Laoghaire GAZET TE FREE
RECYCLE THIS COPY. KEEP DUBLIN TIDY.
YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER
October 27, 2011
A CITY UNDER WATER: SPOOKTASTIC FUN: Your guide Send your flood pictures, to news@gazettegroup.com
to Dublin’s creepiest ‘haunts’ See P6
RNLI supporters: Landlubbers go looking at boats Football: Kilmacud’s Nolan claims his All-Star honour Page 32
MARY Browne and her son, Daniel, took a moment to look at a RNLI lifeboat at Dun Laoghaire Lifeboat Station recently, where a group of tired but happy walkers were delighted to sit down for some refreshments. They had just completed a16.5-mile-long walk along the coast to the station, all the way from Howth. The ex-RNLI crew member and her son had a warm welcome for the foot-sore fundraisers. Picture: Margaret Brown
Full Gallery on Page 8
Sports Awards: October nominees are announced Page 29
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS .................... 21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
DLRCC’s emergency line failed in floods Call for review of Q DAWN LOVE
service after line drops for an hour
A FULL review of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s (DLRCC) 24-hour Te l e p h o n e E m e r g e n c y Response Service must take place after a deluge of calls received by the council during Monday’s flash floods
caused the telephone system to collapse. That’s according to Independent councillor Victor Boyhan, who made the comments after 80ml of rainfall battered the east coast on Monday afternoon, leaving behind a wake of destruction.
In some cases, up to three feet of water was reported in homes in the Dun LaoghaireRathdown area, with residents in the Orpen Estate, Car ysfor t Park, Barclay Court and Avondale particularly badly affected by flash flooding. Full Story on Page 5
2 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 27 October 2011
WORKS Council’s pipes replacement project set to hit milestone this month
Water mains contractors to reach 100km mark
Q DAWN LOVE
dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com
THE mammoth task of replacing the antiquated watermains system in Dublin and its surrounding areas will reach the 100km mark this month. T here are more than 9,000km of watermains in Dublin and, since the rehabilitation project started in 2007, 100km of old mains have been replaced, and 11 million litres of water per day that was leaking through the old water mains has been saved.
Since work commenced in 2007, the Dublin Region Watermains Rehabilitation Programme has replaced corroded and leaking pipes across Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, including Blackrock, Mount Merrion, Deansgrange and Monkstown. The mainly Victorian watermains have been replaced with new heavy-duty polyethylene pipes. An Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Councillor John Bailey, said: “The Dublin Region
Watermains Rehabilitation Project is making tangible progress to reduce Dublin’s water leakage, and saving the 11 million litres of water per day that were previously leaking through the old watermains is equivalent to the water needed to supply 27,000 homes. “The 100km of leaking watermains that have so far been replaced across Dublin is the equivalent of the width of the Irish Sea from Dublin to Holyhead. “This is a great achieve-
------------------------------------------------------------------
‘Every day, Dubliners use 510 million litres of clean drinking water – that’s equivalent to 204 Olympic swimming pools’ ------------------------------------------------------------------
ment, and I thank motorists, residents and business people for their co-operation during these vital works,” he said. Every day, Dubliners use 510 million litres of clean drinking water – that’s equivalent to 204 Olympic swimming pools. Alongside continuous maintenance and repairs
A PICTURE TELLS A STORY! GOT A GREAT PICTURE, SEND IT TO US! Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email picturedesk@gazettegroup.com
Brushing up on ‘plein Eire’ painting: Outdoorr artists in Blackrock ARTIST Gerard Hegarty recently organised an outdoor painting event in Blackrock, with his “plein Eire” event proving an imaginative way of celebrating outdoors painting, and increasing awareness of a free website that caters for artists interested in this contemporary style. Praising the website – www.pleineire.com – Gerard also thanked the day’s sponsor, Ouzos Cafe, before he set to work on capturing the busy heart of Blackrock village. Fellow artist, Svetlana Starikova, took the chance to brush up on her skills, as well as learning more about the various functions of the website. Pictures: Geraldine Woods
work by the local authorities in the Dublin region, there will always be a need to replace watermains, due to their age and wear and tear. Dublin City Council, who manage the project on behalf of the local authorities, says that even if it continued to replace 60km of watermains
per annum indefinitely (which is the minimum level required to continue to reduce leakage), based on current population levels and economic activity, rehabilitation alone is not enough to ensure a sustainable future water supply for the Dublin region, and an alternative water source is required. This project is managed by Dublin City Council on behalf of the local authorities in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, South Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow and Bray.
27 October 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 3
COUNCIL Risk of fines and dangers to public health part of seasonal campaign
Call not to dispose of waste in Halloween fires
Q DAWN LOVE
WITH just days to go before the Halloween celebrations get under way, local residents and businesses in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown (DLR) have been urged not to use bonfires to dispose of household or hazardous waste.
The warning from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) comes after a major public awareness campaign was launched by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council about the dangers associated with bonfires. With many people now collecting materials
for use in bonfires, the EPA said that only someone with a waste collection permit is allowed to stockpile waste.
€3,000 fines The agency said that breaches of waste regulations can lead to fines of up to €3,000. Gerard O’Leary of the
EPA said: “Halloween is a fun time of year for everyone but should not be used as an excuse to burn waste. “The EPA wants everyone to enjoy a safe and happy Halloween, so it is unfortunate when some people use this festive time to dispose of waste illegally.
“We want to remind people that Halloween should not be used as an excuse to burn waste. Burning waste in this way contributes to over half of all dioxin emissions in the country.
Dangers “It is important that people in DLR know
the dangers of burning materials such as tyres. Burning these and other waste materials causes the release of dioxins. This creates a real hazard for people’s health. “In addition, it’s illegal, and can result in prosecution by your local authority. People need to remember that burning
household waste in your back garden, fireplace or a waste burner can lead to a fine of up to €3,000,” he said. Backyard burning, and unauthorised bonfires, can be reported to the local authority or to the national lo-call “Dump the Dumpers” phone line at 1850 365 121.
ENTERPRISE: POP-UP SHOP’S NEW DESIGNERS
CHARITY: FUN EVENT
Showing the skills of local artisans
Bridge event to raise funds
Q STAFF REPORTER
SOME of the finest hand-made holiday gifts will be available to purchase at Dun LaoghaireRathdow n County C o u n c i l ’s ( DL R C C ) Pop-up shop, just in time for Christmas. For the next month, three local artists will be based at the Pop-Up store – Studio 3 – with an array of unique Christmas gifts on display. P r i n t m a ke r, F a n Regan; milliner, Laura Cassidy, and jeweller, Christina Goldston will be at the shop until Sunday, November 27. The Pop-Up shop, a Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council initiative, is situated opposite the People’s Park on George’s Street, and has been showcasing local talent since last April. Laura Cassidy completed a master’s degree in millinery at The Royal College of Art in London, and gained experience working with a diversity of hat designers, such as Philip Treacy, Misa Harada and
Fred Bare. Laura established Laura Cassidy Design in her home town of Dublin, and set up her website, www.lauracassidydesign.com. Her millinery collection consists of a range of eye-catching hair accessories and fascinators. The range of daywear hats combine traditional shapes and fabrics with new design ideas, and contemporary materials. Presented alongside the millinery collection is a line of contemporary hand-made jewellery. Laura makes each piece using a combination of Swarovski crystals, pearls, semiprecious stones, sterling silver and other beads and findings, resulting in a rich and varied collection of delicate and feminine pieces. A bespoke service is available for exclusive items, which can be custom-designed and made to order. Meanwhile, native New Yorker and gemologist, Christina Goldston’s passion for jewellery has
Above and below, right: This model displays some delicate and striking ChristinaBelle Jewellery pieces
taken her on a 20-year journey, from working with her family in their Brooklyn Fine jewellery business, to grading diamonds at Tiffany & Co, New York, and working with Appleby’s and Boodles here in Dublin. She now travels the world, sourcing inspiration and materials to create her ChristinaBelle Jewellery Designs (with her website available at w w w.christina-belle. com). Featuring semi-precious gemstones, freshwater pearls, crystals and metals such as sterling silver, oxidised silver, and gold vermeil, the collection offers something for every woman – from classic, vintage-looking
pieces to cutting-edge design. Finally, The Printing Rooms (whose online site is www.theprintingrooms.com) love print, from the design, to the creation of the print, through to the finished product. Throughout the month, hand-printed linen canvases and cushions by Fan Regan, creator of The Printing Rooms, will also be available to purchase at the pop-up store. For more information about Studio 3 and its artists, visit it at www.studio3popup. wordpress.com; follow Studio3.popup on Facebook, or follow @studio3popup on Twitter.
A CHARIT Y bridge tournament is set to take place in two local nursing homes to help raise funds for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. The Beechfield Nursing Home Group, which runs the Glengara Park Nursing Home in Dun Laoghaire, and the Beechfield Manor Nursing Home in Shankill, are to hold the tournament this November. The fun event will take place on Friday, November 4, at 7.30pm in Fitzpatrick’s Hotel, Killiney, and is open to all levels of Bridge-playing ability. Entry fee for the night will be €10 per person, with all proceeds from the night going directly to The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. There will be great prizes available for the night’s winners. Ciaran Larmer, general manager, The Beechfield Nursing Home Group, said: “We are delighted to be hosting our charity Bridge tournament for the second year running. “We deal with Alzheimer’s on a day-to-day basis, and events such as this are a fun way to help raise much-needed funds for the cause.” For further information on the night, see www. beechfieldnursinghomegroup.ie. Or, to register for this year’s tournament, send your name, email and contact number to pr@ marycrottypr.ie, or call 01 661 8777.
4 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 27 October 2011
RETAIL Proprietor claims council’s parking enforcement is ‘overzealous’
Plan to send ‘Parking Angels’ to help motorists Q DAWN LOVE dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com
“PARKING Angels” are set to descend on Blackrock and Dalkey, courtesy of a bar and restaurant company that believes parking enforcement in the two seaside towns is damaging local businesses and driving customers away. Ouzos Bar and Grill restaurant say they believe that “overzealous parking enforcement” is damaging businesses in Blackrock and Dalkey.
Speaking to The Gazette, Padraic Hanley, Ouzo’s proprietor, said: “Instead of welcoming people into small towns where the local authority collect vast sums of commercial rates from the shops and businesses, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown-County Council’s (DLRCC) overzealous parking enforcement has driven people out of these towns and into big shopping centres.” When contacted by The Gazette, a council spokesperson said that
“any incidence of unfair or aggressive behaviour by parking wardens is considered unacceptable by the local authority, and will be followed up with the agent, who will investigate and take the appropriate action”. Hanley said that while he was conscious of the fact that paid street parking is essential to facilitate the smooth running of towns and villages such as Blackrock and Dalkey, the fact was “that people are not given the opportunity to
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
‘Instead of welcoming people into small towns, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown-County Council’s overzealous parking enforcement has driven people out of these towns and into big shopping centres’
--------------------------------------------------------
Padraic Hanley, Ouzos Bar and Grill
-------------------------------------------------------
pay, are presumed guilty, and [that they are] issued with an on-the-spot fine is not only unfair, but could very well be unconstitutional”.
“We have been conditioned to pre-pay for more than we need and, when we leave the parking space early, we do not receive any credit.
“DLRCC have taken parking enforcement and turned it into a very profitable commercial business. “They have given this very lucrative business to a foreign company with an Irish office. “This company is not interested in anything other than issuing parking fines – that’s how they make their money,” said Hanley. The company says its Parking Angels will be keeping an “eye on the streets around the town
centres” and, if you get delayed while visiting, and your parking ticket runs out, they will try to spot it and put 50c in the meter, giving you a further 15 minutes plus the 15 minutes’ grace you are entitled to. “We will continue to help in this way until DLRCC sees sense and stops punishing people for living their lives and supporting local business. The streets will be safe again with the Ouzo’s Parking Angels,” said Hanley.
ENTERPRISENEWS Join the one of the Enterprise Board’s Business Networks and move your business forward! In addition to being a very cost-effective way to market your business, networking is a proven way to extend your business reach and build professional relationships. By learning to introduce yourself and what you do succinctly in a business environment you will perfect your sales pitch and open up opportunities to do business. Self Employed? Want to meet new business contacts? Want to receive expert advice on developing your business? Your local Enterprise Board runs three business networks to help and support businesses . Guests are welcome at any of these networks free of charge for first visit and they are run in the evenings 7pm to 9pm in the Stillorgan and Killiney areas. START will bring together new or early stage businesses for structured learning and networking and give you the opportunity to promote your business and expand your network of contacts in a supportive environment. If you are starting up or in the early development stages this is the network for you. Enterprising Women is for female-run businesses across all sectors. Each meeting features a speaker or workshop on relevant business challenges in the current environment. This network will help you to exchange ideas, build linkages and share experiences with other female entrepreneurs. Trading Post is a B2B network for owner managers of all types of businesses and will introduce you to a wider group of business contacts while helping you overcome business challenges with practical talks and workshops. Each network has its own members-only social networking site which provides an additional opportunity to build contacts and win business online. For more information visit the Enterprise Board’s website: www.dlrceb.ie/networking or Contact Angela Tynan, angela@dlrceb.ie / 01 4948400
Jewellery is expected to be a hit at the Winter Fair, where works by Melanie Hand (above left) and Rebeka Kahn Artwear (above) will feature
ENTERPRISE: THOUSANDS EXPECTED TO ATTEND DALKEY EVENT
Winter Fair to showcase artisans’ superb crafts Q DAWN LOVE dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com
DALKEY is to become the centre of attention for design and craft in Dublin, when the annual Winter Fair weekend takes over the Castle and Heritage Centre in the picturesque village this November. Now in its seventh year, the free two-day event is to attract 37 designers and craftspeople, along with more than 3,000 visitors. The organisers behind the craft and design fair, the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Enterprise Board (DLRCEB), are
once again welcoming craftspeople and designers from the world of fashion, jewellery, ceramics, giftware, art and photography, as well as children’s books and toys. This year, visitors will be able to browse and buy the work of nine new firsttime exhibitors to Winter Fair, including vintage bags from Cathy White, paper lanterns from Fiona Snow, photograph mosaics from Nicky Hill and ceramics from Simon Hoe. Jewellery from members of the DLR Jewellery Designers Network will also be showcased and on sale in Dalkey, including
------------------------------------------
‘Winter Fair gives all these local designers the ideal platform to sell direct, in the run-up to the busy Christmas period’ ------------------------------------------
pieces from Dawn Mulholland (Shine), Rebeka Kahn Artwear, Mary Varilly (True Colours), Aisling Smith (By Aisling), Laragh McMonagle, Melanie Hand, Shanna Steele (Blaze and Sparkle) and Ruzica Ruane (Cadenza
Glass Beads). Announcing details of the upcoming fair, Georgina Sweetnam of the DLRCEB said: “With a good mix of first-time exhibitors and the return of firm favourites, the Winter Fair weekend has grown to become one of the most established craft and design events in Dublin over the past seven years. “Winter Fair gives all these local designers the ideal platform to sell direct, in the run-up to the busy Christmas period. “We’re encouraging members of the public to consider locally-made pieces of design and craft
when they’re choosing gifts this year,” she said. Winter Fair, which is also marking Year of Craft 2011, opens its doors at Dalkey Castle and Heritage Centre from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, November 12 and Sunday, November 13. There is pay and display car parking nearby, and visitors are encouraged to use the DART or Dublin Bus services, where possible. The organisers have set up a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ thewinterfair, and details are also available at www. dlrceb.ie or by telephoning 087 267 6650.
27 October 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 5
FLOODS Emergency line breaks
COUNCIL: BOOST TO HELP IMPROVE HEALTH ACROSS THE COUNTY
€260,000 funding for sports projects WORKS on several local authority-backed sports projects are set to get under way within the next week. Funding totalling €260,000 was allocated to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport as part of efforts to boost participation in sport, two weeks ago. The funding will go towards the construction of a range of new recreation facilities across the county, including outdoor exercise equipment, multi-use games areas, and pitch improvements including drainage and installation of floodlighting, and tennis court repairs. Welcoming the development, An Cathoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, For many in south Dublin, like these Leopardstown Inn staff, there was nothing for it but to grab brushes and do their best to beat back the water. Picture: Geraldine Woods
Chaos across DLR after the deluge Q DAWN LOVE dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com
A FULL review of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s (DLRCC) 24-hour Telephone Emergency Response Service must take place after a deluge of calls received by the council during Monday’s flash floods caused the telephone system to collapse. That’s according to Independent councillor Victor Boyhan, who made the comments after 80ml of rainfall battered the east coast on Monday afternoon, leaving behind a wake of destruction. In some cases, up to three feet of water was reported in homes in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area, with residents in the Orpen Estate, Carysfort Park, Barclay Court
and Avondale particularly badly affected by flash flooding. The flooding caused massive tailbacks for commuters on Monday evening and the following Tuesday morning as they struggled to make it to work. Met Eireann confirmed that the rainfall set a new record for a single 24-hour period during the month of October. When contacted by The Gazette, the council acknowledged that the emergency lines had failed for approximately one hour on Monday night, due to the sheer volume of incoming calls, but that residents were informed via the Emergency Blog on its website that incidents could be reported directly via email. A council spokesperson said: “Both opera-
--------------------------
‘The rainfall set a new record for a single 24-hour period during the month of October’
--------------------------
tional crews and support staff were working round the clock on Monday night to respond to incidents and to keep people informed.” Meanwhile, Frank Austin, director of Water Services at DLRCC, said that, following unprecedented levels of rainfall, the council’s engineers were analysing the full extent of the deluge, area by area, across the county. He said that reports sent in by the public had
been “absolutely critical in gaining an overall understanding of the impact” of Monday’s events. Austin added that the “drainage intrastructure in the county found it difficult to cope with such levels of water”. In anticipation of Monday’s rainfall, he said that crews had been deployed since the previous weekend to clear drains and gutters in any identified hot spots. “Additional crews were also brought in from across a number of service areas to work with the Emergency Services on Monday night, and to assist with the huge number of reported incidents.” The Gazette contacted the council in relation to this story, but had not received a reply by the time of going to press.
--------------------------
‘The outdoor exercise equipment will be suitable for all ages, and will help develop users’ muscles, improve balance and fitness levels’ --------------------------
Fine Gael Councillor John Bailey, said it would mean that the council would receive nearly 80% funding on 17 local authority-backed sports projects as part of a capital grant. He said: “Individuals and clubs across the county will benefit from this grant, totalling more
than €260,000. “An investment in sports and recreation facilities is an investment in the health and wellbeing of our citizens, and I look forward to seeing works commence very soon.” Amongst the areas set to benefit under the funding will be an outdoor gym at Newtownsmith, Blackrock Park. According to the council, the outdoor exercise equipment will be suitable for all ages, and will help develop users’ muscles, improve balance and fitness levels. M e a nw h i l e , t h r e e junior-sized grass pitches will be developed at Cabinteely Park and two senior-sized pitches will be developed for soccer and GAA at Stonebridge Road in Shankill.
6 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 27 October 2011
SCARY STUFF A Gazette guide to Halloween fun around Dublin
GHOULISHFUN Join in Airfield’s annual Halloween celebration IN Dundrum there will be a Halloween Family Fun Day on Saturday, October 29, between 12-4pm at Airfield. Join in Airfield’s annual Halloween celebration for all the family, an unmissable day of fun and seasonal activities to celebrate the festival of ghosts and ghoulies. There’s lots to enjoy, including a special Halloween trail, the chance to make a miniature ghost and a live ceili. For the past two years, Airfield has asked people to come along and help build scarecrows at Hallowe’en. Now Airfield wants you to take their place! They would like you to come along dressed as a scarecrow, with families of scarecrows particularly welcome. You can come along as any type – the more weird and wonderful the better! There will be spot prizes for the most imaginative costume in different age categories. Price included in entry fee to the walk. Season ticket holders come free.
It’s set to be a spooktacular time in The Haunted Forest this Halloween at Marlay Park ON Sunday, October 30, Marlay Park will be a FREE fright-fest of spooky thrills and chills for Samhain hosted by DLR Events. Families flock to Marlay Park in their Halloween costumes every year for a spooky walk through the haunted forest with ghosts and ghouls and frightful sights! The forest at Marlay Park comes alive in the night for one evening only with freaky fog, ghastly spiders and skeletons, creepy eyeballs and pumpkins, the spine chilling boat house preachers and menacing witches and demons. Festoon lighting, sound effects and smoke make the adventure all the more exciting but this year, there will be no fireworks so the haunted forest can stay open until 9pm. But the haunted woods are not for the faint-hearted and, in 2011, are longer and bigger with spooky characters, scary noises and eerie fog! The Haunted Woods will be open between 4pm and 9pm. Entry is FREE. The walk is approx 1.5km long and is on a path suitable for buggies/wheelchairs. Halloween costumes are recommended, but this is an outdoor event so warm clothing is recommended.
A Guided Trip to The Hellfire Club GUIDED Trip to The Hellfire Club Monday, October 31. Bus Leaves from the Square Luas Stop at 5pm SHARP. Age 12+. Advance Booking Essential and is €3 per person. Contact Alison 0868516669 / Paula 0868292443
A Spooky Walk at Corkagh Park in Clondalkin MEANWHILE, there will be another Spooky Walk at Corkagh Park, in Clondalkin, on Saturday, October 29, between 5 and 7pm. Beware of scary creatures in the woods. Prize for the best-dressed family. For more information please contact Sports and Recreation Office, Community Services Department, South Dublin County Council 01 4149000.
LOCAL MATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS
ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240
Local legend believes the Devil’s Mill, known at Shackleton’s Mill today, is where Luttrell wagered the devil that he couldn’t build the mill in a day
A look at the area’s most haunted sites Q LAURA WEBB
AS the nights get longer ghosts and ghouls from around the world get ready for another frightful night this Halloween, so the Gazette has gathered together some local scary stories to get readers ready for October 31. The holiday that celebrates the dead has a number of different traditions associated with it, including trick or treating, bonfires and costume parties, but one thing that everyone loves about it is ghostly stories of haunted houses or places near and far. Here are some frightfully good stories from places more close to home across Dublin. In Dublin West, the Strawberry Beds has many a story of ghosts but there is only one true villain and that is Henry Luttrell. He is said to have sold his soul to the devil, and was a member of Dublin’s most known paranormal club – The Hellfire Club.
Luttrell was a supporter of King James I of England. Once hailed a hero after fighting in the Battle of the Boyne, his life soon spiralled downwards following a wave of deceit and treachery. After his death, there were many street ballads about his string of mistresses and
build the mill in a day. To his anger, the devil placed the last stone on one of the tallest mills in Liffey Valley. Years later, the Devil collected his debt at The Hellfire’s Club, but Luttrell – devious in his ways – tricked the Devil by pretending his shadow, cast
--------------------------------------------------------
‘Wearing a white, flowing dress, legend has it that she would leave the painting to wander the castle on quiet nights’
---------------------------------------------------------
his out-of-wedlock offspring. Doubts over his allegiance to Ireland were confirmed after he was court marshalled for treachery after given vital information about a ford on the Shannon during the Siege of Limerick. But, connections with Patrick Sarsfield saved him. Local legend believes the Devil’s Mill, known at Shackleton’s Mill today, is where Luttrell wagered the devil that he couldn’t
from candlelight, was the real Henry Luttrell. As the Devil grasped the shadow, Luttrell escaped. In 1717, he was shot dead. Noone was ever convicted, as there were too many people with a motive to assassinate him. Nearer to the coast, Malahide Castle has its fair share of mysterious sightings. One such story is of the White Lady. For years, the portrait of a beautiful, unidentified lady hung in the Great Hall of the Castle. The
artist is also unknown. Wearing a white, flowing dress, legend has it that she would leave the painting to wander the castle on quiet nights. She has been spotted by a number of people over the years and is now known as the White Lady. Meanwhile, Cabinteely House in South Dublin was built in 1769, by Robert Nugent, Earl Clare. The 18th-century house has been associated with some strange happenings. It has been said that staff in the house have, over the years, encountered some ghostly experiences, with footsteps coming up a long corridor toward a room where staff were working. The footsteps stop outside the door, and when the door was opened, no one was to be seen. No one is sure who it might be, but it’s thought it may be the gardener [of Robert Nugent], Postule who was arrested in 1798 and tortured and hanged.
27 October 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 7
R1
RETAIL: OPENING
Girls box clever: Help for launch
Avoca all set for outlet’s opening
LAUREN Doyle, Lidia Ortiz, Deirdre Power and Jochelle Laguipo were delighted to help launch the annual Christmas Shoebox campaign recently. The pupils from Sion College, Blackrock, joined the Irish charity, Team Hope, for the campaign launch, which is asking individuals and businesses all across the country to fill a shoebox with gifts for children, for either a girl or a boy, and help to spread the spirit and joy of Christmas to needy children in Africa and Eastern Europe. For details of the campaign, and to see how you can make a difference to a child this Christmas, please see the website at http://secure.teamhope.ie/csa.
THE Avoca chain will open their tenth outlet in Ireland when they will launch a new Food Market and Salt Cafe in Monkstown in early November. The new outlet will have two areas – the Salt Cafe and a Food Market. The Salt Cafe will serve seasonal dishes, with largely indigenouslysourced ingredients.
Dun Laoghaire is open for business DEAR EDITOR,
THE recent Letter to the Editor by Hal Ledford, on behalf of the DLR Chamber of Commerce members, was an attack on myself. Hal’s contention is that his submission to the County Council Planning Department regarding the opening of a new Dail Constituency Office (by PBP Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett) in Dun Laoghaire was, after all, not really an objection. There were other submissions made by Don McManus, who happens to be the current chairman of the Dun Laoghaire Business Association, and a Mr Connolly. Local business people, in general, were not consulted in advance of these submissions being made, and the necessary fee being paid. In Hal’s submission to the
LETTER TO THE EDITOR planners, he states: “With a wide range of suitable office space available in a variety of upstairs, side-street and rearof-property and non-retail ground-floor street-front portions of Upper and Lower George’s Street, we hope that consideration may be given to another location.” That means locating the Dail office elsewhere which is, of course, an objection to the proposed location. The Sunday Times of London, in reporting on the outcome of Hal’s submission, has no doubt that it constituted an objection. It reported: “Boyd Barrett’s enterprising nature wins him an office – Good news for Richard Boyd Barrett, the TD for Dun Laoghaire, who has won permission to open a Constituency Office at 91 Lower
George’s Street, despite objections by the Dun Laoghaire Business Association and the area Chamber of Commerce. “Both organisations wanted the premises preserved for use as a shop, but Boyd Barrett was given permission for an office until 2016. “Boyd Barrett TD is a vocal opponent of big business but will, no doubt, relish this triumph over small- and mediumenterprise.” Similar reports appeared in other sections of the media, including the print and broadcast media. They all described the Chamber of Commerce and Business Association as objectors to the new Dail office in Dun Laoghaire. There was no published correction, clarification, etc by Hal, or by the other named objector,
to being described as objectors in these reports. Now that Hal and his Chamber of Commerce has been seen to be out of line with the county council’s wise decision to grant permission, suddenly it is no longer an objection. We are even told that they, in fact, support Richard Boyd Barrett’s application after all. Almost 20 years ago, the Dun Laoghaire Business Association was set up to represent the interests of our local business people, because the Chamber had failed to do so. Then, as now, the Chamber could be relied upon to accept the suggestions, opinions, views, policies etc of our county council. The Business Association, up until recently, represented the interests of their members – the local business people – and, of
course, that at times meant promoting different views and presenting policies which were, sometimes, in conflict with those of the county council. To do otherwise would have meant that the Association was not doing its basic job of representing the honest and strongly-held views of members. Mind you, in all the robust discussions held between the Business Association and the representatives of the county council, not once did the occasional differences of opinion result in any personalised attack from either side. I hope this concludes this correspondence on Hal’s objection, which portrays our town in a very negative way. The word must go out that Dun Laoghaire is open for business.
Breasal O’Caollai Costello Jewellers
New experiences Besides the familiar Avoca food hall, deli and salad bar, the Food Market will offer a whole range of new food experiences under one roof, including fresh fruit and vegetables, its own specialist craft butcher and a French-style rotisserie. Partners include Artisan Foods, who will be looking after fresh produce, and Poulet de Bonne Femme, with a chicken and duck rotisserie in-store. The Salt Cafe’s head chef, Mark Macgillicuddy, has previously worked with Dylan McGrath at Mint. The menu will include plenty of salads and lighter lunch dishes. Dinner will be served on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and will feature steaks from the in-store craft butcher’s own farm; fresh whole fish done on the char-grill and rotisserie duck.
8 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 27 October 2011
FUNDRAISER RNLI walk makes a splash with supporters
RNLI crew member and walker, Kieran Brown, with Rambo
Michael Grace, Fine Gael councillor Barry Ward, Grainne Duggan and Stephen Carson relax at the end of their walk
Margaret Robertson and Mary Macken
Magdalena Madry and Tom Pierse with John Condon, RNLI volunteer
Ex RNLI crewmember, Mary Browne, and her son, Daniel. Pictures: Margaret Brown
A 16.5-mile walk to help the RNLI IVEN the vital, life-saving work that the RNLI volunteer crews and service provides all along the city’s coastline, the east coast, and further afield, it’s no surprise that lots of walkers stepped forward for a novel fundraising event recently. Despite the slightly chilly autumn weather, a group of walkers set off from Howth Lifeboat Station, and walked all the way along the
G
Deborah McGuire and Brenda McDonnell
coastline to Dun Laoghaire Lifeboat Station – an impressive 16.5-mile-long route, which took in much of the historic and pleasant scenery along the coastline, and which, understandably, took several hours to complete. Despite the lengthy walk, the participants were in great spirits throughout, with refreshments and a celebratory medal to look forward to at the end of the walk.
Pauline McGann, RNLI staff
27 October 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 9
10 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 27 October 2011
HERITAGE Following the progress of work at ‘The Mariners’
Joining Fine Gael deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor were The Maritime Institute of Ireland’s (MII) president, Peadar Ward, and hon secretary, Breasal O’Caollai
Deputy Mitchell O’Connor and Peadar Ward study some of the structure’s fine detailing
Although there is much work yet to be completed, there’s no denying the beautiful setting the museum has. Pictures: Margaret Brown
Waves of interest over maritime museum ...
ITH its continuing transformation into the National Maritime Museum of Ireland, there is great local interest in how work at The Mariners is proceeding, with work at the historic building gathering pace. Local Fine Gael deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, recently called to
W
the site, joining the constant flow of visitors to the beautiful former church. Deputy Mitchell O’Connor was fascinated with the history of the building and its importance to both the town, and to all those connected to the sea for whom the former church stood as a beacon of hope and prayer for many
years, and is still a spiritual site, today. She remarked how much she was looking forward to seeing both the maritime history of Dun Laoghaire and its environs, as well as the rich diversity of Ireland’s waterways and our surrounding waters, presented in the museum upon its completion.
Clement McGann, board member, MII; Breasal O’Caollai, hon secretary, MII and Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor
27 October 2011 GAZETTE 11
12 GAZETTE 27 October 2011
GazetteNUTRITION NUTRITION A healthy Halloween LEILA JOHARI
TRICK or treat, what to eat? There is something scarier than witches and ghouls this Halloween. It is the amount of sweets and chocolate that we eat. It’s not only children who aren’t afraid to overindulge in candies and chocolate, ninety percent of parents admit to occasionally dipping into their kiddies’ stash. Maybe this fact should scare us more than the ghosts. Do not fear. There are ways to banish those sugar demons and have
a healthy Halloween. Pumpkin, nuts and kale are all traditional Halloween foods that are nutritious and provide a healthy alternative at this time of feasting. Pumpkin contains no saturated fats or cholesterol; but is a rich source of dietary fibre, monounsaturated fatty acids and anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamins A, C and E. Vitamin A is a powerful natural anti-oxidant and is required by the body for maintaining the integrity of the skin and mucus membranes. It is also an essential vitamin
for vision not to mention an excellent source of poly-phenolic flavonoid compounds like alpha and beta carotenes. The B-complex group of vitamin-folates, niacin, pyridoxine, thiamine and pantothenic acid are also in this Halloween staple. Pumpkin is a rich source of minerals like copper, calcium, potassium and phosphorous. Pumpkin seeds are a healthy snack rich in zinc, which nourishes the brain. They also contain magnesium, which helps muscle, nerve, heart and bone function and help
As well as making a great Halloween decoration, pumpkin is a very healthy food
the body generate protein and absorb energy from food. Peanuts are rich in energy and contain many health-benefiting nutrients, minerals, anti-oxidants and vitamins that are essential to optimum health. They are especially rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids that help to lower LDL or bad choles-
terol and increase HDL or good cholesterol. These nuts are a good source of dietary proteins with amino acids that are vital for growth and repair of body cells. They contain high quantities of minerals, such as copper, manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium. Just a handful of peanuts a day provides the recommended levels of phenolic anti-oxidants, minerals, vitamins and protein. A word of warning though – honeyroasted and sugar-coated should be avoided, choose whole and raw instead. Finally, Kale is a dark
green leafy vegetable that is a traditional part of the Irish Halloween feast. It is used in a potato dish known as colcannon. Kale is an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K and a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and vitamin C while being low in sodium. If you really can’t fly away on your broomstick and crave something sweet, the traditional Irish Halloween fruit cake, known as Bairin Breac, is a nutritious and delicious alternative. For a healthy, happy Halloween why not try this spicy pumpkin dip? Served with warm pitta.
Spicy Pumpkin Dip 1½ cups canned pumpkin puree 1½ cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed 3 tablespoons tahini, sesame paste 1 clove garlic 1 teaspoon cayenne 1 teaspoon cumin 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice Salt and pepper In a food processor, blend pumpkin and chickpeas until fairly smooth. Add remaining ingredients and process until smooth, season to taste.
27 October 2011 GAZETTE 13
14 GAZETTE 27 October 2011
GazettePETS PETS Dealing with those pesky parasites Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: WORMS ARE ONE OF THE MOST COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS FOR DOGS
S an animal welfare education officer, I’m asked a variety of questions regarding all sorts of health queries concerning dogs, but the most popular one seems to be: “Do I need to de-worm my puppy/dog and how do I do it?” So, with that in mind, I thought I’d focus this week’s column on worms - one of the most common health problems affecting dogs and why it’s important to try to eliminate the risk of your pet being infected by them. Before we start, please bear in mind that parasites or worms are very common in pets; especially those who live closely with other animals or who roam freely, ie. hunting dogs, as this makes them more susceptible. Remember many internal parasites have intermediate hosts; animals or insects that ingest or harbour the early stages of development and then pass the parasite onto your own family pet. For example, tapeworms are carried by fleas and heartworms are carried by mosquitoes. So, below, are your FAQs and my attempts to answer them. I hope they prove helpful.
A
It’s very important to try to eliminate the risk of your pet dog becoming infected with worms
Is it important to de-worm? Absolutely. What about puppies? No matter how healthy mom is, her puppies are highly likely
to have worms. This is normal and treatment – under veterinary advice – should be carried out from as early as two to three weeks, depending on the health status of the animal and the product being used. --------------------------
‘The most important thing to remember is to do the followup treatments’ --------------------------
Always, always, check with your vet and follow his/her advice and instructions to the letter. When the puppy has reached three months, he should be wormed every four weeks until he reaches six months and then he can be treated as an adult. Again, it depends on the product and health status of the animal and I recommend you seek the advice of your vet and don’t purchase so-called over-the-counter medications as they are never strong enough to eliminate all parasites.
How often do I deworm an adult dog? Again this depends on the risk factor and status of the dog. If, for example, you have a nice little house dog who hardly ever goes outside to play or dig and is only ever walked on a lead and never mixes with other dogs; then the risk is low and my advice would be to de-worm this animal
every three months, but, again, check with your vet. If, however, you’ve right little rascals like mine who are forever foraging, digging, running through the woods and getting up to all sorts of activities, then prevention is better than cure and, depending on the time of year and their activities, I usually de-worm my babies once a month but never allow it go any longer than three months. You see, every dog is different, but the most impor tant thing to remember is to do the follow-up treatments because the first dose kills the worms that are living, the second kills the ones that have developed since the previous treatment.
How do I know if my dog has worms? Well, in order to be certain of an infestation and type, a fecal examination needs to be performed. If you feel unable to do this yourself, then visit your vet with a fresh sample of your dog’s poo. However, here are some guidelines. • Bloated stomach – often visible in puppies that’ve been infected from their mother. • Weakness, increased appetite, constant hunger, weight loss – all signs the parasites are stealing your pet’s vital nutrition. • Diarrhoea – containing blood • Worms visible in vomit • Worms visible in dog’s poo • Worms visible in dog’s
fur or around his ear area – tapeworms can appear as moving segments which can dry out and resemble grains of rice.
What types of worms are likely to affect my dog? Round Worms: The most common type of parasite. They can be life-threatening but are usually not considered as dangerous as hook worms, which can cause bloody diarrhoea and dehydration. Very common in warm, moist weather. Both round and hook are transmitted through poo, so it’s important to keep kennels and gardens clean. Tape Worms: Can be transmitted through the infestation of a flea. Effective treatment is available from your vet. Heartworms: Carried by mosquitoes. These are an insidious insult to the circulatory system, heart, lungs and kidneys of the poor infected animal. If your dog has an active case of heartworm, I recommend an immediate visit to your vet for treatment and he/she will most likely prescribe annual blood tests. Remember, my advice is only a guideline and is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. If you have a concern about an animal in your care, contact your vet. For more information, log on to our website at www.dspca.ie or email me at Miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie
27 October 2011 GAZETTE 15
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC REVIEW: NO REINVENTION BUT NO PROBLEM
Coldplay shine in the light of reflection Q ROB HEIGH
THERE are some bands that everyone loves. There are some bands everyone hates. And then there’s Coldplay. Having divided music fans since 2000, Chris Martin’s band of brothers tend to fall into the Marmite hinterland for bands. But anyone paying attention at this year’s Glastonbury festival on the Friday and Saturday would have seen something quite remarkable and that should give an indication of how far Coldplay have come, 50 million record sales not-
withstanding. On the Friday, the palapable sense of expectation around U2s’ set, delayed a year after Bono’s back problems forced them to pull out, fizzled out pretty quickly when the first half-hour of their set turned into a blatant advert for the 20th anniversary of Achtung Baby (coming to a record shop near you in all formats, music lovers!) As Bono ad-libbed lyrics straight from his teleprompter, the deflation felt immense. A career-defining moment to bookend the period from their appearance at Live Aid went AWOL. Saturday saw the other
“biggest act in the world” take to the stage and, frankly, Coldplay smashed it. Ninety glorious minutes saw a confident band play their biggest hit second in the setlist, and included an unfamiliar selection of songs from an album that would not see the racks until four months later among their singalong classics. U2 should consider their time with the torch over. And at last, those four months have rolled around, and Xylo Myloto arrives with as much fanfare as vitriol poured upon it’s graffiti-adorned sleeve. Five albums in and they
are still doing what they do better than almost anyone else, reaching the parts few other acts can in this day and age. The first six complete songs (the record features interludes and motifs that introduce and preface tracks) are those that anyone who saw Coldplay over the summer at one of the many festivals that they appeared at across the world will recognise. The euphoric Hurts Like Heaven and Every Teardrop, the songs that opened and closed those performances are pop classics, while Charlie Brown and Major Minus are stand-outs in their
Coldplay have produced another collection of engaging pop classics
own right, alongside the new single, Paradise. As for the newer songs, the one that will get the most attention will undoubtedly be the collaboration with Rihanna, which is a huge grower. To the haters, get over yourselves. No one else does Big Music this well.
Yes, there’s not much substance in the lyrics; yes, it’s unashamedly poppy; yes, it is populist and connects with huge numbers of people. So what? People enjoy what they do and while the record is a step forward, it’s not a massive one - but when it’s not broke, why fix it?
If I had one criticism, it’s the fact that the huge sound the band create live, and especially the piledriver drumming of Will Champion, is a little diminished in the mix. They are a revelation in a live setting, and here’s hoping they make a return to the O2 soon.
16 GAZETTE 27 October 2011
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY A special edition of the popular YSL Touche Eclat IT’S THE multitalented highlighter that hides a multitude of sins and, for this season only, the legendary Touche Eclat is to don a velvet strip in a special edition that celebrates the history and beauty of the YSL tuxedo look. With its unique formula, Touche Eclat sculpts the features and banishes shadows in a stroke. With just a few sweeps of the brush, the face lights up with radiance. Launched in 1992, Touche Eclat has never fallen from its pedestal, with one sold worldwide 20 seconds. And if you fancy discovering new ways to apply this magical pen, why not check out the Touche Eclat website, www.touche-eclat.com/en Available at YSL counters nationwide whilst stocks last. Recommended Retail Price: €35.
Give dry, irritated skin the heave-ho and go organic I’VE always been conscious of ingredients in cosmetics and skincare ranges, probably ever since I read beauty journalist Josephine Fairley’s book, Organic Beauty. Since I’ve become a mum, I’ve become even more conscious of what I put on my skin and my family’s. Now, one of my favourite ranges, Burt’s Bees has launched a new Sensitive Skin Care Line. It’s an ideal range for people who tend to react to various ingredients or products, or whose skin feels tight and sensitive or, indeed, can be dry and irritated.
Burt’s Bees has launched a new Sensitive Skin Care Line
Packed full of gentle, skin-friendly and distinctly formulated with cotton extract, rice extract and aloe, the new range includes a Soap Free Facial Cleanser (€12.95) that has been clinically
proven to moisturise sensitive skin, while gently cleansing away dirt, oil and make-up without drying or causing redness or irritation. Meanwhile, the Daily Moisturiser (€17.95) has
also been designed to leave your complexion nourished and protected. Other products include a lightweight Eye Cream (€17.95) and Night Cream (€17.95).
All products from the sensitive range are soapfree and fragrance-free. Burt’s Bees new Sensitive Skin Care Line is available from pharmacies and health stores nationwide.
27 October 2011 GAZETTE 17
Edited by Dawn Love
Let your complexion glow this winter with Karora THE days of slathering yourself in primitive fake tanning creams are long gone and, thankfully, many of the products now on the market leave you with a healthy, glowing complexion rather than the tangerine shade of old. Natural
One of the latest creams to come on the market is Irish brand Karora’s organic Gradual Bronzing Moisturiser with Barrier Cream. Combining leading-edge skincare with advanced tanning ingredients, this delicious new cream will leave you with a natural golden radiance, while protecting your face
WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240
against the cold and windy Irish winter. Formulated for all skin types, Karora’s Gradual Bronzing Moisturiser has an array of special ingredients, including jojoba oil to guard and protect the skin against environmental stress and it is rich in natural nutrients. Meanwhile, Karora’s signature ingredient, argan oil, has a naturally high concentration of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which alleviate dry skin and rough patches. Argan is rapidly absorbed by the skin and provides a high-level of balanced moisturisation to help keep your skin
protected, energised and glowing. With advanced organic tanning ingredients, it develops over one to two applications per week. Verdict
My verdict? Well, as a mum of a 17-monthold toddler who had a bad dose of teething last week, I looked like I had a month’s sleep after just one application. Definitely one for the Christmas stocking this year! Karora is available at Unicare, McCabes, Sam McCauleys and Independent Pharmacies nationwide, or you can shop online at karoracosmetics.com
One of the latest creams to come on the market is Irish brand Karora’s organic Gradual Bronzing Moisturiser with Barrier Cream
18 GAZETTE 27 October 2011
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs IN RECESSION, SUPER RICH BUY A ROLLS: SUPER rich people across the world are investing in Rolls-Royce cars as a means of beating a possible global recession caused by currency fluctuations. The BMW-owned luxury British car brand has reported full order books. The company is operating three production shifts to meet demand, according to the company CEO Torsten MuellerOetvoes, in an interview with Automotive News Europe. “The Rolls-Royce brand holds its value. We represent a valuable long-term asset, particularly in times of uncertain investment opportunities,” Mueller-Oetvoes said.
Peugeot’s 508 brings MICHAEL MORONEY
gives his view on the new, spacious Peugeot 508 SW EUGEOT’S new 508 is a spacious and solid looking car. The car has been designed as a purpose-built estate, and that gives it a presence and standing on the road that’s volumes ahead of the previous 407 model. The comfort levels are good and there’s plenty of space on board, from the large boot to the rear seats. The car has a solid, functional feel to it that was made special by the
P The new estate version of the Peugeot 508 called the SW has great looks, good economy and reasonable pulling towing power, with an entry price of €30,600
extra features included in the test car. The inside is made feel more airy with the panoramic sunroof that runs the length of the car, well almost. This is a standard feature as the car is available with the Active specification as the entry level. This has an electrically operated curtain on the inside if the high light gets too much for you. That’s not likely to happen between now and
27 October 2011 GAZETTE 19
style in SW format next May, so I opted to keep it open for much of the test drive. Sometimes it’s the little things that attract me to a car. The bits that you take for granted include good comfort, economy and road-holding where you never feel nervous and they are a feature of this Peugeot 508 SW. Then there are the extras and, for me, a coffee cup holder is a must, as I do a lot of driving each week. And there are two on the dash of the Peugeot 508, which fold out of the way when not in use. And they are mounted high enough that you are not bending down to find that cup. Peugeot offers two engine choices for the car. I had the bigger 2.0litre turbo-diesel version
SPECS: PEUGEOT 508 SW 2.0 TDI
Top speed: 210 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 10.1 sec Economy: 20 km/litre (5.0 l/100km) CO2 emissions: 125g/km Road Tax Band: B (€156) Euro NCAP Rating: 5 Stars (2011) Warranty: 2 years Entry Price: €30,600
on the road for a recent test drive. There is a difference in power and pace from the bigger engine version, which adds about a little less than €2,000 extra to the price. Opting for the bigger engine gives significantly more power and torque without much loss in fuel economy. Both cars are within
Band B for annual road tax purposes, so equally competitive to run. That’s why the 2.0-litre version had to be my choice. This is a big car, weighing in at 1.6 tonnes before the load, so the extra engine power allows it to accelerate from 0 to 100km/hr in just 10.3 seconds. That’s over 10% faster than the small 1.6litre engine version. It’s also heavier than the 2.0-litre Ford Mondeo estate and the Toyota Avensis estate and it’s faster and more economical than both. The economy figure for this big car is 20 km/litre (5.0 l/100km). The Peugeot 508 SW has a 72-litre capacity fuel tank and should give well over 1,200km on a full tank. That’s what we have now come to expect as
fuel economy barriers are shattered with each new model in a range. I didn’t get the rated economy figures – I came in somewhere closer to 15% more, but the car still had the capacity to cover 1,200km before a re-fill. Volkswagen’s Passat presents a different challenge and it’s the one that Peugeot was aiming at. With its BlueMotion technology the Passat 2.0 TDi is heavier, more economical and faster than the equivalent engine Peugeot 508 estate. There will be a difference in price, even if the entry-level Passat looks attractive. The Peugeot deal is better with the entry-level 508 packed with features for an entry price of €30,600, before delivery charges.
The kit on the car is impressive. It includes rear parking aid, automatic wipers and headlamps and new-style electric child locks. The Bluetooth connection was easy and very effective. The car comes with decent size, 17-inch alloy wheels and there’s even a full-size spare, which in the case of the 508 seems to have no detrimental impact on the car’s weight and CO2 rating. The hillassist system is easy to use and effective, without being too obvious or a challenge. The car has achieved a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating this year and that’s due to the driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags fitted. It also comes with stability control, traction control,
emergency brake assist and an electronic brake force distribution system for good road handling in difficult situations. In the estate form, this car is particularly impressive and different. My personal preference is that the rear-end design of the estate is better matched to the front end, giving an overall better looking car than in saloon format. The Peugeot 508 is not on the road long enough to judge its reliability performance. The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine has lots of road experience to be as reliable as it is economical. The 508 SW is a solid and good-looking car, where the small things are as important as the impressive overall package.
20 GAZETTE 27 October 2011
GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY ATHBOY: FOUR-BEDROOM ACCOMMODATION IN MEATH FOR €180,000
Good-priced living at Castlelawns
Number 36, Wilson Road, Mount Merrion is on the market for €540,000
MOUNT MERRION: FOURBEDROOM BUNGALOW
A Merrion mansion in Wilson Road HASSETT & Fitzsimons are bringing number 36, Wilson Road, Mount Merrion, Dublin 4, a spacious four-bedroom bungalow, to the market for the asking price of €540,000. Set in a sought-after residential area close to Belfield University, the property comprises three reception rooms, sitting and living rooms, kitchen, four bedrooms and a garage. The accommodation comprises a porch with coloured leaded lights, which leads to an inner and outer hell with modern white wood panelling. The sitting room features a white marble gas fireplace, and has sliding doors which lead to an open-plan dining room and kitchen. The kitchen is well-appointed and contains an electric oven and gas hob, an extractor fan, dishwasher and fridge. The utility room contains a washing machine, dryer and freezer. The living room contains double doors to raised decking in the rear garden. The buildings contain built-in units, and two are contained in the attic conversion in the property which is accessed by a staircase. Number 36, Wilson Road has a mature landscaped front garden with parking for up to five cars. The property also has a garage, and has a side entrance to the rear garden. The rear garden features a garden shed, a raised decking area, a sizable area of rear decking and an equally large lawned area. Viewing is strictly by appointment with Hassett & Fitzsimons. For more information, see www.hassettandfitzsimons.ie or e-mail info@hassettandfitzsimons.ie.
CARTY Estate Agents in Trip are bringing 4B Castlelawns in Athboy, County Meath, a modern red-brick-fronted detached dormer bungalow with detached garage to the market for the attractive price of €180,000. Situated in a small residential development, which is within walking distance of the town of Athboy, number 4B, Castlelawns, was constructed to a very high standard and has been maintained in e xc e l l e n t c o n d i t i o n throughout and would make an ideal family home. The accommodation comprises entrance
hall, a lounge with open-plan dining area, a kitchen with dining area, four bedrooms, of which the master is en suite, and two bathrooms, situated on each level of the property. T he proper ty also benefits from a detached garage with utility area. Particular features of 4B Castlelawns include PVC double-glazed windows, oil-fired radiator central heating, as well as not being overlooked to the rear. The property is approached by a tarmac driveway with lawns to the front and rear. There is also a patio area to the rear. The property also features a large, detached garage
Number 4B, Castlelawns, is on the market for €180,000
plumbed for washing machine. Athboy has an excellent range of amenities and services. For the commuter there is easy access to the new M3 motorway and a regu-
lar daily bus service to Dublin City Centre. Number 4B, Castlelawns, would provide a perfect family home which is ready for immediate occupation and viewing is strictly
by appointment only. To arrange a viewing, contact Carty Estate Agents on 046-9486860, or email cartyproperty@eircom.net. For more information, see www.carty.ie
MALAHIDE: FOUR BEDROOM SEMI-DETATCHED HOME FOR €495,000
Home on the range high on Texas Lane PROPERTY Team Noel Kelly Auctioneers are bringing number 2, Texas Lane, Chalfont in Malahide, a four-bedroom semi-detached family home offering bright generously proportioned and a flexible layout, to the market for €495,000. The property, which extends to c 1,650 sq ft, has been extended throughout and is situated in a much soughtafter location. The accommodation comprises an entrance hall, a guest WC with ceramic tiled floor, mirror, understairs storage, accessories, WC and WHB. The property features a garden conversion wth timber f looring. There are two reception rooms which are conjoined by double doors, and the larger
is an extended dining room or tv room, featuring sliding doors to rear garden, and recessed lights. There is an extended kitchen and breakfast area, which contain fitted wall and floor units, and all electrical appliances are included. The utility room also has all electrical appliances included. The landing at the top of the stairwell allows access to the attic and has a hot press. The four bedrooms in the proper ty are upstairs, all of which feature timber floors, and the main bedrooms have built-in wardrobes. The master bathroom has a ceramic tiled floor, tiled walls, w.c, w.h.b, Triton T90i shower, accessories. The front of the prop-
erty has a cobblelock drive for three cars, and a side entrance to the rear garden. The garden features a deck area, a timber garden shed, and is fully walled.
The property is within walking distance of all amenities, including Malahide village and DART station, and is located byside Malahide estuary.
Viewing is by appointment, which can be arranged with Property Team Noel Kelly Auctioneers’ representative, Darren Kelly on 01 8462752.
Number 2, Texas lane, Chalfont, Malahide is on the market for €495,000
27 October 2011 GAZETTE 21
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Sonja Ewen, Organiser of Marlay Craft Fair
Crafting very high standards for fair THIS year, the Marlay Craft Fair is celebrating its 10th birthday. Originally the brainchild of Valerie McGurdy, one of the Marlay Craft Courtyard’s chief go-doers, organiser Sonja Ewen tells the Gazette a little about the history of the event. “To start out with, it was a very small affair, where the Craft Courtyard studios invited their regular customers to view their works before Christmas. They would have served up mulled wine and mince pies to add to the festive cheer. This kind of snowballed when it was decided to bring in a range of other craftspeople that were not based in the courtyard. “When I moved to the Courtyard as a full-time jeweller in about 2003, I was keen to help out with the fair, actually I think it was a given, I just had to help out. It was all hands on deck,” she says. “Times have changed; there are fewer of us still surviving on craft alone; Marlay Ceramics and I have both had to find other sources of income with this new economic climate in Ireland. “But, true to my heart is to keep Marlay Craft Fair running as a makers’ craft fair. “What is fantastic about the fair is that it now has a reputation of being a ‘high-standard craft-makers’ fair. Every year we take on a new charity, we ask for a small entrance fee of €2.50 and this enables us to support the charity.” For more information, contact Sonja on 087 675 33 58 or visit the website www.MarlayCraftFair.com Marlay Craft Fair November 25-27, 2011.
ily, so I think I always had an idea to work as a crafts person of some sort.
Q: What was your first job? A: My first job as a student was
ounce during the last weeks. I was told over four years ago to buy the yellow metal then – what is your view in 2011 ? Pauline - Templeogue A - James Goldsmith once quipped “When you see a bandwagon, it’s too late” – but the statistics about gold are both startling and alarming. In 1980, gold reached an all-time high price of $850 per troy ounce (slightly lighter than our own avoirdupois ounce) BUT it took 27 years to return to this high of € 850 only four years ago in 2007. Add inflation to the 1980 price, and you are looking at a more realistic value of over $2,500. At the current price - an increase of over 107% in those four years since 2007 - 2 lbs of gold will cost you just short of €40,000 ... a lot of money for a small amount of metal. JP Morgan and Merrill Lynch, however, came out in recent weeks to predict gold WILL reach the $2,500 price before the year end. But more important than price is tradability. The reason why gold prices are surging ahead is the market volatility. Only when governments, banking, stockmarkets and property regain confidence will we see a normalisation in gold prices. Originally, all Bank of England notes for instance were backed by gold bullion in their mint –
tive easing i.e. printing your own money, among other things put paid to that.
Marlay Craft Fair at about the same time.
Jedward? A: Oh jeepers, poor David
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: What’s good about organis-
hasn’t had the best time of it recently with the presidential saga, and thinking back to Jedward and the last Eurovision just makes me laugh – have you ever seen such unreleased energy just busting to get out…
ing the Marlay Craft Fair is being able to keep it as a proper craft fair.
Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’? A: I need to be able to delegate
Q: And your first pay cheque? A: I can’t remember, but I
in the running of the fair. This year, Des Keaney is my righthand man and there are things that he can do much better than I can, and vice versa. so I don’t have any issues just handing stuff over to him
Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed? A: Yes, I worked as a secretary for a while and hated it.
Q: When did you start your present job? A: I moved into the Marlay Craft Courtyard in approximately 2003, and was roped into assisting Valerie McGurdy to organise the running of
“I
promise to pay the bearer the sum of…” Quanta-
Sonja Ewen, Organiser of Marlay Craft Fair
in McCullough’s Department Store of Dun Laoghaire, the old-fashioned style shop.
saved like mad to buy a canoe. There used to be a little sports shop in Blackrock called Venture Sports, I think it was. I managed to scrape enough money for that boat. I loved it.
ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD…. OR IS IT ? Q – Gold prices reached over $1,760 per troy
Q&A Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: I come from a creative fam-
THE ANSWERS TO ALL OF YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS
Q: What sport can you play? A: I’m a sea kayaker, so playing in the waves is my game.
Q: What is your guilty music/ TV or movie pleasure? A: I love all sorts of music, so play lots of varied sorts. We don’t have a TV, but love to watch the odd replay on the computer.
Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or
Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: iPod/iPad “món” if I were so lucky, haven’t made it to that plateau yet, I’m working on it though!!
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: I like to keep tabs on the Whale and Dolphin society. They get continuous listings of sightings of whales and dolphins around the coast of Ireland – fascinating stuff.
Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: I do have a secret shoe fettish. I could always buy shoes, needed or not, in fact, suitable or not, it never really matters.
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: Ha! That’s not fair! Maybe I
Peter Schiff is a major precious metals analyst in New York (regularly on CNBC TV) and has predicted the price will go to $5,000 per troy ounce.
should have read all the questions first!!
Not sure that I agree with him, but I do think that
Q: What would be your dream job? A: Well the dream job would
have about 10% exposure to this commodity. The
have to be the one that would have lots of time off and that would pay well enough, so that when it was time off, you’d have enough money to be able to go and do something.
(exchange traded funds – the cheapest way on
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: I like the idea of pootling around in a camper van with no fixed agenda and no time restraints and there would have to be nice places to go and eat out and good scenery. I’ll send you a postcard when I find out where it is.
if you have a fairly sizeable portfolio, you should decision though to make is what form you buy the precious metal – mine shares, Gold funds the stock market) krugerrand – the world’s first one ounce gold bullion coin, brought to market in 1967 and costing up to $ 2,000 each currently – and similar style coins like gold sovereigns etc, or through the innovative Perth Mint Gold Certificate programme ? With this latter option, your gold bullion is stored in the Perth Mint in Australia, guaranteed by the AAA-rated Western Australian government (the only government to give such a guarantee) and you receive a certificate that you can redeem at any time rather than hold the bullion, saving security problems. Email me for details of this or any gold issues you may have.
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Well, maybe that’ll be when
jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at
I’ll go off pootling in that camper van.
Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing
Contact John with your money questions at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the director of Money Doctor
22 GAZETTE 27 October 2011
GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel The Cliffs of Moher in County Clare
Take in the wonder of the Cliffs of Moher and explore the West ONE of our very own tourist hot spots is on the shortlist as one of the new Seven Wonders of Nature competition. The Cliffs of Moher are in the final 28, which is hardly surprising given the magnificence of this landscape in County Clare. The Cliffs are 320 million years old and are Ireland’s most visited natural attraction, with almost 100 million visitors every year. The reasons for the popularity are manifold, some visitors flock to see a Special Protected Area for seabirds, as the Cliffs are home to over 30,000 nesting pairs each year, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, and kittiwakes and makes for a bird watcher’s paradise. However, for most, it is the striking scenery where nature, history and geology merge. To vote for the Cliffs inclusion, log onto www. new7wonders.com or Text MOHER 53131 (€0.30C) to vote for their inclusion in the New 7 Wonders of Nature. For more information on inspirational places to visit and great value holidays check out www.discoverireland.ie
D4 Berkeley offers a variety of special offers for theatre, sport and concert goers
QUICK GETAWAY: A STYLISH NIGHT AT D4 BERKELEY
Enjoying the city you’re living in LAURA WEBB
IT HAD been a few months since my partner and I had taken a city break to let loose and leave the responsibilities of parenthood behind with the grandparents. When thinking about where to go, we decided we wanted to do something different and enjoy a city we both love – Dublin. Even though we live in the suburbs and going out usually only means a taxi into town, it can often be an expensive round trip, so we thought we would stay in a city hotel, as there are some amazing deals around at the moment.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
‘Although we weren’t far from home it was still a great mini-break and it actually made us appreciate what Dublin has on offer’
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I had tickets to Mamma Mia at the Grand Canal Theatre and we thought we could stay at the D4 Berkeley. Stylish
Our room was both spacious and stylish, and with a couple of hours to spare before dinner time, we headed out to see what the hotel’s location had to offer. Just a five minute walk from the RDS and located just minutes from the Aviva
stadium, the hotel is ideal for anyone going to watch a match, concert, exhibition or show. We walked back just in time for dinner and were greeted by the lovely restaurant manager, Oscar, and the waiting staff in Berkeley Brasserie were just as friendly. The live piano added to the relaxed atmosphere of the contemporary restaurant. For starters, I ordered crispy calamari with a
tomato and chilli sauce. Johnny went for soupof-the-day and for his main, Irish grilled fillet steak, served with home cut chips, onion rings and peppercorn sauce. I chose the chicken supreme with wilted spinach, sundried tomato and orzo pasta. Describing his meal Johnny said it ticked all the boxes for flavour, portion size and affordability, as did mine. We headed off to the Grand Canal Theatre
to see the show and enjoy the many smashhit songs from Abba. Even though he’s not a fan, Johnny reluctantly agreed he enjoyed it. The next morning. we headed to the Berkeley Brasserie, which was also delicious. Although we weren’t far from home, it was still a great a mini-break and it actually made us appreciate what Dublin has on offer. D4 Berkeley offers a variety of special deals for theatre, sport and concert goers, which are available to see online at www.d4berkeley.ie or by phoning the reservation team at 01- 4373444.
27 October 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
HALLOWEEN: HAUNTED CASTLES AND STREETS
Travel B ri e fs Go ghost hunting in
haunting Scotland FANS of ghouls and ghosts should make their way to Scotland this Halloween. With haunted castles, churches and streets, there are few countries with a more fascinating or spookier history than Scotland. Fans of the Da Vinci Code will be captivated by Rosslyn Chapel, the church built for the Sinclair Family in the 15th century. Ghostly flames apparently flicker in the burial vault when one of the Sinclairs is about to die and an apparition of the apprentice who carved the famous Apprentice Pillar and was murdered by his teachers, can sometimes be seen or heard. With a long and bloody history, Edinburgh Castle is said to be home to many spirits, including that of a headless drummer boy. Rumour has it, that the appearance of
Rosslyn Chapel
the ghostly drummer boy is a warning that the castle is about to be besieged and was first seen in 1650, before Oliver Cromwell and his English army attacked. Believed to be the most haunted place in Edinburgh, The Royal Mile as it is known, is the street leading from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of
Holyroodhouse. Taking a stroll down this street you may be in for a few surprises as No.1 Mary Kings’s Close, which was bricked up during an outbreak of the plague, is said to be haunted by the spirit of a young girl. Cruden Bay, located on the Aberdeenshire coast, may seem like a pleasant looking fishing village,
but you may be surprised to know that, in the 19th century, it was the holiday haunt of Bram Stoker. The ruins of Slains Castle, which drape down from the headland inspired Stoker’s vision of Count Dracula’s Castle. The Kilmarnock Arms Inn, where Stoker stayed in 1895, is still there for those brave enough to pay a visit. On the west coast of Scotland, close to the town of Oban, lies Dunstaffnage Castle. The castle is said to be haunted by a lady dressed in green, who walks the ramparts when events are about to unfold for the castle owners. When she is smiling it said that good fortune awaits but if she is weeping, trouble lies ahead. The castle is open daily, but visiting hours are restricted in the winter. For more details www. visitscotland/surprise
Travelling Far and Away FOR anyone considering a long-haul trip, Thomas Cook Ireland’s newly launched Far and Away brochure is a must. The range covers traditional package holidays, escorted tours to exotic destinations and far-flung cruises. Customers can also tailor their holidays to suit their preferences and schedules.
Though January may be months away, Irish Ferries has already welcomed in the New Year with the announcement that their reservations system has been opened for 2012 bookings on their services to France. To get bookings off to a quick start and encourage those anxious to secure preferred sailing dates and choice of cabin accommodation, the company is offering a three-tiered incentives package, beginning with an early booking discount of 10% off all fares booked before December 15. The second offer is the chance to secure one’s booking on payment of a low €100 non-refundable deposit with the balance payable six weeks before departure – one that contrasts with others who seek payment in full or a more significant deposit at time of booking. Finally, repeated again, next year is the offer of a free trip to Britain for a car plus two passengers for all motorist return bookings to France during June, July and August. For bookings and information, visit www.irishferries.ie or call 0818 300 400.
Scandinavian Airlines offering bargain fares to Bangkok and all this exotic city has to offer SCANDINAVIAN Airlines have some bargain fares to Bangkok at the moment. Bangkok is fantastic for shopping, nightlife, restaurants and culture and is a great place to stop off before heading to the luxury of the tourist resorts. SAS can offer quick connections through Copenhagen airport where you only need 45 minutes to connect. For Irish travellers travelling to Bangkok, it is normally only a 15-metre walk from gate to gate to change plane in Copenhagen Airport. Fly from Dublin to Bangkok from as little as €799 return, including all taxes and charges. Book before November 1, 2011 to secure this special fare. Go to www. flysas.ie for more details.
Concorde Travel is offering great deals to the Portuguese capital of Lisbon for a great city break
Feature
Cuba, Mexico, Dominican Republic, India (Goa), Gambia, Jamaica and Florida all feature strongly in the new Far and Away brochure. As Thomas Cook can avail of its own accommodation and charters from the UK to these destinations, customers can find more competitive
Irish Ferries is welcoming the New Year with great offers, so book your 2012 reservation early
A Mexican beach and (inset) Old Havana in Cuba
and comprehensive pricing. Eleven nights in the four-star Laico Atlantic in Banjul Beach in Gambia next March is available
all-inclusive from just €849, while 14 nights over Christmas and New Year in Goa in the threestar Colonia Santa Maria
at Baga Beach, also all inclusive, is on offer for €1,789, departing December 20. (Prices are from UK airports).
ARGUABLY one of the nicest European capitals, Lisbon is a city that captures the imagination of the visitor with its magnificent architecture, reminiscent of a glorious maritime past as well as the majestic Tagus River and the dominant Castelo de San Jorge. Exploring the city on foot is a delight – there is something around every corner that will surprise you. Lisbon is a lively city boasting bars, clubs and cafes, where you can simply relax and enjoy a powerful Portuguese-style coffee or party all night long in some of the trendiest clubs. Concorde Travel is offering great deals to the Portuguese capital this winter from only €349. Stay three nights on a B&B basis at the three-star Hotel Evidência Tejo, from €349, four-star Tivoli Jardim, from €419, and five-star Tivoli Lisboa, from €499. Visit www.concordetravel.ie to book your city break to Lisbon today.
24 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 27 October 2011
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Snow Play CHILDREN aged from three to seven will be delighted with this show, which tells of how snow-hating Mr Green returns from his Christmas holidays only to find that Mr White has moved in, and covered everything with snow! Children will help to make a giant snowman, have a snowball fight and more in this highly-interactive production. Snow Play takes place on at 2pm and 4pm on Saturday, October 29, and at 2pm on Sunday, October 30, with tickets priced at €8 for children, and €10 for adults.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 One Act Festival THEATRE lovers are in for a treat, thanks to the Mill Theatre’s quick-moving festival that will present eight plays across two nights. Actors, directors and drama enthusiasts from all across the country will be found at the theatre, as an eclectic range of productions whirl through their paces. Following the plays’ productions, adjudicator Tom Byrne will provide an engaging analysis. For full details of the plays, which take place from 7pm on Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28, see www.milltheatre.ie.
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.
Mitch Emhoff (Matt Damon) can’t quite take in the news from a doctor that his healthy wife, Beth (Gwynneth Paltrow) has suddenly died from a mysterious new virus, with a mass outbreak killing thousands of people around the world in this week’s film, Contagion
Germinating ideas What if ... a new, deadly virus sprang up all around the world? The prognosis is poor in this interesting new film Q KATE CROWLEY
NOW is the winter of our discontent most keenly felt ... largely through red noses, hoarse throats and a thousand rasping coughs, it would seem, as the emaciated Flu crow has slowly but surely flapped its way back to Ireland’s shores for its annual winter sojourn. Thanks to this unwanted visitor, all around the Crowley household, a hundred flu sufferers seem to be blearily making their way through the streets, while Mr Crowley has a touch of Man Flu, which, he tells me, is “a thousand times worse than ordinary flu” (yet which doesn’t seem to stop him from eating chocolate biscuits and watching football). However, as unpleasant as the flu is for those battling it – such as yours truly, still croaking her way through a lingering two-week chest infection
FILM OF THE WEEK: Contagion +++ (12A) 106 mins Director: Steven Soderbergh Starring: Gwyneth Paltrow, Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Laurence Fishburne
OUR VERDICT: LOTS of stars with lots of storylines, yet one overall plot ... While the world seems to have mostly forgotten the perils and fears over Swine Flu and Bird Flu, here comes a film to play on the fears of those recent pandemics. Slow-moving, and perhaps constrained by being a film about, well, deadly germs, it’s still an interesting tale that director Soderbergh helms well enough ...
– for most, it’s not the end of the world. No, the end of the world is, instead, the underlying theme of this week’s film, which takes the flu theme and runs with it to a much more frightening, logical outcome. In Contagion, several plotlines converge as a business exec (Paltrow) returns from a business trip to Hong Kong with a bad dose of jet lag. That’s “jet lag” as in “she’ll be dead within two days of a mysterious new virus, folks” jet lag, of the kind that most travellers would rather avoid.
Exit Paltrow, leaving bemused hubby (Damon) to soldier on, despite the fact that their family isn’t quite through the worst of the horror just yet ... Of course, his wife’s death is just one of many deaths, as it’s obvious that a deadly pandemic is spreading across the world at frightning speed, with equally frightening mortality rates. Although, as with any virus and contagion, there are plenty of people who are immune – such as Damon’s character – most people aren’t, and, without an antidote, it looks
like goodnight, Seattle, for most of humanity. For those readers shouting at my review: “Science will save us!”, that sounds like an appropriate time to send in the clow- err, scientists, in the forms of Winslet and Fishburne. That almost sounds like a double act, but there’s nothing amusing about their characters as, working in different ways, they’re on a race against time to trace the virus back to Patient X – the first recorded victim – and then, with a bit of luck, figure out where the infection came from, and thus possibly come up with an antidote. However, all of this takes time, and, as every passing day exponentially increases the pandemic’s infection – and consequent sudden mortality – rates around the world, there’s a desperate race against time to get ahead of the virus’ deadly infec-
tion, and stop the global contagion. Unfortunately, quite apart from the dangers of the virus itself, the characters are also faced with problems posed by people, whether that’s nefarious journalists (Law) or the bureaucracies of various political and medical systems. With social order rapidly collapsing all over the world, and with governments resorting to desperate measures to quarantine people, the race is on to find a cure ... As usual, director Soderbergh has created an unconventional tale, with lots of Hollywood stars and stalwarts fighting for screen time in an occasionally busy story. Not a film for the germwary, it’s a thoughtful tale that shows that, maybe, just maybe, there are worse things than the flu to worry about. Now, Man Flu, that’s a thousand times worse, I hear ...
27 October 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING More Final Fantasy XIII-2 facts emerge SHANE DILLON
THE hit Playstation (and, more latterly, also available on the XBox 360) Final Fantasy franchise is set for another stab at the previous cross-platform title in the series, Final Fantasy XIII. In a similar manner to the last major title I reviewed, last week (Dead Rising 2: Off The Record), Final Fantasy XIII-2 is a largely similar, but rejigged, version of its predecessor title, FFXIII. However, much as twins may appear to be quite similar at first sight – and I say that as a twin, myself – there are several notable differences between the two, making XIII-2 similar, but yet quite different to, its predessor, XIII. The Final Fantasy series of games have had a long and illustrious past on a number of platforms, yet, arguably, found their greatest success on Sony’s PlayStation 2 – at least here in the West – while the franchise has remained a key part of Sony’s PlayStation brand. Here, “Final” is something of a misnomer, as the series has been spun out through many titles that far exceed the numerical titles in the series, with characters from the franchise popping up in everything from farming games to dance titles, beat-em-ups to platformers, and more. However, at heart, the Final Fantasy series remains a fundamentally structured role-playing game, typically created with strong undercurrents of Japanese culture, gaming memes, and ideas that seem unique to the series, with regular recurring themes of personal
Bytesandpieces It’s a case of so four-za, so good IN ONE of the most predictable gaming events of the year, Forza Motorsport 4 – or Forza 4, for short – recently roared straight to the top of the charts, with racing and motoring fans driving the XBox 360-exclusive title straight to the top. For those who like exquisitely-modelled cars, stunning landscapes, top-notch graphics, a Top Gear association (with Clarkson on voiceover duties) and an awfully big game to play around with – and that’s an awful lot of gamers – it’s hard to see any other racers appearing in the rear mirror in the near future, with Forza 4 set to hold pole position in the racing genre for quite some time.
Forza 4 certainly sets a noticeably-high benchmark in graphics on current platforms
A typically exotic and stylish branding design for Final Fantasy XIII-2, with strong artwork helping shape the series
strife, responsibility, duty and honour appealing to a global audience. With its superb designs, always evolving gameplay and game mechanics, striking music and a generally strong direction, it’s been no surprise that, today, the “Final” franchise is a key PlayStation brand, with Microsof t also coming on board for the release of previous title in the series, Final Fantasy XIII. Curiously, despite
being a game that was specifically developed for, and aimed at engaging Western audiences, rather than, debatably, a core Japanese and cult American fanbase, FFXIII was largely greeted with a lukewarm critical reception, and not especially notable sales figures. Still, early next year, a “remodelled” version of FFXIII – neatly called FFXIII-2 – will be released, set in the same world as its pred-
ecessor, and with many of the same characters, yet with a new storyline, new characters, and new gameplay mechanics – all with the hope for the developer, Squaresoft, to create greater respect for (and higher sales figures) for an experimental title that was, perhaps, a little overlooked once released. Collectors’s edition packs will include all of the usual items, ranging from CDs of the game music, to t-shirts, art
books, special cases and more, creating releases to take up plenty of space on gamers’ shelves – and leave plenty of corresponding space in their wallets, too. It’s an interesting development, seeing game companies take a “Take Two” attitude towards titles that didn’t quite hit expectations on release, but which were perfectly decent. If this sequel, of sorts, does well, perhaps it won’t be the final case of such rejigged releases.
www.gazette group.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away
GAZETTE
26 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 27 October 2011
To advertise, call us now on 01 60 10 240
DUN LAOGHAIREclassifieds
CARS
GATES
Email us at sales@gazettegroup.com
FLOORING
BUILDING BRICK, BLOCK AND STONEWORK 20 years experience ,living locally. Garden walls, sheds, brick piers, patio and paving. Decorative internal brick work, Plastering Insurance quotes. Call Dave anytime 0872917647 HOUSES, PATIO’S, Garden Sheds,Garages, Garden Walls, all brick laying and block laying undertaken FREE quotation call John on 0872332723 AUSTIN & ALLEN LTD. Building and Renovations Roofing, Roof repairs, Velux Windows, Standard Windows. All aspects of building or home renovation. Painting and Decorating service available. Bathrooms Fitted, Walls and Chimneys built and repaired. Carpentry Service and guttering service.Reasonable rates, References and testimonials. Free Estimates. Contact Michael on 086 2561436 austinandallen@ gmail.com
BUILDING MAINTENANCE
CATERING EQUIPMENT CATERING EQUIPMENT As New Convotherm Combi Ovens, Food Service Counters And Catering Equipment For Sale. Phone; 087 2592846/ 01 4600555
CLASSES
DENTAL
SEWING CLASSES/ CURTAIN MAKING Beginners and Improvers Sewing Classes on Curtain and Roman Blind Making and ‘Crafts & Patchwork’ starting in November. Half Day Workshops on ‘Getting to Know Your Machine’ and Curtain and Roman Blind Making. We also reline and re-pleat all curtains and offer a Curtain and Roman Blind making service at competitive prices, full selection of Poles and Rails available. Contact us at www.sewgreat.ie or www. pressxpress.ie. Call 01 8227650 or email us info@ pressxpress.ie
ROOFING
PLANNING NOTICE DUN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL
GARDENING
Permission is sought for i) Amalgamation of cottages 3, 4, 5 & 6 into a single restaurant unit. ii) Insertion of two glass doors into the rear extension of no. 6. iii) Erection of new canopy with retractable fabric pitched roof over the rear garden of no.3, apex height 4.3m above ground floor level, plan coverage 41m2 iv) Paving of the rear gardens of nos. 3 and 4 (60.2m2). v) Erection of screens with stainless steel frames and opaque glass inserts to the rear North West boundary wall of no. 3 and the rear garden party wall between nos. 3 & 4. vi) Erection of movable / removable steel and glass windbreak modules to the front of the cottages on the Pembroke District Pedestrian Walkway to delineate the open air seating areas. vii) Erection of two movable / removable parasols, one to the front of no. 6, one to the front of no. 3. Both apex height 3m above ground level, both plan coverage 8.9m2 viii) Discreet logos and decals on the windbreak modules to the front of the cottages. ix) Bin Store to rear of No. 5, plan area 1.4m2 x) Associated fit out and improvement works. Retention permission is sought for a) Demolition of modern extension to the rear of no. 4. b) Partial demolition of the modern extension to the rear of no. 6 c) All ducting, coolers, compressors and services located on the roof of the rear extension to no. 5. d) Increase in height of the rear garden party wall between nos. 5 & 6 to 3m. e) Erection of screens and door with stainless steel frames and opaque glass
inserts to the rear Southeast boundary wall of no. 6. f) Erection of new canopy with retractable fabric pitched roof over the rear garden of no. 6, apex height 4.3m above ground floor level, plan coverage 60m2 g) Erection of movable / removable parasol, to the front of nos. 4 & 5, apex height 3m above ground level, plan coverage 17.7m2. h) Discreet logos and decals on the glazing in the front windows of all four cottages i) Discreet logos and decals on the glazing screens and door to the rear Southeast boundary wall of no. 6. j) Dormer style weathering to duct penetrations thru’ rear roof of no. 5. k) Erection of new ground floor flat roofed extension to the rear of no. 4, with new access into the rear extension of no. 6, floor area 19.9m2, height 2.75m above ground floor level. Generally planning regularisation is sought for the complete development. All at 3 to 6 Pembroke Cottages, Ballinteer Road, Dundrum, Dublin 16 for Pintxo Pincho Ltd 3 to 6 Pembroke Cottages are in an Architectural Conservation Area. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dún Laoghaire during its public opening hours. A submission/observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.
13920
or out. Our schedule is suited around the clients needs References available on requestContact Caroline on:01 297 4051 or 087 4139335 E:sparklescleaning4U@gmail.com
DVD SERVICES
PAINTERS
DVD TRANSFERS Cinefilms,Photos and Slides transferred to DVD with Music and Titles added. Camcorder and Videotapes edited and transferred to DVD. Phone 01-2807838 Mobile 087-9132265 Email: alleventsvideo@ eircom.net
POLISH PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND DECORATING Best quality. Free Quotations. No job too small. Very reasonable prices. References available on WWW.MARKCOMPANY. IE find us on FACEBOOK Please phone Mark on 0879442445
DIVORCE SERVICES DIVORCE BY CONSENT Separated 4 years ? Agree on all matters ? We will draft and process your divorce documents for Court. From as little as €600 per couple. Separation Agreements fixed fee €500 per couple. Contact: Damien Mara at 086-1211820 Email: damienmara@eircom.net Website: www. divorcebyconsent.com
EDUCATION GRADUATE OF THE NATIONAL COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN available to teach art to children and adults and portfolio prep for art college contact sheilammelvin@gmail.com
PET SERVICES DOG TRAINING AND KENNELING Residential training in obedience and behaviour problems for all breeds ie pulling on lead, housetraining, aggression, recall, chewing, jumping up etc., also personal protection training. Over 20 years experience having trained in the UK, USA & Germany. Qualified master dog trainer, veterinarian & dog shelter recommended. Highly trained security dogs for sale. References available, watch our dogs in action and read our many references at www.topdogtraining.com or phone 087 051 4467
ROOFING EXHIBITION ART EXHIBITION AND CHRISTMARKET At Stillorgan Park Hotel On Saturday,5th November From 11.00, To 5pm. Admission Free. Organised By Volunteers Of Partnership America Latina On Behalf Of Little Sisters Of Assumption.
GARDENING HALF PRICE SALE Closing down / Re Location sale. Thousands of tree’s / shrubs / roses now 1/2 marked prices while stocks last at Paul Sexton Garden Centre Cornelstown 012896396
CLEANING
GRINDS
LETS TALK CLEANING LTD. YOUR LOCAL FAMILY OWNED IRISH COMPANY BASED IN SHANKILL €15 per hour including Vat and insurance. House & Office Cleaning Specialists Ironing Services. Weekly, fortnightly or once off cleans for Christenings, Communions, Party’s, House moves or any occasion. Key Holders to 95% of all property portfolios Very competitive rates, free quotation & no obligation All staff are fully trained and insured. References available - VAT compliant. Call Gerry 0868829824 or 012827255 Email: rcautley@eircom.net or gercautley@gmail.com Visit our website: www. letstalkcleaning.com
5TH AND 6TH YEAR BIOLOGY GRINDS, from a 1st year Physiotherapy Student, A1 in leaving last year. Will show you how to make own notes + mind maps. No boring 2hr grinds with teachers, just 45-1hour classes with former Student. All for €20 contact Cíaran 0857861244.
SPARKLES - NOTHING BUT THE BEST - 100% Irish registered company with experienced and friendly staff. Sparkles Cleaning is now in its 4th year of operation and is dedicated to providing a professional service to clients at competitive rates covering all of the South Dublin area. We specialise in: Weekly, Fortnightly or Monthly cleaning. House and Apartment once off clean ups - whether you are moving in
Tues. Maynooth 8:30pm 0872034619 Wed. Portmarnock 7.30pm 0860622819 Thurs. Portmarnock 10am 0860622819 Facebook “Dublin Max Meditation” www.meetup.com
FRENCH AND GERMAN TUITION OFFERED, Grammar and Conversation Please telephone 0857384907
HANDYMAN HANDYMAN From a leaking tap to a dream bathroom. We carry out all aspects of household maintenance inside and out, no jobs to small. Fully insured and registered with 35 years experience. For more information call Joe 0868256004
HEALTH/WELL BEING MAX MEDITATION ™ De-Stress, Relax, Re-Energise. Rejuvenate YOU. Be gently guided to a place of peace. All Welcome Tues. Sandymount 7:00pm 0851262032
FLAT ROOFING SPECIALISTS www.longliferoofing.net life expectancy of 50+ years and it won’t leak registered, insured and approved. Phone Tom Smyth now 0872575525 all areas covered
REPAIRS WEFIXFURNITURE.IE We repair: Leather, Frames, Recliners, Flat Cushions, Upholstery service available. Repair at the fraction of the cost of a replacement 087 8547566
RECRUITMENT PART-TIME LASER THERAPIST required for Southwest Dublin Clinic. Experience Essential. Immediate Start. Call Eimear on 01 6120551 for details.
TILING MJK TILING For all your tiling needs. Fully insured, free estimates! No job too small. Contact Mick: 087-2772269
WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240
27 October 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 27
R1
GazetteSPORT
OCTOBER STARS:
Nominations for Dublin Sports Stars are announced Page 29
TENNIS: SWORDS STAR HITTING THE HEIGHTS ON THE ITF FUTURES TOUR IN EUROPE
Cluskey makes fifth final out of six competitions sport@gazettegroup.com
JAMES Cluskey continued his superb recent run of form last week on the ITF Futures tour as he reached the final of the doubles at the Le RocheSur-Yon F19 event in France. It was his fifth final in his last six outings since mid-September – the other seeing him make the semi-final – marking one of the his best runs on the circuit.
On Sunday, playing with South African Jean Anderson, he was denied the title in a super-set by home-town pair Jeremy Blandin and Gleb Sakharov. It was a tight game, losing the first set on a tiebreak before bouncing back to claim the second 6-3. But the super-set was lost ten points to seven, leaving the Swords’ man to have to be content with a third runners-up medal in October.
In the other competition played this month, though, Cluskey and Andersen claimed the F16 Futures title in Forbach, beating Germany’s Sebastian Fitz and Russia’s Vitaliy Kachanovskiy. Again, the final was decided on a super-set as the Irishman was part of a superb comeback having fallen a set down, 7-5. He and Andersen snagged the second in comprehensive fashion with a 6-1 success before
Tennis ace James Cluskey maintained his fine run of form, reaching another final last week in France
closing out the deciding game 10-3. It continues a brilliant run of form on the hard court and carpets of France, taking in an F18 Futures final in St Dizier, Mulhouse and Nevers as
well as that semi-final in Brusoporto, Italy. It is a superb return to form following a summer in which Cluskey was part of the Irish Davis Cup side, and also reached the final of the Irish Open.
In the wake of that competition, the Swords LTC man has been quiet in August and September, but this sustained period abroad has been a very fruitful one. Elsewhere, former St
Andrew’s student Amy Bowtell earned a place in the women’s singles main draw at the AEGON GB Pro Series Glasgow after defeating number three seeded Michaela Honcova (SVK) in Scotland.
28 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 27 October 2011
GazetteSport Sport
The run was also for rollers and strollers and a time to catch up with community
Young legs win the day
Special branch - a garda supporter
DLR Fun Run Community all together at Kilbogget GREAT afternoon of fun, activity and inclusion was had by all at the recent Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Community 5K 2011 in Kilbogget Park. Over 420 participants of all ages and fitness levels completed the course, with some groups using the event to fundraise for their chosen charity. An Cathoirleach Cllr John Bailey started the race, making sure everyone got an encouraging cheer as they passed The organisers wish to thank Cabinteely FC for the use of their clubhouse, the Parks Department in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for their assistance, the Community Gardai for their help on the day and the 35 volunteers who ensured that everyone was safe and had fun. For more information on Dun LaoghaireRathdown Sports Partnership, see www. dlrsportspartnership.ie
A
The race got off to a cracking start with the 420 competitors cheered on by family and friends
Paraic Dormer, winner of the SportsAbility category
The organising committee take a well-earned break
27 October 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29
in association with
2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - OCTOBER NOMINEES
FastSport
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
+ STARof the MONTH
Masters meet at NAC a massive swim success JAKE CARROLL
PAUL RYAN
ALAN BROGAN
A YOUNG man who has graduated through the ranks of local soccer to attain the heights of a place in the League of Ireland firmament, Carroll was instrumental in helping St Parts to the Leinster Senior Cup title.
BALLYBODEN St Enda’s Paul Ryan has been at the forefront of his club’s drive for five, thumping 2-6 against Lucan Sarsfields in the Dublin SHC semi-final including 1-4 of his side’s opening 1-5.
THE “other” Brogan brother’s immense contribution to Dublin’s AllIreland campaign in this and every other championship run he has been a part of was rewarded with a hugely deserved Player of the Year award.
+ TEAMof the
THE first Celtic Open Masters Short Course swim meet was held at the National Aquatic Centre, Blanchardstown last week. The meet, jointly organised by Aer Lingus Masters and NAC Masters swimming clubs, attracted 285 entries from the length and breadth of Ireland, ranging in ages from 20 to 80. The competitors represented no fewer than 43 Masters clubs, including six overseas clubs from Britain and Spain, all competing in a packed gala programme. It is envisaged that the Celtic Open Masters could go on to become a regular event, adding to the existing Masters Swim Meet calendar in Ireland.
Fingal futsal competition a local success
MONTH
SOUTH DUBLIN SWANS
LUCAN GOLF
EGAN AND FLEMING
THE South Dublin Swans, featuring a number of the players who annexed the International Cup title in Melbourne earlier in the year won the Irish Aussie Rules Premiership title this month, defeating Leeside Lions in Laois
LUCAN Golf CLub’s ladies players claimed the Miele All-Ireland Fourball title this month in a nail-biting finale to the national competition at Kilkenny GC, defeating Faithlegg on the fifth play-off hole.
SALMON Leap Canoe CLub members Peter Egan and Neil Fleming took the Liffey Descent title to add to their huge achievements in claiming the Irish and British canoeing championships in 2011.
WELCOME to the 2011 Dublin Sports Awards, as we mark our local sportsmen and women’s October sporting achievements across the capital and, indeed, across the nation. We’re delighted to once again be able to celebrate the finest achievements in Dub-
lin sport, with some huge efforts at local levels coming to our attention in a variety of well-known, and some, less prominent, sports. Ever y form of sporting achievement, at any level and in any sport, is valuable and gives an indication of the diversity of sporting commit-
ment there is around our fair city at all times of the year.
Let us know! Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance of being one of our monthly stars.
Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ gazettesport. You can also check out the latest stories from GazetteSport at our new website, www.gazettegroup.com
ST FINIAN’S Community College, Swords, played host to the FAI co-ordinated AllIreland Secondary School Futsal competition for first year boys. The tournament was a great success with three schools from Swords — St Finian’s, Fingal Community College and Colaiste Choilm — and Donabate Community College competing for the title and the opportunity to represent their area at the Dublin finals. The title went to Donabate Community College with a 3-1 win over
Fingal Community College in a competitive final. Next up is the girls’ competition in St. Finian’s on October 26, with teams representing Balbriggan, Donabate, Rush and Swords all taking part. The winners of these North Dublin Sections will progress to the Dublin Finals, which take place in Corduff, Blanchardstown, on November 16. For further information on the FAI/Fingal Secondary Schools Futsal Competition contact Paul Keogh, Football in the Community Development Officer at 086-0444435 or email paul.keogh@ fai.ie
30 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 27 October 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
SOCCER: LOCAL PAIR ASSIST IN INTERNATIONAL VICTORY
Hermes ascend to top four spot after victory HERMES moved into the top four of the Leinster women’s hockey division one for the first time this season when they had too much firepower for Glenanne in Tallaght last Saturday with Irish international trio Aine Connery, Miriam Crowley and Gillian Pinder all on the mark. Sinead Connery (pictured) provided serious drive down the right flank to up the ante before Hermes got the vital go-ahead goal in the 23rd minute, a sweetly worked move between Gillian Pinder and Jacob which the former tapped in. Aine Connery crashed home through a packed circle for 2-0 at half-time before grabbing her second after the interval while Miriam Crowley scored two well-worked efforts for a second victory of the season.
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.
Ireland’s Under-17s finished second in the qualifying group in Almaty, Kazakhstan with contributions from Sam Byrne and Dylan Hayes
Joey’s duo aid Ireland sport@gazettegroup.com
FORMER St Joseph’s Boys duo Sam Byrne and Dylan Hayes played key roles as the Republic of Ireland pipped Kazakhstan to second place in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying round Group 4 in a section dominated by the Czech Republic. Going into the last day in Almaty, hosts Kazakhstan were three points behind Ireland with a goal difference deficit of ten; the home side overcame Liechtenstein 8-0, but it proved one short as John Morling’s side went down only 1-0 to the Czechs.
Byrne was the key man for Ireland on matchday one with a hat-trick in the 8-0 defeat of Liechtenstein and the margin of victory proved critical. Ireland got the breakthrough on 11 minutes through defender Ryan O’Reilly, and they remained in command. Ireland’s first-half dominance yielded four more goals in the lead-up to the break. Wolves’ attacker O’Neill made no mistake on 21 minutes when put clear on goal while striker Byrne headed home a Jack Grealish cross another seven minutes. Jonathan Leddy was clinical from the penalty
spot on 32 minutes when Grealish won the spotkick and Kyle McFadden headed in the fourth four minutes after. Four minutes after the break, Aston Villa winger Grealish grabbed a deserved goal by nodding home O’Neill’s delivery. Ireland continued to produced openings and Byrne rattled the net with a penalty on the hour, following a trip on O’Neill inside the area. Seven became eight in stoppage time as Byrne notched his third from close-range to complete the scoring. T he following tie against the hosts was
always going to be tighter but victory would have been deserved given the side’s dominance. Ireland enjoyed the vast majority of possession and scoring chances without showing the required clinical edge. The host nation led at the break through Ivan Antipov’s 14th-minute opener. Incessant pressure from Ireland finally yielded an equaliser three minutes from time when Grealish struck home from the edge of the box. The results put Ireland in second place of the group on four points after two games, two behind leaders Czech Republic
who beat Liechtenstein 6-0 in the other game in the pool contest. Ireland could only be edged out for the second qualifying berth into the elite phase on goal difference should the Czech Republic defeat Ireland in Tuesday’s concluding fixture. It proved a tight-run affair in the end as the home side overcame Liechtenstein 8-0 but it proved one short as John Morling’s side went down only 1-0 to the Czechs. Earlier in the week, the club’s Liam Traynor represented Ireland’s U-16s in their friendly win over Latvia.
Seapoint succumb to UBL defeat sport@gazettegroup.com
SEAPOINT fell to a second defeat in the Ulster Bank League Division 2A when Corinthians maintained their 100pc record at Kilbogget Park last week, taking advantage of injuries that ruled out Johnny Walsh and Ken Casey. Three early penalties put the Galway side on top before ’Point established themselves in the Corinthians’ 22 with a great kick to touch by Declan Griffin. And from the good field position, Des Doyle was on hand to
drive forward and win a penalty which Brian Keegan landed to narrow the gap at half-time at 9-3. Seapoint kicked off the second half with wind at their back but the visitors quickly got into their stride and, despite great defence, scored a try after five minutes. But for a try-saving tackle by Conor Byrne, they would have been further ahead but the pressure told and yielded another penalty to make it 17-3 after 12 minutes of the second half. The hosts were further stung when a great movement, sup-
ported by the back row resulted in another try for Corinthians, leaving Seapoint trailing 22-3. Steve Walsh was introduced and made an immediate impact. Seapoint were awarded a penalty, kicked to the corner for a line-out, from where they were awarded another penalty. However, a mistake following a quick tap gave Corinthians the put-in in a scrum. Stephen Verso, who had been playing No 8, and was replaced by Walsh, was introduced into the front row. After some good pressure they had a line-out on
the 15-metre line. A great take and drive put Seapoint onto the Corinthians’ line, applying the pressure to score a good try. The game ebbed and flowed, but a marvellous turnover by Paddy Crown followed by a super kick by Keegan led to a line-out close to the line and a subsequent scrum. Pushing hard for a try which might have earned a losing bonus point, Corinthians countered, though, and some good running and poor defence saw the visitors grab their third try to take a 19-point victory.
27 October 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 31
in association with
FOOTBALL: FORMER PUPILS BRING BACK TROPHIES a
CLUB NOTICEBOARD CUALA CONGRATULATIONS to the senior
part in last week’s schools’ finals at
footballers who marched into the
Thomastown . Thanks to Mick Fitzsi-
semi-finals of the Intermediate
mons and Sam Maguire for putting in
championship with a fine 3-06 to
an appearance that had the teams
0-09 points win over Naomh Barrog
wide-eyed with delight and dreams
on Sunday.
of the future.
It was a great weekend all round
Congratulations to Scoil Lorcain,
for our adult footballers. The second
Scoil Mhuire and St Joseph’s, who
team beat Garda at Westmanstown
emerged the winners of the three
in AFL Division 6 by 2-11 to 1-11, while
divisions.
the third team battled every inch to
The U-16A hurlers look to secure
edge out Erin’s isle by 2-09 to 2-08 in
a second A championship title next
their AFL Division 9 encounter.
weekend when they face Ballyboden
The minors were not to be outshone. The A team saw off Templeogue Synge
St Enda’s in Blakestown. All support will be welcome for the lads.
Street by 3-13 to 1-03, making it two
The minor hurlers take on Castle-
wins from three in their A champion-
knock in their A championship group
ship round-robin group.
stage next Sunday at 11am.
Well done to all the kids who took
FOXROCK/CABINTEELY THE annual club dinner dance takes Kilmacud Crokes’ man Kevin Nolan and Cuala’s Mick Fitzsimons brought the senior trophies to Clonkeen College
place on November 18, in the Stillorgan Park Hotel.
Clonkeen hails the conquering heroes sport@gazettegroup.com
CLONKEEN College celebrated its rich histor y of connections with the Dublin senior football and hurling sides last week when two of their most recent graduates returned to the school with Sam Maguire and the Dr Croke Cup. All-star Kevin Nolan, Player of the Match in the All-Ireland defeat of Kerr y, and Cuala man Mick Fitzsimons brought the senior football championship silverware back to the school as part of a visit co-ordinated by Kilmacud Crokes to bring the trophy to a series of schools in the area. David Treacy, meanwhile, brought the national hurling league crown to the event to provide the unique sight of the two trophies in the same venue at the same time. Along with Oisin
Gough, it made for an impressive haul from the school’s graduates on the playing front but the links also extended to the management setup with selector Padraig O’Donoghue among the school’s alumni. Currently on the school’s staff is Enda Sheehy, a sub in the 1995 All-Ireland winning vintage, who has managed some of the recent successes at school’s level as Clon-
keen have raised their standard fur ther in recent times. The school is competing for the first time this year in the U-16A leagues following two wins at U-14 B level in successive years and claiming the U-16 C football title. Indeed, school principal Dom Twomey has a keen interest in fostering the growth of the sport having worked with Tommy Lyons – another
famous past pupil – in Kilmacud Crokes and with Tommy Carr as a Dublin selector. The young Dubs met and were photographed with the school’s 520 students, the popularity of the visit requiring two separate sittings as they got the chance to be pictured with their heroes. Nolan was later honoured in the week when he was named in the All-Star list.
Payments for all tickets are due by this Friday as there is a waiting list for tickets. The awards ceremony for the allstars takes place on November 12.
reached the finals. Last year, we won five trophies, more than any other club in Dublin. Let’s hope we can put in as good a performance this season. Our U-13As travelled to Cavan last Sunday to play Divsion 2 National Feile winners, Lurgan.
We are keeping our fingers crossed
The girls played very well despite
for our own Sinead Goldrick, who
very heavy conditions and it ended
has been nominated at corner back
up as a one-point win for the Cavan
for 2011.
side.
Sinead played on the back line for the Dubs this season and has been outstanding, regularly claiming player-of-the match.
Many thanks to Lurgan for all their hospitality. We hope to host the Cavan team in the new year.
The nomination is a first for the
Congratulations to club coach
club and we wish Sinead all the best
Eamonn Prenter and his wife Ailsa
on All-Stars night.
on the recent birth of their son, a
The ladies’ juvenile finals week-
little brother to their three daugh-
end takes place on November 5
ters, Grace, Isabelle and Alexan-
and 6. Eleven of our 16 teams have
dra.
STARS OF ERIN THE U-11s had a great win against
ber 30 in Johnnie Fox’s pub. Great
Good Counsel.
prizes on the night, and all support
The U-9s also had great win, while there was no game for the U-8s. The Paddy Mulligan Cup semi-
greatly welcomed. Tickets are on sale now, please contact any committee members.
f inals were held la st weekend,
There was no winner of the lotto
with Stars of Erin beating Robert
jackpot. Numbers drawn were 3, 7
Emmet’s, and Ballinteer St John’s
and 21.
beating Thomas Davis.
The no -winner dr aw winner s
Hard luck to Emmet’s and Davis.
were Gerry Mulvey, Collie Moran,
Stars and John’s will meet in the
Margret O’Neill, each winning €20.
final, date yet to be confirmed. The Stars of Erin fancy dress bingo night is on Sunda y, Octo-
Thanks to all who support. Nex t we e k’s l o t t o j a c k p o t i s €1,400.
Follow GazetteSport on Facebook and Twitter and at www.gazettegroup.com
ALL OF YOUR DUN LAOGHAIRE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
ANSWER THE CALL: Local soccer stars assist Ireland in Euro qualifiers P30
OCTOBER HEROES Sports Awards nominations announced P29
GazetteSPORT
Kevin Nolan, Dublin, with his GAA GPA All-Star Football award at the GAA GPA All-Star Awards 2011
OCTOBER 27, 2011
Nolan caps his year with All-Star nod Kilmacud Crokes’ footballer honoured for contribution to Dublin’s All-Ireland success in championship STEPHEN FINDLATER dunlaughairesport@gazettegroup.com
KEVIN Nolan had a wonderful year capped last Friday night at the Dublin Convention Centre when he became the second Kilmacud Crokes’ footballer to be honoured with an All-Star. It followed up his man-of-the-match performance in the All-Ireland final in September, to join a club previously occupied solely by Ray Cosgrove. And Nolan told the Gazette it was a year he could never envisage, especially after a hip injury put his progress under serious threat following a stop-start to his Dublin career. “I’ve achieved things I couldn’t even have dreamt of. It’s just been an incredible year and one I may never replicate,” he said. “Starting back in 2008 in Pillar Caffrey’s last year, I played in a Leinster final and it went pretty badly. I was booked after eight mintues and taken off after
20 so that was a setback in itself. “Following that, I won the All-Ireland with the club but eventually I had to stop a few months later because of an on-going hip injury and I wanted to get that sorted out. “I took a year out with Dublin and Pat Gilroy was really understanding about it. What he said was he’d rather see me play for the next ten years than play two or three going through pain. “It’s probably the best decision I ever made. I sat out one year and when I came back I thought I’d be on the fringe of the panel last year. But I eventually came on and played from the Tipperary qualifier all the way to Cork in the semi-final, starting every game and doing pretty well and making my name in that position in the team. “From that, it was about building step by step to try and improve every part because there were players upon players who could step in.” It gave him a base from which to plan toward
certain goals but focus on his own individual aims was always more on the back-burner with Dublin’s overall success taking the primary place in his thoughts. “I remember hearing Paul Galvin wrote down what he wanted to achieve at the start of the year. When I heard that, I decided to do the same but then forgot about it. Maybe, deep down, I had those ambitions. But the main goal was to play in all the Dublin matches and to win an All-Ireland. “Anything else apart from that, man of the match or whatever it was, they were just bonuses. If I just had the All-Ireland medal, I’d be more than happy, it’s just such an amazing feeling. “At the age of 23, I’ve achieved a lot of things between the club, college and county, played in some great teams. There are players out there who are probably much better footballers than me who wouldn’t have won as much, so I’ve been very lucky.”