with the SPAR Great Ireland Run to recognise runners in each of our papers’ local areas.

The Gazette will recognise the fastest man and woman from each paper’s circulation area with a specially designed plaque as well as prizes

of sports gear. After the run, we will also be publishing a results list of the top local male and female finishers.

The SPAR Great Ireland Run 2013 will take place in the Phoenix Park on Sunday, April 14, at 1pm.

This year’s run will more than ever be about enjoying a full family running day as a mini run for five- to eightyear-olds over a one mile lap has been added to

the programme alongside a junior run for nine- to 15-year-olds over 2.5km. The Mini Run and Junior Run will precede the main event and an adult can run or walk alongside each child in the mini-run.

Up to 12,000 entries are expected and every adult entrant will receive an exclusive technical T shirt as well as a medal and a generous goody bag after completing the run.

Participants are being encouraged to raise funds for good causes and the event’s nominated charities are the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation and SPAR’s charity par tner, the 3Ts – Turn The Tide of Suicide. The Baby Max Wings of Love Fund is the nominated charity for the junior run and mini run.

Entries can be made online at www.greatirelandrun.org.

Athletic stars Ava Hutchinson, Fionnuala Britton, Lizzie Lee and Linda Byrne with Willie O’Byrne from SPAR at the launch of this year’s Great Ireland Run

28 March 2013 CLONDALKIN Gazette 29

Gazette

Grand Slam glory for Ireland’s captain Coghlan Fiona Coghlan led Ireland in their historic 2013 6 Nations campaign, and spoke about the journey from college fields to the top of women’s rugby BRINGING attention through success to your chosen sport is something that every competitior aspires to achieve, especially when it has existed in the shadow of a more high-profile version of the game.

So when Ireland’s women’s rugby team claimed the holy grail of the sport in the Northern Hemisphere, the 6 Nations Grand Slam, the attention of the nation turned to recognise what they had achieved.

It should be noted that achievements of this kind are few and far between – Ireland’s captain, Fiona Coghlan, became only the third player to lead Ireland to Grand Slam success after Karl Mullen and Brian O’Driscoll.

The women also recorded their first ever win over

 rob heigh sport@gazettegroup.com

England, as well as their first Triple Crown and first 6 Nations title.

Speaking to Gazette Sport last week, Coghlan admitted she hadn’t had time for the enormity of the team’s achievement to sink in.

“I don’t think it has hit me yet, it has been so manic since we got back.

I really haven’t had time to sit down and think about it. I haven’t even had the chance to watch the match back, which I would normally do in the day after or night after the game.”

Ireland’s Fiona Coghlan leads out the team

Speaking about the deciding match, in which they faced Italy in a wet and wind-blown Rome, Fiona says though it was tough, it was not the hardest match of the campaign.

“The weather conditions didn’t allow us to play the kind of rugby we like to play. In that sense it was tough, but it wasn’t the most physical game, the French game was more physical. It’s when things aren’t going your way that you have to knuckle down and try to hold the lead, which we did.”

Fiona has a long career in rugby, but it didn’t start from an early age.

“I was sport mad as a teenager and played everything, but it wasn’t until I went to college in Limerick that I got into rugby.

I signed up for everything in fresher’s week and that was the thing that grabbed my attention most. At the start I was kind of bored at training as it was so technical, but once I played my first game, I was hooked.”

At college, Fiona won intervarsity competitions and college leagues, and went on to win the AllIreland league with UL Bohs. Her first international cap came against Spain in Madrid in 2003.

“The experience was brilliant. Someone got injured and I went on as hooker. The level was a step up to what I was used to, and it was a shock to the system. So many of my teammates from the club were on the team

at the time, which made things a little easier.”

Fiona is hoping that the team’s achievements can raise the profile of women’s rugby in Ireland to a higher level, and get more people involved in the sport.

“I would hope that people continue to take women’s rugby seriously.

Before, I don’t think people even knew that there was such a thing as international women’s rugby, or the standard that we were at. Now they’ve been exposed to it, I would hope that it would encourage them to keep supporting it and get involved.

“Everything has been so positive in the last couple of weeks, we’ve never received so much exposure. Before, when we played in Twickenham in 2005 when he had to leave without seeing the men’s match, or when our travel plans have gone haywire, that has made the headlines. But to be getting exposure for the way we play and people looking at the game rather than everything surrounding it, is fantastic for us.

“If we can get more numbers involved, it will be more positive.”

Fiona has already seen first hand the kind of impact that international success can have on interest in a sport through her day job, teaching at Lucan Community College.

“Everyone at the school is really excited, and I brought the 6 Nations trophy to the school the other day. On Tuesday, I had a parent-teacher

meeting, and a number were really positive about getting their daughters involved in rugby, which is the first time that has ever happened.

“I hope that can

increase, and in other schools across the country, and I’m sure that the supports will continue to be put in place by the development officers and the branches locally.”

FastSport anville third in kilkenny: MOUNT Anville finished third in the Kate Russell All-Ireland schoolgirl’s hockey championship last Friday in Kilkenny in dramatic fashion as they got the better of Crescent Comprehensive.

The Leinster champions fought back with two goals in the last ten minutes to win 4-3 to beat the Limerick side, finishing third overall behind Lurgan and Kilkenny College.

Gazette

30 CLONDALKIN Gazette 28 March 2013

SPORT

FastSport

boxing: opponents for undercard sought by locals

Moyle Park miss out on All-Ireland title Clondalkin’s Moyle Park College were unlucky to come up against a fiery Cnoc Mhuire Granard from Co Longford in the Under-16B Boys Schools League final at the National Basketball Arena last week, which saw them come close, but not close enough to taking the All-Ireland title.

The Moyle captain, Donatas Vikarauskas, in particular spurred on his team with five points in the final quarter and a total of 16 points for the game, but Granard were too strong and had more points on the board and across the team.

Granard were first to put points on the board but both teams struggled to hit their shots throughout the first quarter.

Through some persistent offensive rebounds and an assist from Salam Atoro, Moyle snuck head by two points midway through the period.

Tough zone defence from both teams resulted in a tight quarter with Moyle scoring 8 and Granard 6 for the quarter.

Granard’s Ruairi Harkin set the scene early in the second quarter hitting a mid-range jump shot from the baseline. From there Granard gained momentum and their tough defence forced a series of Moyle turnovers.

Granard managed to find an open Ronan Williams several times under the basket and he ended up top scorer for the quarter with 6 points.

At the other end, Moyle still had trouble converting their open shots. Captain Vikarauskas was eventually rewarded for his offensive rebounding efforts under the basket and had Moyle back to within four.

However, quick points from Cathal Lynch, and Granard took a seven point lead heading into half time.

In the third quarter, Granard extended their lead to 13 points, though Vikarauskas continued to work hard on the offensive boards and with about three minutes to go hit a couple of baskets in close succession.

Moyle, to their credit kept working hard and attempted to speed up the game as best they could and the lead had not extended past 8 with just under three minutes to go in the game.

Baskets from Cathal Lynch, Ronan Williams and Russell Brady coming down the stretch, removed any doubt as to the final outcome, which saw the Longford school win by 9 points.

Ian Tims is looking to make an impact on his return to the ring, which he hopes will form part of a card set to play out in Dublin on May 3

Ormond, Tims set to return  sport@gazettegroup.com

CLONDALK IN duo Stephen Ormond and Ian Tims are both keen to get back into the ring for a Dublin date on May 3 as part of a Dublin show.

They are looking for opponents on a card that will feature Lucan man Karl Brabazon and debutant Luke Keeler.

The highly-rated Ormond is looking to get back into the ring for the first time since last July when he beat Mickey Coveney in London.

That win brought his record to 12-1, with the

sole loss a hometown decision to Paul Appleby for the BBBofC Celtic super-featherweight title in Scotland.

It will be Ormond’s first fight on home turf since 2011 with an opponent to be named in the coming weeks.

Tims, meanwhile, is keen to get involved in a rematch with Michael Sweeney in what could be an epic dust-up following his 2011 win over “The Storm” for the Irish cruiserweight title back in Citywest in a 10-round slugfest.

The Clondalkin man has seen a number of

Fantastic francis

Saints reach semifinal of the SFAI Cup st francis’ DDSL U-13 Premier side will play St Kevin’s Boys in the final four of the SFAI Cup in late April following their progression in the competition.

Mark Connolly’s side were in top form when they beat Herbertstown in Limerick last weekend in style with a 6-2 success.

Earlier in 2013, they claimed the DB Tours ll-Ireland cup with victory over Belfast’s St Oliver Plunkett’s.

dates fall through in recent times, notably just before Christmas, and is hopeful of securing more dates in 2013 following elbow surgery.

2012 was a tough year, for Tims falling to his first defeats of his professional career when he bowed out to a decision against Juho Haapoja in Finland in a 12-rounder and fell to Tony Conquest in London.

But he is more than confident he can repeat the win over Sweeney should they be paired together again.

“I will fight Sweeney again if he wants,” he

told irish-boxing.com. “If he wants to fight, tell him to call me and let’s see if we can get a promoter to put it on.

“I know the fans want to see all-Irish fights and Irish title fights, and another fight between Sweeney and myself seems to interest people.

But, honestly, I won the last fight comfortably. I didn’t get out of first or second gear and I only had one good arm. If it happens again, I will knock him out.

“Mentally I am in brilliant shape now. I have had some issues outside the ring over the years,

but I am focused now.

I only had four fights in three years and I want to fight. I am hitting my peak. I have four good years left in me,” said Tims.

“I am ready to fight regularly and I am ready to defend my Irish title against all-comers.

“People are talking about Trainor and Carmichael, I am not sure if they are ready yet.

“Then there is Stephen Reynolds, Stephen is a tough guy, but I think I would have too much for him. But if they want to fight, they can get in touch.”

28 March 2013 CLONDALKIN Gazette 31

Gazette

Gala dinner to mark Tower’s celebration  sport@gazettegroup.com

MONASTERY Road, R o u n d Towe r GA A club’s newly developed premier sporting facility, will be transformed on April 19 for a historic gala dinner that will commence a weekend of celebration to mark the official opening of the sporting development.

GAA President Liam O’Neill, chairman of the Dublin County Board Andy Kettle, secretary of the County Board John Costello, club officials, members, supporters and representatives of the Clondalkin and wider Dublin GAA community will assemble for the historic occasion.

Speaking about the

event, Round Tower chairman Tony Delaney said: “The official opening of Monastery Road is an historic occasion for this club that has served the Clondalkin and wider GAA community for 129 years.”

The dinner will begin the celebrations and the following day, Saturday April 20, the Dublin

senior footballers will play an inter-county fixture at Monastery Road to mark its official opening.

Tickets for the event are priced at €45 and are available by contacting Jessica O’Malley at 087 2806273, Rory Dunne on 087704297 or Caoimhe Joyce on 087 950 2041.

NFL: footballers bounce back from cork loss

Club Noticeboard round tower Member s hip i s n o w ove r d u e .

Renewal forms available on the club website or in reception in the

There was no winner of the jack-

clubrooms. Only members who have

pot of €10,000. Congratulations to

renewed by March 31 will be entitled

Joe Kelly, Marita Griffin and Carol

to vote at next year’s AGM.

Sheridan who were the three €100

Details have been announced of

+ Bonus Ball winner. Next week’s

official opening of the Monastery

jackpot will be €10,000.

Road development.

help them become the top Friday

will be held in Monastery Road and

night seller. One hour once every

the following day the Dublin senior

seven weeks is all it takes. If you

footballers will play an intercounty

are able to help, please contact

fixture. Further details available on

Matt McCormack on 087 683 6737 or

our website.

email info@roundtower.ie

Tickets for the dinner are priced

Entry is open for Flora Women’s

at €45, and can be booked by con-

Mini Marathon on Monday, June 3.

tacting Jessica O’Malley at 087 280

Anyone interested, please contact

6273.

Jessica O’Malley at 087 280 6273.

Ciaran Carr Foundation fundrais-

The clubrooms are available for

er and official launch will take place

rental for parties, anniversaries,

in clubrooms on Saturday, April 6,

etc. Please contact Jimmy behind

with music by Farmer & Friends.

the bar or call (01) 459 2960.

This will be the official release date

The club shop is open ever y

of Carsie’s Song. Admission €5, or a

Monday night from 7.30 to 8.30pm.

donation.

Please call Betty Ward or Catherine

Please support, all welcome.

Moran direct if you have any par-

An Easter Treasure Trail for six-

ticular enquiries on 087 675 2238 or

house. Entry €2 per child.

LADIES NFL Div 1 Dublin Tyrone  sport@gazettegroup.com

3-7 0-6

ROUND Tower’s Hannah Tyrell’s goal closed out a comprehensive win when Dublin had 10 points to spare over Tyrone in the fifth round of the TESCO Home Grown national football league, getting back to winning ways after their defeat to Cork.

The game was played in bitterly cold and blustery conditions in Belfield but was an entertaining affair considering the setting. Dublin who had

played against the strong breeze for the opening half of the match had led their Northern challengers at the interval by 1-3 to 0-4.

Dublin’s opening goal had come from the boot of the industrious Noelle Healy, whose speedy runs through the Tyrone defence was causing the Red Hand County some concern.

However, Dublin were dealt a hammer blow within 20 minutes when Sinead Goldrick had to be carried off the field of play with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

Tyrone were enjoy-

ing decent possession during these phases but found little change from Dublin defenders Siobhan McGrath, Sinead Finnegan and Ballyboden St Enda’s Rachel Ruddy whose work rate was top notch.

Healy was unfortunate not to raise a green flag for the second time when her rasping shot bounced back off the post but Dublin’s persistence did eventually pay off when Siobhan Woods, popped over three unanswered points to push her side further ahead.

And the tie was effectively ended when Dub-

lin substitute Tyrell, out jumped the full back Laura McGillion to knock the ball past the onr ushing Shannon Lynch.

Natalia Hyland added to the rout as she had the calmness and strength to slot a low shot past Lynch while being challenged by two Tyrone defenders.

Up next for the Dubs will be the visit of high flying league leaders, Monaghan to the Capital on Easter Sunday.

The game is pencilled in for a 2pm throw in time in Lawless Park, Swords, home of Fingallians.

Pick your Lotto team leader and

On Friday, April 19, a gala dinner

Easter Saturday at 10am in club-

Dublin ladies return to winning ways

winners. There was no Match Three

celebrations planned to mark the

to 10-year-olds will take place on

Hannah Tyrell from Round Tower lined out for the Dublin senior team against Tyrone. Picture: GAApics.com

Lotto results: numbers drawn were 19, 23, 24 and 26; Bonus Ball 6.

086 830 3207 respectively.

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

st pat’s palmerstown Thanks to all who supported the race

Lotto results: First draw numbers

night in Palmerstown House. A great

drawn were 2, 5, 22 and 28; there was

night was had by all.

no winner. Second draw numbers

The club would like to express sympathies to the Ward family on the death of Kevin Ward, ar dheis dé go raibh a nanam.

A small number of memberships are still outstanding and must be paid immediately.

drawn were 14, 25, 27 and 29; there was no winner.

Any three numbers winners were Jack, Jim and Alan, Derek c/p Bar, John Bates, Sean McCarthy.

First draw jackpot of €10,000; Second draw jackpot of €2,000.

Lucan sarsfields Membership is now due and can be

the U-9 hurlers played three games

paid online through our website,

against a strong St Jude’s team at

www.lucansarsfields.ie, or at the

the 12th Lock last Saturday morning.

clubhouse bar. The deadline for mem-

Sars won two out of three games and

bership is March 31. There will be a

showed some excellent determina-

strict no pay, no play policy in place

tion and team play to overcome St

this year.

Jude’s, whilst narrowly losing the

There are still some unclaimed

third. The boys deserve a lot of cred-

prizes from the 12th Lock Fight Night

it for serving up some great hurling

raffle. Check your tickets on the club

skills on a cold cold day for playing

website.

games.

The senior hurlers drew with

Our golf society’s first outing is

James Stephen’s 1-19 apiece last Sun-

at The famous K-Club on April 6. New

day, with scores from K O’Reilly (8), S

members are welcome, and the mem-

McClelland (1-1), M May (3), D Brennan

bership fee is only €20.

(2), B Aird (2), M McCraffery (2) and F Clandillon (1).

On a freezing cold day for hurling,

Why not book the All Weather Pitch in Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club for games or matches and a party?

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

ten-point triumph: Dublin ladies return win emphatic win over Tyrone in league encounter P31

march 28, 2013

captain fantastic: Fiona Coghlan on Ireland’s glorious Grand Slam P29

Clondalkin reach rugby heights CLONDALKIN rugby club will celebrate their 40th year in Leinster League Division 1A, the highest level of competition they have ever contested, following a superb 27-6 win over Cill Dara last Saturday.

It earned them their third promotion via the play-offs in five years, in front of a fervent support that vastly out-numbered their hosts’ fans.

Clon went 7-0 up through Niall Nolan’s early try with a backline move. Off a good shove in the scrum, blindside winger Gary Donnelly made the break, taking in a pass from Chris Jebb before offloading to Andy Dixon who again skipped out a runner with his pass to find Nolan on the wing, who beat his defender from 22 yards.

Jebb added the extras before Cill Dara got three back from a penalty.

However, the out-half added a drop goal and a penalty to see his side 13-6 up at the break.

Having played with the wind and the hill, though, it was not a comfortable lead, especially when vice captain Paul Nolan went off with a broken arm.

That setback was used as a galvanising factor by Jebb in the half-time team talk, saying: “You’ve got people willing to put their bodies on the line for this. That guy is going to be out for eight weeks, we don’t want him to be out for no reason.”

Clondalkin pushed on in the second half, going through a myriad

phases before player of the match Simon King going through under the posts for a key try, making it 20-6.

The second row then closed out the win five minutes from time, intercepting a desperate Cill Dara offload for a famous result.

Speaking afterwards to GazetteSport, Jebb added that it was another famous day in the ever-emerging Gordon Park club’s history.

“We must have out-numbered their supporters 10 to one so, from a club point of view, we’d like to thank all the fans. It was unreal. From alickadoos, men, women, girlfriends, wives and kids – they were all there – and it was a great celebration.”

It puts Clondalkin a step away from

the Ulster Bank All-Ireland leagues, something which Jebb says is still very much part of the club’s long-term vision. But he is wary of how tough that will be in the face of how other clubs operate.

“We have a different ethos as we will be the only side, I can guarantee, in Leinster League Division 1A that doesn’t bring in a foreigner or a paid player.

“Our club is built on family and friends for life, and I don’t think the club should ever change that. There are lots of young guys coming through but it is important for us to reach out to the local community and say if you are interested in playing rugby, come up, check it out.”

Action from the league promotion decider against Cill Dara