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INSIDE: All you need for your child’s special day P20-21
LEADING THE CHARGE: Keeping
it green at local leisure centre Page 7
Killiney man takes top honours in SA
Pool is all set to make a big splash
Page 30
I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
Football: Start of a new era as Crokes appoint Kenny Page 32
Wakeboard:
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ................. 2, 8 TRAVEL......................... 22 BUSINESS .................... 16 MOTORS ........................18 GOING OUT .................. 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
THERE was good news for local swimmers this week, with the long-awaited pool at Loughlinstown due to be completed by November. At a meeting of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council last week, DLR Leisure Services CEO, Tom Mowlds, gave the good news to the councillors. Mr Mowlds was delivering
February 23, 2012
the annual report of DLR Leisure Centre, and improvements and upgrades were the main success stories for leisure centres across the county. Cllr Gerry Horkan congratulated Mr Mowlds on the achievements of his tenure as CEO, remarking that he wished every council department worked as well. Full Story on Page 5
The big stage: Dun Laoghaire Choral Society head for NCH AS PART of its 30th anniversary celebrations, the Dun Laoghaire Choral Society (DLCS) are set to perform a piece by Shaun Davey at the National Concert Hall next month. The evening will be presented and
conducted by the DLCS musical director, David Brophy, pictured. David has been expanding the choir’s possibilities since he started as musical director in 2009. Full Story on Page 3
2 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23 February 2012
BEACH BYLAWS: DOGS UNLEASHED CITIZENS’ CAMPAIGN GROWING
EVENT
New Riverside Housing Co-Operative opening
Council has ‘to balance rights of both groups’ I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN news@gazettegroup.com
COUNCILLOR Victor Boyhan said that the vast majority of letters and emails to his office are against the proposed restrictions on dogs along the shoreline area of Booterstown, Seapoint, Sandycove and Killiney. He said that only one correspondent to his office was in favour of the proposed new laws. Dogs Unleashed Citizens Campaign has 1,700 supporters, and this figure is growing online.
Argument Their argument against leashing dogs in these areas centres both on the animal’s welfare and freedom as well as owner’s rights. Councillor Boyhan was sy mpathetic to the campaigners and praised their conduct throughout the campaign. “I have always found the Dogs Unleashed Citizens Campaign very willing to engage in a constructive way with the councillors and community groups in this debate. I support their campaign’s key objectives.”
Cllr Boyhan went on to say that a “commonsense” approach was needed by all to achieve the best result. A spokesperson from the council said: “We are currently engaging in dialogue with a range of stakeholders in relation to the dogs issue. “Whilst listening to ever yone’s concerns, the council, as the regulator y authority, has the responsibility of balancing the rights of dog ow ners with the rights of the wider public to enjoy public amenities without having to worry about their personal health and safety... unfortunately dog-fouling and random attacks on men, women and children in public places from outof-control dogs remains a problem across the county.” S h e a d d e d : “ We acknowledge the arguments put forward by dog owners that currently the ‘on-leash’ requirement may be too restrictive. “However, the council also acknowledges the concerns of other regular beach users and swimmers, who feel that the problems of dog-fouling and out-of-control dogs in public spaces should be eliminated completely.”
Niall O’Keeffe, chief executive, NABCO, Ireland’s Co-Operative housing association, with Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O’Sullivan TD, who officially opened the new Riverside Housing Co-Operative in Loughlinstown, Co Dublin, with resident Leanne McConville, Samantha McConville, with her son Feailm, aged 7, and DLRCC Cathaoirleach, Cllr John Bailey
A boost for the local community M INISTER for Housing and Planning, Jan O’Sullivan, was on hand recently to open the new Riverside Housing Co-Operative in Loughlinstown, County Dublin. Riverside Housing Co-operative is a development of 49 one-, two- and
three-bedroom apartments which include communal facilities. The scheme is in partnership with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and was funded by the Department of the Environment, Communities and Local Government.
Declan Hudson, chair of NABCO with Minister Jan O’Sullivan
Vincent Keenan, NABCO, Declan Hudson, chairman NABCO with
and Vincent Keenan, NABCO Board Member
Minister O’Sullivan and resident, Leanne McConville
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A view of the apartment at Riverside Housing Co-Op Loughlinstown which was officially opened by Minister Jan O’ Sullivan
23 February 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 3
EVENT Group to perform at National Concert Hall
Society gets set to mark its 30th anniversary I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com
DUN Laoghaire Choral Society is performing a piece by Shaun Davey at the National Concert Hall next month. The music will be premiered to celebrate the Dun Laoghaire Choral Society’s (DLCS) 30th anniversary.
Award The specially commissioned piece for the Choral Society was written by Shaun Davey, the renowned Irish composer who has received an Ivor Novello award for best TV score, a Tony nomination for best musical score, two Bafta nominations, a New York Critics’ Award and a TRIC award for best British T V signature theme. The commission by the Dun Laoghaire Choral Society was supported by Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council.
The concert is called, Odyssey, and Davey’s piece will appear on the NCH’s bill as Songs from the High Seas. The first half of the concer t will include works by Brahms, Elgar, Vincent D’Indy and Part and finally Davey himself. The second half will be devoted to his newly commissioned work, Songs of the High Seas, Suite for Choir, Folk Instruments and Organ. There will be over ten sea shanties depicting an imaginary voyage around the world in the days of frequent sea travel. The music is played on a specially purchased mandolin for many of the songs. T he choir will be joined on stage by some of Ireland’s leading folk musicians, such as Liam O’Flynn, Des Moore, Noel Eccles, Davey and Eoin O Beaglaoich, amongst others. The DLCS’s has sung with Shaun before in
the Voices from the Merry Cemetery concer t in St Patrick’s Cathedral in November 2010, the RTE Concert Orchestra and the The Men’s Choir of the Faculty of Theology from Sibiu, Romania. The evening will be presented and conducted by DLCS musical director, David Brophy. Brophy has tried to expand the choir’s possibilities since his tenure as musical director began in 2009.
Concert This concert is an example of his insistence on public performance and utilising local composers and locally relevant themes. The concert will take place in the National Concert Hall on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 8pm. For further information contact www.nch. ie or ring the box office at 01-4170000. tickets range from €15 (Choir balcony) to €25.
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DLCS musical director David Brophy
JOBS
132 jobs at A-wear saved A GROUP of international investors have acquired the fashion retail company A-wear, securing all 132 jobs in Dublin. The store will continue to trade as normal at its eight Dublin stores, including three in South Dublin at Dundrum, Dun Laoghaire and Stillorgan, and all its stores across the country following the acquisition by a group of international investors headed by British businessman Michael Flacks of Flacks group. Jim Luby of McStay Luby was appointed as Receiver to A-wear by previous owners Hilco earlier this week, and reached agreement with the international group of investors to sell the business.
4 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23 February 2012
THEATRE Stillorgan Musical Company are getting tribal
Groovy musical will help you let your HAIR down I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
FOR lovers of live musicals, why not let HAIR - The American Tribal Love Rock Musical transport you right back to the age of Aquarius, hippies, peace and idealism. On February 29, The Stillorgan Musical Company is putting it on the Pavilion until March 4.
The local group has been together for almost 30 years and is one of the oldest musical societies in Ireland. Stephen Lynch, who p l ay s l e a d i n g m a n , Claude, said that last year youth groups demonstrated in 950 cities around the globe. “That is why we chose Hair for this year’s production, as we believe that this
show is more relevant now than ever before. We want to show that young Irish people also have a voice and we want to be heard!” The story is set in antiVietnam America in the 1960s and the ‘tribe’ is a collection of free-thinking un-conventionalists. Hair depicts the effect of such aggressive and violent disturbance on this
group of idealists. “Nearly half a decade after its debut, the show’s themes are still relevant – racism, environmental destruction, poverty, sexism, violence, depersonalisation from new technologies and corruption in politics,” says the show’s producer, Emmet McCarthy. “I am proud to see young Irish talent getting
involved in this musical that challenged many of the norms held by the Western society.” The show begins on Wednesday, February 29 and finishes up on Sunday, March 4. Tickets are available at Pavilion Theatre Dun Laoghaire, either online www.paviliontheatre. ie or at the box office 01-2312929.
Stephen Lynch, who plays leading man, Claude, in the musical, Hair, at the Pavilion starting February 29
ENTERTAINMENT: COMEDY
Laugh last and longest at festival I NATALIE BURKE
IRISH people are known for their sense of humour, so what better way of celebrating our national St Patrick’s Day holiday than with a festival that shows off and celebrates our witty charm? With March already on the horizon, the Paddy Laughs Festival is back on board for the second year in a row, with competition heats just weeks away. After such a successful debut in 2011, the organisers of the competition are back with a bang and, over the space of three weeks, 48 aspiring comedians will battle it out to become the Paddy Laughs 2012 Comedy Champion. The competition will be hosted by comedian Peter O’Byrne, best-known for his funny man roles in Killinaskully, and The Craic Pack, and the com-
petition final will be held on Wednesday, March 15, kicking off the beginning off the comedy festivities. The finalists from the four heats, which are being held on March 2, 3, 9 and 10 in the Studio at the Mill Theatre, will battle it out for the most laughs before the winner will be chosen and offered the chance of a comedy career. Over the following few days, many established comedic acts will take to the stages at the Mill Theatre. This year’s lineup includes headline acts, Abandoman, a hip-hop comedy act; Keith Farnan, a comic from Cobh, Co Cork and comedian, Jack Wise. For more information on tickets for the festival and the competition heats, see www.milltheatre.ie or call the box office at 01 296 9340.
DLRCC is about to unveil the draft planning scheme for the Cherrywood SDZ (inset)
PLANNING: DLRCC PREPARES FOR PUBLIC DISPLAY OF SDZ PLANS
Cherrywood SDZ report to address development I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
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AT THIS month’s meeting of the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC), the progress report in relation to the preparation of the Draft Planning Scheme for the Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) was raised. Councillor Gerry Horkan (FF) said he would be absenting himself from the chamber for the duration of any debate on Cherrywood development and rezoning, as he is on the Board of Directors for DLR Prop-
erties. Cllr Victor Boyhan (Ind) asked for clarity regarding the timeline of possible rezoning of the site. Kathleen Holohan, director of planning, and deputy county manager, replied that the report is due to appear either at the end of February or early March, but no later, at which time it will go to print. DLRCC has had two years to compile the report, which will then be submitted to An Bord Pleanala for approval. The Cherrywood site is approximately 360 hectares in size, and is
situated approximately 8km south of Dun Laoghaire town centre, near Loughlinstown, between the N11 and the M50. DLR Properties Ltd was established by DLRCC in 2009 to manage the latent site and, possibly, sell the lands at Cherrywood to potential investors and residents, in the future.
Benefits The chief benefits to a SDZ designation for Cherrywood are many, including the imposition of a formal structure on how to phase in the development needed for
the new designation. The resultant social and physical infrastructure of Cherrywood will be a model of town planning, if all goes well. The zoning is the same as that attained by Adamstown,. The current economic problems in Ireland have been assessed by DLRCC, in relation to Cherrywood, and the phasing structure to be announced in the Planning Scheme report will work in a gradual system of investment, feeding piecemeal infrastructural development. Cherrywood is the first SDZ designation in
the county and, when the Draft Planning Scheme goes on public display later this month, or early next month, DLR residents will have six weeks to make a submission on the contents of the scheme. Any such submission will be considered by DLRCC in a Manager’s Report, and the councillors can decide to accept, vary, modify or reject the scheme. The Cherrywood SDZ team will endeavour to answer any questions residents may have, and can be contacted by email at cherr y woodsdz@dlrcoco.ie.
23 February 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 5
COUNCIL Long-awaited development is underway
Proposed Loughlinstown pool to be completed by November I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
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AT this week’s meeting of Dun Laoghaire County Council, CEO of DLR Services, Tom Mowlds, said that the new pool proposed for Loughlinstown is now well underway. Showing a slide of the construction work already done, he told the meeting that the date of completion for the pool would be November this year. The area has been without a swimming pool for its residents and all the councillors in the chamber congratulated Mr Mowlds on the latest long-awaited development. Work is continuing apace on the 25m, sixlane swimming pool (including changing rooms), as well as four synthetic outdoor pitches, extended parking capabilities and other facilities for the Loughlinstown Leisure Centre. Dun Laoghaire Leisure Services began in Loughlinstown in 1983 and the leisure centre was promised a swimming pool, which, 29 years later, is becoming a reality. The Leisure Centre has, however, been very progressive in the area of cardiac care. It’s the only leisure centre in Leinster whose staff is trained in cardiac rehabilitation and liaises with St Col-
mcille’s hospital. Staff can also make GP referrals to members. The staff is exceptionally well trained and their work in cardiac health care will be greatly assisted by the addition of a swimming pool. Councillor Gerry Horkan (FF) said that he has had great feedback from his constituents about their preference in doing their rehabilitation at the leisure centre, rather than having to go to a hospital. --------------------------
‘Work is continuing apace on the 25m, six-lane swimming pool, as well as four synthetic outdoor pitches’
The date of completion for the pool will be November of this year
--------------------------
In 2010, Loughlinstown Leisure Centre received the ILAM White Flag Award in recognition of the exceptionally high standards of quality in health and leisure facilities. It also has a gold standard rating and, in January of this year, it replaced its old machinery with new high-tech equipment. It now has a range of over 30 cardio machines and 20 resistance machines.
Tackling obesity in local youth DUN Laoghaire/Rathdown Leisure Services CEO, Tom Mowlds has announced his intention to tackle childhood obesity in the county. At a County Council meeting last week, he indicated that it would be the job of DLR Leisure Services to improve the health habits of children by including the whole family in programmes of nutrition and exercise. He saidt the aim of the new programmes would be to educate families about improving their lifestyles in order to prevent serious health problems for overweight children in the future. He also told
councillors the practical savings that would accrue in monetary terms. “Each year the health costs due to obesity are huge,” he said and tackling the problem of obesity early would ensure a lifelong commitment to healthy living for those involved. An estimated €4 million has been allocated to leisure services in the last four years. “It is important that we limit health costs associated with obesity. We will also continue to offer services for people who are unemployed,” he said.
He intends to broaden the remit of the DLR Leisure Services to include health services and, with this in mind, Loughlinstown already offers the only cardiactrained staff in any leisure centre in Leinster.
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MARITIME A Titanic Centenary event THE Maritime Institute of Ireland is hosting a national Titanic Centenary event in the Old Mariner’s Church, Dun Laoghaire on Thursday, April 12. Rory Golden, the first diver to touch the steering wheel since the Titanic’s captain, will be giving a talk at the event. Rory did his first dive in Dalkey Sound in 1976 and has made a business out of it over time. His first Titanic experience was in 2000, and this expedition yielded up hundreds of artefacts from the Atlantic bed. The event commences at 8pm. (Doors open at 7.30pm) and tickets are now available from the National Maritime Museum’s office, top floor, Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre Tel; 01- 2143964 and Costello Jewellers, I Northumberland Ave, Dun Laoghaire Tel 01-2302311.
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6 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23 February 2012
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ENTERPRISENEWS
International Women’s Day 2012: Celebration, Connection and Inspiration for Women in Business in Dublin Kindly sponsored by Vodafone
Thursday 8th March 2012, Davenport Hotel, Dublin City With Guest of Honour Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton, TD
Women In Business networks from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal and Dublin City County Enterprise Boards and the Dublin Chamber of Commerce’s “Mentoring for Female Entrepreneurs programme” are joining forces for the third consecutive year to organise a major event for women in business in Dublin to celebrate International Women’s Day. Over 200 female entrepreneurs and business women have attended in previous years, making this an outstanding networking opportunity. This year’s event will feature talks by Minister of State for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton TD and by Vodafone HR Director Rachel Mooney and presentations from a panel of four inspirational entrepreneurs who have expanded their businesses in recent years: Grainne Barry, Anotherfriend.com, Lauren Fisher, Simply Zesty, Jacquie Marsh, The Butler’s Pantry and Ruth Monaghan, Appassionata Flowers. This year, we will also offer limited mentoring slots from 5-6pm, bookable in advance. Enterprising Women Network, Dun LaoghaireRathdown Angela Tynan angela@dlrceb.ie (01) 4948400
Dr Stephen Brennan, director of marketing and strategy, the Digital Hub Development Agency, tries to impress Ghost (Jason Yu), Sonic (Cillian Bellew) and Angry Bird (Shane Kavanagh) with his gaming skills at the launch of the Irish leg of an international gaming design competition
It’s ‘game’ on for a third-level contest I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
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TALENTED local thirdlevel students chipping away at the digital coalface are invited to use their skills in an exciting new international video gaming competition. Dare to be Digital is an international video games development competition, for third-level students, coordinated in Ireland by the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA), and supported by the NorthSouth Cooperation Unit at the Department of Education and Skills. The competition aims to place third-level students firmly in the digital workforce arena, and experts, as well as potential employers, can view and assess their work.
Application is by teams of five students, with skills to typically focus on the distinct digital fields of programming, artists, audio specialists etc. If the team is successful in the initial heat, it will spend nine weeks at Abertay University, Scotland during summer, where all successful competing teams will receive free accommodation at the university’s halls of residence, a weekly stipend of £150, and a team budget allowance of £200. At the end of the nine weeks, the students will get to present their prototypes at the Dare ProtoPlay exhibition. This platform will open up the winner’s ideas to a wider public and industry experts, all of whom will vote on their favourite
games. The top three teams will receive prizes of £2,500, as well as the opportunity to compete for the Ones To Watch award at the BAFTA Video Games Awards. Speaking at the launch of the competition, Dr Stephen Brennan, DHDA’s director of marketing and strategy, said: “The Government’s newly-published action plan for jobs names digital games as one of the industries that will receive support to double in size over the next two years. “This means thousands of new jobs for those ready to take their place in this new workforce.” Speaking about recent growth in the gaming industry, Dr Brennan said: “Not only is it bucking the trend by creating jobs at a
time of national recession, it is also continuously evolving in response to new technological developments. “This is a very real opportunity for south Dublin-based students to make a name for themselves within the games industry.
Mentors “At Abertay, participating teams get to meet and work with mentors from some of the biggest names in gaming – companies like Sega, Sony and Rockstar. “In terms of career development, participating in this competition is invaluable. Not only do students get fantastic networking and mentoring opportunities, but they also get to develop a prototype game, which, for
many of them, goes on to present a viable business opportunity,” he said. Also attending the launch were Brigid McManus, secretar y general, the Department of Education and Skills; Maria Ginnity, head of enterprise policy, Forfas; Eleanor Thomson, Dare to be Digital project coordinator, the University of Abertay; Jamie McCormick, marketing manager with Gala Networks Europe, a leading publisher of free-to-play multiplayer online games, and Alan Boyce, chief operating officer, Nevermind Games. For further information on the Dare to be Digital competition, see www. daretobedigital.com and www.thedigitalhub.com/ learning/current-learning-projects/53.
SEAT Digital Design Award competition is launched IN an effort to celebrate some of the country’s most talented up-and-coming creative designers and animators currently studying at the Institute of Art, Design and Technology in Dun Laoghaire, SEAT Ireland has this week launched its SEAT Digital Design Award. Developed by the car compa-
ny and the programme staff of the college, the competition is a significant component of the third-year Visual Communications and third-year Animation Professional Practice course. With over 60 students participating, the competition invites students to design online marketing and promotional con-
cepts that will connect with the Irish market, whilst encompassing the SEAT vision. Commenting on the launch of the competition, Paddy Comyn, head of PR and Social Media for Volkswagen Group Ireland, said he was “delighted” to announce the partnership and that all the research and advice from
industry experts had nominated IADT as the perfect choice for SEAT. “We really believe that the students involved will be the outstanding creative minds of the future and we are delighted to give them the opportunity to express their talents and reward them accordingly.”
23 February 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 7
ART Son’s condition inspired new works
Fiona de Lacy exhibition I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
IN MARCH, contemporary artist, Fiona de Lacy is giving a solo exhibition of her latest work, entitled A Touch of Sense. Fiona is a mother of four and graduate of Dun Laoghaire College of Art and Design, and her previous exhibitions have been in Alexandra College and The Village Framing and Gallery. Two of her four children are autistic and her eldest son’s particular condition has influenced
and inspired this latest collection of work. He is exquisitely sensitive to fabrics, noises and smells. His senses are at a level of extreme reception and this has in turn heightened Lucy’s own sensory awareness over the years. Her pieces are multisensory and can be explored through touch too. “It gives me great pleasure creating works that everyone can appreciate if not through sight, then through touch. I hope my creations illustrate this. Everyone is welcome to come and touch my paintings!”
The show will be full of unusual combinations of textures and media. She is attempting to defy conventional rules on exhibition staging as well as hoping to reawakening the often dulled senses of “normal” people. The exhibition will be opened on Friday, March 30 at 7pm and will go on until 11pm. The venue is Taylors Three Rock, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, and admission is free. A large selection of works by the artist are available as limited edition prints.
LEISURE: FACILITY REDUCING FUEL COSTS
Monkstown Centre leads green charge I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
MONKSTOWN Leisure Centre has continued on its new greener path by installing lower-watt but more effective lighting over the pool and new boilers working off the centre’s own self-supporting generator. The whole effect has been to reduce fuel costs and energy waste. Tom Mowlds, CEO of DLR Services, delivered his annual report in Council Chambers on Monday, February 13. He was praised for the improvements he has made to the county’s leisure industry since the creation of DLR Services four years ago. DLR Leisure Services was established as a company by the council and is thriving with an income of €4,185,000 and 150 full and parttime staff. The CEO’s comprehensive report outlined the facilities currently on offer by DLR Services, the programmes currently in operation, repairs and refurbishments done to date, income amassed and statistics on usage, as well as proposed initiatives for the future of the company. Mr Mowlds told council members that environmental concerns regarding conserving
Monkstown Leisure Centre is leading the way in green energy in the county
energy were essential to the future of DLR Leisure Services and that Monkstow n Leisure Centre was leading the way in this sector in the county. The company, he said is devoted to a policy of re-investing any surplus profits accrued into improving buildings and equipment in Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown leisure centres. This is what has been done with the Monkstown Leisure Centre. Since the changes to the lights and the boilers the cost of running the facility has been reduced drastically. He also said that conserving energy no longer implies an inferior service. In fact, the opposite is true in Monkstown as the new, lower watt lights are brighter as well as being super-efficient energy-wise. In the repor t, Mr Mowlds also relayed the statistics showing
improved attendance at swimming pools and leisure centres in the area since the recession hit - 2,500 kids’ swimming lessons were completed last year and these didn’t include the schools’ programmes. T he only point of contention in an other-
wise glowing response to the report was raised by councillor Victor Boyhan. He wondered why the pools were not opened during the holidays and suggested that, with the current upsurge in popularity among leisure centres, DLR Leisure Services should consider keeping them open as the demand was certainly there. Mr Mowlds signalled that he would take the suggestion into account for the future. To contact DLR Leisure Services Monkstown phone: (01) 230 1458/60/62 Email:monkstown@ dlrls.ie
Detox in Dalkey: Expert is to give healthy eating classes IRELAND’S only nutrition and healthy eating consultant, Dorcas Barry, will be in Dalkey in February and April to give a series of detox classes. Several detox programmes will be held in select Dalkey stores on February 23 and April 19. The programmes takes place over the course of 30 days with five weekly classes on Thursday evenings. Cookery demonstrations will also be given to achieve a complete detox within 30 days. A self-confessed advocate of the power of detoxing, Dorcas feels the nation needs to become aware of this untapped natural potential. “Detoxing the body helps you feel energised and revitalised with improved digestion, glowing skin and weight loss. Eating properly allows the body to function at its optimum level and the biggest surprise when I started was the effect it had on my mood and how much more positive and energised I felt.” For more details on classes and delicious healthy eating recipes and tips, see www.dorcasbarry.com
8 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23 February 2012
RETAIL ‘Pop Up’ Shopping World launches at Deansgrange
A novel way to go shopping HE first ever shopping centre dedicated to Pop Up Shops, which opened in Deansgrange recently, has succeeded in providing a low-cost platform for fledgling new businesses to promote their products while breathing new life into existing enterprises. At Shopping World you can lease your own Pop Up Shop without having to pay massive overheads. The set-up is perfect for existing and new businesses with low rents, no bills for commercial rates, and no electricity or heating bills to worry about. Businesses are just required to pay a single fee that covers all costs, including rent. Maureen O’Halloran, marketing and public relations manager at Shopping World, said the centre, which is currently open at weekends only, has been so successful in promoting new businesses that it has received a huge number of requests from local companies to open full time. As a result, she said the centre will open on a seven days a week basis in April.
T
Jacqui Corcoran and Emma English
Ciara Hayden and Martina Ginty
Annette
Jo Jordan, Maureen O’Halloran and Lisa Murphy
and
Lynsey McGarrigle. Pictures: Una Williams
Siobhan Ryan and Rita Keogh
23 February 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 9
INFORMATION Clarification of Government plan
Enterprise Board changes are welcomed He and his colleagues on the enterprise boards have done enormous good, he claimed, and that hard work should be built on by the new bodies in the future. “We need these board members to continue to advise entrepreneurs and monitor targets in their area within the new structures.” ---------------------------------------
‘Small businesses are the employers of the future and the vast majority of these businesses have less than 10 employees’ ---------------------------------------
As there is no more detail available than that contained in the general statements, and press releases issued by Ministers Bruton and Hogan, all the present county enterprise boards can do is to speculate and discuss the issues with broad strokes. When asked if he would be involved in designing the tools of implementing the strategy, he indicated that he and other board members had made overtures to the Department of Enterprise to that very end. There will be several scheduled meetings to iron out the details taking place from next week. “It will take a lot of m e e t i n g s ,” h e said, but he claims that the core values underpinning the new strategy will improve things for the economy – especially in the arena of developing small business in Ireland.
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THE chief executive of the Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Enterprise board has issued a statement to stakeholders and entrepreneurs clarifying the status of the Government’s strategy to dissolve city and county enterprise boards. The proposed changes were heralded on February 13 by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. In the statement, Michael Johnson welcomes the proposed changes and intentions of the Department to create “one-stop shops” as new micro enterprise support structures to be located in each local authority area. With the emphasis purported to be on encouragement and support of small business, Mr Johnson has said that that is exactly what needs to happen. “Small businesses are the employers of the future,” he said. “And the vast majority of these businesses have less than 10 employees. “Therefore, it’s very important to nurture them and focus on their growth, as this strategy proposes to do.” When asked about the lack of detail surrounding the Department’s plans, He said: “The concept is good. You’ll get no argument from us. In fact, it was a proposal made by the County Enterprise Boards themselves. We’re very pleased it has been taken on board and now we need to study how to operate it.” In his opinion, the new Local Enterprise Offices, or LEOs, will do well to allow the various areas a deal of “autonomy and flexibility” in the new strategy’s implementation. He said the enterprise boards were huge organisations and the onus today with the new LEOs will be on more efficiency, condensing of resources and for bodies to communicate with each other more. “We all need to be more efficient,” he said, “especially in these economic times”.
Heavenly Hendricks: Getting your own red carpet look
Michael Johnson, chief executive of the Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Enterprise board
BEAUTY PAGE 14
10 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23 February 2012
23 February 2012 GAZETTE 11
HEALTH: NATIONWIDE SCHOOL’S CONTEST
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Professor Niall Moyna and RTE Radio 1’s John Murray are calling on first-year secondary school students to put themselves forward to have their fitness levels tested by the commonly-used “bleep test” method
Improve kids’ fitness with Beat the Bleep RTE Radio 1’s John Murray Show has teamed up with Dublin City University to challenge 9,000 secondary school students to improve fitness by taking part in a Beat the Bleep competition. Beat the Bleep was launched on the popular show, last week, by Professor Niall Moyna, head of the School of Health and Human Performance at DCU, and fitness advisor to the Dublin GAA club.
Students from 125 different secondary schools nationwide have been challenged to beat their previously recorded class average fitness levels over the next six weeks. The class with the best result will be awarded €1,000 towards their school’s physical education programme, and a place for each participating student on a three-day live-in sports and activity camp at DCU. In January, John Mur-
ray and Prof Moyna called on first-year secondary school students to put themselves forward to have their fitness levels tested by the commonlyused “bleep test” method, which involves continuous running between two lines 20m apart in time to recorded beeps. The student’s score is the level and number of 20m shuttles reached before they were unable to keep up with the “bleep”.
12 GAZETTE 23 February 2012
Gazette Contacts
Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251 Managing Director: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com
Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.
CHARITY Public urged to use books to help
Start a new chapter for St Michael’s House ST MICHAEL’S House, who provide communitybased services for children and adults with an intellectual disability, has this week launched its 2012 Bring A Book, Buy A Book campaign. RTE presenter Miriam O’Callaghan was on hand at the launch of the campaign to lend her support. She said that she hoped as many people as possible would become involved. “I am delighted to support the St Michael’s House Bring A Book, Buy A Book campaign this year. “Setting up a cam-
paign location in work, at home or in the classroom couldn’t be easier, and is a great way to encourage reading. “I urge as many people as possible to take part in this great initiative to support St Michael’s House in raising funds to provide essential communitybased services for people with an intellectual disability,” she said. The campaign asks volunteers to set up campaign locations in their offices, schools, colleges, clubs or homes. Volunteers contribute their second-hand books, and purchase books donated by their col-
leagues, fellow students, friends or family, at a cost of €2 per book. The campaign encourages reading for all, and all funds raised will go directly to St Michael’s House. Inez Bailey, director, National Adult Literacy Agency, said: “Not only does the campaign encourage people to read and share books, but it also raises much-needed funds for St Michael’s House. “So, if you can’t donate, why not buy your books from one of the many locations around the country, and make a difference with your pur-
chase?” she asked. Eamonn Fitzgerald, chairman, St Michael’s House, said that the aim this year was to raise more money than last year. He said: “We are delighted to launch the Bring A Book, Buy A Book campaign. We raised €45,000 last year, and aim to exceed that figure this year. “We look forward to welcoming back those who have supported the initiative in the past, and we hope to see some new schools, clubs, families and companies taking part this year, too. “This is a great way for companies to boost
morale, while participating in a worthwhile programme,” said Fitzgerald. A number of pop-up shops will be set up for the Bring A Book, Buy A Book campaign. This year, pop-up shops can be found in a number of Dublin city centre locations, including Connolly Station and Grafton Street. St Michael’s House has also teamed up with Eight Twenty Cabs to provide their customers with free books to celebrate the campaign, while the institution will also be leaving free books in selected Eight Twenty cabs around the city.
WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements
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23 February 2012 GAZETTE 13
support a special, nationwide fundraising initiative
M
Penn-ing a winner: The story of a fading rockstar Eamon Fitzgerald, chairman, St Michael’s House and RTE broadcaster, Miriam O’Callaghan, were joined by St Michael’s House service users, Ruthanne and Dylan, to help launch the event
Miriam O’Callaghan shares a story with Ruthanne Gallagher and Dylan Campbell
Sarah Mullins, general manager, Eight Twenty Cabs, said: “The drivers have had a great response from their passengers, and we are delighted to be a part of this very worthwhile cause, and it is fantastic to see this campaign growing in support every year.” The Bring A Book, Buy
a Book campaign was first piloted in 2008, with 15 different locations taking part. The campaign has since enjoyed growing success, with 140 locations taking part in 2011, and a total of 90,000 books exchanged and €45,000 raised for St Michael’s House. The campaign will take
place from March 1 to March 8. To register your location and receive a starter pack for the campaign, see the Facebook page at www.facebook. com/stmichaelshouse; visit the website at: www. smh.ie or www.bringabookbuyabook.ie, email: fundraising@smh.ie, or phone 01 884 0200.
ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 24
14 GAZETTE 23 February 2012
SYMPTOMS
Check for signs of diabetes ARE you at risk from diabetes? Staff at Lucan Village Pharmacy are encouraging locals, and all Dubliners, to be aware of the symptoms as part of being more health-aware. Diabetes results when the body is unable to remove sufficient amounts of glucose from the blood. It is estimated that there are about 146,000 undetected prediabetics in Ireland at present. Uncontrolled diabetes dramatically increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, and can lead to nerve damage, kidney damage, and damage to the eyes, foot ulcers and risk of infections. If you suffer from constant thirst, frequent urination or regular infections, visit your local pharmacy for a five-minute glucose test to rule out this disease. With thanks to the staff at Lucan Village Pharmacy
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY
By Laura Webb
A heavenly look from Hendricks I LAURA WEBB
THE award ceremony season is about to take a bow for another year when the biggest event, the Oscars, hits the small screen this week, but before it ends, Gazette Beauty looks back at one of the best BAFTA looks, courtesy of Mad Men star, Christina Hendricks. The American beauty is not seen as one to shy away from a hint of colour, and her amazing pale complexion means everything and anything suits her flawlessly. Her BAFTA, red-carpet look perfectly complemented her fiery red hair and elegant black gown. Coral gloss and peach blush brought great warmth to her pale skin, and can easily be repeated in the front of a bathroom mirror with a little help from Maybelline. To get the look, use medium coverage foundation like Dream Satin Liquid by Maybelline (€11.99) for that dewy complexion. Warm tones on blue or green eyes work wonders on highlighting that colour. Choose complemetary toned shades such as those used in Maybelline’s Eye Studio Quad in Coral Drama (€9.99). The lightest base shade should be used all over the lid, including the inner eye then blend the brighter coral tones into the lash line and socket line. Use Maybelline’s Eye Studio Gel liner (€11.99) to give lashes a full and thick look by adding a flick to the eye, finishing off with the New Falsies Flared mascara (€11.99) on top lashes only.
Cheeks look healthy with a touch of cream blusher, Maybelline’s Dream Touch blusher in Peach (€10.89) is best applied to the apples of your cheek using light criss-cross motions, for a perfectly blended result. Finish the make-up by adding a splash of colour to lips with Maybelline’s Colour Sensational lipstick in Coral Pop (€10.49); for a stonger colour apply one coat then blot with tissue paper and apply another coat. For added shine, and to make lips appear fuller, use a clear lip gloss on top. Maybelline Falsies Flared Mascara
Maybelline Dream Touch Blush Peach
Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid
Maybelline Eye Studio Quad Coral Drama
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Mad Men star, Christina Hendricks
23 February 2012 GAZETTE 15
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: WHEN YOU SHOULD – AND SHOULD NOT – INTERACT WITH KITTENS
Preparing for the annual wave of ‘unwanted’ kittens S I write, we are in the throes or organising, stocking up and preparing for kitten season here at the DSPCA. However, even though it’s still February, and kitten season doesn’t historically start until April, this week, we welcomed our first orphaned kittens of the year – little Starsky and Hutch – through our shelter doors. Last year, the DSPCA rescued 2,038 cats, some of which were injured strays, felines abandoned by their owners, victims of road traffic accidents, or “surrenders” by members of the public. Sometimes, a wellmeaning member of the public brings in a litter, assuming they’ve been abandoned by the mother, when she is actually away finding food, or trying to keep humans and other unwelcome prey away from her nest area. Other rescue cats we see are mothers with newborns, and many orphaned babies who were brought directly into the nursery, where staff work round the clock providing the critical care they so desperately need. So, where do they all
A
Tending to the needs of another newborn kitten that has ended up in the tender care of the DSPCA
come from? They are usually the offspring of former domestic cats who’ve been abandoned by their owners, and are now giving birth, flooding our shelter with homeless litters. As you can imagine, the cats are not the only ones feeling the effects of the stress. The burden also presents enormous challenges for us here at the DSPCA, with space and finances stretched to the limit and, on top of our usual complement of rescued animals, we are inundated with hundreds of homeless cats. So, what can readers do to help? Firstly, the most efficient way to reduce the overwhelming burden of
unwanted cats is to spay or neuter your own cat. Unaltered cats are driven by hormones, and will sneak outdoors in search of a mate. It’s important to know that mating just the once can start a cycle that will result in thousands of unwanted animals, who are often left to fend for themselves and end up arriving en masse here at the DSPCA. Here are some guidelines to follow if you come across a mother cat and her litter. Firstly, try to establish if the family is tame or feral. If the mother cat miaows and responds to you giving her food and water (never offer milk), then she’s most likely tame. Give the family shelter, but do not separate
mother and kittens – keep them together in a garden shed, downstairs loo, cloakroom or utility room – and ring the DSPCA at 01 – 499 4700 for advice. If the mother and her kittens hiss and warn you off, then it’s likely they’re feral. If the kittens have opened their eyes fully (this usually occurs at around two weeks), it’s likely the kittens can see, and may try to defend themselves by biting you. In this case, leave them alone and, again, do not remove kittens from the mother, but ring the DSPCA and we will offer you advice. It’s important to understand that, even though the family is feral, there is every chance we can tame the kittens, re-home them when they are ready to leave their mother, and spay the mother, so that this situation does not recur. Either way, it is imperative that you do not ever remove or separate the kittens from their mother – to do so could mean their certain death. For more
information log onto www.dspca.ie or email me miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie
16 GAZETTE 23 February 2012
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Andrew Kavanagh, director, Sales and Marketing, Castleknock Hotel & Country Club
TRACKER – PAY OFF OR INVEST ? Q – MY MORTGAGE has a balance of €175,000. It is on a current tracker rate of 1.75% (0.75% margin) but, last month, my mother’s probate came through, leaving me with just over €200,000 tax-free. What would you advise - pay off the mortgage, or invest ? Gerry - Kimmage A - While it is very tempting to have your home debt-free, the fact is that you could earn greater net interest on a deposit account than paying mortgage interest. For example, the best demand deposit account currently is 3.1% - net 2.17%, after deduction of 30% DIRT tax – or 0.42% greater interest. However, you might want the cash flow and, therefore, it still comes down to your annual budget. On a 25-year capital and interest term, you are paying c. €720 every month – including the capital. While you would earn €61.25 more interest each month on the deposit than you would be paying the mortgage interest, you still have to pay that capital back monthly. Paying off the loan entirely eliminates that monthly debt completely, and your cash flow immediately improves. Does this suit you, or have you something better to do with the money ... if you can afford to continue those payments ? For example: - Invest in your own start-up business - Pay off any debts - Help any family members in trouble - Improve and update your home – iPad, iPhone, 3D tv, etc . One thing you do have is time. With tracker rates likely to remain low for the next two years, you do not have to make this decision now. Take professional advice. Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie, or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor.
Enjoying working with the community ANDREW Kavanagh is the director of Sales and Marketing at Castleknock Hotel & Country Club, part of the FBD Hotel group, a role he has held since May, 2008. Andrew was born and raised in Hartstown, attending St Ciaran’s National School and Hartstown Community School. He has a BA Honours Degree in Marketing Management, and started working in the hospitality industry at CentralR.com, an online travel website, as a sales executive. He worked his way up to sales manager before opening their new Asia-Pacific office in Sydney as operations manager in June, 2006. Upon his return to Ireland, he worked in sales and marketing roles in both the Morgan Hotel and the Ballymun Plaza Hotel before beginning in Castleknock Hotel & Country Club. He says: “I really enjoy working with the local community and trying to make the hotel a focal point for the local area. We sponsor teams like Castleknock GAA and Castleknock Celtic, trying to give them as much support as possible, and we’ve been delighted with the progress that both clubs have made with their facilities.” Andrew has described the hotel’s recent performance as very positive after a difficult couple of years for the Irish hotel industry as a whole. The hotel has seen huge growth in the level of weddings and conferences booked in the past 18 months, and this looks to be continuing with new capital projects in the pipeline and 19 new staff recruited last year. He currently lives in Clonsilla with his fiancee, Pamela Nolan, who is the HR manager at Castleknock Hotel & Country Club.
Andrew Kanavagh, Castleknock Hotel & Country Club
Q&A Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: A pilot Q: What was your first job? A: Packing shelves in Roches’ Stores, Blanchardstown
Q: Have you ever done a
job you loathed? A: Wondering if our general manager reads your paper ... Never!
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: Working in the area I was born and raised in
Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’? A: Making the tea Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be? A: A can of gin and tonic mixer that’s been there for about 18
months.
Q: What sport do you follow? A: I get told that I would
late, and promising each morning to change my ways the next night – only to repeat the cycle.
watch two insects running up the wall for sport. I’m a bit of a fanatic.
Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to? A: My wedding next
Q: What sport can you play? A: I like to play golf, soccer, tennis, cricket with Clonee Cricket Club, but I’m not the best.
Q: What habits would you like to lose? A: Going to bed far too
LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS
week
Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: Wall Street 2 – I don’t know why, it’s not even that good
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: I really like to follow some of the presenters on Newstalk, and some football journalists
Q: What was your last Tweet/status update? A: Giving out about my team, Liverpool
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Q: Describe your dream meal? A: Homemade lasagne, fat chips and coleslaw
Q: Where do you enjoy
spending money frivolously? A: Like many people, I tend to find I like spending frivolously on my mortgage.
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: About six or seven Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: Playa de Los Americas, Tenerife. A lads’ holiday when I was 19. Let’s just say, we didn’t live or dine in luxury.
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: Road trip around the USA for a couple of months
Q: What would be your dream job? A: To own my own travel business
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Lots of holidays, lots of golf, lots of grandchildren
23 February 2012 GAZETTE 17
18 GAZETTE 23 February 2012
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS
Edited by Cormac Curtis
RoadSigns Road Signs HONDAS GET A HART TO HELP WITH UPGRADES D U BL I N Ho n d a owners can now avail of the company’s latest innovation, HART (Honda Advanced Repair Technology). This wireless diagnostic technology is now available at all authorised Honda Dealers, and has been designed to assist after-sales technicians in communicating and upgrading software on Honda vehicles in a fast and efficient manner. HART provides the technicians with a seamless integration of troubleshooting with the on-board vehicle diagnostic systems, not only improving efficiency, but also first-time repair.
While the interior of the Mazda TAKERI (inset) is as stylish and luxurious as one would expect, the company’s real focus for the TAKERI at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show will be its wealth of notable features, ranging from its clever capture and storing of energy via its regenerative braking system to further improving fuel economy
Takeri – a Mazda marvel T T H E 2 01 2 Geneva International Motor Show Mazda is set to unveil, for the first time, its Mazda TAKERI concept – a next-generation mid-sized saloon featuring Mazda’s unique i-ELOOP regenerative braking technology. It will be joined onstage by the Mazda CX-5, a new compact crossover SUV equipped with the full range of Mazda’s breakthrough SK YACTIV technology; the MX-5 Special Edition Spring 2012, designed exclusively for the European market, and an array of new technologies and production models.
A
Adapting Mazda’s new KODO – Soul of Motion design theme, the TAKERI concept brings a new level of strength and allure to sedan styling. The TAKERI offers a taste of the future direction of Mazda’s next-generation CD sedan, having inherited the vision of the Mazda SHINARI, a four-door sports coupe concept showcased last year in Geneva. Under this exterior, the TAKERI features Mazda’s highly-efficient new SKYACTIV-D diesel engine, with i-stop (idlestop) system, and sixspeed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission. The TAKERI aims for
the ultimate in energy efficiency without compromising on Mazda’s characteristic “zoomzoom” performance, and is the first car to be equipped with i-ELOOP. Kinetic energy Short for “Intelligent Energy Loop”, i-ELOOP – the company’s first regenerative braking system – uses a unique solution that converts kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration and stores it in an electric double layer capacitor. The power is used to run the vehicle’s electric components, thereby reducing the engine load
and increasing fuel economy by up to 10%. This contributes to the Mazda TAKERI’s outstanding fuel economy, which is achieved at no sacrifice to performance or comfort. The all-new CX-5 is the first production model incorporating Mazda’s new KODO – Soul of Motion design theme, and is also the first built with the full SKYACTIV technology range of engines, transmissions, body and chassis. The CX-5 thus delivers outstanding performance and responsive, yet predictable, handling, as well as a high-quality ride and exceptional safety.
Class-leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions come courtesy of the CX-5’s lightweight and aerodynamic design, together with the frugal SKYACTIV engines (all featuring i-stop), and fuel-saving SKYACTIV transmissions. The new MX-5 Special Edition Spring 2012 has been given an extra touch of class with a host of premium features, including chrome headlamp inserts, grille surrounds and fog lamp bezels on the outside, and Havana Brown premium leather upholstery on the inside. Available only in Europe, the latest ver-
sion of Mazda’s legendary roadster comes with soft-top or retractable hard-top, and a choice of four body colours: Radiant Ebony – exclusively for this model – along with Crystal White Pearl, Metropolitan Grey and Brilliant Black. In addition to extended audio connectivity, the Special Edition Spring 2012 will be the first MX-5 with an integrated navigation system. Mazda’s display at the 82nd Geneva International Motor Show will also showcase the company’s brand-new SK YACTIV technology, as well as all current models.
Number of prestigious awards for Ford from EURO NCAP EURO NCAP, Europe’s leading authority on auto safety, has named the Ford Focus the Best in Class small family car, in recognition of the vehicle’s crash-test rating and advanced safety technology. The Focus scooped one of only five Best In Class awards accolades on the strength of its maximum five-star
Euro NCAP rating, as well as four Euro NCAP Advanced rewards last year – an achievement unmatched by any other high-volume car. Euro NCAP also made special mention of the new Ford Ranger after it became the safest pickup yet tested by the organisation, achieving the only five-star Euro NCAP rating ever award-
ed to a pickup. The Ranger scored highly in all areas of assessment, receiving particular credit for pedestrian protection. Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe, said: “This award has special meaning, because designing and building the safest vehicles possible is a core value at Ford.
“The Focus exemplifies our approach to design cars that both help drivers avoid accidents and protect them when one is inevitable.” The Focus five-star rating was achieved through an adult occupant score of 92%, child occupant rating of 82%, pedestrian score of 72% and safety assist rating of 71%.
23 February 2012 GAZETTE 19
&
CommunionsCONFIRMATIONS 20 GAZETTE 23 February 2012
A few tips for family day to A
time; planning all of the details and imagining how the day will go. They will feel very grown-up, especially as they are all dressed up on the day. The Communion photo is an important part of every Commun-
ion experience, and it’s important to preserve the memory of this special occasion in a timeless portrait. There are a number of things to keep in mind that will help ensure you get photographs you will enjoy for years to come:
1. You should choose your photographer wisely, just as you would with any service provider you are thinking of hiring to work with your children. Don’t just go with the cheapest, or the one that the school has coming in, without checking out their work. Ask yourself a number of questions before booking: • Do you like their photographic style? • Do they just take traditional, posed shots, or can they produce more relaxed, artistic work that shows some of your child’s personality? • Are they technically
GET YOUR
CHILD’S First Holy Communion is a special milestone in their young lives, and in the life of their whole family. They have probably been looking forward to this day for a very long
proficient? Do skin tones look right? Can they photograph a white dress without losing the detail? • Are the photographs available in black and white or just colour? • Can you buy the CD of photos for you to reproduce them for relatives if you really like them? • Do they have experience working with children, settling any nerves and getting the best out of your child on a potentially stressful day? 2. Remember any accessories that make up part of your child’s Commun-
PARTY
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23 February 2012 GAZETTE 21
CELEBRATING YOUR CHILD’S SPECIAL DAY
one special remember ion outfit, such as gloves, parasol, tie pins or cufflinks. “Ever yone forgets either the rosary beads or a prayer book!” says professional photographer Denise Cannon. “Keep them in Mammy’s handbag or Dad’s pocket until you need them, but don’t worry – a good photographer should always have spares on hand.” Also remember any special gifts the child has been given for their day, such as a cross pendant or dove pin as it might be nice for your child to be photographed wearing them.
3. USE this opportunity to have the whole family photographed together. It often takes a special occasion to prompt a family photo, so this is a perfect time to have one taken while everyone is dressed to the nines with their hair done! Have your photographer take photos of the Communion child with all of the different members of the family for a unique record of the day. Imagine how delighted Granny, or the child’s
godparents, would be if you give them a portrait of them together on their special day. 4. COMMUNION portraits are most often taken on the day itself, but you may be able to lessen some of the stress if you can have them taken beforehand. If girls are practising their hairdo before the day, they can pop on the dress and they’re ready, while boys just have to change into their new clothes.
If you’re including the family in the pictures, it’s a good opportunity to see if everything fits everyone and if their outfits will look good together in a portrait. You can also have the portrait taken after the occasion, but bear in mind that the dress, or suit, might not survive the Communion celebrations unscathed. But a good photographer should be able to retouch any small stains or damage with little trouble.
Getting the right picture will help make a special day one to remember
22 GAZETTE 23 February 2012
GazetteTTRAVEL Travel EXTRA
Blag a bloomin’ bargain dahn the stalls at a luvverly London market BARGAIN hunters, and those looking to find some real gems, are well-served by London markets, with BMI ready to whisk you away in style. Brick Lane Market is spread across several streets in the Brick Lane area, and features a wide range of market treasures while, of particular note, there are also some fantastic stalls selling exotic spices and colourful saris. Camden Market offers an extensive range of goods, from designer clothes and accessories, to one-off pieces of art, food and furnishings. Portobello Road Market has been a market since the 1800s, but became particularly famous for its antiques in the 1950s. Now, numerous stalls offer everything from fruit and bread to posters, clothes, music and of course, antiques. Old Spitalfields Market is a popular, covered market, selling everything from clothes to food to artwork. Once you’ve finished shopping, the cool bars and clubs of Shoreditch are just a stone’s throw away. Covent Garden London, housed in and around the iconic Market Building and piazzas, is an architectural masterpiece, with speciality shops, restaurants and cafes. Petticoat Lane Market, despite its name, is actually located on Middlesex and Wentworth Streets, near Liverpool Street station, and has great fashion bargains and household goods. For further information on London markets, log onto www.visitlondon.com; for flights to London, see www.flybmi.com.
Rugby’s cancelled? cosy up at Kinnitty K, I admit it occasionally I book weekends away – with my wife, but without the kids – to coincide with Ireland’s rugby internationals. So, sue me. But, to be fair, I am lucky enough to be married to someone who is as obsessed with rugby as I am – if not a little more so. Imagine then, if you will, the opportunity to visit Kinnitty Castle, in Co Offaly, without the kids, for the weekend of the Ireland v France Six
O
Nations’ clash. It is, as the younger readers might say, a nobrainer. We knew little or nothing about Kinnitty Castle before this trip, so, just like any other couple would, the Mrs and I did a little digging around online to find out what was being said about the place. I really wasn’t ready for what we found. Bearing in mind that we’re talking about a Gothic revival castle in the country - why is it people expect a place like this to offer satellite
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‘This is a castle with the kind of magic that reminds couples why they like to sneak off by themselves in the first place
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TV, air con, double glazing and a mini bar? This place was first destroyed in the year 1209, fast forward 700 years, and Republican forces burned the castle, after which it was rebuilt in 1928 to the building that stands today. This is not a Jurys or a Holiday Inn, it’s not a
Four Seasons, A Carlton or even a Sheraton. This is a castle that possesses the kind of magic that reminds couples why they like to sneak off to the country by themselves in the first place. No two guest rooms are the same, each boasts its own distinctive design and character – if you’re
lucky, you’ll get to stay in the O’Carroll suite – without doubt the biggest and most elegant guest room I have ever had the pleasure of staying in. Stunning period furniture and lighting make this a unique experience. And, for those who enjoy a dramatic bed, this one will take your breath away. A free-standing, highbacked bath finishes off the luxury here, so let’s talk about the food. We sat in the magnificent dining room, and enjoyed starters of spiced cream of cauliflower soup
23 February 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
FastTravel The Dominican Republic delights
A weekend at Kinnitty Castle, left, was just the thing for Cormac Curtis, above, and his wife. A lunch at The Thatch, in the nearby village of Crinkle, proved a successful outing ahead of the weekend’s rugby internationals
Special offer: Enjoy Easter with the family at Kinnitty APART from Christmas, Easter is one of the only holidays when the family can get together around a table full of food and eat until their hearts are content. Kinnitty Castle Hotel is putting on a deliciously
So, just Castle as well as crab and avocado - a real treat, especially the soup. Moving on to our mains, my hake on a fennel rosti served with langoustines was perfect, and my darling wife enjoyed a rump of lamb served with roast veg and a red wine jus – all cooked perfectly, and seasoned to perfection, the missus never once reached for the salt! Mille feuilles chantilly cream strawberries and an almond and pear tart finished off a stunning meal. After enjoying our food, the grounds of the castle
provided the perfect setting for an evening walk to help work off one or two calories! The next day, after a terrific hot breakfast served to the table, NOT a buffet, we had a quick flick through the newspapers before heading for the nearby town of Birr. As I said, it was a rugby weekend, so we needed to fit in a little sight-seeing before the matches kicked off. The Birr Castle Demesne is a delightful, award-winning spot where guests can get some fresh air and enjoy
special three-course Easter Sunday Lunch for just €21.50 per person (or two courses for €17.50 per person), with a special Easter Egg hunt for the children at 11am around the Castle grounds, on Sunday, April 8. Guests can extend their stay to include luxurious overnight accommodation with breakfast the next morning from an extra €75 per person. Steeped in fascinating history and full of character, Kinnitty Castle Hotel is a blend of old-world style and taste, complete with charming bedrooms. For details, call Kinnitty Castle Hotel on 057 9137318 or visit www.kinnittycastlehotel.com.
an afternoon coffee. But you cannot visit Birr without swinging by the famous Thatch restaurant in Crinkle. No prizes for guessing the kind of roof on this place – but the real magic is with the incredibly friendly staff and terrific value in delicious food. Seafood chowder, garlic mushrooms, duck spring roll and tiger prawns all provided the perfect base for an evening in a local pub to catch the Six Nations... Did I mention there were two matches to watch? A little advice from the
local music shop owner led us to the Chestnut pub, a more perfect spot we would not have been able to find. This place poured a great pint, had candles lit all over, a roaring fire, and a big screen - Pub perfection. The Italians almost got the better of the English that afternoon, and the Ireland game has yet to be played – but that didn’t stop us getting back to the hotel to enjoy a few last hours of luxury. This place comes highly, highly recommended.
FOR some luxury this summer, look to the Dominican Republic with Tropical Sky, which, from €1,079 per person, has a package for seven nights on an all-inclusive basis at the five-star Now Larimar in the Dominican Republic, making a saving of €340 per person. The price includes scheduled flights from Dublin, a room upgrade with accommodation in a deluxe tropical view room, resort transfers, taxes and surcharges. The package also includes a US$200 resort coupon per room per stay. Located on a picturesque white-sand beach, Now Larimar boasts gourmet restaurants, premium cocktails, a world-class spa and endless daytime and nighttime activities. For details on this, and other holidays, contact Tropical Sky at 01 807 7996, or see www.tropicalsky.ie.
24 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23 February 2012
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 The Picture of Dorian Grey
YOU’LL be Wilde about this production of the classic play, with Oscar’s masterpiece being brought to life with ease by the expert players of Wonderland Productions Limited. Presented by The Pavilion, yet to be hosted at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, Gate Theatre regulars Michael James Ford and Michael Winder will be joined by the RSC’s Simon Coury for an exquisite dinner theatre show at 7.30pm on Friday, February 24, with tickets priced €45, which includes a three-course meal.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 David O’Doherty CONTINUING The Mill’s eclectic range of entertainment for south Dublin arts lovers, and running nightly at 8.10pm in the Studio until Saturday, February 25, Studio Shorts will feature a number of brisk but memorable plays. Small Box Psychosis, Bar and Ger, and The Philadelphia, will entertain with their tales of being trapped in an elevator, the relationship between a brother and sister, and a man’s bizarre adventures, respectively, and all courtesy of The Balally Players, with tickets priced at €12/€10.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Johnny McEvoy THE dulcet tones of Irish legend, Johnny McEvoy, are sure to delight at Draiocht, with his return visit to the venue sure to strike a chord with his fans. A warm-hearted, nostalgic evening awaits music fans, featuring many of McEvoy’s songs, presented with a master’s touch for the best of Irish folk and ballads. Johnny will also feature a number of tracks from his new album. Catch his show on Saturday, February 25 at 8pm, with tickets priced €25/€23 conc.
The legendary, titular singer of Cheyenne and the Fellows (Sean Penn) finds his dull, boring life living in wealthy obscurity in Dublin is about to change when he heads off to New York to reconcile with his dying father – only to find himself travelling the States as an unlikely Nazi hunter
Penn-ing a winner Nazis, pop stars, New York and Blanchardstown – This Must Be The Place is anything but a conventional film ... I KATE CROWLEY
AH, I love cinema! Just think of all the exotic sights and locations that a film can take you to, whisking you away from mundane, depressing reality! (The sorry sight of the Crowley household’s bedraggled back garden in February is reason enough to practically move into the nearest one-screener.) I mean, just think of all the amazing locales that a film can take you to – such as, err... Blanchardstown Shopping Centre! Yes, indeed, you read that right. Hollywood is all set to welcome the sights and sounds of humble BSC to her sun-kissed shore, courtesy of Sean Penn’s upcoming film, This Must Be The Place, which, some readers may have noted, was partly filmed in parts of Dublin some time back, with a number of other instantly recognisable Dublin loca-
FILM OF THE WEEK: This Must Be The Place #### (15A) 110 mins Director: Paolo Sorrentin Starring: Sean Penn, Frances McDormand, Judd Hirsh, Harry Dean Staunton, Eve Hewson, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre
OUR VERDICT: IN SOME ways, This Must Be The Place is like a lot of films you’ve seen before – yet, in other ways, it’s like nothing you’ve seen before. Mixing up several road movie tropes, and with much of the film having a familiar Americana setting, it still manages to create its own identity in an already crowded genre, largely thanks to Penn’s memorable character, and unusual subject matter.
tions and sights also popping up in the film’s first act. And now, this must be the review; a little in advance of its imminent release, but hey – my column, my rules, folks! Cheyenne (Penn) is a faded pop star with a, um, rather distinctive look, mooching around in Dublin, living a thoroughly boring life in his mansion, supported by the royalties from his long-gone hits, and living with his lovely American wife of many years, Jane (McDormand). Plodding around Dublin, Cheyenne’s life – bar
the delightful Jane – is more or less meaningless ... until, that is, meaning and purpose comes a-callin’, courtesy of his dying father back in the States, whom he hasn’t seen in 30 years. Arriving too late to make things up with his old man, Cheyenne, the eternal (if aging) rock star, learns that his father, an Auschwitz survivor, had wanted to track down his Nazi tormentor from the camp, who is probably still alive and living somewhere in America. With his lipstick, candyfloss hair, reading glasses
and wheely-suitcase, Cheyenne is probably the world’s least-likely Nazi hunter – but this lost cause sparks a flame in the somewhat lost star. Despite his thin, weedy voice and an almost befuddled way of expressing himself, Cheyenne actually has plenty of depth of character to face up to the unlikely challenge of finding his father’s tormentor. (Of course, all Dubs will know that any middle-aged man who can wander around our city, sporting bright lipstick and clad in The Cureinspired fashion, would have to be made of stern stuff, indeed.) So begins a road movie, of sorts, as Cheyenne, rock star and Nazi-hunter, sets off to find an old Nazi and, in the process, find himself. (I feel contractually obliged to bung that one in there, folks.) However, as he drifts through one rural back-
water after another, standing out like a visitor from another planet, one question remains – what will Cheyenne do if he ever catches up with his quarry? Will he be very mean, or will he be Nazi? It’s a pretty interesting film, if slightly curious in its subject matter. I mean, who would have thought that aging stars, Americana, a road trip movie, Auschwitz, extensive David Byrne (he of Talking Heads fame) music, Sean Penn and, um, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre would make a great film? However, luckily, this witches’ brew works, with Penn managing to tone down his usual Pennisms to create a memorable character. Although we’ve seen much of this kind of content matter before, we’ve never seen it quite like this, making this The Place to spend an entertaining 110 minutes.
23 February 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Adding to controversial Heights with another interesting chapter I’VE written here before about Zynga’s controversial Apple IOS title, Dream Heights, and how it’s been accused in several quarters of the gaming press of too closely resembling another (and superior) title, Tiny Tower. Well, in the continuing drama around this particular release, the latest chapter in Dream Heights’ life has seen the US iTunes store listing glowing reviews of the title, which is fair enough – until you note that some of the five-star rave reviews come from the people who created it.
With “cloning” of smash-hit titles proving an increasingly contentious issue in the gaming industry (and with apps particularly susceptible to this emerging trend), it can be difficult to spot the original among almost identical titles – especially if they clone its graphics and gameplay
When cloning around is no laughing matter SHANE DILLON
DID you know that, while games titles – and, rarely, characters, or other key components – may be patented and registered for protection under various copyright laws, the content itself is rarely given legal protection? Incredibly, while gaming standalone titles, and franchises, continue to generate vast amounts of money for the lucky top-tier of developers and publishers, there tends to be very little legal protection for such intellectual property (IP). If I were to announce to Gazette readers that I was about to write a children’s book about, say, a teenage magician called “Harold Porter”, who wears contact lenses, and who has a z-shaped scar on his forehead, and that my masterpiece would be entitled, Harold Porter And The Philosophical Rock, I might expect
to receive a number of legal letters, somewhat sharpish, from a variety of impressive law firms. If, however, I wished to, say, make a smartphonebased, touchscreen-driven, physics-based game, where I catapulted a number of birds towards flimsy structures made of wood, glass and rock, principally with the aim of crushing some cyancoloured boars (and called my game, say, Annoyed Birds), there would be nothing to stop me. Indeed, apart from keeping an eye on this very topic and how it’s regularly reported in a variety of international gaming websites and publications, I, myself, have seen a number of such “cloned” titles, available to buy or download on a leading app digital distribution portal. Typically, the “developer” of such titles insist that, no, they’re not blatantly
copying an original title, but are, instead, merely adding a similar title to an established genre. In this manner, I’ve seen leading games’ assets (principally, instantlyrecognisable characters, models, and textures) repackaged into someone else’s game, which tended to have identical gameplay and structures.
Wild West In this kind of anything-goes landscape, cloned titles – in the form of Harold Porter – is free to pop his head up in this Wild West that much, if not most, gaming IP inhabits, legally speaking. So, where are the sherriffs for this bold – but wild – lawless landscape, where Harold Porter and his gang are free to ride into town, grab whatever original IP they find, and then ride off into the sunset, ready to flog “their” wares from the back of a digital distribution
wagon? (I apologise for all of these Western cliches, but they seem to fit my points, perfectly!) Well, while legal eagles have yet to properly police this largely lawless landscape in the same manner as publishing, music and cinema are protected, its inhabitants – gamers – are slowly but surely beginning to form posses, and bring vocal, frontier justice to bear on any questionable actions by Porter, and pals. Where such members of Porter’s Gang ride into town (principally, hitching themselves near the front of gaming sections on distribution hubs), and once they’ve been spotted, “vigilantes” – or, irate gamers, to you and me – start h a m mering up the equivalent of
“wanted” posters, in the form of highly-critical reviews, low grades and, most damningly of all, explicitly referring to the original title from whence the clone sprang. While gamers are perfectly happy to engage in largely similar content, and games that are largely similar, they don’t take very kindly to the thought that Game B has been, basically, cloned from Game A – and especially when those behind Game B claim their innocence, despite any strong evidence to the contrary. It’ll be interesting to see how the industry shapes up to the increasing threat of blatantly cloned titles, as new media platforms bring the issue increasingly to the fore, and will, potentially, railroad Porter’s Gang out of town in the near future ...
Descriptions As reported online, John Lerma, senior user experience designer, described it as “awesome”, while Matthew Ott, Zynga producer, wrote: “Dream Heights is beautiful, fun and polished. Another must-play from Zynga!” However, when it comes to selling apps and games online, the industry, and gamers, frown on what, to many, seems like a system open to abuse, if developers start praising their own work in a commercially-driven sector. Balancing out such glowing reviews, gamers have been busy leaving a wall of one-star reviews for Dream Heights, adding another interesting chapter to this tale ...
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26 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23 February 2012
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GazetteSPORT
ALL ROUND THE WORLD Documentary focuses on the Irish experience and GAA abroad: Page 29
SWIMMING: YEAR OF OLYMPIC PREPARATION SEES NAC SET FOR PRESTIGIOUS VISITORS
Aquatic Centre powers into the new year sport@gazettegroup.com
AS IT faces into one of it’s busiest and biggest years ever, the National Aquatic Centre has partnered with Electric Ireland to help power it through 2012. This year is set to be a very busy one, with the NAC due to host preOlympic international teams, such as the USA Synchronised Swimming Squad, Olympic Water Polo Champions, Hun-
gary, and also the UK water polo squad as they prepare for the London games in summer. Similarly, Electric Ireland will also share a keen interest in the build-up to games as Energy Partner to Ireland’s Olympic team. Last year, the NAC broke the 800,000 mark for the first time and became Ireland’s third most popular fee-paying attraction, with an overall 46% growth in numbers over the past five years.
As part of the 12month contract Electric Ireland will supply all the Dublin-based centre electricity requirements. Energy efficiency is high on the centre’s agenda and their efforts were recently recognised when they were shortlisted for the Sustainable Energy Awards. With the help of Electric Ireland the National Aquatic Centre is making great progress in reducing its energy requirements.
Some young swimmers help cap the announcement of the NAC’s partnership with Electric Ireland
The centre, which is the premier venue for competitive swimming, diving and water polo in Ireland, has facilities which include a 50-metre pool, diving pool with Olympic diving boards and major leisure water park. It successfully hosted the swimming events of the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games
and the European shortcourse championships. David Conway, director of operations for the National Aquatic Centre, said: “We have enjoyed working with Electric Ireland over the last three years and are delighted with the energy efficiency we have managed to achieve. We look forward to another
mutually beneficial year together in 2012.” He added: “It is the policy of the National Aquatic Centre not only to look for first-class suppliers, but also to ensure that we get the most competitive pricing possible and best value for money.” Announcing the contract, Electric Ireland’s
customer relationship manager, Alan Daisey, said: “We are extremely pleased to be continuing to work with the centre; we have developed a highly flexible, innovative contract which will help drive cost-savings and energy efficiency for the National Aquatic Centre in the months to come.”
28 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23 February 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
Fionnuala hails the Great Ireland Run THE SPAR Great Ireland Run held a Love to Run flash lap last week with Fionnuala Britton, the European Cross-Country Champion, on hand to lead the event. Runners, joggers and walkers joined Fionnuala on her lunch break to complete a lap around Merrion Square Park (approximately 1100 metres) to show their love for running, and to promote this year’s Great Ireland Run, which will take place this year in the Phoenix Park on Sunday, April 15. Ireland’s fastest growing 10km running event will be broadcast live on RTE. For more information on the 2012 event and how to enter, see www.greatirelandrun. org.
Ireland back on form after shock defeat IRELAND’S cricketers, who featured local heroes Kevin O’Brien and George Dockrell, reversed their shock defeat to Kenya in Mombasa last weekend with a 117-run win over their hosts in the second of their World Cup qualifying matches against
the African team. Ed Joyce helped to restore Irish nerves after he scored 88 runs in the 117-run win, the boys in green having started poorly to stand at 76-4 before Joyce stepped in, Ireland eventually finishing their innings on 237-9 from 50 overs. Ireland now face the Kenyans in a trio of Twenty20 matches before they travel to South Africa for their training camp.
LADIES’ FOOTBALL: DUBLIN DENIED BY OLD ENEMIES AT HOME
Dublin ladies’ footballers suffered their first reverse of the Division 1 campaign against Cork last weekend
Cork pip the Jackies NFL DIVISION 1 Dublin Cork
0-8 1-8
sport@gazettegroup.com
DUBLIN’S great run at the start of their 2012 Bord Gais Energy Division 1 league campaign came to an end last weekend when the visit of Cork to Pairc Ui Murchu saw the Rebelettes claim a decisive win over the Jackies that puts them at the top of the table. The sides could barely be separated throughout the 60 minutes, but a goal from Cork’s second-half sub, Doireann O’Sullivan, proved decisive and was the difference between the sides come the final whistle. The first score of the game, a pointed free by Cork Sports Woman of the Year, Juliet Murphy,
came in 10th minute of the first half. Cork, who had a huge percentage of possession, appeared to have left their kicking boots on the team bus, much to the relief of the Dublin defence and management. Cork’s second score was another free, this time converted by three-time All-Star, Nollaig Cleary. Foxrock Cabinteely for ward Ciara Murphy was the first on the scoreboard for Dublin with a well-taken point from just outside the 20. Amy McGuinness, who was introduced into the game for corner forward Orlaith Egan, slotted over a free to bring the sides level. With eight minutes remaining in the first half, Dublin had begun to get the measure of the Rebe-
lettes, and their running game was starting to ask questions of the Cork half-back line. A penetrating Dublin move up the pitch, which had originated in front of the Dublin full-back line via midfield, resulted in Dublin’s Sinead Aherne being taken down in a combined tackle by Anne Marie Walsh and Deirdre O’Reilly. Up stepped Aherne to take the penalty, but Cork keeper, Elaine Harte, managed to get down quickly and blocked the shot. The save gave her team new momentum and they broke rapidly down field, the drive resulting in another Cork free which was once more converted by Murphy. On the restart, Dublin were quickly on the scoreboard with a Niamh
McEvoy point. The St Sylvester’s star had been moved from her named midfield berth to the half forward line, and was showing well for the ball and was giving the midfield pairing of Goldrick and Finnegan a target to aim for. At this stage, the game ebbed and flowed, with both sides exchanging points and the lead. On target for Cork again was Murphy and Cleary, while Dublin’s Aherne and McGuinness where on target for the Metropolitans, sharing their team’s free-taking duties. The game’s only goal came from O’Sullivan, whose speculative shot on goal while running through the heart of the defence foiled the Dublin keeper. To Dublin’s credit
they continued to battle hard, running time and time again at the Cork defence desperately seeking that elusive goal, while Cork defended in large numbers in front of Harte’s goal. With Dublin pressing hard, Cork relented and conceded a free which Aherne duly pointed, bringing Dublin to within three points of the six times league champions. But time caught up on the Sky Blues when referee McEnery blew his whistle to signal the end of this entertaining encounter. Eamonn Ryan’s team remain the only division one team with a 100% record, and Cork would be many pundits favourites even at this stage of the competition to retain their league crown come May.
23 February 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29
in association with
Once upon a time in America
FastSport
The experience of the Irish abroad in sport formed Sign up for RugbyForce and help your local club the basis for a fascinating documentary, as STEPHEN FINDLATER found when he spoke to its director THE player drain caused by the recession has been one of the bitter problems for the GAA in the past few years with clubs losing stalwarts to Australia, Canada and the US. On the flip side, that drain has been acting as a link to the homeland for many Irish abroad. It is a connection that Ballinteer man, Cillian O’Chonchur, delicately helped to portray in the documentary, An Exile’s home in the Bronx, which airs throughout February on Setanta Ireland. It follows the fortunes of the 2011 New York side and their struggles to prepare for a Connacht senior football championship date with Roscommon, hoping for a maiden win. The result did not materialise but, along the journey, O’Chonchur, and directors Niall and Steven McCann, amassed over 80 hours of footage from
within the camp, with heart-felt and personal interviews with the players. O’Chonchur, a sports journalist, came up with the original premise whilst
they’d be back in Ireland’,” he told GazetteSport. “Although it’s based around the game with Roscommon, it hopefully comes across as not a straight, sports documen-
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‘These guys [in the documentary] had to leave Ireland for New York while, at the same time, trying to cling onto their only bit of Irishness’
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on a Fulbright scholarship in New York and says the story told became very much that of the players and their situations. “The New York team, itself, would not have any major stars in it. Dan Doona played minor and U-21 for Kerry and a few of them did similar but didn’t pursue it. One of them sums it up: ‘If football was their main goal,
tary, but as one which sees these guys have to leave Ireland for New York while at the same time trying to cling on to their only bit of Irishness.” For some, this has meant 11 years away from home and, for Waterford man Aidan Power, nine years since seeing his father, having left Ireland to pursue work. To add context, the likes
NY manager Seamus Sweeney puts the side through their paces
of Kevin Moran, Darragh O Se and Jack O’Connor lend their words on the American GAA experience, providing a context of the passion that exists in the Irish community. Indeed, Moran suggested it was a seminal moment in his career, saying it was there he “got the love for football back”, going on to win two AllIrelands before signing for Manchester United. But Moran and O Se’s experiences came from their position as “weekend players” unlike the central characters around Gaelic Park “There have been so many players to play over in the US, it was very hard to break it down. You can’t everything in it. “Moran and O Se; they were weekend players. One of the things we left was that Dara got banned for six months because he wasn’t authorised to play over there. As it happened, there was a meeting and it was lessened as there were so many players who had played over there without being sanctioned. “For O Se, he’d go over for three days. It was far more common when there was more money around, mainly for the league finals, so it could have been a who’s who of players over there.” O’Conchur – whose brother Padraic lines out for Ballinteer St John’s senior footballers – had initially looked at making
the documentary in 2010, centering on the American side’s much closer tussle with Galway. He and another Irish masters’ student at New York University initially put together a piece for a college television project, building a rapport with the players and team management and approached Setanta with a view to broadcasting it. The Irish sports channel backed the premise, and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland came through with funding for the project in March of 2011. With the transitive nature of the New York team, O’Chonchur and this team set about putting together a new story but the essence remained in place. “We didn’t use any of what we shot the first year. As it happened, the score was much closer in 2010 when they almost beat Galway, so we basically started afresh because some of the players weren’t there. The players we wanted to follow had stuck around. “I came back to Ireland in May [2010] and started writing up a treatment and then found out last March we got the funding so, from then until two weeks ago, it was pretty much all I eat, dreamed and slept. There’s no better way to learn something than doing everything yourself.”
SOME of Dublin’s top local club rugby players lined out last week in their Ulster Bank League strips at Old Wesley RFC – flanked by Irish rugby stars, Sean O’Brien, Sean Cronin and Shane Jennings – to help to launch Ulster Bank’s RugbyForce, an initiative which provides rugby clubs with support to renovate their club and upgrade their facilities. RugbyForce encourages rugby supporters, their friends and families to give something back to their local community and rugby club by volunteering to undertake renovations to clubhouses and grounds. Every registered club will be provided with online guidance and tools, and the first 25 clubs will also receive an increased support pack that includes €250 worth of materials, t-shirts for volunteers and an Ulster Bank RugbyForce plaque. Four lucky clubs (one from each province) will be selected for a very special makeover, which will see them awarded with €5,000 of goods and resources to use during their RugbyForce makeover weekend. Clubs must register for Ulster Bank RugbyForce online by April 13. Ulster Bank introduced the RugbyForce programme last season, after joining forces with the IRFU to become their official Community Partner. Ireland and Munster rugby legend, Alan Quinlan, is calling on clubs across Ireland to enter the programme. “With the success of the Irish national team and the outstanding development of our provincial sides in recent years, support for Irish rugby has seen a dramatic increase. The focus on young player development is at an all-time high and, thankfully, this professional development has been fed into rugby clubs across the country. Every week, exceptionally talented players line-out for their clubs in crunching showdowns.” Speaking about RugbyForce, John Hussey, IRFU President, said: “I would encourage all rugby clubs to enter the Ulster Bank RugbyForce initiative. It is a unique way of providing an added incentive for helping clubs maintain their facilities. It also provides a fantastic opportunity to bring members, players and supporters together to improve their local club.” For more information, log on to www. ulsterbank.com/rugby
30 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23 February 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
WAKEBOARDING: LOCAL CLAIMS INTERNATIONAL TITLE
Open Sea Races open doors to new athletes THE LEINSTER Open Sea Races are commencing in early June, and new swimmers are encouraged to join up with the hardy souls who take part in the events all round Leinster. The open water races, that vary in distance from 1,500 metres to 10 kilometres in various locations, are open to swimmers, registered with a Swim Ireland Club, of all ages and levels of ability. The Leinster Open Sea committee run the two most prestigious open water swimming races in Ireland, the Dublin City Liffey Swim and the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Race. These two swims have a fantastic sense of occasion for participants as they are towards the end of the season and most open water swimmers will participate in either one or both of these races. Phoenix Masters Swim Club, based in Clondalkin Leisure Centre (opposite the Mill Centre), run five weekly training sessions, and for more information, contact David Keenan on 087 968 3089 or Annemarie Kendrick on 087 282 1175, and log on to www. leinsteropensea.ie.
Seapoint set to launch special tag squad SEAPOINT RFC are putting together a tag rugby team for athletes with intellectual disabilities and are looking for new players. In recent years, tag rugby has become the world’s fastestgrowing mixed sport with thousands playing the game across the island of Ireland. It is a non-contact game for both males
and females with seven players a side. No rugby experience is required except the wish to have plenty of fun and enjoyment. Tag rugby is a super exercise for all shapes and sizes and sporting abilities. If you know of anyone with an intellectual disability, aged 11 years and over, who might like to be part of this new team at the Kilbogget Park, contact Caroline O’Brien on carolineobrien@ ireland.com for more information.
David O’Caoimh claimed the Europe and Africa Wakeboard championship gold last weekend in Johannesburg
Killiney kid on golden pond I sport@gazettegroup.com
DAV I D O ’ C a o i m h , from Killiney, claimed the gold medal in the junior men’s division of the Europe and Africa Wakeboard championships last weekend when the championships were staged on the Vaal R iver, near Johannesburg, South A f r i c a . Wa ke b o a r d ing, the most rapidly growing water spor t in the world, has been shortlisted as a possible new event for the 2020 Olympics. The Dublin student, who is Ireland’s national wakeboard cham-
pion, took on the best of Europe and Africa’s top athletes in the sport to deliver a superb performance, and after a tense finals managed to beat the top riders in Switzerland, Sweden, Netherlands, Italy and South Africa to the junior crown. H av i n g t a ke n t h e silver medal at the World Championships in Milan last August, O’Caoimh also managed to come seventh at the prestigious World Cup Stops event in Borneo and China last September. The World Cup Stops is an invitation-only event for the
world’s top wakeboarding athletes, with no age categories, and attracts around 100,000 spectators at each stop. O’Caoimh, who started water-skiing at the age of five, switched to wakeboarding when he was ten, can be found practising all year round on Lough Sillan in Cavan, and had to break ice on the lake in order to be able to train over the past few weeks. Next stop for the talented youngster is the World Cup in Australia next month, followed by the US Wake Games in April. O’Caoimh is
supported by the Irish Waterski and Wakeboard Federation and the Irish Sports Council. He has managed to reach this point through the support of his sponsors, Billabong, Relentless Energy Drink, Xtreme Gene, Ultrasport and O’Brien Watersports (USA). A student at St. Andrew’s College, O’Caoimh is currently trying to combine his wakeboarding career with his studies as he is sitting his Leaving Certificate this June. He hopes to study for a B.Comm at UCD. Wa k e b o a r d i n g i s
derived from a combination of waterskiing, snowboarding and surfing. It involves the wakeboarder being towed behind a specially designed speedboat at speeds of 20 to 25 miles per hour. The rider uses the wake of the boat to perform flips, spins and combinations of both. There are an estimated 30 million active water-skiers and wakeboarders globally. Planning has just been submitted for a cable wakeboard park in the Dublin docklands, which will open the sport to everyone.
Olympic legend Messitt passes away I sport@gazettegroup.com
SHANKILL native and former Olympian, Bertie Messitt, passed away last weekend at the age of 83. A long-time member of Donore Harriers, with whom he won numerous national, individual and team titles, he was an athlete who pushed back the barriers of Irish distance running. He had an ability to break records from all distances, from 3,000 metres to the marathon, breaking several of the previous marks set by the legendary John
Joe Barry. Messitt competed in the marathon in the 1960 Olympics in Rome, having previously set a string of Irish records — 16 in all — most of them by running on his own with no help from any pacemakers. When he qualified for the Rome Games, he did so by winning the Irish marathon title in yet another record, 2:28.40. In Rome, he demonstrated a fearless attitude by leading the early stages, but coming up to the halfway stage he began to tire before stopping with pure
exhaustion at 20 miles, a disappointment that remained with Messitt. In 1963 he improved his marathon time to 2:25.39. But that one blip failed to blight a great career which started in 1953, and did not end until his retirement in 1966. Messitt’s big year was in 1958 when he broke a total of nine Irish records, with a best of 13:44 for three miles, 14;14.8 for 5,000 m and 49:33 for 10 miles, at Santry and College Park. In 1958, he ran the 5,000 and 10,000m at the European Championships in Stockholm, all of
which earned him the Texaco Award for Athletics. He also ran the marathon in the 1962 European Championships in Belgrade. Messitt was a bus conductor but his work often made it difficult for him to put in the type of training that was necessary for breaking records and competing in international events. But he made the best of it, often getting up early in the morning to run from his home in Shankill to the Donnybrook Garage and running home again after work.
23 February 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 31
in association with
HURLING: LOCAL SCHOOL PUSH THE CHAMPIONS
a
CLUB NOTICEBOARD CUALA CONGRATULATIONS to all the nomi-
Off the field, Michael Goodwin was
nees and winners from the Cuala
a deserved winner of the Club Per-
Awards Night last Saturday.
son of the Year, while Mikey Sheanon
There was a great turn-out of
received a distinguished service
players and members to pay trib-
award, and Derek Dunne was named
ute to our intercounty stars from
the Manager of the Year.
last year, and especially the club
Our four members of the Dublin
stars week in, week out, who give of
hurling panel were hailed for their
their best for the club.
achievements, and our All-Ireland
On the pitch, we had awards for
fo o t b a l l c h a m p i o n s h i p w i n n e r
Conor Gough as Young Hurler, Jack
Michael Fitzsimons, was awarded
McCionnaith as Young Footballer
honorary life membership.
and Leonie Buckley as Young Ladies’ Footballer of the Year.
There were good wins over the weekend for the adult football-
Ronan Murdock was Footballer of
ers who scored 5-12 in beating St
the Year, Cliodhna Gillen was Ladies’
Mark’s in the AIB Cup; the U-15A and
Footballer of the Year, and Colman
B football teams both recorded big
O’Drisceoil was Hurler of the Year
wins against Raheny and St James’
and recipient of the Sos Byrne Tro-
Gaels; and the U-14Bs hi t 6 -12
phy.
against Geraldine P Moran’s.
STARS OF ERIN Colaiste Eoin were able to show the reigning All-Ireland champions their mettle at Dr Cullen Park
Eoin miss out on the final despite battle LEINSTER COLLEGES SHCA St Kieran’s (Kilkenny) Colaiste Eoin
0-15 1-8
I sport@gazettegroup.com
COLAISTE Eoin pushed the reigning AllIreland champions, St Kieran’s of Kilkenny, all the way in their Leinster Colleges SHC A semifinal clash at Dr Cullen Park last Saturday. T h e B o o t e r s t ow n school put in a battling performance against the legendary Kilkenny nursery, only succumbing in the closing phases to end their dream of a major giant-killing result. The Dubliners had enjoyed a strong opening 20 minutes and were in front within a minute through Jack O’Faolain. Their cause was further boosted by the game’s only goal on five minutes when Colm O’Croinin found the corner of the net. However, they were unable to build up the
lead their domination of the encounter warranted. Slowly, the champions gained a foothold, with midfielder Peter Kenneally to the fore and centre-forward Michael Donnelly scoring three frees in the opening 22 minutes to bring the Kilkenny school back into contention. Chris Bolger had registered Kieran’s first score from play on 23 minutes, and they led 0-7 to 1-2 at the break. Three Colaiste Eoin points followed the r e s t a r t – t wo f r o m Oisin O’Ruairc and one from the impressive O’Faolain – and put the challengers back in front. T he match went score-for-score until the final minutes when Kieran’s pulled away, with points from influential full forward Thomas Hanrahan, sub Jamie Maher and two frees from Don-
nelly, which sealed their place in the final in the coming weeks, while Colaiste Eoin can be proud of their performance in the tie. Elsewhere, Dublin ladies’ winning start to the Bord Gais Energy division 1 league came to an end when they fell to a three-point defeat to Cork in front of a large crowd in Pairc Ui Murchu last Sunday, 1-8 to 0-8. It was nip-and-tuck throughout as Cork Sports Woman of the Year, Juliet Mur phy, opened the scoring in the tenth minute. T hree time All-Star, Nollaig Cleary, lengthened the margin but F ox r o c k C a b i n t e e l y forward, Ciara Murphy, responded with a welltaken point from the 20m line. Fingallians’ Amy McGuinness was introduced and duly slotted a free to bring the sides level and Sinead Aherne
had a great chance to push her side clear but saw her penalty saved by Elaine Harte. It allowed Cork an opening to move back in front at half-time with Murphy on the mark. On the restart, Dublin were quickly on the board with a Niamh McEvoy point, the St Sylvester’s star moved to the half-for ward line to show well, giving midfield pairing of Goldrick and Finnegan a top target. On target for Cork again were Murphy and Cleary while Dublin’s Sinead Aherne and Amy McGuinness scored points to make it 0-5 each. T h e g a m e ’s o n l y goal came from Cork’s second-half sub, Doireann O’Sullivan, as her speculative shot on the run had the power to get past Cliodhna O’Connor and it proved the vital moment of the day.
IT was a fantastic weekend for the
great penalty save from Gavin Mul-
club with all teams registering vic-
vey helped keep Stars stay in front.
tories.
Great scores from Vincent Corley
The Under-8s had a marvellous win
and David Gill helped Stars on their
away to St James’ Gaels in Drimnagh
way to two points in the Parson
on Saturday morning. Super team
Cup.
performance, special mention for
The nur ser y continues ever y
Daniel Maguire and Jack Keane, both
Saturday morning in St Patrick’s
lads played extremely well.
School, Glencullen, from 10am.
The Under-12s recorded a strong
Ladies’ team continues training on
victory over Lucan Sarsfields on
Tuesday and Thursdays in Glencul-
a windy pitch in Glencullen. Some
len.
great scores from Conor Kinsella
The weekly lotto was won by Car-
and a very well-taken goal from Joe
mel Cannon. Numbers drawn were
Mulhall helped seal the win.
7, 8 and 20. Congratulations, Car-
The adult team had a hard-fought
mel, from all at Stars of Erin. For all
victory over Bank of Ireland in Ring-
team contacts, please visit www.
send Park on Sunday morning. A
starsoferin.com
WANDERERS MEMBERSHIP now due and must be
11am, Junior Bs are at home v Na
paid in full before February 27.
Gaeil Oga at 3pm. All support wel-
Playing members €100, non-play-
come.
ing members €50. No player will be
Junior A and B pla yers train-
eligible to play unless fully paid up
ing continues at Scoil Mhuire each
prior to competitive matches com-
Tuesday at 7.30pm, Firhouse Gym
mencing on February 11. Non-playing
each Thursday at 7.45pm.
members are entitled to apply for
All pla yer s fr om b oth te a m s
Dublin tickets if fully paid up only.
expected to attend. Contact your
Contact Damian on 086 863 2565.
managers if unable to attend.
Tickets for the Dublin Spring Series
Ladies’ training each Monda y
matches now available at discount-
at 7.15pm in Frank Kelly Park and
ed price of €30 for the three home
Wednesday at 7pm in Firhouse Gym.
matches. Please contact Gary for
Contact Ian on 087 630 7046.
details on 086 833 0433. Junior A league game on Sunday away to St Jude’s in Tymon Park at
There was no winner of this week’s Lotto. Numbers drawn were 4, 12 and 31.
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ALL OF YOUR DUN LAOGHAIRE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
BOARD GAMES: Killiney man takes European wake-boarding gold medal P30
EXILES IN THE BRONX: Life as part of the New York county panel P29
GazetteSPORT
Kilmacud Crokes will hope to claim a third Dublin senior football championship title in five years under new manager Hugh Kenny
FEBRUARY 23, 2012
Kenny appointed new Crokes’ boss
Decorated Wicklow man takes on the top post at Kilmacud as club looks forward to a new era STEPHEN FINDLATER
dunlaoghairesport@gazettegroup.com
AFTER four memorable years under Paddy Carr’s management, Kilmacud Crokes’ senior footballers are looking forward to a new era under the tutelage of the vastly experienced Hugh Kenny. He brings with him a comprehensive CV following a superb career with Baltinglass as a player in 80s and 90s, winning an All-Ireland club title in 1990. Kenny also played at full-back on the Wicklow team that beat Kerry in the 2002 All-Ireland Junior Football Championship final before going on to become manager of the Wicklow senior football team from 2003 to 2006. His work there brought him into Sean Boylan’s International Rules management ticket while he was also part of the first Irish U-17 set-up to travel to Australia and win. As such, he was a stand-out choice when Carr stepped away from the panel just before Christ-
mas, as Kilmacud football chairman John Shovlin told GazetteSport, “It was very straightforward what attracted us to Hugh. First of all, he had huge club and intercounty experience as a player, winning multiple county championships with Baltinglass with Wicklow and also won an All-Ireland with them. “He went on to get recognised interprovincially as a player. He’s had county and international experience while he’s also a professional coach and has huge experience in this area of the game,” Shovlin said. He believes that the new manager’s prior experience will help the talented side challenge for a third Dublin SFC title in five years, as well as regaining AFL1 status. “Hugh was the first external candidate that we sat down with and spoke to seriously. He had an interest from the start. He had the commitment and experience to give, and certainly looks to have the will to make it successful for us all. We
have a package of club people around him and feel it will work very well. “There are probably only three or four clubs in the country with the profile of Kilmacud. It’s a big and difficult job. For 20 years since we won our first championship in 1992, we’ve been knocking on the door. Anyone coming in would feel the pressure and wanting to be as successful as those who have gone before him.” Maintaining the flow of players through from the underage section also remains a priority, something Kenny is well used to from his coaching background. “From a club perspective, we’re still a local club. The only two we had who haven’t come through the ranks are local teachers. We want to keep it running, all have our own kids there and run it as best we can for the next number of years.” They open their AFL2 season on Sunday with a novel date between the first and second team in Silver Park.