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December 13, 2012 Find us on

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INSIDE: Eight years of campaigning for a local skate park reaches a wheely great conclusion Page 4

Football:

Round Tower host inaugural winter event Page 31

Soccer:

Alpine Express and Booth Road share LSL draw Page 30

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

budget 2013: Local politicians give their reactions to the latest austerity cuts P2

Pharma giant to invest locally  paul hosford

A HUGE investment is expected in Grangecastle Business Park after a Spanish pharmaceutical giant took a 999-year lease on an 11-hectare site in the park.

Grifols, a Barcelona-based leader in blood plasma products, was approved to purchase the land at this week’s meeting of South Dublin County Council.

Local reaction to the plan was warm, with local Minister Frances Fitzgerald saying that the land being leased to a leading multinational company was a significant vote of confidence in the area. She added: “I welcome this site disposal and the proposed investment by Grifols. This represents a major boost for the local economy in Clondalkin and Lucan, and is a vote of confidence in Ireland.”

Full Story on Page 8

A noteworthy event: Choirs help celebrate the Christmas lights NOAH Johnson and John Lyons helped celebrate the spirit of the season when they and fellow choir members from St Joseph’s boys school sang carols at the Civic Offices in Clondalkin recently, as part of the official ceremony

to turn on Christmas lights. With a choir from Colaiste Bride also lending their voices to the occasion, the joyous event was a great way to welcome the spirit of Christmas to the town.

See Gallery on Page 6

2 CLONDALKIN Gazette 13 December 2012

dublin GAZETTe economy Sharp divisions on national plan 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

c o n ta c t s Managing Director: Michael McGovern mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com While there has been widespread national condemnation of many elements of Budget 2013, local Fine Gael deputy Derek Keating (FG)

Acting News Editor: Rob Heigh rheigh@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile jmaile@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Paul Hosford picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sport@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 - 6010240 sales@gazettegroup.com

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defended its details, saying the Government had made “every effort to protect the vulnerable in this budget”

Mixed responses to Budget 2013’s details THERE have been mixed responses to Budget 2013, with local TDs rushing to its defence.

While local Sinn Fein representative for Dublin Mid-West Eoin O Broin slammed the Budget as “anti-jobs, anti-family and anti-child”, Fine Gael TD Derek Keating said that the Government had “protected the most vulnerable”.

Despite a large swathe of taxes and cuts that will impact almost every adult in the state, Deputy Keating feels that “fairness is at the heart” of the Budget.

He said: “The Irish economy has been in a perilous state but, following the adjustment made in Budget 2013, the majority of the heavy lifting has been done.

“T he Government recognises the sacrifices made by the Irish people and has made every effort to protect the vulnerable

 Paul Hosford news@gazettegroup.com

in this Budget.

“This Budget is the most difficult one the Government will have to implement. By ensuring that economic growth is supported, that the wealthier pay their share, and that reform of the political system continues while frontline services are protected, we can build on the progress we have made, to date, and ensure better management of our resources,” said Deputy Keating.

However, O Broin rejected that notion entirely, saying that the Government, and Labour in particular, had broken their pre-election prom-

ises.

He said: “Budget 2013 is anti-child, anti-family and anti-jobs. It targets low- and average-income families with tax hikes and service cuts, while leaving the very wealthy relatively untouched.

“The property tax, motor tax, and changes to employees and selfemployed PRSI contributions will significantly increase the tax burden on average families.

“Cuts to child benefit, the back-to-school allowance and the respite care grant will have a particularly severe impact on families with children,” said O Broin.

“In some cases, the cumulative impact of these tax hikes and benefit cuts on families will add up to €1,900 per year.

“This will not only mean more financial hardship and family and

child poverty, it will also further damage the local economy,” he said.

The most controversial measure taken in the Budget was a 20% cut to the respite grant for carers, down to €1,375 from €1,700, which Paddy Connolly, of Inclusion Ireland, the national association for people with intellectual disabilities, says alienates carers.

He said: “This cut is a back-door attack on disability provision, despite a commitment from the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, that savings in the disability budget would not affect community services.

“The respite grant is one of the few provisions that provide families with choice and flexibility in meeting the support needs of their disabled family member and the broader family. It represents the type of funding

model which this Government has stated it wishes to develop.”

Meanwhile, the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) warned people that their primary concern should be to pay living expenses.

“People in difficulty with personal debt, or at risk of getting into debt resulting from income and expenditure changes brought about by Budget 2013, need to be fully aware of their primary responsibility to first provide for the basic living expenses for themselves and their families,” said a MABS spokesperson.

Anyone concerned about their situation can get immediate assistance by calling the MABS Helpline at 0761 072 000, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm. Residents can use the MABS website at www.mabs.ie to develop a household budget.

13 December 2012 CLONDALKIN Gazette 3

Neilstown

crime: man (25) shot in leg and arm in quiet area in palmerstown

Gritting stopped

Outcry over local shooting incident LOCAL politicians have said they are shocked following a shooting that occurred in Palmerstown early last Sunday evening.

At 6.30pm, a man was shot in the leg and arm in an incident in Palmerstown Park, near Ronanstown.

The incident occurred on a quiet cul-de-sac and the 25-year-old was taken to James Connolly Memorial Hospital in Blanchardstown, where his injuries were not thought to be lifethreatening.

It is believed that he was shot in the leg and arm while on the lane between the estate and Kennelsforth Road, and he then managed to

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walk home to his rented house in the estate.

Gardai would not, however, comment on reports that the victim was wearing a bulletproof vest at the time of the shooting.

Shocked Local councillor Guss O’Connell (Independent) said that the incident was shocking, given the settled nature of the estate.

“There could have children around at the hour of the evening.

There could have been an innocent person around. It is an appalling incident to have happen.

“It’s a very quiet culde-sac and would be

very settled,” he said.

Local TD Derek Keating (FG) said that the gardai deserved credit for their quick response to the crime.

“I visited the area within an hour of the shooting and I am satisfied that everything is being done to investigate this serious but unusual crime for such a quiet area.

“I spoke with local residents who expressed anger that such crimes were committed and could have seen innocent people suffering more than just shock,” he said.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to contact Ronanstown Garda station on 01 666 7700.

Charity: St Vincent de Paul launches annual appeal to assist those in need pictured at the launch of the St Vincent de Paul annual appeal

at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre are SVP area president Marie Cronin with Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald (FG) and SVP area treasurer Anna Kearney. SVP has seen calls for assistance from rise by 80% since 2009. They estimate that their 10,500 volunteers will help provide over 150,000 people with food, toys and fuel. SVP are calling for people to “give each other a helping hand” and help provide “much needed assistance to those who are struggling in these difficult times”. For further details, log on to www.svp.ie/appeal.

SOUTH Dublin County Council has stopped evening gritting of roads in Neilstown following two incidents in which groups of teenagers attacked gritting trucks with stones.

The first incident happened on November 28 at approximately 8pm as a truck was passing Harelawn estate, and the second incident happened on December 1 at roughly the same time outside Neilstown Shopping Centre.

“For safety reasons, all evening gritting runs on the Neilstown Road., and a section of the Coldcut Road from Liffey Fitness Centre towards the roundabout at Fonthill Road North, have been suspended.

“Only the scheduled early morning runs will take place until further notice,” said the council.

4 CLONDALKIN Gazette 13 December 2012

FastNews

amenities Campaign lasted eight years

high-tech devices to aid health

64% of householders paid household charge to SDCC

Firm tipped to win award

SOUTH Dublin County Council has collected the household charge from just 64% of householders, up just 2% since last month, it was announced recently.

Answering a question from Labour councillor Eamon Tuffy at this week’s council meeting, it was revealed that 52,033 households had paid, with 414 eligible for waivers.

The council added that they needed to get the figure above 65% to avoid a further reduction in their allocation from the Local Government Fund. Should the council not reach that figure, they stand to lose €84,000.

Exciting show Leisure centre at Civic Theatre on festive break THE Fureys and Davey Arthur will make their way to the Civic Theatre on December 27.

Renowned for such hits as I Will Love You and When You Were Sweet 16, the group have been entertaining audiences for 34 years and will take their exhilarating show to the Tallaght stage just before the NewYear.

Tickets are priced at €25, and the show kicks off at 8pm.

To book, visit www. civictheatre.

CLONDALKIN Leisure centre will close for five days over the Christmas break.

The centre will shut on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day, as well as New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The centre will be open on the days in between, however, albeit for reduced hours.

For further details, log on to their website at www. clondalkinleisure. com.

Tom Grinius and Cllr Trevor Gilligan (FF) are delighted that works will commence in the New Year

Skate park building to start in New Year  PAUL HOSFORD

WORK on the longawaited skate park at Clondalkin Leisure Centre will begin in the New Year, it has been announced.

The facility has been subject of a long campaign, and Tom Grinius, who led an online drive to have the park built, said that the news was a reward for many years of hard work.

“It’s been more than eight year’s campaigning, so it’s great. At the minute, most people can’t skate in Clondalkin because there’s nowhere to go, so people have to

go to town or the Lucan Skate Park, which is hard to get to.

“A lot of people are really excited about it, so it’s great,” he said.

The plans have not been made public yet, but Tom says that the facility could prove to be one of Dublin’s premiere skate parks.

“It seems like it could be one of the best skate parks in Dublin or Ireland. I’ve shown it to some people who can’t believe we’ll have this level of skate park in Ireland.

“This could host AllIreland competitions and companies from

abroad.

“We have been trying for years to get this skate park and, finally, we have results. This new skate park will attract hundreds of people from throughout Ireland. We are so excited to see it built,” he said.

Supporter

Local councillor Trevor Gilligan (FF) has long been a supporter of the campaign, and said that the news that the park would break ground in 2013 represented a welcome addition to the town.

“I have been behind this skate park 100%

from the start, and the real motivation for me was seeing youths having nowhere to skate but outside the civic offices in Clondalkin which is not where they want to be.

“They want their own place they can call home.

I have to thank the council parks department for their speed and efficiency in moving this forward since the public consultation and the tendering process.

“The council has met with the Clondalkin skate park group and has really allowed them to have an input and so everyone wins,” he said.

A FIRM, i360medical Limited, has been shortlisted for the Emerging Medical Technology Company of the Year award at the Medical Technology Industry Excellence Awards, which take place in Galway this week.

The awards are jointly hosted by Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the Irish Medical Devices Association. i360medical Limited is a spin-off from the Royal College of Surgeons and it focuses on improving healthcare from the commercialisation of new medical technologies.

It has assembled a team to help Irish-based medical-device companies, academia, surgeons, and medical professionals launch ideas globally.

Dr Brian O’Neill, life sciences manager at Enterprise Ireland, said: “The medical technologies industry is of key importance to the Irish economy and has continued to grow year on year.

“The sector in Ireland has developed to a global standard, characterised by excellence and leadership in world-class manufacturing, innovative research and new product development.”

School wins Christmas tree from B&Q  paul hosford

THE children of Archbishop Ryan National School in Balgaddy were given an early Christmas present, when homeware store B&Q delivered them a six-foot Christmas tree.

The B&Q flagship store at Liffey Valley had placed a festive post box outside their You

Can Do It centre at the beginning of November, giving children the chance to post a letter to Santa to explain why their school deserved a free Christmas tree with all the trimmings, delivered personally by the big man in red himself.

For being the winning school, Archbishop Ryan JNS won a six-foot Eiger artificial Christmas tree, as well as a

B&Q gift card to make sure the tree was decorated with their selection of baubles and lights.

The tree was then delivered to the children by the You Can Do It staff dressed in Santa suits.

Brian Dodgson, store manager at B&Q Liffey Valley, said that children in the area had gotten behind the idea, but

that a boy from Archbishop Ryan had written the winning letter.

“We received some lovely letters from children in the area who were all very enthusiastic about the competition prize.

Archbishop Ryan’s National School were a worthy winner, with an entry from Dominic Bennett, aged 7, securing the prize,” he said.

13 December 2012 CLONDALKIN Gazette 5

6 CLONDALKIN Gazette 13 December 2012

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Gardai Neal Canny, JJ Walsh and David Harte

Lucy and Leona Kennedy

Noah Johnson

The choir from Colaiste Bride entertaining the crowds as the Christmas tree lights were officially switched on by Mayor, Cllr Cathal King (SF). Pictures: Cathy Weatherston

Christmas tree lights up the town T

HE Christmas tree lights were officially lit in a special ceremony at the Civic Offices in Clondalkin last week.

The lights were switched on by South Dublin Mayor, Cllr Cathal King (SF), on Wednesday, December 5.

Two choirs from Colaiste Bride and St Joseph’s National School braved the ice cold temperatures outside, and entertained the crowds by performing some Christmas carols, to add to the festive and magical atmosphere of the night.

South Dublin Mayor, Cllr Cathal King (SF)

The choir from St Joseph’s boys school performing some Christmas carols

13 December 2012 CLONDALKIN Gazette 7

8 CLONDALKIN Gazette 13 December 2012

policing

Nationwide closure of 100 stations is part of restructuring plan

Rathcoole Garda station will be spared the axe  paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

IT HAS been confirmed that Rathcoole Garda station will not be among the 100 stations to be closed nationally as part of the Annual Policing Plan for 2013.

There had been some con-

cern that the station stood to be shut after the closures were announced, but it will be spared the axe, Justice Minister Alan Shatter confirmed last week.

Last year, a group of locals protested about the shortened hours at the station, with the community council saying at

the time that they were worried about needing to rely on cover from Clondalkin Garda station, particularly with the growing population of the town.

Minister Shatter, in announcing the closures, pointed out that more than 62% of the budget for the

entire justice sector goes directly to An Garda Siochana.

The Minister added that he has “managed to secure a total allocation of €5m in 2013 for further investment in the Garda transport fleet”, which may directly benefit Rathcoole, which covers much of

the N8.

Local TD Derek Keating (FG) said that the station was an important strategic and operational facility.

“I met the local senior officers regarding the concern of closure. I wrote to the Minister for Justice Alan Shatter and the Garda Commissioner in

Charity: €61,000 donation

FastNews Get festive with flower workshop STEWARTS Care Limited, through Clarkeville Art and Flowers, are running a Christmas flower workshop on Saturday, December 15, from 10.30am to 3pm in Rosse Court Centre.

The workshop offers an opportunity to enjoy a creative day out, and make three Christmas arrangements, for your own home or that can be given as gifts.

The workshop costs €60, and this includes the supply of all materials needed to create the arrangements.

As places are limited, bookings can be made by contacting Clarkeville Art and Flowers on 01 625 8957, or by sending an email to clarkeville@ stewartscare.ie.

Cura opens new centre in Tallaght CURA, the crisis pregnancy support service, has opened a new centre for south Dublin in TWS House on Main Street in Tallaght.

It opens from 10am to 5pm every Tuesday, and clients can drop in all day. No appointment is necessary.

Cura provides a range of crisis and unplanned pregnancy support and counselling services throughout the country.

For more information, contact 01 671 0598, Lo call 1850 622 626, or log on to www.cura.ie.

early September to ensure that the service which involves a division of 25 gardai, remains operational and the station remains open.

“I pointed out to the Garda authorities the important role that Rathcoole station plays, especially on the main dual carriage way to the south.”

pictured aRE Andy Russell and Francis O’Neill, presenting a cheque worth €61,000 to Joan Freeman of Pieta House, The Centre for the prevention of Self-harm or Suicide in Lucan.

This money was the sponsorship raised by the fifth annual Tomas Mulligan Memorial cycle held in August this year, which saw 80 cyclists take part.

council: spanish multinational gets green light for new facility

Pharma giant Grifol set to buy local site for over €6m  paul hosford

phosford@gazettegroup.com

A HUGE investment is expected in Grangecastle Business Park after a Spanish pharmaceutical giant took a 999-year lease on an 11-hectare site in the park.

Grifols, a Barcelonabased leader in blood plasma products, was approved to purchase the land at this week’s meeting of South Dublin County Council at a cost of €550,000 per hectare, but the vast majority of that fee will not be paid until they move in.

Grifols is one of the world’s largest producers of plasma products and of blood-related diagnostic products for laboratories, hospitals and transfusion centres.

It is believed that they plan to build to a lifesciences facility at the site, which could employ hundreds of people, but will be built on a staged basis.

Worldwide The company currently employs over 11,000 people worldwide and had revenues of €1.7bn

last year.

In the report made to the council on the disposal of the land, county manager Philomena Poole said that the company must apply for full planning permission by June 30 next year.

The lease will run for 999 years, with the company paying a nominal rent of €500, exclusive of rates and taxes and will require Grifols to build a 223 metre road to link with the rest of the business park, or for them to pay the council no more than €450,000 to do the same.

Local reaction to the plan was warm, with local TD Frances Fitzgerald saying that the land being leased to a leading multinational company was a significant vote of confidence in the area.

“I welcome this site disposal and the proposed investment by Grifols. T his represents a major boost for the local economy in Clondalkin and Lucan and is a vote of confidence in Ireland and in this Government’s efforts to attract multinational investment and

to create jobs.

“My office has already been in contact with Grifol’s agents in Ireland, and I look forward to supporting this i m p o r t a n t d e ve l o p ment,” she said.

Fitzgerald was echoed by her party colleague, Cllr William Lavelle, who said that he was happy to vote in favour of the disposal of the land to Grifols.

“I was delighted to support this site disposal at this week’s council meeting. This proposed development shows the importance and value of

the council’s jobs strategy which is very much focussed on attracting foreign-direct investment into our county.

“I have consistently supported this strategy and indeed I had a motion on the agenda for this week’s council meeting seeking to further develop our efforts to market the county to international investors.

“I wish Grifols all the very best with this development which I hope will provide an important uplift to our local economy,” said Cllr Lavelle.

13 December 2012 CLONDALKIN Gazette 9

council €27k spent on impounding 72 animals

Calls to resolve issue of local horse seizures  paul hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

CALLS have been made to resolve the issue of the seizure of horses in Clondalkin, after South Dublin County Council (SDCC) revealed that they had spent over €27,000 impounding 72 horses over the October bank holiday.

Local councillor Gino Kenny (People Before Profit) asked the question of the council at this week’s meeting, where it was also revealed that 31

of the 72 horses had been destroyed.

During the raid on the site between the Polly Hops and the 12th Lock, gardai and SDCC were supported by the staff of a horse pound in Urlingford, Co, Kilkenny, where the animals were taken. At the time, it was confirmed that only one of the horses was legally chipped and registered as required by the Control of Horse Act. The lack of proper tagging and registration led to the high number of euthanisations.

The council added that fines and release fees had brought in €22,000.

Cllr Kenny said that the issue, and that of the ongoing seizures of horses across Dublin Mid-West, highlighted the need for action.

“When you look at the amount of money that has been spent over the past three years, over €1m, it is outrageous.

“There’s no doubt that a fraction of that could be used for a different solution,” he said.

Cllr Kenny is heavily

Local Councillor Gino Kenny called for action on the ongoing issue of horse seizures

involved in the Clondalkin Horse Project, a group set up to investigate the viability of council lands being made available for an equine centre in the area.

The group is backed by the Irish Horse Welfare Trust (IHWT) and the Clondalkin Partnership

(CPLN), and they recently launched a booklet on responsible horse ownership.

At the launch of the booklet, Sharon Power of IHWT, said: “We will work with horse owners in Clondalkin to establish this project and will give information and practi-

cal advice on an ongoing basis.”

Cllr Kenny said that the group hopes to make a proposal to the council in the New Year and that the plan will be based on the input of Dunsink Horse Club, which is a co-operation between the council, horse owners and gardai.

shopping Think Local and support business SOUTH Dublin County Council has asked locals to Think Local this Christmas and support local shops.

This Christmas, the council is pushing Think Local, an initiative of the South Dublin County Development Board, which helps create and develop community awareness of the advantages and benefits of supporting local businesses and community facilities.

By keeping money in the county and supporting local businesses, the council say, you can “make a difference to the economy in South Dublin”.

For further information on this initiative, log on to www.thinklocal.ie.

10 CLONDALKIN Gazette 13 December 2012

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Paul Falvey and Suzanne Parker

Suzanne Knght and Marie Johnson

Dublin City 103.2 FM celebrate 20 years on air

D

UBLIN City 103.2FM has recently celebrated 20 years of broadcasting. The radio station reflected on its beginnings, when it was set up by seven radio enthusiasts in 1992 and was broadcasting as Anna Livia FM. The station has seen many changes over the years, including changing studio locations.

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However, the ethos of the station remains intact, and some of the original crew still remain with the station.

Since they came on the airwaves two decades ago, they estimate that over 2,000 people have been engaged in the station. It now looks forward to enjoying another 20 successful years ahead of them.

Mick Hanley, Margaret Roche and John Tierney

Regiane Almeida

Karen O’Connor and Grainne Lynch

13 December 2012 Gazette 11

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poetry marathon: gathering of leading lights

Paradise for poets as epic work to be fully read TRINITY College Dublin will host Ireland’s first ever full reading of Paradise Lost this weekend.

One of the longest poems in the English language, Paradise Lost was written by 17th century English poet John Milton after he lost his sight.

The reading will take place as part of a poetry marathon, which will take place at Trinity College’s Graduate Memorial Building on Friday,

December 14, and later in the Gallery Chapel at the college. The session will run from 10am until 2pm. The epic poem was originally published in 1667 in 10 books, with a total of more than 10,000 individual lines of verse.

It is based on the biblical story of the fall of man – the temptation of Adam and Eve and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden.

A number of other

poets will be reading poetry at the marathon, some of whom include the Nobel Laureate, Seamus Heaney; performance poet, Dave Lordan; Milton expert, Professor Thomas Luxon; poet and Professor of Physics at Trinity, Gerald Dawe; David Norris, Eilean Ni Chuilleanain, Macdara Woods and Joseph Wood, director of Poetry Ireland.

They will be joined by

the Provost, Patrick Prendergast, and by the students and staff of Trinity College English department, including Professor Eve Patten.

All proceeds raised at the reading marathon will be donated to the National Council for the Blind in Ireland. For more information, log on to www. vermilliondesign.com, the co-sponsors of the event with TCD’s English department.

Paradise Lost was written by 17th century English poet John Milton

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12 Gazette 13 December 2012

dublinlife

Pictured at the launch of Sing for Simon were Patricia Eposegui, Maria Oxley Boardman and Helena Steemers

diary

Come sing a song for Simon this Christmas Dublin Simon Community’s Sing for Simon carol singing campaign which this year runs until Christmas Eve is an extremely important part of the homeless charity’s Christmas fundraising activities, and you can get involved, with the charity calling on local people to get on board.

Each year, Sing for Simon brings together over 100 groups and choirs who sing Christmas carols in numerous shopping centres and other areas across Dublin.

Thanks to the generosity and goodwill of Simon’s supporters it has grown into an annual fundraising campaign.

During the days leading up to Christmas, you can hold an event in your workplace canteen, shop floor at your Christmas Party, or you can join one of Dublin Simon’s organised venues in Dublin City Centre such as Grafton Street or one of Dublin’s

Shopping Centres.

Dublin Simon will provide your group with Sing for Simon t-shirts, buckets and banners.

Sing for Simon also includes a 24-hour Carolathon on Grafton St on December 21 at 5pm. For more information on Sing for Simon, log on to www.dubsimon.ie

launch of scheme to plant trees The Tree Council of Ireland, in partnership with Balfour Beatty CLG, has launched a community tree project grants scheme.

The scheme aims to support organisations at a local level that are attempting to improve their local area through the planting of trees.

The sites available for such projects are often unused or neglected areas, which can be transformed by the planting of trees.

“While the tree coun-

cil promotes recognition of the benefits of trees at national level, Ireland’s cities, towns and villages still need more of the right trees in the right places. The provision of a funding mechanism to assist the implementation of community tree projects will enable communities to derive these benefits for themselves,” explains director of the Tree Council of Ireland, Mary Keenan.

Successful applicants will receive up to 75% towards their project costs, subject to a maximum grant of €500 per project. For more information, visit www.treecouncil.ie

moving crib opens to the public The always popular moving crib is open to the public again this Christmas at Saint Martin’s Apostolate, Parnell Square.

The crib, with its moving statues, has been a staple visiting spot for families at Christmas in Dublin for generations.

Now in its 50th year, the moving crib traces the story of the old and new testaments from Adam and Eve right to the nativity scene and finally ending with the boy Jesus questioning the elders in the Temple.

There are over 100 figures in the crib, arranged in 14 different tableaux.

The figures are made of papier-mache with concealed motors moving the arms, heads and legs and stand around a metre tall.

T h e m ov i n g c r i b will be open throughout December, except Christmas Eve to Stephen’s Day and on January 1, right up until January 6 at St Martin Apostolate, 42 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, from 2pm to 6pm on weekdays and from 11.30am to 6pm at weekends.

13 December 2012 Gazette 13

festive: centre has choirs, kids’ workshops and shows

Christmas wonderland at Powerscourt Townhouse  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

If you like the idea of pampering yourself in the most tasteful possible surroundings, then the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre is for you this year.

It is going all out for Christmas with a variety of festive activities, entertainment, workshops and shows for the whole family.

The festivities got off to a musical start in Powerscourt as performers such as A Glor Gos-

pel Choir, Il Coro Italiano Di Dublino, as well as musicians, harpists and guitarists heralded in the beginning of the Christmas holidays.

Not only will Santa and his helpers be on hand at the centre but there will also be special storytelling sessions and Christmas themed workshops on offer.

This year, the Powerscour t Tow nhouse Centre is also inviting children to visit Father C h r i s t m a s ’s u n i q u e workroom for a behind the scenes look at an

authentic 18th century styled St Nichols’s den.

Children can visit Santa Claus and see him working hard behind the scenes every weekend from 12pm to 4pm. Tickets for this cost €12.

The Powerscourt Creative Christmas Workshops with the Magic Turtles teaches children how to make Christmas cards, gifts and decorations and will run every weekday in the run up to Christmas.

The workshops costs €5 per child and run from 2pm to 5pm in

Santa’s workroom each weekday and until 8pm on Thursday, December 20.

Theatre comes alive in the centre at the weekends, with productions for both children and adults.

On Saturdays, productions of the Gruffalo, based on the book

by Julia Donaldson, will feature followed by the show, of Ross O’Carroll Kelly for the adults.

Performance Each Saturday evening will be rounded

off with a performance by several choirs over the course of the next two weeks.

The Gruffalo theatre productions start on Saturdays at 2pm and cost €6 while the Ross O’Carroll-Kelly show is free from 3pm until 5pm.

On Christmas Eve, an exhibition called The Ort of Ross O’CarrollKelly will be held at 5pm beside Father Christmas’ workroom.

T he Powerscour t Christmas Festival is on now at 59 South William Street, Dublin 2.

Gazette

feature national gallery

View the holy family through the centuries A new exhibition of paintings, Imagining the Divine: The Holy Family in Art, is currently running at the National Gallery of Ireland.

The collection of 13 paintings follows the artistic representation of the Holy Family from the renaissance up to the 19th century.

Highlights include The Dawn of Christianity: The Rest on the Flight into Egypt

by JMW Turner the 19th century romantic landscape artist, on loan from the Ulster Museum as well as an early renaissance painted relief by Florentine sculptor, Lorenzo di Ghiberti.

Imagining the Divine: The Holy Family in Art runs until April 1. Admission is free.

Commercial Feature

milestone: a record thirty million passenger journeys this year

Luas Improvements and Investments in 2012

2012 was a good year for Luas and for Luas customers. Thirty million passenger journeys will be made on Luas this year a new record for the light rail system which opened in 2004.

Last year the Government carried out a root and branch review of all proposed capital projects.

One of the only projects to survive was the Luas linkup, which indicates the strength of the reputation which Luas has earned in less than a decade.

The Government has again given the go-ahead for the new Luas link-up, which will connect the Red and Green Lines in the city centre. Work will start on this project in 2013 and passengers will be on board in 2017.

Luas continues to operate without any state sub-

vention and continues to get exceptionally positive feedback from the Luas customer.

In addition to this, Luas has been very busy in 2012. It has completed a range of improvements throughout the year, ranging from new walking and cycling routes, improved signage, better collection and drop-off areas at Luas stops, new Luas mobile website and a whole raft of other improvements.

The Railway Procurement Agency together with the National Transport Authority has rolled out a number of improvements which will improve access to Luas stops. Simple improvements can make all the difference. For example, RPA and South Dublin County Council teamed up to improve access to the Cookstown Luas Stop for hundreds of residents in Ambervale and adjoining estates. A long

walk is a deterrent for people and ease of access benefits everybody.

Similarly, new cycle facilities have been provided at a range of Luas stops throughout the network with sheltered cycle parking at a number of locations.

Another bit of smart and sustainable thinking relates to successful trials of new energy efficient lighting technology on Luas in 2012. Next year it hopes to replace approximately 50% of existing Luas stop lighting bulbs with energy efficient bulbs.

A comprehensive survey of energy wastage will allow Luas to make future improvements that will make it more sustainable and reduce costs with direct benefits to the customer.

Luas has completed a range of improvements throughout the year, ranging from new walking and cycling routes, improved signage, better collection and drop-off areas at Luas stops

Gazette

14 Gazette 13 December 2012

dublinlife

feature

budget 2013: aN Overview of what’s ahead

Expert analysis of our financial future  mike sheehan,

tax Partner, Deloitte

BUDGET 2013 has continued on a similar path as Budget 2012, with the introduction of further incentives for the SME and agri food and farm sectors.

The Minister announced a helping hand to the SME sector in the form of a 10-point tax reform plan, which includes measures across a number of tax areas.

In recognition of the ongoing difficult credit environment, several of these provisions are aimed at providing cash flow benefits, such as the increase in the VAT cash accounting threshold from €1m to €1.25m; an increase in the de-minimus close company surcharge threshold from €635 to €2,000; and a reform of the three year

corporation tax relief for start-up companies to allow unused relief to be carried forward.

Other measures are positive developments, such as an increase in the amount qualifying for an R&D tax credit without reference to the 2003 threshold from €100,000 to €200,000 and an extension of the foreign earnings deduction for work related travel to additional African countries.

The R&D credit measure should, in particular, provide stimulus to smaller organisations engaged in research and development activities.

Given the dependence of the majority of SMEs on domestic demand, however, an important factor in creating and maintaining jobs in this sector is the level of disposable income of Irish consumers. As such,

whereas the 10-point tax reform plan is certainly a step in the right direction, the impact of Budget 2013 on individual incomes will continue to play a major role in the future success of the SME sector, impacting on the demand for goods and services.

In recognition of the importance of agri food and farming sectors to the Irish economy, the Minister has extended the various stock relief measures for farmers in general, young trained farmers and registered farm partnerships for three years to December 31 2015.

Following B udget 2013, there is finally clarity on the detail of the much speculated property tax. It will be administered by the Revenue Commissioners with the funds earmarked for the local authorities.

A rate of 0.18% will apply to properties with a value up to €1m, and for properties over €1m a rate of 0.25% will apply on the excess.

Revenue has stated it will be a self-assessment tax but will issue “guidance” on the various valuations. For those owning second homes, the NPPR charge of €200 will be abolished from January 1 2014.

While the Minister has kept his promise of not altering the income tax bands and rates, he has effectively introduced a number of stealth taxes through abolishing the PRSI exemption which will cost every PAYE worker €264 per year, increasing the DIRT rate from 30% to 33% and bringing unearned income (such as rents, interest, dividends) within the scope of PRSI from 2014.

Mike Sheehan, Tax Partner at Deloitte gives his verdict on the Budget

Over five successive budgets, the capital gains tax and capital acquisitions tax rates have increased from 20% to the current rates of 33%.

In addition, over the same period, the thresholds at which capital acquisitions tax becomes payable have decreased by almost 60%.

Budget 2013 sees an increase in excise duty on the “old reliables”, which includes a 10% increase in the duty on a pint of beer or cider and

a noteworthy €1 increase on a bottle of wine.

Vehicle registration tax and motor tax across all categories will increase from January 1 2013.

These increases will have an impact on Irish consumers and consequently the domestic economy, the full extent of which remains to be seen.

An ongoing commitment to the 12.5% corporate tax rate, underpinning Ireland’s corporate tax strategy, was noted

by the Minister, who also announced some positive changes to the R&D tax credit regime, as well as the introduction of accelerated capital allowances on aviation facilities.

Overall, Budget 2013 will underpin Ireland’s commitment to getting its house in order, which in turn will serve to enhance Ireland’s credibility and reputation amongst foreign investors and the international markets.

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13 December 2012 Gazette 15

Gazette

schools

initiative: colaiste bride works with tidy towns to help keep clondalkin clean

Growing great ideas for the area î Ž niamh balfe Colaiste Bride, Clondalkin

IN NOVEMBER, members from the Clondalkin Tidy Towns held a meeting with the Colaiste Bride Green Flag Committee.

T he students and teachers involved had a chance to discuss their ideas with Tidy Towns about how to reduce litter in the area, and how to get more youth involved.

During the meeting, it was decided that the transition-year students in Colaiste Bride would help by doing regular clean-ups around

With hopes to achieve the Biodiversity Green Flag at the school, students at Colaiste Bride, Clondalkin, are working with the local Tidy Towns group

Clondalkin in the new year. The students came up with excellent ideas on how to help, such as clean-ups, young volunteers and using social

media to promote the cause.

The Tidy Towns members were very enthusiastic and grateful to hear these ideas and are mak-

ing plans to use these in the near future.

Members from Tidy Towns, along with some volunteers, meet outside Tuthills in Clondalkin

village every Saturday at 10am and work for one hour cleaning up the area. They do fantastic work and would be extremely grateful to have further voluntary assistance.

Colaiste Bride has received four Green flags, to date, and is currently working towards their fifth, which is for biodiversity.

This is the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat.

In the process of working to achieve this, the Green Flag committee have put up bird feeders at different areas outside the school, and plant-

ed daffodils along the entrance of the school.

They have further plans to promote biodiversity around the school, such as having a biodiversity garden.

There is to be more work between the Green

Flag members and Tidy Towns’ members in the new year, which will aid both Tidy Towns in their aim to reduce litter in Clondalkin, and also assist Colaiste Bride in their hope to receive their next Green Flag.

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 13 December 2012

DUBLINLIFE

Q&A

FERGAL LYNCH, CHILL INSURANCE

Taking the sting out of finding insurance FERGAL Lynch works in the marketing department at Chill Insurance and also take cares of their commercial ventures, the most recent of which was the launch of Chill Retail.

He has a BSc in Management and Marketing, and has over 20 years experience in marketing communications and business development.

Fergal said: “It is a really big challenge creating effective marketing campaigns in such a competitive

industry. “[In the campaign], the aim was to create an advertising campaign that is a little different to what we are all typically used to from other insurance providers. Our TV advertisments are quite humorous, but also get the message across to the consumer that we take the hassle out of insurance.

“I enjoy growing the Chill brand and aim to make Chill Insurance a household name in Ireland.”

How long have you been in business?

not a tied agent, which means that we don’t deal with just one insurer, we deal with 14. The fact that we are independent, also means that we will not and cannot force one particular product or insurer on a customer, thus giving the best choice and value in one go.

We also understand that not everyone wants to conduct their business online, so that’s why we give our customers the option to pop into one of our stores and have a chat face to face with a real person, or call us and let our friendly staff take it from here.

We are 100% Irish as well, which means we won’t sell out to large international companies. We are for the people, by the people. No one knows the Irish quite like the Irish.

Chill Insurance has been in business since 2007, and is one of Ireland’s largest online brokers. We compare 14 insurers to get you the best deal on your insurance. We are not a tied agent.

What makes your business successful?

Chill Insurance is unique in its offering in that it is the only broker that compares 14 underwriters to get our customers the best deal.

When everyone in Ireland knows that we are not a tied agent and the only broker that compares 14 insurers, we will have done our job!

Our customers can call us, visit us online or pop into one of our four retail stores in prominent locations in Dublin for a quote.

We employ professional and qualified sales agents who live and breathe our Chill mantra that we will do our best to get customers the best quote every time.

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

We look at insurance as the chore that everyone hates having to do, so we take the sting out of it by searching 14 insurers for customers in one go.

We are always told to “shop around” when making a purchase, whether it be a plumber, builder, or for insurance, but what makes us different is that we do the shopping around for you. Chill Insurance is

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

As I have mentioned before, we are 100% Irish and that is very, very important for us. Our head office is based in Blackrock, but through our retail stores, we can be part of several local communities.

Each of our locations are unique, and we love having the buzz of a shopping centre around our retail stores that allows us to conduct our business in local areas and bring great value insurance to the people of that area.

We want our customers to know that we are not a huge multinational company with one main office in the city centre, we bring our service to our customers and allow them to get to us in their locality.

BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Take action to reduce the cost of car insurance FROM December 21, a new EU ruling means insurance companies cannot price motor insurance based on gender, even though statistics indicate young males are a high accident risk.

Female drivers, in particular, may feel the pinch, although Chill Insurance says that simply “shopping around” can make a big difference to insurance costs.

The independent Irish brokers make it their business to “shop around” 14 different insurers for the best quote for customers, and, for younger drivers worried about rising motor insurance, Chill Insurance has some cost-cutting advice.

• Join a parent’s insurance as a named driver; get a safety record, and avail of discounts on ‘own name’

insurance, based on named driver records and driving experience.

• Having a full licence reduces car insurance premiums considerably.

• Choose a lower value car with a small engine; less powerful, less expensive cars are cheaper to insure.

• Opting for a higher ‘voluntary excess’, (what you pay if there is a claim), can lower policy costs and may suit safe, competent drivers rather than young inexperienced drivers.

• Ideally, pay premiums in full on taking out a policy, as monthly interest rates can be high.

• Don’t pay extra for windscreen cover, breakdown assistance, additional drivers etc. if you don’t need them.

Check what your policy covers.

• Companies often offer additional

discounts on more than one policy; so look at including car cover for other family members, or home or life insurance, with the same company.

• Third party fire and theft insurance is cheaper than fully comprehensive, and is an option for lowvalue cars and safe, ‘low-mileage’ drivers; but do remember that damage to your car is not covered other than for fire or theft • Shop Around!

For more information, log on to www.chill.ie, call 1890 30 20 20, or visit one of their stores at the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, The Swords Pavilions, Donaghmede Shopping Centre, and The Square, Tallaght, all of which are open seven days a week.

TECHNOLOGY: MONITORING WASTE TREATMENT PLANTS

Local firm works with European Space Agency TECHWORKS Marine in Dun Laoghaire has become the latest business among 40 companies to work with the European Space Agency (ESA).

The technology company has developed a set of earth-observation products which monitor environmental wastewater plants in Ireland and elsewhere on the planet.

Wastewater treatment plants are of particular interest to the ESA, due to their effect on the environment, and TechWorks Marine is focusing in on Donegal Bay, where there are a number of such plants.

T he new obser vation products are fixed onto existing ESA satellites which orbit the earth, collecting data for many different research projects.

T h e s e Te c h Wo r k s products monitor marine activity as well as watertreatment plants, and track any new ecological developments.

TechWork Marine’s managing director Charlotte O’Kelly said: “My company monitors the ocean in real time at very specific locations over very long periods of time at very high resolution.

“The ESA satellites give us the spatial coverage that our platforms don’t have and our platforms give the ESA images, the groundtruthing validation that they don’t have.”

Ireland has been a member of the ESA since its foundation in 1975.

Last month, Innovation Minister Sean Sherlock announced a €17m investment in the ESA

Astrium Metop-B weather satellite

with a view to creating up to 2,000 jobs in the sector, and growing exports up to €56m by 2015. Ireland is one of 20 member states in the ESA, which has an annual budget of about €4bn.

The ESA is funded through financial contributions from the member states and the amount each member pays is cal-

culated on the basis of gross national product.

Companies from member states can then tender for contracts up to the total value of the country’s contribution.

According to Enterprise Ireland, the spinoff export sales from Irish investment in the ESA was about €35m in 2010.

13 December 2012 Gazette 17

cinema P20

asdfsdaf P27 TRAVEl P24

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



Gazette

MUSIC P19

Pets

Nicha Maguire, Tamarin Blackmur and Terry Lyons have seen off 12 competitors to become the finalists of Masterchef 2012

Cooking: Masterchef finalists talk to the gazette ahead of showdown

To become the Master  Paul Hosford

THEN there were three.

The final of Irish Masterchef is upon us and the top 15 amateur chefs in the country have been whittled down to just three, with Terry Lyons, Tamarin Blackmur and Nicha Maguire set to battle it out for the title of Masterchef 2012.

Having started out in the kitchen under the watchful gaze of Michelin star chef Dylan McGrath and renowned restauranteur Nick Munier, the progression of the chefs has been phenomenal to watch, culminating in a semi-final which saw each of the four remaining contestants cook a course for every Michelin-starred chef in the country.

There, Nicha, Tamarin and Terry were left standing, ready to go into a three-

way battle, cluminating on Thursday, December 13.

Though their styles are quite different, the one thing that the chefs have in common is their experience in the kitchen before the competition.

“I was just a home cook,” says Tamarin. “I just always loved to cook for family and loved food. Some people buy books to read, I buy cook books.”

Terry echoes that, though he came to cooking late.

“I think I came to cooking a lot later than most of the others, probably only in the last six or seven years.

“I was a bit of a fussy eater when I was younger, and when I got married and started trying new things that’s when I really got into it.”

Former Malahide resident Nicha is

in the same camp, having been a home cook before taking the plunge on to the show.

“Food has always been my passion, ever since I was a child. But I only cooked Thai food until I came to Ireland, then I started trying out new ingredients.”

For South African-born Tamarin, the challenge has been huge, but the rewards even greater.

“It’s been a fantastic challenge and very overwhelming. It’s an amazing feeling to get through.

“I’ve always loved the show and thought I’d go for it this year after sitting at work and noticing the application was about to go online.

“I’d always wanted a career in food, but wasn’t sure how to go about it so

this gave me the push that I needed.

Terry says that he had aimed for the top 10 and worked extremely hard to get to the final.

“When I first applied, I never thought I would get this far. I just kept progressing and pushing myself harder and harder. Next thing, before I know it, I’m in the final.

“I thought I might get to the top 10, then the top five was a goal. To get to the top three and be in the final is huge.

“Now that I’m in the final, I want to go and win it.

“I think in the last couple of tasks you can see that I’m cooking from the heart and looking a lot more relaxed because of it.”

Continued on Page 21

The DSPCA rescues thousands of sick, injured and cruelly treated animals each year, from places and situations where otherwise they may not be alive today.

Scamp arrived to the DSPCA earlier this year in very bad condition.

He had serious parasite infestations, was underweight, malnourished and had severe dental issues.

DSPCA veterinary staff immediately got to work. He was given antibiotics and medicated baths to treat his skin infections. Most of his teeth had to be removed.

At first Scamp did not want to leave his kennel and would not interact with anybody. As he began to feel better and went to a loving foster home, he realised that life has much to offer and that people can be kind.

The DSPCA works hard to reduce suffering and create meaningful lives for these animals but we cannot do it without donations and support from the public.

To make a donation, text “Donate Chance” to 57977. Texts cost €2.50, with €1.75 going to the DSPCA. For more information, see www. dspca.ie.

Gazette

18 Gazette 13 December 2012

OUT&ABOUT NEXT €21-€24

STYLE NEXT €17-€19

Barbie Fashionistas Ultimate Closet €40

Littlewoods Earmuff Headphones €15

Christmas Guide – for kids  Laura Webb

Master Moves Mickey €90

It’s the last installment of Gazette Style’s wish list for everyone in the family. Two weeks ago, we started with some subtle hints about what to get the woman in your life. Then, last week it was all about the man in your life, and now this week we bring you the fun week – it’s ideas for the kids.

Here we have picked out some great toys, festive and fun clothing and board games which the whole family can enjoy. So happy shopping everyone, we hope we have helped in your search for great presents this year.

LeapFrog Leap Pad 2 Explorers €104

PS Vista 3GB Console €379 Jake and the Never Land Pirates Pirate Ship Bucky €70

Dunnes Stores Red Coat €25 Mattel Apptivity €15 Dunnes Stores Raindeer Booties €5 Thomas & Friends Steam n’ Speed RC Thomas €60

Hasbro Monopoly Board Games €22

Uno Roboto €35

Scrabble Original €25

13 December 2012 Gazette 19

Gazette

MUSIC singer-songwriter: rising star of Lewis Watson

It’s elementary, my dear Watson  Paul Hosford

IN the pantheon of musical stories it is not, perhaps, one that is that well worn.

Young man makes an EP with his music teacher, the EP goes viral, sells a load of copies, goes to number one on iTunes and young man picks up a record deal.

Aside from not being that well-worn, it is not that well known, either.

Yet. L e w i s Wa t s o n , a

2 0 - y e a r- o l d f r o m Oxford is the latest in the stable of earnest, guitar-weilding singersongwriters.

His English twang, soft lyrics and lovesick lyrics make him a comparison to Ed Sheeran.

The fact that people are dubbing him a successor to Sheeran’s c r ow n a s t h e U K ’s number one overly-literal singer/songwriter says more about expectations for Sheeran than Watson, if you ask me but, I digress.

Wa t s o n h a s b e e n spending the last number of months travelling across Europe with a host of acts, including Swords natives Kodaline, with whom he packed The Button Factor y last week.

There, Watson held his own in front of a crowd turning out for hometown heroes, no mean feat for a twentyyear-old and his guitar.

Of course, it is easy for Watson to capture the imagination of a crowd

because his songs are so well crafted and his voice is easy-listening defined.

After the release of his May 2012 breakthrough It’s Got 4 Sad Songs On It BT W, Watson released Another Four Sad Songs, a follow-up EP, in October.

It is the eight songs on the two releases that have seen him tipped, right along with his touring mates, as one of the acts to watch in 2013.

On the evidence so

Lewis Watson is tipped for big things in 2013, including a headline date in Dublin

far, it is hard to argue the label.

A g r ow i n g o n l i n e following, a winsome voice and songs that are about as commercially friendly as they come.

Watson has to be considered one of the UK’s

fasted rising stars and with backing from the aforementioned Sheeran, Zane Lowe and a tour to look forward to, he may well turn out to be a major talent.

The songs on his two EPs show major poten-

tial, particularly Sink or Swim, which comes from Another Four Sad Songs.

Watson will follow up his Button Factory slot with a headline show at the Academy 2 on March 22, tickets are €8.20.

Gazette

20 Gazette 13 December 2012

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

more

theatre THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 O Holy Night

IN this intimate and spiritual night, Eimear Quinn will bring her own special rendition of Christmas songs and carols to The Pavilion Theatre for a memorable musical experience.

Eimear’s ethereal voice will blend beautifully with the Mamisa String Quartet, which features Maria and Michelle Mason. December 21 at 8pm, tickets are priced at €21.

Mill Theatre 01 296 9340

Christmas Crooners ENJOY the fantastic cast of West End Singers, backed by the superb band The Jazz All-Stars perform over 30 well known Christmas hits including Winter Wonderland, Let It Snow, Little Drummer Boy, White Christmas and swing arrangements of the wonderful Christmas carols, God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen and Deck the Halls.

Staged with style, this brilliant production of Christmas favourites of Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra is really enjoyable.

For one show only on December 17, tickets are priced at €20/18.

The brightly rendered and lovingly created characters of Rise Of The Guardians are discovered by a new generation of fan...

review: a colourful and classy tale of real superheroes

Bright night rises BRINGING children to the cinema on a seasonal holiday weekend can be a bit of a tortuous affair.

Given that most studios are playing catch-up with Pixar when putting together their slate of films made for a younger audience, there can be some horribly disappointing experiences, not just for the kids.

There can be the awful (any film with the word “Alvin” in the title), the mediocre (too many to mention) and the just downright odd (ParaNorman — a bazillion miles from the promise of its trailers).

Equally, the experience for a parent can go between sleeping for 90 minutes, trying not to leave the theatre traumatised with the infantalised scripts and hyperkinetic editing that passes for story and character development, or suffering permanent ocular damage

Film of the Week: Rise Of The Guardians h h h h h (G) 97 mins Director: Peter Ramsey Starring: Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher, Jude Law

 ROB HEIGH

rheigh@gazettegroup.com

from the obligatory and unnecessary 3D. Occasionally, however, you get a huge surprise.

That certainly happened when I saw Rise Of The Guardians last weekend.

My expectations were confounded from the outset, with beautiful character design and a tale filled with fun and wonder that should be on every kids’ Christmas list.

The movie is essentially The Avengers for kids, with superheroes of childhood (the titular Guardians) Santa Claus, The Easter Bunny, The Tooth Fairy and The Sandman setting out to battle the dark influences of Pitch

OUR VERDICT: AT THE close of the year comes one of the best children’s movies of the year, taking the dynamic of The Avengers and blending it with the beautifully crafted artwork and stories of William Joyce. Laugh-out loud moments mix with genuine scares to create a movie that your kids will adore... and which won’t have you looking at the back of your eyelids for 90 minutes.

Black, an incarnation of The Boogeyman, as he attempts to re-establish fear and doubt as currencies for childhood by making the children of the world lose their faith in the Big Four.

Joining the Guardians is Jack Frost, who Santa calls on to help their cause, but who cannot be seen in the tangible world as kids don’t believe in him enough.

The story is an origins story for Jack Frost himself, and his journey to believing in himself so that others can do the same, and that is just as it

should be – a good story very well told.

The screenplay by David Lindsay-Abaire, based on the books by William Joyce, is filled with heart and packed with ideas, bypassing the need for convoluted backstories for the Guardians as they are already so ingrained in our collective consciousness.

T hat presumption allows us to dive straight into the story and credits the audience with a degree of intelligence which is pretty refreshing in current children’s cinema.

There is a whole lot of fun to be had in the character design and voicing, with Hugh Jackman’s Aussie Easter Bunny providing the biggest laughs, while Alec Baldwin’s Soviet Santa brings a fresh take to the presence of the big man.

The absence of schmaltz, along with the presence of a tangible threat that affects the group dynamic for some of the duration of the movie, makes this an almost old-fashioned film, in that there is a genuine nod to the realities of life, loss and growth – all of which are powerful and important lessons for a kids’ movie.

It might not appear at first sight the most appealing of the movies for the season, but there is a core message and stylish look and feel that makes Rise Of The Guardians a whole lot more than the sum of its parts.

13 December 2012 Gazette 21

Gazette

feature Masterchef: Finalists prepare for showdown

Three Masters, but only one winner

Continued from P17 Nicha says that making the final has been a huge achievement, but a favourite moment is hard to pinpoint.

“I’ve loved every part of the Masterchef experience, even though some of them are really precious, like the masterclasses, particularly the one with Dylan [McGrath].

“I didn’t expect to win or come this far. I wanted the apron, but everything after that

was a bonus.

“I just like cooking.

It’s never a hassle for me.”

Cooking for a Michelin starred chef is not something many get to do, so to do it for four of Ireland’s top gastronomists must have been daunting.

“I’m not normally the kind of person who gets nervous,” says Terry “but when I walked in there, I was beginning to get nervous.

“Oliver Dunne said it was a great dish and I

thought, ‘Ok one good one, the rest will be negative’, but the positives kept coming.”

“You’re back” Tamarin says the judging and waiting were more of an ordeal than the cooking itself.

“I loved it when Nick and Dylan said I was back. I felt I’d gotten over my mistakes and I felt calm in the kitchen.

“The bits before going into the kitchen were worse than the actual cooking.”

As tough as it can be to compete, when the pressure was on, that was when Nicha found herself enjoying it the most.

“Sometimes it’s up and down. You have a tough day or a tough challenge and you can think about throwing in the towel, but when the heat comes around, you say, ‘here I come again’.

“When it comes to food, I’m a bit mad, I don’t give up that easily.

I’ll try things until they work.”

With long days, mys-

Masterchef judges Nick Munier and Dylan McGrath

tery challenges, ingredient swaps and harsh judges, it can be a gruelling experience, but Terry says that all of the contestants have bonded.

“We’re always on the phone to each other or on Facebook and we

meet up fairly regularly.

“Obviously, TV shows focus on a bit of fight, but if someone was struggling or lost, the rest of us would jump in or give advice. That’s how close we were.”

All three plan to keep

working in food in some capacity, but with other careers and stiff competition for jobs, their paths are unclear as yet.

After this week, however, one will have the title of Masterchef 2012 and €25,000 to help them on their way.

22 Gazette 13 December 2012

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT road

MOTORS

NOISE

DAA goes electric for latest fleet purchase The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has taken a big step towards reducing its carbon footprint this week, with the announcement that they are going electric for its latest fleet purchase.

The group has purchased nine electric Renault Kangoo mini-vans for use at Dublin and Cork airports, making the company one of the largest electric fleet operators in the country. DAA’s decision to opt for the nine electric vehicles will result in CO2 savings of more than 200,000kg over the lifetime of the vehicles, which is equivalent to planting more than 6,000 trees.

“With this investment, DAA has already become one of Ireland’s leading operators of electric vehicles, and we look forward to significantly expanding our electric fleet over the coming years,” said DAA’s head of sustainability, Mary Coveney.

“The trial helped us build confidence throughout the organisation that buying electric vehicles wasn’t just good for the environment, but also made sense from an operational perspective.

Electric vehicles are perfect for an airport environment, as they have a range of 120km and will always be close to a main charging point,” Ms Coveney said.

The new electric vehicles will be used on a daily basis in both airside and landside locations by DAA maintenance crews, and staff from its car park and terminal services departments.

The Mercedes A-Class’s sporty appearance will appeal to young motorists

a-class: new model takes a giant leap ahead of predecessor

New Mercedes is in a class by itself

n Cormac Curtis

Pictured at the handover of keys were Brendan Mullins, head of asset management, DAA; Dermot McArdle, head of ESB ecars; Paddy Magee, sales and network director, Renault Ireland; and Martin Doherty, environmental manager, DAA

The hotly anticipated new Mercedes-Benz A-Class – seen as the car that will give MercedesBenz access to a new, younger generation of motorists – is here and first models will appear in dealer showrooms during December ahead of the January registrations rush.

Two models will take centre stage initially: one is an A180 petrol version which comes on the market at €26,435 (ex works) and the other, an A180 CDI diesel version at €28,550, the version likely to attract most attention due, in part, to its greener CO2 emissions of just 98g/km.

Both models will come in a choice of three specifications and

equipment lines – style, urban and sports pack.

Entr y models sold here come equipped with style pack features including items which, were they purchased separately, would have a value of €1,600.

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

The new A-Class is as different from its predecessor as it is possible to be --------------------------

Compatible with the needs of the iPhone, iPad generation, its optional on board high-tech functionality is such that iPhone Siri voice-a ctiv a ted units and iPad music

and apps can be played through the car’s infotainment system.

The new A-Class is as different from its predecessor as it is possible to be.

Sitting some 18cm closer to the ground, its low-slung posture and SL-like fascia give it a positively sporty appearance that will appeal to young male and female motorists alike.

The front-wheel drive, all engines have an idlestop system as standard, is linked to a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Its new four-link rear suspension has a range of settings that includes an optional sports setting with direct steer.

Collision prevention assist, attention assist,

adaptive brake assist and brake hold are all part of its standard safety features.

Backlog Since it first appeared at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, worldwide interest in the new A-Class has been intense, so much so that a backlog of orders already exists.

Here in Ireland, Mercedes-Benz passenger carsales manager Ciaran Allen expects supply to keep pace with demand in the initial phases, at least.

“In keeping with its high-tech image, our launch plan will include a heavy concentration on Facebook and smart phone app technology to create an interactive platform whereby prospective customers can

learn about the A-Class and scroll through its features to model the version they like best,” said Allen.

Already something of a wunderkind in terms of its environmental features, the A-Class 180 CDI is acknowledged by the German TUV organisation as offering fuel savings of up to 26%, emissions as low as 98g CO2/km, a best in class CD value of 0.27 and petrol engines that comply with Euro six emissions standard.

Indeed, over its entire life cycle from production to recycling, it is estimated that the A-Class, in the guise of the A180 BE version, will produce 5.7 tons less emissions than its predecessor and will meet the stipulated recycling rate of 95% by weight.

13 December 2012 CLONDALKIN gazette 23

Gazette

HOMES holidays: deck your halls with the m&s christmas range

The countdown to a stylish Christmas The countdow n to products, availChristmas morning is able online and definitely in full in store, have swing as we everything look around needed and see all t h i s the wonderChristful sparkling mas, and decorations what is outside homes, great is shopping centres that it is or just through busy Christmas tree all under bauble, €5.50 street corners. the one So, as people are roof. deciding just what to deck Life-size Christmas their homes with, Gazette trees, that are either plain Home has looked to or with lights, are availM&S to see just what able in a number of differtheir Christmas home ent colours. Decorations range has to offer. Their for the wonderful tree

are also available to help make it the centre point of the living area.

The fabulous lead picture this week includes: 6ft pre-lit white tree €170, baubles from €3.50, Maiko chair in Nilo Leather Red €1,199, honeycombe orbs €11 (for 2), chenille bauble cushion €16, chenille snowflake cushion €16, Fair Isle throw €47.50, Snowscene print cushion €16.

Placemats in festive decor always add a little extra to the table, while centrepieces, including candles and flower

arrangements, can really highlight the room that will entertain the guests.

Napkin rings are also available in various styles which suit the different kinds of themes that householders might be thinking of this year.

Why not make things a little different by adding items such as a gingerbread tree to the table, so people can admire and eat the centrepiece.

Crackers are definitely a must for the table too, and M&S have a wide range to suit kids, adults or the whole family.

JOY letters, €13

Faux bark tea light holder, €7

For further information on home products from M&S this Christmas, log onto www.marksandspencer.ie or visit your local M&S store.

A full list of store locations is also available online.

The M&S Christmas home range has many products on offer to spruce up your home for the holidays

Gazette

24 CLONDALKIN gazette 13 December 2012

OUT&ABOUT

city break: The Christmas Market at Belfast City Hall

Getting into the  Laura Donnelly

The variety and quality of food available at the market are excellent

Once you have passed the age of writing a letter to Santa, it’s often not as easy to get into the spirit of Christmas. However, with not long left to go, if your festive feelings are lacking, a trip to Belfast will soon change that.

As a big fan of the season of goodwill, I was like a child at Christmas on a recent trip to Belfast! The Christmas Market at Belfast City Hall will lighten even the heaviest of hearts, and will help to tick a few names off the Christmas gift list, too.

Quality gifts for all the family – including pets – can be found at the large market, with jewellery, bags, hats, scarves, gloves and more on offer.

Arriving hungry at the Christmas Market is also a great idea, as the variety and quality of food available are excellent. While Kangaroo meat is one of the more unusual snacks available, festive shoppers can also find the old reliable macaroons, crepes, cakes, sweets and

Turkish delights. Mulled wine, mulled cider and varieties of hot chocolate (with or without Baileys) will keep you warm as you spend time browsing the outdoor market.

There’s also a carousel to entertain children, as well as Santa himself, and a lively bar to keep the adults occupied.

A festive afternoon tea at the five-star Merchant Hotel is an essential part of a visit to Belfast over Christmas. Up to 20 varieties of teas are available in the elegant hotel, to accompany finger sandwiches, scones, mince pies and other festive treats, while live music provides the perfect Christmas atmosphere.

Pampering

For those tempted to pamper themselves, an express manicure from the lovely staff in The Merchant Spa topped off the recent visit nicely.

After a busy afternoon of shopping in the Christmas Market, the fire in the Fitzwilliam Hotel is just what is needed. The Fitzwilliam Hotel, situ-

ated on Great Victoria Street, is ideally located for a shopping trip, with the Christmas Market and the main shopping hub and Victoria Square Shopping Centre just a five-minute walk away.

A cocktail making class with head bartender, Johnathan Magennis, is certainly an entertaining way to spend an evening in the hotel. The class involved making, and subsequently drinking, two cocktails – a bramble and a cosmopolitan.

The bramble comprises of gin, fresh blackberries, lime juice, and sugar syrup. We were greeted with a glass of prosecco and enjoyed canapes as we learned the inside secrets from Johnathan. Did you know that when serving or drinking cocktails, drinks without ice, such as the cosmopolitans we made, should not be served with a straw?

Johnathan joked that if he saw us out and about afterwards drinking cosmos through a straw, he wouldn’t be too impressed!

The cocktail making class is practical and informative, as well as being great fun, and the tips and recipes learned will no doubt be put to the test soon.

Dinner at James Street South is a key recommendation for an upcoming trip to Belfast. Located just minutes from The Fitzwilliam Hotel, every-

The Christmas Market at

thing on the menu comes from within a 40-mile radius. The restaurant prides itself on using only local ingredients, and I would go back simply for the smoked haddock and mussel gratin starter.

Belfast is one city that has everything you need for a relaxing festive city break, while picking up some stocking fillers of course.

To find out more information on Christmas events or for further information on places to stay or things to see and do in Northern Ireland, check out the free booking and advice service and callsave 1850 230 230, or visit NITB’s Tourist Information Centre in Suffolk Street Dublin 2 or click on www.discovernorthernireland.com.

13 December 2012 CLONDALKIN gazette 25

Gazette

Travel

spirit of Christmas

Belfast City Hall will lighten even the heaviest of hearts, and will help to tick a few names off the Christmas gift list, too

26 clondalkin gazette 13 December 2012

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soccer 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

cross country P29

FastSport DLR to honour volunteers:

Denis Bastick, Niall Corcoran, county board chairman Andy Kettle and senior football manager Jim Gavin, Eoghan O’Gara and Danny Sutcliffe

hurling: after a tough 2012, Crokes’ star defender says talent is still there

Kilmacud’s Corcoran hopes Dubs summon spirit of 2011 NIALL Corcoran is hoping the Dublin senior hurlers can find the impressive form they showed in 2011 and carry this onto the pitch going into this season’s National Hurling League.

Speaking at the launch of the new Dublin jersey at Parnell Park, the Kilmacud Crokes man said: “We’re going to get the heads down this year and take it game by game and, hopefully, find the form we had in 2011.”

While 2011 was seen as one step forward for the Dublin hurlers, winning the league title and falling just short of

a place in the All-Ireland senior hurling final, they took two steps backward in 2012 with relegation in the league and a lacklustre performance in the championship.

Corcoran believes their poor start to the league campaign last season certainly had an impact on how the season went for them and their inability to cope with the high expectations set for themselves culminated in a downward spiral from which the team was unable to recover.

“Looking back on it, we had a bad start to the league against Galway and

were unlucky with a couple of results.

The confidence was dented a bit.

“We performed well in 2011 and expected a lot of ourselves, but it didn’t happen for us. You have to learn to manage that pressure. If you do well, with that there will be pressure. So, it’s up to the players to manage it.

Speaking about 2013, Corcoran feels that the team as a whole must learn from the disappointment of last season in order for them to come out on top in the big games.

“That’s a lesson we learned this year. If

you go out in these big games, you have to perform and if you don’t, then you’re going to get criticised.”

Corcoran also dismissed the notion that Division 1B is Dublin’s for the taking and believes it is a highly competitive league and that they will have to focus on their performances if they wish to make the final.

“If you look at the teams in 1B, there are a lot of good ones like Wexford, Limerick and Offaly. We also have a game away to Antrim and none of these matches are going to be easy.”

DUN LAOGHAIRE Rathdown sports partnership will host an awards ceremony to acknowledge the work of volunteers of the sports clubs and organisations in the county.

The event will take place on January 30, 2013 in the Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel in Killiney and will include an awards presentation for the individuals and clubs that have demonstrated this volunteering ethos.

If you know of a club or a club member who you believe should be recognised for their efforts, you can find nomination forms and guidelines on the Sports Partnership website www. dlrsportspartnership. ie or call 01 271 9507 for more information.

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

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

Gazette

28 CLONDALKIN gazette 13 December 2012

SPORT

FastSport Kenealy starts new role at grass roots: SENIOR women’s cricket international Amy Kenealy began work this week in her new role as community development officer for the South Dublin County area.

Her role will be specifically geared towards running programmes for those with disabilities, the running of grass roots programmes designed to further increase participation in cricket while also working to develop emerging girls’ talent by assisting with the Leinster youth coaching programme.

This initiative also represents the outcome of an imaginative collaboration between Leinster Cricket and The Lord’s Taverners Ireland who have agreed to make a contribution of almost half of the cost of the project.

Kenealy’s appointment has come about following a very successful nine-month internship that was established through the government-driven Jobbridge initiative.

soccer: FAI intermediate cup draw comes up trumps for lsl sides

Glenville set for home tie  sport@gazettegroup.com

GLENVILLE , TEK United, Phoenix and Bluebell United have all gained home draws in the fourth round of the FAI Intermediate Cup following last week’s draw, set for the weekend of January 27 in the New Year.

For rapidly rising Glenville, they have been paired against either Beggsboro or Greystones AFC in the last 16 of the competition after they dismissed the challenge of Cork’s Leeside 3-0.

It continues the P a l m e r s t ow n cl u b ’s excellent recent history in the national competitions, moving a small step closer to repeating

their memorable run in the Senior Cup when they met Bohemians in 2010.

The third tier LSL side have been in flying form in the league, too, this term as they look for their ninth promotion in 11 years, currently second in the standings at the halfway stage in the LSL Sunday Senior 1A. Should Beggsboro make it through, the Glens will have the form guide in their favour having beaten the Crumlin side in the league in August.

Greystones, meanwhile, offer a tough task after a decent first half of the Senior 1 season.

TEK United have not yet reached the last 16

and are massive underdogs for their third round date with Tolka Rovers but, should they overcome that tie, they will be the hosts in the fourth round against either Tymon Celtic or Blarney United.

Harry Kenny’s Phoenix were comfortable 5-0 winners over Swilly Rovers last week to earn a date with Cork side Everton at Scribblestown.

They will have vengeance on their mind, meeting the side that knocked them out of last year’s competition.

John Brophy kept his good form going with a couple of goals while Gareth Cooney also chipped in with a couple.

Glenville have earned a home tie against either Beggsboro or Greystones AFC

Keith Dawson closed out the list of scorers.

Bluebell also host Cork opposition when they showdown against Bandon AFC in the fourth round at the Red Cow. Their passage came at the expense of Douglas Hall in a tough away date. Robert Douglas and Dara Satelle were their goalscorers in a 2-1 success.

Bangor Celtic will travel to St Patrick’s CY

in an all-Leinster date as they knocked out UCC 2-0 at the Iveagh Grounds with two goals in a minute around the 55 minute mark, Terry Gleeson and Paul Devlin on the mark.

Verona, meanwhile, could be set for a trip to Newbridge Tow n should they get past the challenge of Parkvilla in their unplayed round three fixture.

Elsewhere, hold-

ers Avondale United, who defeated the 2011 and 2012 runners-up Cherry Orchard in the third round, have been rewarded with a home tie against fellow Munster Senior League side, College Corinthians.

Leixlip United host St Mary’s in the other tie of the round, the last 16 phase also acting as a qualfier for the initial round of the Senior Cup.

Taoiseach opens top-class Belfield facility  sport@gazettegroup.com

Rachel Breslin, Dominic O’Keefe and Enda Kenny

AN Taoiseach Enda Kenny officially opened the new €50m sports and leisure facility at University College Dublin’s Belfield campus last week.

The new development has been wholly funded by the student body that has paid a self-imposed levy since 2007.

Amongst the facilities is an Olympic-specification 50-metre swimming pool, the only one on the southside of Dublin.

The facility has been in use since the beginning of the aca-

demic term and has attracted membership from many residents living in the suburbs around the university.

The 10-lane 50-metre pool at the heart of the complex has an adjustable floor to vary pool depth for user comfort and caters for beginners and advanced swimmers alike.

The design allows for recreational use as well as lane swimming with a tepidarium area featuring a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, vitality walk and ice fountain.

Other facilities at the new

facility include a dedicated debating chamber named after former Taoiseach Garrett Fitzgerald.

This features retractable seating, a standing gallery and acoustics that allow the voice to carry.

There’s also an 88 seat cinema (available for private hire for birthday parties or movie nights), society offices, meeting rooms and a 112-seat theatre.

Located close to the Clonskeagh gate of the campus, the complex has an ‘internal street’ design, lined with seating and

screens where students display digital advertisements for events instead of their traditional posters.

Project co-ordinator Dominic O’Keeffe is very pleased with the take-up in usage of the facility.

He said: “We are very much part of the community around us and we welcome external membership from outside UCD which will help us to finance this facility.

“It is also a tremendous infrastructural addition to Dublin’s southside.”

13 December 2012 CLONDALKIN gazette 29

Gazette

Winter wonderland

Local runners Hutchinson and Byrne help Ireland win European women’s team cross-country gold amid snow-laden conditions DSDAC runners Ava Hutchinson and Linda Byrne both tasted European cross-country glory last Sunday in Budapest amid minus five temperatures and a snow-laden course.

They were part of the Irish senior women’s team that claimed the team title, doubling up on Fionnuala Britton’s individual gold, by the narrowest of margins after a momentous performance.

Speaking soon after the race, Hutchinson said that while her team felt they were in the mix for a medal, she never envisaged that the hue would be gold.

“To be honest, not in a negative way, but no one said [we would win] gold this morning,” she said.

“We thought it would be close between second,

 stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

third and fourth. The amount of times we’ve got fourth and missed out like in Dublin in 2009! So we said to ourselves, we’re not doing that again. We thought it would be close either way but never expected first.”

With Britton successfully retaining her individual title, it set the perfect base for the Irish team’s efforts.

The Wicklow woman was to the fore from the outset and pushed the pace ferociously. With two kilometres to go, the race was between her

and Belgium’s Almensch Belete.

However both Portugal’s Dulce Felix and Adrianne Herzog of the Netherlands were starting to make an impression before Britton lifted her game once again and propelled herself over the finishing line to take the title in a time of 27:45, two seconds ahead of Felix.

Following up, DSD’s Byrne was running an immaculate race as she stormed to an eighth place finish and was followed home by Hutchinson in 20th.

The rest of the team packed well with Lizzie Lee in 23rd, Sarah McCormack in 36th and Sarah Louise Treacy in 42nd.

It combined to make for a team score of 52 points, level with France

but Ireland were awarded the title on count back.

Hutchinson added that the result may take a while to sink in after her team bonded together perfectly on the day: “Everyone was cheering each other on and even Lizzie [Lee] and I were chatting in the middle of the race.

“I said ‘we have to push on’ as we found it hard at times, trying to move with some of the Spanish girls.”

“T he whole way around we were told we were in third and we always thought we’d be either second or third; we never thought first as we thought Portugal would be just too strong.

“But we knew if we could pack well, we could medal. No one had a bad run out there so it was a great day.”

Sara Treacy, Fionnuala Britton, Sarah McCormack, Linda Byrne, Ava Hutchinson and Lizzie Lee who won gold in the European Senior Women’s Cross Country Championships

On the men’s side, the senior team was led home

by DSDAC’s Brendan O’Neill in 22nd place.

O’Neill, a former team gold medallist at U23 level at these championships, performed impressively on his debut in the senior race.

He attacked the race bravely from the beginning as he occupied 12th place at the four-kilometre mark.

Although he lost a couple of places in the second half of the race.

O’Neill showed class to finish in 22nd, just ahead of his club mate Joe Sweeney in 27th.

David Rooney (Raheny) was the next of the Irish to finish in 38th place, while Sean Hehir was 52nd.

In the earlier junior races, middle distance specialist Siofra Cleirigh Buttner, another DSD runner, went across the line in 36th place in the junior girls’ race whileher club mate Clare McCarthy was 68th.

FastSport Unique fans’ gift can for Christmas: TEAM Colours online have launched their county team “Fan Can”, a can containing all the fan accessories for dedicated GAA fans to support their county team all day, every day.

Each can is available in a boy or girl version and includes, a pendant in county colours, a bar of chocolate dressed in a county jersey, a pack of four temporary tattoos among other items.

Fan cans are available online from www. teamcoloursonline. com for €24.95.

Gazette

30 CLONDALKIN gazette 13 December 2012

SPORT

FastSport

soccer: Clondalkin rivals share sunday premier spoils

Adamstown trio avail of Olympian’s knowledge ADAMSTOWN cycling team’s Kayleigh Gibbons, Finola Lawlor and Roisin Kennedy spent last weekend receiving top-class training with GB Olympic medalist Wendy Houvenaghel providing her expertise and knowledge to the local riders.

Day one of the camp was for all women cyclists and promising new ACT recruit Lawlor attended the two-hour talk and turbo training session with her more experienced team mates.

Kennedy and Gibbons were back at the camp on Sunday, the former as part of the Irish national development team and the latter as a guest of the girl’s 2020 team.

The riders went through talks and training drills at the cycling track at Corkagh Park with Houvenaghel offering advice and training tips.

The world champion had travelled to the event specifically as she imparted some of the wisdom she obtained, having won an Olympic silver medal in the individual pursuit in Beijing four years ago. She was also the reserve on the victorious British team pursuit squad at the London Olympics in August.

The Cornwall-based rider, who is a squadron leader and originally hails from Co Derry, enjoyed a nine-year spell in international racing as part of the world renowned British cycling squad during which she won three world championship titles and four world championship silver medals.

Adamstown’s Kennedy had previously met Houvenaghel in a more competitive environment, when Kennedy was racing in the UK in 2004 and 2005 as part of an Irish national team.

Since starting riding with the British team in 2002, though, Houvenaghel went on to win 12 national titles, a European title as well as three world titles and five world medals in total before capping off her career with that Olympic medal.

She is pictued above, second from left, with Gibbons on the left, Kennedy second from the right and Lawlor on the far right.

Booth Road Celtic’s Dean O’Rourke picks out a perfect curling angle to open the scoring against Alpine Express

Express Ward delivery LSL Sunday premier Alpine Express Booth Road Celtic  cormac kennedy

1 1

sport@gazettegroup.com

A CLOSELY fought, passionate local derby ended all square after a dramatic late equaliser for the hosts, Alpine Expess, thanks to their full-back Alan Ward.

A respectful minute’s silence was upheld before the game as a mark of respect to the Dutch assistant referee who died last week.

The match began as a typical local derby, tightly contested with both

sides wary of conceding an early goal.

Alpine’s right-back Gareth O’ Brien set the tone for the game with a crunching tackle within the first minute to receive a yellow card – one of many more to come.

It was Booth Road who started the game better without ever really troubling Alpine’s Sean Power.

But the game finally finally sprung to life when O’ Brien cut inside onto his weaker left foot to strike a cracking effort from around 30 yards out that just whistled

wildcats victorious Palmerstown take gold in national competition palmerstown Wildcats celebrated their

success at the Special Olympics Ireland National Basketball Cup last week in Gormanston College.

They were the men’s champions as they edged out Waterford for the title after 15 teams took part in the competition Former RTE GAA commentator and Special Olympics Patron Michéal O Muircheartaigh was on hand to present their medals for their superb achievement.

over the crossbar.

The match mainly consisted of long shots as Alpine’s other full back, Alan Ward, made a similar effort as his teammate, just missing the Celtic goal by inches.

It was Celtic’s left winger, Luke Darcy, who provided most of the first-half sparks of magic, weaving in and out of Alpine’s defence on numerous occasions.

However, five minutes prior to half-time, it was Alpine who enjoyed the best chance of the match when Robbie Ryan broke through the Celtic defence only to smack

the ball straight at Robbie O’ Rourke, Celtic’s shot-stopper.

Half-time team talks from both sides were nothing short of a blessing for neutrals as both sides went out full throttle to win the game.

Within minutes of the restart, Celtic’s Darcy yet again beat a couple of defenders on his way to cutting inside and hitting a right-footed curling effort onto the post.

Indeed, the ante was raised significantly with some crunching, 50-50 tackles midway through the second half, serving to highlight the extraor-

dinary work ethic, desire and graft shown by both midfields.

Darcy’s shot was a sign of things to come as the opening goal arrived not long after, thanks to a stunning left footed curling free kick from Celtic’s Dean O’ Rourke, nestling in the top corner of Sean Power’s net.

But the equaliser came five minutes before the end when a beautiful ball was whipped in from the right-hand side which evaded the whole Celtic defence, leaving Alan Ward free to nod home for a dramatic late equaliser.

13 December 2012 CLONDALKIN gazette 31

Gazette

Colaiste Phadraig end nine year wait Club Noticeboard  sport@gazettegroup.com

COLAISTE Phadraig won their first Dublin GAA title in nine years last Friday after a dramatic final victory last on Friday.

Leading by a massive 15 points at half-time, the Lucan school withstood a sterling second-half comeback from St Paul’s,

one that had them within two scores entering the final 10 minutes.

But a superb save from goalkeeper Conor Callaghan and point from captain Emmet Allen steadied the ship and it was the Lucan side that prevailed much to the delight of the 200-strong travelling supporters.

The grandstand fin-

ish looked unlikely after Lucan had raced into an early lead, and central to everything in a dominant first half performance was first year Daire Newcombe.

But the Lucan man’s shift was only one of a number of massive efforts on the day. Indeed, every one of the players who entered the fray had some

kind of positive impact none more so than wing forward Conor Kane who had notched a hat-trick by the break.

And his Palmerstown teammate Caoileann Daly popped up with two goals of his own including a crucial effort halfway through the second half en route to a 7-5 to 5-6 victory.

St Pat’s Palmerstown CAN everyone remember to hand in

Well done to Colaiste Phadraig Lucan

their Christmas raffle tickets as soon

featuring six St Pat’s U-14s on a great

as possible? The draw will take place

win in their final on Friday.

on December 20.

were 1, 14, 15 and 20. There was no win-

who finished their championship run

ner. Second draw numbers were 17,

on Sunday, making it to the semi-

26, 27 and 2. There was no winner. Any

finals.

three numbers: €200 to Joe Hall and

Great fun was had by the juveniles down at the bowling alley.

Congratulations to Roisin Brady on

football: amazing comeback for clon stars

her outstanding achievement award.

THE inaugural Round Tower Under-13 winter football tournament took place last week at the recently upgraded Monastery Road facility with five local teams and one from further afield participating.

R o u n d Towe r, S t Mark’s, St Pat’s Palmerstown, St Anne’s, and Westmanstown were joined by Naas who made the event an inter-county affair.

Teams were divided into two groups with Tower’s making their way past St Mark’s and

St Pat’s in close games to secure their place in the final. Along the way the Clondalkin club’s Oran Shelley and Conor Flynn scored fine goals with Conor Flannery and Kasper Pawlikowski producing outstanding performances from midfield.

Managed by former Round Tower senior manager Cormac Kirwan, the Naas team made their way to the final with convincing wins over both Westmanstown and St Anne’s, producing fast, flowing football to set up an exciting finale against the home side.

With rain coming down

hard by final time, Naas started quickly, clocking up 1–8 without reply and looked to be on their way to an easy win.

Some tough defending by the Tower’s back line with Michael O’Reilly having a strong game, and fine saves from Tower’s stand-in keeper Eoin Murphy kept the score at a respectable level.

It took a goal from Bradley Byrne and a couple of points from Adam Behan to steady the Towers’ lads’ nerves. A further point from Byrne edged Tower’s closer.

However, the Kildare club worked hard, mov-

ing the ball smoothly on the attack and managed to score another three points.

A nicely taken goal

by Cillian Murphy and a further goal by Conor Flannery left Tower’s within touching distance.

With the game almost over, Sean Casey hit the ball low into the bottom corner to steal victory by a point, the final score Round Tower 4–3 to Naas 1–11. Captain on the day, Sean Lyons collected the trophy for the lads in green and white as they celebrated an incredible comeback from 11 points behind.

draw draw jackpot of €10,000 and a second draw jackpot of €4,800.

Reynolds, 087 7687376. You can also

now been distributed to all mentors

leave your dress in the clubhouse on

and are available from the bar. Tick-

the following date: Saturday Decem-

ets cost €5. Top prize is €2,000.

ber 15, 3-5pm. Information on tickets for the fundraiser to follow.

to purchase in the club bar from Mon-

The 25-card drive continues every

day, December 10. An ideal Christmas

Friday night in the clubhouse, €5

present for someone who has every-

entry, first prize of €50. All welcome.

Unislim Lucan meets every Monday

All categories of membership can

evening from 7-8pm in the function

be purchased - family, adult player,

room at Lucan Sarsfields GAA club.

adult player, full-time student, adult

Contact your leaders Susan on 086

non-player, U-21, juvenile (U-8 to U-18

8884235 or Fiona on 086 3585192. No

inclusive), nursery (U-7), OAP and

counting points or calories, just a

social member.

fantastic plan you will love. Everyone

The U-15A footballers play Confey

 sport@gazettegroup.com

on Sunday, December 16 with a first

TICKETS for our Christmas draw have

thing.

Tower’s U-13s claim inaugural trophy

€100 to Amy Gaynor. The next draw is

lucan sarsfields

Gift membership for 2013 available

Round Tower on the attack in their group game against near-neighbours St Pat’s, Palmerstown

Lotto results: first draw numbers

Hard luck to the minor footballers

welcome.

in final of the Kildare tournament at

The club shop opening times are

1.45pm Saturday, December 15, at St

Tuesday 7.30-8.30pm and Saturday

Mary’s Leixlip. All support welcome.

morning from 10.30-11.30am until

Is it time to do your spring cleaning

Christmas.

now? Are there dresses in your ward-

Occasional opening during nurs-

robe that are just dying to be worn? Is

eries on Saturdays when staff are

it time to release them?

available. No Thursday openings until

The Feile committee of 2013 is

further notice. Socks, shorts etc.

organizing a Buy a Dress fundraiser

available from the bar during club

in the clubhouse on February 1, 2013.

hours.

We need you to donate your unwanted dresses for the occasion.

We are looking for dresses that are

Set dancing classes take place every Wednesday at 8.30pm. Everyone welcome, no partner required.

in good, saleable condition; dresses

This week’s lotto numbers were

that for some reason or another you

2, 6, 10 and 25. There was no winner.

will never wear again. You can donate

Next week’s jackpot is €8,000. Mick

your dress directly to the following

Mulhall’s team will be in charge next

people: Tracey Walsh, 087 9735665,

Sunday night when our sponsor will

Audrey Coffey, 087 6538970 and Mary

be John Ryan Accountant.

westmanstown/garda WHAT a way to finish off a brilliant year

addition, we also thank our sponsors

for Garda GAA Club and Westmans-

McGowan’s of Phibsboro, Copper Face

town Gaels. It’s the final round of our

Jacks, Spicers, 24HourDoc, DID Elec-

Thousandaire night, the final question

trical, Dermot Coyne Solicitors, FBD

is worth €1,000. The contestant has

Hotels and Resorts and advertisers

one lifeline.

for their support.

The tension was palpable. The crowd waited in anticipation. The contestant,

The weekend also saw the presentation of the annual club awards.

who will remain anonymous for legal

Congratulations to the winners: Alan

reasons, will long remember what the

Lynch, senior club person of the Year;

language of the Walloon community is.

Eddie Martin, juvenile club person of

It just remains to say a big thank you

the year; and Rachel O’Shea, young

to everyone involved in the project. In

player of the year.

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

winter wonderland: Round Tower youngsters lead the way at inaugural football tournament P31

december 13, 2012

local clubs discover fate: Intermediate cup draw sees plenty of home comforts P28

Collins confident in Cork contenders  peter carroll

sport@gazettegroup.com

PASCHAL Collins, the famed head trainer at the Celtic Warrior gym, believes Clondalkin’s Ian Tims and Stephen Ormond will have their hands raised in victory on Saturday night in Cork’s Neptune Arena.

Despite being pencilled in for an elbow operation two days after his bout, Tims will look to bounce back to glory after two loses in his last two outings with Collins in his corner.

“He’s in good shape,” said the trainer. “Ian needs a win on Saturday night, and he’s in there against a tough, durable fighter. Don’t get

me wrong, he’s not facing a worldbeater, but it’s important that he gets the win.

“Ian has been hindered in his last two bouts with the elbow. He would be challenging for world titles if his elbow hadn’t acted up after two rounds in his last bout, and he couldn’t spar at all for the fight before that.

“The surgery is something that needs to be done. He had already made the date for the surgery before the fight came along, and he couldn’t turn down that kind of money so close to Christmas,” said Collins.

Tims is part of a training camp that also includes headliner Gary

“Spike” O’Sullivan, Karl Brabazon and the heavily-touted Stephen Ormond, also from Clondalkin, who are all preparing for the fight night in Cork.

“Stephen is a fantastic talent.

He’s a lot better than the fights he has been in, and he really should be challenging for world titles. His only loss came to Paul Appleby for the Celtic title, and most people had Stephen winning that fight on the night.

“He wants to fight Ricky Burns, and this is another fight that he wants to take to keep himself fresh.

We should have big news about Stephen in the New Year, and this fight should keep his momentum.

“It’s just really tough to get him fights because he is genuinely too good. The opponents know they will probably lose against him and demand big purses, so we have to look further afield to get him fights,” said the trainer.

With the massive convoy of talent in Collins’s gym, he claims that the fighters have come together like a family and want to put professional boxing back on the map.

“Boxing has been a huge sport in Ireland in the past, and I think if we can put shows on like this, it will only grow.

“If this goes well, we could be looking at a huge 2013, and I have every faith that it will.”

Lucan man Karl Brabazon is well set for his second professional boxing bout