Dun Laoghaire

Laoghaire GAZET TE FREE

YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: Lettie discusses her former role as Cathaoirleach P4-5

‘The west is best for a mighty Mayo holiday break’ TRAVEL: P22-23.

RECYCLE THIS COPY. KEEP DUBLIN TIDY.

September 1, 2011

CLEANING UP: Latest litter league

sees Dun Laoghaire improve again P6

Ahoi, mateys!

Pirates attend a maritime event THIS pair of pretty, pint-sized

Gaelic games: Bailey hails All-Ireland commitment Page 32

pirates set sail for the Carlisle Piere recently, where they joined lots of local landlubbers at the National Maritime Museum’s Family Fun Day. Lots of fun activities had been arranged by the museum, with a highlight of the day being the unveiling of some beautiful new stained glass windows. They were richly detailed with maritime-themed decal, making a splash on the day.

Picture: Margaret Brown

Full Gallery on Pages 8-9

Sport Awards: August’s stars of the month nominees inside Page 29

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS .................... 21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Town may soon get massive jobs boost Amgen apply for Q DAWN LOVE

ambitious €225m Pfizer plant refurb

A MASSIVE jobs boost could be on the cards for Dun Laoghaire, providing the local economy with a muchneeded shot in the arm, if a €225 million plan by biotechnology company, Amgen, gets the go-ahead from Dun

Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

The leading biotechnology company lodged an application with the council last week, seeking planning permission to carry out a major refurbishment and extension project at the former Pfizer plant, which, it says, will cre-

ate 350 jobs during the construction period, and between 80 and 100 permanent new jobs on completion.

According to the planning application, the project will cost between €150 million and €225 million, and take 19 months to construct.

Full Story on Page 2

2 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 1 September 2011

JOBS Biotechnology company applies for €225 million plant refurbishment

Amgen could create massive local jobs boost Q DAWN LOVE dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com

A MASSIVE jobs boost could be on the cards for Dun Laoghaire, providing the local economy with a much-needed shot in the arm, if a €225 million plan by biotechnology company, Amgen,

gets the go-ahead from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC).

The leading biotechnology company lodged an application with the council last week, seeking planning permission to carry out a major refurbishment and exten-

ENNISKERRY: HERITAGE

sion project at the former Pfizer plant, which, it says, will create 350 jobs during the construction period, and between 80 and 100 permanent new jobs on completion.

According to the planning application, the project will cost between €150 million and €225

million, and will take 19 months to construct.

A spokeswoman for the company told The Gazette: “At the time, when we purchased it earlier this year, we stated that we planned to develop the capability of the site to formulate, label and package our own

medicines on site.

“We recently submitted an application to DLRCC and, apart from some minor modifications, this application is very similar to a planning permit that was granted to the previous owner of the site,” she said.

The company currently

employs 280 permanent staff at its Dun Laoghaire plant.

The plans have been welcomed this week by local politicians, including by Independent councillor, Victor Boyhan, who said: “I welcome Amgen’s announcement to invest in further expansion of

its biotechnology plan on Pottery Road, Dun Laoghaire.

“The plan will secure the future of the current biotechnology jobs on the site, and see new jobs in science and biotechnology, as well as construction and maintenance coming to the area,” he said.

ENTERPRISE: THE GAZETTE TALKS WITH NEW CHAMBER PRESIDENT

‘Government must do more for local business’ Q MICHAEL HANNAN

Dressed up to enjoy a previous heritage day

Fun down at the farm NEXT Sunday, September 11, will see the Enniskerry Victorian Field Day take place at Knocklinn Farm, Ballyman Road, just minutes from Enniskerry.

The setting is the home of the Heatley family, who have farmed here for almost a century.

Highlights of the day will include Powerscourt Ploughing Society’s annual match, steam threshing, a vintage car and tractor display, as well as sheaf pitching, a tug of war and a dog show.

The event is being run in support of MS Ireland, and the joint parishes in Enniskerry, and promises to be a great day out for families.

One of the highlights of the day will be a ploughing match hosted

by Powerscourt Ploughing Society, which is one of the oldest ploughing societies in Ireland.

Another major attraction will be The Elizabeth, a magnificent 101-yearold Foden compound steam engine, powering a Ransome 54-inch heavy mill.

As the last steampowered threshing took place on the farm more than 60 years ago, the

scene should provide a rare opportunity for the younger generation to see steam power at work.

There will be traditional games for children, face-painting, pony trap rides, and an old-fashioned toy competition.

There are some fantastic prizes to be won for those dressed in period costumes on the day.

These include overnight breaks at local hotels, dinners and Sunday lunches; family passes for local attractions, and many other spot prizes.

The event will incorporate a large display of vintage cars, motorcycles and tractors. Prizes and trophies will be awarded to Best Car and Best Tractor of the show.

The organisers are inviting not only vintage clubs to exhibit, but also all private enthusiasts who may have vintage agricultural machinery, cars and memorabilia.

The event will be accompanied by live music, with performances by local musicians throughout the day.

All entries are free of charge. Anyone who wishes to do so should contact the organisers in advance.

THERE needs to be more support for local businesses from the Government, Neil Kennan, the newly-elected president of the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Chamber of Commerce, warned this week.

A par tner at LKG Solicitors, 39-year-old Keenan specialises in company law.

“It’s challenging for businesses everywhere, and our county is no different.

“I want to ensure that the Chamber continues to be an effective support and voice for businesses in our county.

“I am really looking for ward to working with Hal Ledford, CEO, to make it an exciting and fruitful year for our members,” he told The Gazette.

“In my role as a solicitor, acting for corporate businesses, I’ve seen at first-hand the challenges people are facing.

Success “I’ve seen what makes good companies, and what actually works, and what generates success, so I’d very much hope to bring that experience to bear in the role.

“We’re working on a number of initiatives in that regard, including setting up a new programme for business that’ll assist with training and advisory panels for start-up businesses,”

he said.

Keenan has also helped to found the Turnaround Management Association; an organisation which is dedicated to business renewal.

“Turnaround is about helping businesses getting back on their feet; it’s an international organisation.

“The idea is to foster business turnaround, on the basis that if you can turn a business around and restructure it, the dividend for everybody is much better than if you liquidate a business, or it goes insolvent.

Regime “We certainly don’t feel that there’s been enough of a focus on it in Ireland, particularly with the legal regime here, which is ver y much about penalising businesses which go into insolvency.

“This organisation is all about a totally different approach. It’s about being proactive, rather than sitting back and waiting for the phone to ring,” said Keenan.

The practices adopted at LKG to cope with the economic downturn can be applied to other businesses, he said.

“Like every business, we’ve been impacted.

The key things are to manage your overheads; it’s vital to face those issues quickly, and to play to your strengths. “ We ’ ve l o o ke d a t areas of practice that we

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‘We certainly don’t feel that there’s been enough of a focus on fostering business turnaround in Ireland, particularly with the legal regime here, which is very much about penalising businesses which go into insolvency’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Neil Keenan, president, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Chamber of Commerce -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

can excel in, and we’ve focused on those, and also at the changing marketplace, and tried to focus on restructuring the business,” said Keenan.

Chamber CEO, Hal

L e d f o r d , we l c o m e d Keenan’s election. He said: “Neil continues the Chamber’s tradition of electing strong and effective presidents who are well able to represent our members, and

who advocate on behalf of business to local and national political leaders.”

Keenan lives in Co Wicklow with his artist wife, Sylvia, and their two children.

1 September 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 3

IT’S YOUR STORY Association has lots of things for you to do

Too many fun activities to feel ‘retired’ Q TONY MCCARTHY

MOST people have taken their summer holidays by now, and are either back at work or preparing to go back; retuening to old and familiar routines.

Not everybody is in that situation – those who are retired, or unemployed, have choices to make as to how they wish to spend the time.

Back in 1978, the late Fr Chris Mangan realised that there was a gap in such people’s lives, and so the Dun Laoghaire Active Retirement Association [DLARA] was founded to provide an active lifestyle for them.

Today, it flourishes, with more than 100 members, and is part of Active Retirement Ireland, which, itself, has a membership of more than 25,000 members, spread throughout the country.

The emphasis is on “active”, and DLARA offers a wide choice of activities for members.

For example, walkers meet on either Wednesdays or Thursdays, and take a different route each week. Under the leadership of Catherine Donovan, they adopt a leisurely pace so that they can enjoy each other’s

company, and have a chat whilst taking exercise.

At the journey’s end, they usually dine in a hostelry in the locality.

A group meet for chair exercises on Tuesday mornings, under the watchful eye of Tony McCarthy, who trained as a PAL [Physical Activity Leader] with Go for Life, --------------------------

‘With so much to do, there is no need to be bored or lonely. Our membership fee is only nominal, and is open to all over-55s’ --------------------------

and, on that afternoon, there is also indoor bowls, led by captain Anne O’Reilly.

Those with a creative streak can join the creative writing class, and/or the art class.

Digital photography classes, in conjunction with the VEC, are being provided for the first time.

The VEC is also assisting in providing tuition

in operating computers at basic and advanced levels.

For those who prefer one-to-one guidance, the Transition Year pupils in Sion Hill are again making their services available, under the watchful eye of their teacher, Ciara Ennis.

Card playing is wellestablished in the borough, and there is social Bridge for the learned, with Mary Whelan, and beginners’ Bridge for newcomers, with Paddy Stanley.

A games afternoon is also planned, during which members can play card games and board games of their choice.

Not all the activity takes place in Dun Laoghaire.

In the past year, 30 members enjoyed a memorable four-day trip to West Cork.

Day trips to Newbridge, Punchestown Races, Locke’s Distillery, Kilbeggan Races and others were enjoyed, and it is proposed to have a number of day trips in the coming year.

The evenings of entertainment with local and guest artists have been highly enjoyable, as has the dancing, which rounded off the evenings.

Pictured are some members of Dun Laoghaire Active Retirement Association, taking a well-earned break during the Association’s popular four-day trip to West Cork

Bookworms can join the book club, with Maureen Loughran, whilst theatre-goers are catered for by Ann Hughes.

Perhaps the social highlight of the year is the Christmas Lunch, to be held this year in The Royal Irish Yacht Club on Tuesday, December 13.

So, with so much to do, there is no need to be bored or lonely. Our membership fee is only nominal, and is open to all over-55s.

Inquiries can be made to Margaret Mc Carthy (Hon Sec) at 086 160 4718; if you cannot use a mobile, or send messages, we will help you to progress.

There is a monthly meeting on the last Friday of each month at our base – The Boylan Centre – at which a guest speaker imparts information on matters past or current.

We have representatives on a number of committees, and send delegates

Act now to register for a free pre-school place PARENTS and guardians are being urged to register early for pre-school places.

The free pre-school year scheme is designed to give children access to pre-school placement in the year before they start primary school.

The early childhood care and education facility is available for 50 weeks.

Speaking to The Gazette, Inde-

pendent councillor Victor Boyhan said: “I would encourage parents to contact pre-school service providers in their area directly to arrange a visit prior to enrolment.”

The free pre-school year is open to all children aged between three and four years of age, subject to certain conditions.

A list of approved pre-schools participating in the scheme

within the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area is available from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Childcare Committee; telephone 01 236 8030.

Places are available, but you need to resister your child as soon as possible.

All pre-school facilities approved under the scheme have been certified by the HSE.

to other kindred organisations, thereby ensuring that you have a voice in issues facing you.

So, don’t be shy – come to our Annual General Meeting on Monday, September 5 in The Boylan Centre at 11am, where our president, John O’Neill, will have a hearty welcome for you.

4 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 1 September 2011

TRANSPORT: NEW AND ENCOURAGING FIGURES ARE RELEASED BY EFLOW

Rear-facing cameras were introduced on the M50 and helped reduce tailgaiting

Tailgating figures down 83% MONTHLY tailgating on the M50 is down a massive 83%, new figures released by eFlow have revealed.

The company said the figures showed that the dangerous prac-

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tice of tailgating on the M50 was down by 83%, just five months since rear facing cameras were introduced on the M50.

According to the figures in Febr uar y 2011, there were 12,237 instances of tailgating on the M50 followed by just 2,083 in July 2011.

Simon McBeth of eFlow said the act of tailgating – motorists driving within inches of HGVs in an attempt to hide their licence plate number from overhead toll cameras – was a dangerous, unsafe practice which puts lives at risk.

PEOPLE Lettie talks about ‘that’ show

Lettie’s time as Cathoirleach ‘a wonderful experience’ Q DAWN LOVE dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com

SHE’S been one of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown’s most high profile Cathoirleachs, with her decision to bestow a civic honour on rugby ace, Brian O’Driscoll, taking up the national airwaves on a now infamous Joe Duffy Show.

This week, Labour politician Lettie McCarthy talks to the Gazette about “that” show, how making O’Driscoll an ambassador for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown was the right thing to do and her ambition to take a seat in the Dail come the next general election.

Sitting in House of Fraser’s Dundrum Cafe, the mum of three sighs slightly when asked about the Joe Duffy Show saying: “Look, everyone is entitled to give their view, but I think to have something so one-sided … It was taking it out of context

completely.

“It was a bit like walking down the street and not being armed and you see someone coming towards you with a gun.

But, as you keep walking, there is somebody behind every tree with a gun and all you do is put your hands up and say, ‘just keep firing’ because you are not going to be allowed to answer back and give the message you are trying to give.”

McCarthy is adamant that bestowing the civic honour on O’Driscoll was the right thing to do, describing it as one of the highlights during her year as Cathoirleach.

“It was an amazing year and I suppose there were so many highlights, but one of them was certainly the bestowing of the civic honour on Brian because I believe he is a super role model for the youngsters and teenagers of the county.

“We have such a dif-

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‘I think it was disappointing we didn’t get two seats that last time but we now have a foundation and it’s a matter of just continuing the building blocks. I think I have a role to play with that and I think the experience I gained as Cathoirleach over the year will stand me in good stead.

It certainly was a wonderful experience.’

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McCarthy has been one of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown’s most high

Labour politician, Lettie McCarthy

profile Cathoirleachs

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ficulty with obesity and unhealthy living and we as councilors can go every week to a conference where people are telling us about the problems with obesity, but we are not necessarily the ones that can get that across to our teenagers but someone like Brian O’Driscoll can.

“I believe he is a super

role model for the youngsters and teenagers of the country and if we have ambassadors like that, I know he is a northsider, but he is now an adopted southsider, we should work with them and get them to promote healthy living to our teenagers.

“With regard to the scholarship in his name, it’s not really about the one child who is going to get the scholarship it’s the 50 children who try to get the scholarship.”

Hopeful

As Cathoirleach of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Lettie McCarthy got the chance to meet Queen Elizabeth II during her official visit last May

mother-of-three, Lettie

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Happy

“We introduced rear facing cameras on the M50 to stop the dangerous practice of tailgating. We’re happy to report that the instances of tailgating are down 83% in just over five months.”

“The rear-facing cameras capture the rear licence plate number of all vehicles and eFlow subsequently issue a toll request.

“Tailgating is dangerous and senseless. eFlow continue to work with the gardai to stop this dangerous practice,” he added.

Labour politician and

Narrowly missing out on contesting the last election in Dublin South to Labour’s Aidan Culhane, McCarthy is hopeful her party will take two seats next time around.

“I’d be delighted to serve in any capacity that Labour would like me to serve. It’s fantastic that Alex White was elected here as a TD, and I see my role as promoting the party here from the grass roots.

“I think it was disap-

pointing we didn’t get two seats that last time, but we now have a foundation and it’s a matter of just continuing the building blocks. I think I have a role to play with that and I think the experience I gained as Cathoirleach over the year will stand me in good stead. It certainly was a wonderful experience.”

As for what she won’t miss during her year at the helm of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, McCarthy chuckles: “Unlike a male Cathoirleach, you do have to get your hair done and change your clothes.

A guy can just change his shirt and get a couple of suits. He doesn’t have to walk around in high heels, he doesn’t have to get his hair done but of course, if you are a female you do.”

On a more serious note she adds: “I certainly enjoyed the experience, but I also learned hugely from it, I mean it is a privilege and I don’t say that lightly.”

1 September 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 5

and her ambition to take a seat in the Dail

CHARITY: SALE AT MONKSTOWN

Helping our fourlegged friends THEY’RE cute, cuddly and they need your help!

On Saturday, September 10, a sale of work will take place at Knox Hall in Monkstown in aid of The Irish Blue Cross, The Donkey Sanctuary and The Irish Horse Welfare Trust.

Delicious

Lettie McCarthy bestows a civic honour on rugby ace, Brian O’Driscoll

The event will take place from 10am until 1pm and will feature an array of delicious homemade cakes, jams, teas and coffees, along with plants and books, not to mention a scrumptious delicatessen.

Admission is free and people are encouraged to bring friends to help raise as much funds as possible for a good cause.

6 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 1 September 2011

ANIMALS Minority putting interests of dogs over people – Richard Humphreys

Angry words unleashed over dog control issue Q DAWN LOVE dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com

THE campaign to alter Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown’s dog control park and beach bye laws intensified this week, following comments made

by Labour politician, Richard Humphreys, who urged the council to “stand firm on ensuring proper controls on dogs in public parks”.

The Stillorgan-based councillor said he was “totally opposed” to the

Dogs Unleashed campaign, adding that “in crowded areas, such as beaches and parks, unleashed dogs can pose a real threat, particularly to children”.

“Responsible dog owners will recognise the need to have dogs on a leash when near children but, unfortunately, a vocal minority seem to be anxious to put the interests of dogs over those of citizens of the county,” he said.

Responding to the comments made by

Councillor Humphreys, a spokeswoman for the campaign said it had been established in March in an effort to review and rewrite the beach and parks bye laws of the county.

She said: “These laws came into affect without due process, and now more restrictions are on the way. We are as opposed to irresponsible dog owners as he [Cllr Humphreys] is. Dogs with anti-social behaviour are not just a threat to chil-

dren, but also to us, and to our pet dogs.

“Having a dog on a leash at all times – which is what the current bye laws demand – on our beaches and in our parks (with the exception of a small number of pathetically small, fenced-in dog pens and Killiney Hill) absolutely will not eliminate the anti-social behaviour of a minority of irresponsible dog owners, who allow their dogs to cause any sort of a nuisance to the public,”

she said.

She said that, in an effort to enable their dogs to be exercised adequately, and to enjoy “fetching a stick in the water, or a quiet early morning walk on the beach, [dog owners] must now drive to the more flexible and tolerant neighbouring counties of Dublin City and Fingal, in fear of €150 fines in DLR county.

“These ‘dog control’ restrictions also apply to elderly and disabled dog owners, many of whom

are unable to properly walk and exercise their pets on a leash, and who cannot drive to another county,” she said.

However, Cllr Humphreys said the council had received a high number of complaints from beach users, claiming nuisance, interference, intimidation and attack, on some occasions, by dogs which are not under control.

“The existing parks and beach bye laws were introduced to ensure that

people using the public parks and public beaches could do so in relative comfort and safety.

“With this in mind, the bye laws quite rightly provide controls or prohibit certain activities – this includes the important provision that dogs be leashed.

“Specific fenced-off areas are provided in certain parks to allow dogs off the leash, and I have no objection to a modest increase in such areas,” said Cllr Humphreys.

STILLORGAN: CLASSES

Get a real feel for music

A NEW academy of music and performance – Harmania – has been launched in South Dublin. The new school is the brainchild of Dublin musician, Marie Keane.

Located in Stillorgan, one of Harmania’s main goals will be to focus on developing the musical ear, an area Keane feels is very under-developed in Ireland.

“Obviously, we will train students in the grade system if they choose to follow it, but we want to focus on them becoming accomplished at playing their instruments.

“We want them to get a feel for music, and for their instrument – to be able to listen to a song, and then be able to play it with, or without, the aid of sheet music, which is very achievable,” says Keane.

To c e l e b r a t e t h e launch of Harmania, an open day with free workshops and performances will be held at the school premises on Saturday, September 10. Free music workshops and performances will take place at 12 noon and 3pm.

Harmania is located at Number 9, The Hill, Stillorgan. For full details of its classes, telephone 01 516 8828, or see www. harmania.com or www. facebook.com/harmaniadublin.

In the latest nationwide Irish Business Against Litter results, Dun Laoghaire was placed ninth out of 53 towns surveyed – a dramatic turnaround for the town

LITTER: TOWN CONTINUES TO IMPRESS WITH EVER-IMPROVING STREETS

Glory for Dun Laoghaire Q DAWN LOVE dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com

DUN Laoghaire is one of the tidiest parts of Dublin – that’s according to the results of the latest survey by the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) organisation.

Retaining its status of “clean to European norms”, the seaside town came ninth out of 53 towns surveyed nationwide.

It’s an incredible result for the town, which was severely criticised several years ago for the state of its streets.

Reacting to the results, local Independent councillor Victor Boyhan said: “Great credit is due to the council staff, whose work

greatly contributed to the high commendation for Dun Laoghaire from IBAL in its annual report, released this week.

“This very positive result could not have been achieved without the commitment to new work practices by our workforce, and the participation from community and business groups in various environmental initiatives of the council.

“It is a fantastic result, particularly at a time of diminishing financial resources,” he said.

The league table of 53 areas across the country showed two-thirds of towns and cities to be “clean to European norms”, among them the cities of Waterford,

Galway and, for the first time, Cork.

Also for the first time since the league began, Killarney took the accolade of “cleanest town”, with the An Taisce examiners calling it “a superb result for our number-one tourist town”.

The cleanliness rating for the country as a whole (82) was the highest since IBAL began its surveys ten years ago, with more than 20 towns deemed to be cleaner than European equivalents.

Dr Tom Cavanagh, chairman, IBAL, said: “Towns such as Killarney, Kilkenny and Wexford are putting in great effort to show their best side to tourists to our country.

“Unfortunately, foreign

visitors to these towns typically arrive first in Dublin, and, there, they are being exposed to widespread litter, starting at the roads from the airport itself.

“This is a national issue, not a local one – Ireland cannot be deemed a clean destination for tourists, if Dublin itself is not clean, and that doesn’t just mean the city centre,” he said.

“IBAL has intensified its focus on Dublin this year, and we need to see the same concentration of effort by Dublin’s local authorities.

“Year after year, our surveys are showing that the country as a whole has cleaned up its act.

The city centre parts of

our capital have too, but, in its entirety, the city and its approaches have not progressed.

“Local authorities need to look beyond just Grafton Street, to Dublin as a whole,” said Dr Cavanagh.

IBAL warned that the economic dow nturn has led to specific litter problems, with the rise in vacant commercial properties, alongside ghost estates and derelict sites, an increasing issue.

“No one feels responsible for such areas, which are often eyesores and magnets for litter.

“On the one hand, local authorities need to pursue absentee landlords who fail to maintain these sites. On the

other, the problem calls for volunteerism by local communities,” said Dr Cavanagh.

Sweet wrappers were the most prevalent source of litter, followed by cigarette butts, fast food wrappings, plastic bottles and chewing gum.

Supermarkets and fast food outlets were the sites most likely to be heavily littered, among them Tesco in New Ross and Mallow, and McDonald’s, KFC and Pizza Hut in Sligo.

Several public buildings were also heavily littered, such as Galway’s Merlin Park Hospital, with Waterford Bus Station classed as a litter blackspot.

1 September 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 7

SHANKILL Traders’ fun event

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Your invite to a street party Q DAWN LOVE dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com

TRADERS and community groups in Shankill are busy putting the finishing touches to their preparations for another successful “End of Summer” street party, which will take place in the village this weekend.

The event is part of local traders’ efforts to retain Shankill’s village atmosphere. The annual event, which will take place on Sunday, September 11, is a highlight of the local calendar, with a wide range of free attractions and activities.

Speaking to The Gazette, Robbie Doyle, of the Shankill Traders’ Group, said the party will have a major input from local community and voluntary groups.

“In the past, the street

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party was organised mainly by local traders as a way to thank Shankill residents for their custom during the year.

“T his year, we’ve brought all the local voluntary groups on board as well, including the Tidy Towns committee, Shankill Old Folks Association, and Sunbeam House – our local service for adults with intellectual disabilities.

“There’s a much broader community involvement this year, and we think this will add considerably to the appeal of the event,” he said.

The free attractions on offer include live music, street entertainers, facepainting and balloonmodelling for children, a sampling barbecue and a craftwork display by local artisans.

There will also be

plenty of input from local traders, with market stalls lining the Main Street offering lots of great-value special deals to visitors.

A novel event this year is a charity betting fundraiser, where two teams of Shankill horse-racing enthusiasts will attempt to raise money for local charities using betting vouchers kindly donated by the two bookmakers in the village, Paddy Power and Boylesports.

Doyle said: “The sense of community that exists here is one that is becoming increasingly rare in other suburbs, and we believe it’s something that deserves to be preserved and nurtured.”

The street party takes place on the Main Street in Shankill village from 3pm to 6pm on Sunday, September 11, and all are welcome to attend.

Problem with bus changes

A serene showing: Learing more on a historical Monkstown institution THE serene setting of Monkstown Parish Church provided a suitably rich backdrop for visiting politicians to contemplate when they visited the church recently as part of the county’s Heritage Week Open Day. Canon Patrick Lawrence met councillors Victor Boyhan (Ind), Patricia Stewart (FG), An Cathaoirleach of DLRCC, John Bailey (FG) and Dr Etain Murphy, parish historian and author,

whereupon he gave them a guided tour of the church, pointing out a number of its interesting features, and discussing some of the Church of Ireland structure’s impact and importance to the local community.

The event was one of a number of widespread events across the DLR region during Heritage Week, aimed at highlighting the diverse heritage, in a variety of formats, found across the region.

IN YOUR Gazette dated August 18, you have an article regarding the loss of the 48A bus route, which quotes Councillor Jim O’Dea, saying what a loss the bus will be to Ballinteer – this route has been taken off now for at least two weeks, which shows how much he knows.

The only way out of Ballinteer is now by the 14 bus, which is very hard to time as it comes all the way out here from Beaumont. To get it back out of town is a nightmare, as the stop is off up at D’Olier Street.

There is no way at all of getting to Milltown, Ranelagh or to Bird Ave to walk across to UCD. What a shambles. Shame on Dublin Bus – shame on it.

Mai Kenny Address with editor

8 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 1 September 2011

COMMUNITY Stained glass windows unveiling adds to the

Nautical but nice ... these two little fancy-dress pirates got into the spirit of the day’s fun

Making a splash with a family day HE Carlisle Pier recently played host to a great day, thanks to the National Maritime Museum’s Family Fun Day, which certainly made quite a splash with the community.

Lots of fun events were organised, such as a pirates and princess fancy-dress competition, a magic show, balloon-making, face-painting, a bouncy castle and slide, live music and more, helping to create for every age.

T

The day was also a perfect opportunity for the National Maritime Museum to unveil some beautiful new stained glass windows (far right), created by artist, Peadar Lamb. An Leas Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Labour councillor Jane Dillon-Byrne, joined Peadar Ward, president, Maritime Institute of Ireland to officially unveil the impressive works.

Second Wind Jazz Band entertained with lively music while DJ Gerry Ryan entertained with banter

Local St John’s Ambulance Volunteers stand by

Amy and Sarah share a train ride

Ray Traynor, Kieran Brown and Dara Traynor

Venkatesh made – or bought – a fishy new friend at the fun day

For this little adventurer,

1 September 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 9

interest of the Maritime Museum’s great family fun day

Artist, Peadar Lamb with An Leas Cathaoirleach, DLRCC, councillor Jane Dillon-Byrne. Pictures: Margaret Brown

The unveiling of the commemorative plaque by Peadar Ward, president, Maritime Institute of Ireland

A detail of one of the stained glass windows

the only way is up – or, possibly, down, as he tackles this wall. Pictures: Margaret Brown

Lamb discussed the symbolism in his beautiful windows

Ward talked about how perfectly the windows tied in with the area’s rich maritime heritage

10 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 1 September 2011

SPORT Prestigious event at Dun Laoghaire Bowling Club

Eddie Jackson, a former president of the Bowling Leaque of Ireland, adjusts the scoreboard. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Pure concentration on expert bowling NTENSE concentration was the order of the day at Dun Laoghaire Bowling Club recently when it hosted the prestigious Bowling League of Ireland championships. With players expertly taking their turns to bowl on the immaculately-cared for lawns, visiting players joined with the specta-

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tors and officials to study the form.

Several teams were in attendance for the championships, which also saw current British Isles champion, Richie Leonard, from St James’s Gate, taking his turn to compete in the Champion of Champions event.

It was a great way for the highly-

skilled players, each selected as the best in their respective clubs, to show their skill.

The president of Dun Laoghaire Bowling Club, John O’Sullivan, warmly welcomed the guests and competing teams, and spoke of the club’s pride at hosting the competitive event.

There was intense concentration from the players and officials, as well as from the visiting guests, all keen to see some top-notch skills

John O’Sullivan, president, Dun Laoghaire Bowling Club

1 September 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 1 September 2011

GazetteFITNESS FITNESS

Brought to you by Derry Temple personal trainer and pilates instructor

MOTIVATION: GET PROPER INSTRUCTIONS, BETTER RESULTS AND SUPPORT WITH GET

Getting in shape and into Group Exercise Training F you have decided to get serious about becoming fit and are about to embark on a fitness programme, then you probably plan on joining a gym.

Unfortunately, all too often, people sign up to their local gym with the best of intentions, only to quit training a short while later. The main reason for such an early resignation is often due to a lack of direction and support when training on their own.

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Going solo without the support of friends and the close guidance of a fitness professional can be daunting.

You may wonder what exercises to perform and find it difficult to gauge the appropriate training intensity. Not having any help often leads to boredom, frustration and a lack of results. This is followed by a loss of motivation and the consequential resignation of “I quit!”

You don’t need to be

lonesome or bored on your gym visits because you can easily find companionship and leadership in Group Exercise Training (GET). The most popular form of GET that has seen a recent surge in popularity is Bootcamp.

For those who choose not to go to the gym, it offers more variety then any other training available; the result is that it is tougher for your body to adapt to and so you can expect to see better

You don’t need to be lonesome or bored on your gym visits because you can easily find companionship and leadership in Group Exercise Training

results for longer. A good Bootcamp class will involve both interval and circuit training resulting in all the health benefits associated with exercise along with fat loss and muscle toning. Training as part of a group is also a great way to meet people who share the same goals and get the support that you need to succeed.

Your Bootcamp trainer will provide you with guidance and motivation, as well as feedback on your technique.

If you don’t want to train as part of a large group, you can always invest in a trainer along with friends to get a reduced cost and have the personal guidance of a professional. If your

friends are not interested and you still think this would be your favoured option, then contact your gym. They should be able to pair you with someone or may already have a small group of trainees

the progress being made by others in your group.

You also find yourself in friendly competition realising that, if they can do it, you can, too. In this environment it is easier to push and motivate

world agree that GET is one of the fastest ways to get your body in great shape.

DTFitness is a health and fitness business that specialises in helping people lose weight

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‘Training as part of a group is also a great way to meet people who share the same goals and get the support that you need to succeed’

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that you can join.

Training with others is like having a built-in support system that bestows you with a wealth of encouragement and motivation. It allows you to measure your development against

yourself to work harder than you would on your own.

Research has shown that group support plays a huge part in helping people achieve their fitness goals and fitness experts around the

and getting the body they want. As a Gazette reader you will receive €10 off their upcoming Bootcamp, Personal or Group training by simply mentioning this article.

For further details log onto www.dtfitness.ie

www.gazette group.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

1 September 2011 GAZETTE 13

On track: Woodie’s and awards AT THE Woodie’s DIY Senior

A FUN RUN: MAKE-A-WISH-FOUNDATION IRELAND

Marathon to make a wish come true Q STAFF REPORTER

THE Make-A-WishFoundation Ireland is currently looking for participants in this year’s Dublin City Marathon to run on behalf of the foundation.

Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children aged three to 18, who live with life-threatening medical conditions. This wish can create a memory for both the child and their family.

It’s an opportunity for them to forget about hospitals, injections, treatment and even sickness, if only for a while.

When you have a sick child and you live in Kerry, for example, your child’s treatment takes place in Dublin.

Can you imagine the stress on parents and siblings with regards to school runs, lunches, homework and even play time, when your priority and thoughts are always

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‘There are over 220 children waiting on a wish to be granted and with a new child added to the list everyday they really need support as they get no government funding at all and totally rely on fundraising’

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with your sick child and his or her next three-day treatment in Dublin?

All too often, the siblings resent the sick child for monopolising their parents. Make-A-Wish allows the sick child to become the hero and to put the smile back on everyone’s faces.

The concept of MakeA-Wish began in America back in 1980, when Chris, a seven-year-old boy with leukaemia, told his mum he wished he could be a policeman for a day.

She decided to do her utmost to make his wish come true and with the help of the local police

force – the first wish of the Make-A-Wish movement was granted. Since 1980, Make-A-Wish is now in every state in America and in 37countries worldwide, with Make-A-Wish opening in Ireland in 1992.

The foundation have granted all sort of wishes, visits to football grounds such as Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge where the children have met the players and managers, trips to Disneyworld to meet their favourite characters or, for girls, simply having a bedroom turned into a pink Barbie room.

There are many wonderful stories of how

wishes have added joy to a child’s day and given the family something to smile about, if only for a short time.

Currently, there are over 220 children waiting on a wish to be granted and, with a new child added to the list every day, they really need support as they get no government funding at all and totally rely on fundraising.

Awareness They are looking for people to run on behalf of the foundation to help raise not only funds, but awareness of the charity too, and whether you raise €10 or €1,000, it all really helps. They will be there on the day to assist you in any way possible and they are always at the end of the phone should you have any queries.

For further information, call Make-A-Wish Foundation Ireland on 01-205 2012 or visit www.makeawish.ie

Gaming: Meet Super Mario’s dad and legendary Nintendo figure

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Track and Field Championships, Paul Hession (Athenry AC) produced the performance of the championships in the 200m winning in 20.51, achieving the A qualification standard for both the World Championships and the London Olympic Games. After what he described as a ‘frustrating’ season, the Galway man was delighted to have finally run the time, particularly in Dublin.

He was pushed all the way

by U23 European finalist, Steven Colvert (Crusaders AC), who was second in 20.84, while European U23 400m silver medallist, Brian Gregan, was third in 21.09 in a personal best. Paul was awarded the cheque of €500 for the Woodie’s DIY performance of the meet.

Pictured are Ray Colman, Chief Executive of Woodie’s DIY and Garden Centres presenting a €500 cheque to Irish Record Holder, Paul Hession.

SEE GAMING PAGE 25

14 GAZETTE 1 September 2011

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC RADIO: A FRESH OUTLOOK FOR O’CALLAGHAN AND 4FM

Afternoon delight for Gareth’s radio relaunch Q ROB HEIGH

Imelda May

COMPETITION: Win special Imelda album FOLLOWING her recent appearances on Conan O’Brien’s late night talk show on American television, as well as the stage of Grant Park in Chicago at the Lollapalooza music festival, Imelda May is releasing a new version of her hit album, Mayhem, next month, and Gazette Music have five copies to give away in our exclusive competition.

More Mayhem features the full original album, as well as new tracks Gypsy, Blues A Calling and upcoming single, Roadrunner, as well as a cover of Patsy Cline’s Walking After Midnight, and remixes of Inside Out and Proud And Humble.

Imelda’s stint stateside has seen her hailed in all quarters, and the impression she has made has propelled Mayhem to number one on the Billboard New Artist chart.

To win a copy of More Mayhem, simply answer the following question: Where in Dublin is Imelda May from?

Send your answer to competition@gazettegroup.com, with the subject line “Imelda Mayhem”, before Friday, September 9.

DU BL I N h a s b e e n blessed in recent years with the appearance of several new stations catering to more niche audiences that fall outwith the traditional demographic lines that programmers identify when planning their content.

Radio Nova and P h a n t o m F M h ave blazed a trail for rock and indie, and now, Classic Hits 4FM are aiming to do the same thing for, of course, lovers of classic hits.

The multi-city broadcaster is gearing up for a huge publicity campaign to draw what it sees as a prime market to the station as they fill their airtime with the kind of songs that are instantly recognisable and loved across a wide section of the population.

Speaking to Gazette Mu s i c l a s t we e k , a very familiar voice of Irish radio, Gareth O’Callaghan, was clear about the place that 4FM will take in people’s hearts with their new approach.

“We are targeting a broad audience as well, basically, people who love good music from any era. What we are offering is something people are going to say, “Yes, this is for me”.

“We have a broad remit as to the kind of music we can play, from the ’60s and the late ’70s and ’80s, all the way through to the best tracks of the last five years – good, classic music, from all genres.”

O’Callaghan is a well known voice on Irish radio, his 2FM show in the afternoon being a stalwart of the airwaves

Gareth O’Callaghan in the offices of 4FM: “People need to listen, because they will like it.”

for many years, and he has returned to that slot on 4FM as part of the relaunch, after a period hosting their flagship breakfast show, and he is thrilled with the response of the increas-

worked fantastically well. “ I t ’s r e f l e c t e d o n the messages we get in to the studio – I’ve never seen such a busy text screen, and we’re swamped by the many

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‘We’ve got rid of all the things that people had thrown at them and was told was good radio in the last 10 years, and stripped it back to what works - a friendly voice and great music’ --------------------------------------------------------

ing number of listeners who are tuning in and getting in touch with the show.

“We’re relaunching the station with a new schedule and new presenters. Myself, I am back on the afternoon show after having hosted the breakfast show on 4FM, and that has

ways that people can get in touch with us – on Facebook, on Twitter and email and text as well.

The feeling I’m getting is that people are really responding well to what we’re doing, and we want more people to get involved and listening.”

With a potential reach of 2.7 million people across the areas that 4FM broadcasts in, there is every chance of it breaking the traditional habits of radio fans.

“The ratings are climbing at a phenomenal rate, and we want to build on that with our new approach,” said O’Callaghan.

“There has been such a huge change in the station, we know w h e r e we ’r e g o i n g .

In six months’ time, I believe we’ll have a firm foothold all round the country.

“The next six months will be a challenge, but we believe we are going to be very successful. I believe, in 18 months, we are going to be one of the biggest radio stations in the country.”

O’Callaghan is convinced that the formula will work because, he firmly believes, that

4FM is hitting the right note at the right time.

What we’re doing at Classic Hits 4FM now is re-establishing what radio is all about – entertainment.

“We’ve got rid of all the things that people had thrown at them and was told was good radio in the last 10 years, and stripped it back to what works - a friendly voice and great music.

“With the current doom and gloom, we’re helping to remind people of when things were better, when they were more involved in the music, and we’re trying to recreate that.

“We simply play the music that people love, what you listen to when you want to feel good.

The music speaks for itself.

“We need to convince people that they need to listen, because they will like it,” said O’Callaghan.

1 September 2011 GAZETTE 15

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Edited by Dawn Love

Armani launches first regenerative skincare range “THERE is skin. And then there is Armani skin – a skin that you want to touch, a skin that you won’t forget, a skin that appears luminous, youthful, desirable,” says world-famous designer Giorgio Armani,whose luxury skincare brand has just launched its first advanced regenerative skincare range.

To create the first Advanced Regenerative Skincare, Giorgio Armani Laboratories say they were inspired by the research work of Professor Peter Lorenz, Plastic Surgery, Head of

the Scarless Skin Repair Laboratory at the Stanford School of Medicine.

During his general surgery research training at UCSF, Professor Lorenz was part of a team that made a major discovery. The foetuses that bore impor tant surgery in utero, did not show any scar when born. They regenerated perfectly.

“Ideally, we want tissues to heal with a perfect replacement tissue.

This is what we mean by tissue regeneration.

For skin, regenerative healing would result in

new skin. The appearance of the regenerated skin would be just like the surrounding normal skin – a perfect match of colour, texture, and feel to normal skin,” says Lorenz.

The range includes Multi-Corrective Rejuvenating Cream €85,Youth Regenerator Serum €95, Eye Rejuvenatin Serum €60 and Cosmetic Water €40.

Giorgio Armani Regenessence is available exclusively at Brown Thomas Dublin and Brown Thomas Cork from September 2011.

A delicious new multipurpose oil

Giorgio Armani’s advanced regenerative skincare range includes the Youth Regenerator Serum (top right) and the Multi-Corrective Rejuvenating Cream (above)

Wedding fair

Newly crowned Miss Ireland, Holly Carpenter, will be amongst those attending this year’s Radisson Blu St Helen’s Wedding Fair Sunday, September 25, from 2pm – 6pm.

The annual event is a must for brides-to-be with a huge range of

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suppliers taking part with all the latest fashions for your big day, tasty food ideas, Cathy O’Connor, TV3’s celeb stylist and the chance to enter a competition to win a two-night stay at the stylish Missoni Hotel in Edinburgh for two people.

And if you book your

wedding at the Radisson Blu, St Helen’s on September 25, you will receive a 20% discount off your wedding menu price and complimentary sparkling wine reception for your guests.

For information, contact Radisson Blu St Helen’s Hotel Stillorgan on 01 218 6000.

IRISH company, Tan Organic, has just launched a new multipurpose product, Oil Arganic, that can be used for dry, cracked skin, hair, nails, stretch marks and scars.

The delicious new oil is formulated with ingredients such as argan oil, rosehip oil, macadamia oil, sweet almond oil and avocado oil. Tan Organic says it’s also perfect for use during tanning to prolong tan and ensure tan wears off evenly.

It is soon to be available nationwide at €24.99, and you can order online through www.skinlogic.com

16 GAZETTE 1 September 2011

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day from around the capital

A host of well-known faces from sport, politics, entertainment and business got together to launch this year’s Blue September Ireland initiative this week

Gazette Contacts Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251

Managing Director: Liam Holland email: lholland@gazettegroup.com General Manager: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com

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

Blue in the face? It’s on trend this month!

THE inaugural Blue September Ireland campaign launched this week with the aim of challenging Irish men to face up to cancer.

Blue September Ireland will raise awareness of bowel, lung, prostate and testicular cancer, while fundraising for the following Irish charities: Cancer Care West, The Marie Keating Foundation, The Mater Foundation and The Mercy Hospital Foundation.

Key supporters of this year’s campaign include An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Bernard Jackman, Trent Johnson, Karl Henry, Gerry McEntee – Consultant Surgeon at the Mater Hospital, and the Leinster, Munster and Connacht Rugby teams.

Blue September Ireland is encouraging people to host a Blue event, by either painting their faces blue one day in September, hosting a Blue themed day in work or to create a completely new Blue idea to raise vital funds.

Unislim have designed a healthy eating plan – Food Max For Men – written for men. This plan will not only help men to lose weight, it will boost their health and increase their energy levels. The plans are available to purchase online at www.unislim.com or at any Unislim class nationwide.

All proceeds will go directly to Blue September.

DIARY Calling carnivores!

A LITTLE beyond the pale for the Diary this week, but we received a most intriguing email from the southeast! It reads: “My dad (O’Flynn’s Wholesale Victuallers) is a quality butcher in Waterford and one of the oldest family butchers in Ireland (oldest record I can find is 1846). With over 165 years in the business comes lots of ‘meat’ know how!

“We want to start a campaign to get the Irish people’s favourite recipes into one collection. To do this, we need lots of recipes and we would love some help in rallying the community!

“The Butcher and Us want to bring a community cook book, filled with recipes and tips that focus on meat as the main ingredient of each dish, from traditional ‘comfortstyle meals’ to tapas and other interesting ways of cooking meat.

“We want to collect the community’s favourite meat recipes from breakfast specials, to dinner favourites to BBQ secrets.

We are going to collect them all into a very special cookbook.

“We need people to email thebutcherandus@gmail.com with their meat recipes along with their name, where they are from, email address and phone number so we can get in touch before the book is published.”

So, any passionate Dublin carnivores out there who would like their meaty recipes included in this gastronomic tome should get in touch – just don’t forget to send the Diary a sample of your finest dish.

Laugh for Peamount THE Friends of Peamount Hospital will kick off their year-long fundraising drive this month with a special event at Dublin’s Laughter Lounge on Eden Quay.

The society is aiming to raise money to replace older buildings at the hospital, as they get set to celebrate their centenary next year. The event will kickstart a fundraising drive that will end with next year’s centenary celebrations, sure to be a highlight for many in the area.

The event takes place on Wednesday, September 28, and will see The Panel regular Jarlath Regan MC for a night of comedy.

Tickets, priced at €25 each can be purchased from Fran Brennan at 01 6010300 ext 292 or email fbrennan@peamount.ie

1 September 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: KEEPING CANINE FLEAS AT BAY IS ESSENTIAL FOR A DOG’S GOOD HEALTH

Keeping your pet from those pesky parasites HE phone’s been ringing with requests for education workshops – hailing the start of the new school year.

One of the most popular requests has been from mums’ groups looking for my Pesky Parasites workshops, dealing with canine fleas. And, while these pests are more likely to cause problems during warm weather, I tell callers they’re also known to hang around during the cool season due to their abilities to continue their life cycle indoors.

Ah, those dreaded fleas.

We can never, ever underestimate the determined little freeloaders.

Ok, they can be neutralised, however, they’re very resilient and have a four-stage cycle making it difficult to get rid of them.

For example, did you know a flea can live in our environment for over a year without feeding and is protected by their impenetrable shell? It’s at this stage they survive most treatments and return to breed and repopulate year after year – sort of like a series of bad horror movie sequels.

Remember Friday the 13th?

So, be warned, one hatched cocoon can produce over a trillion offspring in her nine-month life-span. This army can continue to fight time and again, causing a serious health risk to your pet (in extreme circumstances, anemia). So you see, treating your pet is essential for their good

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health and in order to kill any errant fleas entering from other quarters.

Remember, fleas can jump over six feet and will get into your home via pets and humans. If you’ve white clothing, like runners, sports socks, t-shirts – they love it.

They’ll get into the sitting room and live there unnoticed and will happily reproduce without you ever knowing… well, not until the problem is at

worms to your dog.

So, how do I check for fleas?

• Check your dog’s coat for flea dirt (feces) • Comb your dog’s coat while he’s lying on a white sheet of paper – black flecks that resemble dirt will fall onto the paper.

Transfer them to a damp piece of paper and, if they turn reddish brown, then it usually means fleas have sucked blood from

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‘A flea can live in our environment for over a year without feeding and is protected by their impenetrable shell. It’s at this stage they survive most treatments and return to breed and re-populate year after year – sort of like a series of bad horror movie sequels ’ -------------------------------------------------------

an advanced stage. So, it’s best to treat everywhere; indoors, outbuildings like garages, sheds, dog kennels, etc.

Here’s a checklist:

your pet and have passed into the flea’s waste matter. If they remain black, the flecks are possibly just regular dirt on your dog.

Whew!

How will fleas affect my dog?

Preventing fleas?

• Dog will incessantly chew and scratch at himself, often until the area becomes hairless, raw and weeping. This can cause scaling and a bacterial infection.

• Display visible patches of hair loss due to scratching.

• Possible skin allergies.

• Fleas may transmit other parasites like tape-

• In the house: Regularly hoover carpets, bedding, and furniture and anywhere else your dog spends time. Remember to immediately dispose of your hoover bag, otherwise it will act as an incubator for un-hatched fleas. Regular washing of your dog’s bedding will help.

• In the garden: Fleas thrive in shady, protected areas where your dog

loves to rest. Keep an eye on these areas and use an insecticide (usually sprayed through a garden hose). Always read the label, use extreme caution, consult your vet and keep your dog away from this area until it is safe to allow him return. Alternatively, use a natural flea repellant like cedar chips along the fence line or in dark areas.

• Keep your grass short and get rid of any dark, moist heaps like leaves or rubbish.

• Your pet’s diet: Fleas l ove m a l n o u r i s h e d animals because their immune systems are weak. Make sure your pet has a balanced diet. Consult your vet for advice on proper feeding.

Treatment:

• Flea shampoo • Regular grooming • On-pet spray • Monthly spot applications • Treat all dogs in the household So readers, if you want your pet to live free of disease, irritation, allergies and infestation, do not allow this remorseless enemy to survive in his environment.

Always check with your vet, but I believe prevention is better than cure and personally use a systemic monthly flea product, which dramatically reduces the flea burden in mine and my dog’s environment.

For more info log onto www.dspca.ie, check with your vet or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca. ie

Fleas can jump over six feet and can get into your home via pets and humans

WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240

18 GAZETTE 1 September 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS

Lexus unveils its new safer GS 350 LEXUS has unveiled the new GS model in the US and the news is that the car will reach the Irish market in 2012. Lexus claims that the new GS is more spacious and has a bolder design than in the past.

The car has a redesigned chassis with a

wide, strong stance that delivers a new level of crisp and precise handling.

The track, wider by 40mm at the front and 50mm at the rear, works in combination with a revised suspension design to what Lexus claims is a more assured stance and

superior cornering performance.

The car features a new suspension system. In the front, aluminium upper and lower control arms employ larger bushings.

The rear sub frame has been completely redesigned to accommodate a new multi-link

rear suspension, to give better rear-end control.

With the stiffer platform and lighter components, the shock absorbers can use lighter-viscosity oil, responding faster to small inputs.

The increased use of aluminium reduces weight and results in sig-

nificantly improved agility, ride comfort, body control and steering precision.

The new Lexus GS will include hybrid and F-Sport versions. For the Irish market there will be the GS 450h full hybrid and GS 250 petrol engine derivatives.

The new Lexus GS 350

Chevrolet showcase new Malibu CHEVROLET will be showcasing the new Malibu model at the upcoming Frankfur t Motor Show. The car was not previously available in Europe. It will go on sale next year and be the brand’s new flagship model.

With a wheelbase of 2,737mm and a track width of 1,577mm, the new Malibu has an athletic posture. Its grounded stance and an integrated spoiler combine to give the car an assertive look.

Thanks to a drag coefficient close to the Volt’s 0.28, Chevrolet claims that the Malibu will be one of the most aerodynamically efficient cars in Chevrolet’s passenger vehicle line-up. The drag coefficient close to the General Motors Volt at 0.28, helping to keep fuel consumption levels low.

The Malibu will have the option of a 164bhp 2.0-litre diesel or 169bhp 2.4-litre petrol engine – expect that diesel power will dominate in Ireland and the rest of Europe.

There will be the option

Chevrolet’s new Malibu

of both manual and automatic transmission.

The car will be fitted with chassis control technologies including fourchannel anti-lock brakes (ABS), full-function traction control, four-corner electronic stability control (ESC), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), brake assist system (BA), corner brake control, hydraulic brake fade assist and drag torque control.

When it comes to safety features, the new Malibu will be one of the best-equipped vehicles in the segment. It will be pedestrian-protectioncompliant in all markets where it is sold.

A total of eight airbags, dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, driver and frontpassenger pelvic/thorax side-impact airbags as well as roof rail-airbags with rollover protection, are standard safety features for all global markets. Rear park assist and a rearview camera are available with mid- and up-level offerings.

The new Volkswagen Jetta received a five-star rating in the most recent Euro NCAP crash test survey

More five stars at Euro NCAP tests but it’s getting tougher THE latest set of Euro NCAP crash test results brings an additional reward and more fivestars, but not everyone is ready for tougher requirements in 2012.

This month’s top scorers with five-star results are the Audi A6, the BMW X3, the Chevrolet Aveo and Chevrolet Orlando, the Citroën DS5, the Hyundai i40, the Opel Ampera, the VW Golf Cabriolet and Jetta.

Only the Kia Picanto receives an overall rating of four stars, a result poorer than many of its city-car competitors.

The new Picanto is fitted with Electronic Stability Control as standard in Ireland, but not in

every European market, so hence the lower fourstar rating as the lowest model specification is selected for the test.

The new Opel Ampera electric car achieved an overall rating of five stars.

The new range-extending EV reached the maximum points in the side pole test as a result of a well optimized balance of structure, interior and restraint system.

Also released this month are the Chevrolet Aveo and Chevrolet Orlando, which showed good whiplash and adult occupant protection scores. This compares with the previous Aveo which made headlines due a poor struck-

through two-star adult occupant result.

Some of the tested vehicles have obtained high scores for child occupant protection.

The Hyundai i40 and both VW Jetta and Golf Cabriolet scored 86%.

Michiel van Ratingen Euro NCAP secretary general said: “Euro NCAP evaluates child safety for each model tested and encourages car manufacturers to provide equally good protection for adults and children. We consider child protection as a very important part of the overall star rating and have plans to step up our requirements even more in the coming years.”

W h i l e m a ny c a r s

released continue to impress in the areas of adult and child occupant protection, pedestrian protection scores are generally still lagging behind.

The Opel Ampera,Audi A6 and Citroen DS5 only just meet Euro NCAP’s 2011 pedestrian requirements for a five-star rating. None of the cars in this current batch would meet the more stringent five-star requirement of 60% coming into effect in 2012.

A few car makers have already stepped up, showing much higher pedestrian scores such as the recently tested Ford Focus. Euro NCAP hopes that others will follow suit

soon.

Euro NCAP is encouraged to see important advanced safety systems being offered to consumers on more and more models. The largest model yet for Citroen’s premium sub-brand, the Citroen DS5, also achieved five stars. The car is fitted with the Citroen Localized Emergency Call, a PSA Peugeot-Citroen technology recognised in 2010 under Euro NCAP Advanced.

The new BMW X3 comes with Advanced eCall. This is a system that is able to automatically notify emergency services providing critical details of the crash event.

1 September 2011 GAZETTE 19

RoadSigns Road Signs THE IRISH MX5 OWNERS CLUB TO HOLD THEIR FIRST EVENT: THE

Skoda now offers more 4x4 versions than any other car company and the Yeti 4x4 with its smooth DSG gearbox (above, right) gives an easy to drive option when road conditions get wet and icy. The entry price for a 4x4 Yeti is €29,545 before delivery charges with the DSG option adding an extra €2,000 to the price.

Skoda Yeti can tough it MICHAEL MORONEY put the 4x4 performance of the Yeti SUV

to the test in the difficult off-road conditions of Southern Russia KODA needed to take us to new limits to prove a point – that the Skoda Yeti can tough it out when it comes to off-road driving. The hills of Wicklow, Kerry or Connemara were not enough of a challenge, so we crossed Europe to the edge of Russia’s Black Sea and the city of Sochi from where we began a two-day Yeti journey into the Caucuses Mountains.

The holiday resort city of Sochi will be the base site for the 2014 Winter Olympics. It sits against the backdrop of the high Caucuses Mountains.

The area is mountainous with interesting off-road sections, while the winding roads are busy with construction machines, as Sochi re-creates itself to be a modern centre for the Winter Olympics. The road conditions through the mountain regions varied between poor and

S

SPECS: SKODA YETI 2.0 TDI 4X4 DSG Top speed: 177 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 11.6 sec Economy: 18.8 km/litre (5.3 l/100km or 53mpg) CO2 emissions: 155 g/ km Road Tax Band: C (€302) Euro NCAP Rating: 5 Star 2009 Warranty: 2 years Entry Price: €30,000+

miserable.

Truck traffic dominated as the construction work is at full pace. Machines and trucks worked night and day to complete the huge transformation of sleepy villages into a world class winter sports and skiing centre.

The off-road areas were rough and hard on the cars, with steep declines of large rubble- type rocks and occasional river crossings – not the type of conditions that I expected to see the Yeti being comfortable in.

We took the Skoda Yeti

into the hills near Sochi.

This Yeti was powered by a 1.8-litre TSI petrol engine and fitted with the smooth DSG automatic gearbox. I believe that a similar and more costeffective Yeti with the same gearbox system and powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine will achieve similar performance in Irish conditions.

We travelled across some rough off-road conditions, with deep ruts and rubble trackways where the Yeti coped well.

The Yeti’s off-road ability is provided by a rearwheel-drive gearbox that delivers drive to the rear axle when conditions get difficult. The system uses what’s called a Haldex gearbox. It sends drive to the rear wheels once the front ones come under pressure.

The Yeti has a dashmounted button that engages the drive when you face off-road challenges. The system works

like the hill descent system that other 4x4’s offer.

When driving down steep hills the system automatically holds the Yeti with an ABS braking type of engagement. You simply take your foot off the brake pedal and let the system control your descent. Very soon you develop confidence in the Yeti’s off-road ability.

Popular

The 1.8-litre TSI petrol engine that powered our Russian Yetis is not popular on the Irish market where fuel prices are higher than in Russia.

In its favour this engine is very smooth and as powerful as the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel version more common here, even it if has lower torque figures.

For our conditions, the diesel power with its lower CO2 rating of 169g/km and a price tag of €33,395 would achieve similar offroad performance.

Torque was not an issue on the cars tested – they fared well in all road conditions and compensated for a lower torque with a smooth and lively onroad performance. The diesel powered versions have nearly double that level of torque and that’s why you get a higher trailer pulling capacity.

They also have lower CO2 ratings, down a band from the petrol powered models, giving a saving of almost €200 in annual road tax. They are also significantly more fuel efficient by at least one-third.

After two days of on and off road driving, the Yeti proved its off-road ability convincingly. I no longer need to be convinced about its offroad ability. It was just a long way to go to prove a point.

When we descended the rugged off-road test routes on the hills the cars took to the roads

without a rattle. That’s just what you expect and no less – that’s the standard set by established 4x4s on the market. Skoda’s Yeti has to meet that standard and it does. For everyday driving, you can expect the Yeti to be as smooth as any other car on the road.

Most people don’t think of the Skoda Yeti in the tough stakes – now I no longer need to be convinced. The Yeti with its off-road features can cope with the rough and the smooth that’s expected from modern 4x4s.

For Irish conditions, with diesel power, it’s at the affordable end of the market with 4x4 starting prices from €29,545, before delivery charges.

The smooth driving DSG gearbox adds about €2,000 more to the price and pushes the car into a higher Band C tax category. If you can afford to live with this, it’s so much worth it!

Irish MX5 Owners Club will hold their first event on Sunday September 25. It will be a Club Run for any MX5 / Eunos Roadster Mk 1 Mk 2 or Mk 3 Owners.

The run will start and finish in Leinster and will take in some of the most interesting roads and beautiful scenery in the area.

Final details will be announced for owners to make their own arrangements to join us.

The club is looking forward to good weather for their first event and meeting with many new members. For more information, contact David Sykes, of The Irish MX5 Owners CLUB on 0863359590 or email: theirishmx5 ownersclub@gmail. com

20 GAZETTE 1 September 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS VW dealers’ €99 service offer VOLKSWAGEN dealers are offering a new service offer for all Volkswagen models, registered since 2007.

For just €99, a registered Volkswagen dealership will ensure your vehicle receive a service programme for €99 that includes, oil filter and change, free wash and vacuum, 34-point health check, upgrades check and a Volkswagen service stamp, which is only available from a registered

Volkswagen dealer.

All services carried out at a Volkswagen dealer include the Volkswagen 10-point Service Promise, exclusive to the Volkswagen Dealers Network. Among the items of the Service Promise, Volkswagen dealers will promise to match any like-for-like written quote, using Volkswagen Genuine Parts, within a 10km radius of any Volkswagen Service Centre. They will promise to fit wiper blades

and exterior bulbs bought from them free-of-charge.

They will also replace all exterior bulbs, including sidelights, headlights, brakelights, foglights and reverse and indicator bulbs. If you need interior, Xenon or LED lights replacing, they will provide a competitive quote for fitting those too.

They also promise to give your car a 34 point visual inspection through our Service Clinic absolutely free with no obliga-

tion. They will also check for any warrantable product enhancements recommended by Volkswagen and perform these freeof-charge.

The promise includes that every time you come for any job that takes over an hour in their workshops, they will wash and vacuum your car for free.

If the work takes less than an hour, but you’d still like it cleaned, just let them know and they will do that for free too.

The new Audi A8 hybrid combines a four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor

Audi given green light to build the hybrid A8 AUDI has given the green light for the production of the A8 hybrid. The car is expected to be available on the Irish market in 2012.

The Audi A8 hybrid will combine 2.0-litre four-cylinder TFSI petrol engine with electric motor for zero emissions driving and in excess of 15.6km/ litre (44mpg). The new A8 hybrid will offer performance befitting its 245bhp and 480Nm outputs, despite delivering more sub-148g/km CO2 output and all-electric, emissions-free running at speeds of up to 100km.

The 2.0-litre TFSI engine, which has been modified in some areas,

generates an output of 211bhp and makes a 350 Nm torque peak available between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm. The combustion engine works together with a disc-shaped electric motor which generates 40 kW (54bhp) and 210 Nm. The permanent magnet electric motor is mounted in the space usually occupied by the torque converter in front of the modified eight-speed tiptronic transmission.

A multi-plate clutch that operates in an oil bath connects or disconnects the electric motor and the TFSI engine. The smooth and fast-shifting hybrid transmission guides

the torque to the front wheels. Audi claims that its wide gear spread contributes to the efficiency of the Audi A8 hybrid.

The Audi A8 hybrid will be capable of reaching 100km from rest in 7.7 seconds. The car will be able to drive at up to 100km/hr purely on electric power and has a range of up to 300km at a constant 60km/hr.

The car will have a choice of three modes.

The ‘EV’ setting gives priority to the electric drive, while the ‘D’ option efficiently controls both the engine and the electric motor. The ‘S’ mode and the tiptronic gate place the emphasis on optimal

acceleration.

The hybrid saloon has five operating states, with the TFSI engine alone, with electric drive only or in hybrid mode; recuperation and boosting are also possible. Two displays show the driver all operating modes in detail.

Audi claims that the Audi A8 hybrid will be one of the lightest cars in its category. Its ASF (Audi Space Frame) body is made almost entirely of aluminium, with ultrahigh-strength steel used only for the B-pillars to optimise rigidity. It is roughly 40% lighter than a comparable steel construction.

1 September 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS REPORT: WORLDWIDE FIGURES Sales have stabilised at Harvey Norman HARVEY Norman has announced its worldwide sales from their Australian, New Zealand, Slovenia, Ireland and Northern Ireland business totalled €4.45b ($6.18b AUD) for the 12 months ended 30 June 2011. When compared to sales for the same period in 2009, this was an increase of 1.7%.

The Republic of Ireland operation managed to stabilise sales with only a slight decrease of 0.2% for the same period, while sales in Northern Ireland increased by 3.2%. Both Irish divisions grew sales for the second half (Jan – Jun) against last year, with the Republic of Ireland operation growing sales in Q3 by 1.9% and Q4 by 4.6%.

Encouraging

“It was really a year of two halves for us, with sales flat before Christmas, and then some encouraging growth in the six months to June,” said Blaine Callard, chief executive of the Irish Operation.

“Consumer sentiment continues to be very weak, and shows no signs of recovering soon.

Big ticket retail sales in furniture and electronics have been hit the hardest, so it’s about getting a bigger slice of a smaller pie.

Strategy

“We will continue to improve our operation, investing in our people, our service and our stores. The strategy for us is to focus on growing marketshare. Revenue growth in the second half is very positive for us against such a difficult economic backdrop.”

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS

INTEREST RATE WORRIES Q – The ECB rate is forecast to go up c. 0.75% over the next nine months. My current margin is 1.1% which will mean the total rate in nine months’ time will be 3.1%. I am currently paying interest only and my 25-year €235,000 mortgage reverts to a capital and interest repayment schedule in nine months’ time also.

Twenty years will still remain on the term at that point. I don’t think I can afford the new repayment. Should I ask for an extension on Award-winning architect, energy specialist and TV personality Duncan Stewart and B&Q Ireland’s, Luke Dolan

the interest-only term ? Jack - Churchtown

RETAIL: B&Q AND STEWART ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

A – By asking to extend your interest only pay-

Helping you save energy and money B&Q Ireland has announced a partnership with award-winning architect, energy specialist and TV personality, Duncan Stewart.

The partnership will see Duncan making it easier for people to improve their home’s energy efficiency, save money on their energy bills and make homes more comfortable.

Duncan Stewart will work with B&Q Ireland to offer his expert advice and experience and will provide regular tips and advice through in-store communication and online at www.ener gysaverscheme.ie

The partnership marks the launch of B&Q Ireland’s campaign to help householders start saving energy and money. It will also include the official launch of the Energy Saver Centre at Liffey Valley on September 7.

This will be a one-stop energy shop, offering expert advice, a free home energy audit, DIY energy saving products and fully guaranteed installations of energy measures such as internal / external insulation, boiler upgrades and solar panels Energy specialist, Duncan Stewart said: “I am passionate about helping people recognise that

there is a lot that we can do to make our homes warmer and more energy efficient.

“With energy bills continuing to rise and our homes becoming harder to heat in winter, there are simple measures that we can all take to help save energy and save costs. Most energy upgrades pay themselves back overtime, increase long-term comfort and increase the value of our homes.

“I am delighted to be working with B&Q to offer advice and expertise on this area and hope that it gives people the confidence to consider

making their homes more energy efficient.”

Luke Dolan, B&Q Ireland, added: “In September, we will officially open our Energy Saver Centre in Liffey Valley where customers can come and speak to our energy expert and our team of fully trained energy advisors, who will offer them real advice and guidance on how to make their homes more energy efficient, comfortable and ultimately save them money ” Duncan Stewart will be at B&Q Liffey Valley on September 7 to talk to customers and provide advice.

Counting the cost of college WHETHER you are a first time student, or returning after the summer break, your finances may not be top of your to-do list. College is expensive, whether you’re living at home or renting, you’ll find your money disappearing quickly when you’re on a tight budget. The National Consumer Agency’s (NCA) have five steps on www.itsyourmoney. ie to help you manage your money and make sure you have enough to last the academic year.

The steps cover everything from

finding accommodation to dayto-day expenses, such as food and travel tickets.

Our budgeting tips will help you make sure you balance the books all the way to the end of the college year. We also have some top money saving tips to get the most from your bank balance and with everything from second hand shopping to discount sites, it’s definitely worth a look. Try out the Economiser (www.economiser.ie) the NCA’s online tool to help you

minimise household bills.

Opening a student bank account may not be the most exciting prospect, but making sure you choose the right account for you is important. Our student cost comparisons on www.itsyourmoney.ie will help you to compare student current accounts, credit cards and loans across the market.

Our money management steps are here to help you make the most of your college experience without stressing about your cash!

ments and withhold the capital element, you are only kicking the can down the road. Say you were given a three year interest-only extension, it means that your capital repayments when you do resume in three years’ time will have to pay ALL that capital over a shorter period – 17 years.

Currently, you are paying € 460.21 each month and in nine months’ time, if the interest rates rise by 0.75%, this payment will be € 607.08 – an increase of € 146.87 per month. If you pay back the capital also, this payment will go to € 1,325.77 per month.

If you assume you will be given a moratorium on the capital for three years paying that € 607.08 per month, you will then be required to repay your € 235,000 over 17 years costing you € 1,493.90 per month – over € 1,000 per month increase on your current interest-only payment.

What you need to do is budget – work out exactly what your income and your expenditure are.

Property prices are not going up any time soon and you need to work out a plan that is effectively going to repay your mortgage and allow you a certain dignity of lifestyle. You could negotiate extending the term but you may lose your tracker rate by doing so – this should be your last resort and you should try to maintain that tracker at all costs.

In the meantime, cut your own costs if you can or earn more and query all expenses. Best of luck.

Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

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22 GAZETTE 1 September 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL GazetteFestival A top-notch weekend getaway in County Mayo

Dunderry House

The Spirit of Folk Festival to take over the lush Meath countryside with music and other family events WITH boutique festivals popping up all over the place, the Spirit of Folk Festival, being held in the lush County Meath countryside from September 23 to 25, looks set to stand apart from all others, with a plethora of exciting events to keep all the family happy.

With an emphasis on community-based activities, as well as a stellar musical line up of folk legends, this boutique festival is gearing up to be a treat for all the senses and promises to be a soothing way to end the festival season.

Seventies folk heroes, Dr Strangely Strange, who have just been added to the line up, will take to the special Magnakata stage along with Gay Woods of Steeleye Span, Fiach, Lisa O’Neill, Rob Cunningham, The Young Folk, Owensie, Hot Sprockets and St John the Gambler.

The weekend will kick off with a lively Ceili Mor on Friday and guests are encouraged to bring their own musical instruments and join in the fun.

Event organisers have promised a weekend to rival Bilbo Baggins’ birthday bash with an endless list of unconventional activities including archery, ancient astronomy, falconry, battle re-enactments, storytelling in a candle lit cairn, burning effigies, medieval games, fireworks, community games, shamanism as well as a Mind, Body and Soul area.

Revellers can indulge themselves in the many holistic treatments that will be on offer including Indian Head Massage, Reiki, Acupuncture as well as a spot of either Kundalini or Laughing Yoga for those who want a meaningful festival awakening.

Campers will not have far to walk to the main festival area and those counting the pennies will be thrilled to know they can bring along their own tipple. However, lots of delicious food will be available on site.

Ticket Details - €95 for weekend camping pass, €59 for Saturday Only. Kids under 12 go free.

Tickets are available online from tickets.ie or directly from Dunderry Park by calling 046 90 74455.

JESSICA MAILE

AS you drive west across the country, the flat scenery of the midlands gives way to the dramatic hills and mountains of Mayo and it’s then you know you’re in for a great weekend.

Arriving in Westport, you can not help but be delighted by the colourful pubs, varied shops and many restaurants in this lovely town. Shops like Foxford Woollen Mills and Carraig Dunne have some of the best of Irish goods on offer and there are restaurants from Chinese to Indian and traditional pub food to Italian Standing in prime location is the Castlecourt Hotel, which is an excellent location to spend all of your time or to use as a base to visit the delights that Connaught has to offer, including Croagh Patrick, if you feel daring.

I have read many a

review about this hotel and I was not disappointed. The friendliness of all the staff is definitely what makes this hotel such a success.

The most amazing thing about staying there was the fact that you were not yet another figure on a corporate hotel chain’s balance book. This is a large, family-run hotel,

and spacious and the fourposter bed was a unique sleeping experience.

The hotel bar was a pleasant way to end an evening, either outside in the cosy armchairs or inside at Petie Joe’s Bar, as locals and guests mingled as the live music played away and conversation filled the air.

This hotel also offers

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‘The Castlecourt Hotel is well worth the trip across the country to experience the delights of the West of Ireland. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that you forget is within easy driving distance.’

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and that is a unique thing in itself. You can feel the warmth and attention to detail that you would expect from a small hotel or B&B. The bedroom was grand

a great choice for eating with the informal dining at the Courtyard Bistro and the elegant Orchard restaurant. The food was of top quality and the staff always ready to help

The hotel is in a prime location within the town of Westport

make your dining experience one to remember.

The Castlecourt Hotel also has an excellent leisure centre, the C Club, which includes a 20-metre pool and kiddies’ splash pool, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, a fully-equipped gymnasium and even a hair salon.

But the real secret of a stay at the Castlecourt Hotel is the spa. If you still have that tension from work or you ache from a days’ adventure exploring the Mayo countryside, then spending time at Spa Sula is the best way to let all that stress and tiredness just melt away.

The choice of steam room or sauna allows you to sweat away all of your troubles and pains only to bring you back to life with the amazing choice of hot and cold showers.

The Caribbean rain shower cooled the heat of the sauna, making me ready to explore the salt room.

After all of the indoor treatments, it was a refreshing and unique treat to sit in the outside jacuzzi, which is in its own private grotto. The warmth of those bubbles were soothing as I filled my lungs with that pure cool country air.

I treated myself to the Sundari Abhyanga Massage, which is a full-body, oil massage that deeply relaxed my tired muscles but also rejuvenated me

The Castlecourt Hotel, in

at the same time.

After my massage, I lingered in the soft music and ambient light of the relaxation suite, which allowed me to drift away from reality and made me wonder if it was safe to drive or operate machinery after my time in Spa Sula.

So, all in all, the Castlecourt Hotel is well worth the trip across the country to experience the delights of the West of Ireland. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that you forget is within easy driving distance.

The staff and facilities of this Wesport hotel will leave your mind full of happy memories and have you planning your return trip as soon as you get home.

For more information on the Castlecourt Hotel for a Mayo getaway, go to www.castlecourthotel.ie

1 September 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs Joe Walsh Tours to operate private charter flights to Leinster rugby games for 2012 season JOE Walsh Tours is the official tour operator for Leinster Rugby and will be operating private charter flights with Cityjet to all away games in both the Heineken Cup and RaboDirect PRO12 competitions of the season 2011/2012.

The tour operator offers both flight only and full package options, which include hotel accommodation and coach transfers to and from your hotel and the grounds.

Fans can follow the RaboDirect PRO12 new season matches on the official Leinster Rugby Team charter from as little as €129 inclusive, which includes return flight, checked in luggage and all taxes – free match ticket for all RaboDirect games is also included in the price.

Book early to secure a seat on the official Leinster Rugby team flight and share the thrill and excitement with the Boys in Blue. Fixtures are Ospreys v Leinster - September 1; Scarlets v Leinster - September 23; Edinburgh v Leinster October 27; Cardiff Blues v Leinster – January 6; Glasgow Warriors v Leinster – February 24 and Newport Gwent Dragons v Leinster - May 4.

Heineken Cup staying in a three-star hotel for the Montpellier Hérault v Leinster Rugby for one night costs from €444 per person on November 12, 2011, or four-star from €474 per person.

For bookings and further information, call Gill on 01 2410888 or email gill.osullivan@ joewalshtours.ie, or visit www.joewalshtours. ie/leinster Westport, Co Mayo, is a large, family-run hotel with an attention to detail that you would expect from a small hotel or B&B

It’s a berry good month for a Shelbourne Hotel extravaganza THE Shelbourne Hotel is berry-focused this August, with a delicious range of berrythemed cocktails and a Very Berry Afternoon Tea. The special afternoon tea will include delicacies such as mixed berry macaroons, blackberry financier, strawberry tart, blueberry muffin and raspberry chocolate moelleux.

The Very Berry extravaganza continues in the hotel’s Number 27 Bar, with a selection of delectable cocktails, each showcasing a particular berry. From blackberry fruitini to raspberry mochatini to vodka bramble, there’s a wide selection of berry-based potions available.

Throw in an overnight stay with full Irish breakfast in the morning and a champagne afternoon tea for two in the Lord Mayor’s Lounge, from €232 per room. Book online at www.TheShelbourne.ie.

The Orchard restaurant

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Petie Joe’s Bar

The welcoming lobby

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24 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 1 September 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1

GoingOUT GoingOUT MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Bastien and Bastienne MOZART takes centre-stage at The Mill Theatre, Dundrum, with this production of his one-act comedy, written when the musical maestro was just 12-years-old, in 1768. His dramatic love story shows that the path of true love never runs smoothly, and certainly not for Bastien and Bastienne ... Presented by Opera Theatre Company, this production is sung in English, with music direction and piano accompaniment by Andrew Synott. Soprano, Nicola Mulligan, and tenor, Dean Power, take the title roles in this 45-minute show. The production runs on Sunday, September 4, with admission at €18/€15.

Mountains to Sea DLR Book Festival BUILDING on the massive success of the festival with book and arts lovers, the Mountains to Sea DLR Book Festival returns to The Mill Theatre to delight once again. Running at The Mill for two nights as part of the overall festival, the theatre will play host to two playwrights.

On Wednesday, September 7, from 10.30am to 12.30pm, Patrick Ness and Meg Rosoff will be in conversation with Dr Padraic Whyte. For ages 13+, and priced at €3 admission, Patrick and Meg are two of the most critically-acclaimed and popular authors writing for teenagers today.

Then, on Thursday, September 8, Roddy Doyle will guest at the Festival, from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Suitable for ages 9+, and priced at €3, Roddy’s talk will see him discuss his new children’s book, Greyhound of a Girl.

For further details, see http://www.mountainstosea.ie, and http://www.milltheatre.ie/.

PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Mountains to Sea DLR Book Festival CONTINUING the city-wide love of books and the arts, the Mountains to Sea DLR Festival has a wide range of events taking place at its Dun Laoghaire base and surrounds, including the following events – and many more ...

The DLR Literary Tour, on Sunday, September 4, will take in some of the literary sights and points of interest in the DLR region, home to a surprising number of Ireland’s literary greats. Assembling at Blackrock Dart Station at 10.45am, some familiar faces (and voices) will guide walkers around the area.

Also on Sunday, September 4, younger readers will warm to the blood-chilling tales in An Audience With Darren Shan. The horribly talented writer is the world’s most popular horror writer for children, and will enthrall with his insightful talk at 3pm.

On Wednesday, September 7, The Pavilion will welcome acclaimed US novelist Robert Coover to deliver the annual Beckett Address. A master of writing, which he also teaches, Coover credits Beckett with the revelation that it was no longer possible to “go back and write another 19th century novel”, and his address promises to be a must-see – or must-hear – for Beckett fans. The Beckett Address will be delivered at 8pm.

For further details, see www.paviliontheatre.ie/.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 4627477 Noah & The Tower Flower BALLYMUN is the setting for a comic production on its only Irish dates before transferring to a New York run. Noah and Natalie begin to fall in love – but can they leave their pasts behind, and look to the future, together?

Highly-praised by critics, and winner of a number of awards, Noah & The Tower Flower plays nightly at 8pm on Friday, September 2 and Saturday. September 3, with admission priced at €12.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 My Way LAST this week, but definitely not least, My Way, by Garvan Gallagher, is running at Draiocht until November, and is a superb collection of thoughtful studies concerning fashion, aging and self image. The memorable range of photographs and video pieces can be seen on the ground floor gallery.

For further details, see www.draiocht.ie/.

Sally (Emma Roberts) and George (Freddie Highmore) have to learn how to navigate the complexities of high school life as they grow older

Gets by, well enough Kate thinks that there are certainly worse films about teens out there, finding The Art of Getting By to be fairly diverting Q KATE CROWLEY

WHAAAAAT? A critic, criticised? I feel no less astonished than the portly workhouse foreman in Oliver Twist, facing an upstart in an unexpectedly gruelling situation.

However, criticised I was, for my review of the latest Spy Kids, last week.

(No complaints thus far over One Day, which leads me to conclude everyone else finds it as equally insipid as I.) Last week, I gave Spy Kids a One Star rating, yet have since been told, in no uncertain terms, that it was “brilliant”, and must thus amend my score to a Five Star grade, instead.

After all, much like portly workhouse foremen, film reviewers are both mystified by, and intimidated by, knee-high whippersnappers, especially those who discover you don’t like the same films that they do.

FILM OF THE WEEK: The Art of Getting By +++ (12A) 83 mins Director: Gavin Wiesen Starring: Freddie Highmore, Emma Roberts, Sasha Speilberg, Sam Robards, Youth Ishoos ...

OUR VERDICT: CERTAINLY not wishing to patronise any younger readers, Kate nevertheless suggests that this could appeal particularly to “tweens”, thanks to covering the complexities of life on the edge of adulthood, and how boys and girl friends may have to face the awkwardness of trying to be boyfriends and girlfriends instead. It’s a nice turn from Freddie Highmore.

So, Spy Kids, I salute you, as you are indeed brilliant (and not at all the awful mess I hinted at, last week).

Small children thus appeased, I turn my attention next to older children – these “tweens” I keep hearing about – who are likely to like The Art of Getting By. Freddie Highmore stars as George, something of an unfocused high school slacker with a talent for art – although he never finished his work.

Enter Sally (Emma Roberts), another high school kid following her

own mind, and, even though she seems to be quite different to George – having some rich friends, for starters – they get along okay.

George and Sally start hanging out more and more, despite the distractions of different friends and interests, but, as George falls further behing in his schoolwork, Sally’s interests are piqued in an artist.

Not quite purely platonic friends, George’s life seems to get more and more confused, as his mother and stepfather are clearly having

problems at home, which doesn’t sit too well on our fatalistic, lovelorn antihero.

Troubled home, failing at school, mixed-up feelings, a girl friend who isn’t a girlfriend ... Boy oh boy, George is having it tough.

Inevitably, the friends can’t carry on as things are, and, with Sally seemingly lost to another, and realising that he needs to focus on getting on with his life – not least to help support his mother – George has to face up to just catching up with school work, in preparation for whatever’s next.

The only thing he hasn’t really prepared for is what Sally really means to him – and what he may really mean to her ...

Boy meets girl. Boy loses girl. Boy ... well, I don’t think I’d shock many readers with how this film turns out. Casbalanca, it ain’t – but what it does, it does well enough,

I guess, and seems to be at least slightly anchored in faintly believable late teenage life.

Slightly unner ved by my knee-high score accuser, I’ve perhaps been less demanding than usual with this film, which isn’t the worst tween film I’ve ever seen.

It’ll certainly get you by on a lazy afternoon or evening at the cinema.

And now for something completely different. If anyone has a large trail of breadcrumbs available, I’d like to use them to try and drag The Tempest into sight, as it continues its lonely lurching somewhere out on the cold, windswept plains of Unreleased Land, despite being finished eons ago.

After all, who wouldn’t like to see Helen Mirren, Russell Brand and Alfred Molina romping around in a Luvvied-up film of Shakespeare’s tale?

On second thoughts, perhaps not ...

1 September 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Meet Super Mario’s dad SHANE DILLON

PREVIOUSLY, I briefly touched on creativity found in gaming – and there are few things that sum up “creativity” in gaming than the legendary games designer, Shigeru Miyamoto.

“Who?”, many, if not most Gazette readers may ask, as the beaming gentleman to the right could easily walk down O’Connell Street without a flicker of recognition.

And yet, for decades, hundreds of millions of children – and a similar number of adults – around the world have grown up with his most famous creation – Super Mario.

Indeed, Mario is just one of a number of iconic gaming characters, and moments, that Miyamoto has been directly respon-

Another weebyte A Jobs that’s now going ...

WITH apologies to those who may well think that I’m in thrall to Apple this week, it’s hard not to comment on Steve Jobs’ stepping down as CEO of Apple, late last week.

Few would have thought a mere decade or so ago that Apple – then very much an also-ran company, languishing far behind PCs in uptake and interest – would have stormed into the public eye as they have, let alone predicted its near-vertical rise in value and fortune.

As such, Jobs’ vision, drive and determination has done much to push gaming to the fore on smartphones, and in the public eye.

Despite his departure, it’s likely that Apple will continue as a major force in driving mobile gaming.

sible for throughout his career, to date.

To many, the 59-yearold is Nintendo; with the global company’s fortunes, future and fun directly tied to the charismatic designer.

Born in a quiet corner of Japan, Miyamoto spent his childhood living in what sounds like a fairly idyllic way – wandering through forests and exploring caves, his curiosity and spirit of adventure leading him to soak up the world around him, wondering what could lie ahead over the next hill or around the next corner.

These are traits that gamers will instantly recognise in his greatest works – those games in the Mario or equally long-running Zelda titles – where exploration, fun, creative thinking and

positive reinforcement are their own rewards, cementing Nintendo’s reputation as gaming’s most family-friendly and focused company.

Miyamoto’s role as Nintendo’s “secret weapon” long since diversified from designing games into being involved with the company’s new platforms and consoles.

From the Wii to the recently-launched 3DS, Miyamoto has been both the public face of the company’s changing fortunes and directions, as well as a solid figurehead for the business world to get behind.

After all, if there’s one thing that Miyamoto seems to understand more than anyone else on the planet, it’s what makes a game work, and be fun – making him the

Bytesandpieces Apple’s plan to keep growing NOW firmly established as a key player in the gaming sector, Apple’s IOS tank looks set to roll even deeper into the global gaming landscape.

It’s all thanks to the flurry of media speculation since late last week, with the announcement by “key insider figures” that Apple is planning to release a “cheap” iPhone, much the way as it did with the iPod Nano.

What sounds obstensibly like a bid to produce a more affordable iPhone to target lucrative markets in China, and other mass-market economies, would also have a very direct impact on mobile gaming penetration. Watch this space – the iFun is going to get a lot more interesting ...

A patently interesting court case Legendary Nintendo figure, Shigeru Miyamoto

Willy Wonka of gaming.

Today, with Apple making vast inroads into gaming as a publisher, there’s a lot of talk of Nintendo being under pressure to crack the portable gam-

ing smartphone market, by developing a similar distribution model.

One thing’s for sure – having Super Mario’s dad on your side couldn’t hurt any company ...

PEELING off yet another Apple story this week, many gamers, tech wizards and lawyers alike are following the company’s dealings with Lodsys, a Texas-based company that recently launched a lawsuit claiming that Apple, and many other big companies, violate a number of its patents.

Nothing has yet gone to court, but the issue of technology patents remains an interesting potential thorn for a wide range of games developers and publishers to keep an eye out for ...

GAZETTE

26 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 1 September 2011

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1 September 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

SUMMER HEROES: August’s nominees for Dublin Sports Awards are announced: Page 29

RETRO RUNNING: BLACKROCK NATIVE SET TO TURN ATHLETICS AROUND IN PARK

Doherty taking a backward step to go forth sport@gazettegroup.com

If you find yourself in Fitzherbert Park and you think things are running in reverse, you might find that you are exactly right.

Blackrock resident, Garret Doherty, is an exponent and champion of retro running, the skill of actually running backward. With practice, you can become quite fast, and Garret has medals from the World Retro Championships to prove it.

Gazette Sport asked Doherty why retro running was so popular.

“Retro running is the most beneficial exercise in the world. If you go forward all the time, you’re using all the same muscles all the time. Hence half runners are injured at some time in their careers.

“If you go backward, it’s lower impact, because you’re landing on your toes and it’s like dancing, that’s why it’s so much

fun. It burns 30% more calories, as you’re using a different set of muscles, it improves your balance, coordination and peripheral vision.

The association with the reverse athletic event stems from a childhood training exercise.

“My father was an underage soccer coach, and he had me and my brothers running backward on the beach at Five Fingers Strand, near Mallon Head, when we were

Donegal man Garret Doherty is leading a revolution in running and training

younger. Years later, that came back to me in the park in Fairview, I started running backward, and people were really intrigued by it.”

There is an international aspect to retro running, and Doherty took part in the world championships which took place last year in Austria, its sixth year.

“I won a gold and two silver medals at the championships, and I took part in the 3k and 10k races in the same day. There are all the same track distances as you’d find in any other international track events.”

Doherty has also raced closer to home, and has a goal this month in the

Dublin half-marathon.

“I ran the Dublin Marathon backward in 2009, and last year I did it halfbackward, half-forwards.

Now I’m planning on running to break the backward half-marathon record in Phoenix Park on September 17. The record is 1 hour 35 minutes, and I think I have a chance.

“I run a class once a week in Fitzherbert Park, if people are interested.

It’s really fun, it’s a proper workout, and your back and hamstrings get a break from the pounding they get when you run normally.”

For more information, log on to runnerretro. com.

28 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 1 September 2011

GazetteSport Sport

Hurl-bendingly accurate catch

Hurling

Putting the opposition in their place

Keeper taking a puc out

Crokes snap to the pace ILMACUD Crokes Hurling recently celebrated the fact that their photo website (www.pix.ie/kchurling) clicked up more than half a million views in the 20 months since its launch in 2009.

To mark the event the club held a special photo-themed competition. Entrants were asked to choose from a selection of the most popular photos published on site the year.

Frances Mullin, whose sons Dara and Michael play for the club’s U16’s and U13’s respectively, chose the winning photo.

Her prize is a fantastic match photo shoot for a player of her choice. The shot, taken at a senior challenge match in May, shows Dublin star Ryan O’Dwyer and Barry Mulligan of Crokes getting to grips with Keith Rossiter of Oulart (Wexford).

K

Eyes on the prize at Crokes

The winning photo of Ryan O’Dwyer, Barry Mulligan and Oulart’s Keith Rossiter

Making a pass under a little pressure...

Pictures: Diarmuid O Gallchobhair

Kilmacud Crokes clear of the field

1 September 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29

in association with

2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - AUGUST NOMINEES

FastSport

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

+ STARof the

Pender named top coach at Homeless World Cup

MONTH

HANNAH TYRRELL

GARY THOMPSON

STEPHEN MCNALLY

ROUND Towers’ football star Tyrrell has been instrumental in the successes of both her club side’s intermediate ladies cup victory and in the successes of the Dublin ladies team in the Aisling McGing competition this term.

SWORDS must seem a million miles away but Thompson is far from homesick as he takes on the tracks of Japan in the Formula 3 competition, taking the podium recently to become the first Irishman to win a race on the Asian circuit.

THE Dunboyne based Orwell Wheelers rider struck gold in Italy when he came first in the European Masters’ Track Championships, his first international competition and his first-ever competition on an indoor track.

LUCAN CYCLING CLUB

CASTLEKNOCK GAA

DSDAC LADIES

THE road and track race club found a medal streak when they produced a string of outstanding performances to claim gold medals at both the elite and youth track team national championships last month.

THE dual codes at the Somerton club converged in success recently, with the senior sides in football and hurling achieving or closing in on promotion to the intermediate divisions of the Dublin leagues.

THE southside athletic club’s ladies team claimed a famous victory in Tullamore last month when they claimed the Premier Women’s divisional title at the Woodies’ DIY National Finals.

+ TEAMof the MONTH

WELCOME to the 2011 Dublin Sports Awards, as we mark our local sportsmen and women’s August sporting achievements across the capital and, indeed, across the nation.

We’re delighted to once again be able to celebrate the finest achievements in Dub-

lin sport, with some huge efforts at local levels coming to our attention in a variety of well-known, and some, less prominent, sports.

Ever y form of sporting achievement, at any level and in any sport, is valuable and gives an indication of the diversity of sporting commit-

ment there is around our fair city at all times of the year.

Let us know!

Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance of being one of our monthly stars.

Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ gazettesport.

You can also check out the latest stories from GazetteSport at our new website, www.gazettegroup.com

IRELAND’S Homeless World Cup soccer coach, Mick Pender, was named as Fair Play coach of the tournament after the tournament, held in Paris, came to an end last week.

Ireland finished eleventh out of the 48 teams involved, ending their run with an impressive 10-4 victory against England. The Irish quickly found their feet and stormed into a two-goal lead, before they were pegged back to 4-3 at the break.

The second half saw Ireland turn on the style, scoring some excellent goals and in the end they ran out easy winners.

“It’s been a long and tiring ten days but the memories of the performances and the friends made will linger long in the players’ minds long after this tournament is over,” said Sean Kavanagh of Team Ireland.

30 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 1 September 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Corkery wins harbour swim title for 2011 PATRICK Corkery of the NAC Masters Swimming Club claimed first place in the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Swim 2011 recently in a time of 31 minutes, 56 seconds, to defeat two previous winners, Dave Farrell of Sandycove and Mattie Waine of Guinness into second and third places.

The harbour swim, which has been running since 1931, saw fields of 150 men and 90 ladies in their respective races. The race is considered one of the two majors of open water swimming, along with the Liffey Swim.

Lucy Gaynor of Glenalbyn Swimming Club won the ladies race, improving on her fourth place last year.

Seapoint 7s set for this weekend

Cuala hosting corporate AllIreland bash

SEAPOINT Rugby Club are holding their men’s and women’s rugby sevens competition this weekend, on Saturday, September 3 from 11am, and are inviting everyone in the community to come along and get involved.

The event, open to clubs, colleges and social teams, will see teams converging on Kilbogget Park to contest the sevens title.

There will be food stalls, live music and family entertainment all day, as well as an exciting day’s rugby before the main business of the season gets underway later this month.

CUALA GAA club are holding their 19th annual corporate lunch event at the Burlington Hotel on September 16, an event that will see legends of the Dublin and Kerry football teams gather ahead of the All Ireland final between the sides.

Hosted by Des Cahill, the event will see Darragh O Se, Mike Sheehy and Eoin ‘Bomber’ Liston from Kerry in attendance. The Dublin starts are to be announced.

The event costs €850 for a table of ten, and should be a great day ahead of the showdown of the year.

SOCCER: ANOTHER TITLE FOR JOEY’S GIRLS’ JUNIOR TEAM

St Joseph’s Girls came back from a goal down to claim the FAI Women’s Junior Challenge Cup title last week

Joseph’s claim crown FAI JUNIOR CUP FINAL Dunmore Town St Joseph’s Girls

2 4

sport@gazettegroup.com

ST JOSEPH’S girls added yet another title to their ever-growing list of accolades when they followed the success of their U-16 counterparts with a big 4-2 over Galway side, Dunmore Town.

Joey’s had taken the lead as early as the third minute courtesy of a Sam Faulkner strike before Dunmore hit two goals to go into the lead.

But St Joseph’s equalised before halftime through Michelle O’Reilly before striking twice more in the

second-half through Gemma Matthews and Paula Doran to claim the title.

In a frantic opening to the game, right winger, Sam Faulkner collected an ambitious longball inside the box and she weaved past three defenders at the by-line before slotting neatly underneath the body of Helena Cummins in Dunmore’s goal.

It looked ominous from a Dunmore Town point of view but they regrouped almost immediately and equalised following a stunning strike from Nicola Kilgariffe five minutes later. The central midfielder blast-

ed a free-kick from 20 yards with her left foot, firing past the Sallynoggin side’s keeper, Sarah Delvin who was left helpless with the powerful effort.

And that concession was almost compounded when Dunmore Town were awarded a penalty in the 25th minute when Emma Whelan awkwardly handled in the box but Kilgariffe was unable to double her tally, firing over from the spot.

But the Galway outfit did take the lead in the 30th minute courtesy of a stunning strike from captain, Michelle Corley.

Striker, Sarah O’Toole

Caroline’s a smash with doubles win: Glenageary star takes national title SIXTEEN-year-old Caroline Lynch of Glenageary Lawn Tennis Club, playing with Ulster’s Megan McGreevy, were crowned winners of the Under-16 doubles title at the National Tennis Junior Championships in Fitzwilliam last weekend.

Lynch narrowly lost out in the singles final earlier in the day, having defeated the No 1 seed from Romania in the semi-final, in what many felt was the match of the tournament.

Caroline has received tremendous encouragement and support from both her coach and club in her tennis career so far which has propelled her into the worldwide Under 18 rankings and to 3 international caps.

made space on the right wing and she laid it off to Corley who blasted the ball into the roof of the net from 30 yards.

Their lead was briefly held, however, as the Saints equalised just on the stroke of half-time when Michelle O’Reilly burst through the Dunmore defence, leaving her one-on-one with Helena Cummins.

O’Reilly’s initial shot was brilliantly saved by the on-rushing goalkeeer but O’Reilly was left with an easy finish into an empty net following the rebound, making it 2-2 at the break.

And St Joseph’s started the second half in

the manner that they finished the first. They regained the lead in the 47th minute through a Gemma Matthews header. Midfielder Lauren Cavanagh delivered a pin-point corner to the head of Matthews who nodded past Cummins on the near post.

And the Dublin side got an insurance goal when they extended their lead in the 64th minute with an astonishing strike from defender Paula Doran. Her 25 yard freekick from the left-hand side nestled into the top right hand corner of the net to secure St. Joseph’s second national title in as many weeks.

1 September 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 31

in association with

ALL-IRELAND: LOCALS PLAY PART IN FINE EFFORT a

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CUALA GOOD luck to Colm Cronin, Ben Err-

Lunch which takes place at the Bur-

ity, Cian O’Callaghan and Ross Tier-

lington Hotel on the Friday before

ney, as well as all the Dublin minor

the All Ireland final. Des Cahill will be

hurling team as they bid for All Ire-

running the show and, with the final

land glory next Sunday at Croke

we now have, the stars will be out in

Park.

force to look back and forward on

Congratulations to all Cuala play-

the biggest rivalry in Irish sport.

ers in representative action for

Darragh O’Se, Mike Sheehy and

Dublin over last weekend, especially

Bomber Liston will be lining out for

Mick Fitzsimons, and all his Dublin

the Green and Gold. The Boys in Blue

colleagues on ending a 16-year fam-

will be unveiled during the week.

ine by making it to the All-Ireland

Tables will be in red-hot demand so

senior football final.

make sure you get in your request

The hottest, or perhaps the sec-

for tickets as soon as possible.

ond hottest, ticket in town this Sep-

Enquiries to Peadar or Johnny or

tember will be the Cuala Corporate

cualagaa@gmail.com.

FOXROCK/CABINTEELY

Dublin Under-16s local representatives put on a strong showing in the second hal. Picture: GAApics.com

Young Jackies denied All-Ireland by Kerry LADIES U-16 C’SHIP Kerry Dublin

4-10 2-13

sport@gazettegroup.com

KILMACUD Crokes’ midfielder Molly Lamb played a key role for Dublin U-16 ladies footballers, who pushed Kerry all the way in their bid to claim backto-back All-Ireland titles at this level.

With a quarter of the match to go, her side had produced a remarkable comeback to level their game with Kerry and leave the tie in the balance.

But the Kingdom finished the stronger of the sides to end the junior Jackies’ dreams of taking the title back to the capital once again.

Kerr y had opened proceedings in style, putting a goal and two points on the board before the girls in blue registered their first score, a point from a free in the 9th minute from

Ballyboden St Enda’s Maria McGrath.

Almost immediately, McGrath repeated the feat within the minute with her second converted free.

Immediately from the kick out, Dublin were back on top of the Kerry defence, and there were no fewer than three shots on target, which bounced off a series of Kerry players and the woodwork to deny the Dubs a first goal.

Niamh Rickard did get on the end of a Kerry clearance, and salvaged a point out of the melee.

From the next passage of play, a free to Kerry was taken and converted by Leanne Mangan to leave just the goal in it, and the Kingdomettes stepped up the pace.

The Dubln backs held firm, however, and no score was registered on either side for some seven minutes, but Kerry did put a few attempts

wide, until they sent in a rocket of a shot which keeper Emily Rheinish deflected over the bar.

Undeterred, Kerr y tried again and Nicole O’Connor got the credit for a goal that just rolled over the line.

Points from McGrath and Eabha Rutledge did briefly reduce the margin, but Kerry were not finished, and added another goal before the interval for a 3-7 to 0-5 lead.

The wide margin proved a prelude to a sublime Dublin spell early in the second half as McGrath led the charge back into the tie.

She pointed from a free just 30 seconds into the half, before getting on the end of the ensuing kick-out and pointed another from play soon after.

Her speculative effort then dropped under the crossbar while another score and one from Stephanie Adams con-

tinued the ascendancy.

Captain Carla Rowe came bursting from the half back line and in a series of quick passes found herself with a clear shot which flew the green flag once again.

The Dubs were on a roll. Two more points in the space of a minute, both from Rickard levelled the score with 14 minutes left on the clock.

The Kingdom girls had made their first point of the half just before the Dublin goal and got another from a free and went one up.

But, unfortunately, Dublin’s inspiration dried up, and nothing more came the Blues way until the 23rd minute, when they registered two more points from Castleknock’s Leah Mullins and Kilmacud midfielder, Lamb.

But wily Kerry added another goal and a point to seal their victory and the 2011 title.

NURSERY training has resumed on

U-13Bs, a speedy recovery following

Saturdays in Kilbogget Park at 10am

a serious injury incurred during a

for boys and girls aged 4 to 9. New

friendly match.

members are welcome. For further

Our senior ladies took on Bally-

information, contact Derek McArdle

boden St Enda’s in a league match

on 086 817 5236.

last Wednesday. The match was

Girls juvenile championships commence the weekend of September 9.

very tight all the way with ‘Boden winning out by a goal.

Yet again, this year we have a record

However, there was some great

number of girls’ teams taking part.

displays of football from Sinead

All teams are now back in training,

Goldrick, Amy Ring, Niamh Collins

with a number of friendly matches

and Ciara Murphy, who has returned

taking place.

to the team following a summer in

We wish Rebecca Tonge, of the

the USA.

STARS OF ERIN A MASSIVE congratulations from

end.

all at Stars of Erin to the minor and

The juvenile teams continue train-

senior Dublin footballers who got

ing every Tuesday and Thursday in

through to the All-Ireland finals.

Glencullen, alternating each week

The Adult footballers played their last league game in Glencullen on

between football and hurling. All new players are very welcome.

Tuesday night against Thomas Davis.

There was no winner of the weekly

Both teams played a hard, fair game,

lotto. Jackpot for this weekend is

which Thomas Davis won out in the

€600.

NAOMH OLAF CONGRATULATIONS to Dublin senior

All-Ireland final.

and minor footballers on reaching

The Annual Corporate Lunch is

the All-Ireland Final and to our own

being held in Croke Park Friday 2nd

David Byrne, Ardglas, who came on

September with RTEs Marty Mor-

as a sub early in the second half of

rissey hosting the event. A table of

the minor match and helped stabi-

ten costs €1,000 and individual seats

lise the defence.

may be purchased for €100. Further

Club members are reminded that

details on the club website.

only members who have paid their

Sympathy is extended to the Cahill

annual membership will be eligible

Family, The Gallops, on the untimely

to apply to the club for tickets to the

death of Fergus’s wife, Paula.

Follow GazetteSport on Facebook and Twitter and at www.gazettegroup.com

ALL OF YOUR DUN LAOGHAIRE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

DOUBLE DELIGHT: St Joseph’s Girls add Junior title to U-16 All-Ireland win P30

SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

AUGUST AWARDS Monthly nominees revealed inside P29

GazetteSPORT

DLRCOCO Cathaoirleach John Bailey cuts the red ribbon to Xpress Art in the Nutgrove centre this week with Naomh Olaf’s man Larry Daly

Investment in youth key to Dubs’ success Former county chairman says seeds of four AllIreland finals were sown ten years previously dunlaoghairesport@gazettegroup.com

DLRCOCO Cathaoirleach John Bailey believes that Dublin’s incredible run of results across hurling and Gaelic football at each age level this year is the product of groundwork laid over a decade ago.

The Cuala club man was president of the Dublin county board for ten years and says that the rise of the senior hurlers to win the national league in tandem with the senior footballers getting back to an All-Ireland final for the first time since 1995 can be put down to a commitment to coaching.

This year, the Dublin’s minors in both codes will also contest All-Ireland finals while the U-21 hurlers also have a final showdown to look forward to.

He was speaking to the Gazette at the launch of Xpress Art – a company which regularly works with providing artwork for local clubs like Naomh Olaf and Ballinteer St John’s – in the Nutgrove

shopping centre.

“Ten years ago [when county board chairman] I put a million euro into coaching. Everyone said it was mad. We employed 93 coaches. The idea was to put in the framework and groundwork in for the academy.

“Every year, we then pick up 80 children, give or take, for hurling and football. That’s now starting to snowball and we have five teams in All-Ireland semi-finals. This is the work that was done ten years ago.”

As a Cuala man, it has meant his club’s senior hurling championship bid has been put on hiatus as the competition is on hold until the U-21 side complete their campaign.

The Dalkey club are also a game away from claiming AHL2, another competition which is on hold. When asked about this issue, Bailey responds that while it is not ideal, it is the better kind of problem to have for the county.

“I’m very honoured to be a member of Cuala but the whole pride is in the whole county.

“We have a problem now in the championship but that’s one of the issues with success but I’d rather have that success.

“Now we can see we can get there. 1938 is a very long time for the hurlers and 1995 for the footballers. That’s not good enough for a county like Dublin so we needed to work harder.

“But kids need to see the opportunity there that they can play in a Dublin team. That’s why we now have 160 kids every year coming into the panels.

“You have clubs like Thomas Davis, St Jude’s, Liam Rushe’s club St Pat’s. We’re now talking about non-traditional hurling clubs who are successful. Ten or 15 years ago, you had players from Vincent’s, Faughs, Erin’s Isle and Na Fianna.

“Now, you have players from the new parishes and districts. I think this is a fantastic success story because we’re now seeing that the coaching in the out-lying areas is producing players here and there and the opportunity is there for them to progress for their club and for Dublin.”