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INSIDE: Blackrock festival animates locals Page 10

All-Ireland: Cuala star set for Kerry test at Croke Park Page 32

Soccer: Cabinteely beat Portmarnock in DDSL Under-17 Page 30

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September 15, 2011

KA-POW! Slugger Gilmore opens €5m

Mounttown Community Facility P2

€1.6m baths revamp is left in limbo Q MICHAEL HANNON

THE long-awaited refurbishment of the Dun Laoghaire Baths will remain in limbo until the Capital Spending Programme for Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council is signed off by the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan.

That’s according to Independent councillor, Victor Boyhan, who says the Minister must approve the Capital Programme, which includes

the €1.6 million Phase One of the baths’ scheme, before the project can go ahead.

A spokesperson for the Department said that funding for capital grants for public baths and swimming pools was a matter for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

A spokesperson for Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, said the issue of the signing off on funding for the baths was a matter for the local authority.

Full Story on Page 3

Sweet success: Time for tea to celebrate a notable nomination THERE’S always time for tea, with Kelly Felton, of PlanMyParty.ie, having a celebratory cuppa as she joined a number of other innovative companies who had reason to celebrate recently. After all, Kelly, and her service, were one of

those shortlisted for this year’s County Enterprise Awards, which celebrate and highlight some of the diverse range of small businesses across the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown region.

See Gallery on Pages 8-9

2 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 15 September 2011

COMMUNITY Praise for facility at official opening ceremony

Aaron Murphy and Daniel Kenny

Josh Murray may have been wary of boxing with An Tanaiste, Eamon Gilmore, but

Young members of Monkstown Boxing Club

it wasn’t long before they were playfully exchanging blows (right)

1,500 at official launch of a €5m ‘fantastic’ centre Q HIROMI MOONEY dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com

MORE than 1,500 people celebrated the official opening of the €5 million Mounttown Community Facility, last weekend.

Amongst those joining in the celebrations were An Garda Siochana band, The Artane Band, and some local musicians.

The three-storey centre opened in spring, 2010. A Dun Laoghaire Rathdow n County Council (DLRCC) spokeswoman described the centre as “a modern and well-equipped facility that will not only

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‘There’s no other centre anywhere in Dublin – or, I think, in Ireland – that is like this one’

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Cllr John Bailey

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enhance existing provision but also provide a focal point for new local activities”.

The facility includes a large hall, a playground and a fully-fitted computer room, as well as several programme rooms

and office space.

Chairman of the facility’s Board of Management, and An Cathaoi r l e a c h o f DL R C C , Councillor John Bailey, said that the new facility is “absolutely fantastic”.

“It’s very, very important. This is a landmark, state-of-the-art facility.

There’s no other centre anywhere in Dublin – or, I think, in Ireland – that is like this one,” he said.

“It gives an opportunity to all the people. I’m asking everyone to buy into this because this is their centre.”

The facility’s general manager, Peter Tobin, said that the facility is

“extremely important” to locals.

“It’s a fantastic cooperation between the county council, local representatives, the community themselves, Government agencies and everything else in bringing this building to where it is now – which is a state-of-the-art building available to everybody.

“It’s a fantastic facility that should be used more and more by the people in the area,” he said.

Mounttown Community Facility is open from Monday to Thursday, from 9am to 9pm, and on Fridays from 9am to 5pm.

An Cathaoirleach of DLRCC, Councillor John Bailey, with An Tanaiste, Eamon Gilmore, who was guest of honour and who officially opened the new facility

15 September 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 3

HERITAGE Uncertainty over €1.6m revamp project

‘Need to sign off on Baths project’ Q MICHAEL HANNAN

news@gazettegroup.com

A MAJOR refurbishment works project for the Dun Laoghaire Baths could be put on hold if the capital programme for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) is not signed off.

That’s according to Independent councillor, Victor Boyhan, who says the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan, must approve DLRCC’s capital programme, which includes Phase One of the baths project, before the project can go ahead.

Speaking to The Gazette, Cllr Boyhan said information received from the DLRCC manager, Owen Keegan, states that the proposal will cost approximately €1.6 million.

The cost has already been provided for in the 2011-2014 Capital Programme, which, he claims, has not been signed off by the Minister.

A spokesman for the Department of the Environment said that funding for capital grants for public baths and swimming pools should go through the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

“We don’t have any involvement with this project, unless, further down the track, the council comes to us with a borrowing requirement,” he said.

A Department of Transport spokesperson said that the issue of the sign off on funding for the baths was a matter for the local authority, as the Department only had

responsibility for general swimming pool grants.

A spokesperson for DLRCC said the county manager confirmed that preliminary design work was currently being carried out, with a view to bringing proposals to public consultation before the end of the year.

“Following this, the approval of the elected members will be required.

Once the members have agreed to proceed, or not, as the case may be, it will need to be confirmed that the necessary financial resources are in place.

“If so, the project will be subject to a competitive public tender process, which may take some months to complete,” said the spokesperson.

The Phase One proposal includes a partial refurbishment of the bath’s pavilion area.

Clearance There is to be a major clearance of all derelict structures and the coastal promenade on the seaward side of the pavilion area will be extended to Maritime Gardens.

It will also entail reinforcing defences against coastal erosion, and the restoration of a sandy foreshore over existing pools. A new forecourt to The People’s Park is to be built, and covering will be provided for the adjacent railway line.

Cllr Boyhan is also calling for clarity over what the €1.6 million figure will cover. He said that the allocated funds were only for what DLRCC manager Owen Keegan referred to as Phase One – or the clearing stage – of the proposal.

“My understanding is that the figure of €1.6

Councillor Victor Boyhan has called for DLRCC to clarify plans over Dun Laoghaire’s historic Edwardian baths

million is just to demolish the existing baths.

“We need to establish what will be the final cost for building the baths, and if the council is going to build it. What’s the point of clearing the area if we’re not going to build new baths?

“While I welcome the retention of the Edwardian facade of the old baths,

any money spent on this will be wasted unless the proposal goes to phases Two and Three,” said Cllr Boyhan.

When asked about the likelihood and timeframe of the baths’ reconstruction, a spokesperson for DLRCC said that the redevelopment of the baths’ side was “subject to a statutory planning process”.

Architectural drawing highlighting some site issues

LOTTO: LUCK

€596,814 won by friends TWO friends who have been playing EuroMillions for the last four years almost gave up playing the game just 10 days before they scooped more than half a million euro.

The friends purchased the winning ticket in Centra, Leopardstown Park on Friday, September 9.

One of the winners said: “We were playing for years, and only won a few euro here and there.

So I texted my mate to say it was time we gave up on it.”

His friend said: “I texted back: ‘Our time will come’, and, just 10 days later, we won €596,814.

We’re sure glad we kept going.”

The young men are from Dublin and Kildare, and wish to keep the identities secret.

They currently have no plans for the win, but are looking forward to seeing “the bank balance in the black”.

4 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 15 September 2011

WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK

HEALTH Fundraiser funds given to children’s hospice

*based on standard industry measurements

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ENTERPRISENEWS Inspiration for our local enterprises DUN-LAOGHAIRE Rathdown will be in the business spotlight on September 20th as part of a major drive to highlight and encourage enterprise success, targeting the small business community in particular.

Fly Higher: Celebrating & Inspiring Enterprise is a free event which is being organised by the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Enterprise Board to recognise, celebrate and inspire small business owners and managers. The lineup for the evening includes Niall O’Farrell from Dragons’ Den, Susan Spence from SoftCo and motivational speaker, Kevin Kelly.

Visitors to the event, which takes place at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire, can also avail of free mentoring clinics and informal networking. Another expected highlight is the presentation of the County Enterprise Awards for 2011, chaired by business broadcaster Conall O’ Morain.

This year’s shortlisted local companies are: GP Buddy, an on-line medical directory for GPs; Bid Management Services, a tender management supports company; Bgate Technology, an on-line ordering and invoicing service for the food sector; Plan My Party, a party planning service; LogScreen Ltd, an IT security firm and Web Team International, a website design and development company.

Ireland continues to be an entrepreneurial country and the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown region is one of the biggest hubs of entrepreneurial activity, home to a large number of highly innovative enterprises and successful entrepreneurs. The overall winner will go on to represent the County at the National Enterprise Awards. For further details and to register your free place, visit www.dlrceb.ie/flyhigher or call (01) 4948400 or email info@dlrceb.ie

Members of the South Dublin Services business networking group are pictured presenting a cheque for €6,142 to LauraLynn House

Business group raises €6,142 for hospice fund --------------------------

A NEW business networking group has raised €6,142 for Ireland’s first hospice for children after they took part in a 10K charity walk around Killiney.

Members of South Dublin Services raised the money for the new LauraLy nn House, which is due to open later this month at the Children’s Sunshine Home in Leopardstown.

Niall Delaney, a member of the business network, said: “We had a great response from our members and their families and friends.

‘Following its great success this year, we are delighted that this walk will become an annual event’

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Jane McKenna, LauraLynn House

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“Following discussion with LauraLynn House founder, Jane McKenna, it has been agreed we make this an annual fundraiser for this very

special cause.”

McKenna said: “The South Dublin Services people had asked people to walk ‘to make the sun shine for very sick children’, and they certainly did.

“Following its great success this year, we are delighted that this walk will become an annual event. “ Eve r y s p o n s o r e d walker has made a great contribution – a contribution towards bricks and mortar that will last a lifetime, and beyond,” she said.

Delaney added: “The

names of all those who helped with this charity walk will be published and displayed at the new LauraLynn Hospice for Sick Children.

“Every cent raised by our walkers has gone directly to the hospice fund. The development cost for the new hospice is €6 million, so every contribution counts.”

The LauraLynn Children’s Hospice Foundation was set up in 2001 as a result of the tragedy suffered by Jane and Brendan McKenna, who lost both their daughters, Laura and Lynn, to ill-

ness within two years.

South Dublin Services was recently established as a self-help group of business and trades people in south Dublin and Wicklow, who are intent on beating the recession by working hard at referring work to each other.

So far, it has 25 members, but continues to look for new participants. In each business or trade category, there can be only one participating member.

For further information on the group, see www.southdublinservices.ie.

Free family sports ‘taster day’

Q HIROMI MOONEY dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com

A FREE sports taster day will take place in dlr Leisure Services in Loughlinstown on Saturday, September 24, from 12pm to 3pm.

The sports day is organised

by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership, in conjunc-

tion with dlr Leisure Service, as part of the Irish Sports Council’s national campaign to get families active.

Shane McArdle, event organiser and manager of dlr Sports Partnership, says the sports day will “help families get active by introducing them to some new sports and local clubs in a fun

environment, at no cost”.

“All the activities on offer will be ones that you can pick up easily, and where families can join in together, including archery, trampolining, dance, badminton, and Olympic handball – plus a selection of ‘retro games’, including three-legged and wheelbarrow races,” he says.

“We’ll have experts on hand for each activity to help out and show everyone – plus, activities will be indoor and outdoor, so the event will go, ahead rain or shine.”

For further information, contact Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Sports Partnership at 01 271 9507.

15 September 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 5

SEARCH: CONTEST

ARTS: EAMON GILMORE OPENS NEW MUSIC AND VISUAL ARTS SCHOOL

A task for book lovers ...

Kingston opens its new Academy Q HIROMI MOONEY

dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com

LOCAL TD, and Tanaiste, Eamon Gilmore was on hand last week to officially open the new Kingston Academy of Music in Dalkey.

The new school will employ 15 full-time music teachers and support staff, as well as a further 15 reserve teachers.

It will cater for more than 200 families in multiple musical and visual arts disciplines.

Speaking at the launch, the Tanaiste said he was honoured to officially open the new premises.

“What Audrey [McKenna, Academy owner] has done in such a short space of time is really wonderful.

“Music, arts and culture are our soul, and

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‘Music, arts and culture are our soul, and they have sustained us through difficult times and will sustain us for some time to come’ --------------------------

An Tanaiste

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they have sustained us through difficult times and will sustain us for some time to come,” he said.

“It is a privilege to be here today, and I believe we will all look back with great pride as Audrey, and the Academy, go from strength to strength.”

Having started from humble beginnings three years ago, Audrey McKenna said that, through hard work and dedication, the Academy was now opening its brandnew premises in Dalkey.

She said: “I believe that we all have a responsibility, both in business and in a private capacity, to utilise any personal reserves, and approach these challenging times with optimism and enthusiasm.

“This is what we have had to do in the Kingston Academy of Music.

Having started from humble beginnings three years ago we are now, through hard work and dedication, opening our new premises on Castle Street, Dalkey, three years on.

“We are all delighted,” she said.

Wisteria line: Adjusting a snaking art piece with a master’s eye for detail WITH her artist’s eye for detail, Patricia McKenna carefully adjusts her piece, On The Line, as part of a new exhibition on show at County Hall, Dun Laoghaire, until Tuesday, September 20. Created as part of the contemporary exhibition, Patricia says she used parts of a wisteria plant in her own back garden to create a piece that reflects her love of natural and organic pieces.

Patricia’s striking piece is on show as part of the exhibition, which examines the diverse drawing practices of nine artists who are originally from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, or who are now living or working in the area.

THE search for South Dublin’s favourite bookshop is on. If your local bookshop holds a special place in your heart, now’s the time to show your appreciation, as the search for the Bord Gais Energy Bookshop of the Year begins.

The Irish book industry employs some 5,000 people in Ireland, and is worth approximately €148 million to the economy as readers buy 14 million books annually, comprising 300,000 different titles, and with native Irish publishing accounting for 18% of sales.

In South Dublin, more than 43 bookshops are looking for your vote.

To see the full list, and to cast your vote, see www. bordgaisenergybookclub. ie before Friday, October 14. By taking part, you will also be in with the chance to win €1,000worth of free electricity.

6 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 15 September 2011

COUNCIL: ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR ICY ROADS ARE WELCOMED

Winter road fund toppedup by €9,102 WITH fears that another harsh winter could be on the cards, an increase in the Winter Maintenance Grant by the Government to local authorities was welcomed this week by local politicians.

The harsh weather last winter brought roads to a standstill in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, with many commuters forced to endure drives to and from work of up to three hours, each way.

The plummeting temperatures also left many elderly residents housebound, and the county’s water supply was also severely affected.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council will receive an extra €9,102 this year, bringing its total allocation of funding for winter maintenance to €81,918.

Speaking to The Gazette, Fine Gael Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor said: “I welcome the announcement

by Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, that the

Fine Gael Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor

Winter Maintenance Grant is to be increased from €10 million to €11.25 million, this year.

“This extra funding is designed to assist local authorities with winter maintenance and to keep important roads clear.

“This will help to keep roads in the locality clear, which is important in terms of ensuring our safety, but will also minimise disruption to local businesses caused by the bad weather,” she said.

“The extra €1.25 million granted nationally, along with the direct purchase of some 60,000

tonnes of salt, was made possible through savings in the Department of Transport.

“Local authorities will have access to some 60,000 tonnes of salt, on top of the supplies purchased separately by the National Roads Authority.

“The additional funding will help to cover the cost of purchasing, transporting, storing and spreading salt, and other works associated with extreme weather conditions.

“If reports this week are to be believed, it looks like we could be in for another harsh cold snap in the coming months. This time around, the Government is putting contingency plans in place early.

“This means local authorities will have the power to react to tough conditions quickly, which will, hopefully, greatly reduce the disruption and difficulty experienced by members of the public,” said Mitchell O’Connor.

PROJECT An innovative garden in

Growing a

From humble beginnings as an empty plot, the Shanganagh Community Garden has gone from strength to strength, and now supports many types of plants and vegetables, as well as creating a community focus Q HIROMI MOONEY

news@gazettegroup.com

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AN INNOVATIVE community garden project in Shankill could be in with a chance to win €10,000 when it takes part in the finals of Procter and Gamble’s Future Friendly Awards later this month.

The Shanganagh Community Garden one of the 12 regional finalists of various community groups across Ireland and Britain who have, so far, won £1,000 each.

The awards recognise the community groups’ environmental efforts, including recycling and reducing waste.

Winners will be announced at the Future Friendly Awards ceremony in London on Tuesday, September 27.

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‘It’s like over-the-garden-fence in the old days, you know. Like in our parents’ days, it was all overthe-garden-fence.’

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Anne Traynor, coordinator

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The community garden is part of the Shanganagh Community Development Project (CDP).

It is a fully organic garden, with 30 growers and three local groups. There are currently 30 people on the waiting list for a plot.

Shanganagh CDP’s c o o r d i n a t o r, A n n e Tr a y n o r, t o l d T h e Gazette: “It’s very exciting, because not only are the local residents growing their own fruit and veg, and learning how to grow, [but they’re] learn-

ing how to reuse what they throw away, as in the composting.

“The amount of community development that has come from this, people coming in – people who have been neighbours for years are now becoming friends.

“It’s like over-thegarden-fence in the old days, you know. Like in our parents’ days, it was all-over-the-gardenfence.

“And this is what it’s like down in the garden, because people are shar-

ing their veg and sharing seeds and supporting each other, and watering each others’ plots when people are away.

“That amount of friendships and community development have grown from this project, and all because there was a bit of wasteland that we wanted to reuse,” she said.

“We’re the first community garden that Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown supported, and it was a pilot project.

“We only started in February, last year, but already, now, the county council has developed policies for community gardens, and are looking at other areas of interest within the whole county where they can do the same thing,” said Traynor.

15 September 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 7

Shankill has been great for people to make friends

COUNCIL: INITIATIVE

real community

Plan for intern scheme FOLLOWING questioning by Fine Gael councillor Neale Richmond, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) has announced that it will be participating in the National Internship Scheme.

Responding to Cllr Richmond, the council confirmed that it has written to the heads of departments within DLRCC seeking details of suitable positions for inclusion in the scheme.

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‘The scheme is a great opportunity to get excellent on-site experience’

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Cllr Neale Richmond

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“A number of positions have been identified, to date, and are in the process of being advertised on the jobbridge.ie website,” said Cllr Richmond.

“The manager is also looking at further internship positions, and these will be advertised in due course on jobbridge.ie.

“The scheme is a great opportunity for those out of work to get excellent on-site experience in a range of careers. Participants will get a €50 allowance on top of any existing social welfare benefits or payments,” he said.

8 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 15 September 2011

ENTERPRISE With awards’ nominations and new community

Dr Shane McKeogh and Dr Darach O’Ciardha, GPBuddy.ie

Local enterprise impresses on list NUMBER of innovative industries were to the fore in the recently announced shortlist of small businesses in Dun LaoghaireRathdown area nominated for this year’s County Enterprise Awards.

The six nominated companies are mostly technology-driven, and include an online medical directory for GPs, a tender management supports company, an online ordering

A

Karl Schachkermann and Matthias Jacobs, Logscreen

and invoicing service for the food sector, a party planning service, an IT security firm and a website design and development company.

Organised by the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Enterprise Board, the County Enterprise Award categories include Overall Winner, Most Promising Start-Up, Female Entrepreneur, Business Growth and Best Networker, with a €6,000 prize fund attached.

Mary Cronin, Web Team International

Dr Darach O’Ciardha, Joanne Gillen, Michael Hayden and Kelly Felton

Dr Darach O’Ciardha, GPBuddy.ie; Simon Lunt, bgate Technology; Mary Cronin, Web Team International; Angela Tynan, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Enterprise Board; Joanne Gillen, Bid Management Services; Michael Hayden, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Enterprise Board; Karl Schachkermann, Logscreen

Simon Lunt, Mary Cronin, Angela Tynan and Karl

and Kelly Felton, PlanMyParty.ie

Schachkermann

Joanne Gillen, Bid Management Services

Sweet success to be on the

15 September 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 9

events, the DLR region has lots of innovative new ideas

Julie Horton, Amanda Moran and Louise Clarke. Pictures: Joe Keogh

Take two: Another look at festival

ITH so many fun things to take in at the inaugural Dublin Bay Taste and Music Festival held at the The People’s Park recently, The Gazette is happy to show some more of the fun from the day.

The festival very successfully married delicious food fare with tempting musical treats, to the delight of the festival’s visitors. Several leading and celebrity chefs were on hand to serve up some wonderful food, highlighting

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Abigail Boyle and her lovely balloons

some of the delicious fare to be found in the Dublin Bay region, while live music was provided by a wide range of talented bands and musicians.

Bagatelle and Niamh Kavanagh and The Illegals rubbed shoulders with Kevin Dundon and Martin Shanahan, with lots of activities also adding to the day’s fun, making the new festival a welcome addition to the town’s busy cultural calendar of events.

Minnie keeps Colum Tinsley – and his meal – company

shortlist for Kelly Felton, PlanMyParty.ie. Pictures: Joe Keogh

Orlaith Farrell, Niamh and Una Farrell Simon Lunt, bgate technology

Damien Flynn meets the Druid Chef, Ruairi O’Morachain

10 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 15 September 2011

IT’S YOUR SHOT Fun at the Blackrock Animation Festival

Fionnghuala Ni Neill, festival director; Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan and Aidan Fitzgerald, chairman, Blackrock Business Network

Juggler Johnny Phelan entertained the crowds

Devin Aikins, Amy Elliott and Sami Peene were having a great time. Pictures: Philip Leonard

Drawing crowds to a creative event HERE were animated scenes in Blackrock recently for the village’s inaugural Blackrock Animation Festival, which drew quite a crowd of locals, and animators, to the occasion, which saw a wide range of community-friendly events held to add to the fun of the creative new festival.

Hosted by Blackrock Business Network, the highlight of the festival was the animation awards’ ceremony, held at the pop-up cinema at Urban Junction, where

Councillor Marie Baker was joined by An Cathaoirleach of DLRCC, Councillor John Bailey, to congratulate the animators on their impressive works, with Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan also praising the entries.

It was a great addition to the town’s ever-increasing range of cultural programmes, and the event proved that next year’s festival is certainly worth drawing a line under on calendars for arts lovers, animation fans and Blackrock citizens alike.

The crowds enjoyed the dignitaries’ speeches

John Walsh, Best Irish Graduate Film winner and Michael

Aidan Fitzgerald; Richard Kelly, Best Film for

B Brandon Lyons enjoyed getting a free back-to-school haircut

Hayden, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Enterprise Board

Adults winner and Dr Annie Doona, president, IADT

from Aidan Fitzgerald, of Aidan Fitzgerald’s Hair Salon

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Aidan Fitzgerald, chairman, Blackrock Business Network;

Aidan Fitzgerald; Olwyn Wymer, Under-18 winner Aidan Fitzgerald; Udo Prinsen, Best International Film winner and Hal Ledford, CEO, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Chamber

Aidan Fitzgerald with Stephen Collin, Community Award winner and Roisin Hogan

and An Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Councillor John Bailey

15 September 2011 GAZETTE 11

MILESTONE

MEASLES: WARNING TO HAVE YOUR CHILDREN’S VACCINES UP-TO-DATE

Ten years for Go for Life

HSE call to have kids vaccinated Q STAFF REPORTER

THE HSE is calling on parents to protect their children from measles by having them vaccinated this September.

Measles is highly infectious and is spread by coughs and sneezes.

The only way to protect against measles is to get the MMR vaccine. Children need two doses of MMR vaccine at 12 months and again at 4 to 5 years of age.

“Any child or young adult in Ireland who has not been vaccinated is at risk of measles. Since the beginning of this year there have been over 160 cases of measles and, over the summer, there has been a rapid increase.

These have occurred mainly in children less than four years of age

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‘Any child or young adult in Ireland who has not been vaccinated is at risk of measles’

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who were never vaccinated and most of the cases were in north Dublin City,” a spokesperson for the HSE said.

“As normal routine kicks in, children are going back to creche, pre-school and primary school this week. This is a time when more children are mixing together and so the risk of spreading measles is increased.

“Make sure that your children are protected against infectious dis-

eases by ensuring they are up-to-date with their vaccines. If your child is starting school (aged 4 or 5 years) and has never had an MMR vaccine, they need to get it now. They should get it from their GP. MMR vaccine is free.

“Children who have had one dose of MMR, will get their second dose of MMR vaccine either at school or from their GP. “Any child between 6-12 years of age should already have had two doses of MMR vaccine. If they have not they need it now. Go to your GP for the vaccine. If your child has only had one dose, they should go for their second dose to the GP. MMR vaccine is free,” the spokesperson said.

For more information see www.immunisation. ie or www.hpsc.ie

Welcome home: Dubliner whiskey planning to take over the country GOLDEN Goddesses Holly Carpenter and Roz Purcell were on hand to welcome The Dubliner home as First Ireland Spirits announce that new Dubliner Irish Whiskey Liqueur, one of Ireland’s most exciting new exports, is now available in Dublin after seizing a golden opportunity in Australia and tasting success in the US. As well as Dublin Airport, Dubliner is also stocked in the Irish Celtic Whiskey shop on Dawson Street with plans to go nationwide over the next 12 months at a recommended retail price from €22 to €25. It is now sold in the US, Ireland, Britain, Germany, Holland, Ukraine, Israel and Australia.

OVER 1,000 volunteers of a national programme for sport and physical activity for older people – Go for Life – helped celebrate its 10th anniversary in The Helix in Dublin last week.

Go for Life is an Age and Opportunity initiative funded by the Irish Sports Council. The volunteers have trained as Physical Activity Leaders (PALs) and lead elderly people in their local community group in sport or physical activity.

Speaking at the event Minister of State for Tourism and Spor t, Michael Ring TD said: “Older people play such an important role in our society and in this, the European Year of Volunteering, I’m delighted to be there to support so many older volunteers who make being physically active easier for their peers all over the country.”

12 GAZETTE 15 September 2011

MEDIATE, OR NO? Exploring Alternative Dispute Resolution

Mediation – it’s the new kid on the block FOR THOSE considering going to court to solve a dispute, be it a business, family, or just the ordinary disputes that occur in day-to-day life, Alternative Dispute Resolution

(ADR) is now an alternative to court.

Until recently, people felt that their only recourse to justice, in dealing with civil/commercial or family issues was to “have their

day in court”.

This can often prove more of a hindrance than a problem solver.

Sometimes it resulted in the failure of viable companies and the destruction of good business relationships. This, in turn, caused a lot of stress resulting in marital problems, breakdown and, again, more court proceedings.

Under these circumstances, mediation is fast becoming the “light at the end of the tunnel”.

It is now mandatory in civil and commercial courts that parties considering going to court must be given the option of mediation and informed of its advantages prior to their court appearance.

The courts can take a “poor view” of parties who refuse to undertake mediation, and final decisions can be swayed by the reluctance of the parties to undertake same.

Mediation is equally as important in Family Law cases, where the cost of court may be very high,

Mediation is becoming a popular alternative to the courts when it comes to dispute resolution

both on an emotional and financial level.

Therefore the Family Law Courts are now in the process of advocating mediation as the least painful and most costeffective form of dispute resolution.

Mediation is becoming very popular in Ireland as both the judiciary and the disputing parties see the advantages of its flexibility, problem-solving and its ability in time-saving, both for the disputing parties and courts viewpoint.

Process of mediation

Mediation begins with either of the parties in dispute contacting the mediator directly or it may be a solicitor referral to mediation in order to comply with legal requirements.

Initially, a meeting is set up during which the mediator explains the process, the rules and role of the mediator. At this time the parties are informed that Mediation is voluntary,

confidential and its aim is to come up with an agreement satisfactory to all.

Clients are encouraged to have independent legal advice at all stages. However, they are obliged to refrain from litigation during the course of mediation. An agreement to mediate is signed and then the process can be continued in both joint/ single sessions. The mediator’s role is to guide the discussion and to remain impartial. Mediators do, of course, act as “devil’s advocate”, ask difficult questions and prompt replies that initiate solutions. Upon conclusion a “Memorandum of Understanding” is drawn up, signed by the parties and taken to their respective solicitors to make it legally binding. By this process the parties themselves have resolved their own issues.

Going to court to solve disputes, whether they arise in the course of someone’s business or pri-

vate lives, is an arduous, time-consuming, expensive and often traumatic process.

In court, judgments and adjournments can be time-consuming and, when a ruling is finally reached, it is often impossible to adhere to, due to the lack of input from the disputing parties.

From once you enter court there is little or no confidentiality. When your case is being heard anybody can walk into the courtroom, can hear all your business, and report on their findings.

When compared to the mediation process, it is obvious that many of the disadvantages of court are eliminated.

As a rule, mediation costs are substantially lower than those of court proceedings. Mediation can resolve complex disputes in as little as a day.

There are no waiting lists or adjournments.

The parties in the mediation control the process,

and the outcome. No agreement or solution will be imposed. This in itself helps to maintain friendships – mediation is a lot less destructive to private and commercial relationships as parties enter mediation in good faith and with the intention to settle.

Mediation items discussed, and their outcome, are completely confidential between the mediator and the parties concerned.

Another advantage is that parties come to a mutually beneficial solution that can become legally binding. This happens when parties have agreed some or, hopefully, all of the items on the agenda.

For instance, an accredited mediator has the authority to create with the parties a document called a Memorandum of Understanding. This document is then given to a solicitor who will take it to court on your behalf, to have it “rubber stamped”.

It then becomes legally binding, therefore, you personally never need to attend court.

In conclusion, it was asked at the start of the article should you “mediate or not”? It seems clear we would all agree to definitely mediate.

For further information, contact Citywide Consultants & Mediators, Rosie Gallagher FCPA, C Dip. AF, telephone: 01 219 4444, mobile: 087 666 9887, email: rosie@cwcm ie or visit www.cwcm.ie

15 September 2011 GAZETTE 13

VOLUNTEER

SUPPORT: APPEAL TO HELP PAY FOR YOUNG CANCER PATIENT’S TREATMENT

10 years on for Go for Life

Fundraiser is cabaret crazy A FANTASTIC night of vintage-inspired entertainment has been arranged for the upcoming fundraiser for the Marc Owens Medical Fund.

On September 22 at the Sugar Club, Fab Cabaret will take to the stage.

Headlining the night will be chanteuse Jeannette Byrne, with her 10-piece band performing classic French chansons a la Piaf, Aznavour and Brel.

On the bill also will be Liza Minnelli Tribute act, Sharon Sexton, and magician/comedian Jack Wise.

If you’re looking for an evening of classic romantic music, with some amazing magic tricks thrown in, then look no further.

Tickets, priced €15, are available from Shane

Lynch – 087 8317677, Paul Collins 087 2591508; or email marcowensmedicalfund@gmail.com.

At the age of just 18, Marc Owens was just about to embark on his final year in Belvedere College when he was diagnosed with a rare and very aggressive form of cancer.

There were no warning signs, just an acute stomach ache and, suddenly, this happy, sports-mad teenage was a cancer patient with very poor prospects.

His doctors sent him to the MD Anderson Cancer Care Clinic in Houston for cutting-edge, life-saving surgery last February.

After many complications, set-backs and not a little pain, Marc returned home in May and, for the moment, he is continu-

ing his treatment in the Mater Hospital.

To help fund the enormous cost of Marc’s ongoing treatment, a fund has been set up – the Marc Owens Medical Fund - to raise €1 million over the next three years.

In less than four months, €250,000 has already been raised through various fundraising activities.

Cathy Herbert, who is on the fundraising committee, said: “Marc is facing the kind of challenge that puts all other challenges into perspective. We all need to rally around him to ensure he can get the best medical care in the world.”

For more information about Marc, call Cathy Herbert, 087 2395393, or see website www.marcowensmedicalfund.com

Showdown: Turn the Aviva Blue for first RaboDirect Pro12 encounter LEINSTER RUGBY players Eoin O’Malley, left, and Dominic Ryan want to see the Blue Army descend on Landsdowne Road to support the Heineken Cup champions as they take on arch rivals, Munster, in November.

Following pre-sales, which incorporated a special Hour of Power reduced-price window last week, over 21,000 tickets for the match, dubbed Fever in Aviva 2, have been sold for the November 4 showdown.

The Leinster team are calling on all Dublin supporters to come and support the team. For more information, log on to www.leinsterrugby.ie

OVER 1,000 volunteers of a national programme for sport and physical activity for older people – Go for Life – helped celebrate its 10th anniversary in The Helix in Dublin last week.

Go for Life is an Age & Opportunity initiative funded by the Irish Sports Council. The volunteers have trained as Physical Activity Leaders (PALs) and lead elderly people in their local community group in sport or physical activity. Last year, more than 40,000 elderly people took part.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD said: “Older people play such an important role in our society and in this, the European Year of Volunteering, I’m delighted to be there to support so many older volunteers who make being physically active easier for their peers all over the country,” he said.

14 GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC Jay and Silent Bob strike Vicar Street for a live show FILMMAKER, comic-book author, actor and internet pioneer Kevin Smith, together with his longtime partner-in-crime, Jason Mewes, are coming to Vicar Street next February 21 to record a special Dublin edition of their internet radio show, Jay and Silent Bob Get Old. The iconic duo’s show is part of a catalogue of programming on the SModcast internet radio network that Smith has developed in recent years, that tours the US recording in theatres, comic-book conventions and comedy clubs.

The SIR network, available through iTunes, features podcasts and shows with many faces and voices familiar to fans of the Jersey boy’s movies, including Ralph Garman, and comedian and actor Jay Mohr.

Anyone who has seen Kevin Smith’s spoken word shows will know to expect the hilarious and the irreverent in equal measure.

For more information, see thesirmon.com

REVIEW: A CELEBRATION OF SURVIVAL AND COMMITMENT

Twenty years on and Pearl Jam still endure Q ROB HEIGH

A FRIEND tells a story of when he was working in the US as a roadie and tech for a few big-name bands. There was this kid who used to hang out, and then work with the crew he was with, an unassuming, quiet and polite lad with long hair and a love of surfing.

One day, he gave my friend a tape with demos of some songs he’d written, and asked what he thought. My friend listened, liked what he heard, and said he should stick at it. The kid was pleased, and they continued working together until my friend moved back to Britain.

One night, a few years later, he recognised a song by a new band making their television debut on BBC’s Late Show. It was

Pearl Jam are celebrating their anniversary with a series of events, including the release of Pearl Jam 20

one of the songs the kid he’d worked with in the US gave him, and he was singing with the band. The kid was Eddie Vedder, and the band was Pearl Jam, playing a blistering version of Alive.

Since 1991, Pearl Jam have been a constant force of rock nature, and 20 years on from the

release of Ten, they are celebrating their anniversary with a series of major events — a mini-festival in Wisconsin last weekend that featured The Strokes, Queens of the Stone Age and Soundgarden, as well as two epic closing sets

by PJ, a double album retrospective and PJ20, a motion picture documen-

tary by filmmaker and long-term friend of the band, Cameron Crowe (who cast them in his movie, Singles, in 1992).

The movie had its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival last weekend, and I was lucky enough to catch a special screening this week.

The movie is a tribute to the enduring power of friendship, creativity and music that has seen the individuals go through some immensely tough times in their history, that shaped their work, themselves as people and as a band of brothers.

The movie goes right back through the history of Pearl Jam, to their genesis as Mookie Blaylock from the ashes of Mother Love Bone in Seattle in 1990, right through to the present day, where they are rightly regarded as one of the best live acts in the world, proven time and again through the archive and specially-filmed concert footage from the 2010 tour.

Individual interviews with the band members, both archive and recent, are interspersed with personal, TV and backstage

material, and contributions from their contemporaries, like Chis Cornell.

Cameron Crowe and his editors have made their way through an epic amount of archive footage to come up with the two hours of material that make up the movie, and if I had one quibble, it would simply by that it is not long enough. I left the cinema hoping that there will be a director’s cut.

But Cameron Crowe has told the story of Pearl Jam with sympathy and narrative flair, showing a group of very different people growing up and making the choice to stay committed to their project when most other bands would have broken up.

PJ20 shows across Dublin next week on September 20 for one day only at Vue Liffey Valley, the IFI, the Dun Laoghaire IMC and the Rathmines Omniplex.

If you are even a passing fan, or a rabid devotee, I urge you to go along. This illuminating and heartfelt salute to an enduring and important rock band is a great film in it’s own right.

15 September 2011 GAZETTE 15

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Edited by Dawn Love

Winter months are coming soon and moisturising is key WITH the winter months almost upon us, it’s time to start taking extra-special care of your complexion, particularly if you are prone to dry, flaky and tight skin.

With ingredients that are almost good enough to eat, skin savvy shoppers are sure to love The Handmade Soap Co’s Body Butters. The Irish company’s highlyrestorative handmade body butters are effective on even the most dried out and parched skin. Perfect for putting on after the shower or bath, the thick, rich

butters are particularly great for elbows, knees and heels.

When the solid butters come into contact with the skin, they literally melt, providing a luxurious hydrating layer that locks in moisture. And, along with keeping your skin in tip-top shape, their delicious range of body butters are also ideal for massage.

Packed with natural goodness of whipped shea butter and cocoa butter, they get to work quickly to soften, moisturise and encourage skin restructuring and

rehydration. Meanwhile, sweet almond oil deeply moisturises, restoring elasticity to the skin, leaving it feeling fabulously silky and soft.

And, the best part for me is they are free from parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and artificial colours or fragrances.

The Handmade Soap Company was founded by couple Donagh Quigley and Gemma McGowan in 2009 when, as a result of the recession, Donagh’s thatching business was left struggling. Looking for a new

50 years for Peter Mark

The Handmade Soap Co’s aloe vera, sweet almond and shea butter body butter

and exciting career, the couple were on holiday in the Australian rainforest when they seized upon the idea of creating a handmade soap company.

The couple set out with a passionate vision – that even seriously good skincare should be fun. And, in a short space of time, the couple’s company has an order book with

shoppers from as farflung as Japan and Brazil, that would make even a skincare giant green.

It’s no wonder then that the company is fast becoming an industry leader, winning a rake of awards for its range of skincare products and gorgeous, quirky, retropackaging.

Av a i l a b l e i n t wo yummy scents – Grape-

fruit, scented with citrus tones of grapefruit and may chang and Aloe Vera, scented with floral tones of palmorosa, ylang ylang and bergamot.

The Handmade Soap Co Body Butter range is priced at €22.95 for 200ml and is available from The Organic Supermarket in Blackrock, Skerries Mills in Fingal and The Kilkenny Shop.

IT’S 50 years now since Peter and Mark Keaveney opened their first salon on Dublin’s Grafton Street and, since then, 73 more salons have opened nationwide. To celebrate, Peter Mark has joined forces with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to ‘Support 50 Wishes’ with two weeks of activities in salons throughout the country, from September 18 to October 2.

From fancy dress days, to bargain blowdries, cross-training sessions to 80’s theme days – there’s plenty going on!

There’s also a €10 gift card for every client who avails of hairdressing services in any Peter Mark Salon during this time.

16 GAZETTE 15 September 2011

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day from around the capital

Getting interactive at Dublin Contemporary Pictured is Hugh O’Neill, age 3, enjoying artist Liam O’Callaghan’s installation, Tales from the Inside Out On Repeat, at Dublin Contemporary 2011 in Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2

Toast time for Arthur THE DIARY has been keeping its ear to the ground to find some good Dublin venues to enjoy this year’s Arthur’s Day celebrations, and it appears The Glenside in Churchtown is set for a rollicking good session this year.

At 17.59 on September

DIARY

22, the famous Dublin pub will be bouncing to the sounds of the Christy Moore Tribute Show as well as Dublin’s finest balladeers, The Freewheelers.

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.

The Glenside is one of south Dublin’s finest Pubs. Owned by the Mangan Brothers it has a warm and friendly atmosphere.

From the outside, the pub looks like what you would have imagined a pub in times gone by, with its authentic thatch roof. The venue hosts traditional music every Sunday and live bands on Saturdays.

Contact Glenside on 01-2985932 for further information on event options.

And time to toddle...

THE Meningitis Trust is appealing for toddlers to take part in the annual Toddle Waddle throughout next month to raise vital funds and awareness about meningitis.

The national charity is hoping to raise €60,000 this year.

The Toddle Waddle has seen up to 32,000 toddlers waddle their way around Ireland, raising more than €560,000. It is a fun, sponsored walk for young children and their carers, and the sponsorship money they raise will help to provide on-going support to individuals and families who have been affected by meningitis.

To order a free Toddle Waddle organiser’s pack, call The Meningitis Trust on 01 2764269 or visit www.meningitis-trust.ie

15 September 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: DOGS DON’T ‘SWEAT,’ OR PERSPIRE LIKE HUMANS DO TO KEEP COOL

Do dogs sweat, and can they become smelly?

WAS asked an interesting question by a student during the week. “Do dogs sweat, and can they become smelly?” My answer was, er, yes and no.

Dogs don’t “sweat”, or perspire the way we humans do but they can overheat and, yes, they can produce body odour.

As humans, when our body temperature builds up due to vigorous exercise, etc., we perspire and it becomes quite obvious – damp patches under the arm pits, moisture droplets on the skin and unpleasant body odour, because our sweat glands are all over our bodies.

However, a dog’s body is different. His sweat glands are located around his foot pads (merocrine glands), so, when he overheats due to hot weather or too much exercise, you will notice little wet pawshaped patches where he’s been walking.

When your pet overheats, in order to control his body temperature, he will pant quite a bit. This

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action makes the moisture on his tongue evaporate, and the heavy breathing that accompanies it allows the moist lining of his lungs to become a surface from which excess moisture can also evaporate. Hence, his body cools effectively.

A tip for those who own bulldogs and pugs.

These are breeds with a compromised respiration system, so are at a higher risk of overheating because they are unable to pant efficiently, so please keep this in mind when exercising.

However, sometimes, along with your pet’s panting, comes doggie body odour, which can be unpleasant for some pet owners.

It’s up to you to help alleviate his discomfort; this depends on the cause of his body odour and if you are unsure that it’s simply due to overheating, then it’s always best to contact your vet. In the meantime, here are a few tips to help you help him remain a cool canine.

If you believe the odour was caused by your dog being in contact with something unpleasant like fox poo, then give him a bath with a normal dog shampoo, but clean and rinse him thoroughly.

If you believe it’s his diet then alter it. Some dog food can cause a build up of oils on his skin and a lower fat diet may help with this.

Always consult your vet before you change your dog’s diet.

Make sure you feed your pet a high-quality dog food. Some low-quality foods may not contain the essential vitamins your dog requires to maintain proper health and vitality.

Read the label.

Prevent your dog from eating dog faeces. One of my Jack Russells has a fascination with other dogs’ faeces. No, she’s not strange, many dogs do this, but you must watch them carefully and prevent it happening.

Here’s another tip! If your dog eats his own poo, add a tin of pineap-

ple chunks to his food.

Once the pineapple is absorbed, the dog goes to the toilet and then decides to eat it, the taste of the added pineapple will make his poo taste bitter and your dog should eventually stop.

Sorry, I’ve no tips for preventing him eating other dogs’ poo other than to keep him away from it.

Finally, If you’re uncertain as to what is causing your dog’s body odour, (as in you know it’s not over-heating or any of the above) then please take him to the vet for a full health check because serious health conditions need to be ruled out.

Conditions, such as an infection, mange, dental problems and cancer, can all cause unpleasant doggie odours, so it’s always best to get an expert opinion, and who better to provide this than your local vet.

For more info log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie

A dog’s sweat glands are located around his foot pads to keep him cool and he will also pant, which allows moisture to evaporate from his tongue and lungs

18 GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS

Warning – being towed can be scary AN AA survey of 2,500 Dublin motorists who have had their car towed on one or more occasions reveals that, while the majority of motorists had a reasonably satisfactory experience, a number reported a range of problems and bad experiences, from exorbitant onthe-spot charges by local garages, to white-knuckle fear while being towed on a rope by a friend or family member.

“Motorists stranded on the side of the road are in a highly vulnerable and dangerous situation, particularly if it’s on a motorway or at night,” said Conor Faughnan, director of policy, AA Ireland.

“While not the rule, we did hear from a regrettable number of drivers across the country who were left stranded for hours waiting for assistance to arrive. Others indicated they had difficulty getting through to their insurance provider on the phone. This is particularly worrying when it involves more vulnerable road users, such as an elderly motorist, a lone female or someone travelling with children.”

a miniscule two-mile tow, they were charged an astronomical €150,” said Faughnan.

“And this was far from an isolated incident, according to the feedback that we’ve received.

It seems that some local garages, are prepared to chance their arms and take advantage of the situation.”

Accepting a tow from family/friends – a cautionary message

Another concern the AA raises is well-meaning friends and family taking on a towing job without the correct equipment or knowledge.

“It’s not as intuitive as you’d imagine and we certainly wouldn’t recommend providing a tow if you’re ill-equipped and unsure of best practices. During the poll, we heard of bumpers --------------------------

Exorbitant

‘Being towed on a rope by a friend or family member was a hair-raising and very scary experience’

While the AA reports that a driver who does not have roadside rescue cover such as AA Membership can expect to pay an average of €105 for a 50km tow (equivalent of Skerries to Rathcoole), and information which is readily available on AA Routeplanner, some motorists reported paying local garages exorbitant amounts for relatively short recoveries.

“One motorist, for example, told us that for

being pulled off, a thirdparty vehicle unwittingly ploughing through an unseen towing line and motorists being towed in terror for miles as they couldn’t afford the ad hoc services of a local towing provider,” said Faughnan.

“A lot of people also said that being towed on a rope by a friend or family member was a hairraising and very scary experience.”

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

Mercedes Benz has a new M-Class on the way for 2012 with a smaller, more fuel-efficient engine that will deliver more pace for a lower running cost. Prices have not been confirmed but expect it to be marginally cheaper than the current edition and with lots more features.

M-Class SUV luxury MICHAEL MORONEY went to Germany and drove into Austria to test the new M-Class and give it his appraisal MERCEDES Benz considers the 4x4 market very important and aims to get a bigger share of the premium end with its upgraded new M-Class.

The new model has claims of being more fuel-efficient and better equipped. Mercedes Benz has downsized the entry engine from a 3.0- litre to 2.2-litre in its quest for better fuel economy.

We drove two versions of the car during the recent European launch, driving out of Munich.

The first one was the petrol-powered M-Class, followed by the equivalent engine in diesel power, and the far more interesting ML 250, with 2.2-litre diesel engine under the bonnet.

Called the ML 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, this SUV delivers a combined fuel economy figure of 16.6km per litre (6l/100km or 47mpg).

That’s an impressive economy figure for a heavy 4x4 vehicle that

SPECS: MERCEDES BENZ ML 250 BLUETEC 4MATIC Top speed: 210 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 9.0 sec Economy: 16.6 km/litre (6.0 l/100km) CO2 emissions: 158g/km Road Tax Band: D (€447) Euro NCAP Rating: NA Warranty: 2 years Entry Price: NA

runs on a permanent four-wheel-drive arrangement.

Relative to the current model, that delivers about a 25% reduction in fuel consumption from the new model when pitched against the older, bigger engine version. There are few SUVs in this power and weight category that can come near to these new lower running-cost figures.

The M-Class with this entry-level diesel engine is also claimed to give an unmatched driving range on a full tank of diesel. The basic tank has a capacity of 70 litres giving a range of 1,170km.

You can opt for a bigger 93-litre tank and this will then give a range of 1,500km.

With low fuel usage comes lower CO2 emissions. The new entry-level M-Class delivers a figure of 158g/km provided by Mercedes Benz. This will put the new M-Class in the Band D for motor tax purposes, meaning a drop in rate to €447 from close to €2,000 for the current model. That alone is a significant saving, before you even venture near the pumps.

Mercedes Benz has opted for a smaller engine with lower levels of fuel consumption to develop similar power to the bigger engine of the past.

The new technology also ensures that the car’s torque is at its best, with a figure of 500Nm being quoted.

Taking the M-Class on the road gives a very pleasant driving experience. The car is smooth to accelerate and the controls are logical and

well-placed.

But despite its relatively high price, somewhere above the €60,000 mark, this 4x4 is not particularly big on the inside. The front seating is good with lots of adjustment, but those in the rear seem to get a slightly poorer result.

The safety package is impressive with nine airbags on board. The new M-Class uses improved Assistance Systems that are already available on the E-Class models. The standard buyer gets the drowsiness detection system, called Attention Assist, the anticipatory safety system, called PreSafe and a tyre pressure loss warning system, as well as adaptive brake lights and Brake Assist (BAS). There is also an extensive range of optional Assistance Systems.

With a high towing rating of almost 3.5 tonnes, if fitted with a factory hitch, the Mercedes Benz may be recruited for work, as

well as for pleasure. The ground clearance under the heavy-duty chassis is better than many others, at 191mm.

The M-Class will sport the Mercedes badge that always adds to the price.

But overall, it’s not a very big SUV, even if it is expensive.

For many existing M-Class drivers the change is good in terms of the running-cost value.

The comfort is enhanced and the car drives very well, even if the acceleration poke is a little slower than anticipated from the 2.2-litre engine.

The final part of the new M-Class story is that it will be reasonably competitive, not that this is a word often linked with Mercedes Benz prices.

While the final prices have not yet been agreed for the Irish market, it is expected that, with a higher specification, the new M-Class will be cheaper than the current model when it arrives in Ireland early in 2012.

15 September 2011 GAZETTE 19

Tubik is Citroen’s new comfort MPV

CITROEN will show off its new, highly innovative concept van-type vehicle at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Called Tubik, this is designed to be a high-tech executive shuttle based on one key idea – that travel should be fun.

The Tubik design has been inspired by Citroen’s Type H or ‘TUB’ van, but with all the styling and characteristics of modern Citroen design, Tubik is a nine-seater packed with entertaining technology.

This striking van design boasts offbeat, distinctive styling with colours and materials designed to meet the highest standards of sophistication and comfort.

To make travel enjoyable for its passengers, Tubik incorporates a lounge-style cocoon dedicated to comfort and relaxation. The modular seats are designed to be arranged in many

different ways (semireclined, face-to-face, etc.). Citroen claims that the onboard technology, which includes a giant semi-circular screen and high-definition surround sound, turns the cabin into an area that is perfect for sharing over long distances.

Nissan will be offering a new 1.6 litre turbo-diesel in the Qashqai models to improve fuel economy with a Stop/Start option due in 2012

A Pure Drive with the latest Qashqai option

Aerodynamics

This Tubik concept is powered by Citroen’s new Hybrid4 technology.

With this full-hybrid diesel drive and optimised aerodynamics, Citroen claims that the Tubik maintains CO2 emissions at a level comparable to a conventional saloon.

The full-hybrid diesel drive also offers more range than a stand-alone internal combustion engine and maximises traction in four wheeldrive mode. The front wheels are driven by the diesel engine and the rear wheels by the elec-

The new Citroen Tubik concept car shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show is designed as the ultimate in terms of people carrier design

tric motor. The 22-inch wheels feature deep, narrow, very low-rolling resistance tyres to further help optimise fuel consumption.

At 4.80m long, 2.08m wide and 2.05m tall, Tubik is big enough to carry up to nine passengers. The front end, which stands

apart from the main body, brings to mind the corrugated metal of the Type H van with its distinctive ribbing, while the windscreen pillars are reminiscent of the Type H’s two characteristic ridges.

To make the Tubik look even more protective,

Citroen’s designers have combined two contrasting colours. The metallic grey of the body shell enveloping the pearlescent white at either end marks the position of the diesel engine (at the front) and electric motor (at the rear) used by the full-hybrid diesel drive.

Peugeot teams up with IFA THE IFA Member Services and Peugeot will launch a new partnership on the occasion of the 80th National Ploughing Championships, Athy on September 20-22.

To celebrate the new venture, the IFA is launching a Peugeot 508 giveaway, to the value of €24,850, at the Ploughing Championships, details of which can be sought at both the IFA and the Peugeot stand.

T h e I FA / P e u g e o t partnership will bring to fruition many motoring benefits to IFA members, of which there are currently 87,000 in Ireland.

Effective from November 1, 2011, IFA members will enjoy excellent value service offers from Peugeot. They will be eligible to join the IFA Peugeot Service Club, offering

John Bryan, President of the Irish Farmers’ Association, Des Cannon, Peugeot Sales & Marketing Director, JJ Kavanagh, IFA National Treasurer and George Harbourne, Peugeot Managing Director.

every fourth service for free. A €250 rebate will be paid to IFA members on new Peugeot vehicle registration.

George Harbourne, Peugeot managing director said: “Peugeot has a very natural affiliation with Ireland’s farming

community and the IFA, thanks to our strong diesel heritage.

“We are very excited about this partnership and we very much look forward to working with the IFA in the coming years to make sure it is a success for Peugeot Ire-

land, The IFA and IFA members.”

John Bryan, president of the Irish Farmers’ Association said: “IFA is delighted to announce this partnership with Peugeot.

“We are committed to delivering the best range

of deals through our Member Services division, and the tie-up with Peugeot will bring added benefits to the existing package.

“I expect there will be strong interest at Ploughing, given the superb prize on offer.”

NISSAN has developed a new Pure Drive version of the top-selling Qashqai, which produces just 129g/km of CO2 with a fuel consumption of 20.km/litre (4.9l/100km).

This latest Qashqai is powered by a new 1.6litre diesel engine that claims to deliver strong fuel economy and low emissions, but which has the same levels of torque and top speed as the 2.0-litre dCi engine it replaces.

Peak power from the new engine is 130bhp, which is backed by a torque figure of 320Nm, available from as low as 1,750 rpm. And this is just the start. Early next year, a version of the model will be launched with Nissan’s Stop/Start System, which will help to reduce CO2 emissions still further to a 119 g/km and 22km/ litre (4.5l/100km) of fuel consumption.

To add to the new items of equipment including, for the first time on a C-segment car, Nissan will be offering the Around View Monitor (AVM) system. More usually found on luxury cars, AVM uses a series of small cameras located on the exterior of the vehicle to make parking and manoeuvring as safe as possible by giving the driver a real-time bird’s eye view of the environment around the car.

A new CVT gearbox

will also be available on 1.6-litre petrol models to bring further drive options to the range.

The Pure Drive designation is given to every Nissan product that emits 130g/km of CO2 or less.

On its introduction, the “cut off” point was 140g, but, as part of the Nissan Green Programme, membership of this exclusive club gets tougher all the time. The programme calls for a further drop to 120g in 2013.

20 GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS EXHIBITION: OFFICIAL OPENING

Condren wins 2nd photo award THE AIB Photojournalism Exhibition 2011, a collection of some of the most remarkable press photographs from the past year, was officially opened in AIB Bank, Dame Street, last week,

by Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister forArts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

The opening was marked by a reception hosted by Padraig McGowan, branch manager, AIB Bank, Dame Street.

This year, over 2,010 images were entered by 123 photographers from around the country, across nine categories - news, daily life, sports action, sports portfolio, portrait, environment, politics, arts and entertainment and reportage.

The overall AIB Photojournalist of the Year 2011 title was awarded to Mark Condren, for the second year in a row.

Opening the Exhibition, Minister Deenihan said: “This exhibition offers us a picture diary of life during 2010 covering everything from hard news stories, sporting events, politics and everyday life. The photography on display acts as a visual snapshot of public and private life during 2010, covering all aspects of life in Ireland and abroad during this time. The Awards help portray the craft of press photography and showcase the photographer’s skills for timing and preparation. I would like to offer my congratulations to Mark Condren for winning the AIB Photojournalist of the Year Award for the second year in succession.”

The images from this year’s Exhibition can be viewed by logging on to www.ppai.ie.

The Springboard programme offers new skills to those who wish to enter the fast-growing world of international financial services

EMPLOYMENT: NEW SKILLS FOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES

Get a new start with FSI CareerStart programme WHILE the shock of unemployment is hitting thousands of people who never thought it could happen to them, however, there is some good news.

Speaking at the launch of the Springboard programme, earlier this year, Education and Skills Minister Ruairi Quinn said: “The Government put together the Springboard programme as part of our overall Jobs Initiative. Springboard aims to upskill and reskill unemployed people in order to allow them to change career and give them a real chance of re-entering the workforce” The FSI CareerStart programme, one of the programmes funded under the Springboard initiative, offers participants a combination of industry relevant professional qualifications, management training and work placements or mentoring while

still retaining their social welfare benefits. Whether switching to an entirely new career path or starting out in your career, FSI CareerStart could be the key to a range of employment opportunities in the growing financial services sector in Ireland.

Programme Over the course of six to 12 months (depending on your preferred option), the programme offers new skills to those who wish to enter the fast-growing world of international financial services, and provides an in-depth knowledge of the industry, the IFSC companies and the job opportunities in the sector. The places are offered free of charge to eligible jobseekers. One of the main attractions of the financial services sector is the diversity of skill sets and backgrounds that

can be accommodated.

Whether your strength is in numeracy, languages, science, technology or creative thinking, a career in the international financial services sector may be the perfect fit for you.

The course is industryled, so the education and skills that candidates will develop during the course are those identified as desirable by IFSC employers. “Much of the challenge for employers involves finding workers with the specialised skills and backgrounds they need,” says Brendan Bruen, director of Financial Services Ireland.

“FSI CareerStart is giving a real solution to employers and employees alike – identifying what each needs from the other, and getting the balance right and there are career opportunities in this sector.”

The programme

presents participants with a choice of four options.

Option 1: Certificate Stream – International Financial Services + Certificate in Management Option 2: Certificate Stream - Investment Funds Services + Certificate in Management Option 3A: Diploma Stream – International Financial Services + Certificate in Management Option 3B: Diploma Stream – Investment Funds Services + Certificate in Management You are not restricted to choosing one option, you may apply for more than one of these courses as availability may be limited on your first choice All of the courses are Level 7 higher education awards, which are highly valued by employers and considered core qualifications for working in the sector. The courses are delivered by IBEC Man-

agement Academy and the Institute of Bankers, a recognised college of University College Dublin and the leading education provider for those working in banking and financial services.

Opportunities Throughout the programme, participants will be offered either work experience opportunities in world-class IFSC companies, or mentoring by industry professionals. The placement and mentoring opportunities offer participants a great opportunity to gain extensive knowledge on employers and their requirements, and places participants in an ideal position to demonstrate their new skills and impress a prospective employer.

This is the second year of the programme.

According to Brian

McMahon, Programme Manager for the Careerstart programme, of those who undertook the programme last year, almost two-thirds of the participants are now working, more than half of them employed by the company in which they completed their work placement. “This encouraged us to expand the 2011 programme, which offers 160 places.”

To be eligible to take up a place on the FSI Careerstart programme, applicants must meet one of the following criteria – be on the live register and claiming Jobseekers Allowance or Benefit, or signing for credits, or claiming One Parent Family Payment.

To apply for FSI CareerStart 2011, visit www.fsicareerstart.ie. For more information, contact 0818 333113or email info@fsicareerstart.ie

15 September 2011 GAZETTE 21

Supported by AIB

Interview: Rosie Gallagher (F.C.P.A. C.Dip. A.F.) Accredited Mediator

Rosie rises to the top in mediation ROSIE Gallagher is an accredited mediator with her own accountancy business, Citywide Consultants and Mediators (CWCM), which she set up in 2001.

During the last ten years, she has built up her expertise as a mediator through her involvement with conciliation between people seeking loan deals and also working as a consultant for the banking industry.

In this role she acted as a mediator/conciliator between the banks and their clients.

She also worked with the Free Legal Advice Centre and (FLAC) and Money Advice Bureau Services (MABS).

She is also a Family Law Mediator and has expanded her service to cater this area.

She has many years of experience dealing in conflict situations, varying from issues in civil and commercial matters, such as business break-up, insurance and employee issues, right through to family matters such as separation and divorce, children’s issues and solutions for looking

after the elderly.

Prior to setting up her own business, she worked in banking, both domestic (TSB, where she was assistant manager) and in corporate banking as senior lending executive with ICC Bank.

While working as a senior lending executive with ICC Bank, she was head-hunted by the IDA --------------------------

‘This training was so successful that the staff were awarded Banking Diplomas bringing them up to European standards’ --------------------------

and was selected from a large number of nations to set up the lending arm of The Development Bank of the Seychelles.

Here she trained a staff of 250 people, through lectures and on-the-job training.

This training was so successful that the staff

were awarded Banking Diplomas, bringing them up to European standards.

During this time, she developed her mediation skills, as she managed international mediation between foreign banks.

Working in the Indian Ocean region, she was on the welcoming committee for diplomats arriving in the Seychelles.

She also attended business meetings in the various Embassies where she mediated on behalf of the Development Bank of the Seychelles, with heads of state and finance ministers of visiting countries.

Her company, CWCM, provides a confidential service, using experienced staff, to help those who are in dispute or experiencing conflict.

Citywide Consultants and Mediators boasts a team of professionals that include accredited mediators, accountants, barristers and social workers.

It also offers a choice of solicitors in order to legalise the agreements reached after a successful mediation.

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS

HAVE AN ARF Q – Recently retired, I have just taken out an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) and have been told I must take this “imputed distribution” of 5% of the fund each year. Is this true – I don’t really want to touch the fund as I am still relatively solvent and don’t want to touch this fund ? John – Gormanstown A - Unfortunately, whether you take this income or not, you will be liable for income tax, PRSI and Universal Social Charge on the 5% of the fund in the same way as if an actual ARF withdrawal or imputed distribution had been made. When you retire, depending on the scheme and the fund value, you have three choices of execution.

1. Annuity – basically a fixed deposit interest rate set at the time of retirement and that never changes. The insurance company gets to keep the fund when you pass away. So the idea is to outlive the interest e.g. € 200k fund at 5% will give a pension of € 10k. Live beyond 20 years and you have taken over €200k from the fund.

2. Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) – more choice with your investment options plus you MUST take 5% of the fund each year BUT when you die, the ARF goes into your estate for redistribution.

3. Cash – there are certain rules with this e.g. you MUST have € 120k in a Approved Minimum Retirement Fund (AMRF) until age 75 over which amount you can encash at your marginal rate of tax AFTER you have taken your 25% tax-free lump sum ( maximum now € 200k). Therefore, I would take the imputed distribution and either invest the money in a medium-term deposit account ( best rate 4.29% AER for an 18-month account ) or spend it.

CREDIT CARD MESS Q – I have three credit cards, all of them maxed out. I am still able to pay the minimum amount each month for each card but it is getting more difficult as other debts are mounting. I have tried transferring them, but no credit card company will allow the transfer. I am at my wits end – any suggestions ? Rob - Adamstowns Rosie Gallagher

A - Most of the credit card companies offering credit card balances transfers have both relatively low limits and strict credit guidelines. The Irish

Q&A Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be?

A: A Hairdresser Q: What was your first job?

A: Ansbacher bank Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: £30 per week Q: When did you start your present job?

A: 2000 Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Working with people. It is always challenging

Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’?

Credit Bureau (ICB) in Clonskeagh Dublin 14 is their

A: The long hours Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Horse racing Q: What sport can you play?

A: Cycling Q: What is your guilty music/TV or movie pleasure?

A: Quiz programmes Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward?

A: Neither Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: All of the above

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Nobody, don’t believe in it

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: Fashion, food and enter-

Q: What was your last Tweet/status update?

A: Do not know, probably

tainment

first port of call to check your credit history.

Any blemishes, a missed payment and the refusal is guaranteed. Your debts are starting to mount so now is the time to communicate and negotiate with your creditors. Speak to them individually and try and come to an agreed arrangement. You will

business promotion

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: 30+

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: On the French Riviera,

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Travel across Australia for

all your assets, liabilities, income and whether your

lots of wine with two good friends

2-5 years

Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna?

A: Neither, could I swap for Bob Geldof?

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: Mediation Q: What do you plan to do when you retire?

A: Travel

need a fully detailed income and expenditure analysis plus a certified statement of affairs showing tax affairs are in order. For further information or a consultation, email me.

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

22 GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Breaking up the DublinWest Cork highway!

Great deals on offer on top beach holiday destinations like the Maldives, St Lucia and Cuba

TRAILFINDERS is offering a complimentary upgrade to full-board at Olhuveli Beach and Spa Resort in the Maldives from €1,629 per person (saving over €140 per person), based on two sharing. Available for selected departures from October 4 to 24, the price includes return flights from Dublin (via London Heathrow and Doha) with Qatar Airways, seven nights’ accommodation in a deluxe room on a full-board basis, resort speedboat transfers, taxes and surcharges.

A beautiful and romantic island retreat located on the tip of South Malé Atoll, Olhuveli Beach and Spa Resort offers stunning beaches, abundant sandbanks and superb recreational activities. Facilities include a selection of restaurants and bars, two large pools and an excellent watersports centre, with kite-surfing, wake boarding, big game fishing and dolphin safaris, to name but a few. A large, shallow blue lagoon surrounds the whole island, which also makes it great for snorkelling. For more information, see www.trailfind ers.ie or phone 01 677 7888 / 021 464 8800.

Tropical Sky

Tropical Sky is offering seven nights on an allinclusive basis at the four-star Coconut Bay Resort and Spa in St Lucia from €1,169 per person (save €410 per person). Valid for selected departures in September and October, the price includes flights from Dublin (via Gatwick) with British Airways, accommodation with a complimentary room upgrade, resort transfers, taxes and surcharges. Set along the exotic Savannes Bay, facilities include an on-site water park, three pools, four floodlit tennis courts, fitness room, spa with 12 treatment rooms, steam room, sauna and a selection of fine restaurants The same tour operator is offering a 10-night city and beach getaway to Cuba from €1,199 per person (save €390 per person). Available for selected departures in September and October, the price includes flights from Dublin (via Gatwick) with Virgin Atlantic, accommodation split between three nights at Hotel Sevilla in Havana on a bed-and-breakfast basis, and seven nights at Breezes Varadero on an all-inclusive basis, resort transfers, taxes and surcharges. The Hotel Sevilla is the ideal base for those wanting to explore Havana and offers a gym, swimming pool and rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city. Breezes Varadero is located on the worldfamous Varadero Beach and offers a selection of watersports, jacuzzis and golf course. For more information, see www.tropicalsky.ie or phone 01 8077996 / 068 56800.

CORMAC CURTIS

After years, nay, decades, of complaining about the various bottlenecks on the Dublin-Cork road – Kildare, Monastervin, Abbeyleix, Mitchelstown etc. – the long-awaited motorway between the capital and the so-called ‘real’ capital of Ireland is now very much a reality.

So, the seven-hour drive to west Cork, for instance, has now been assigned to the “tell us about driving to Baltimore in the old days, granddad” category.

This is, in itself, a huge relief, but, along with satnav and GPS, the convenience of the non-stop drive has taken a little of the mystery out of holidaymaking at home.

In an effort to break up my family’s annual pilgrimage to West Cork for two weeks in August, we decided to stop off somewhere around Cork city for a night or two before descending on my mother-in-law’s house in the country.

As family attractions go, it’s hard to look past Fota Wildlife Park when it comes to getting kids excited.

The idea of seeing exotic animals from Go Diego Go up close and personal conjured up some magical anticipation in my four and fiveyear-old daughters.

Finding somewhere to stay was pretty straightforward; Cork city is not short of quality accommodation.

Instead of staying in the city itself, we decided to try the Radisson SAS on Little Island – it’s just off the Ring Road that brings you around the city and on to West Cork and Kerry, which meant we wouldn’t have to deal with any city traffic.

As usual, a few lastminute hiccups meant I was travelling with the kids while their mother took care of some business-related issues before catching up with us – translation: daddy brings the kids to the swimming pool at the hotel for an hour or two to use up some of their pent-up energy!

As I mentioned – the road to Cork is a good one these days, so after about two-and-a-half hours we pulled up at the hotel.

The Radisson SAS in Cork cannot be accused of boasting a scenic location – but that really isn’t the point.

Its neighbours may include Harvey Norman and KFC, but the hotel itself has a modern, contemporary design and, once inside, marble, glass and dark wood finishes complement each other and suggest a far more

CHILLING OUT AS well as a very child-friendly swimming area for the kids to enjoy, the Radisson SAS Hotel in Cork also offers a variety of beauty and spa treatments.

The spa offers a secure, unique environment of warmth, comfort and peace.

It features nine treatment rooms with a range of luxurious Elemis treatments and relaxation suites.

There is also a selection of packages available at the Retreat Spa, from oneday to two-night options.

For details, visit www.radissonblu.ie/ cork luxurious setting.

The staff, in true Cork fashion, couldn’t have been more welcoming, and the check-in only took moments; a real bonus when two little girls have just escaped from a car after a long drive!

As a family, it’s always nice to be booked in to a ground-floor room in a hotel, and that’s exactly what happened here – nice touch.

We were given a tworoom family suite, giving the kids the chance to

bounce on their double bed and eat the complimentary frosted cupcakes (like they needed any more energy!) while I unpacked and looked up the swimming pool information.

Bingo! The pool was open until six(ish) for the kids so it was swimming time.

A family changing room would have been nice – but the pool area was so close to our room it was no big deal.

The kids can’t get enough of bubbles and

waterfalls, so they had a blast. It was also nice to see a lifeguard on duty.

Thankfully, it wasn’t too long before Mama arrived, so we all got ready for dinner.

A good deal of thought has gone in to the design of the dining room, even if it has begun to look a touch worn here and there – the seats had lost some of their bounce, for instance.

This is easily overlooked, as our French waiter was charm personified, and the menu

15 September 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs

Becky, Sarah and dad, Cormac, go wild at Fota Wildlife Park, left, and, above, the kids tuck into cupcakes at the Radisson SAS in Little Island, Cork

GETTING BACK TO NATURE FOTA Wildlife Park is set on 70 acres on the scenic Fota Island in the heart of Cork Harbour only 15 minutes from Cork City (top 10 in the best cities to visit in the Lonely Planet guide’s ‘Best in Travel 2010’).

The park is not like an ordinary zoo; here you can come face-to-face with free-roaming animals and birds from all parts of the world. So, whether it’s a kangaroo that hops in front of you, or a ring-tailed lemur that jumps down from a tree, each visit is sure to bring its own fantastic memories.

For more, visit www.fotawildlife.ie, or call (021) 481 267

had a great selection of kids’ options – not just smaller portions of the main menu.

As for the grown-ups, starters of crispy duck leg confit with sautéed savoy cabbage, smoked bacon and a port wine reduction, along with a baked goat’s cheese salad with mixed grapes, fig and lime chutney and cherry balsamic dressing were delicious.

When it came to the main course I went for a slow braised shank of lamb with colcannon,

roast root vegetables and red wine gravy, while the other side of the table opted for roast breast of corn-fed chicken and confit leg with parsnip puree, broad beans and jus roti. To say we finished our meal completely satisfied would be a gross understatement to say the least.

The only distraction during our meal was the swing-and-slide set just outside that the kids had spotted – a very nice touch to have such a simple activity for the

little ones to burn off the ice-cream they devoured after dinner!

Parents and kids retired to our rooms, ready for a good night’s sleep.

I’m a big fan of blackout blinds and our rooms didn’t let in the slightest chink of light, so we all slept soundly and woke just in time for breakfast.

After a terrific feed, we set off to Fota Wildlife Park – and what an experience that was.

From the meerkats as you enter the park, to the cheetahs chasing their

lunch at feeding time, this was a huge success.

As I mentioned – a good grounding in Go Diego Go in recent years has made my daughters expert in everything from baby jaguars and penguins, to sloths and baboons; I was truly impressed with how much the kids recognised.

A family could spend a whole day here enjoying the wildlife, as well as the various arts and crafts that the kids can dip and out of along the way – there’s even a train if it gets a bit

much for the little ones.

After our long and busy day, including a family visit along the way, we all enjoyed another great night’s sleep, another great breakfast, and another great swim before we headed on to West Cork for the rest of the holiday.

It has to be said that, even though there were weddings on both nights at the hotel, it didn’t interrupt our visit in the slightest, and we’ll be hearing about the zoo for a long time to come!

Plan a getaway to the beautifully plush surroundings of Tankardstown House in Meath STAY in the plush surroundings of Tankardstown House in Meath any Wednesday and Thursday, and visit Newgrange followed by the battle of the Boyne site with the hotel’s compliments.

Immerse yourself in archaeology and history for the day and discuss what has been, and what might have been, over dinner in their A la Carte Restaurant that night, which is located in the Garden Village at Tankardstown. In keeping with the battlefields, sip a glass of Warres Warrior Special Reserve before a sumptuous sleep in one of their plush Main House Heritage bedrooms. Beautifully decorated and extremely spacious, they make for a relaxing night’s sleep.

It costs €180 per person sharing and this rate includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner to the value of €35 per person, followed by a nightcap before bed.

Contact Details: info@ tankardstown. ie or call 0419824621.

The Radisson BLU is turning pink for breast cancer awareness

THE Radisson BLU is turning pink for breast cancer awareness month this October . The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin city centre is encouraging everyone to stop, relax and turn their lunch break into a charitable bite for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Radisson Blu Royals are making a donation of €1 to the Irish Cancer Society for every person who orders food, tea or coffee in the hotel’s much-loved Sure Bar during Pink Month.

During last October, Sure Bar served 1,922 customers and, this year, they are hoping even more peckish people stop by to help put a stop to breast cancer.

The hotel will also be selling the famous pink ribbons at reception throughout the month and holding special staff events to give the fundraising a boost on Breast Cancer Awareness Day on October 7.

24 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

1

GoingOUT GoingOUT MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Andrew Linnie and his Swing Orchestra

WITH the help of his live jazz band, Andrew promises to bring the very best of Big Band, Broadway, Buble and beyond to the popular south Dublin venue, celebrating a wide range of crooner classics, Big Band standards, and much more, with music from samba to Sinatra sure to provide something for everyoone. The music starts at 8pm on Saturday, September 17, with admission costing €18.

PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Ger Carey Live THE workings of the teenage brain are a lost mystery ... unless you’re either A) a teenager, or B) Ger Carey, whose latest comic show is set to prove beyond a doubt that he knows what it’s like to be a teenager. Aimed at young people between the ages of 15 and 18, his one-man comic show is set to help teenagers laugh at themselves and the complexities of their lives, as well as seeing their place in the bigger picture of society. Ger also says that grown-ups are welcome. Catch Ger’s show on Monday, September 19; to make a booking, call the box office on 01 231 2929.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Stones in his Pockets THE award-winning comic tale of a quiet Irish community turned upside down by the arrival of a Hollywood movie shoot is sure to entertain, with two actors cleverly playing all 15 memorable characters in what guarantees to be a great night out. See Stones in his Pockets on Friday, September 16 and Saturday, September 17 at 8.15pm in Draiocht Studio, with admission costing €15/€13 conc.

Gary Oldman is back on top form as a cool-headed, somewhat ruthless intelligence agency figure in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

A deadly game of I-Spy

Although something of an ironically-named character, Smiler is an intelligence agency’s best hope of finding a secret Soviet spy Q KATE CROWLEY

DISH du jour, Ryan Reynolds, returns to our screens this week with a new film. Or perhaps I’m mixing him, and that term, up with Ozzy Osbourne, who also graces our cinema screens with an equally Oscar-worthy film.

Reynolds, Osbourne ... you can see how a stunning cinema reviewer might get a little confused and mix them up, with a mind that has to remember ever y thing from reminding Mr Crowley to get going on clearing away autumn leaves in the back garden, to what one was doing back in the 1970s.

Fortunately, here’s something to give me – and a number of other old codgers (or codgerettes?)

– a mental blast from the past, with the release of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (based on the 1974 novel

by John Le Carre).

While younger readers

FILM OF THE WEEK: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy +++++ (15A) 127 mins Director: Tomas Alfredson Starring: MGary Oldman, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, John Hurt and some of the chilling aspects of life in the 1970s

OUR VERDICT: KATE’S summary note says that this film “has a refreshing reminder that the ’70s also had a lot of menace, in addition to the memorable wallpaper styles and flares”. And who are we to argue? Top marks from The Gazette’s reviewer for what she also describes as “a surprisingly cracking tale” which she also notes treats the audience as intelligent observers, who will enjoy its complexities.

may associate the decade, and the era, with amusing hairstyles and lots and lots – and lots – of orange and brown wallpaper, older readers (and gracefully maturing cinema reviewers) will associate the era with global paranoia.

Amongst other things, it was a time of frosty international relations, and the clinical, deadly Cold War that Soviet agents seemed to be embroiled in on a number of fronts (matched by counterpart British and American agents).

It’s in this icily cold setting of global chess

against Moscow spymasters that Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is set, as the film opens with British spy agency, Circus, in disarray, following a bloody mission in Budapest.

Its head, Control (Hurt) is forced to retire, along with Smiley (Oldman) ... except, of course, that one never retires from one’s duties, and the British government is quick to seek discreet help in uncovering a spy, with Smiley her crumpled choice of agentdetective, of sorts.

The unsmiling Smiley is set to work, one

of the few men to know that the Soviets have a deadly and highly-placed agent at work near the top of Circus, with all of the potentially disastrous and double-crossed consequences that implies.

It’s down to the slightly shabby, yet ruthless Smiley to find the mole, and eliminate him, with a small pool of suspects to monitor and investigate.

However, all the while, the Soviets and Circus continue plotting their next moves in their neverending game of chess, with deadly results for any players that cross paths ...

It’s been a long time indeed since the Cold War seemed like such a hot topic, with wisps of frosty air practically tumbling down from the screen.

Still, although mistrust in governments never quite goes out of fashion, perhaps it’s a timely release for this tale, as its group of shabby and shady pro-

tagonists somehow stepping through events with, potentially, international consequences has some resonance with current economic and political affairs.

As for the film’s 1970s setting, I remember only too well the “joys” of re-threading typewriter ribbons, whacking my fingers with metal keys, shouting into discoloured plastic phones, and creating barely-legible copies of documents using fluttering sheets of blue carbon paper – all of which is brought to life in this surprisingly cracking tale.

I also half-remember the late ’70s television version of Le Carre’s spy novel, but this reimagined version seems to be truer to the tale.

And so, although we now seem to live in a modern world of iPads and Apps, this lost world of I-Spy is certainly worth applying oneself to, given the chance ...

15 September 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING

An interesting case to follow Another weebyte game took place in a standard (if meticulously researched and recreated late-1940s) open-world setting, the game’s main characters, played by a variety of real actors – in some cases, famous ones – were filmed with MotionScan, a proprietory system that digitally recorded and recreated every last little muscle tick, gesture and expression of the actor’s.

This created many scenes where, at last, game characters really emoted, on a par with television, theatre and cinema performances.

This enabled gamers to investigate several crimes, ranging from arson to a serial killer’s handiwork, all the while attempting to judge whether characters were being truthful, evasive or downright lying.

Zombie’s dead silly mistake

From boarding houses to shabby bars, old dears to tough gh dames (inset), the downbeat world of LA Noire was a far cry from then Hollywoodland’s heights

Released mere months ago to near universal critical acclaim, one could be forgiven for assuming the developer behind it, Team Bondi, would be riding high on the crest of glorious critical – and financial – waves. Not so.

While not dead, the company has been placed into administration after

incurring significant costs from spending several years developing the title.

However, perhaps more damaging to the company are the very vocal criticisms that have emerged, post-release, of various working practices and management styles at the studio, with significant numbers of complaints

by former staff members, and spouses, creating lots of negative stories in the specialised gaming press.

It will be ironic indeed if a company that developed a game primarily focused on complex investigations is, itself, the subject of a number of investigations, leaving this as an open case to keep an eye on ...

IN KEEPING with the open-world theme of o this week’s main artith cle, many were looking cl forward to the recent fo release of Dead Island re – a luxury hotel island turned deathtrap, filled tu with hungry zombies. w Unfortunately, many PC owners got a shock when the wrong version of the game was released online via Steam, the popular digital distribution service, complete with gamedestroying problems.

The game’s red-faced developers were quick to apologise for what, in hindsight, was a dead silly mistake to make.

gazette

group

.com

IF A week is a long time in politics, six months is, well, a long time for everybody, but can bookend a games company’s most triumphant moment, followed by its unexpectedly rapid decline.

Given the costs of games’ development, and their quarterly importance to parent companies, there is, usually, a tremendous amount of pressure behind the scenes of what may look like a solild-gold hit.

While not a brand-new release, there’s been a surge of renewed interest in the recently-released (and very high-profile) multiplatform title, LA Noire , thanks to the developer behind it entering administration, mere months after rolling out

what was a hit in most global gaming markets.

Set in a post-World War II Los Angeles, and, as the title suggests, LA Noire took part almost exclusively on the wrong side of the tracks in the starstruck city.

It tasked the player with investigating all manner of murders and crimes as a lowly cop, gradually rising through the ranks to uncover far-reaching, rotten conspiracies.

Played out as a very straight-faced title, free of the mischievous adult humour found in similar “sandbox” titles, such as the Grand Theft Auto series, LA Noire was a fascinating (if slightly dull) title, with a look at some superb new technologies that are likely to reappear in gaming.

While much of the

www.

SHANE DILLON

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PLANNING NOTICE DUN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL I Benn Handley of Pizza Express intend to apply for planning permission to display advertisements for development at Milano, Civic Square, Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 14, for the following a) 2 x face illuminated built up roundals and b) 3 x reverse applied frosted vinyl decals.The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire during its public opening hours. A submission / observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the Planning Authority.

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GazetteSPORT

ORIENT EXPRESS:

Local racer blazing trail on Japanese F3 circuit Page 29

COACHING SKILLS: LEGENDARY EXPERT COMING TO PORTMARNOCK FOR CLINIC

Soccer coaching gets a Horst boost next week sport@gazettegroup.com

THE White Sands Hotel in Portmarnock will host a special soccer clinic event from Friday, September 20 to Sunday, October 2, when they host renowned soccer coach, Horst Wein, who will give his unique take on coaching and mentoring young players.

The sessions are designed to help coaches help young players to reach their full potential

and even develop some future stars, while contributing to the playing of the beautiful game.

Horst Wein’s model promotes development over winning at all costs, so that creative, intelligent players flourish and all young footballers get a fair chance to develop to their full potential. It differs from traditional coaching methods in style, substance and in the structure of the competitions that the kids

play. Many of the key elements of the model have been in place in countries like Spain and Holland for many years and more recently in England, Germany, Scotland, Denmark, much of South America and even Australia.

In 1985, when Horst was a master hockey coach, he was invited

by Carles Reixach (who went on to serve as assistant coach to Johan Cruyff) to demonstrate his

Internationally renowned coach Horst Wein will be giving a masterclass in Portmarnock

methods at FC Barcelona.

They liked them so much that they purchased his hockey books, presumably to adapt some games and exercises for football.

The club then encouraged Horst to move from hockey to football where he created the youth football development model and he has never looked

back. To this day the youth coaches at Barcelona still use Horst’s football books.

A coach from Portmarnock, who undertook the course recently, said: “Horst gave a very interesting talk that focused on learning the game well, rather than just about winning the

game. If only all six-yearolds began their career this way then maybe they would reach teenage years loving and appreciating the skills needed, rather than checking their trophy cupboard.

And the same could be said for us coaches, too, if truth be told. Horst was a breath of very fresh and

invigorating air.”

Practical outdoor coaching sessions are at Portmarnock AFC, which is close to the hotel, and full-day attendees on either Saturday or Sunday will receive a certificate.

Prices start at €30 and more information on the event can be found at www.beautifulgame.ie

28 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

AUSSIE RULES: IRELAND WIN THE 2011 INTERNATIONAL CUP

Irish sailors miss out on podium in Europe IRISH hopes of a podium result on home waters came up just short last weekend as London 2012 Olympic contenders Peter O’Leary and David Burrows placed fourth in the last race to leave them in the same position overall at the Star European Championships.

Combined with a ninth place earlier in the day, it meant the Irish pair were unable to overhaul Canada’s Richard Clarke and Tyler Bjorn in Dun Laoghaire after a tough week’s sailing.

Another first place in the penultimate race for Italians Diego Negri and Enrico Voltolini sealed their series-long domination.

Negri and Voltolini kept their form for a fourth-race win and typically enjoyed a comfortable lead at the finish of race seven.

For the crews chasing the runner-up podium positions, the breeze proved as challenging as it has been all week, this time dying to a near calm on the final run before filling gently on the left hand-side side of the course catching the unwary, notably Guillaume Florent and Pascal Rambeau, who had been vying with the Italian leaders for first place.

A wait followed for the eighth and final race of the week but only after a long wait for the sea breeze to build and settle.

This took the fleet away from the now familiar area off Dun Laoghaire’s West Pier and southwards towards this historic Dalkey Island side of Dublin Bay. After starting in ideal conditions of 18 knots, half way through the race the breeze died completely to be followed by a 90-degree wind-shift that saw 2008 World Champion Mateusz Kusznierewicz and Dominik Zycki emerge with a substantial lead on the water and, having led from the outset, were confirmed as second overall runners-up.

The Irish Warriors team celebrate after their victory in the International Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground

Local Warriors claim title sport@gazettegroup.com

LOCAL players and former Dubs now living in Australia, were to the fore when Ireland’s Aussie Rules team, the Warriors, won the International Cup in Melbourne recently.

David Coffey, from Dalkey, a former Cuala player, and Phil Bredin, from Cabinteely, who both now play for UTS Bats in Sydney, were among the players who completed a clean sweep, after the unbeaten Banshees had won the women’s competition, at the most famous stadium in Australia, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

The Warriors came back from a 28-point deficit midway through the second term to defeat favourites, Papua New Guinea (PNG) Mosquitoes, by 18 points.

It was an extraordinary tournament for the Irish Warriors, in the 18-nation event that brings Aussie Rules-playing nations from around the world to Australia for the prestigious event, which is held every three years.

Before the final, Ireland had wins over East Timor, Great Britain, Sweden, Denmark and New Zealand to reach their first final since the inaugural tournament in 2002.

There was much local interest in the victory, including Rathfarnhambased team chiropractor, Dr Tammy Verlaan-Ross.

Dr Verlaan-Ross was born in Melbourne and has a big knowledge of Aussie Rules. Speaking after the victory, she said she never thought she would be in the MCG with an Irish team, but it was a fabulous occasion

for both herself and all the players and management involved.

Warriors’ captain, Cian Quigley, said just getting to run out onto the MCG was a huge honour for the players.

“For every Irish person, you dream of playing in Croke Park. For Aussies, the dream is to play at ‘the G’.

“We realise how lucky we are to play out here.

It’s a huge honour.”

T he teacher, who played in the cup in 2005, and captained the side in 2008, said the win was consolation for previous disappointments.

“I’ve lost out in two semi-finals before this (in 2005 and 2008) so, to finally get to a final and win it, is unbelievable.”

The skipper paid tribute to the mental strength of his side in their comeback win.

“At the start we were thinking too much of the occasion and PNG were way ahead. We needed half time to just calm down.

“Winning probably won’t sink in for another week or two, or another beer or two, but it’s just unbelievable.

“I’ve won club honours with my team but just to

win an international tournament, and win it on the MCG, is amazing.

“With the Irish team, to have people coming from all backgrounds to gel as a team like that is something amazing,” said Quigley The Warriors now look forward to playing in the Euro Cup tournament in Belfast on October 8.

Peter Ross and team physio Tammy Verlaan-Ross

15 September 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29

in association with

From Mondello to Motegi, Japan Making a huge name for himself in F3 is local motor racing star, Gary Thompson. ROB HEIGH spoke to the prodigy on a recent trip back home

WE’RE getting used to our talented sportsmen and women going abroad to achieve the success they deserve on a world stage. The opportunities to make a huge mark in your sport often requires you to leave the comforts of home and the limited facilities available to those with the skills to make their mark globally.

One man who has made that jump, and at a very young age, is Malahide motor racing wunderkind, Gary Thompson. The 19-yearold has gone from watching racing at Mondello to flying around the tracks of Japan in their F3 series.

GazetteSport spoke to Gary just after he claimed his first first-place podium finish he has been chasing

since he started racing in Japanese Forumla 3, and he was delighted with the win.

“It’s been a long time coming, for sure. It feels like a long time since the

sport in 2002, when he began to show his promise in the Irish and international cadet class. Even before that, he was desined to make his mark in motor racing.

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

‘In Japan, the racing is at a high level, but it has very little exposure in Europe. You need to let everyone know how well you are doing.’

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last win, so it was great to get that. Everyone’s been working really hard for the last few years, and it’s great for it all to finally come together.”

The young driver has shown immense talent since his debut in the

“My dad used to race at Mondello Park in the Formula Opel. I remember from a young age being there, being around the cars and watching racing, sitting in the car and asking if I could drive them when I was about five.

Gary Thompson celebrates his success at the Motegi race track in Japan

Then when I was nine, one day my dad came back from a motor show in Britain, and he had been talking to someone about racing cars, and he realised that was an opening for me to start racing at that age.

“I started driving cadet carts from age 8 to 12, which were 60cc or so. I did one year in Ireland. I ended up in England for races the next year, and I was doing really well, so we decided to keep racing over there as the standard and opportunities were much higher. I raced over there for about four years, before doing two years racing in Europe before I moved to Asia.”

Connections in Asia, through his father and the motor racing fraternity, meant that Gary was able to capitalise on the promise of his form in Europe.

“I started driving in Asia in 2009. Before that, my dad was managing a driver out there. From being out there, my dad had a lot of contacts, and ended up part-owning a team out there, racing Formula BMW Pacific cars. The plan was that I was going to go out there and drive for them in 2009, but, unfortunately, the team folded before the season began. I had all of the contacts, and that seemed to be the best place to develop my career.

“The Japanese part came about after my first

car race in 2009, in a support race to the Asian Grand Prix. I qualified on pole and won the main race. After that, the owner of the KPMG team that I drive for now approached me and offered me a place with their team in Japan, and I accepted.”

Gary is very clear about his ambitions, and how he will achieve them.

“The ultimate goal is to be F1 world champion.

In an ideal world, I would graduate to Formula Nippon next year, which is a place where a lot of drivers come through - Eddie Irvine drove there before he moved on to F1. It’s one step below F1, but it is not really considered on the ladder, from a European point of view.

It’s only solely based in Japan, but GP2 is classed as the main feeder for F1.

“In Nippon, the cars are slightly quicker, the drivers are getting paid. In GP2, you need to put in about €1.5m every year.

“From Nippon, you can progress straight to F1, but there would be a lot of work involved. It is in Japan, it is a high level, but it has very little exposure in Europe. You need to let everyone know how well you are doing. It also helps that the head of the KPMG team is really enthusiastic about motor racing, and he has dreams of putting together an F1 team. So this would seem to be the best road to go down at the moment.”

FastSport

Solheim excitement rises as teams are announced WITH the recent announcements of both the European and American teams, it is now all systems go for The 2011 Solheim Cup, which will be staged for the first time in Ireland on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Killeen Castle this September 23 to 25.

Up to 80,000 people are expected to attend over the six days – three practise days on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and the three days of competition, Friday through Sunday.

Solheim Cup Director, Roddy Carr said: “The Solheim Cup is a truly great golfing spectacle and, with players like Laura Davies and Michelle Wie competing, this unique event is a must-see for sports and entertainment fans.”

A range of anyday and season tickets are available on www.solheimcup.com, www.ticketmaster.ie or by calling with 0818719309.

HQ hosting unique prefinal night bash CROKE Park is hosting a prefootball final bash, FeverPitch, this Saturday, September 17.

Headquarters is opening its doors on the eve of the final to capture the unique atmosphere and offer supporters from Dublin, Kerry and Tipperary a focal point to gather in friendly rivalry on the eve of the final with the cream of

Irish entertainment.

The line-up for the night includes live music from Ryan Sheridan, The Inishturkbeg Collective and The Cuban All Stars, ,along with Dublin bands Royseven and The Riptide Movement, as well as comedy stand-up with Neil Delamere, Fred Cooke and Colm O’Regan, and insight from sporting legends Jimmy Magee and Peter Canavan.

The show begins at 7pm and, for more information, see gaa.ie

30 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 15 September 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

SOCCER: SECOND-HALF BRACE GIVES CABINTEELY VICTORY

Monkstown back in action after summer recess MONKSTOWN hockey club begin their men’s Leinster league campaign this weekend hoping to build on the double-winning efforts of 2011 in which they won both the Leinster Senior and Neville Cups.

They begin their campaign at Rathdown on Saturday with a tie against Railway Union, without the services of Brian Groves and the talismanic Fran Lee, who have both retired.

However, they have added the services of Cork Harlequins’ schemer, Darren Farrell, who has moved to Dublin to study.

Railway could field former Town second team captain, Donal O’Mearain, who made the switch during the summer.

Summerfest set for next weekend THE 2011 Tesco mobile SARI Summerfest, the largest intercultural soccer tournament in Ireland, is set to take part this year at the Garda and Camogie Sports Grounds, in Phoenix Park on September 10 and 11 from 11am to 5pm each day.

The Summerfest will also coinciude with the CONCERN kitefest, where kite flyers from around the world will display their kites and give kite workshops for children.

The two-day festival also includes a wide array of entertainment for all the family.

For more information, see www. facebook.com/sarireland.

Castleknock Celtic seeking ladies talent CASTLEKNOCK Celtic FC’s ladies and girls section are recruiting new talent to the cllub for the soccer season starting later this month.

If you were born in 1996 or earlier, visit the club’s website at www.castleknockceltic.com, and pass on your name and contact details in the How To Join section provided on the site.

The club are also looking to recruit girls born in 2001/2002 to play soccer in the DubliGirls Soccer League.

Cabinteely FC’s second-half double saw them inflict Portmarnock with their first defeat of the season

Port’ stormed by Cabo DDSL U-17 MAJOR 2 Cabinteely FC Portmarnick AFC

2 1

sport@gazettegroup.com

DAVID Harris’ secondhalf double extended Cabinteely’s perfect start to the DDSL U-17 Major 2 season at Kilbogget Park last Sunday, inflicting a first defeat of the campaign on Portmarnock.

The goals capped a superb personal performance for Harris roaming from the right flank to the centre on a day when the remnants of hurricane Katya brought tough conditions, with a strong, swirling and persistent wind.

His second, on the 90th minute, came from the penalty spot and secured the points despite a sublimely whipped Jordan Briggs’ free-kick deep into injury time that gave the Ports some consolation for a battling performance.

Indeed, early on they took the game to the hosts, with Andy Killeen’s cross causing havoc at both front and back posts, while Luke Kavanagh’s pile-driver took a wicked deflection before skipping out for a corner.

Kavanagh, once again, applied a sharp snap-shot to a dropping ball soon after that Cabo keeper Neil Costello did well to

Leinster leaders: Supporters hail Blues’ success THE LEINSTER team returned to action

at home with a comprehensive victory against Newport Gwent Dragons at the RDS when they defeated their RaboDirect PRO12 opponents, 31-10.

Isa Nacewa was the top scorer with 16 points from his penalties and conversions, while Fionn Carr, Ian Madigan and Brendan Macken all scored tries.

Celebrating the win were local fans, Conor Hanley, left, from Ballsbridge, and Brian Fitzgerald, from Dalkey.

Picture: Barry Cregg/Sportsfile

catch on the dive.

His defence of Ger Hartigan and Ross Miller were certainly the busier at this stage as the hosts took their time to grow into the game.

Initially limited to potshots, which regularly succumbed to the breeze, range was found and right full-back Paul Murray produced the pick of the efforts, stinging the palms of Mark O’Connor.

The rebound fell the way of Ciaran McDermott but he could not get enough on it and O’Connor mopped up the double save.

But Cabinteely carried that momentum into the second half and hit the

front in the 57th minute when a right-wing corner found its way to Harris 12 yards out and he swivelled smartly to fire across O’Connor’s bows and into the bottom left of the net.

It came during the Whites’ golden patch and they would have been a couple clear but for O’Connor’s agility, keeping out Jack Kelly and Harris with a pair of brilliant saves with his legs.

Comfort is a rare thing on a one-goal lead and the Ports stormed back into contention. Aaron Mulvey almost nipped in from a loose kick-out but floated his effort inches over, while a couple of

goal-mouth scrambles saw sub Darragh Scanlon’s volley dip over.

On the counter, Harris’ superb run and cross went just beyond Sean Allen but they got the decisive strike when Harris again ghosted into the area and turned on a sixpence to draw a foul on the baseline and the key penalty.

He sent O’Connor the wrong way as the clocked ticked past 90 minutes.

Briggs, an excellent scheming presence for Portmarnock all through, did find the net from 30 yards soon after but it was too late to have an impact on the destination of the points.

15 September 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 31

in association with

ALL-IRELAND: FINAL SEES DUBS LOSE TO GALWAY a

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CUALA GOOD luck next Sunday to Michael

Well done to the U-13A footballers

as they contest their All-Ireland

who travelled to Kerry last weekend

senior final. Our Cuala man helped

and beat Salthill Knocknacarra, the

Dublin to the junior All-Ireland title

Legion from Killarney and the host

three years ago, hopefully, that will

team, Austin Stacks, but went down

be a good omen.

to Na Piarsaigh of Cork in their semi

Well done to the junior B hurlers

final in a game that finished 15 hours

who won their quarter-final cham-

after they had risen to begin their

pionship clash against St Vincent’s

journey south.

on Sunday by 2-12 to 1-07.

Cuala’s Conor Gough was one of the local players in action in Dublin Under-21s defeat to Galway last weekend

Local stars miss out on hurling history U-21 HURLING C’SHIP Galway Dublin

3-14 1-10

sport@gazettegroup.com

DUBLIN’S hopes of a first All-Ireland U21HC were dashed by Galway in a matter of three first half minutes as the Tribesmen netted twice in the buildup to half-time in last Saturday’s decider at Semple Stadium.

It meant that Cuala duo Mark Schutte and Conor Gough, along with Kilmacud Crokes’ men Kevin O’Loughlin, Jack Doughan, Bill O’Carroll and Shane McGrath were denied making a little piece of history.

Despite an under par, first half performance, the side were still in the mix in the lead-up to half-time but the maroons grabbed those goals to put themselves firmly in control.

The was to be no heroic comeback by the Dubs in the second period as they continued to struggle to unlock the Galway

defence and even secure enough possession to put together sustained period of pressure against a very talented side.

In the 28th minute, David Burke unselfishly placed one of Galway’s many outstanding performers on the night, David Glennon, who fired to the net.

Before the break it got worse of Dublin when James Regan used his pace to accelerate through on goal and give keeper Ger McManus no chance for Galway to enter the break eight points to the good, 3-6 to 1-4.

The half had started well for the Dubs when Thomas Connolly showed good opportunism in the third minute to raise a green flag after Kevin O’Loughlin’s angled point effort had cannoned back off the crossbar.

Three minutes later O’Loughlin converted a superb free from halfway to push Dublin 1-1 to 0-2 clear.

That was as good as it got as Galway benefitted from the first of few suspect decisions when ref Tony O’Carroll awarded a penalty to the influential Barry Daly, despite fact the Galway forward looked to be going to ground prior to any contact with goalkeeper Ger McManus. Tadhg Haran drove the penalty to the net and Galway began to push on and cause greater problems for the Dublin defence.

Dublin briefly rallied in the second half with two points from sub Robbie Mahon but the Dubs

needed his second to find the net but he was brilliantly denied by a full length save from Jamie Ryan in the Galway goal.

On Sunday, there was good news for Kilmacud and Cuala in the hurling championship quarterfinals. The former got the better of Setanta with an emphatic 2-18 to 1-5 victory to secure their place in the last four, where they will face St Sylvester’s.

Cuala’s second string, meanwhile, beat St Vincent’s in the Junior B championship 2-12 to 1-7 to progress through to the semi-finals, too.

boden St Enda’s on Saturday.

Fitzsimons and all the Dublin team

Well done, and major thanks to all

Hard luck to the U-15A football-

the young footballers who helped

ers who went down to Ballyboden St

out on Saturday and made the trip

Enda’s in their championship clash

possible. Well done also to the U-13C

and also to the ladies’ minor team

footballers who had a great and

who lost to the same opponents at

well deserved win against Kimacud

Thomastown on Saturday, but will

Crokes.

take comfort from having scored

Retired and wannabe hurlers are

five goals on their championship

all welcome to attend a weekly puck-

bow.

about at Shankill on Wednesday eve-

Well done to the U-14 A and B Foot-

nings from 7 to 8pm, even if they have

ballers who recorded good away

to borrow a helmet from another,

wins against Fingallians and Bally-

perhaps younger family member.

FOXROCK/CABINTEELY LAST weekend saw the start of the

coach along to train them last

juvenile ladies’ championships. We

Thursday, no less than Leinster

had a record 14 teams taking part.

rugby out-half, Ian Madigan.

There were wins for seven of our

Ian is a former Kilmacud Crokes

teams, but the team-of-the-week

player and Feile winner and showed

award has to go to our Under-10s

that it’s not just at rugby he is gift-

who entered into the U-11 com-

ed. Ian turned out for Leinster the

petition and came away with an

following night and scored the try

emphatic win over Clontarf.

of the match.

This was the first competitive

Date for your diary: the annual

outing for this team and many are

dinner on November 18 at the Stil-

little sisters to older girls in the

lorgan Park Hotel.

club, such as Emma Dawson, Helen

Condolences to Lucy Har ti-

Fisher, Kez Higgins and Jessica Con-

gan from the U-13C team on the

nolly (who is a sister of Dublin star

recent death of her grandad, Kevin

Amy Connolly).

O’Donnell. Ar dheis De go raibh a

The U-13As had a very special

anam dilis.

NAOMH OLAF MEMBERS are again reminded that

paint all of these areas in advance of

only members who have paid their

new carpet being put in on the stairs

Club membership are eligible to obtain

and landing area. We are planning on

All-Ireland Final tickets through the

starting at 10am and working through

Club.

the day until finished.

At the club’s annual Corporate

A dinner-dance will be held in the

Lunch held in Croke Park on Septem-

sports hall on Saturday, November

ber 2, Mary Shivnan was inducted

26 to mark the 30th anniversary of

into the Naomh Olaf GAA Club’s Hall

the club.

of Fame.

All former players are invited to

The club is planning a Club Volunteer

attend and the All-Star team awards

day on Saturday, September 24, with

will be announced on the night nomi-

a focus on refreshing the clubhouse

nating the best players ever to have

in particular the function room and

played for the club in both hurling and

hall/stairs/landing. It is planned to

football. Cost per ticket is €40.

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Cuala’s Mick Fitzsimons is looking forward to the challenge of facing the Kerry forward line in Croke Park this weekend

SEPTEMBER 15, 2011

Fitzsimons set for All-Ireland test

Huge progress in second season for Cuala man as Dubs get ready for Kerry challenge in senior final STEPHEN FINDLATER dunlaughairesport@gazettegroup.com

CUALA man Mick Fitzsimons believes that his personal development as a player has coincided with Dublin’s run to the All-Ireland senior football final this year and he looks forward to facing Kerry this Sunday in Croke Park.

Fitzsimons was one of Pat Gilroy’s more eyecatching inclusions when he made his championship debut in 2010.

The former CBC Monkstown man had previously impressed for Mick Deegan’s Dublin juniors in 2008, but few had him on their radar for the senior selection until his club’s 2009 U-21 club football success.

For a player who had not been through many of the various underage selection panels, it was quite a leap of faith for the manager. It was a leap that Fitzsimons said it took quite a while to adjust to, as opposition players tested him in ways he had not encountered before.

“I didn’t find the pace too bad. Strength-wise, because I was quite light, I thought that would be the toughest thing, but it was really just the quick-thinking forwards,” he explained.

“At the start, it was a bit of a shock to the system, and that carried on through the championship last year.

“I only really started learning properly this year. I obviously learned bits from my mistakes but, this year, I have been taking a closer look at what I did, right or wrong. I’m still doing bits wrong and a decent amount right, and trying to improve.”

He cites his improved communication with his fellow members of the full-back line from what he describes as a more “selfish” outlook.

“I used to be one of the players that just stuck with my man at my club and didn’t really care about space. If my man didn’t score, I was happy.

I started looking into the bigger picture with the team as you can get very selfish, trying to keep your man scoreless, so I’ve definitely learned

how to play more as part of a team.”

Some of those lessons were learnt in the bizarre semi-final tie against Donegal when concentration was tested to the limit with play stuck in areas far downfield.

Each score that day was pivotal, with any mistake of huge consequence. The contrast with Kerry will be stark, facing one of the best and most active forward lines, complete with Colm Cooper and Kieran Donaghy, Fitzsimons believes it’s a major challenge but one he will relish.

“Their whole forward line is the best in the country. It’s what you want to do, mark the best.

“This will be a challenge. At least these guys will be expected to get a lot of scores so there’s a bit less pressure on me.

“It is the final that matters, not the semi-final.

It’s taken Dublin so long to get back to this stage so we just have to take our chance when it comes, and we’ll probably appreciate it more because of the history, because you never know when you’ll be back.”