Laoghaire GAZET TE FREE
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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER
INSIDE: Local girl on her exciting time in ‘Mission Beach’ P2
October 20, 2011
LEGACY OF THE SEA: Learn about
the rich history of ‘The Mariners’ P7
David’s delight: Happy to meet local voters NADIA Jones was happy to chat
Hockey: Local players picked for Leinster interprovincials Page 32
with Senator David Norris when he visited Dun Laoghaire last week. Senator Norris was in fine form as he went on a walkabout, visiting The People’s Park and the farmers’ market to canvass locals and shoppers for their vote, as he did his best to engage with as much of the public as he could. After all, if there’s one thing the senator is well-known for, it’s how to be an engaging personality. Picture: Geraldine Woods
Full Gallery on Pages 8-9
Football: Kilmacud bow out of SFC in 2010 final rerun Page 31
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 MOTORS ........................19 BUSINESS .................... 21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
Drive to stamp out Halloween bonfires Council launches major campaign over fire dangers
Q STAFF REPORTER
A MAJOR public awareness campaign, highlighting the dangers associated with bonfires, has been launched by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council ahead of next week’s Halloween celebrations. Last year, the council was
forced to fork out €56,000 for preventative measures and a substantial post clean-up operation, following the celebrations across the county. Increased patrols and surveillance leading up to Halloween are set to get under way by the council’s Waste Enforcement Unit and litter wardens.
Meanwhile, newsletters have already been circulated to local schools. This week, the council appealed to members of the public with information about the stockpiling of bonfire materials to call a freephone number at 1800 403 503. Full Story on Page 2
2 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 October 2011
EVENT Plenty of fun family activities planned for big day Students attempt big wheel world record for Leukaemia trust MICHAEL HANNAN
A TOTAL of 12 Rathdown School students will take part in the Big Wheel event at the 02 site in an attempt to break the World Record for staying in the Revolver in aid of leukaemia patients. The event, organised on behalf of the Bone Marrow Leukaemia Trust, will take place on Saturday, October 22.
The fourth and sixth-year students will attempt to stay in the Revolver in six pods for 24 hours and 10 minutes The whole school will be involved in the charity push, with the rest of Rathdown’s students having a sponsored walk from the school to the Revolver at the O2. The Rathdown Choir will be at the event to show more support and give some entertainment dur-
ing the day. There are a number of fun family activities planned for the day, including a Laughter Lounge performance and street theatre. RTE TV and Radio will be broadcasting live from the site. The event is part of Rathdown School’s charity organisation called SUCH (Students United for Children’s Health) run by the students themselves.
The initiative has raised over €100,000 over the last five years for a variety of projects and charities linked with children’s health.
iPads The monies raised this year for the Bone Marrow Leukaemia Trust will go to buying iPads for teenagers with leukaemia who are in isolation wards and cannot communicate with their friends and
extended family. This will enable them to use all the social networking tools available such as Skype, Facebook, email, watch DVDs, listen to their favourite music and allow them to live as normal a teenage life as possible. The rest of the money raised will be used to create apartment accommodation for parents of those in Dublin in long term hospital care.
DLRCC: MOVE TO HELP MISSION BEACH: CIARA IS OVERJOYED WITH TV SHOW EXPERIENCE DROP BONFIRE NUMBERS
The initiative plans to boost awareness of the danger of bonfires
Halloween campaign A PUBLIC awareness campaign outlining the dangers of bonfires will be launched in the runup to Halloween by the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. A spokesperson for the council said that the campaign will include local advertising, distribution of newsletters and the operation of a council litter freephone number where members of the public can report bonfire materials being stockpiled. The council is hoping that through this campaign, and close co-operation with the gardai and community groups, there will be a marked reduction in the number of bonfires in the Dun LaoghaireRathdown area. T he spokesperson explained that newsletters have already been circulated to schools and local residents associations, as well as estate management groups and Tidy Towns organi-
sations. It is understood that the council are also working closely with the gardai to coordinate the enforcement efforts leading up to Halloween, and on the day itself. There are to be increased patrols and surveillance leading up to Halloween, organised by the council’s Wa s t e E n f o r c e m e n t Unit and Litter Wardens. These will also conduct inspections of relevant businesses, such as tyre retailers to ensure that waste materials are securely stored or removed off site. T he spokesperson also noted that in 2010, preventive measures and the clean-up operation in parks and open spaces, cost the council in the region of €56,000. If any member of the public has information in relation to the stockpiling of bonfire materials, please call the free council litter number at 1800 403503.
Schoolgirl passes lifeguard ordeal MICHAEL HANNAN
A DEANSGR ANGE girl, who was among the eight Irish teens taking part in America’s toughest lifeguard school, enjoyed the experience so much, she would have trained “twice a day just to stay another week”. Ciara McHugh, from Deansgrange Village, j o i n e d s e ve n o t h e r 16-year-old boys and girls in the new T V series, Mission Beach. They trained for t h r e e we e k s a t t h e Fort Lauderdale Junior Lifeguard Programme, tackling sun, sea and survival on the Florida coastline. Currently going into fifth year at Muckross College in Donnybrook, McHugh has been doing lifeguard courses in Ireland and says that the benefits she got from attending the course balanced out the gruelling routine involved. “The course was so hard and intense, a lot more intense than I thought it was going to be but we got to do such amazing stuff as well and the course ended up being so rewarding, so it all evened out.”
T heir daily schedule began with a 6am start and breakfasting soon after, as they were required to eat at least two hours before exercising. A f ter a three-hour training session, they would relax then go out for an afternoon activity, before coming home and having dinner. The early starts and strenuous exercising took their toll. “We’d usually go to bed around ten because we were all so wrecked! It was brilliant, I really enjoyed it,” Ciara says. A highly competent swimmer, she said that the training she got in Ireland was beneficial in terms of the endurance training, but otherwise, the training in Miami was “a totally different ball game”. By her own admission, Ciara prefers the sea to the land when it comes to exercising, saying she was “atrocious” at running to begin with, but by the end, coach Chris had her up to speed. While she confirms his reputation as a hard taskmaster, it’s clear she believes she benefitted from her time under his tutelage.
Ciara McHugh, from Deansgrange Village, who took part in the new TV series, Mission Beach
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‘The course was so hard and intense, a lot more intense than I thought it was going to be but we got to do such amazing stuff as well’ --------------------------------------------------------
“He trained me well, he’s very motivating. The thing is, there’s no way you can’t improve w h e n y o u ’r e b e i n g trained by him. He’s an amazing guy. I have so
much respect for him, but at the time it was scary.” When asked about her favourite moment from the show, the time spent with the other
seven teens in the house is highlighted. “All the people that went had amazing personalities, and we used to have such fun times whenever we went out in a group. “By the time we got out in Miami, we felt like we’d known each other for ages.” T he new series of Mission Beach airs every Friday at 5.30pm on RTE Two.
20 October 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 3
MUSIC Meteor award-winner playing for charity
Kids set to join Paddy at the Pavilion Q MICHAEL HANNAN news@gazettegroup.com
PADDY Casey will invite a group of young fans to help him sing two songs at his gig in the Pavilion Theatre in aid of a South Dublin charity next month. The two-times Meteor Irish Music Awards winner will perform a one-and-ahalf hour set for free at the Dun Laoghaire venue on November 6, in aid of the Children’s Hope charity. Its founder, Alison McNamara, said that Casey will be joined by children from an Irish language club in Sallynoggin, who will accompany him in singing his famous hit Saints and Sinners, along with the Irish song Oro sé do Bheath Abhaile (You are welcome home). Children’s Hope is a South Dublin-based charity, set up 12 years ago to help children in disadvantaged areas to develop interests in areas which often are closed to them, so that they remain in school and build their confidence. The charity works through community groups in Dublin in
projects such as after school care, and direct support and intervention. McNamara explained to the Gazette how the gig came about. “One of our directors knows Paddy, and she was telling him of our work and fundraising and he very kindly offered to do the concert for us. And then, during the concert, we will have the Under 10s Irish club in Sallynoggin – which is a community group – and they’re going to do the songs with him. Foras na Gaeilge sponsored the Irish program,” she said. All the proceeds will go to the Children’s Hope’s projects and the event will be filmed and recorded with a view to potentially selling CDs of the event. Spokesperson for the charity, Paul Maguire, said that children in the program participate in such diverse activities as the Bookworm Club and the Young Scientist Exhibition. “What we’re trying to do is raise money so we can put together a program of events later in the year. The charity has
Paddy Casey is set to perform a one-and-a-half hour set for free in aid of a South Dublin charity
lost a lot of funding and is operating on a shoe string. The more we raise then the more projects we can commit to. We’re trying to give these kids an alternative. These kind of events gets their confidence up, and they can turn away from the violence and self destruction which some of them are engaging in.” The charity has just taken on the Prince’s Trust Franchise, and Maguire said that this was a big plus for the charity. The Prince’s Trust has been working in the UK for about 20 years and can bring a more structured module approach to things which can be implemented by Children’s Hope, he said. Among their most notable recent events,
was when they jointly organised the visit in April of Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko to Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Hall to help commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Yuri Gagarin’s first manned flight. He spoke to close to 100 school children about his space adventures, having spent six months onboard the International Space Station between April and September. Doors open for the Paddy Casey gig at 7.30pm. Tickets are €15 and can be booked via the Pavilion Theatre’s website at www.paviliontheatre. ie. For more information on the work done by the Children’s Hope charity, visit their website at www. childrens-hope.ie.
www.gazette group.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away
CHRISTMAS
Santa is coming
SANTA is landing in Dundrum this Christmas and Hamley’s Toy Shop are giving children the chance to have Breakfast with Santa each morning between Saturday, November 12 and Saturday, December 24. Children can enjoy a warm welcome each morning from Santa’s Elves, on hand to make their little visitors feel extra special as they entertain them throughout the unique experience. There will be Christmas activities for all the children and each little guest will have a chance to have a special chat with Santa himself. Everyone can make their very own wish list. They will receive a goody bag and march out to Hamley’s Christmas Post Box to send their wish list off to the North Pole. For more information call 01 2924901 or email dundrumparty@hamleys. co.uk. Visit: www.hamleys.com/santadublin
4 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 October 2011
EMPLOYMENT Live Register reveals positive results
A slight reduction in local unemployment Q NATALIE BURKE
news@gazettegroup.com
NEW figures released by the Central Statistics Office have revealed a significant fall in the number of people signing on the Live Register in Dun Laoghaire. But Fine Gael TD Mary Mitchell O’Connor said that, while the figures had exceeded the national trend, the number of people signing on was still “too high”. The figures show that,
between August and September of this year, the number of people signing on fell by 930. Low
The fall comes after a season of relatively low increases, bringing the total number of people signing on to 7,373 in September, which is down since August, when it totalled 8,303 Dun Laoghaire TD Mary Mitchell O’Connor (FG) said the figures represented
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‘The figures are, of course, still too high, and we must not be complacent. The Government is prioritising the creation of favourable conditions for employment’ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Dun Laoghaire TD
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an 11% reduction in unemployment in the locality. “The figures are, of course, still too high, and we must not be complacent.
“The Government is prioritising the creation of favourable conditions for employment. “For example, the Gov-
ernment’s plan to cut red tape for small and medium enterprises is already showing success, with the administrative burden on business cut by 22%.” The local TD also highlighted the recent announcement that the Government, through Enterprise Ireland, supported the establishment of 80 new high-potential, start-up companies which will create over 770 new jobs over the next three years. “JobBridge, the National
Internship Scheme, also provides interns and young graduates with work experience in small and medium enterprises. Rentention
“The retention and creation of jobs is the number one priority for this Government. “The fact that we are seeing results already is positive, but we must continue to focus on this issue as a matter of urgency,” she said.
ENTERPRISENEWS
Learn how to Create & Evaluate Business Ideas and to Spot Emerging Market Opportunities! ‘Idea Generation & Market Identification’ Workshop Wednesday November 9th, Stillorgan Park Hotel ANYONE who is planning on starting their own business or looking to pursue new opportunities for an existing business needs to be able to generate fresh business ideas and identify profitable openings in new markets. The Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Enterprise Board is hosting a morning workshop on this topic on Wednesday November 9th from 9am to 1pm at the Stillorgan Park Hotel.
ILAM
Centres celebrate award
Pictured at the site of the new SuperValu store in Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre is Geoff Barry, newly appointed manager and Eddie Kane of the Kane McCarthy Group, who is to have operational responsibility for the store
OPENING: SUPERVALU’S NEW SUPERMARKET
SuperValu creates 70 new local jobs Q DAWN LOVE
news@gazettegroup.com
The session will cover the following areas: • Create & Assess New Business Ideas • Identify & Evaluate New Market Opportunities for Your Business • Unlock Your Creativity for Commercial Gain • Practice Effective ‘Brainstorming The session will also feature a Questions & Answers session with the workshop facilitators and Entrepreneurial & Business Training Specialists, QED Training. Throughout the morning there will also be opportunity to network with fellow workshop participants. For further information and to book your place, visit www.dlrceb.ie/training. Contact (01) 494 8400 or info@dlrceb.ie
OVER 70 new jobs are to be created when SuperValu becomes the new supermarket anchor at Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre this December. The opening will form part of a €25million expansion programme announced earlier this year by the supermarket chain and its retail partners. “The builders moved in last Monday, and we plan to be open in lots of time for Christmas,” newly appointed Manager Geoff Barry told the Gazette.
“We have great plans for the store and shoppers will be able to take advantage of the fresh food, value for money and excellent customer service that is synonymous with SuperValu. We place a strong emphasis on supporting Irish suppliers and stocking Irish-made produce with 75% of all goods available in the store either produced or sourced in Ireland,” he said. The store will begin recruitment locally for the new jobs, and will be owned by the centre owners and operated with the support
of SuperValu and Eddie McCarthy of the Kane McCar thy group of Supervalu stores. Commenting on the opening, Martin Kelleher, managing director of SuperValu said: “We are delighted to have secured this site in Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre. It is a great opportunity for SuperValu to bring its unique offering to this highprofile location. Recent market research in the area showed that 80% of people surveyed would use SuperValu for their main weekly shop and we are really looking forward to becoming part of
their weekly routine and the Dun Laoghaire community. Obviously, it is also fantastic news that the store will create 70 new jobs in the area.” According to the supermarket chain, its total purchases of Irish goods and services in 2010 was worth €1.6bn to the Irish economy. The announcement by SuperValu has been welcomed by local politicians, including Independent Councillor Victor Boyhan, who said: “It’s good news for the town, its good news for jobs and for the shopping centre who were missing a major tenant.”
A NUMBER of South Dublin leisure centres were celebrating this week, after being awarded the ILAM White Flag Award for 2011. Glenalbyn, Loughlinstown, Meadowbrook and Monkstown, were recently awarded the ILAM White Flag Award for 2011. Meadowbrook was also awarded the White Flag of Excellence, a new award which reflects the centre meeting a higher standard of excellence. Since it was launched in 2001, the ILAM White Flag Award has become the quality mark that all leisure facilities strive to achieve. It highlights the Leisure Centres’ commitment to achieving the highest standards of quality in the Leisure Industry. Delighted with the announcement, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Leisure Services (dlrls) CEO Tom Mowlds said: “I am especially proud of the standard and awards our centres achieve when audited by external organisations. The Audit covered all areas of the centre operations, and reflects the work centre managers and staff do. ” Meadowbrook, L o u g h l i n s t ow n a n d Monkstown were aw a r d e d D i s a b i l i t y Provision awards, with Meadowbrook and Monkstown reaching the Gold standard, and Loughlinstown receiving a Bronze award.
20 October 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 5
EVENT 2011 Puppet Festival brings workshops and performances READING
Meet the writers
Puppets return to the stage Q NATALIE BURKE
A SPECTACULAR display of shows and workshops will take place when the International Puppet Festival returns to Dun Laoghaire once again this week. The festival, which will also have events in Bray and the City Centre will kick off on Friday, October 21 and run until Sunday, October 30. Featuring 13 different puppet companies from across the globe, the festival will host adult shows and workshops, children’s events and free outdoor family fun for the duration of the event. Speaking
ahead of the 2011 festival, director Polly O’Loughlin said there will be plenty of activities to look forward to. “For the past 20 years, International Puppet Festival Ireland has brought the world’s finest puppeteers to the Irish stage and this year’s festival is certainly no exception. The 2011 programme features artists and performers from China, Russia, Bulgaria, Germany, Switzerland, the UK and a good sprinkling of Irish puppet companies, too,” she said. The popular Puppets in Libraries series will be held once again this year in libraries throughout Dublin, offering adults an opportunity to attend
a workshop in Shadow Puppet making, with renowned Hong Kong puppeteer, Wong Fai. Puppet performances will also take place in the Samuel Beckett Theatre in Trinity College, the Lambert Puppet Theatre in Dun Laoghaire and the Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray while free, outdoor, family fun will be held – weather permitting – in the People’s Park, Dun Laoghaire, the Mermaid Plaza, Bray, and in Tem-
ple Bar on Sunday, October 23. Meanwhile, the Festival Board has also announced their plans for an International Puppetry Exhibition to be held in the RDS in 2012 in memory of the late Eugene Lambert, Ireland’s most famous puppeteer and founder of the Lambert Puppet Theatre. Tickets for all events and venues can be booked on www.puppetfest.ie or on the festival booking line 01 272 4030.
IFPI November Day (Up) and IPFI Workshop.
WB YEATS and Maeve Binchy are just some of the writers set to be featured in an upcoming event, Meet the Writers. All Aboard the Dalkey Tram later this month. The event will take place in Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre on October 29 - 31 at 8pm. Selections from the writers’ work will be woven together by Tim the Dalkey Tram driver who allegedly knew all these w riters as he travelled back and forth from Dalkey to Dublin and all stops in between! M e a nw h i l e , we l l known live music selections, from John Dowland to Van Morrison, will feature through the live theatre performances and a duet of dancers from Damhsa Dance Company will complete the show. A d m i s s i o n : € 15 . Booking: at Dalkey Castle; info@dalkeycastle. com or tel 01 2858366.
6 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 October 2011
ARTS: SIBLINGS PAINT A PICTURE OF CREATIVITY
Striking an artistic pose: Oisin and one of his works MIRRORING the subject
matter in his striking large piece, The Czech Girl, Dun Laoghaire artist Oisin Roche took a moment to consider his, and other masterful works on show in the 157th annual exhibition by the Water Colour Society of Ireland. Currently on show to the public in the Concourse arts gallery at Dun Laoghaire County Hall, the vibrant and imaginative exhibition celebrates the works of a wide range of artists throughout the counry, and includes 288 paintings, etchings and drawings, on show until Saturday, October 22.
Artist sisters, Louise, Ester and Ailbhe Barrett
Sisters’ art exhibition a hit at gallery Q NATALIE BURKE dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com
THREE sisters with a passion and talent for art, have held their first solo Dublin exhibition at the Dun Laoghaire Art Gallery. Ailbhe, Ester and Louise Barrett, who originally hail from Limerick, have been displaying their equine, landscape and portrait paintings, as well as bronze sculpture pieces at the gallery, in Brian S Nolan’s on Upper Georges St, for the past two weeks, with their exhibition closing on Saturday, October 15. The sisters have been exhibiting their work fulltime for more than 10 years, with many shows in Limerick and the surrounding counties. However, according to landscape artist, Ailbhe, who spoke to The Gazette during the exhibition, this was to be their first solo venture to Dublin. “This is our first proper solo display as ‘the three sisters’, and we are really happy with how it is going.” With Ailbhe mostly
working on landscape paintings and etchings, Louise works with landscapes, portraits and animals. Meanwhile, Ester is a well-known equine painter, who also displayed bronze sculpture at the exhibition. A i l b h e s a i d : “ We chose Dun Laoghaire as our exhibition location because we knew it was a really nice area, and that it is an active town to display your work in. “Brian S Nolan’s is the perfect venue as well, because it’s small, really well-known and highlythought of in the area. We also loved the fact that it is an old family business too. “We didn’t really get a chance to advertise much locally, but people have been discovering us by chance, so it’s nice to have people dropping by, and we’ve been getting a great response from locals,” she said. The sisters will also be exhibiting their work in the RDS Art Show in November. Visit the Barrett’s online gallery at www.threesistersart.com
CULTURE: GREAT WINTER EVENTS REVEALED AT THE PAVILION
Theatre’s treats W I T H p l ay s , p i a n o recitals, ballets, live music, comedy, and a new pantomime take on an old childrens’ favourite, there really will be something for everyone this winter at Dun Laoghaire’s Pavilion Theatre. Amongst the highlights in November are a modern take on Hamlet – The Rehearsal, Playing the Dane – by Pan Pan Theatre, which won the Irish Times’ Theatre Awards title for Best Production in 2010. I n n ov a t i ve d a n c e styles will be explored in Boom Box, on Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12. The dancing theme will
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In addition to John Spillane’s performance, The Pavilion has many other treats to look forward to
be continued with Colin Dunne’s Out of Time, which explores the private world of the Irish step dancer. The winter musical entertainment will include a piano recital
by Alexei Gorlatch; a performance by Meteor award-winning folksinger, John Spillane; songs from The Three Tenors, and a Christmas Abba extravaganza, featuring more than two hours
‘The winter musical entertainment will include a performance by Meteor award-winning folksinger, John Spillane’ --------------------------
of disco classics, performed by a live cast. The Irish National Youth Ballet Company will perform The Nutcracker Suite, and The Snow Queen in December.
Dun Laoghaire School of Music will perform a Christmas concert on Sunday, December 11, and ex-Eurovision winner Eimear Quinn’s O Holy Night show takes place later in the month. There will be laughs a-plenty in December, with performances from the Kings of Comedy, and Dave McSavage, and, to keep the kids happy in January, Arclight Theatre Company will present their version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears with a modern slant. For more details, visit the Pavilion Theatre’s website at www.paviliontheatre.ie
20 October 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 7
IT’S YOUR STORY The Fascinating heritage of a landmark
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‘People living or working in the Greater Dun Laoghaire area must be familiar with the non-stop efforts to help re-open the locallybased National Maritime Museum, housed in the historic Mariners Church – known locally as “The Mariners”. ‘As Ireland’s National Maritime Museum, its displays must cover the maritime story of Ireland as whole. This will be achieved, not only through exhibitions, but also with the help of video presentations.’ --------------------------------------------------------
Artist Peader Ward, discussing the recently installed stained glass windows that he created
‘The Mariners’ and its role in local history Q BREASAL O’CAOLLAI Organising secretary, The Maritime Museum
PEOPLE living or working in the Greater Dun Laoghaire area must be familiar with the nonstop efforts to help reopen the locally-based National Maritime Museum, housed in the historic Mariners Church – known locally as “the Mariners” – at Moran Park, directly up from the East Pier/Christ The King Statue, and also adjacent to Haigh Terrace. Coffee mornings, table quiz nights, wine-tasting evenings, concerts, flag days, children’s fun days and fashion shows have all been the order of the day over the past few years in raising funds for the purchase and devel-
opment of this volunteeroperated potential local attraction. From the museum’s title, people could be forgiven for holding the mistaken opinion that it is fully funded from central or local government. True, the Government grant-aided the restoration of the building, to the tune of almost €4 million, but that was mainly spent on the fabric of the historic building. Indeed, the involvement of the Government’s Office of Public Works proved invaluable in restoring the building to its former glory. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council funded a London-based expert on museum development to ensure the finished product is to the
very highest international standards. However, all the costs of getting the museum and visitor centre up and running must still be raised by voluntary local subscriptions and fundraising activities. The museum’s greatest artefact is probably the building itself. Dating back to 1837, it was built mainly to serve the needs of people using the then largest man-made harbour in the world. The church ceased being a place of worship in 1971, when it was amalgamated with the local Christ Church to form what is now the Christ Church with Mariners on Park Road, beside the Peoples’ Park. T he old Mariners Church building was first
leased to the Maritime Institute of Ireland in 1974, for use as a museum, and this continued up to about four years ago, when the same institute purchased the freehold of the building from the Church of Ireland.
RMS Leinster The mechanical artefacts exhibition is now in place within the building, and includes the story of the RMS Leinster – the mail boat which was sunk off Dun Laoghaire during the World War One, with the loss of over 500 lives. Work is now commencing on additional exhibitions, including marine life; an art exhibition; a Titanic exhibition, with its centenary taking place next year, and a Marconi radio room.
There will also be a floral display in the grounds, including plants, flowers and trees native to the coasts of our island. As Ireland’s National Maritime Museum, the displays must cover the maritime story of Ireland as whole. This will be achieved not only through exhibitions, but also with the help of video presentations. The plans include features on Admiral Brown, the Mayo man who founded the Argentine Navy; John Barry, the Wexford man who was the first commander of the US navy, and Clare man, John Holland, who discovered the submarine. There will also be video presentations on the history of the building itself, on the contents
of the museum, and other short interesting items. It is envisaged that sponsorship for the video presentations will be attractive to advertisers wishing to promote their products. Also included will be a coffee shop visitor centre, including a souvenir shop. There will be promotional literature available from all parts of the country, advising where to visit and holiday around our coasts and, indeed, in our inland waterways. The objective is to get visitors to the museum from all parts of Ireland, including the large population of the Dublin region. The National Maritime Museum experience will also include the local “Maritime Quarter”, with
museum guides able to direct visitors to all other marine-based attractions in the area, such as the East and West Piers, the Joyce Tower, local marine walks, local retail shopping, and the Dalkey Heritage Centre. The Museum welcomes queries from groups who wish to take a preview of the building interior between now and early March, when the official opening will take place. All interested in visiting, or in giving a hand either as a guide or in raising funds through coffee mornings etc, or in taking advertising on the video and sponsorship, are very welcome to contact me at 086 074 5402, or at 01 230 2311, or by emailing costellojewellers@eircom.net.
8 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 October 2011
EVENT Senator David Norris takes his campaign to be
Locals are delighted to meet candidate RESIDENT candidate David Norris arrived in Dun Laoghaire resplendent in a handsome Armani coat which he proudly declared he purchased on a visit to Bray, from the Multiple Sclerosis Charity Shop, for the princely sum of â‚Ź50. He made his way along the promenade, happily meeting locals along the way, who were delighted to shake his hand and wish him well in his campaign. David then made his way up to the Peoples Park where the weekly farmers market was in full swing.
P
David Norris supporters were in an upbeat mood. Pictures: Geraldine Woods
Nuala Carl meets the Senator
Emer O’Sullivan meets David
Time out for a cool treat
David talks to Nadia Jones, from Loreto Abbey Dalkey, who did a project on him in school
David meets a group of medical students from Dalkey
Peter and Sarah Brady meet David
20 October 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 9
the next president of Ireland to Dun Laoghaire
Supporters Claire Quigley and Paul Kelliher
Telma and John O’Sullivan
David meets a family from Poland
10 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 October 2011
HEALTH Change your approach to fitness
Get yourself empowered with a healthier fitter lifestyle
W
Bernard’s back on track: Adapting to life away from the ring
SPORT PAGE 29
Team members at the gym will help you with guidelines to healthier eating habits
Q CORMAC CURTIS
OVER the years, I have been a member of no less than eight fitness clubs or gyms. Like everyone else, I get to a point where I know my diet and lifestyle choices are poor at best, and I’m taking my health for granted. So, I meet a trainer, get assessed, and go headlong into a training regime that, I must admit, I really enjoy for a month or so. It’s immensely satisfying to see those early signs of changes to the body; when your muscle tone develops, your clothes begin to loosen up and your energy levels begin to take off in a big way. But, it’s at this point, I begin to plateau. My previously boundless enthusiasm seems to wane, and I become completely disheartened. It doesn’t make any sense. I reach the point where I can do all the exercises the trainer taught me more easily than ever, but my body has stopped its transformation towards the Adonis-like physique that was promised in the brochure. I was pleasantly surprised over the summer when I tried a programme at energie fitness in Swords called Empower. What I liked about the Empower programme is that it didn’t involve a trainer attempting to psyche me up to become a full-time fitness freak. Instead, you are given a six-week plan that involves the key elements to a healthier and
fitter lifestyle. By t a l k i n g a b o u t general guidelines to healthier eating habits with one of the team members at the gym, it is made clear that a fullon restrictive diet is neither the best or healthiest way to lose weight. --------------------------
‘Instead of just following the same old routine week in, week out, I was taught how to develop my routine to get the most out of it. The encouragement from a variety of trainers at energie was invaluable’ --------------------------
By answering some simple questions, and keeping an accurate food diary for a week, I was encouraged to change my habits and really get the best out of a fitness plan, and, ultimately, it gave me the energy I needed to start reaching my goals. T here’s no getting around the fact that the first workout is always a tough one – and the energie instructor didn’t hold back. The key to the workouts here is intensity. It was explained to me that by varying the types of exercise, and concentrating on the intensity of them, I would get the
best results, and in a fraction of the time I traditionally spent at the gym. Instead of just following the same old routine week in, week out, I was taught how to develop my routine to get the most out of it. The encouragement from a variety of trainers at energie was invaluable. At each visit during the empower programme, you discuss how you are getting with each aspect of your routine, and you are given sound, practical advice on how to move forward. Once you get into the swing of things, and when you are ready to move on, you get another assessment before bringing your training up a gear. There is also what they call the Workout Mindset seminar. This element of the programme is about engaging your mind by increasing your awareness of attitudes and behaviours and ensuring that you have a positive frame of mind that will help you achieve the results you are after. If this sounds like nonsense to you, just consider that some the greatest athletes in the world rely heavily on mental and psycho logical training just as much as their physical workouts. All in all, the Empower programme is something that changed my approach to fitness, and it continues to provide me with the tools I need to reach my fitness goals. Visit www.energiefitness.ie for full details.
20 October 2011 GAZETTE 11
FESTIVE Tesco launches a choice selection of treats
Q STAFF REPORTER
THIS Christmas Tesco have everything on hand to take the hassle out of your family Christmas dinner or festive party celebrations, with an extensive range of food and drink in-store to suit every taste, and pocket. From festive fizz and canapes, to traditional Christmas favourites and meal accompaniments, Tesco has something to make this Christmas one to remember. Party Favourites/ Sophisticated Starters
No festive party is complete without the addition of some chic canapes to set the tone for the evening. Why not add a touch of class with some Tesco Finest canapes… the taste without the luxury price tag!
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‘From festive fizz and canapes, to traditional Christmas favourites’ --------------------------
joint with honey and wholegrain mustard. For those looking for a different choice for the dinner table this Christmas, try Tesco’s Finest* Rib Roast Beef with Mixed Peppercorn Crumb or the Tesco Finest* Leg of Lamb. Every accompaniment to finish off Christmas dinner from Finest* Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts to Tesco’s Carrot and Parsnip Selection and Carrots all of which are Irish grown, are available this year.
Christmas Dinner
The main event of the day is sure to be a hassle-free show-stopper with the selection of traditional meats and alternatives on sale this year. Traditionalists will love the selection of fresh Irish turkeys and turkey crowns, which will be in stores from December. Look out for some real dinner table treats, such as the Tesco Finest Bronze Turkey and the Tesco Fresh Turkey Joint with Orange and Cranberry Stuffing Wrapped in Parma Ham from Grove Farm in Monaghan. Accompany the turkey with a choice of ham joints from Hilton Foods, Drogheda, such as smoked ham on the bone, dry cured loin ham joint with brown sugar, pear and bay leaf or dry cured premium ham
Delicious Desserts
There is also an extensive range of range of puddings, cakes and desserts, perfect for families and friends. For the traditional ending to Christmas dinner, try Tesco’s Finest* Christmas Pudding with Courvosier VS Cognac (908g) or Tesco Finest*’s Christmas Pudding (454g). For a dessert with a light European flavour, finish with Tesco Finest* Pannetone Pudding (227g). T h e e ve r- p o p u l a r mince pies are another family favourite, treat everyone with Tesco Finest* Deep Filled Mince Pies with Courvosier VS Cognac or Tesco Finest* 12 Mini Mince Pies with Courvosier VS Cognac, for a little bit of what you fancy!
Post Dinner treats
For those who still have room left after such an amazing feast, their is also an array of post-dinner delights to enjoy. Why not finish Christmas dinner with a choice of exquisite Irish farmhouse cheeses from suppliers across the country, including Cashel Irish Cheese Selection, the Old Irish Creamery, Carrigaline Farmhouse Cheese Gift Box selection, Ardsallagh Cranberry Roulade, Horgan’s Value Selection or Horgan’s Executive Selection. Tesco’s Finest* Irish Farmhouse Cheese Selection, will also impress family and friends.
Tesco launched their Christmas range of foods and fashion last week, Heather is pictured at the event, wearing a dress from the autumn/winter fashion range Festive Tipples
No Christmas would be complete without a touch of fizz, and, this year, no matter what your budget, there is something to suit all pockets. Tesco Finest* Premier Cru Champagne NV 75cl is the perfect addition to any party. For those looking for a
nice wine to accompany Christmas dinner, the Tesco Finest* Duorois, a medium-bodied red would go well with meat main dishes such as turkey and beef. There is also Tesco Finest* Picpoul de Pinet, a crisp French white from the Languedoc which partners fish start-
ers perfectly. So, whether you are looking for a stress free Christmas dinner with all the trimmings or a Christmas Party with all the festive accompaniments get down to your local Tesco store for an exciting range of treats, mains, desserts and nibbles for all the family.
Giving the X3 the M Factor: This is a powerful, 3.0 litre M Sport performance version of the machine, with all the style, safety and luxury features thrown in
W
Make your Christmas a tasty and stylish one
MOTORING PAGE 19
12 GAZETTE 20 October 2011
SPORT: STAR PLAYER, ONLINE GAME
Time to give us predictions MIMI MURRAY news@gazettegroup.com
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HEINEKEN Star Player is back for another round of matches. Star Player is a world-first innovation online game that lets fans interact with realtime football matches on Heineken.ie while they watch UEFA Champions League matches on television. Star Player is transforming how fans watch the UEFA Champions League by allowing them to anticipate events unfolding on the pitch. By making second-bysecond predictions in realtime, UEFA Champions League fans build points by predicting goals, corner kicks and
free kicks. Using unique timedependent technology, with every correct forecast, fans gain points. Through the Interactive Champions League, fans can also compete and share Star player results with their friends via Facebook and with other players around the world. Irish fans will have a weekly chance to win a VIP trip to a UEFA Champions League match by topping the Star Player Irish league table. Soccer fans can log on to Heineken.ie and register for their chance to win. Each week the runnerup in the Star Player Irish league table will win a Heineken Fusball table.
This is the eighth consecutive year that Heineken, the world’s most international beer brand, has sponsored the prestigious UCL. Walter Drenth, marketing director at Heineken Ireland, said: “Star Player will really change the way in which Irish football fans interact with the UEFA Champions League; it has created a more social, ‘play and watch’ experience during matches. The appetite for UCL in Ireland continues to be huge and, with the introduction of Star Player, Heineken brings fans another truly premium, innovative experience.” The Heineken Star Player is available to play on Heineken.ie.
GASTRONOMY Food experiences in Ireland
Celebrity Maitre‘D, John Healy at Ivan’s Oyster Bar and Grill in Howth
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CELEBRITY Maitre‘D, John Healy was at Ivan’s Oyster Bar and Grill in Howth last week to demonstrate that there is no need to “make a meal” out of sourcing the best quality food experiences in Ireland, simply log onto www.discoverireland.ie/food. The website is a virtual haven for foodies and is a one-stop-shop for information on food festivals, food trails, cookery schools, farmer’s markets, food attractions, eating out and even Foodie TV. John is very familiar with demanding critics, having worked front of house in the food industry for the last 20 years, and is happy to give the website its own five-star rating! Commenting about what Ireland has to offer foodies throughout the country, John said:
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‘It’s a virtual haven for foodies and is a one-stop-shop for information’ --------------------------
“The Irish Food industry is currently thriving and it appears that the country’s palette has collectively woken up to the amazing range of foodie experiences available to both connoisseurs and novices alike. Ireland can compare very favourably with our European neighbours and anyone can try their hand at an afternoon in a cookery schools, uncover some hidden gems on a tasty food trail or meet the makers of some of the top artisan food. I want to encourage people to get out there and discover exactly what Ireland has to offer!” An example of some of the gastronomic high-
lights that are coming up this autumn include Savour Kilkenny Food Festival, which takes place over the October Bank Holiday Weekend and features a bustling open-air market against the spectacular backdrop of Kilkenny Castle; Slow Foods Ireland’s Wild & Slow Festival will take place in a winter fest style market at Macreddin Village, Co. Wicklow on November 19-20, and the Listowel Food Fair, which runs from the November 3-6 and showcases everything from cheese making to baking and beer tasting to beekeeping. If you would like to get some inspirational ideas on eating out, or find out where to go for the best markets to stock up on some home-made artisan goodies, or if you are simply interested in experiencing some of Ireland’s fantastic food festivals and events, check out www.discoverireland.ie/ food
20 October 2011 GAZETTE 13
GazetteNUTRITION NUTRITION Foods that will help you win! LEILA JOHARI
ON MONDAY, October 31, the Dublin City Marathon will take place. For those of you taking part this is the day that you have been working towards for weeks, even months, so the last thing you want to do is to miss out on that gold medal due to poor nutrition! In addition to physical training you need a nutritional plan to ensure you are meeting your body’s increased nutrient requirements to optimise your performance in competition. Needs of runners
Carbohydrates are the most important nutrient. Some marathon runners practise “carbohydrate loading”, an approach that maximises stores of glycogen, which is the first fuel to be used during intense exercise. To achieve this, you limit your intake of carbohydrates for a couple of weeks before the event. The initial reduction in carbohydrates makes the body extremely sensitive to them when they enter the body, allowing glycogen stores to be replenished. When competing for over 90 minutes normal glycogen stores will not be enough to maintain exercise so the goal of carbohydrate loading is to superload muscles with glycogen to delay fatigue and enable you to exercise for longer. It is best to eat a variety of food from each of the four major food groups each day so that you get a
good supply of the nutrients a marathon runner needs. These nutrients include carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, calcium and zinc.
drinks have similar benefits. Marathon runners should choose isotonic sports drinks as these quickly replace fluids lost by sweating and supply carbohydrates. Examples include Lucozade Sport.
Before the event
After the event
Exercising on a full stomach is not ideal. Food takes about 1-4 hours to fully digest, depending on how much you have eaten. On the day of the event it is best to eat a light breakfast, such as a cereal or toast and fruit juice. Drink water in small amounts after breakfast at regular intervals so that you start the race fully hydrated. You may also consider a liquid meal if you find it hard to eat solid meals before a competition as they are quickly emptied from the stomach. Fibre should be avoided precompetition as they can result in stomach upsets. Choose lower-fibre foods such as cornflakes, white bread and soft fruits with no skin.
Following the event, it is vital to ensure fast recovery. It is essential to replace lost fluids and replace sodium losses to ensure maximum fluid retention. You need to drink 1.5 times the amount of body weight you have lost from sweat and urination. Even if you are celebrating try to avoid drinks containing caffeine and alcohol after competing! A large, carbohydrate meal should be eaten within two hours of the finish. It should consist of high GI foods. Bananas and dried fruit are good immediately following a marathon. A main meal might consist of bread, pasta, potatoes and rice. It is also an opportunity for you to enjoy foods that you would usually avoid such cakes and sweets. Don’t go too crazy though! Combining protein and carbohydrate will enhance your recovery. Athletes who refuel with carbohydrate and protein have 100% greater muscle glycogen stores than those who ate only carbohydrates so try to include a good source of protein such as chicken or eggs. Remember that your nutritional plan is part of your first-place formula and will help ensure you bring home the gold!
Sheena Crotty, from Lucan, celebrates completing the Lifestyle Sports - adidas Dublin Marathon 2010
During the event
During the marathon you must prevent dehydration, prevent depletion of glycogen/energy stores, maintain blood glucose levels and electrolyte balance. Examples of suitable foods that can be consumed during the event include bananas and sports bars. Sports bars boost carbohydrate levels, help improve endurance levels, help maintain blood sugar levels and provide a sustained release of energy. Sports
14 GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: WHETHER CATS, BATS OR RATS, SOME PEOPLE COLLECT TOO MANY ANIMALS
Horror animal hoarding signs to look out for Although it’s commonplace for many animal lovers to care for two or more pets, some people can accumulate far too many animals to properly tend to their needs, unintentionally creating a menagerie of ill, diseased and distressed creatures
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THE other night, whilst trawling through T V channels, I came across a programme dealing with compulsive hoarding. Now, it’s my understanding that “hoarding” is the acquisition of possessions – which a person fails to use or discard – and which are in excess of what would be deemed “normal” amounts. It‘s a serious, debilitating disorder for the sufferer. However, when the hoarding compulsion involves animals, then it‘s a very real concern – the effects of which are a mental health, animal health and public safety issue. At the DSPCA, we investigate and deal with incidents of animal hoarding. Here are just some of the markers that would give us cause for concern – more than the usual number of companion pets; an inability to provide even the minimum standards of nutrition, shelter, veterinary care and sanitary conditions for the animals, and a denial of this inability, and the impact that it has on the animals and the home environment for both them and the human occupants of the home. So, why hoard animals? From what I’ve studied, some research points toward a number of obsessive-compulsive disorders. Newer studies lead toward attachment disorders, in conjunction with personality disor-
ders, paranoia, delusional thinking, depression and other mental illnesses. For example, some animal hoarders began collecting following a traumatic loss or event; then again, others see themselves as “rescuers” Very often, hoarders appear to be intelligent people, believing they’re helping animals. Many even possess the ability to garner sympathy, and can even deceive others into thinking their situation is under control. They become ignorant to the fact they’re not helping the animals, but are inflicting extreme suffering upon them. How do you spot a hoarder? Animal hoarders range in age and gender. The elderly tend to be more at risk, and this is possibly due to their own deteriorating health, and isolation either from family, community or social groups. One common denominator between them is the lack of understanding of the pain and suffering they are inflicting upon the animals. They have many animals, and may not even know the total number in their care. Their homes are in a state of deterioration, (broken furniture, in need of repair, lots of clutter). A strong smell of ammonia is present, and floors may be covered in animal poo, urine, vomit, etc. Animals in their care are emaciated, poorly
groomed, and not properly socialised. Vermin are present. The person is isolated and has neglected themselves. Despite the signs of distress, the individual insists all is well, and the animals are well cared for. Do hoarders ever pass themselves off as rescue shelters? Unfortunately, sometimes they can set themselves up as “rescue” facilities, and may appear to be sensible individuals. They convey their love for those animals that have special needs. Lately, the internet has become a tool for such solicitation. How do you know if it’s a hoarder or a rescue shelter? The hoarder is unwilling to allow visitors to see the location where animals are kept. (The rescue shelter will have no such problem.) The hoarder will not disclose the number of animals in its care. (The rescue shelter will be able to provide facts and sta-
tistics.) Little or no effort is made by the hoarder to adopt animals out. (Rescue shelters actively seek to re-home animals in their care.) Legitimate rescue shelters are viewed as “the enemy” by hoarders. Animals may be picked up or handed over at a remote location, such as at a car park, field or street corner, rather than at the hoarder’s facilities. The legitimate rescue shelter will have a headquarters. Please bear in mind that not everyone who has multiple animals is a hoarder. An individual may have many animals, have them spayed/neutered, and provide them with regular veterinary care, a correct diet, proper living conditions and a sanitary environment. Such a person would not be considered a hoarder. For more info log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie
All these cats – and many more – were found swarming one small apartment in an extreme hoarding case
20 October 2011 GAZETTE 15
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY
Edited by Dawn Love
Transform your life, transform you hair JOHN Frieda is giving 15 Irish women the chance to commemorate a transformation in their life. On November 8, top stylist and Dublin native, Jake Davis, will travel to Dublin to host the John Frieda Transformation Day. From the 15 finalists, there will be one overall winner, who will travel to the John Frieda Salon in London for the ultimate hair transformation. Friends and family of the finalists will have a chance to vote on their makeovers, as the campaign will roll out on John Frieda Ireland facebook page from December until February 2012. Facebook votes will go towards the overall winner’s selection by a panel of judges from John Frieda and selected beauty media. John Frieda Transformation is a campaign to celebrate the achievements of women’s lives – how they have transformed the way they live, work or love. To enter women have to send the story of their life trans-
formation to John Frieda. From these stories, 15 finalists will be selected to attend the Dublin Transformation Day. The closing date for sending transformation stories to transformation@johnfrieda.ie is Wednesday, October 26, 2011. Stories must be based on one of the following three categories: 1) Business and Work Transformations Stories showing examples of entrepreneurial business ideas or opportunities seized to overcome financial difficulty or job loss, retraining or returning to study to transform your career. 2) Health Transformations Stories based on triumphs over personal ill health or caring for someone with ill health. 3) Life Transformations Stories based on a life event – from matters of the heart, helping a charity, lifestyle changes, inspirational encounters with groups or individuals – that have turned your life around for the better .
Transformation stories should be no longer than 300 words, and should include a recent portrait (head and shoulders only) emailable picture in jpeg format. Entrants must be available to attend the John Frieda Transformation Day on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, in Dublin. 80th Anniversary of Sudocrem It’s one of Ireland’s bestloved products, and this year, Sudocrem will celebrate its 80th anniversary. Developed as an antiseptic healing cream, it has been the first choice for generations of mums and healthcare professionals in its native Ireland and internationally since its formulation in 1931. Dublin pharmacist Thomas Smith’s Sudocrem fast became popular with Irish midwives and mothers for treating
nappy rash, becoming the market leader for soothing, healing and protecting the skin of babies’ sensitive bottoms. Clinically proven in this category, Sudocrem leads the market in over 30 countries all over the world. Sweetly scented with lavender, with a soft texture, the nostalgia inducing white cream has a water-repellent base which forms a protective barrier. Hypoallergenic lanolin provides its emollient effect and Peru Balsam its healing properties. And for 80 years, Thomas Smith’s original formulation has remained unchanged. Sudocrem is available from independent pharmacies, major pharmacy chains, supermarkets and selected children’s department stores nationwide.
John Frieda is giving 15 Irish women the chance to commemorate a transformation in their life
A comforted complexion THE changing seasons can play havoc with your complexion. Loved by celebrities, VOYA’s Maskerade is an intensely moisturising face mask with the hydrating power of hand harvested seaweed, Maskerade will rescue and replenish skin. Prepare your skin for winter by treating it to a hydrating and antioxidant-rich Maskerade face mask. Take 10 minutes to sit back and relax while VOYA’s Maskerade Mask sooths and repairs your skin. Price: €35.00 VOYA products can be purchased online at www.voya.ie. For stockist information, call VOYA on 071 9168956 & sales@ voya.ie.
16 GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes High-flying Noel back on unclipped wings RECORD REVIEW: THE TALENT BEHIND OASIS RETURNS
TO THE abject horror of many, news emerges that the divisive figure of Skrillex is to work with the remaining members of The Doors to produce a new track as part of RE:Generation, a new movie project that teams up unexpected artists to create fresh collaborations. Ray Manzarek, John Densmore and Robbie Kreiger were teamed with the dubstep producer on a new track that is “hot as hell”, according to Manzarek. Other collaborations include rappers Nas and DJ Premier with the Berlklee College of Music Orchestra and the Crystal Method with Martha Reeves. Rock legend and officially the nicest bloke in the universe, Dave Grohl, added to his hero status last week when he stepped in to drum for Cage The Elephant when their regular drummer, Jared Champion, fell sick during the Foo Fighters’ US tour. Grohl approached Elephant’s management when he heard Champion had been admitted for surgery after suffering a burst appendix.
A bullet dodged or opportunity missed? Noel Gallagher last week revealed that he was approached, more than once, by Simon Cowell to take a place on the UK judging panel of this season’s X Factor. Noel turned the offer down, and the place was taken by Take That’s Gary Barlow. How Noel would have fared is undertain, but the man who once called Coldplay “music for bedwetters” would surely be well able to skewer the raging egos of some of this year’s contestants. Laughing Leonard Cohen, the buddhist monk of rock and roll, is to release a new record in 2012. He is currently in the studio with son, Adam, on a new body of work, which would be his first new set of songs since 2007’s Dear Heather. Earlier this year, Leonard Cohen was awarded Spain’s esteemed Prince Of Asturias Award for literature, joining previous winners of the prestigious prize such as the playwright Arthur Miller and naturalist Sir David Attenborough.
Leonard Cohen: Make em laugh...
Q ROB HEIGH
JUST after the fruit and guitars started flying in Paris, music lovers everywhere breathed a sigh of relief when Noel Gallagher called it a day on his career in Oasis. This act of humanitarian euthanasia brought to an end what had been a horrible period for all involved, most of all the fans who had watched as the fetid corpse of a formerly legendary band lumbered around the world for a decade. They had, at last, been put all of us out of their misery. Having seen Oasis at their peak at Earl’s Cour t in London in 1995, everything that came after was a massive disappointment. Had they imploded then, that would have been a fitting end and would have cemented them as one of the best bands of a generation. Unfortunately, they kept going on a cycle of ever-diminishing returns, dialling in facsimilies of former glories, ending with a fiasco at Slane, where the effort of even being
there at all seemed too much, and then the final nail in the coffin came at Rock En Seine in 2009. Liam insisted on keeping the horror show on the road, inflicting the Sixties’ zombie of Beady Eye on a public who ought to have known better, and now, after shying away from the limelight, Noel has returned to the fray with his first outing on record as Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds. The question being... is it any good? I’m pleased to report that being out of the knuckle-dragging shadow of Oasis’ legacy has loosened Noel up somewhat, and the record features easily the best set of songs he has been responsible for in many, many years. Albeit featuring several songs written, and even two previously recorded but not released, for Oasis, the record is a stroll through the styles that have made Gallagher a folk hero throughout his career. There is the classic Britpop sensibilities of the opener, Every-
Competition time: Win tickets to see Brendan Grace Comedian Brendan Grace is bringing his comedy stylings to the Clarion Hotel Liffey Valley, and we have four pairs of tickets to give away. “The greatest family comedian of our generation” presents a show to celebrate 39 years in the business. To win one of the sets of tickets, simply answer the following question: What was the name of the drum and bass-loving priest Brendan played in Father Ted? Send your answer to competition@ gazettegroup.com, with the subject line “Grace”, before Friday, October 28.
Noel Gallgher back with familiar but welcome set of songs
body’s On The Run, the understated guitar of If I Had A Gun, and, for me the best moment on the record, the Chemical Brothers-esque What A Life, that recalls his contribution to the Chemicals’ classic album, Surrender, the perennial, Let Forever Be. Being Noel Gallagher, the record is wholly familiar, like a pair of old slippers, but so comfortably fresh that
the hints of new directions make you salivating to hear more from the young codger. Although even that will not be far off, as early next year will see the release of an album with Amorphous Androgynous, the techno-ambient pioneers formerly known as the Future Sound Of London - expect a psychf lavoured wig-out of some epic proportions.
For the moment, however, just settle back and enjoy one of the best songwriters of the past 20 years enjoying the freedom to be himself. You are getting exactly what it says on the tin - Noel and a set of songs that aim high and fly on their classic melodies and arrangements — but rather this tin than the tin-eared tedium of the other Gallagher’s gallumphers.
20 October 2011 GAZETTE 17
THEATRE A hilarious take on the top talk show host
Springer is not for the faint-hearted Q LAURA WEBB
THE TV show is known for its controversial guests and funny antics, so what better dialogue to get inspiration for a hilarious and contentious opera than the Jerry Springer show and it’s coming to Dublin with an all-Irish cast. He was one of the most talked about talk show hosts of this generation and, when it was transformed into an opera, that buzz was reignited when Jerry Springer the Opera took London’s West End by storm with over 600 performances. Not for the faint-hearted, the show has everything you would expect from the show itself, including men in diapers, tap-dancing Klu Klux Klan members, and all in
front of a wild audience. The Irish production of Jerry Springer the Opera is the first all-Irish production and cast at the Grand Canal Theatre. Dubliner Derek Collins, who plays a Klu Klux Klan member in the first act and Adam (Adam and Eve) in the second act, says the show is brilliantly funny. “One of my characters is a redneck hillbilly and I will have a big, bushy beard by then. I haven’t shaved in about six weeks,” he laughed. Shocking
“It will be great fun. He is not a very nice character, but he gets his just desserts – it has all of the shocking aspects of the show, and it really isn’t for the soft-hearted. It is recommended for mature audiences only,
there is extremely coarse language. But if we don’t offend you, we are doing something wrong. It is the funniest show I have ever been involved in,” Derek said. “When I heard about the show, I just wanted to get in there and get an audition. There are so many reasons why you would want to do it – it’s Jerry Springer,” he joked. “I worked with John Donnelly before. He is a landmark director in Ireland – this is the first 100% Irish show that is going to be in the Grand Canal Theatre, which is hard to believe. “It is very exciting, it’s my first opera and it’s on at the Grand Canal Theatre. It’s one hell of a show. We are doing the show on a big scale. We have got an epic sound,
two musical directors, Dermot O’Callaghan and Kevin Walsh. The music is incredible.” Before the Jerry Springer Show, Derek was in Michael Collins the Musical, and nd has made variious appearancess on stage over hiss acting and sing-ing career. He iss delighted to be part of the show among cast members like Simon Delaney, playing Jerr y Springer, and Eoin Canno. The cast also includes Joe Walsh Walsh, Emma Wigglesworth, Anthony Blake, Helene Hutchinson, Jean Wallace and a chorus of over 60 singers and dancers. “Apart from Simon, the
The Irish production of Jerry Springer the Opera is the Th firs first all- Irish production and cast at the Grand Canal The Theatre which includes Dubliner Derek Collins (left)
majority of the leads are split roles, we all have at least two roles to play. There is an incredibly diverse amount of material there for the audience,” he said.
The opening night of T Jerry Springer the Opera Jerr takes place Halloween tak night, October 31 and audiences can come in fancy dress. It runs from October 31 until November 5, with tickets priced €17.50, which can be
purchased through Ticketmaster. Log onto www. grandcanaltheatre.ie for further information. This show is recommended for mature audiences due to extremely coarse language and adult situations.
18 GAZETTE 20 October 2011
20 October 2011 GAZETTE 19
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs
FAMILIES CAN PARK AND CHARGE AT CLERYS:
Putting the M in X3 MICHAEL MORONEY took the powerful 3.0-litre M Sport Sport version version 3.0 litre M of the BMW X3 for a run in recent weeks – the exhilaration was palpable behind the wheel. Simply put, this is a performance machine with all of the safety and luxury features thrown in S THE extra power and money really worth it for the 3.0-litre M Sport version of the BMW X3, I asked myself after just one day behind the wheel of the powerful SUV? By the end of a few days driving the battle between my heart and my head remained unresolved. I enjoyed the drive, loved the power but would I feel that strongly to spend the extra money that this car commands? The M Sport styling from BMW is obviously distinctive. To a motorhead everything about this X3 is special, from the stronger, more powerful, look to the bigger wheels and tyres. The styling on its own might have been strong enough to convince
I
SPECS: BMW X3 M SPORT Top speed: 230 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 6.2 secs Economy: 16.6km/litre (6.0l/100km) CO2 emissions: 159g/km Road Tax Band: D (€447) Price: €61,480
me but some of my passengers were not as much in awe. I was impressed with the engine sound and performance; they looked at the creature fittings, and the road comfort, and were not as impressed. This X3 M Sport BMW is very powerful with its six cylin-
der 3.0-litre twin turbo-charged diesel engine under the bonnet. The engine has massive power at 258bhp to propel the car to 100km/hr in just six seconds. The diesel power torque is even more impressive at over 550Nm and that’s where the 6.2 seconds for a 0 to 100km/hr pace comes from. I wondered was there too much power on tap; there is limited application for such power, apart from over-taking acceleration at which I have to say, it excelled. But you’ll feel it when you get the chance to put the acceleration to the best. This is sports car performance in SUV clothing. It remains solid through the acceleration so you get the feeling of balance
in a modest size SUV that oozes with power and torque. This extra power means poorer economy, although relative to some of the bigger 4x4s the X3 3.0 M Sport figure is acceptable. The official economy figure is 16.6 km/litre (6.0l/100km or 47mpg) and that’s about 15% less economical than the entrylevel 2.0-litre version of the X3, which is rated with about 15% slower acceleration. In this sense the powerto-economy curve appears a straight line. Rising power and acceleration also means rising fuel usage. My test drive was a little less impressive in terms of economy as I returned an average figure of about 12km/ litre (8.5l/100km) on the car’s
computer. That was about 25% lower than the rated figure and I didn’t expect much more as I was driving across a range of road conditions. It was more noticeable as I refilled the 67-litre capacity tank and I soon realised that that 900km range on a full tank was going to be outside my reach. M Sport X3 was only marginally less economical than the entry-model, 2.0-litre turbodiesel version. The economy is helped by a stop/start system and brake energy regeneration. So, even with its massive power and impressive acceleration, and the €145 difference in annual road tax, it won’t cost you a whole more to run!
Drivers believe in dog restraints MORE than 60% of drivers believe it should be compulsory to restrain dogs in cars when driving. That’s the result of a new British poll on an issue that supports passenger and dog safety in cars. The poll was carried out by GEM Motoring Assist to find out driver’s views on dogs wearing seat belts/harnesses in cars, after the issue became a hot topic over the summer. Ex -Eastenders actor Todd Carty appeared on TV campaign-
ing for a new law to be introduced to make dog seatbelts compulsory after he had a near tragic accident with his Labrador. While it has been proven that unnecessary accidents are caused by unrestrained animals in the car, the consequences in a crash can be severe. If a motorist is travelling at just 50km/hr (30mph), in the case of impact, an unrestrained average sized dog weighing approximately 25kg (50lbs) would be projected
forward with a force equal to a baby elephant. The potential danger to both pets and passengers from driving with an unrestrained animal should not to be ignored and the company urges drivers to be aware of the consequences. Dog harnesses are available for dogs of all sizes. It is wise to consider the safety of the dog as well as the rest of the family when it comes to car safety.
Consider getting a dog harness to keep your dog safe during transport
ESB ecars now provides electric car charge points in Q-Park Clerys multistorey car park, in the heart of Dublin city centre. This will enable motorists to charge their car while they are shopping, dining or carrying out business in the city centre. The charge points are part of the ESB charging infrastructure network,which is being rolled out in retail parks, service stations as well as on-street and off-street car parks and in the homes of electric car motorists. Drivers can pre-book a designated electric car parking space online www.q-park.ie or call 01 8788957.
20 GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY LUCAN: NEW SHOWHOUSE ADDED TO RANGE OF HOMES ON OFFER
Offers galore at Adamstown Park
The Solace dining set from Belleek Living
CLASSIC HOMEWARES: FOR THE CHRISTMAS LIST
Belleek Living add style to interior design BELLEEK Living’s range of classy homewares has something for everyone, and here we have picked some of the top items from their range that might just appear on a Christmas list or two... Belleek’s Solace tableware is a distinctive square tableware design that will add a touch of style to any dining table. The 12-piece set includes 4 bowls, 4 dinner plates and 4 side plates and retails for €140. Designed to complement the Solace tableware is a 44-piece Solace cutlery set, for €99, comprising of six table forks, table knives, soup spoons, dessert forks, dessert knives, dessert spoons, teaspoons and two serving spoons Lighting has proven a highly popular recent addition to the Belleek Living Homeware and Christmas 2011 sees the introduction of a number of new lamp designs, including the Rose lamp and shade, which features a floral relief design on the ceramic base for €70, and the Eclipse lamp and shade for €75, which features a lined design which emerges from the bottom of the base. At 49 centimetres high, this lamp will create an impact in a living room or hallway. There is also the Elegance Frame and Lines Champagne Flutes gift set, a combination of an 8 x 10 Silver Elegance photo frame and a pair of Lines Champagne flutes for €140, The perfect gift for a special couple at Christmas The Belleek Living range is available from leading giftware and tableware retailers. For futher information, visit www.belleek.ie.
CASTLETHORN Homes have revealed their latest showhouse, a four-bedroom home at the Adamstown Park development in Lucan for the bargain price of £215,000. The development is a small cul-de-sac of just 16 four-bed houses, which are generously sized at over 1,550 sq ft and extend over three floors. To the front a featured wrought-iron gate leads through a landscaped front garden to an attractive hall door. The ground floor comprises a wellappointed kitchen with all appliances included, and a family room. The first floor is dominated by a spacious sit-
ting room with featured bay window. This floor also contains the main bedroom and en suite. The upper floor contains three further bedrooms and a large family bathroom. To the rear is a private garden and parking spaces. Competitively priced, the developers have also made buying easy by permitting no deposit to be paid until purchasers actually move in; very handy if you are currently renting, saving, or have a smaller house to sell. In addition, Castlethorn has reduced the prices of its remaining homes in Adamstown
One of the attractive kitchens at Adamstown Park
Castle and Adamstown Square. You can now buy a two-bedroom apartment from €135,000, a three-bedroom duplex home from €165,000, or a three-bedroom ground level duplex from
£185,000. All homes are designed to comply with Sustainable Energy Ireland’s House of Tomorrow in terms of their energy efficiency ratios. Viewing times are
daily from 10am to 5pm, and weekends from 3 to 5pm, and viewings can be arranged by contacting Martina Dillon at mdillon@leahyproperty. ie or by telephone on 01 601 1811.
CARRICKMINES: RANGE OF PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN DEVELOPMENT
All Manor of homes for sale in Carrick DOUGLAS Newman Good are bringing to the market a selection of two-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom duplexes and four-bedroom townhouses in Carrickmines Manor, on Glenamuck Road. T he proper ties on offer are in a highly sought after area that benefits from a multitude of amenities and facilities, sporting and leisure pursuits, numerous shopping centres and reknowned primary and secondary schools, as well as transpor t links to the city and beyond. T he proper ties on offer are at a range of price points, from €160,000 for the twobedroom apartments, from €257,500 for the three-bedroom duplexes and from €295,000 for the four-bedroom
townhouses. All of the units are built to a high standard and have a number of common features. The apartments have highgloss ivor y kitchens and there are cherrywood kitchens fitted in the duplexes, while both apartments and duplexes have black granite worktops and integrated appliances.
Fittings The townhouses feature fitted high-gloss units combined with frosted glass units, complemented by stylish brushed chrome handles and polished stone worktops. The bathrooms and en suites are all fitted with stylish white sanitary ware, with heated towel rails and extensive floor and wall tiling.
Heating in the properties range from energy-efficient electric storage heating in apartments, to natural gas-fired central heating in the houses and
duplexes. There is recessed lighting in the kitchens, bathrooms and ensuites, while the properties also come with a Premier Structural
Guarantee or Global Home Warranties. For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Gina Kennedy of Douglas Newman Good on 01 4912600.
A range of apartments, duplexes and townhouses are being brought to the market by Douglas Newman Good at Carrickmines Manor
20 October 2011 GAZETTE 21
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Aidan Mahon, Just Classes creator
Getting fit, one class at a time AIDAN Mahon is from a very old Malahide family, which had a newsagent, Maurice Mahons, in Malahide for many years. His grandmother even sold newspapers there at the turn of the century. The family closed Maurice Mahons in 2004. It was the same year that Aidan started doing personnel training in a studio in his home. Aidan recently brought a revolutionary diet system, the System 10
Plan, to his Malahide fitness studio, Just Classses. Aidan played football with St Sylvesters for 25 years, and he is currently doing a degree in strength and conditioning. He is also involved with a company that does GPS fitness testing, and has worked with Cork and Dublin hurlers, Munster and Connaught rugby and is currently monitoring Kilmacud Crokes senior footballers.
ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS SUB PRIME LOAN Q – I have a €240,000 loan with a sub-prime lender taken out six years ago. At that time, I had missed a couple of repayments on my car loan and my adviser said the mainstream lenders would not consider me for a loan. I did not really understand the consequences – all I wanted was a home for my family. I have maintained the repayments every month but am now beginning to feel the pinch – my interest rate is 7.5% and I am paying €1,678 per month at the moment. I could save over € 600 a month by moving to a high street lender. What are my chances ? David - Clontarf A – The Irish Credit Bureau (ICB) in Clonskeagh Dublin 14 is a lender’s first port of call to check your credit history. Missed payments stay on record for five years, but, if you have kept the nose clean these past five Aidan Mahon of Malahide’s Just Classes
years, then you may have a case to swap back to a normal lender. The whole idea of sub-prime was a kind of
Q&A Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: A jockey Q: What was your first job? A: Delivering newspapers Q: And your first pay cheque? A: 2 and 6 Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed? A: no Q: When did you start your present job? A: 2004
purgatory – you did your penance but after a while, you were allowed to come back into the fold. Here is your
A: I don’t delegate
A: Beethovens 5th symphony,
A: Dame edna, no change that
checklist to see if you qualify with a high-street lender :
Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be? A: My dog
karaoke version
to enda, aussies very disingenuous when we beat them in rugby world cup
1. Check with the ICB to see if your credit record is now
Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: TK Maxx
valuation of your home should be in excess of €300,000
Q: Is there anything about yoursefl that you would like to set the record straight on? A: The money was resting in my account
Q: What sport do you follow? A: Gaelic football Q: What sport can you play? A: Gaelic football
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: Seeing and helping people
Q: What habits would you like to lose? A: Being untidy
achieve their weightloss goals
Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to? A: Dublin winning the all Ire-
Q: Have you ever achieved anything that you once thought you could not pull off? A: No Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’?
land again next year
Q: What is your guilty music, TV or movie pleasure?
Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: Jedward, no one writes letters anymore
Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: Don’t have either Q: Who do you follow on twitter/facebook? A: Don’t do either Q: What was your last tweet/ facebook status? A: As above Q: Describe your dream meal? A: Burger and chips in the diamond burger bar malahide
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna?
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: Five Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: Joey the Lips’ stag
This offer aims to provide new AIB Business Start-up customers with the support and advice they need to help them get their business up and running by giving customers access to an established local business network to build sound business connections for the future. Local Chamber membership provides excellent networking and business development opportunities for AIB Business Start-up customers.
These start-ups will have the prospect to join a unique network focused on representing the interests of member businesses and growing sales opportunities for all members.
Support This support offer provided by the Chamber Network is one element of the AIB Business Start-up Package which has been specifically tailored to meet the needs of new and early stage businesses.
2. Ensure the loan to value is less than 80% - so the based on your € 240,000 mortgage. 3. Your joint income should be between € 53,000 to €60,000, or the same amount if the only earner in the home. 4. You will need P60, pay slips and status enquiry form along with 12 months current account bank statements AND your sub prime loan statements plus any other current loan statements.
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: A month in Argentina
ONE-YEAR INVESTMENT
Q: What would be your dream job? A: Racehorse trainer
you suggest – An Post, bank deposit or would I be
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Get fat
A – Unless your cash flow is poor, then you can certainly
Q – Where can I get the best return on € 15,000? I don’t need this sum for at least a year. What would better off putting a lump sum off my interest-only tracker mortgage ? Mollie – Lucan better the return on a deposit account than paying off your tracker mortgage (ECB is 1.5% currently – and going down too - and with your margin say 1%, a total of
AIB getting on board with start-ups AIB has announced details of a new initiative with the Chamber Network in Ireland. This initiative provides new AIB Business Start-Up customers with a 50% discount on their first year’s annual membership of their local affiliated Chamber. The affiliated Chamber Network is the largest Irish business network with 45 affiliated Chambers around the country, and 13,000 business members.
clear.
Other elements of the package include:
2.5%). Add the DIRT tax, and you would have to earn less than 3.42% for the year to justify paying off the mortgage. I would warn you though you should try and start capital repayments – interest-only payments only kick the can down the road. You will eventually have to pay the capital over a shorter period ( therefore greater repayments). Best one-year deposits in the meantime? AIB Bank and
Special two-year Current Account fee offer Online banking services -
Permanent TSB offer a 12 month fixed at 3.95%. After that at 3.75% is Investec Bank and Nationwide UK at 3,65%. Stretching it out for a further year to three-
two years free subscription
years investment would include An Post’s Savings
to iBusiness Banking or
Bond – 10% tax free, equivalent to 4.42% from a DIRT
registration to AIB Phone and
deducting deposit taker.
Internet Banking AIB Classic Visa Business Card
Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at
AIB Business Overdraft
www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the
SME Loan for Start-up
Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing
Businesses
director of Money Doctor
22 GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazetteTTRAVEL What’sHappening
In October, Spain celebrates the Safron Rose Fiesta
October in Spain, a good time for festivals, parties, gastronomy and traditions AUTUMN is a fantastic time in Spain for fiestas, with many on offer. Choose from the Saffron Rose Fiesta, All SaintsHallowee’n or Festival of St Martin. Consuegra, in the province of Toledo, celebrates the Saffron Rose Fiesta at the end of October. It aims to promote the cultural essence of Castile-La Mancha through its gastronomy, crafts, history and traditions. The event offers a highly varied programme, starting with the proclamation by Dulcinea and the Maids of Honour. Especially outstanding during the celebrations are the Grinding of Peace and Love, where a 16th-century windmill grinds wheat to make flour; the traditional La Mancha gastronomy event; the Saffron Rose harvesting competition, where participants have to separate the saffron from the flower in the least time possible, and a Folk Festival with groups from all over the region. Saffronproducers are the main protagonists of this fiesta, which has been held since 1963. Exhibitions, cultural activities and sporting competitions complete the programme. On All Saints day, Spanish families visit the local cemeteries in order to remember their dead relatives and friends. Floral offerings, particularly chrysanthemums, are placed on the graves. It is a ritual to remembrance and homage the ancestors.
The Catholic Church believes that the holiday stems from the decision of Pope Boniface IV to enshrine the “Pantheon” the cult of the Virgin and the martyrs. “It commemorated the saints thus anonymous and unknown to most of Christendom”. The current celebration of Halloween has little to do with its origins. It has become the festival of the dead but with a totally different character and adding elements that have distorted the party. Among the additions is the tradition of dressing up, possibly born in France between the XIV and XV to celebrate the Feast of All Saints. Every November 11, Aller celebrates one of the most popular autumn folklore festivals in Asturias. The festival is organised by the San Martin Humanitarian Association and begins with the traditional sung Mass of San Martin, accompanied by the sound of the typical Asturian bagpipes. Then, the auction, known as the Puya del Ramu begins, where people are invited to bid for the emmer bread which has previously been blessed in the religious service. The high point of the festivity is the great communal feast of San Martin, which consists of fabada, typical Asturian white bean stew casadiellas, and panchon typical sweets from Aller.
Roving Gazette reporter, Hiromi Mooney, has just returned from a fact-finding mission to the island of Malta. In what turned out to be a most revealing visit, she experienced far more than just stunning blue sea, golden beaches and a balmy 300C. THE GREY clouds are well and truly gathering here in Ireland, but you can escape it all and enjoy some last-minute rays of sunshine in Malta. A stunning island, that’s only a three-and-a-half hour flight away, Malta has lots to offer in the way of beaches, culture and food. Malta, Gozo and Comino make up the Maltese islands in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. The islands are bursting with culture and are rooted with deep traditions – being ruled in the past by Normans, Roman Catholics and Arabs, to name but a few. Everywhere you look is another golden-beige building shimmering in the heat. Surrounded by a crystal clear, aqua-blue sea dotted with white sails of yachts, the Maltese islands are a sunshine paradise. For Irish holidaymakers, the added bonuses are that the currency is the euro and the official language is both English and Maltese. With 40% of the population working in the tourism sector, the Maltese are a friendly people and are extremely helpful and deliver excellent service to ensure that you enjoy all that the islands have to offer. The peak summer months in Malta reach 500C, so, for anyone looking for a warm but tolerable climate, anytime from late September is
Palazzo Parisio garden
ideal, as temperatures range between 20 and 300C. With more than 365 churches and chapels dotted around the islands, the Maltese islands offer a spiritual retreat away from the highpaced city life. The beaches and the sea are an obvious attraction in Malta, but the islands are also bursting with historical and cultural sites. A must-see place is Mdina. This town is set in a walled fort, and was Malta’s first capital city during the time of the Knights of Malta, and is often called The Silent City. Since only around 400 people live here, only residents are allowed to drive their cars inside the town, so you can enjoy a nice walk. Malta’s capital city, Valletta, has many tourist attractions, including St John’s Co-Cathedral. The Cathedral is known as Home of The Knights (Grand Masters) of Malta for a good reason. It was built in 1571 and there are almost 400 tombstones of the knights buried beneath its floors. The walls are gilded with 24-carat gold leaf, the ceilings are elaborately decorated and there are many carved statues. There are also two paintings here by Caravaggio – one of which is his only signed painting.
The island of Gozo is a 25-minute ferry ride from Malta. It is smaller and more rural, with most of the island’s inhabitants involved in farming or fishing
-------------------------------
Surrounded by a crystal clear, aqua blue sea dotted with white sails of yachts, the Maltese islands are a sunshine paradise. -------------------------------
Also in Valletta is the Grand Master’s Palace, where the Maltese Parliament and President sit. The corridors are lined with knight armoury and portrait paintings. The Church of St. Mary in Mosta cannot be skipped, as it is considered to be home to a miracle. In 1942, during World War II, a German bomb fell through the dome ceiling and skidded across the floor. However, it did not explode, and although the church was crowded at the time, no one was killed or injured. The
bomb has been defused and is on display for visitors to see the potential damage it could have caused. For a beautiful view of the harbour, visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens.
Exciting A new tourist attraction in Malta is the segway tours. It’s an exciting and unique to see the city, and are commonly seen used by police men in Malta. Full instructions, a practise run and helmets will be provided, and prices start from €60 for 90 minutes. For booking information, visit www.segwaymalta.com. The slogan, Once Seen, Never Forgotten, of Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar really says it all. It is a family-owned house and gardens that have been passed down through the generations, and the present owners have opened it up for the public to enjoy. The house has a captivating beauty about it, and is full
20 October 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
The beauty and joy of Malta
TravelBriefs Super ski bundle deal for January getaway THIS offer from travel counsellor Dairine McGarrity includes return flights, seven nights accommodation, transfers, skis or snowboard, boots, lift pass and all taxes. Austria: Depart from Dublin or Cork on January 7, and spend a week skiing in the pretty village of Westendorf. Stay in the Angerer apartments on
contact the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on callsave 1850 230 230, or visit www.discovernorthernireland.com
Rail-y good breaks in Northern Ireland LEAVE the car at home this autumn and enjoy a relaxing break in Northern Ireland from only £75pps* and avail of 1st Plus rail travel on the Enter-
Special ski deals from Dairine McGarrity
Staying there: RADISSON Blu Resort at St Julians in Malta is a luxurious getaway suitable for families, couples or for business trips. The five-star hotel features rooms with balconies overlooking the Mediterranean Sea or the outdoor pool. The buffet breakfast gives you the option to sit indoors or in the sunshine at the poolside, and there are three restaurants and two bars to choose from. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk away from the nightlife in St Julians. Phoenicia Hotel Malta in Valletta is a beautiful five-star hotel for both business and pleasure. It is also a romantic spot for an unforgettable fairy-tale wedding experience.
of elaborate chandeliers and decorations. Outside is just as spectacular, with a walled garden full of hibiscus syriacus, bougainvillea and cascading geraniums. Cafe Luna delivers fine outdoor dining at its best. To try out a tranquil winetasting experience, a visit to Meridiana Wine Estate is per-
fect. Sitting on 47 acres of land with more than 90,000 vines, they produce “World Class Wines of Maltese Character”. The island of Gozo is just 25 minutes away from Cirkewwa in Malta by ferry, and the return trip costs only €4.65. The majority of the island’s inhabitants work in farming
and fishing as the island is smaller and more rural than Malta. The Ggantija Temple is a UNESCO protected world heritage site. It is made of large slabs of rock fitted together like a jigsaw, and is one of the oldest buildings in the world, dating from around 3,500BC.
A natural attraction is The Azure Window, which is a natural rock archway at the end of a cliff through which you can admire the dark blue sea. Ta Mena Wine Estate offers visitors a wine tasting experience under the Maltese sunshine. The Estate also offers accommodation, tours, local food and produce, and also caters for functions and weddings. For more information, visit www.tamena-gozo.com. In Mdina, the restaurant Ciappetti offers a peaceful atmosphere as you dine in the courtyard, under the shade of a variety of leaves and plants. In Vittoriosa, the Riviera Della Marina Restaurant allows you to dine at the waterfront overlooking countless numbers of yachts. On a hot sunny day, you can enjoy something light and refreshing, like a melon and parma ham salad. For more information about the Maltese islands, visit www. visitmalta.com
self-catering basis from €749pp based on four adults sharing. Italy: Depart on January 7 from Dublin and stay seven nights in the Livigno apartments on self-catering basis from €689pp based on three sharing Limited availability – call today to book. For other ski destinations, there is a three-day sale currently running with prices from €302, not including ski packs. Call Dairine McGarrity on 01 2915153 for more details, or visit www.travelcounsellors.ie/dairine.mcgarrity.
Enjoy an arty two-night break in Belfast AS PART of the 130th annual Royal Ulster Academy Exhibition a number of artists will arrive to the Ulster Museum to talk about their work. These free events include talks by Rosie McGurran, Mark Shields, Barbara Freeman, Hector McDonnell and Mick O’Dea. While visiting the museum why not turn your trip into a short break by taking advantage of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s (NITB) special accommodation offer at the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast, with two nights’ accommodation, breakfast and one evening meal from £89pps. For further information
prise. Sit back and relax on the Enterprise from Dublin Connolly to Belfast Central Station, enjoy accommodation in a selection of 3, 4 and 5-star hotels across Northern Ireland, including the Ramada Encore in Belfast and Armagh City Hotel, and three days unlimited Metro, Ulsterbus and NI Railways travel. To find out more information on these great value breaks, or for further information on things to see and do in Northern Ireland, check out the free booking and advice service and callsave 1850 230 230, visit Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s (NITB) Tourist Information Centre in Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 or click on www.discovernorthernireland.com. *Subject to availability.
Spa offer in Galway THE FIVE-star g Hotel is celebrating its 6th birthday as Galway’s leading designer hotel with an irresistible offer. Book two consecutive nights to avail of their birthday rate, including full Irish breakfast and receive one pass per person to ESPA at the g’s glorious thermal suite. Cost is from €60 per person sharing per night. Offer is subject to availability on selected dates from Sunday to Thursday. Visit www.theghotel.ie
24 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Shipwrecked
IRELAND’s role as a landscape for a fugitive Spanish captain from a shipwrecked Armada galleon is explored in this innovative musical theatre event at The Pavilion theatre in Dun Laoghaire, which fuses Spanish music of the 16th century with Irish music of the same period, alongside instrumental and vocal music from Elizabethan England. An unforgettable night of music will feature more than a dash of improvised creativity, creating a shipwreck for the audience to linger around. Catch Shipwrecked on Thursday, October 20 at 8pm, with tickets costing €17/€15.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 The Magic of Take That
TAKE That fans are in for a treat when “the band” take to the stage in Dundrum, promosing to bring some of “their” best-known hits to south Dublin fans. All of their hits will be played, as the performers run through many of Take That’s repertoire – backed up tracks from a certain Mr Williams. So, for a Take That band you’ll be delighted by, you’re invited to let them entertain you on Sunday, October 23, at 8pm, with tickets costing €15.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 My Way
GARVAN Gallagher’s commendable exhibition examines the “invisible” status of older citizens, with a diverse range of work examing the status and self-image of our elders. Whether personal texts, short films, or even fashion shoots replacing younger models with more mature citizens, My Way is an excellent, diverse project underlining how valuable our “invisible” citizens are. My Way runs at Driaocht’s ground floor gallery until Saturday, November 5.
These two sleeping sisters are a picture of domestic bliss in Paranormal Activity 3 - until you learn that there’s nobody else in the room so who, or what, is casting that impossible shadow on the wall? All will be revealed, thanks to video cameras around their home ...
Not a haunting film This latest addition to the franchise doesn’t leave Kate spooked, but has a ghost of a chance at Dublin cinemas Q KATE CROWLEY
THERE are many things in life that scare me. The Eurozone-wide fiscal malaise. Mr Crowley‘s idea of a tidy kitchen. But the Paranormal Activity films? Ah, no, no. Seemingly cooked up by Hollywood execs who thought that mixing Most Haunted with Amityville would be box office gold – well, actually, the previous films in the series have done well enough, now that I think of it. Deciding that “actual found video footage” scenes would be a plausible, engaging way to make a thoroughly modern ghost story, the filmmakers certainly did their best to exorcise audiences’ minds with the previous films in the series. The plots have been similar enough, to a certain degree: Couple/ family move into a new place, only for things to go bump in the night. Cue
FILM OF THE WEEK: Paranormal Activity 3 +++ (15A) 84 mins Directors: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman Starring: Christopher Nicholas Smith, Katie Featherston, Sprague Grayden, Lauren Bittner, one determined spook
OUR VERDICT: POSSESSED with an interesting idea for a prequel, the third addition to the popular series is an improvement over its predecessors. Paranormal Activity 3 is a diverting enough romp through a haunted house tale, proving that, as always, if you live by yourself but hear scratching on the other side of a door – whether it’s an empty room or a wardrobe – don‘t open it…
the use of video cameras to record what’s going on all around the house/ apartment. Cue footage of doors shutting by themselves in empty rooms, furniture moving around, impossible shadows in rooms, eerie noises from the attic/basement, and much more … Oh, if only they’d moved into the house where Casper The Friendly Ghost lived! (Or unlived, if The Gazette subs will let that one pass.) With this well-established template to work from, and following a
recent trend for trilogies, the filmmakers have decided that the third film should be a prequel. Linking two of the chief protagonists from the first two films, the film jumps back to the late 1980s, when they were both children, and to the start of the “fun” that would follow them into their adulthood. Dad, Dennis (Christopher Smith) is a wedding videographer living with his wife and their two little girls in a suburban house. His job gives a very plausible way for the film
to be set up, as, intrigued by the strange things that begin to happen around the house (such as the “trick” of knocking on a wardrobe door, only to hear a knock back from the inside a moment later), Dennis sets up video cameras around the home. He uses his videographer skills to film and document the ordinary family’s life – and the extraordinary things that seem to be happening. Of course, the girls’ new imaginary friend that they seem able to see, and with whom they play the knock-knock game and more, soon decides to leave the grown-ups (and, presumably, the audience) increasingly spooked. It isn’t long before it’s throwing a supernatural strop around the house, targeting them and the Inevitable Spirit Expert Guy they call in (who, presumably, had better rates than the Ghostbusters).
Seemingly possessed (geddit?) by the spirit of Shaggy and Scooby Doo, it’s not long before the freaked-out family decide that home sweet home ain’t all it’s cracked up to be – but, in a turn of events that you don’t have to be Derek Acorah to predict, things don’t end well … Actually, I have to admit a grudging admiration for the prequel’s set-up, as using a videographer in this way adds a certain level of credibility that the other films lacked, and there are plenty of interesting scenes throughout. Of course, as someone who has to face my bathroom’s weighing scales on a regular basis, I’m made of sterner stuff than most, so it‘s not a film to spook me out. However, if you’re looking for a ghost story with a difference, this one should leave you feeling chilled – in an appropriately unnerved way …
20 October 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING A dead certain hit for Capcom – again SHANE DILLON
IN WHAT has turned into a curious case of almost “Zombie of the Week” reviews — perhaps ahead of the upcoming “Shooter of the Week” battles due between a number of well-known titles — there seem to have been a whole range of zombie-related titles shuffling into sight, and around the charts, in recent times. As much as gamers like zombies, I think we’ve had just about enough of them by now, in a genre which, much like its subject matter, simply won‘t die – rest assured that this is the last zombiethemed anything to shuffle onto these pages for some time to come. Still, I couldn’t let this title pass, as there’s an interesting story behind this occasionally darkhearted, yet over-the-top and slightly comic franchise. Capcom’s multi-platform title, Dead Rising: Off the Record, is the latest in a series of openworld survival horror titles, yet defined with comic moments and, in this case, sees the return of goofball photojournalist, Frank West. Following a substantial zombie outbreak some years ago, Frank initially roamed around a giant shopping mall, snooping and scooping the news as he uncovered what was happening, while at the same time trying to rescue and save survivors, and avoid becoming lunch, himself. Frank – a slightly out of shape, not especially heroic character – ran around using everything in the mall to stay alive, with the menace of being eaten by zombies being substantially lightened
Bytesandpieces Nintendo hoping for a Wii push PERHAPS in a bid to make up for the surprisingly disappointing sales of the 3DS, Nintendo are soon to launch a redesigned Wii console, with the console expected to hit retailers next month. Still performing solidly enough, despite a relative drought in original or must-have titles, the “new” Wii will be largely similar to the existing model, save for some hardware reconfigurations that most purchasers most likely won’t notice. I certainly hope that a new Wii can help put a fair wind back behind the company’s sales sails once again – but, please, no more Zumba games...
While an entirely new Wii console is on the way, a slightly redesigned version is also set for release
Frank West (above, and right) returns to the Dead Rising series for his latest adventure, which sees the wrestler-cum-photojournalist attempt to y uncover the truth behind some zombie-related activities across Fortune City
by, say, slapping them in the face with frying pans, dropping traffic cones over their heads, making them fall over on scattered marbles – pure Tom And Jerry stuff.
Enclosed setting The inevitable sequel, Dead Rising 2, saw a new protagonist with a different back story running around an enclosed Las Vegas-style setting, with “Fortune City” providing a much larger, yet similar, world in which to
rescue survivors, uncover a major plot, and stay alive. However, fans had been clamouring for the cult figure of Frank to return, and now, following a couple of spin-off digital download episodes (and even guest roles in a number of other Capcom games) he returns as the star in a cheekily rejigged version of the preceding title, which, now, takes place at the same time, yet in a different, standalone
fashion. Still with me? And so, although the title is still very much an adult game (as facing down thousands of zombies is, inevitably, going to be a messy task), fans and gamers will welcome the paunchy character’s return. The wisecracking hack’s gameplay style sees him photographing key points of interest to earn him major PP, or experience, points to help level up – an entertainingly fun activity.
Off the Record is of greatest interest as something that’s almost a carbon copy of its predecessor title. While standing on its own merits, it’s curious that we’re seeing such a rejigged title being released like this, almost as a twin of the earlier title. Still, given gamers’ interest in Frank, and in the particular style of this franchise, it’s likely to be a dead-certain hit for Capcom, again.
GAZETTE
26 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 October 2011
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GazetteSPORT
BACK ON TRACK:
We catch up with former World Champ Bernard Dunne Page 29
MOTOR RACING: SWORDS DRIVER OPENS NEW CIRCUIT IN TAIWAN IN NEW F1 CAR
Thompson has the Formula for making history sport@gazettegroup.com
SWORDS man Gar y Thompson helped to officially open Taiwan’s all-new Penbay International Circuit in spectacular style last weekend when he got behind the wheel of a two-seater Formula 1 car. The 19-year-old driver, who has spent the 2011 season contesting the Japanese Formula 3 championship, became the youngest Irishman
in history to drive a modern grand prix car, as well as the first from any nation to pilot one in Taiwan, after accepting an invitation to offer distinguished guests passenger rides at the 3.5km circuit’s opening. It was also an opportunity for Thompson to catch up with team personnel from KCMG who, having overseen his 2011 single-seater campaign, were now
sampling their first taste of running Formula 1 machinery. It was also a new experience for the thousands of fans in attendance, many of whom had never witnessed a grand prix car in the flesh before. This was just another day at the office for T hompson who, despite the wet conditions, enjoyed his time behind the wheel of the Minardi F1x2, which
Local driver, Gary Thompson, was the youngest ever Irish driver to race an F1 car in Taiwan
produces in excess of 700bhp thanks to its r a c e - d e r i ve d 3 - l i t r e Cosworth V10 engine. “The car has a lot of power which can be difficult to exploit in the wet, but I know the cir-
cuit and KCMG CEOs enjoyed the wheelspin regardless. I’ve been racing in Asia for the past three seasons, so to be the first person to drive a Formula 1 car in Taiwan is personally
extremely rewarding,” said Thompson. “Penbay International Circuit is a great venue with a lot of potential in a part of the world that is really beginning to embrace motor sport.
Everyone at the track did a fantastic job to get it up to standard in time for the event. You never know, I might be back here one day putting my local knowledge to good use!”
28 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
RUGBY: COLLEGE BOYS’ LOSING STREAK CONTINUES AT HOME
Cuala’s G4M team. Picture GAA pics.com
Gaelic 4Mothers have a fantastic blitz day Young Munster strolled to victory against a determined but ultimately out-fought Blackrock at Donnybrook last week
OVER 900 women took part in the Gaelic4Mothers and Others national blitz day in Portmarnock last Saturday. Gaelic4Mothers & Others is a national development initiative of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) which has taken Ireland by storm in the last few years. The central aim of the initiative is to provide all Irish women with a pathway to play ladies’ Gaelic regardless of their age or ability. It is a recreational and non-competitive form of ladies’ football which is open to any woman over 18 who is not currently playing adult competitive football with a club. Despite the name, women do not have to be a mother to participate. One of the key elements of Gaelic4Mothers & Others is the community support network that it creates for women and the positive physical and mental impact that it has on the day-to-day lives of participants. The National Blitz Day is the biggest day on the Gaelic4Mothers & Others calendar. This year, 74 teams participated which resulted in approximately 900 women getting their football boots on for the day. Teams came from every province in Ireland. Participants had a fantastic day of football and also enjoyed strolling around the exhibitor marquees. For more information in Gaelic4Mothers & Others visit www.ladiesgaelic.ie. The event coincided with the first day of National Mental Health week, which the Ladies Gaelic Football Association celebrated with the announcement of a new partnership with Mental Health Ireland. For more information, visit www. mentalhealth.ie.
Rock’ed by Munster ULSTER BANK DIV 1A Blackrock College Young Munster
13 37
sport@gazettegroup.com
BLACKROCK College’s difficult start to the season continued last week when their losing streak in the Ulster Bank Division 1A was extended by Young Munster at Stradbrook. Without a win after three games, and just a losing bonus point to their name, Rock’s run continued when Young Munster picked off a trio of tries — having only registered one in their previous two league outings — to take a handsome result home from the capital. Centre Matthew Costelloe finished off two efforts, while returning winger Darragh O’Neill also weighed in to help
the Cookies establish a 24-10 advantage by the break. Suffering their third successive defeat under new coach, Eric Miller, Blackrock’s only response in the second half was a penalty from Darragh Fitzpatrick. A penalty try secured the bonus point for the visitors, whose superb out-half Willie Staunton completed his 17-point haul with a last-minute drop goal. Munster welcomed back the fit-again O’Neill on the left wing, with Neville Melbourne starting at Number 8 after a successful run off the bench last time out. The visitors still have captain Shane O’Neill and back rowers Liam Og Murphy and Johnny Moroney on the injury list, but settled quickly
here for Staunton to kick them ahead. Blackrock’s response was swift. Fitzpatrick slotted a right-sided penalty after Craig O’Hanlon had prevented a certain try for Miller’s men. Having tasted defeat on successive weekends, ‘Rock really had the bit between their teeth, and they sliced open the Cookies’ defence for winger Jan-Simon Byrne to score a converted try. But that good work was undone when a blocked kick was gobbled up by Staunton, and he passed for Costelloe to touch down, the conversion tying the game. The Dubliners could not make full use of their lion’s share of the possession. On the
other hand, Munster were much sharper in open play, and Costelloe’s second try was evidence of that. ‘Rock had the better of proceedings coming up to half-time, but a slip spoilt a promising overlap, and Fitzpatrick sent a penalty chance wide. T h e y we r e s t u n g in injur y-time when O’Neill was unleashed on the left, and he won the race to his own kick for the third try. Staunton provided an additional boost for Munster
by converting from the touchline. Fitzpatrick and Staunton exchanged penalties as the sides resumed in fast-paced fashion, O’Hanlon going close to winning another kick chase close to the ‘Rock line. Munsters forced a penalty try after a series of close-in scrums and ‘ R o c k we r e l a r g e l y subdued af ter that. Staunton, who added the extras to his side’s fourth try, closed out the scoring with a deft drop goal.
20 October 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29
in association with
Forza Bernard! Back on track Former world champion Bernard Dunne is relishing using his new celebrity status to impart his knowledge to a new generation STEPPING away from the sport that has defined you for the majority of your life is never a simple thing, especially when you have reached the pinnacle of that sport and been the champion of the world. But for former superbantamweight world champion, Bernard Dunne, the new lease of life away from the ring is very much agreeing with him, and opening up a whole new career path for the Neilstown man. GazetteSport caught up with the champ as he prepared to get behind the wheel at Mondello Park when he took part in the launch of the new XBox 360 game, Forza
Motorsport 4. “One of the privileges of being retired now means that I get to enjoy the things I want to do. Kieran Donaghy and I are heading down there
assimilate the defeat by top contender Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym, was the right one for him. “I’m adapting to life away from the fight game. Life is good and it has
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‘I want to get involved and do something that will influence kids for the better, give them some sort of belief in themselves’
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to play some games and maybe do some driving, so it’s another chance for a Dub to beat him today!” Dunne was also sure that his decision to retire, having taken time to
Formula 1 enthusiasts Kieran Donaghy, Kerry footballer, and Bernard Dunne, unveiled the latest installment of Forza Motorsport 4 at Mondello Park
changed, it was the right decision at the right time. And things are going well for me, I can’t complain. “I’ve not got back involved in boxing myself. My dad does a lot of coaching a couple of nights a week with the kids at Palmerstown, but I’m not rushing back into the sport. I’ll cover it for TV, but getting involved myself, other than getting training again soon, isn’t something that’ll happen overnight. I’m out of the ring long enough to know there’s no chance of a comeback!” Dunne is very much defined by the city he comes from, and his allegiance to the Neilstown area and Dublin as a whole is undeniable. He is also very much involved in using his celebrity for good, setting up bernarddunnecharities.com and adding his presence to raising monies for causes close to his heart in the city.
“I worked with Jimmy McGee last year, and this year we ran a soccer event and a gala dinner up at Citywest for Pieta House. That’s a charity close to ourselves in Lucan and close to myself. The basis of the event is to give them as much support as we can and give them as much awareness among the public as we can. “We had Packy Bonner, Paul McGrath, Ray Houghton and many more - Celtic’s Anthony Stokes took some time out to take part, and it was a brilliant day.” Always funny and ebullient, Dunne’s easy charm combined with his desire to give something back makes him an ideal person to appear in the media to promote causes and support young people, something that has led to an exciting upcoming project for the boxing hero. “I’ve been busy promoting things, public speaking and media work with radio and television. I’ve been working with RTE on a young people’s programme, on how to focus and push themselves, in order to achieve what they want to achieve, called Ultimate Street Challenge. “We took 10 teenagers from all over the country, set them up in Dublin, and I set them challenges they had to accomplish, whether they were physical, mental, working as a
team or working as individuals. It was about seeing how they adapted and how they applied themselves. There was a kid from Tallaght who takes place in the show - but you’ll need to wait until it’s on the air before you find out how they get on! “In the boxing club, my dad trains the kids, and he enjoys that a lot. For my dad, its’ about keeping the kids occupied, busy and off the street, as well as giving them something to work towards. “He’s teaching them as well how to behave, boxing instills that in kids. It gives them a discipline and a focus, as well as a belief that they can do something for themselves, that they can achieve, and that’s a part of what I brought to the TV show. “I’ve said for a long time now, that I do the media stuff, but there is a part of me that wants to get involved and do something that will influence kids for the better, give them some sort of belief in themselves. I’m just a kid from Neilstown made good, and if I can do it, then anyone can do it. “If you apply yourself and work hard, and never mind what anyone says about you or where you come from, if you believe in it and work had, things can really happen for you, and you can make what you want to achieve into a reality.”
FastSport
Egan to decide Olympic and World Series future NEILSTOWN hero Kenneth Egan may be fighting out of Germany in the next season of the World Series of Boxing, as he looks set to sign with the Leipzig Leopards after the collapse of the Miami Gallos franchise. With the next season of the WSB due to begin on November 11, Egan is expected to drop back down from heavyweight to the WSB light-heavy limit of 85kg for the new season. Egan’s decision is also contingent on his approach to qualification for the Olympic Games next year, following Joe Ward’s failure to qualify for London 2012 at the recent world championships. The light heavyweight berth is still vacant, and Egan has an opportunity to claim his place by claiming the senior title in the Irish National championships in April next year.
Celtic seeking new keeper Esker Celtic Over-35s are looking for a new goalkeeper. If you fancy having a laugh, and the occasional Saturday afternoon game of football, contact Ron on 087 974 8263, and for more information, see eskerceltic.ie.
Roche ends season on high NICOLAS Roche produced another excellent performance to add to his fine run of late season results in Gran Piemonte as he took fifth place, just
six days after winning stage three of the Tour of Beijing. The Dundrum man finished in the breakaway group of the 199km race, coming home in fifth in 14-rider sprint. Katusha’s Dani Moreno took the win from a high-quality group which included Paris-Tours winner Gerg van Avermaet and long-time Tour de France yellow jersey holder, Thomas Voeckler. Roche was the sole rider in the top places to have contested the Tour of Beijing, and provided another boost for Irish cycling ahead of the Tour of Lombardy.
30 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 October 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
SOCCER: LOCAL DUO ASSIST IN INTERPROVINCIAL VICTORY
Joey’s girls help Ireland claim U-17 UEFA Elite spot ST JOSEPH’S girls Nicole Cranny, Chloe Mustaki and Jenny Ferrari, along with Mount Merrion’s Caroline Healy, were all involved in the Republic of Ireland U-17 women’s squad who secured a place in the UEFA Elite championships this week. They picked up a 1-1 draw with Italy to close out their group on seven points, eliminating the Italians who needed to win, and now all roads lead to the elite stage in 2012. Manager, Harry Kenny was clearly overjoyed with the players and their efforts. “It’s a fantastic achievement to get out of such a difficult group. Everyone in the squad played their part in achieving this. I’m looking forward seeing who we get in the draw in Nyon in November.”
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.
Clonkeen College duo Ryan Matthews and Paul Moffat were part of the Leinster side who won their fifth national title last week
Leinster net U-18 title sport@gazettegroup.com
CLONKEEN College students Ryan Matthews and Paul Moffat were both on hand to help Leinster secure their 11th title in 13 years when they landed the FAI Schools Under-18 Boys’ Interprovincial title after a pulsating conclusion to the competition in Athlone on Sunday. The three-day event saw table-toppers Connacht face off against with second-place Leinster in the competition’s final game, with the westerners only needing a point to claim the title. John McShane’s side were feeling the pressure,
having to win the game to make sure of the silverware, but they raced out of the blocks and were ahead after just 11 minutes. Matthews was the creator when he found a pass to Luke Fitzgibbon, who slotted home from close range for the perfect possible start. Connacht bounced back shortly after the interval as they found their equaliser. An excellent goal from Kiltimagh’s Conor Byrne brought Leinster one step closer to silverware. But, with only 15 minutes remaining, Leinster sealed the deal, with
Moffat scoring the winner, after Sean Maguire’s crafty skills landed the Blackrock man with the perfect opportunity to fire past the stranded Connacht keeper. Manager John McShane paid tribute to the efforts of his player’s in grinding out a matchwinning performance against a talented Connacht side to claim their fifth consecutive title. McShane was highly impressed with the standard of play in all three games, and stated that it was the closest tournament in recent years. Leinster ’s success came off the back of a
win and a draw in the Blues’ initial games. Matthews had returned to the starting line-up for Saturday’s game with Ulster for a highly competitive encounter. St Macartan’s pupil Fearghal McMahon gave Ulster the lead while Fairview’s Alan Gannon equalised soon after. Leinster were experiencing a purple patch and Tallaght student Toyeeb Mustapha made it 2-1 to the Leinster lads with time ticking by. H o w e v e r, C a t h a l McDaid was on hand for Ulster to give Sean McFadden’s side a well deserved point from proceedings.
Leinster had begun with a 2-0 win over 2006 champions Munster with goals from Alan Gannon and Toyeeb Mustapha. Munster should have made more of the game as they enjoyed the majority of possession but a failed set piece attempt and a long range effort from Douglas CS star Rob Lehane left Munster dropping valuable points and falling out of the running. Following the tournament, Irish head coach Ollie Horgan and his colleagues will have a difficult task to whittle down a provisional squad to attend trials at the end of the month.
Wheelers roll with World medals sport@gazettegroup.com
ORWELL Wheelers’ riders Orla Hendron and Stephen McNally enjoyed a superb week at the World Masters track cycling championships when they both medalled in Manchester. Hendron sprinted home third in the 45+ Scratch Race last Thursday to add another bronze to her tally, after she had claimed silver in the points race on the first day of the meet earlier in the week. It was a hard-fought bronze, following a typically energetic
performance in the 20-lap, fivekilometre race, during which she attacked repeatedly but still retained enough strength to hang on for a medal. Hendron’s second medal adds to the 45-49 pursuit silver won by her Orwell clubmate, Stephen McNally, and a bronze annexed by Terry Mackin (Banbridge) in the 35-39 kilometre. McNally’s World Masters ended prematurely with a nasty crash in the 45-49 Points Race qualifier on Wednesday when he hit the boards hard, breaking three ribs, partially punc-
turing a lung and damaging shoulder ligaments. Earlier in the week, McNally was first of the Irish in action, and the European Masters Champion produced a great ride in the qualification for his specialist event, the 45-49 3km Pursuit with second fastest time, just 18 hundredths of a second slower than Daniel Casper from Minnesota. McNally set off like a steam train in the evening final, establishing a gap of over two seconds in the opening kilometre, before throttling back in the
middle of the race as Casper raced into a two-second lead. Reacting to Casper’s surge, McNally powered through the final kilometre but fell short by just under half a second in a thrilling climax. Earlier in the evening session, Terry Mackin (Banbridge CC) stopped the clocks at 1m06.956s in the 35-39 Kilometre Time Trial to claim the medal. Mackin’s time in his first international track competition was eight-tenths of a second off the time set by gold medallist, Ben Elliott.
20 October 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 31
in association with
FOOTBALL: KILMACUD BOW OUT BEFORE QUARTERS a
CLUB NOTICEBOARD NAOMH OLAF CONGRATULATIONS to our U-15 hurlers
Cab in the Division 1 shield semi-final,
who defeated Oliver Plunkett’s in the
and our U-13 hurlers were beaten by
final of the U-15D Shield last Sunday.
Crumlin in the league.
Well done also to our G4Ms who
Impor tant fixtures this week
took part in the national G4M blitz in
include the minor footballers in
Naomh Mearnog on Saturday.
action in the MFC C on Sunday away
Hard luck, however, to our minor
to Naomh Fionnbarra with an 11am
hurlers who were defeated by Alfie
throw-in, and our U-15 footballers
Byrne Gaels in the minor hurling
who also play on Sunday away to
championship.
Erin’s Isle in League Division 3, with an
Elsewhere, our U-11 girls football-
11.30am throw-in.
ers reached the final of the U-11 Divi-
Nominations and motions for the
sion 2 Cup by defeating Ballinteer
AGM on November 10 should be sent
St John’s after extra time. Our U-11
to the secretary, ASAP.
footballers defeated BBSE in Division
Thanks to all those who partici-
3 South, but, unfortunately, our U-14
pated in the DLRCoCo Social Inclusion
girl footballers where defeated by Fox
week event in the club on Sunday.
CUALA Kilmacud Crokes were denied progress in the championship by a single point. Pictures: stbrigidsgaa.com
Champs’ Crokes campaign closes DUBLIN SFC ROUND 4 St Brigid’s Kilmacud Crokes
0-8 0-7
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K ILMACUD Crokes crashed out of the Dublin senior football championship at the last 16 stage when St Brigid’s picked off a tight victory, ending the reigning champions bid for a third title in four years. In a repeat of the 2010 final, it was tight throughout as Crokes led 0-4 to 0-2 at the break but Brigid’s pushed on in the second half and took the vital scores through Paddy Andrews, Ken Darcy and Mark Cahill. Dublin senior Sean Murray played a blinder in defence to nullify one of the most potent attacking forces in the county with Brian Kavanagh limited to just a free. Mark Vaughan did weigh in with five points but a key moment came when Shane Supple
managed to block his goal-bound effort with a top reaction save while Barry O’Rorke was also denied by the former Ipswich Town man to keep Brigid’s in the game. John O’Loughlin got a key point just before the break and they bossed the second half to exact a sweet revenge. Passage into the last 16 for Ballyboden St Enda’s, though, was a more placid affair as they produced a stunning thumping of St Peregrine’s in Parnell Park in the fourth round of the competition, leading 2-11 to no score at the interval. First-half goals from Andrew Kerin and Declan O’Mahony set them on their way before emptying their bench in the second half in which Peregrine’s eventually got on the board three quarters of the way in to ironic applause from the main stand. They just could not match O’Mahony and
Michael Darragh Macauley in midfield while Andy Kerin and the creative spark of Daniel Davey made it tough to get any momentum. For the Blakestown club, space and time were at a premium with Robbie McCarthy’s usually accurate left boot hassled into three first half wides from the few chances that came their way. The first goal came as early as the seventh minute from the penalty spot and there was no turning back thereafter as
Kerin slotted past Kieran Walsh’s best efforts. Points were shared out before O’Mahony marauded forward to take in Bob Dwane’s long pass and he found the net as they would eventually run up a 2-19 to 0-4 victory. Ciaran Murtagh finally broke his side’s duck while Ciaran McGuinness also nabbed a pair but they were scant consolation as their run came to a low-key end after picking up the big scalp of Lucan Sarsfields back in the spring.
THE senior footballers had a great
goal and a point from play and a free
win in the last 16 of the intermediate
from 40 metres out to seal the win.
championship on Saturday, beating
Thomastown was also the venue
St Brigid’s by 1-12 to 1-08 at O’Toole
for a great blitz featuring the U-10
Park. The game was a repeat of last
footballers on Saturday morning.
year’s final, but with a different
Over 80 players were in action.
scoreline this time around.
The U-15 girls won their Division 3
The U-16 hurlers were also in fine
championship semi-final against
form, running out 19-point winners
Ballyfermot De la Salle. That helped
over St Vincent’s in the semi-final
to make up for a tough weekend in the
of the A championship. The lads will
girls section as the U-11s, U-12s and
now face Ballyboden St Enda’s in the
U-13s all went out at their respec-
final as we bid to record back-to-
tive semi-final stages. It is a great
back championship titles.
achievement to have so many teams
The Bs did not fare so well in the D
competing at such a high level.
championship. A few too many wides
We were all shocked and saddened
cost in the end as Raheny ended their
to learn of the untimely death of
championship hopes by 3-06 to 1-08.
Stephen Farrell, husband of our Club
The Bs were to the fore at U-13
Office administrator, Susan. We offer
level, coming from four points down
our sincere condolences to Susan,
with five minutes left against Naomh
Stephen and Andrew and the wider
Mearnog at Thomastown to score a
Farrell family.
STARS OF ERIN THE U-8 footballers played a great
lins, Alex McEvoy and Ellis Keane
game against Geraldine Moran’s in
enabled us to win well. Well done all
Glencullen on Saturday morning. It
and keep up the good work.
was a well-contested game, good
The U-11 footballers also had a
skills from both sets of players,
fantastic win over Liffey Gaels away
with Geraldine’s winning out in the
from home. Beating Liffey Gaels
end. Special mention for Ciara Doyle
pushes the U-11s into second place
and Liam Tomkinson who were out-
in the league. Joe Mulhall scored
standing.
three goals with Conor Kinsella and
The U-9 footballers put in anoth-
Sean Doyle running the game from
er great display in a tough match
midfield. The Stars of Erin nursery
against Liffey Gaels. A very tough
continues to grow and is on in St
first half finished even, but with
Patrick’s National School in Glen-
some great play, the Stars came
cullen from 11.30am every Saturday
out well on top in the second half.
morning. All parents and children
Some great play from Morgan Col-
are very welcome.
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ALL OF YOUR DUN LAOGHAIRE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
’KEEN AS MUSTARD: College stars
lead Leinster to interprovincial victory P30
OCTOBER 20, 2011
FORZA, BERNARD! Dunne on life after being the champ P29
Locals represent for Leinster sides
GazetteSPORT
Holy Child’s Emma Russell, seen here on the right playing for Leinster, will be captain of the Under-18 panel in Stormont
16 players from area picked for Under-16 and Under-18 interprovincial tournament this weekend in Stormont STEPHEN FINDLATER dunlaughairesport@gazettegroup.com
SIXTEEN local hockey players from around the borough have been called up to represent Leinster at this weekend’s U-18 and U-16 interprovincial championships, set to be played in Stormont. It shows the strength of the game in the area, with several different schools represented in what is the first starting point toward selection for the Irish underage panel, with the U-16s also preparing for the European championships which take place in Valencia next summer. Among the marquee names are current Irish U-18 stars Emma Russell (Holy Child, Killiney) and Orla Macken (Rathdown) along with youth Olympian Kate Lloyd, from Loreto Dalkey who are among a group of six players who made the provincial side a year ago. The trio has already made an impact at adult
level, playing with club sides competing in division one with all three scoring vital goals to show they can take their game to an even higher level. Nicola Walsh, another Rathdown student, is back between the posts while vice-captain Laura Gray (St Andrew’s) and Orla Patton (Dalkey) are the other returnees. They are joined in the selection by eight newcomers to the panel. Among them, Loreto Foxrock’s Molly Lamb and Sarah Hawkshaw bring a ladies football flair to proceedings, both part of Dublin underage panels which reached All-Ireland finals in the past two years. Hawkshaw was in the Irish U-16 panel this summer along with goal-getter Hannah McDermott, sweeper Millie O’Donnell and keeper Carolyn Crampton while Claire Foley, Jessica McGirr and Jennifer Long move up from the blues’ U-16 setup. They are part of a side who are coached by Kate Dillon who, herself, graduated from the Leinster
underage setup to become an Irish Senior Cup winner as well as using the provincial setup to advance to the senior Irish training panel. She hopes to lead the charge to win back the title from Ulster for the first time since 2007. At U-16 level, meanwhile, coach Sarah Scott has seven players in her panel from around the local region with Holy Child’s Jenna Volpert and Ailbhe Marsh, from Mount Anville in line for caps with the young blues. The side includes three players from St Gerard’s, including 13-year-old Elena Tice who became the second-youngest ever cricket international in the world in August when she lined for Ireland against the Netherlands. Loreto, Foxrock’s Rhona Conway and Sarah Patton – whose older sister is with the U-18s – are also named along with Mount Anville’s Sarah Twomey and Philippa Cotter, adding to the strong local contingent.