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January nu ua y 19, 2012

INSIDE: Debating the fairness of the new COLLEGE OPTIONS: Our essential household tax P6 guide to further study choices P19-29

GAA-rand group of girls: Support for their county Athletics: Hutchinson adds another Olympic place for DSDAC Page 40

EVE Nolan, Saoirse Breathneach, Niamh Murray, Grace O’Sullivan and a camera-shy teddy joined lots of locals at Cuala GAA Club, Dalkey, to give a great welcome to the Sam Maguire Cup when it visited the club recently.

The cup’s bearers enjoyed their equally warm welcome, as Dublin Senior footballers, Micheal Fitzimons and Rory O’Carroll, discussed the thrill and the challenge of playing for the county.

Picture: Geraldine Woods

Full Gallery on Pages 8-9

Basketball: Meteors miss out on National final place Page 38

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 TRAVEL..........................16 ENTERTAINMENT ......... 18 BUSINESS ................... 30 MOTORS ....................... 32 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 34

Record 1.3m visited the East Pier in 2011 Figures give a huge boost to seaside town

Q DAWN LOVE

A RECORD 1.3 million people visited the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire last year, according to new figures released by the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company this week.

The news follows the recent announcement that the town

was voted as the fifth-cleanest out of 53 towns and villages nationwide in the latest Irish Business Against Litter survey.

Local Fine Gael TD Mary Mitchell O’Connor welcomed the new figures, saying: “News that the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company recorded an outstanding 1.3 million visitors

in 2011 is fantastic news, and a testament to the pride that the people of Dun Laoghaire, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company have in ensuring that Dun Laoghaire is, and remains, firmly on the map.”

Full Story on Page 7

2 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 19 January 2012

LEISURE: DLRCC DRAFT BYE-LAWS FOR BEACHES

SPORT New Ballybrack community facility is opened

Celebrities weigh in behind dog ban protest Q LAURA WEBB

A NUMBER of highprofile celebrities have weighed in behind a campaign against new beach bye-laws that have been drafted by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, which will see dogs banned from certain beaches.

Later this month members of the Dogs Unleashed Campaign will stage a protest with broadcaster and economist David McWilliams and singer Honor Heffernan due to speak at the event.

Details of the draft 2012 Beach bye-laws are available to view on Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council’s website and outline amendments to regulations for its beaches, including amended regulations for dogs.

Under the new byelaws dogs will be banned from designated bathing/lifeguard areas in Sandycove and Seapoint beaches, and during the hours of 10am to 7pm May to September at Killiney beach, while in all other beach areas dogs will have to be on a leash between 10am and 7pm.

“It is absolutely essential to a dog’s physical and mental welfare that they are free to run around and chase the ball and swim in the water, and socialise with other dogs -

behaviourists will actually tell you that,” said Dogs Unleashed founder and chairperson, Liz Neligan.

Existing bye-laws state that no animal is allowed enter a beach during the hours of 10am and 7pm June to September inclusive and insure “it is on a leash or under adequate control.”

The group outlined proposals to local councillors in November before the bye-laws were drawn up.

They are currently preparing a “similar” proposal to submit to the council.

“It’s balanced proposal.

We propose, for example, for Seapoint was that the designated bathing area for the beach would be a leash-only area throughout the year.

“We further propose that Sandycove should be a leash-only facility throughout the year.

“We recommended that Killiney beach, which is purely a seasonal beach for swimmers, that within the designated bathing areas for summer holidays, June to August, dogs should be on a leash in that area, but at all other times dogs should be allowed to exercise off leash,” Neligan said.

Dogs Unleashed is holding a public meeting to outline the proposed bye-laws on January 22 in Killiney with special speakers, including David McWilliams, and singer Honour Heffernan.

An Cathlaoireach, Councillor John Bailey; Minister of State for Sport & Tourism, Deputy Michael Ring; Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor and John Delaney, chief executive, FAI with Riain Mooney, Christian Redmond, Abbey Duddy and Stacey Naughton

On the ball for new pitch launch M INISTER of State for Tourism and Sport, Deputy Michael Ring, opened a new, floodlit all-weather pitch in Kilbogget Park, Ballybrack, recently, as well as major improvements to the open space at Hyde Park, Dalkey. He was joined by An Cathaoirleach, Councillor John Bailey, and Fine Gael Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor for the opening.

The new all-weather pitch will facilitate competitive FAI soccer matches, while also providing facilities for training and community use, as well as catering for Gaelic games and rugby. The major improvements to the park at Hyde Park include significant surface and foulwater flood relief works, with the new multi-use games’ area and playground set to benefit the whole community.

Christian Redmond puts Minister Ring through his paces

Keith Loughrey

Celebrating the new facility’s opening

19 January 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 3

SCHOOLS Students take part in science exhibition

Budding Einsteins compete to take home coveted title Q LAURA WEBB

news@gazettegroup.com

DUBLIN students hung up their white coats for another year following the end of an exciting few days showcasing science and technology projects during the annual BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.

Schools from all over Ireland took to the RDS to compete in the event that celebrated its 48th birthday this year.

Almost 1,200 students from 221 schools with 550 projects competed for the coveted title of the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2012.

Of the many projects entered, Dublin represented 131 of those, and, in the end, it was two Dublin students from Synge Street CBS who took home the overall prize.

Leaving Cer t students Eric Doyle and Mark Kelly, both aged 17, were announced the winners during a special ceremony on Friday, January 13, with their project entitled, Simulation accuracy in the gravitational many body problem.

They were presented with a cheque for €5,000, tickets to the

London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the opportunity to represent Ireland at the 24th European Union Young Scientist competition taking place in Bratislava in September and a Waterford crystal trophy.

But the prize-giving didn’t stop there, with Dublin students receiving 46 awards, including three of the overall top four prizes at this year’s competition.

Almost 40,000 people passed through the doors of the RDS during the week.

Colm O’Neill, CEO, BT Ireland said: “The passion and enthusiasm we have seen from the students taking part this week has been outstanding.

“This year’s exhibition was bigger and better than ever before and the reaction from the students, teachers and visitors to the RDS this week has been amazing.

“We live in a continually changing world and what we have seen from the students this week is that they have the foresight and innovation to come up with real problem-solving ideas that can help Ireland to grow and develop into the future.

Elsa Maishman and Aine McGee, from Rathdown School, Dun Laoghaire, with their project, The effect of certain herbs, spices and other foods on academic performance. Picture: Geraldine Woods

“Huge congratulations to Eric and Mark, and all the winners. I look forward to watching their progress in the coming years,” he said.

Professor Pat Guiry, head judge, Chemical, Physical and Mathematical category, said of the winning project: “The project develops a novel mathematical approach, which has a diverse range of applications, from satellite placement to predicting network congestion in telecommunications.

“In the opinion of the judging panel, an exceptional level of mathematical proficiency was demonstrated.

“Starting from Euler ’s investigation in 1760 on the motion of planets, they simulated this complicated ‘manybody’ problem using advanced computation and evaluated the accuracy of the solutions.

“Of particular note, they included an inbuilt accuracy estimation in their solution,” he said.

Sian Demery and Manon Gevers, of Newpark Comprehensive School, Dun Laoghaire, with their project, Examining the Effect of Hormone Levels on Saliva During the Menstrual Cycle

COUNCIL

Strategy action plan is launched A NEW integration strategy and action plan was launched this week.

Funding for the strategy, which is the next step towards promoting diversity in the county following the completion of the Anti-Racism and Diversity Plan 2007-2010, is being provided by the Office of the Promotion of Migrant Integration.

The launch, which was carried out by the Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Cllr John Bailey FG, was attended by special guest, Fidele Mutwarasibo, of the Immigrant Council of Ireland.

An exhibition at the launch included pieces from UNICEF Suitcase Stories, UNHCR 60 years Stories of Survival and Safe Haven.

In all 28 organisations have signed up to the strategy.

4 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 19 January 2012

BUSINESS €1.34m investment by Sysnet Global Solutions is announced

30 jobs created in major research programme Q DAWN LOVE dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com

THIRTY new jobs are to be created in Carrickmines as part of a €1.34m investment in a major research and development programme by Sysnet Global Solutions.

The programme, which is being supported by Enterprise Ireland, will also see eight jobs created in the company’s overseas network by 2014.

The new jobs will bring total employment in Sysnet

in Ireland to 111 by 2014 and global employment to 135 by the same date.

The announcement was welcomed this week by local politicians, including Labour TD for Dublin South, Alex White, who said: “If we are to get out of this crisis and create the levels of employment we need, we must create an indigenous engine of economic growth. Indigenous companies provide proportionately three times more benefit to the Irish economy than multination-

al companies, and while FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) will remain a crucial part of our economic strategy, the Government are determined to suppor t high-growth indigenous companies in every way possible.”

Commitment

Meanwhile, Fine Gael TD Olivia Mitchell said: “I am delighted that Sysnet Global Solutions have reaffirmed their commitment to their headquarters in Carrickmines by expanding

their operations with a €1.34 million research and development programme.

“This announcement is particularly welcome in a context of economic uncertainty and in which every new job is hard won. It is a vote of confidence in our workforce and in the Dublin South area as a great location in which to do business.

“High-end research and development jobs are precisely the kind of jobs this Government is promoting and which are needed to get

ENTERPRISENEWS

BUSINESS: BRIGHT SHOP FOR ACCOUNTANT

Get Your Business Up & Running in 2012– 8 Week ‘Start Your Own Business’ Training Programme

Adding up to a new style of business

ARE you looking to Start Your Own Business but are unsure of how and where to begin?

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Enterprise Board is running a ‘Start You Own Business’ course which begins on Tuesday, 31st January 2012. This 8 week programme will be held in Nutgrove Enterprise Park, Rathfarnham and will run from 7 to 10pm over successive Tuesday evenings.

Specialist trainers will teach course participants how to research a business idea, assess its commercial viability, pick an appropriate business structure, identify sources of funding and explore effective sales and marketing strategies.

All course content has been carefully chosen to support any new product or service-led business.

The course contents include:- Generating & Refining Business Ideas, Legal Issues for Your Start-Up, Preparing a Business Plan, Marketing Your Small Business, Researching Your Market, Small Business Finance, Finance & Taxation Issues and Managing Your Finances.

Participants on this training programme will also have the option of availing of FETAC Level 6 certification at no extra cost and will receive a free copy of the “Starting Your Own Business” Workbook written by Ron Immink & Brian O’Kane and published by Oak Tree Press.

The training programme fee is only €150.

Places can be booked via www.dlrceb.ie/training or by calling (01) 494 8400.

A NEW walk-in tax and accountancy advice s e r v i c e , Ta x A s s i s t Accountants, servicing small businesses and the self-employed, has just been launched in Dun Laoghaire.

T he new business was launched by Kevin Kelly, a Certified Public Accountant with more than 10 year’s experience.

Having worked in various accounting roles throughout his career, Kelly decided to fulfil his ambition of opening his own business.

The new practice aims to simplify the accounts and tax process and offer real value to clients.

Speaking to The

Gazette, Kelly said he hopes to work specifically with smaller clients such as contractors, small companies, sole traders and consultants.

Clients can avail of a range of services, such as tax returns, payroll, endof-year accounts and book-keeping, all on a fixed-fee basis.

Speaking about his new venture, he said: “I am delighted to be launching my own business, and my firm aim is to lend my support and expertise specifically to small businesses in Dun Laoghaire and its surrounding areas.

“There is a real can-do attitude for business here in Dun Laoghaire, and I

the economy back on track.

“As Minister Bruton pointed out, indigenous companies provide proportionately three times more benefit to the Irish economy than multinational companies and this benefit will certainly be felt in the wider Dublin South area,” she said.

Expand

Established in 1989, Sysnet is a leading provider of information security and assurance services worldwide. With the new research

a n d d e ve l o p m e n t p r o gramme, the company plans to expand its software development operation in Dublin and invest in the development of the existing compliance management system to meet the changing needs of existing and future clients.

The company has continued to grow its international business over the past six years, and the new development will position Sysnet to build on its existing business and expand into new export markets.

Kevin Kelly, TaxAssist Accountants, Patrick Street, Dun Laoghaire

felt there was a gap in the market for an accountant who works specifically with small businesses and sole traders, giving them the attention and value they deserve. “ W i t h Ta x A s s i s t Accountants, I hope to plug that gap,” said Kelly.

In a move away from convention, TaxAssist Accountants operates from a bright, open shop front on Patrick Street.

The idea of the shop front is that clients can simply call in off the street to discuss their accountancy and tax matters without an appointment.

Speaking about the layout of his new business, Kelly said: “Traditionally, the accountant’s office is hidden away upstairs.

“I wanted to take away any of the formalities, and make a trip to the

accountants a more comfortable experience.

“Clients want a good, pro-active service from their accountant, without the expensive hourly rates that usually brings.

“We offer a free, onehour consultation, and we always work on a fixed-fee basis so there are no hidden fees and no shocks. So far, that’s been working well with clients,” he said.

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19 January 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 5

SUBMISSION Move on constituency electoral area

Calls for areas to revert to Dun Laoghaire CALLS have been made for electoral areas, such as Carrickmines and Foxrock, to revert back to the Dun Laoghaire constituency.

In a submission sent to the Secretary of the Constituency Commission last week, Fine Gael TD Mary Mitchell O’Connor said that the constituency of Dun Laoghaire should also remain a four-seater.

The local TD said that, currently, there was one seat per 26,000 people registered to vote and that it was envisaged that, with the reduction of TDs in forthcoming

legislation, that each TD should represent 29,000 to 30,000 people.

“With that in mind, I am of the strong opinion that the electoral areas of Carrickmines, Foxrock Torquay and Stillorgan/ Leopardstown should revert back to the Dun Laoghaire constituency, as was the case prior to the 2011 election,” she said.

Recommendations Deputy Mitchell O’Connor said that if the recommendation was adopted, it would add approximately 12,000 to 13,000 people to overall numbers, bringing it close to the recommend-

ed electorate representation.

“This would also make the M50 a natural boundary to the constituency, and voters in these areas would be reinstated to their natural constituency,” she said.

Meanwhile, in a submission to the Boundary Commission, Fine Gael said that population changes would indicate a “likely loss of three seats” in Dublin, where there are currently 12 constituencies at present, with a total of 47 seats.

The party added that the likely losses would see one seat go on the northside and two on the southside.

Fine Gael TD Mary Mitchell O’Connor said that the constituency of Dun Laoghaire should also remain a four-seater

“On the southside, Dun Laoghaire and Dublin South together have nine seats, but their combined population warrants a reduction to eight; with

a total of 158, the case is marginal, as the population warrants 8.5 seats.

“One obvious consideration is to reverse most of the boundary changes

from the last revision and leave Dun Laoghaire with four seats, with Dublin South losing a seat to go from five to four,” the submission said.

Bliss every step: Follow a pilgrim’s route and celebrate Holy Week in style in Seville

W

Q DAWN LOVE

TRAVEL PAGES 16-17

6 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 19 January 2012

OPINION Debating the fairness of the new household tax

Following the introduction of the controversial new €100 household charge, we take a look at two very different opinions on the move

Ordinary people must take a stand RUTH COPPINGER Socialist Party Councillor

THE new Household Tax is the first in a series of austerity taxes which will quickly rise to €1,000 for householders.

Already the Government has fast-tracked a so-called Property Tax, with figures of €5-600 suggested on homes valued at €150 to €300,000, and €900-€1,000 on homes of €3-400,000.

A water tax is promised for 2014, which will cost hundreds.

Hardly anyone will

escape, with pensioners, the unemployed and those suffering negative equity all liable.

With falling incomes, pay and welfare cuts, ordinary people simply have to take a stand on this one.

We have the power to organise a nationwide campaign, refuse to register and withold payment.

Imagine how a million people doing this would create huge political pressure – particularly on a government that promised to stop bailing out the bond-

holders, and Labour who said it would not implement household and water charges.

It would also make the threats of fines unworkable.

Incidentally, the tax cannot be deducted from people, contrary to government propaganda.

On January 25, another €1.25 billion will be handed over to Anglo, with us paying the price in new taxes and cuts to our schools and hospitals.

This tax is more futile bailout money.

Fingal management

have already made it clear it will be of “no benefit” to council services.

The Campaign A g a i n s t Ho u s e h o l d and Water Taxes has launched a hotline 1890-98 98 00 and a series of nationwide meetings, including in Dublin West.

More meeting are planned. These include The Carpenter, January 25, at 8pm; Roselawn Inn, January 26; and Kelly’s Ongar Village on January 31.

We say to people “Don’t register, don’t pay.”

Ruth Coppinger, Socialist Party councillor for the Mulhuddart Ward

Instead join the campaign and let’s establish mass non-payment by St Patrick’s Day, which would then give people

the confidence to go all the way.

Ruth Coppinger is Socialist Party councillor for the Mulhuddart

Ward at Fingal County Council and is part of the Campaign Against Household and Water Taxes.

I ask that every citizen continues to play their part in the recovery effort PHIL HOGAN Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

THE household charge is a vehicle to generate funding for the provision of local services.

Ireland is one of the last countries in Europe that does not fund local services through a local property charge.

These services are the fabric of every community in the country.

They include street lighting, library services, street cleaning, fire and emergency services, maintenance of open spaces and a range of community, amenity and social activities.

The EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland commits us to doing this through the introduction of a property-based tax in 2012.

Aside from the EU/IMF agreement, the introduction of the household charge will be

another step on the road to a stable and sustainable funding base for the local government sector.

While new forms of tax or charges are unpopular, the introduction of the household charge must be seen in the context of local authorities continuing to deliver the full range of services essential to meeting the requirements of our communities and businesses.

It is international best practice that local services are administered by local authorities which funds local services.

Local authorities have a vital role to play in delivering essential services to our communities, enhancing quality of life through local amenities and in creating and maintaining an environment in which business can prosper and employment can be created and supported.

To ensure that local gov-

Phil Hogan TD, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

ernment can continue to discharge its role to the citizens, it is necessary to put the funding of locally delivered services on a sound financial footing, improve accountability and better align the cost of provid-

ing services with the demand for such services.

Local authorities play a critical role in developing and maintaining a good standard and quality of life in local communities.

They are responsible for an extensive range of services which impact on our everyday lives and, sometimes, we may take them for granted.

The fact of the matter is that local services have to be paid for. We expect to be able to walk down clean and wellmaintained streets; we want parks, libraries, open spaces and leisure facilities to enjoy.

Local authorities have reduced staff numbers by almost 7,000 since 2008.

That is a reduction of almost 20% and we intend to save a further half a billion euro in revenue and efficiency gains over the short, medium and longer term.

In fact, local authorities have accounted for more than 30% of the overall reduction in public sector numbers.

The household charge is being introduced out of necessity – the necessity to ensure

that local authority services are funded in a sustainable manner; the necessity to close the gap between income and expenditure in the national finances; and, ultimately, the necessity to ensure that we meet our obligations under the EU/IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland.

This country is in an unprecedented situation, and a huge effort is needed over the next few years to turn the economy around.

This will require a sustained approach to reform and very strong leadership. Ireland will recover and this Government will continue to provide the leadership and direction to make sure of it.

I ask that every citizen continues to play their part in the recovery effort.

Phil Hogan TD is Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.

19 January 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 7

RELIGION: SUCCESSOR APPOINTED

A sharplydressed lady: Sporting a creative look for Source

Killiney Parish gets new Rector

ALISON Kay was dressed to impress with some sharp style, courtesy of this memorable hat. as part of Source, a contemporary upcoming craft exhibition curated by craftmaker, Angela O’Kelly.

Running at the Concourse, County Hall, Source will celebrate the work of many talented local and national designers and craftmakers, including Denis Brown, Trudy Feighery. Naomi Fay, Jane Groves, Ciara Harrison, Alison Kay, Tara Nuallain, Laura O’Hagan, Alex Scott and Grainne Watts, Running from February 9 to February 27, Source will highlight the innovative work by these new, and established, craftmakers alike who live, work or are from the Dun LaoghaireRathdown area.

The exhibition will explore current themes in craft, such as fine art lead craft, design lead craft and craftmakers working with new media, technology and materials, concentrating on fine craftsmanship of the highest quality focusing on one-of-akind works, many of which have been made especially for the exhibition.

For further information on the Source exhibition, see www. dlrcoco.ie/arts.

A NEW Rector has been appointed to Killiney Church of Ireland parish.

The Rev Niall Sloane was instituted as Rector of Holy Trinity Parish, Killiney, by the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Reverend Michael Jackson, last week.

Rev Sloane was previously curate-assistant at Taney Parish, Dundrum.

He succeeds the Rev Cecil Mills who was Rector of Killiney for many years.

He said: “I am looking forward to working with the people in Killiney parish and the greater community. This is big move for us.”

A large number of parishioners from Taney, Dundrum came to the service of institution to support Niall, and say their good-byes to Cecil.

HERITAGE: DUN LAOGHAIRE HARBOUR COMPANY FIGURES REVEAL SUCCESS

Record 1.3m visited East Pier in Dun Laoghaire across 2011 Q DAWN LOVE dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com

A RECORD 1.3 million people visited the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire last year.

That’s according to new figures released by the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company this week.

The news comes on the back of the recent announcement that the town had been voted as the fifth-cleanest out of 53 towns and villages nationwide in the latest Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) survey.

Local Fine Gael T D, M a r y M i t c h e l l

O’Connor, welcomed the new figures, saying: “Dun Laoghaire has traditionally been one of the most popular spots in Dublin for family weekend outings, for somewhere to go to get a breath of fresh air, or as a sight worth seeing for tourists.

“News that the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company recorded an outstanding 1.3 million visitors in 2011 is fantastic news, and a testament to the pride that the people of Dun Laoghaire, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company have in ensuring that Dun Laoghaire

is, and remains, firmly on the map,” she said.

“As one of the most popular family and visitor destinations, Dublin Zoo recorded a groundbreaking one million visitors in 2011, surpassing footfall records for all previous years in its 180-year history.

“That an additional 300,000 people visited Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier last year really is something to be proud of, but it doesn’t stop there.

“Plans are afoot to further develop the Harbour area into the future, and significant progress is being made, with the

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‘Dublin Zoo recorded a groundbreaking one million visitors in 2011, surpassing footfall records in its 180-year history. That an additional 300,000 people visited Dun Laoghaire’s East Pier last year is something to be proud of.’

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Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Fine Gael

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Master Plan for the Harbour being adopted late last year,” said Deputy Mitchell O’Connor “The plan includes the creation of a world-class 5,000-square-metre Irish International Diaspora

Centre on the historic Carlisle Pier, which will be a massive draw for people, from both here and abroad, wishing to trace their heritage.

“This will, no doubt, have implications for the

number of people who will visit Dun Laoghaire once this project is completed.

“Dun Laoghaire Harbour has always been recognised as one of the finest man-made harbours in the world.

“The role it plays in terms of the economic benefits it delivers for tourism and local businesses cannot be overstated.

“I am delighted that these figures illustrate what we in the constituency have always known – that Dun Laoghaire is a place definitely worth a visit,” said Deputy Mitchell O’Connor.

Packed to capacity The parish church and hall was packed to capacity for the special event.

The former rector of Taney parish, Cannon Desmond Sinnamon addressed the congregation, where he spoke of Niall as “a pastor with great abilities, a natural leader, a man with a common touch and concern for all”.

Amongst those attending the Institution service was local Independent councillor, Victor Boyhan.

Speaking to the Gazette following the ceremony, he said: “By all accounts Niall was a very effective pastor in Taney, Dundrum. It is clear that Taney parish’s loss is Killiney parish’s gain.”

Cannon Sinnamon said: “I wish both Niall and Karen every happiness and contentment, in Killiney. I know that they will both bring their many gifts and talents to the benefit of this parish and the wider community.”

8 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 19 January 2012

SPORT Lots of excitement when the Sam Maguire Trophy

Dublin Senior footballers, Micheal Fitzimmons and Rory O’Carroll, are surrounded by fans at Cuala GAA Club, Dalkey. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Kicking the fun up a notch with Sam HERE was enormous excitement at Cuala GAA club, Dalkey – and an unusually large gathering of young fans – when the Sam Maguire Cup was brought to the club by Dublin Senior footballers, Micheal Fitzimmons and Rory O’Carroll.

A large audience of Juvenile boys and

T

girls were very excited to meet the Seniors, and to see the legendary trophy in person, with a lively question and answer session adding to the day’s fun.

Micheal and Rory, and the other adults, were left in no doubt of the passion and enthusiasm of the young players and GAA fans at the club,

Although people of all ages enjoy talking with members

with the Q&A event revealing some particularly challenging thoughts from the young would-be stars.

It was a great way for the club to spur the Juveniles on to ever greater successes – a feeling that the Sam Maguire inspires at every club and venue that it’s continuing to visit.

The event drew many young fans

Some more of the colourfully-dressed fans

Eve Nolan, Saoirse Breathneach, Niamh Murray and Grace O’Sullivan

Luke Boylan, Adam Rainey, Luke Penney and Sam Rainey

All eyes – and a lot of pairs of curious hands –

This young fan was just one of many who gave Sam

were on the Sam Maguire throughout the day

and the footballers a memorable welcome to the club

19 January 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 9

was taken to Cuala GAA Club, Dalkey, to lots of young fans

Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor with Rachel and Elaine McNamara

of the Dublin

Senior Football

team, young fans are always the keenest to see Sam

The footballers enjoyed the honour of presenting Sam to all the fans

Matthew Sandu

Another group of eager youngsters, all keen to see the legendary cup, and talk to the talented footballers

Aisling Murray flags up her county support

Rory McPherson and Daithi Goss

10 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 19 January 2012

COURTS: JUDGE SAYS CUSTODIAL SENTENCE WOULD BE ‘UNJUST’

FITNESS Boost your mood and enjoy the great outdoors

Man had ‘naively’ accepted drugs A YOUNG man who “naively” accepted a garda controlled delivery of a UPS parcel that he suspected contained drugs has been given a six-year suspended sentence.

Sean O’Meara (24) of Kerr ymount Rise, Foxrock, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of €69,425 of crystal ecstasy at his home on August 10, 2010.

Judge Martin Nolan said he believed the drugs legislation was intended for “serious distributors of drugs, strong and able-bodied people who are making money from the enterprise”.

“The Oireachtas probably would not have applied this type of draconian legislation to someone like Mr O’Meara,” the judge said, adding that the man had not thought of the consequences of agreeing to his role in this drug operation.

Judge Nolan said it would be “unjust in a case such as this” to impose a custodial sentence and said the court must always take into account the “personal facilities of the accused”.

He suspended the entire six-year prison term having taken into account O’Meara’s cooperation with gardai, lack of previous convictions and a clinical psychologist’s report on an assessment of his personality.

“The main reason I am doing this is because of his personality. He wanted to please this man (the owner of the drugs) above all. For the future he needs a considerable

degree of minding and protecting,” Judge Nolan said.

Garda Orla Cooper told Mr Vincent Heneghan BL, prosecuting, that O’Meara signed for the package, which had the drugs concealed in a DVD player. The drugs had been detected earlier by custom officers at Dublin Airport after the package, which had originated from Holland, was searched.

O’Meara told the deliveryman that the name on the package “John Murphy” was wrong and said the parcel was intended for him. Gardai arrived at the house later that day, having obtained a search warrant, and O’Meara was arrested.

He made full admissions and said he had been “put up to it by other people”. O’Meara told gardai he was to get a sum of money for accepting the delivery but he did not know how much cash he was to be paid.

Gda Cooper told Mr Heneghan that O’Meara was “easily led and naive”.

She said she suspected he had “aimed to please” the other people involved and although he did not ask specifically what was in the package, he assumed it was drugs.

Gda Cooper agreed with Mr Bernard Condon SC (with Mr Lorcan Staines BL), defending, that his client “quite o b v i o u s l y g ave t h e impression that he was easily led”.

She accepted that he came from a very good family who were always both supportive to their son and the gardai.

There are over 164 Sli na Slainte walking routes across the country including Dun Laoghaire

HSE urges public to get fit and active for 2012 THE HSE is urging people in South Dublin to Get Active in 2012.

While the organisation says that, in January, many people work on their New Year resolutions with many including fitness goals such as getting in better physical shape among them, it says it can be difficult to maintain these goals into February and beyond.

Getting more active is a great way to improve your mood and, if possible, enjoy the great outdoors, with the added benefit of helping to burn off extra calories, says the health authority.

The HSE recommends that all adults should aim to be active for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a

week.

Children and young people should be active for at least 60 minutes every day.

And you don’t have to do it all at once. You can build up to 30 minutes or more a day by doing a number of short bouts of physical activity.

However, you must be active for at least 10 minutes for it to count.

Children are naturally active, so any amount of physical activity counts towards their 60 minutes is recommended.

Speaking to the Gazette, Jim Gorman, Physical Activity Coordinator for the Dublin Mid Leinster region said: “Being physically active is one of the most important steps you

can take to improve your health, whatever your age or ability.

“Even moderate intensity activities, such as brisk walking (1 mile in 15-20 minutes), cycling (slower than 10 miles an hour), ballroom dancing, or work around the home such as brisk hovering, will be of benefit.

“Whatever activity you are doing, once your heart is beating faster than normal and your breathing is harder than normal, it is good for your health.”

Not sure where to start? Wrap up and go for a walk with friends or family.

There are over 164 Sli na Slainte walking routes across the country, including Dun Laoghaire.

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

‘Being physically active is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health, whatever your age or ability’ -------------------------------------------------------

To download a map for these Sli na Slainte routes, please visit www. irishheart.ie, alternatively watch out for the distinctive yellow signs.

Fancy more than a walk? Check out www. getirelandactive.ie, a dedicated website for events, advice, information and motivation to help you get more physically active.

The site is updated regularly by local clubs and Sports Partnerships, and many of the activi-

ties listed are free. Some of the activities listed on the site include: Active Exercise Programme in Dun Laoghaire and Aqua Aerobics in Stillorgan.

Fit4Life – a programme run by Athletics Ireland and local Sports Partnerships for people interested in running for fun can meet and train.

Beginners are welcome.

Check out http://www. dlrsportspartnership.ie/ programmes/nationalprogrammes

TELL US YOUR NEWS Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

YOUR LOCAL PAPER, YOUR LOCAL NEWS!

19 January 2012 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 19 January 2012

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Edited by Dawn Love

Pamper your skin with these ranges from Dr Hauschka T’S adored by celebrities worldwide and this February will see the luxurious natural skincare brand, Dr Hauschka, launch three new additions to its body moisturiser range.

The sumptuous moisturisers include Lemon Lemongrass Body Moisturiser (€24), Lavender Sandalwood Body Moisturiser (€23.95) and Almond Body Moisturiser (€24).

The Body Care range will also include a new a n d i m p r ove d f o rmula for the famed Dr Hauschka Rose Body

I

Moisturiser (€24.95),and Quince Body Moisturiser (€23.95).

Skin is left feeling soft and supple, with the new formulas absorbing quicker than before.

T he invigorating Lemon Lemongrass Body Moisturiser contains lemon oil and lemongrass, which helps to energise, tone and brighten dull, tired skin.

The zesty, fresh fragrance is a great way to start the day and keep your skin feeling healthy and youthful-looking.

Meanwhile, Lavender Sandalwood Body

Moisturiser helps soothe the senses with a calming, light, fragrant body moisturiser.

Lavender gently hydrates dry skin, calms inflammation and alleviates stress, leaving the skin feeling smooth, soft, and comforted.

Give thirsty skin a boost of hydration with the Almond Body Moisturiser. As the enchanting, one-of-a-kind fragrance unfolds, it evokes the floral rose-like scent of almond blossoms, followed by a warm, sensual note of almond fruit.

This intensive body

Drawing on natural ingredients, the new body moisturisers are available from mid-February at selected stockists

moisturiser helps your skin prevent moisture loss throughout the day.

The new and improved formulas for the rose and quince body moisturisers will help to pamper and soothe dry, upset skin

with ingredients such as quince, rose and rose hip.

The quickly-absorbing intensive body moisturisers stimulates the skin’s own moisture production, thus preventing

skin from drying out.

To avail of these naturally nourishing body moisturisers, which are available from mid-February, Dr Hauschka Skin Care is stocked in selected health stores, phar-

macies, Avoca, Harvey Nichols, all Life pharmacies and McCabes@ Clerys.

For details of your nearest stockist, see w w w.drhauschkaireland.ie.

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

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240

19 January 2012 GAZETTE 13

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: RESPONSIBILITY DOES NOT END AFTER YOUR PET’S FIRST VACCINATION

A realistic cost of owning a dog WE’RE well into 2012 and I’m sorry to say the first signs of what I call “New Year pet abandonment syndrome”, or “throwaway pets”, are, sadly, already showing.

We’ve rescued dogs who have been thrown over 10-foot high walls, resulting in appalling injuries; dogs who’ve been hog-tied to concrete pillars and left for dead, puppies dumped on the doorstep with excruciatingly painful mange, horses left impaled on barbed wire fences in fields, forcing animal welfare officers to humanely euthanise, cats dumped in a bird cage in a city park, dangerously ill geriatric pets abandoned on the side of the road…to name but a few.

And it’s only January!

I can tell you the Dublin SPCA is bracing itself for the remainder of the year.

With that in mind, I’ve decided to put together a little budget list – which, by the way, does not include for emergency veterinary care – so that if you’re considering adding a canine to your family, then you’ll at least have a ball park figure of what it’s going to cost… approximately!

First of all let me stress again – keeping a dog as a pet is a huge responsibility that does not end after the dog’s first vaccination.

It must be remembered that a dog can live, on average, for as long as 12-15 years; in some cases longer, (in my case my eldest dog is now 17) and the

tion fee at six months old.

Will be microchipped.

Will have had flea and worming treatments Puppy with pedigree

This adorable Jack Russell is Jill and she’s currently looking for a new home

cost of keeping it throughout its lifetime does not stop at what it eats.

Here’s a few facts but, do remember, the figures are an approximation only.

Puppy from shelter

Cost of a puppy from

the Dublin SPCA Animal Shelter: €135 Puppy has first vaccination if eight weeks old.

Will have had two vaccinations if 12 weeks or older.

Will be neutered/ spayed as part of adop-

Cost of a pedigree puppy from a breeder averages from €250€ 1, 2 0 0 , d e p e n d i n g on breed. And, please only go to a registered, licensed breeder.

Neutering/spaying averages from €150€250 Primary vaccinations (two to three required) approximately €50 each.

Microchip €50 (average).

Additional costs

In addition to the

above, the annual cost for all dogs, whether adopted from a shelter or purchased from a breeder, will be: Annual booster average €50 (essential for maintaining health of dog) Kennel cough vaccination – essential if dog is being boarded (effective only for six months) Annual f lea and worming treatment €80 (average) Vet consultation (without medication) €45 (average) Boarding kennels (summer holidays etc.) €13+ a day – depends on size of animal.

Food – (depends on the appetite of the dog) €20 plus per week. (based on a medium-

sized dog on dry food, with additional tinned dog food.)

Pet Insurance €180 to €285 approximately annually - covers accident, illness etc.

Dog collars, beds, toys, treats all extra.

So, taking into account all of the above, an animal who is properly taken care of, makes regular trips to the vet, leading to a healthy life for approximately 15 years, could cost you as much as €30,000.

Further information on keeping a dog, or for those thinking of getting a pet, can be obtained from the Dublin SPCA or from our website at www.dspca.ie or email miriam.kerins@dspca.ie

14 GAZETTE 19 January 2012

GazetteFITNESS FITNESS

Brought to you by Derry Temple personal trainer and pilates instructor

FACTS: YOU NEED TO SET REASONABLE GOALS

Making New Year resolutions last for the whole year S we enter 2012, power ful New Year resolutions are made and, for a lot of people, their resolution may have involved a promise to improve their health.

In Januar y, people flock to the gym in their droves.

They sign up for the year and resign themselves to get fit, healthy and to lose weight.

Un f o r t u n a t e l y, i n March, the gym numbers always drop off.

Why is it that all of these determined individuals quickly lose their enthusiasm and their resolutions cease to be?

How do you ensure you are one of the few successful people that actually does get fit and manages to sustain their motivation?

Firstly, you need to set reasonable goals. Most people would readily admit that expecting to lose 10 pounds of fat or gain 10 pounds of muscle in two weeks is unrealistic. Yet, subcon-

A

sciously, many people not only want to believe that these results are possible, but that they are actually likely.

When you are waiting for change to happen, progress can seem slow, but, over the long haul, your achievement when looked back on, will be dramatic. Remember, that to scale a mountain you must take one step

will look and feel like a different person.

Secondly, you must progress to see results.

The most impor tant rule in the gym is the overload principle.

You must challenge the body with physical exertion it is not accustomed to, the body then gets stronger and fitter in response.

Therefore, you must

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

‘Do whatever it takes to ensure your resolutions are not lost in the winter blues’ --------------------------------------------------------

at a time.

If you are currently at 30% body fat and you’re losing 1% fat every month, by the end of a year you will be just 18%.

You will have gone from obese to athletic in one year.

So, that 1% a month might not sound like a lot at the time if you are busting your gut in the gym and watching everything you eat, but by the end of the year you

consistently challenge the body by making the exercise regime harder in order to make it respond more.

When the body has adapted to the form of exercise you are currently doing, you must change your programme and give it a new challenge.

In the words of Albert Einstein: “Insanity is defined as doing the same things over and

over again and expecting the same results.”

We also need to be mentally stimulated in order to keep boredom at bay.

If you find your resolve starting to fade, then try a new challenge such as joining a fitness class or a bootcamp, hire a personal trainer or have a nutritionist work with you.

Do whatever it takes to ensure your resolutions are not lost in the winter blues. If it’s tougher than you had initially expected, don’t give up. Just realise that it makes success taste that much sweeter when you get there.

DTFitness is a health and fitness business that specialises in helping people lose weight and get the body they want.

As a Gazette reader, you can avail of a FREE trial class in either Pilates or Bootcamp.

For further details, simply log onto www.dtfitness.ie or call Derry @085 713 1417.

When you are waiting for change to happen, remember that to scale a mountain you must take one step at a time

19 January 2012 GAZETTE 15

GazetteNUTRITION NUTRITION Time to get your body back to its best

An effective detox diet will aim to help by providing dietary items that will encourage the processing and elimination of toxins

‘The aim of detoxing is to rid the body of toxins that have harmful effects on the body, making us feel tired and drained’ --------------------------

A healthy gall bladder and urinary system are important to speed up the removal of waste from the body.

Waste products are excreted through the bowels, so healthy bowels will also help. Antioxidant phytochemicals will de-oxidise the body.

A healthy exercise and eating plan is needed for a successful detox.

An effective detox diet will aim to help by providing dietary items that will encourage the processing and elimination of toxins and avoiding all food and drink that might be toxic.

Detoxing doesn’t have to be extreme. A detox plan can include a wide variety of foods.

Here are some suggestions of foods to include, and foods to avoid, when starting your body spring clean.

Foods to include in the plan • Fruit and fruit juice: Make sure ready-made juices are labelled as being ‘pure’ or ‘unsweetened’.

• Vegetables • Beans and lentils, tofu and Quorn, oats and potatoes • Brown rice and rice noodles, rye crackers, rice cakes and oatcakes.

• Fresh fish • Unsalted nuts and unsalted seeds • Plain popcorn • Live natural yoghurt • Extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar • Garlic, ginger and fresh herbs • Ground black pepper • Honey • Water – at least two litres a day. Tap or mineral water is fine.

• Herbal or fruit teas Foods to avoid during your detox • Red meat, chicken, turkey and any meat products like sausages, burgers, and pate • Milk, cheese, eggs, cream • Butter and margarine • Any food that contains wheat, including bread, croissants, cereals, cakes, biscuits, pies, pastry, quiche, battered or breadcrumbed foods, etc • Crisps and savoury

snacks, including salted nuts • Chocolate, sweets, jam and sugar • Processed foods, ready meals, ready-made sauces and takeaways • Alcohol • Coffee and tea • Sauces, pickles, shop-bought salad dressing, mayonnaise • Salt

• Fizzy drinks and squashes, including diet versions

Detox Plan Breakfast • Banana porridge Porridge made with water and topped with natural yoghurt, banana, raisins and sweetened with honey.

Detox Plan Lunch • Vegetable soup and oatcakes • Large bowl of vegetable or lentil soup (either homemade or supermarket ‘fresh’) with oatcakes.

Detox Plan Dinner • Baked salmon with jacket potato Bake a salmon fillet

and serve with a jacket potato and steamed vegetables.

Detox Snack Plan • Tzatziki with crudites Ho m e m a d e t z a t z iki made from natural yoghurt, garlic, cucumber and lemon juice served with vegetable crudites and oatcakes.

gazette

photos

Seen yourself in the Gazette?

All our galleries are now online for you to buy

.com

IT’S January, the days are still dark, cold and summer seems like a distant dream.

The excessive food and drink consumption that tasted so good over the holidays has finally caught up with you.

Add everyday stress and pollution to the equation and you’re probably feeling exhausted, and your body is screaming out for a thorough spring clean.

Time to clear out, refresh and re-energise – time for a “detox”.

T he concept of a d e t ox i n g h a s b e e n debated. Does it really work and exactly what does it involve?

The aim of detoxing is to rid the body of toxins that have harmful effects on the body, making us feel tired and drained.

The most important detoxing jobs are carried out by the liver.

The liver converts the body’s own waste materials – such as ammonia (a poison produced when the body proteins are broken down) and outside toxins such as alcohol (which many people may have overindulged in over Christmas) into less harmful components for excretion.

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

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LEILA JOHARI

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16 GAZETTE 19 January 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Destination Seville for a holy, lovely trip to relish BLISS YOURSELF: STEP OUT ON A PILGRIM’S HOLIDAY

Brides and grooms invited to the Bridge House Wedding Fair

a few precious moments of privacy.

Located less than 90 minutes from Dublin, Galway and Limerick, the Bridge House Hotel has more than 40 years of experience, and a long-standing reputation of being one of the midland’s most popular hotels for wedding receptions and civil ceremonies.

Anyone who books their wedding at the hotel before the end of January will be in with a chance to win a dream Mediterranean cruise honeymoon.

For further details, visit the hotel’s dedicated wedding website at http://tullamore-weddings.bridgehouse.com.

YOUR

THE Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore, Co Offaly, is inviting brides and grooms to join them at their annual wedding fair this weekend.

The Bridge House Hotel will showcase its fantastic new wedding packages at the hotel on Sunday, January 22, from 2pm until 6pm.

Couples can view the stunning wedding facilities at the hotel, which includes venues for civil ceremonies, large and smaller wedding receptions.

Bridge House’s dedicated wedding team will be on hand to help with any queries, and show the stunning Secret Garden at the hotel.

The Secret Garden is designed to be a prime spot for wedding party pictures, as well as a little area for brides and grooms to hide away for

SELL SALE ADVERTISE YOUR SEASONAL SALE WITH THE GAZETTE... ...THE BEST LOW COST ADVERTISING FOR YOUR BUSINESS

CALL US NOW ON 60 10 240

MIMI MURRAY

HE Semana Santa – also known as Holy Week, in English – is one of the biggest religious celebrations in the world.

The most notable celebration takes place in the Spanish city of Seville from April 1 to April 7.

The Semana Santa is considered to be the most important event of the year in Spain, and both Holy Thursday and Good Friday are now bank holidays in Spain.

During the Semana Santa celebrations, people flood the streets, whether they are Seville inhabitants or world travellers.

Between Palm Sunday and Easter, beautiful and solemn processions take place during the days, followed by colourful and lively parties at night.

Flamenco dancers, dressed in typical costumes with traditional music from Andalusia, bring an incomparable atmosphere, creating an unforgettable time.

As the most famous of all the Semana Santa celebrations, accommodation and flights for Seville book out months in advance.

T

However, Camino Ways, the walking and cycling holiday specialists, can ensure that travellers are part of these celebrations.

With Camino Ways, travellers will enjoy this wonderful week in the region of Andalucia. As part of an all-inclusive Holy Week offer, travellers will get the chance to walk the Camino de la Plata in Seville from April 1, Palm Sunday, until April 5, Good Friday.

This one-of-a-kind walking experience will finish in Monesterio which allows travellers to experience Good Friday celebrations in this pretty little town.

Once travellers have enjoyed all that Monesterio has to offer, they will then be transferred to Seville, where they can enjoy Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.

This holiday with a difference with Camino Ways costs from €850pps, or from €950 for a single.

It includes return airport transfers, luggage transfer from hotel to hotel, en-suite rooms, half-board accommodation during the hike, a holiday pack (containing notes, maps, language

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

Travellers will enjoy this wonderful week in Andalucia, as part of an all-inclusive Holy Week offer --------------------------------------------------------

Pilgrims can avail of a celebratory Camino Ways holiday, taking in Semana Santa events en route

book, what to bring, “pilgrim passport”), and transfer from Monesterio to Seville, and two extra nights in Seville (Saturday and Easter Sunday).

The price does not include return flights.

To book, or for further information, visit www. caminoways.com, or call 01 525 2886.

19 January 2012 GAZETTE 17

Edited by Mimi Murray

IN ONE OF SPAIN’S MOST BEAUTIFUL AND HISTORIC REGIONS

FastTravel

Head Nord to Copenhagen for a cooking festival with a difference PLANNING a romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day? Then, perhaps, Copenhagen is the setting for a Valentine’s with a difference.

This capital city has a host of events taking place this February, including the Copenhagen Cooking Festival.

This cooking festival is great news for those on a New Year’s diet, as research shows that those who eat the “New Nordic” diet on a daily basis lose more than those on an average diet.

One of the highlights of the month-long festival will be the lumpfish roe safari, during which, participants will cycle between four restaurants, all of which will serve their interpretation of Scandinavia’s “caviar”.

Visit www.flysas.ie to book.

Pilgrims, locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the unmistakable colour, energy, and devotion of a Semana Santa procession in Seville

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

Flamenco dancers, dressed in typical costumes with traditional music from Andalusia, bring an incomparable atmosphere ------------------------

18 GAZETTE 19 January 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Singing Nina

THE Gazette has been mentioning this upcoming show for some weeks now, but that’s because The Pavilion’s hosting of Singing Nina remains an early highlight for 2012. Chicago jazz queen Karen Underwood and her band are bringing the music of Nina Simone to life on Friday, January 20. Mixing Nina’s music with her life story, music and jazz fans will be delighted to hear Nina’s music celebrated in style. Catch Singing Nina at 8pm, with tickets priced €16/€18.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Frankie Gannan & De Dannan

THE Mill Theatre has lined up another top-notch show, courtesy of the fastest fiddle player in the world, Frankie Gavin. The Guinness Book of Records star will dazzle audiences with his musical talents, with De Dannan providing exemplary music, as they, and Frankie, create a show of outstanding Irish music. Catch Frankie Gannan & De Dannan on Saturday, January 21 at 8pm, with tickets priced €20/€18.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Field of Dreams

AS PART of its commitment to hosting a wide range of entertainment, Draiocht’s popular Film Club sees Field of Dreams set for broadcast at the theatre. The 1989 film, starring Kevin Costner, is a life-affirming story on some of the mysteries of life, and the afterlife – all courtesy of a baseball pitch that a driven farmer builds in his cornfield ...

See Field of Dreams on Tuesday, January 24, at 3pm, with tickets priced €5/€3 conc/€7 non-members.

Kate Beckinsale returns for another cut of the vampire genre, with the latest in the long-running Underworld franchise returning to carry on the long-running feud between vampires and lycans – and now with humans added ...

This howler sucks ...

Lycans and vampires and babes, oh my! If ever Buffy the Vampire Slayer was needed at the cinema, it’s now.

Q KATE CROWLEY

AWWWW. Dear readers, I have something awful to share with you. Are you both sitting comfortably?

Then I’ll begin.

The Tempest – you know, that horribly Luvvie-esque film, starring Helen Mirren, and also starring – and I use the term very loosely, here – Russell Brand, has finally disappeared from the Irish Film Censor’s release schedule, after never quite making it to general public release here last year.

I’ll assume that, much like international audiences, Dubliners just weren’t interested in seeing some seasoned hams prancing around an island, Luvvie-ing it up in a tribute to Shakespeare, with the Brand of low quality attached.

Losing a reliable film to mock like this is enough to make a Crowley’s cornflakes curl, I tell you!

FILM OF THE WEEK: Underworld: Awakening + (18) 88 mins Directors: Mans Marlind, Bjorn Stein Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Stephen Rea, Charles Dance, lots of slo-mo, explosions, and angst

OUR VERDICT: BEST to leave Aunty Pamela at home for this one – and to stay home with her, while you’re at it as, unless you’re a somewhat undiscerning teenager (in which case, this film probably scores 7 out of 5), there’s precious little to recommend this Goth-damn awful vampire film – apart from the welcome sight of the end credits, which come flapping into view before the meagre 90-minute mark ...

True, that doesn’t make much sense, but it makes at least as much sense as this week’s film: Underworld Awakening.

If there’s one thing that that regular readers (yes, either of you) know, it’s how much I love vampire films, and particularly films that appear to be aimed at rather undemanding teenagers.

Step forward, the latest in the Underworld series!

Similar to the long-running Resident Evil series, the Underworld series – which I’ll call UW, for short (pronounced

“Ewww”) – has been chased around cinema screens for years by angry mobs of critics wielding pitchforks, chair legs and notebooks, yet have performed reasonably well, despite their reliably savage reviews.

And, indeed, UW Awakening – which I’ll shorten to UW-AW (pronounced: “Oh-ah”) – is a savage film.

Here, long-suffering vampire babe Selene (Beckinsale) is beset by a new twist in the longrunning feud between Vampires and Lycans (yer garden variety were-

wolves, to you and me).

This time, them meddlin’ humans have only gone and learned that the supernatural races really exist, haven’t they?

Err, yes.

And so it is that, moving right along, Selene’s been nabbed and held in Ye Olde Secret Base for years, so that some of the Dr Humans/lunch types (hello, Stephen Rea) can study her, and also carry out a campaign to eradicate the Vampires and Lycans, once and for all.

What’s a gal to do?

Why, break out, slaughter the guards, and set off to reunite the races against a common enemy – Man – and all while wearing extra shiny, skin-tight leather, of course!

Umm... so far, so staggeringly similar to the previous films in the series. Ah, but wait, there’s more! Apart from fighting with each other, and a super-powered uber-beastie that’s also

on the loose, everybody’s also chasing a mysterious girl-hybrid-creature, who could hold the key to all the races’ future, and – Okay, that’s enough. An hour with UW is enough to make two hours with Nicolas Cage’s latest seem inviting, by comparison.

Dour, sour, dreary and gory – and that’s even before the lashings and lashings of gratuitous slow-mo and violence, it’s fangs, but no fangs, for this particularly silly low point in the increasingly toothless vampire genre.

On the plus side, having two foul films in a row to review cheers me up no end – almost enough to overlook Stephen Rea gamely propping up the supporting cast, here.

So, to summarise, this UW-AW is a no-no, which is a perfect time for me-me to go bye-bye. See ya later, suckers! (Just not those of the cliched vampire variety, one would hope.)

D U B L I N G A Z E T T E N E W S P A P E R S

19 January 2012 GAZETTE 19 13 January 2011 GAZETTE 19

JAN 2012

COLLEGEOPTIONS OPTIONS Exploring THIRD-LEVEL education for all

Going to the next level:

Be it further study, re-skilling, part-time or full-time Threemendous:: mendous Sisters Therese, Valya and Maria O’Donovan take a look at plans for Rosemont school

On the ball: ball: In conversation with two students taking part in the UCD Soccer Scholarship Page 22

Jedward Re-skilling: factor: The RDS Roisin Ni Mhorain to host the on how there National arePostgraduate far worse role models than the Further twins fromFair Lucan Study in Page 29 February

20 GAZETTE 19 January 2012

COLLEGEOPTIONS OPTIONS

Exploring third-level education

Making your business from children’s future BUCKING the recessionary trends, Kumon Educational, one of Ireland’s leading independent education providers, has continued to grow over the last few years.

Demand for Kumon’s study programmes has never been higher, which is why Kumon are looking for success-focused individuals with a passion for developing children to open maths and English study centres at numerous locations across the country.

Leigh Goodman is the instructor at the Mallow Kumon Study Centre.

“As a business, being a Kumon Instr uctor provides the opportuni-

ty to be self-employed, but within a group with a worldwide presence and a proven track record,” he said.

David Browne has been the Instructor at the Wicklow Kumon Study Centre since 2009.

He discovered Kumon on a family holiday when he saw his three-yearold niece completing worksheets and decided to investigate further.

“I decided to become a Kumon Instr uctor because I could see the difference Kumon was making in children’s lives.

“I also wanted to run my own business with the flexibility to fit my work around my life.

“I hugely enjoy my

position because I can see directly the changes in my students.

“I should have become an instructor years ago,” he says.

There are opportunities to open new Kumon maths and English study centres throughout Ireland.

Opportunity Those interested in this unique business opportunity can attend one of the Kumon franchise information sessions taking place in Dublin on January 21 and 22 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown.

Spaces are limited; to book, call 1 800 523 191.

Visit www.kumon.ie/ franchise for more information.

Their three-mendous interest: Looking at a new school’s plans SISTERS, and pupils at Rosemont Blackrock, Therese, Valya and Maria O’Donovan, from Leopardstown, are pictured taking a close look at the plans for the new Rosemont school in Sandyford, which is going up at a fast pace.

The roof is already on one section of the building – proof that the opening date of September is well on track.

Located on Enniskerry Road, past Lamb’s Cross, on a 10-acre site, Rosemont School will be an all-girl, fee-paying secondary school, and will offer students a broad curriculum. The school’s top-notch facilities will include all-weather playing pitches, a fully-equipped gym, excellent science facilities and an extensive library. The school, which will be housed in a 5,460 sq m building, plans to offer these facilities to the local community outside of school hours.

There has been tremendous interest in the school, as shown by the attendances at the recent Open Days in Sandyford Community Centre, and in the level of contact with the school which is, at present, in Blackrock, and first opened in 1977.

Speaking about the new school, Margaret Kelly, principal, Rosemont School, said: “We are excited about offering the community a girls’ secondary school which will provide a completely rounded education, focusing on pastoral care, as well as academic excellence. We are also very happy to be opening our facilities to the community, outside of school hours.”

Rosemont School is currently located at Temple Hill, Blackrock. For further information about the new school, call 01 283 3855 or see www.rosemont.ie.

19 January 2012 GAZETTE 21

Essential reading for Leaving Cert students

| HIGHER EDUCATION |

Aiming to reach your potential ARE you considering third-level education?

Open your mind and create your own future at IADT. The time spent in higher education is an important and defining time in a student’s life. It is a period that allows a person to reach their potential in their chosen area of study, to meet people, to gain new experiences and to make choices about their future path. It is a time when students set ambitious goals for themselves and their futures.

The Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT), also sets ambi-

tious goals of providing students with a high-quality and relevant education that allows students to take their skills and knowledge into employment, self-employment or further study.

IADT graduates are successful in the creative and cultural industries, in the sciences, arts, technology and business.

IADT specialises in creativity, entrepreneurship and innovation in the digital age. Their vision is to be at the forefront of teaching research and innovation at the convergence of the arts, technology and enterprise and

to contribute to Ireland’s development as a creative and innovative economy.

IADT offers a learning environment that caters for students as individuals. Small class groups, and a project-oriented approach, ensure a high level of learning support.

IADT students enjoy excellent library, computing, studio, sports (with a wide range of clubs and societies) facilities, and a comprehensive range of student services.

For more information on IADT, please log onto www.iadt.ie. CAO application deadline: February 1, 2012.

The IADT Campus offers a range of excellent facilities

22 GAZETTE 19 January 2012

COLLEGEOPTIONS OPTIONS

Exploring third-level education

UCD is on the ball with its soccer scheme David O’Connor is one of those availing of the UCD Soccer Scholarship to improve his soccer, develop future opportunities and advance his education

IT WAS more than 20 years ago when the UCD Soccer Scholarship was born. With it came opportunity, and lots of it.

For many years, the benchmark of success in football in Ireland

has been the impact a player has made across the water in Britain, but UCD, and UCD AFC in particular, are looking to change this.

UCD seeks to ensure young Irish talent stays in Ireland, to develop as a player in the highest league in the country, but also to develop as a person, and as a student.

The deadline for applications for the UCD Soccer Scholarship is Friday, April 27.

Scholarship students leave UCD with a greater footballing ability, but also the skills and expertise to give them independence off the football field so they can grow and mature into more than the footballer they dream of.

Paul Corry and David O’Connor are following this dream. Both currently occupy starting berths in UCD AFC’s first team, competing in the Airtricity League Premier Division, but it is far from the bright lights of the grandest stage in Irish soccer they started.

O’Connor grew up in Trim, County Meath, and attended Boyne Community School; Corry attended school on the north side of Dublin, in Belvedere College. Both played their schoolboy football with Belvedere FC. It was at Belvedere where their paths first crossed, and they would

Paul Corry is following his dream to play football professionally through UCD’s Soccer Scholarship

make acquaintance again during the scholarship trials.

Having shone on the practise fields, they were offered scholarships, and their quest to become Premier Division footballers began.

The rewards are obvious – playing in the Airtricity League Premier Division brings its own rewards, not least the chance to play against the best in Ireland, but also the exposure that goes with it.

It is no secret that it takes a lot of hard work to reach the top but, at UCD, it takes that little bit more.

Balancing college work, training, gym work and Airtricity League matches, as well as repre-

senting the university in Intervarsity games, is no mean feat.

Corry says: “It is difficult at times. It is hard to meet deadlines for assignments and, at the same time, not lose focus on the football end of thing.

“I find it a challenge to balance it all, but it helps me focus,” is Corry’s, perhaps unique, perspective.

Either way, both are in the final throes of Commerce and Arts Degrees, respectively.

UCD can be a daunting place, Paul Corry reckons that is what makes it so appealing, He says: “The best thing about UCD is the people. You will always find someone willing to help.”

It is clear that both players appreciate what they have received, as O’Connor says.

“The brand of football we play, the support systems we have, and the young group of players at the club mean that I am a much better player because of UCD.” Corry sums it up best when he says: “The UCD Soccer Scholarship has helped me learn a lot about life, on and off the pitch, and given me great opportunities in both football and life.”

That is what UCD Soccer Club set out to do, some 20 years ago, and the goal still remains the same.

To find out more, see www.ucdsoccer.com/ scholarships.

19 January 2012 GAZETTE 23

Essential reading for Leaving Cert students

| BOARD OF SCIENCE FOUNDATION IRELAND |

New director general for SFI THE Board of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), has appointed Professor Mark Ferguson as director general of the organisation. Professor Ferguson, a native of Northern Ireland, took up the five-year appointment on January 16.

A leading academic for 30 years, Professor Ferguson is also a co-founder of Renovo, a biotechnology company developing novel pharmaceutical therapies to prevent scarring and accelerate wound healing.

Welcoming Prof Ferguson’s appointment, Prof Pat Fottrell, chair-

person of SFI, said: “The SFI Board is delighted, following an extensive international recruitment process that commenced last year, to appoint Prof Ferguson as director general. Prof Ferguson’s track record over the past three decades has been one of continued excellence in both the academic and commercial spheres, and his arrival marks the start of a new stage in SFI’s journey.”

Commenting on his appointment, Prof Ferguson stated: “We live in exciting times for science, where endeavour and ingenuity are mak-

ing a notable impact on the world around us.

Through determination, sustained investment and the convergence of expertise across scientific, engineering and commercial disciplines, Ireland has leaped up the international rankings for its quality of research output.

“I am relishing the opportunity of working closely with SFI’s board, staff, esteemed research community, commercial and other partners, to help continue this level of progress and influence.

I am passionate about science, its commercial exploitation and its soci-

Professor Mark Ferguson, who has been appointed director general of Science Foundation Ireland

etal and economic benefits.”

Born in Northern Ireland, Prof Ferguson is a graduate of Queen’s University of Belfast with degrees in Dentistry (BDS first-class honours), Anatomy and Embryology (BSc first-class hon-

ours, PhD) and Medical Sciences (DMedSc) .

He holds Fellowships from the Royal Colleges of Surgeons in Ireland (FFD) and Edinburgh (FDS) and is a Founding Fellow of the UK Academy of Medical Sciences (FMedSci).

Prof Ferguson was appointed Professor in Life Sciences at the University of Manchester in 1984, at the age of just 28.

He is current Honorary Professor of Life Sciences at the University. His research interests include cellular and molecular

mechanisms in scarring and wound healing, developmental mechanisms in normal and cleft palate formation.

Prof Ferguson is the recipient of numerous international awards, prizes, medals and honours for his research.

24 GAZETTE 19 January 2012

COLLEGEOPTIONS OPTIONS

Exploring third-level education

Sample what’s on offer | ADVICE ON COLLEGE LIFE | at Sallynoggin this month SALLYNOGGIN College of Further Education will hold its annual Open Day on Thursday, January 26, from 10.00am to 2.00pm.

The College has a wide range of courses on offer and all are welcome to drop in on the day.

Teachers and current students will be available to discuss life in the college, as well as the wide variety of opportunities available. There will also be an opportunity to find out about grants, funding options and childcare facilities, view student portfolios and exhibitions of work, as well as the facilities the college offers.

The college has a reputation for excellence in the area of further education, and many students have achieved interna-

tional recognition in the areas of fashion, photography and sports to mention just a few.

Students from the photography department are organising an exhibition, Don’t Think Twice, on the Open Day, which celebrates the work of well-known photographers who have passed through the college.

Fashion show Students of Fashion Industry Practice are producing a fashion show as part of their course, on March 28 in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, in aid of the charity Dress for Success, and will be promoting this event on the day.

Call 01-2852997 or visit www.scfe.ie, reception@scfe.ie

Get the right course for you

NOW, more than ever, employers are looking for highly-skilled and trained graduates.

W hen selecting a course it is vital to

choose a course that is recognised, reputable and relevant to the workforce requirements.

Rathmines College offers a range of one-, two - and three-year study options in key skill areas.

The college is a longestablished centre providing certificate, advanced certificate, diploma and professional courses.

The college specialises in the areas of Business, Office Administration, Media, PR, Marketing, IT, Liberal Arts, Accounting, Finance and Legal Studies. Certificate and Advanced Certificate courses are certified by FETAC, the two-year

Rathmines College offers a range of one-, two- and three-year study options in key skill areas

Higher National Diploma courses are certified by BTEC, and the Professional courses by the relevant professional body, ACCA, IATI, PRII. It is a student-centred, dynamic provider constantly developing and adapting courses to suit leaner and employer needs and most courses include work experience.

W hile the courses can equip learners to go

straight into the work place they also provide opportunities to progress on to Institutes of Technology or Universities, in many cases with exemptions.

This means students who successfully complete relevant awards can gain access to year two or three of many degree programmes.

As a college of Further Education the courses are all State-funded and so minimum charges apply.

The College also offers Repeat Leaving Certifi-

cate with 80% of of the students progressing to Third Level (according to the Irish Times, November 2011).

Fees for repeat LC are €300 - a fraction of the cost of private providers.

Students also progress to FETAC, BTEC and Professional courses within the College.

The College is holding an Open Day on Thursday, January 26, in the Town Hall, Rathmines from 3pm to 7pm.

Contact the College at 4975334 or www.rathminescollege.ie

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19 January 2012 GAZETTE 25

Essential reading for Leaving Cert students

Students celebrate HeadsUp Movie Awards success THE Institute of Technology in Blanchardstown’s Year 3 Creative Digital Media students Stephen Allen, Ciaran Lowry, Kevin McGuiness and Luke Byrne were declared the winners at the 2011 HeadsUp Movie Awards.

Their short film, Daydream, was awarded an impressive first place in the over 18’s category.

The winners picked up a cheque for €2,500 and their entry was broadcast on RTE Two’s Two Tube.

They also get a lifetime opportunity to shadow a leading film-maker or animator for a day.

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

The winners picked up a cheque for €2,500 and their entry was broadcast on RTE Two’s Two Tube --------------------------------------------------------

Industry experts, including film-maker Kirsten Sheridan, of The Factory, animator Nicky Phelan, of Brown Bag Films, and Sheila de Courcy, RTE Commissioning Editor RTE Young People’s Programmes, selected eight entries to go forward to the public vote where over 7,000 votes were cast.

This short film competition was organised

by HeadsUp.ie, a mental health promotion project and was supported by Two Tube, RTE Two, and the National Office for Suicide Prevention’s Let Someone Know campaign.

This was part of an initiative to end the stigma concerning the issue and entries explored how young people can be encouraged to look after their mental health.

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

Stephen Allen, Ciaran Lowry, Kevin McGuiness and Luke Byrne pick up their €2,500 HeadsUp Movie Award prize

26 GAZETTE 19 January 2012

COLLEGEOPTIONS OPTIONS Make real choices with CFE Dundrum THE College of Further Education in Dundrum is one of the leading providers of Post Leaving Certificate and Adult Retraining courses in the areas of Dundrum, Ballinteer, Rathfarnham, Churchtown, Sandyford and further afield.

The college has an open and supportive approach to education and training, and has a long-established reputation for providing first-class, well-trained graduates.

Students can chose from a wide variety of courses leading to FETAC certification in the areas of business, computing/ multimedia, health and community care, and creative studies.

Further Education offers learners an alternative pathway into Higher Education other than the Leaving Certificate route.

For mature students, it offers an opportunity to return to education and progress through the advanced entry route to third-level studies. Some of their courses, such as computing, link directly into year two on degree programmes.

The College has established many links

with Higher Education establishments over the years, including DIT, Blanchardstown IT, Dun Laoighaire College of Art and Design, Botanic Gardens and a number of UK universities.

Graduates are currently employed in a variety of companies that include Hewlett Packard, Intel, HSE, Cocoon, and local businesses. The positive links to the workforce and Higher Education allow them to maintain a first-class service to their students.

Recently, they launched a new social networking initiative on their website, www.cfedundrum.com.

The online service allows visitors and students interact with all support services within the college.

Students now access the college’s cloud applications with the support from Google, which includes email, eLearning, and calendaring.

Applications from prospective students can be made online through their site from February 1, and continue throughout the summer. All courses commence in September each year.

Exploring third-level education

| ADVICE ON COLLEGE LIFE |

Marian, Fiona and Berit of Here2help can advise on crisis pregnancy

Crisis pregnancy and how to cope HERE2HELP is a small agency that offers crisis pregnancy services through their bases in Rathfarnham and Cavan.

The counsellors, Fiona and Berit, regularly come

in contact with students who are experiencing unplanned pregnancies.

Many of these do decide to go through with the pregnancy and keep the child; however, the shock and upheaval that the teenager experiences during this time can be overwhelming, and this is where seeking support from one of the agencies, such as Here2Help, can be valuable.

We are living in the 21st century Ireland, and the reality of these times is that many young people are engaging in sexual activity, even though the legal age of consent to have sexual intercourse in Ireland is 17 years of age.

This does not appear to stop individuals as young as early teens engaging in sexual activity.

T here has been a remarkable increase in prevention services in places like schools and youth services focusing on educating young people in prevention of crisis

pregnancy.

But, there is only one guarantee in preventing a crisis pregnancy, and that is abstinence. For those who do not fall into this category, and are engaging in sexual activity, what steps can they take to protect themselves from a crisis pregnancy or Sexually Transmitted Disease (STI’s)?

For people who do decide to engage in sexual activity, like any behaviour in life, they need to be aware of the risks involved. In this case, there can be lifelong implications; it only takes one time to have sex to get pregnant or get an STI.

Myths There are a lot of myths about sex amongst young people. One of which is that “you cannot get pregnant having sex standing up”, another is that “you cannot get pregnant during your period”, both of these are untrue.

One of the safest forms

of protection is accurate information, that is having all of the facts and ensuring that these facts are accurate from a reliable source so that when it comes to making the decision to have sex or to have sex again, this decision is an informed onebased on the real facts.

This includes knowing and valuing your own beliefs and attitudes towards sex, and knowing the difference between having sex because you want to have sex, or because you feel pressured by someone else, be it a partner or friends.

If you are having sex because this is something that you feel you are ready to do then you need to know the real facts about the risks involved and the possible lifelong implications.

T here are many resources at your fingertips, and getting accurate information on facts about sexual relationships is as easy as sourcing information about

your favourite clothes, artist, game, actor or team.

There is a resourceful and safe website developed by the HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme called www.b4udecide. ie.

Information This website provides “the facts without a lecture”, it has information on relationships, contraception, STIs, teenage pregnancy, communication and important questions that you might want to consider before making the decision to have sex, or to have sex again You do have a choice, there is support, so make sure you get accurate information and be safe.

If you, or anyone you know, is affected by any of these issues, or want to avail of a free pregnancy test service, they can contact Here2Help’s counsellors on our Helpline 1850 67 3333 or visit www.here2help.ie

19 January 2012 GAZETTE 27

Essential reading for Leaving Cert students

| DEVELOPMENTS IN EDUCATION |

New resource pack for ADHD released A NEW resource to help parents, teachers and carers in supporting schoolage children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been launched.

The comprehensive toolkit, which offers practical advice in managing children who suffer from this condition, has been developed by Shire Ireland, in collaboration with ADHD-Europe (the European umbrella patient organisation) and an ADHD awareness taskforce, comprising some of Europe’s top experts in the field.

Designed by peers,

based on their wealth of experience, the toolkit provides the materials to enable teachers, parents and carers to work together more effectively, with the shared aim of helping each child with ADHD to achieve their full potential.

A disorder characterised by significant and impairing difficulties in levels of concentration, activity and impulsivity, ADHD accounted for 34% of cases from the total of 1,897 children and adolescents who were waiting to be seen for an initial mental health assessment at the

end of September, 2011, according to the latest figures available in the third annual child and adolescent mental health report from the HSE. Dublin GAA star, and primary school teacher, Shane Ryan, who helped launch the initiative, said: “From a teacher’s perspective, this is a helpful, practical resource to access advice on assisting children in the classroom who suffer from ADHD.” The ADHD Partnership support pack, which consists of five books, is free and downloadable from the website www. adhdandyou.ie.

Dublin GAA Star Shane Ryan, launching the ADHD resource pack

28 GAZETTE 19 January 2012

COLLEGEOPTIONS OPTIONS

Exploring third-level education

| ADVICE ON FURTHER EDUCATION |

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

Hotel Operations students at September’s Colaiste Ide graduation ceremony

Interest in night classes booming NORTH Dublin night classes enrolment began this week at Colaiste Ide, a further education institution in Finglas.

The college is enrolling for evening courses in subjects ranging from business to beauty, and the director of its Night School depar tment, Aidan Woods, said that “there has never been a better time” to return to higher education.

“For those who want to equip themselves for the difficulties of the coming years, there has never been a better time to upskill,” the Colaiste Ide representative said.

“As economic needs change, people will want to develop their range of qualifications and prepare for the upturn in years to come.”

For business-oriented students there are courses

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

‘It’s an informal setting, there’ll be lots of people trying their hand at something for the first time’ -------------------------Childcare students graduating at Colaiste Ide

in Start Your Own Business and Tax Returns.

There are also courses in childcare, haulage (Certificate in Professional Competence), design (AutoCAD), computers, embroidery, community care, beauty, languages and leisure, as well as a number of new professional courses and hobby programmes.

Woods urged anyone

who has an interest in a course, but is not sure what to do, to contact the college and discuss their queries or concerns with him or other staff.

“I would say to someone at the present time not to hesitate — as things are, it’s a good time to try something new or to increase employability, and those who haven’t been in education for a

long time have nothing to fear.

“It’s an informal setting here, and there’ll be lots of people just like you who are trying their hand at something new for the first time,” he said.

See their blog at www. colaisteidenightschool. wordpress.com The college can be contacted on Facebook, by calling (01) 8342333 or by emailing general. enquiries@cdvec.ie

19 January 2012 GAZETTE 29

Essential reading for Leaving Cert students

| THIRD-LEVEL UNDER ONE ROOF |

Your options for further study THE best way to explore your options if you are thinking about further study, re-skilling or parttime or full-time courses, is to attend the National Postgraduate Further Study Fair.

The fair takes place in the RDS on February 15 and admission is free for those who pre-register to attend on the postgradireland.com website.

This fair is hosted by the Association of Higher Education Careers Services.

Careers advisers from universities and ITs will be in attendance to answer your queries, help

with personal statements and advise which course or college would be best for you.

There will also be a funding pavilion, set up specifically to help and advise on all aspects of finance and student debt, specifically where and how you can apply for funding or loans.

A series of free specialist careers seminars will also run during the day covering conversion courses, applications, distance learning and more.

Over 100 colleges promoting 1000s of courses from Ireland, the UK and further afield will

be exhibiting. It really is an unmissable opportunity to talk to the experts and explore your further study options. So, if you are thinking about a new career direction or focusing on boosting your employability, make sure you pre-register for free entry and come along.

You will find all the information you need on one day in one place.

All attendees will receive a goody bag containing a free postgradireland directory, which lists many of the course options available and contains essential information and advice on

where to get funding and how to make an application.

Postgradireland Further Study Fair, RDS Main Hall, Dublin, 1-6pm, February 15, 2012.

Visit www.postgradireland.com for further details on the event.

Those thinking about further study, re-skilling, parttime or full-time courses should explore the National Postgraduate Further Study fair at the RDS in February

30 GAZETTE 19 January 2012

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Pat Caulfield, partner, Caulfield Dunne Accountants, Clondalkin

Career adds up to experience

Caulfield Dunne Accountants partners, Pat Caulfield and Brian Dunne

CAULFIELD Dunne Accountants is a Clondalkin firm of Certified Public Accountants and Registered Auditors, with more than 40 years’ experience in developing clients’ businesses.

The practice has experience in all areas of accountancy, from bookkeeping and payroll to all tax returns, annual accounts, tax planning, corporate services and revenue compliance.

Pat Caulfield is a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland (CPA), and is also a qualified accountant technician IATI, and has numerous software accounting qualifications.

His career spans practice, industry, finance, construction, retail and hospitality. Pat held a number of senior financial controller positions for more than ten years across a number of business sectors, before starting his own practice.

His client portfolio covers a broad range of clients in many sectors, including engineering, construction, manufacturing, leisure, service, IT, retail, and not-forprofit organisations

He has a wealth of experience across the board, from business start-up to development, promotion, wealth and tax planning and management.

Pat can be contacted directly at pcaulfield@ caulfielddunne.ie.

Brian Dunne, CPA, is a Qualified Certified Accountant with more than 18 years’ experience in accountancy, including senior roles in both industry and practice.

He has previously been employed as a financial controller of a multinational company, where he gained valuable experience of managing business.

Brian has spent the last number of years working in practice, and is a registered auditor. Contact Brian directly at bdunne@caulfielddunne.ie.

The firm says that whatever the business, it is confident it can meet clients’ needs, and provide a professional and competitive service for all requirements.

Pat took time out from his then Christmas planning to talk to The Gazette about some of his influences and personal details.

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

A: Playing centre forward for Arsenal and Ireland.

Q: What was your first job?

A: Lounge boy in the local pub.

Q: And your first paycheque?

A: About IR£12.

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: No. Q: When did you start your present job?

A: September, 2004.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Assisting clients in growing their business.

Q: Have you achieved anything that you once thought you could not pull of?

A: I ran a marathon.

Q: What part of your working day do you

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‘delegate’?

A: None.

Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be?

A: My Christmas list.

Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on?

A: No. Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Soccer and Gaelic football.

Q: What sport can you play?

A: I’m still playing soccer (over-35s), if that counts.

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: Eat healthier.

Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to?

A: The Christmas break.

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

A: Comedy movies.

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

A: Jedward.

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: The Script, David Gray and Bruce Springsteen.

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: I don’t spend much time on either.

Q: What was your last Tweet/Facebook status update?

A: I uploaded some family photos on Facebook.

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Steak and chips with Obama.

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

A: Enda Kenny.

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: On my children.

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: About eight.

Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: Palma in Spain; it rained for the week.

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: I really enjoyed Florida.

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: Playing centreforward for Arsenal and Ireland.

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

A: As soon as possible.

19 January 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 31

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY CASTLEKNOCK: FOUR-BEDROOM LUXURY IN THE REGION OF €800,000

Stunning family home in Dublin 15 RARELY does a home of such distinction come to the market, having been fully refurbished to the highest standards just recently.

Number 139, Georgian Village, in Castleknock, is in showhouse condition throughout, having been tastefully redecorated by interior designers both internally and externally.

This home includes a variety of extras, with no expense spared, including new windows, kitchen, bathrooms, floor coverings and wardrobes all replaced to the highest specification.

Offering spacious, wellproportioned accommodation, this family home is located in a most prestigious location within walking distance of all amenities Castleknock has to offer, including shops, schools, transport links and the Phoenix Park The ground floor features an entrance porch leading to a reception hall that boasts a tiled floor, a door to the rear garden, a downstairs WC with WHB, tiled floor, part-tiled walls as well as an under-stairs cupboard.

A roomy lounge impresses with a marble fireplace and remote control gas fire.

Moving in to the dining room, there is a solid oak wood floor and double doors that lead to the large family room, also featuring a solid oak floor, a limestone fireplace, marble hearth and gas fire with remote

control, fitted wall units and a door to the rear garden.

The kitchen comes complete with a range of Bream fitted press units, a tiled floor, a cooker, hob, oven and microwave. An integrated fridge, washing machine and dishwasher is also included.

A second door to the rear garden is also a feature of the kitchen.

A study with solid oak wood floor and door to the property’s double garage also features on the ground floor.

The garage has electric sliding doors, fitted units, and it is plumbed for a dryer Upstairs, there are four spacious bedrooms, all featuring built-in wardrobes. There is also a fully tiled shower room with shower, WC and WHB. The front garden has a cobble-locked drive and is bordered by cast-iron railings and sliding electric gates.

A landscaped, southfacing rear garden is bordered by mature hedgerows and boasts a granite patio area with attractive water feature and a large garden shed with ESB This most impressive home comes with OFCH, PVC double glazing, is fully alarmed and includes an intercom system and electronic gates.

Please note that viewing is strictly by prior appointment. Contact Newcombe Estates on 01 861 4440, email info@ newcombeestates.ie, or visit www.newcombeestates.ie.

HOMES: NEW YEAR SALES

Massive savings with Woodie’s

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

‘This home includes a variety of extras, including windows, kitchen, bathrooms, floor coverings and wardrobes all replaced to the highest specification’ --------------------------

The contemporary kitchen at Number 139, Georgian Village in Castleknock

This exceptional Dublin 15 home has a wealth of impresive features both inside and out

WOODIE’S DIY have huge savings across many ranges in their January sale, with fantastic value and huge reductions on DIY, decorative, homestyle, gardening products and much more.

Those hoping to spruce up their home for spring can expect great value, with 20% off all paint, wallpaper, flooring and light fittings. Now is the perfect time to freshen up the house, and with 50% off selected flatpack furniture, a new piece is a great bargain worth adding to your DIY job list.

DIY enthusiasts can also expect great value, with all power tools, hand tools and toolboxes reduced by 20%. Selected hand tools have also been reduced by a massive 50%, so there has never been a better time to make some improvements around the house!

Reward your hard work with a delicious homecooked meal – with 20% off all frying pans, bakeware, dinnerware, kitchen utensils and much more; now is the perfect time for budding home chefs to stock up on quality cookware.

Woodie’s DIY are offering fantastic value to garden enthusiasts, with 20% off all garden hand tools and outdoor lighting. For those people who haven’t ventured out gardening yet, there’s 20% off all fireside accessories and superb value on Woodie’s range of log-effect and portable gas fires.

There are reductions on exercise equipment, with the F.I.T Elliptical Trainer reduced from €219.99 to €189.99, and the F.I.T. Magnetic Exercise Bike reduced from €179.99 to €149.99.

32 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 19 January 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs Car Medic set for Dublin MISS Ireland, Holly Carpenter, and top model, Tiffany Stanley, joined Car Medic MD Paul Callan to scrub up and give entrepreneurs in south Dublin a fuel injection for the NewYear.

Car Medic repair cosmetic damage, scuffs and scratches to vehicles at customers’ homes or places of work. Car Medic have a range of new business start-up opportunities in Dublin for 2012 from €12,995. This business idea has taken the franchise world by storm, scooping top honours at the Irish Franchise Awards and regional Business awards.

Paul Callan, Master Franchisor of Car Medic, Ireland, says: “Car Medic franchisees work for themselves but not by themselves, we are geared to keep overheads low and profits high. We pride ourselves in providing the very best training and support. ” Call 1850 300999 or visit www. carmedic.ie for more details.

The entire Mazda3 range now

has a cleaner 1.6-litre common-rail diesel engine

New Mazda 3 moves up in class for 2012 CORMAC CURTIS Motoring correspondent

MAZDA Ireland has launched an upgraded

Mazda3 for 2012, which not only looks more striking, it’s cleaner and they claim it’s more fun to drive.

Visually, the new model has a sportier, more aerodynamic, front-end design combined with new alloy wheels.

On the inside, drivers and passengers will enjoy a higher quality feel than before with new materials and colours, along with improved ergonomics in the cockpit and dashboard.

Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) is also improved ensuring lower cabin noise for a more refined ride, even

on rough roads.

The Mazda3 is being sold as the driver’s car of the class. Mazda’s engineers have optimised handling for more agility. Improving ride comfort was equally important with updates to suspension and steering, together with more rigidity in the body shell.

The 2012 Mazda3 is aimed particularly at those who desire the combination of sports styling and lots of standard kit with the introduction of the new Mazda3 Sport SE grade.

The entire Mazda3 range now has a cleaner 1.6-litre common-rail diesel engine. CO emis-

sions fall to 115g/km (road tax band A), while improved fuel economy delivers 4.3L/100kms (65mpg).

Safety is paramount in any family car; the Mazda3 carries the maximum 5-star Euro NCAP rating.

One of the primary reasons of the Mazda3’s success in Ireland is based on the generous levels of standard specification.

Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, air conditioning and alloy wheels all come as standard in the most popular Executive Grade.

Reliability is another key factor to its success.

In the 2011 German

JD Power Survey, the Mazda3 won the important compact segment, scoring more points than any other of the 117 models surveyed, ahead of the Mercedes A-Class and the Honda Civic.

Priced from €19,795, the new Mazda3 is available as a 4-door saloon or 5-door hatchback in four specification grades: Comfort, Executive, Sport and the new Sport SE grade.

The newly launched Mazda Finance should help increase volume of the Mazda3 in 2012.

Typical rates include a low 5.9% APR, with flexible lending terms spread up to 48 months.

New partners announced for TomTom TOMTOM Business Solutions has extended its localised reseller service into Leinster through a partnership with Carrickmines-based technology experts, McTelecom.

The extension of TomTom Business Solutions across Ireland will see the development of local businesses becoming experts in a series of products and services, which will improve cost savings for firms that run fleet vehicles.

Since launching into Ireland, TomTom Business Solutions has added to its network of vehicle management experts, all of whom are locally based companies like Derek McDonald’s, McTelecom.

Philip Bailie, account manager, TomTom Ireland said: “Its a significant step forward for TomTom Business Solutions to have a local reseller, McTelecom, in the Leinster area who can help specifically tailor our technology solutions to

the needs of local businesses, enabling them to reduce their costs, become more efficient and keep their staff safe on the roads.”

Derek McDonald, founder of McTelecom is based in Carrickmines, County Dublin.

“We are looking forward to working with TomTom Business Solutions and offering our existing and potential business clients world leading fleet management technology,” he said.

19 January 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 33

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34 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 19 January 2012

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To advertise, call us now on 01 60 10 240 Email us at sales@gazettegroup.com NOTICE

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TIBRADDEN HOUSE MUTTON LANE, RATHFARNHAM, DUBLIN 16. (a listed Victorian family house and a Section 482 property)

Open to the public on the following days in 2012: Dates: Jan. 13 - Mar. 10 (except Feb. 6 - 24th closed)

CLASSES

Days: Fri, Sat, Mon only.

May 3, 10, 11, 12 ,14 17, 18, 19, 21, 24, 25, 26 & 27th:

Thurs, Fri, Sat only.

Sunday.

June 8 - 29th & 28th

Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon only.

Thursday.

July 15th July 16th - 31st

Sunday.

Mon through Fri only.

Opening Times: Admission:

2 pm - 6 pm.

Adults €5; Concs.€3; Children free.

Please make prior arrangement for groups or special interest tours.

Enquiries: 01 4957483/ tibradden@hotmail.com

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These opening times do not affect Mount Venus Nursery, located in the walled garden, which is open, Mon – Sat from mid-February to 30th November.

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PLANNING NOTICE DUN LAOGHAIRE/ RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

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Permission is sought for demolition of existing house and the construction of part single storey, part two storey dwelling, garden shed to rear and associated siteworks including alterations to entrance from public road and works to boundary walls at 106 Lower Churchtown Road, Churchtown, Dublin 14, by David & Deirdre Daly. The planning permission may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire during its public opening hours. A submission/observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

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Planning Permission is being sought by Pauline Kinsella for a development consisting of the demolition of an existing single storey extension and the construction of a new single storey extension to the side of 198, Meadow Grove, Dundrum, Dublin 14. 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 during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

14593

19 January 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 35

GazetteSPORT

BRADY’S BUNCH:

Former League of Ireland star leading new age at Merrion Page 36

COMMUNITY GAMES: LAUNCH NIGHT FOR NEW YEAR SET TO TAKE PLACE NEXT WEEK

2012 set to be a great year for Community sport@gazettegroup.com

DUBLIN Community Games are following a wonderfully successful 2011 with the launch of their 2012 programme of events and activities at Carmichael House next week.

The launch of the programme on Tuesday, January 24 at 7pm at the Dublin 7 venue sees almost 40 different sports and cultural activities on offer over

the coming months.

This year, competitions range from athletics to art, soccer to swimming, judo to gymnastics, and volleyball to variety.

The launch coincides with an information night where representatives from areas around the county can find out how events are organised, get suggestions about best practice and ask questions.

There will also be a computer session where

representatives will be shown how to use computers to assist in organising local events.

Looking to the year ahead, Dublin Community Games’ chairperson, Brian MacManus, said: “We are looking forward to another busy year with some new activities being introduced, and being able to extend the reach of Community Games into every community around the county.”

Action from last summer’s Community Games finals

Dublin Community Games operates in local communities, providing opportunities for young people to experience a wide range of sporting and cultural activities in a healthy and safe envi-

ronment.

The Games programme caters for young people aged six to 16 years, with a strong emphasis firmly placed on fun, participation and creating community

spirit.

Adult volunteers are invaluable to the Games, as they are actively involved in organising activities locally.

The launch and information night is open to

new and existing volunteers, but if you require more information, contact Dublin secretary, Maureen Quinlan on 872 8203, or check out www.dublincommunitygames.ie.

36 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 19 January 2012

in association with

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

O’Brien handed elevated role with Irish cricket team KEVIN O’Brien has been named as Irish cricket’s vice-captain for the 2012 season as deputy to William Porterfield.

The Dubliner takes over from Trent Johnston who has served Ireland as either captain or vice-captain for nearly seven years.

Speaking about the extra responsibility, O’Brien was delighted by his appointment: “It’s a huge honour for me to have been appointed vice-captain, and it’s a part of the game I really enjoy.

“I’ve deputised for Trent and William over the past two seasons, and I suppose I’ve done reasonably well. We beat Canada and Namibia quite convincingly in the Intercontinental Cup, and I developed a real feel for it.

“I enjoy the extra responsibility and it takes your involvement to a new dimension as you’re always thinking of the next move as a captain.

“It’s been a golden age for Irish cricket with some memorable wins in that period. I’m close friends with William and I’m confident we’ll forge an excellent partnership.”

Softball Ireland to run pair of open days SOFTBALL Ireland are holding open days in Lucan and Tallaght on January 21, inviting both women and men above the age of 16, of all fitness levels to come along.

The Lucan event takes place in the leisure centre in Griffeen Valley Park from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. In Tallaght, meanwhile, the event runs from 1.30pm to 4.30pm in the Tallaght Sports Complex in Balrothery.

Softball is a co-ed

game similar to rounders and baseball.

The main difference between baseball and softball is that in softball the ball is “soft” tossed underarm as opposed to the “hard” overarm ball pitch in baseball.

The main softball season starts in April and Softball Ireland are holding open days early in the New Year to give new players an opportunity to come along and try it out and get familiar with the game before the season starts.

For more info, email info@softballleinster. ie or go to www.softballleinster.ie

Brady’s new bunch learn from the best After a stellar career in the League of Ireland, KEVIN BRADY is now using his experience to help shape the stars of the future at Mount Merrion

AFTER a glittering career in the League of Ireland, Kevin Brady is looking to impart the lessons learnt from a life in football to the next generation at Mount Merrion.

His playing days yielded 13 titles in domestic competitions, including Shamrock Rovers remarkable four in-a-row from 1983 to 1987; Derry City’s first ever league title – winning the a maiden treble for any club – while he was also part of Shelbourne’s first league win in 30 years.

Coaching was not immediately on the agenda in those days but, managed by some League of Ireland greats like Jim McLaughlin, Noel King and Dermot Keeley, plenty of knowledge seeped in by the time he retired at the age of 38 after 19 seasons.,

But the past decade since retirement has seen him progress through the coaching badges to UEFA ‘A’ level, a qualification that was scarcely on the agenda when he came into the game.

“At youth level, in terms of coaching, I didn’t think there was a hell of a

very much results-based. “ I wo u l d n ’t h ave thought much about coaching and what was happening. But, as I got older, there would have been an emphasis – not so much on coaching – but really honest team talks after games.

“I played on teams with

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

‘At youth level, I didn’t think there was much coaching.

Training was often 20-a-side; it was survival of the fittest.’

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

lot. Training was often 20-a-side and it was survival of the fittest. You were picked in terms of your ability,” he told GazetteSport.

“If you kept producing and winning things, you kept gravitating toward the better teams. It was

pressure to win things. If you didn’t, you’d have very forthright meetings and you’d start to think about why things are happening on the pitch and why they are not.”

Working with the likes of McLaughlin, King and Keeley added to his form-

League of Ireland legend, Kevin Brady, settling into his new surroundings

ative coaching ideas, especially as one of the leaders in the dressing room.

“When I finished up, I was a senior player for the last few years. You see fellas coming into the game at 17or 18, and you think, instead of just playing your game, you’re going to have to look out for them.

“That gives you an idea of what you can do to help younger players, lending your experience to them. Can I make a contribution to them in a coaching sense?”

Using that as a jumpoff, Brady undertook his badges while working with teams in Shelbourne and St Paul’s Artane as a coaching co-ordinator.

Brady is now charged with the development of the Deer Park players, working as the coaching academy director, overseeing the progress of the U-11 down to the club’s very youngest member.

It is a far cry from his earliest experiences but is a task he is relishing.

“Now, the idea is to have a ball to a player and your session put together in advance. It’s certainly nothing like the way it is at present and, in fairness to the FAI, they have grown the coaching scene in Ireland.”

He came to the club last May and has helped them progress their Under-8 section to great effect, with the introduction of a new development squad.

Keeping such players together is a move that has helped player reten-

tion, one which has Brady brimming with enthusiasm.

“Previously, you might have lost players if they weren’t in a team at the start of the season. Keeping them together as a squad gives us a chance to have a look at them.

What’s happened this year, one or two from those squads have jumped onto the league teams. It keeps them involved in the club and has worked very well.”

He does, however, say that a change in mindset in many areas will be needed if the Republic is to produce players of the technical excellence coming on stream in Spain and the Netherlands.

“It’s definitely improving here but there is a long way to go. There’s still too much of an emphasis on winning and the physicality of football.

“At U-8, supposedly we don’t have league tables or keep results, just play for the enjoyment. But I know from experience with some of the clubs where parents ring around for results and would even say ‘we’re winning our league’.

“It’s hard to get that mentality away. You try and say it’s about development but that is a big problem for the Irish.

It’s very much who wins what?”

Changing that mindset may be a key factor but, for Brady, the commitment to coaching has come a long way in a very short period of time.

19 January 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 37

38 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 19 January 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

BASKETBALL: FINE RUN ENDS FOR SOUTHSIDE BALLERS

World championships come to Ireland in 2012 LOCAL Olympian and Dublin Sports Awards winner Annalise Murphy was on hand to help to launch the 2012 International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Youth Sailing World Championship which will take place in Ireland for the first time this year.

The 41st running of the championship will take place in Dun Laoghaire from July 12 to 21, and will see 400 sailors aged 16 to 19 years of age, accompanied by 150 coaches, from 60 different nations sailing for the honours.

Speaking at the announcement of the event, ISAF chairman Brian Craig said: “After a competitive bidding process, Ireland is honoured to have been chosen to host this much celebrated event, which is renowned for providing the world with its first glimpse of future sailing stars.

“We are equally honoured to welcome a great brand like Four Star Pizza as title event sponsor. Their investment will help us enormously in promoting the event and, in turn, promoting the very best in youth sailing in Ireland and across the world.”

The ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship was first held in Sweden in 1971.

Rock rolled; Iosagain into national final BLACKROCK College’s run in the AllIreland U-19C basketball competition came to an end at the semifinal stage this week when they fell to St Vincent’s, Glasnevin.

In an all-Dublin affair, Martin Neary was outstanding and made a personal contribution of 30 points, closely followed by Philip Neary, 27 points. St Vincent’s led by 10 points at the break and continued

to control the game to ensure their place in the final, eventually running out 65-43 winners.

On the girl’s side, though, Colaiste Iosagain are still going strong as they won their U-19A semi-final.

Karen Ni Mhaonaigh found form, contributing 22 points as she led her side to victory over Presentation Tralee.

Eilis O’Connor attempted to initiate a comeback for her side, but the experience of Colaiste Iosagain proved too much, and they ran out eventual winners, 50-42.

Meteors’ Cliona Mairtin, right, pictured when she played for Colaiste Iosagain, was one of the stand out players in the semi-final

Meteors miss out on final UNDER-18 NATIONAL S/F Brunell Meteors

70 55

Q sport@gazettegroup.com

METEORS bowed out of the U-18 Women’s National Cup at the semi-final stage when they came unstuck against Brunell after a gripping tussle. Brunell ran out 70-55 winners after a blistering third quarter performance which proved too much for their Dublin rivals.

The Cork side made the most of the home support in the opening exchanges, Niamh MacCarthy amongst the scorers as Brunell raced

into a 7-3 lead. Meteors responded through Rachel Toland Burke before Edel Thornton struck back for Brunell after a quick counterattack.

The longer the quarter progressed, the greater the impression grew that this would be a tight contest. Meteors turned the early deficit around, thanks to some nice work from Toland Burke, Cliona Mairtin and Caitriona Murphy.

A first quarter high on quality finished 19-15 in favour of Meteors.

Meteors continued their upward trajectory early in the sec-

Cian goes to war: Blues claim top spot in Glasgow LEINSTER supporter Cian Nolan,

from Blackrock, travelled to Scotland last weekend to see Leinster face off against Glasgow Warriors at the Firhill Arena.

The match saw the Blues claim their place in the knock-out stages of the Heineken Cup, but had to battle hard to secure their place at the top of Pool 3 against a determined Glasgow side in spite of second-half tries from Rob Kearney and Isaac Boss.

ond quarter, quickly stretching the lead out to ten. Brunell needed to fashion a route back into the match and found it through Aisling O’Connor who hit a big three-pointer to bring her side back to seven.

Meteors were determined to answer any questions posed by the Brunell attack, however, and set about re-establishing their supremacy on the scoreboard, with the half-time score at 32-24 in favour of Meteors.

Edel Thornton got Brunell off the mark in the third quarter, drawing the foul and making

the basket to bring the Cork side to within five.

Thornton was on the line again moments later and reduced the gap to three as Brunnell’s challenge began to gather momentum.

Captain Megan O’Lear y stepped up to add impetus to the Br unell charge and gave her side the lead with two scores in quick succession. An unlikely nine-point swing saw Brunell lead 35-34 midway through the third.

Meteors appeared helpless to stem wave after wave of Brunell attacks, their offensive ambitions severely curtailed by

the Brunell onslaught.

Sarah Fanning struck a vital three for Meteors, just as the hope of a final appearance was beginning to ebb away from the Dublin outfit. Still it was Brunell that held a commanding lead heading into the final quarter 47-37.

O’Leary was an irrepressible figure for Brunell in the second half, her three points at the beginning of the fourth effectively ending the Meteors’ challenge.

Meteors fought bravely to reduce the margin, but the damage was done and Brunell are on their way to the final.

19 January 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 39

in association with

DUBLIN GAA: COLLEGES, SENIORS REGISTER WINS a

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CUALA THE registration season got off to a

dalough on Sunday, January 29.

good start on Saturday. Fees have

Please be generous in supporting

been held at the same level as 2011

the teams as they prepare for the

and a cap has been introduced for

year ahead, a year in which Cuala

family memberships as well.

will host National Feile competi-

A l l p l a ye r s m u s t r e g i s t e r e d

tions in hurling and camogie.

with the club for 2012 prior to the

The Cuala Give an Hour programme

resumption of competitive fixtures

encourages our teenager and adult

at the end of the month.

players to go back and help younger

Academy members have been registered for 2012 since September.

age-groups. It’s a suitable initiative for kids in Transition Year who

The Feile fundraising efforts are

are looking for community-based

in full swing for the new year. The

projects, and for adults who can

juvenile girls’ cookie sellers are

use their experience to assist the

back at academy training at Hyde

players of the future.

Road and IADT over the coming weeks.

Set dancing classes resumed in the hall on Sunday nights from 8 to

The 1998 boys expect a group of

10pm. A great way to be social and

100 pla yers, mentors, parents,

keep fit. www.cualagaa.ie for all the

siblings and friends to ascend Glen-

latest news in and around the club.

WANDERERS Cuala man Mick Fitzsimons was in action for Dublin in the O’Byrne Cup tie against UCD at Parnell Park last week

North beats South while Dubs Byrne on LEINSTER COLLEGES Dublin North Dublin South

1-19 3-11

Q sport@gazettegroup.com

ST BRIGID’S rising star Paul Winters produced a superb showing from placed balls to help Dublin North to a thrilling two-point victory over their southside counterparts to book a place in the last eight of the Leinster Colleges senior hurling championship, where they will take on St Kieran’s in the quarter-final round of ties.

The free-taking of the Dublin minor star of last year was one of the Northsiders’ principal weapons, with Winters netting nine points, but it was the display of Castleknock’s Ciaran Kilkenny that was arguably the most influential aspect of the victory for Dublin North.

Dublin South started brightly through Ballyboden St Enda’s James

Roche and Naoise Greene, but North burst into life when Cormac Costello f licked K ilkenny’s pass into the net for the first goal on 12 minutes.

The South kept in touch, with only four p o i n t s b e t we e n t h e sides at half-time – 1-10 to 0-9 – but Dublin North increased their lead to eight in the second half.

South bagged a goal from Greene on 41 minutes, but further scores put the North seven up with 10 minutes left.

Greene did nab a couple of goals, while Roche finished with 1-2, as South made big inroads into the North’s lead, but came up just short by a couple of scores in the final reckoning.

The fixture featured an array of players who lined out for Dublin’s minor side last summer, including Lucan’s Sean McClelland and St

Oliver Plunkett’s Cian Boland in the North selection.

O’BYRNE CUP Dublin UCD

4-14 0-12

MEANWHILE, Dublin’s senior footballers swept past UCD 4-14 to 0-12 in Parnell Park on Saturday evening in the second round of Bord na Mona O’Byrne Cup. Once again, St Sylvester’s Micheal McCarthy was among those to push his claims the most when he kicked four points from play as well as a free and generally was a strong target in the forward lines.

It helped the Dubs to establish a 1-11 to 0-5 lead, with the returning Kevin McManamon’s goal a high point, managing to get by Kilmacud Crokes’ man Rory O’Carroll before arrowing into the top of the UCD net.

Br yan Cullen and Diarmuid Connolly both netted to extend the margin before St Brigid’s Sean Murray emerged from the bench to put a further gloss on the scoring with a cracking effort.

Murray was among a number of Brigid’s men lining out with former Ipswich Town keeper, Shane Supple, donning the number one jersey, while Paddy Andrews was back in the starting line-up. Gavin McIntyre also came on from the bench along with Ror y Corcoran, the Castleknock man making his second successive appearance.

K ilmacud’s Cian O’Sullivan had a more comfortable day than clubmates O’Carroll and Craig Dias – both wearing UCD colours – as part of a full-back line featuring Cuala’s Mick Fitzsimons and Fingal Ravens’ Darren Daly.

SAM MAGUIRE came home to Wan-

many hours, which was sincerely

derers GAA club last Friday. He was

appreciated by all at the club.

joined by the NHL League Div 1 cup

Adult mens’ junior A and B players

as well for the night. Thanks to all

training continues at Scoil Mhuire

who attended in huge numbers and

each Tuesday at 7.30pm.

to the many individuals who helped

New club gear is now available.

organise a fantastic night for the

Polos, hoodies, jackets, etc. Con-

club.

tact Niall on 086 885 7303.

Thanks to the Merry Ploughboys

Wa nderer s club car s ticke r s

who provided music throughout

available to purchase this week,

and for a great night in the pub

contact any committee member

later on for the adults.

for details, €3 each.

Thanks also to Sean Doherty and Jack O’Shea who provided their familiar presence around Sam on the night.

Club website at www.wanderersgaa.ie.

All content or requests should be emailed to pro@wanderersgaa.ie.

A very special word of thanks to

If you would like a notice men-

Dublin footballer Kevin Nolan and

tioned in the club notes please

to Dublin hurlers Simon Lambert,

contact Stephen on 087 978 9843

Gary Maguire and David Curtin who

or pro@wanderersgaa.ie no later

attended and made the visit extra

than 10am Monday morning each

special by posing for countless pho-

week.

tos and chatting to members for

www.wanderersgaa.ie

STARS OF ERIN ADULT team training continues every week on Tuesday and Thursday.

There is a friendly organised for Sunday morning in Glencullen against St Anne’s for the adult footballers.

The ladies team continues training, and all new players very welcome.

len.

The Under-8s training star ts back on Thursday at 6.30pm in St Patrick’s National School.

Both Juvenile training sessions will be for an hour.

There was no winner of the lotto jackpot. Numbers drawn were 4, 17 and 18. The three number jackpot

The Under-9s training star ts

prize winners were 1st: Tommy Kin-

back on Tuesdays at 6.30pm in St.

sella; 2nd: Renee Roe; 3rd: Deirdre

Patrick’s National School, Glencul-

McDonnell.

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

ALL OF YOUR DUN LAOGHAIRE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 35-39

SHOOTING STARS: Meteors miss out on Under-18 final place after defeat P38

JANUARY 19, 2012

BRADY’S BUNCH LoI legend helping make stars of the future P36

GazetteSPORT

DSDAC athlete, Ava Hutchinson, earned the right to place at the London Olympic Games with her impressive run at the Houston marathon last week

Hutchinson on her way to London 2012 DSDAC runner impresses in Houston to claim place alongside Byrne and Ryan at Olympics STEPHEN FINDLATER dunlaoghairesport@gazettegroup.com

BLACKROCK woman Ava Hutchinson became the third DSDAC club member to qualify for the London Olympic Games last Saturday when she produced a super 2.35.33 run in the Houston Marathon in America.

It was well inside the Olympic A qualifying standard, and sees her follow in the footsteps of regular DSD teammate, Linda Byrne, who earned her place at last October’s Dublin marathon.

With high jumper Deirdre Ryan also qualified for the Games, it brings the club’s involvement to its highest-ever number of competitors, with club coach Liz McDonagh believing more could be on the way.

“It could be at least four. We would expect David Gillick would also make it, which would be excellent for the club,” she told GazetteSport.

Hutchinson put in a superb performance in Houston in just her second race over the distance.

Her previous effort had ended in a disappointing fashion after looking well on course to achieve the Olympic standard for much of the Dublin marathon, only to fade badly in the closing miles to end five minutes off course.

But she learned her lessons to superb effect and claim fourth place on the day, running consistently throughout, making it past the halfway marker in a time of 1.17.48, her strength seeing her pass runners in the closing stages. Hutchinson’s result added to her national half-marathon success and made for another proud day for DSDAC. Originally from Blackrock, the long-distance runner moved to England in her teens but regularly returned to Dublin.

Notably, she was part of the Irish team who took part in the World junior cross-country championships which took place in Leopardstown, and was

a regular Irish team-mate of Linda Byrne.

The 28-year-old subsequently moved to Providence in the US, to work with renowned coach Ray Treacy before moving back to Loughborough in England in the past year. During that time, she won the Irish national cross-country last February and the half-marathon title followed in September.

Her latest achievement sees her join what is becoming a long line of DSDAC members to reach the Olympics, which includes shot-putt – and Irish rugby international – Victor Costello, Nick Sweeney (discus) and middle-distance runner Aisling Molloy.

Indeed, a couple of other former DSDAC members are also in the mix for a marathon spot, with Maria McCambridge – having relocated to Donegal and the Letterkenny AC jersey – and Gladys Ganiel, originally from Ballinteer, but now with Abbey in Belfast, looking to achieve the qualifying time.