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Sailing: Murphy ends season with national award Page 32

Soccer: Local players named in league, national panels Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERY .........................8 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

March 8, 2012

REFERENDUM: Making their case

for a Yes or No

treaty vote P6

Exodus of staff leads to a war of words I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

A WAR of words has erupted between Dun LaoghaireRathdown councillors over the early retirement of 25 council workers at the end of last month.

People Before Profit councillor Melissa Halpin said: “It is increasingly clear that, between the moratorium and cuts to the Local Government Fund, the reality in Dun LaoghaireRathdown is that people are

getting ‘less for less’.”

In response, Labour councillor Richard Humphreys said: “It is somewhat ironic that People Before Profit are lamenting the loss of public servants, when their policy of repudiating the debt and leaving the IMF would result in a juddering halt to the State’s funding stream and would cause mass redundancies across the entire public sector.”

Full Story on Page 2

Aloft-y outlook: Brandishing all the right answers at a quiz LOOKING as happy as Neville Cham-

berlain, Avril Briarley, from Our Lady’s Grove School, brandished aloft a piece of paper she was very pleased with – after all, she had lots of correct answers on it – as she took part in the

inaugural inter-school table quiz for Transition Year students at County Hall, Dun Laoghaire recently. Avril, and her peers, had lots of fun taking part in the imaginative event.

See Gallery on Pages 8-9

2 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 8 March 2012

CHURCH: APPOINTMENT

Stacey is appointed as dean DU N L AO GH A I R E Rector of Christ Church, Dun Laoghaire, Canon Victor Stacey (67) has been appointed Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin.

He will succeed the Very Rev Robert MacCarthy, who retired in January.

Canon Stacey plans to continue with restoration work being done on the cathedral and hopes to bring a sense of community to the cathedral and the diocese.

Originally from Wexford said he was extremely surprised to learn that he would be moving to the more salubrious dwelling of St Patrick’s, as he had expected to live out the remainder of his life in Dun Laoghaire.

Delighted

Local Councillor Victor Boyhan (Ind), who is a member of the Church of Ireland, was delighted with the news. “Victor has been a family friend for over 40 years, so I know his great strengths and character, he is a man of great talent with vast experience within the Church of Ireland, he will make a brilliant Dean.”

It came as no surprise to the local Church of Ireland congregation that Dean Stacey was chosen to the deanery of St Patrick’s Cathedral.

St Patrick’s is the national cathedral of the

Canon Victor Stacey

Church of Ireland.

The dean was elected by 25 members of the cathedral chapter of St Patrick’s in four secret ballots.

Missed

“Cannon Victor Stacey has been a diligent, compassionate and caring pastor to the Church of Ireland community in Dun Laoghaire, he will be greatly missed,” said Cllr Boyhan.

Dun Laoghaire TD and Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett added his hearty congratulations to the announcement of the election of Canon Victor Stacey as the new Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin.

“I am deeply honoured to welcome the election of dean-designate, Victor Stacey, to the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland, and I wish him every happiness, fulfilment and success in his new stewardship,” he said in a statement.

Festival fever: Blackrock Animation Film Festival competition begins THE BLACKROCK ANIMATION FESTIVAL is now open for entries, and the deadline for submissions is Friday, July 6, 2012.

Speaking at the launch, festival director, Fionnghuala Ni Neill said: “We were astounded at the level and quality of entries for our inaugural festival, so we are naturally very excited about this year.”

A poster advertising the competition was unveiled at

the launch. All competition entry forms are available online at www.iloveblackrock.ie/animation-festival and the winners of the competition will showcase their entries during the Blackrock Animation Film Festival, which takes place from October 12 to October 13, 2012.

Prizes (BAFFAs) will be awarded at a special ceremony during the festival.

Kerr guest of honour at coffee morning I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com

BUSINESSMAN and entrepreneur Bobby Kerr will be the guest of honour at The Forgotten Irish Emigrants Irish Coffee Morning in the Pastoral Centre in Glasthule on St Patrick’s Day. The new centre will host a celebration of the Irish in London, with smoked and fresh salmon laid on, as well as wine,

Baileys and Irish coffees and live entertainment by local musician, William Byrne.

According to Margaret Brown, of The Forgotten Irish Emigrants: “A lot of people don’t want to go into town on the day. So this is something different they can do and the centre is new and very spacious and can accommodate a lot of people.

“We intend to show a DVD to inform the

people of how the funds raised are being used in London. RTE, TV3 and BBC2 all had a hand in making this DVD and it tells the tale of the plight of these emigrants today,” she said.

Margaret explained that many of the Irish in London took the boat from Dun Laoghaire in the 50s to look for work in London and are now in very difficult circumstances.

“They are now very elderly and many of them suffer from mental health problems. Others have died and we need to get their ashes home.”

The charity is in its third year and has made €8,000 so far. Margaret will be going over to London earlier to attend a parade organised for the charity in London.

She hopes to bring back lots of photos and show them as slides at the

event on March 17 in Glasthule.

An Cathaoirleach John Bailey is also invited to cut the St Patrick’s Day cake in honour of these forgotten men and women.

If you’re interested in doing something different this St Patrick’s Day, then head down to the Pastoral Centre in Glasthule for the event. It starts at 10am and will go on until 1.30pm or thereabouts.

War of words erupts over recent retirement of council staff I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com

A WAR of words has erupted between Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Councillors on the recent early retirement of 25 council workers at the end of last month.

Councillor Victor Boyhan (Ind) remarked that he accepted the early retirements as an unfortunate expediency: “I am concerned at the level of highly-skilled staff opting to leave the council service, but under Government policy, it is clearly their entitlement and I wish them well.”

In a statement, the council made clear that none of these positions now left vacant would be re-filled.

Speaking on behalf of People Before Profit, Councillor Melissa Halpin said: “It is becoming increasingly clear that between the moratorium and cuts to the local government fund that the reality in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown is that people are getting ‘less for less’.

“The waiting times for repairs to local authority housing, for installation of disability aids, like stair lifts and for footpath repairs, are getting longer and longer. Staff members

in the council are expected to work harder and harder, they are the only people who are doing more for less.”

Compromised

Councillor Richard Humphreys (Lab) said that the council was doing its best to ensure no shortfall in services. “The challenge for Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is to manage that reduction with the necessary flexibility under the Croke Park agreement to ensure that service to the public is not seriously compromised. I believe

that the county manager has been endeavouring to do this.”

Councillor Humphreys replied: “It is somewhat ironic that People before Profit are lamenting the loss of public servants when their policy of repudiating the debt and leaving the IMF would result in a juddering halt to the State’s funding stream, and therefore, would cause mass redundancies across the entire public sector, which would make the 2012 retirements look irrelevant.”

Other councillors, such as Stephen Fitzpatrick (Lab) expressed confidence in the council’s manage-

ment of the situation and their ability to side-step any resulting danger in lapses to services: “County manager, Mr Owen Keegan, has stated that service levels have been maintained despite reductions in staffing and expenditure.”

Challenges

Cllr Boyhan said: “The incentivised early retirement scheme does present challenges to the county manager and the council, but with those challenges comes new opportunities to reorganise and consolidate our internal structures.”

8 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 3

MUSIC Locals achieve high standards at event

Students capture the Brain

Winning big at Rathdown music festival I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

R AT H D OW N C h o ral and Music Festival took place last month, and the winners of the event were, in first place, Rathdown Cantori, joint second place awarded to Greystones and Brittas Bay Choirs.

It is hoped to expand this part of the festival with more choirs taking part over the years to come as the reputation of the festival widens and grows.

The festival’s adjudicator, Sonya Keogh, was more than pleased with the standard achieved by all of the competitors and her feedback and

constructive criticism were much appreciated by those participating.

On Saturday, February 25, the individual singers and instrumental soloists were judged. Those competing ranged in age from six years to 17.

Winner The overall winner in this section was a young classical guitarist, Cathal O’Floinn, who is a student of Darragh O’Neill, who has achieved much praise and worked with Enrique Iglesias and Vanessa Amorosi.

O’Neill currently teaches music in Blackrock College and composed the piece, The Jug-

gle, that young Cathal O’Floinn played.

Principal Anne Dowling presented him with the beautiful trophy and cash prize of €50.

Festival organiser Julia Carrick said: ‘‘I am very excited about the future of the festival, which is a great platform for young musicians to showcase their talent, gain performance experience, hear other young musicians and get constructive feedback. I hope that the festival goes from strength to strength over the next few years and that Rathdown School can use their wonderful facilities to host this fantastic annual event.”

QUIZ TIME

Young classical guitarist Cathal O’Floinn, student of Darragh O’Neill, and the Rathdown Cantori Choir

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STUDENTS from CBC in Monkstow n have won the Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown County Council competition, Brain of DLR, that was held at the County Hall on Thursday, February 23.

Second place went to the Loreto girls of Dalkey, and Wesley of Dundrum came in third.

A total of 22 schools took part in the competition and the first ever Schools Quiz 2012 was a resounding success. It will become a yearly event and was initially established by An Cathaoirleach, Councillor John Bailey.

Between 10.30am and 12.30pm students from all over the county went head-to-head for the coveted title of Brain of DLR. Students were quizzed on four subjects - Local History and Politics, Sport, the Environment and General Knowledge.

4 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 8 March 2012

SOCIAL HOUSING: NAMA FUNDS ARE EARMARKED

PEOPLE Be Sweet Occasions leaving a good taste

DLR to get 10% in funds for housing I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

FINE Gael Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor has indicated that Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown will receive 10% of National Assets Management Agency (NAMA) funds earmarked for social housing.

The DLR allocation represents the fourth highest nationally.

Dublin city will get the highest allocation at 484 (24%), then comes Cork city at 366 (18%), Cork county gets 312 (15%) and Dun Laoghaire will get 210 allocations or 10%.

Deputy Mitchell welcomed the announcement by NAMA that it will make more than 2,000 houses and apartments available for social housing needs nationally, 408 of which will be located in Fingal and Dun Laoghaire.

The need to utilise these properties has never been more urgent

as the number of households looking for social housing hit a record 98,000 in 2011, a rise of from 38,000 in three years ago.

Nama facilitated the purchase of almost 60 apartments in Sandyford, Dublin, earlier this year by a voluntary housing association.

Pushed

Deputy Mitchell O’Connor claimed that she had pushed the Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan, to “explore” options to alleviate hard-pressed families in Dun Laoghaire and Rathdown. “I have been pressing for NAMA to explore what suitable property it had on its books for family accommodation.”

She said: “There is a pressing need for increased social housing provision, not only in Dun Laoghaire and Rathdow n but right across the country.”

Bernice Moran and Sarah Murray and a selection of their candy buffets

Trendy candy buffet proves a sweet deal I LAURA WEBB news@gazettegroup.com

A DU BL I N - BA S E D business is sweetening up weddings, parties and

corporate events with their trendy candy buffet that is bringing out the best in Irish sweet teeth.

There is nothing more satisfying than dipping a hand into a sweet bowl and savouring ever y sweet flavour in it.

Whether it takes a person back to their childhood, or makes them feel guilty for all of two seconds, a little sugar never hurt anyone, and Dublin entrepreneurs, Bernice Moran, from Malahide, and Sarah Murray, from Killiney, are bringing that taste of heaven to some plain food events with their company - Be Sweet Occasions.

When she was at a wedding in the US, Bernice got her first glimpse - and taste - of a candy buffet. “I thought it was such a unique and wonderful idea. I decided to do it for my own wedding and it blew my guests away,” she said.

So much so, she had

to put a rope around it to get her guests to make an orderly queue.

“It was so funny,” she told the Gazette.

“What happened after that is that people – who were at my wedding – kept asking me to help them do it at theirs. I loved doing it and so I decided to do it as a sideline job.”

The business, which officially set up last November, has taken off so much in the last few months that Bernice has decided to work parttime as a pilot for Virgin Atlantic.

“It was really word-ofmouth and then we went on the Group-on deal and that really put us out there. We hope to have a launch party in May, so that will, hopefully, get us out there even more.

We have a celebrity wedding coming up in July, so that will really get us noticed. I don’t want to say who it is in case we

ruin the surprise.

“We are really busy.

But we can do two weddings a day. We have enough staff to do a couple. It is very busy,” she said.

Bernice’s partner in the venture is Sarah, a qualified interior designer, who comes from a family background of hoteliers, restaurateurs and the entertainment industr y, giving her exclusive knowledge to event organising. Sarah puts her creative side to work on the displays, which help bring the sweets to life, making them irresistible for all.

The school friends say their candy buffet is not just putting a few sweets into a jar, it’s about choosing what is right for the individual and sourcing the best ones.

“We source all the amazing jars from the US and they are very hard to find and very expensive. We find all

the different types of jars and tables with material that accentuates the table. We also source the candy from the States, because, in Ireland, it is very limited. We get amazing varieties, like Pina Colada fruit soars, vanilla cupcake malt-balls, and things like that; we cater for whatever the client wants.

“If the wedding party had pink bridesmaids, and the flowers were cream, we would do cream, white and pink candy buffet. We can match the colour theme of whatever you want.

But we do baby showers, bridal showers, hens, 21st, 40th, corporate, any event. The price range is on the website and we have a sale on at the moment running until the end of March,” Bernice said.

For further information log onto: www. besweetoccasions.com

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8 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 5

MARINE Estimated cost of project set at €250million

New waste tunnel to stretch 9km into Dublin Bay I SANDY HAZEL

THE second phase of the Dublin Bay Project will involve an outfall tunnel for waste that stretches 9km into Dublin Bay. Ireland is legally bound

by EU directives to improve marine ecology and water quality in the bay, and the plan aims to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus which currently pollutes the area.

Engineers looked at water depth, minimum acceptable length outside protected and amenity areas, commercial navigation and underground pipelines and cables and geological suitability. A site has been chosen for the tunnel, part of the Ringsend Waste Water Treatment extension, which will be “kept in bedrock if possible.”

The extension will increase capacity to serve a population

of 2.1 million and assessments have been made on likely impacts of the discharge to Dublin Bay. The effluent outfall location selection is based on mathematical modelling of the receiving waters.

The cost of the project is estimated to be €250 million.

An Environmental Impact Statement will be lodged in the next few weeks and will be on public display for six weeks before a planning application

is made to An Bord Pleanala.

Some of the issues posed by residents during public consultation concern effluent washback and water quality.

The modelling of the worstcase scenario and peak flows have shown, according to city engineers reports, that the impact of the long sea outfall will be experienced only in a small zone immediately around the discharge point.

Richard Boyd Barrett TD

has said that there seems to have been low-key public consultation. “If this plan is good for the coast then well and good, but the public should be kept more informed of the development; more public consultation is required.”

The treated effluent will be immediately diluted many times over with sea water at the outfall. The discharge point will be 15-20 metres below sea level. The harbourmaster does

not desire any marker buoys.

The admiralty chart will be updated.

The Brent Geese in Dublin Bay, and those in the adjoining Irishtown Nature Reserve, have been identified as sensitive receptors as part of the EIA process. An appropriate assessment has been undertaken for a discharge licence for the existing facility and no significant impacts on the Brent Geese were identified.

Footloose live at Clonkeen College

Launch: Art at the market The Market Cafe at the Blackrock Market celebrated the opening of a new, enlarged exhibition space on Tuesday evening, with the opening of Symphony in Sienna, an exhibition by local artist Michael McWilliams.

Pictured at the opening are, from left, sculptor Rowan Gillespie; artist Michael McWilliams; Eva Geraghty of the Market Cafe; jazz musician Charles Meredith (Aka. Rock Fox) and Ms Rosheen Callender Pic: Gabriel Noonan.

QUESTIONS: SITE BEING PREPARED FOR NEW CENTRAL LIBRARY

Council under fire following local mature tree felling I BAIRBRE

NI BHRAONAIN

COUNCILLOR Victor Boyhan has hit out at Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council over its statement regarding the recent felling of trees in Moran Park in connection with plans to build a new central library and cultural centre.

Cllr Boyhan and Councillor Jane Dillon-Byrne both said they were shocked this week when they discovered that “huge, majestic” trees in Moran Park had been cut down over the weekend.

Councillor Boyhan has condemned the felling of

the trees, saying: “Residents have spoken to me of their horror at discovering trees chopped down in this magnificent park.”

Cllr Boyhan said he found this move to be highly provocative and antagonistic, and it was presumptive of the council to “clear” this area in readiness for a central library, the details of which have yet to be agreed.

Ironically, this coincides with the start of National Tree Week, that began on Sunday, March 4.

“What a negative way to start National Tree Week,” Cllr Boyhan said.

“The council response is

that the trees had to be removed in order to prepare the site for a new central library.”

The library, which has been approved in theory by councilors, will soon be under discussion to iron out its financial details.

The first estimate was for €38 million, and, according to Labour’s Cllr Jane Dillon-Byrne, “this was thought excessive”.

“The capital allocation is due to be discussed shortly,” Cllr Dillon-Byrne said. “It will be funded by the reserve money left over from developers’ levies,” she added.

“The library scheme is more than just a library,

there will be a number of cultural amenities, such as a gallery, and it is not complementary, in my view, to remove all of the mature trees in preparation for this build.”

In response, the council has issued the new outline of the scheme to build a major new library/arts/ culture/community complex, but, Cllr Boyhan said he was at a loss as to how the council has come up with such plans, and allocated a sum of €36.6m when it was never agreed on by council members.

The council has stated that “the proposed scheme at Moran Park will be a key component

of the regeneration of Dun Laoghaire town and will consolidate the Metals redevelopment”.

“It is now confirmed that the project, the total cost of which is estimated to be €36.6m, will be funded from the Council’s own capital reserves, development levies and a grant from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.”

Cllr Boyhan has called on the council officials to order a complete stop to the tree felling and prepare a plan to plant mature trees on the site.

The matter of this treefelling didn’t come before

the council, which has angered councillors and locals alike.

A Council statement said: “Preliminary works, which involve the removal of specific shrubs and ivy-covered trees have now begun on site in preparation for the main construction works.”

The statement gave some indication of how the old park will be subsumed into the new complex. “The library will be cut into the existing granite escarpment. The building footprint will extend from the existing railings on Haigh Terrace to the bowling green, which will remain as a green lawn.”

A NEW musical production of Footloose is being staged at Clonkeen College this month. The cast is drawn from the main pool of Clonkeen’s students, including two from first year, although the bulk of the cast comes from transition and fifth year.

The boys of the college have recruited girls from five local secondary schools to form the female contingent of the cast. The girls taking part are generally from schools such as Loreto Foxrock and Dalkey, St Rochfort, Clooney and Holy Child, Killiney.

The choice of Footloose tied in very well with a school cast, according to Jason Masterson, past pupil of Clonkeen and current musical producer there. “It’s very funny and the characters are teenagers so it’s ideal for a school production,” he said.

“I was in a previous production of Footloose when I was at UCD, so I know how well it works with students. It’s a comedy, and the songs will also appeal to the parents, as they’re all 80’s classics.”

If you want to re-live the 80s and support Clonkeen College, get to a performance any night between Tuesday, March 20, and Friday, March 23, at Clonkeen College at 8pm. Tickets cost €10 each and €5 for primary school children and are available at Clonkeen College. Call the box office on 01 2892709.

6 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 8 March 2012

OPINION The Fiscal Compact Treaty; how should we vote?

Seize the opportunity and reject this Austerity Treaty S O f a r, t h e Government has come up with lots of reasons for us to vote Yes. We should vote for ‘economic stability’ and for ‘economic recovery’.

Unfortunately, the Government never deals with the actual content

of the Treaty. This is a Treaty to institutionalise austerity in Ireland and across Europe into the future.

Article 3 of the Treaty requires all countries to meet a severe ‘structural deficit’ target of 0.5%.

This will be locked into

ENTERPRISENEWS

Need advice on how to get going?

Are you thinking of starting a business or are you already in business and looking towards expanding?

The County Enterprise Board can help you!

Every week we hold Business Advice sessions where you can meet an experienced Business Advisor who will be able to give you information about all of the services the Enterprise Board can provide and will be able to point you in the right direction so that you can avail of the supports which are available to you.

The Enterprise Board has four key support areas – Training, Mentoring, Networking and – in qualifying cases – Funding. These are available to all small businesses in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown area. The Business Advice sessions are the best way to learn about how best you can be helped in your business. The Enterprise Boards are funded by the Dept. of Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation and there is no cost to anyone attending these meetings.

So how to get involved? It’s easy – all you have to do is call us on (01) 494 8400 or email: info@ dlrceb.ie . You can also find out about all of our activities and current courses and network activity on our website – www.dlrceb.ie .

The Enterprise Board has a number of publications which might be helpful to you – Business Start Up, Social Media for Business, Business Marketing, Managing Business Finances and Your Business & the Law. If you would like a copy of all or any of these – free of charge – please contact us on the above phone number or email address.

our law and an automatic ‘correction mechanism’ will be triggered if we don’t meet this target – this means automatic cutbacks and extra taxes. The Department of Finance estimates our ‘structural deficit’ in 2015 will be 3.7%. Meeting the target in 2015 would mean an additional €5.7 billion worth of cuts and extra taxes.

That means more unjust taxes, further attacks on social welfare and pensions and it means more drastic cuts in health and education. If the European Commission gives us a longer timeframe to meet the target, it simply means an extension of that austerity over a longer period of time.

Austerity has already destroyed the econo-

mies of Ireland, Greece, Portugal and Spain and threatens all of the eurozone with recession this year. This sort of savage austerity implemented simultaneously across Europe would dramatically deepen the economic crisis.

Article 4 of the Treaty is a provision written for the bankers, bondholders and speculators who caused this crisis.

It is a demand to reduce every country’s debt to GDP ratio to 60% at a fast rate. In Ireland’s case, unless there is economic growth (unlikely because of the austerity policies demanded by Article 3), it will mean being forced to pay back €4.5 billion to the bondholders in 2015, on top of the €9 billion in interest payments we will be

paying to them!

T h e Tr e a t y e f f e ctively rules out significant public investment by the state. At a time when private sector investment is collapsing (despite profits increasing for big business), massive public sector investment is needed to create jobs to get hundreds of thousands off the dole. This will be effectively made illegal by this Treaty.

T he Government’s scaremongering about Ireland being outside of the euro and the EU should be rejected. This is a stand-alone Treaty.

We must choose whether we want to join this Austerity Club or not.

We should seize this opportunity to reject austerity at the ballot box. Doing so will open

Paul Murphy MEP

a debate and struggle across Europe about what kind of Europe do we want – one for the millionaires or one for the millions.

Paul Murphy MEP Paul Murphy is the Socialist Party / United Left Alliance MEP for Dublin www.paulmurphymep.eu

Vote ‘Yes’ in referendum L A S T we e k A n Ta o i s e a c h announced that he will be putting a referendum to the people of Ireland on the EU Treaty. The Treaty is about reinforcing existing EU rules to reduce Government deficits and debts. By signing it, we will be joining other Eurozone Governments in an official agreement to live within our means. We have already committed to behaving responsibly when it comes to our finances, this Treaty would be rubberstamping that commitment. This Treaty will not affect our existing spending plans or tax rates.

We know all too well the fallout of fiscally irresponsible governments – we are suffering that fall-out today. If this Treaty were in place in 2007, for example, the then Government would not have been able to introduce the measures which over-stimulated the property market and were part of their General Election campaign promises.

I will be voting ‘yes’ in the referendum and am asking you to vote ‘yes’ too. By supporting this Treaty we will be gaining access to additional ‘insurance’ funds should we need them.

We will be putting an end to the excesses of domestic and international boom-to-bust cycles and sending a clear message of stability and fiscal responsibility internationally. We depend on this in order to attract multinationals to our shores and to forge trade links with countries, including China, who’s VicePresident has just completed a very positive

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald

trip to Ireland. This Treaty makes official what we are already doing – it gives us the opportunity to grow trade links and rebuild our international reputation.

The Treaty is based on the common-sense approach that we must run budget surpluses in good times so we can run deficits in bad times. It aims to maintain a debt/GDP ratio of about 60% except in ‘exceptional circumstances’ such as recessions like the one we are in at the moment. All countries who are signed up to the Treaty will have to act responsibly. The progress we have made in the last year has resulted in investment by companies like Eli Lilly and Abbot Pharmaceuticals. We have seen these results here in

our own area with investment by Microsoft, Pfizer and Google in Grange Castle Business Park. We depend on our international reputation in order to attract this level of investment, which creates local jobs and spin off trade.

If we pass this Treaty and manage our public finances responsibly we will be protected against market speculation from the new Eurozone Rescue Fund. This ‘insurance’ fund is a €500 billion European Stability Mechanism. If we don’t pass this Treaty we will be locked out of this fund but will still be bound by the EU fiscal rules. We are already signed up to the conditions – it makes total sense for us to sign up to avail of the insurance fund too.

If you are undecided about how to vote; inform yourself. If you are unsure about the issues the best way to gain clarity is by reading the Treaty itself. This Treaty is only ten pages long and far less complex than previous European ones. I have put a link to it on my website, www.francesfitzgerald.ie and you can download it from there. The Referendum Commission will be publishing unbiased information explaining what the Treaty sets out, every household should receive this information in the runup to polling day. A ‘yes’ vote is a yes to progress.

Frances Fitzgerald Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

8 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 7

ENTERPRISE Uniting to create a better Blackrock

Gathering to help support local business I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com

THE Blackrock Business Network hosted a night devoted to Building Business in 2012 last week, with the event launched

by Pat Cox, President of the European Movement International (EMI).

Almost 100 people from a variety of businesses turned up to lend their support, with representatives from the banking and property worlds, as well as local businesses, getting a chance to discuss the current economic climate, and how they might pull together – not only to survive, but to thrive.

WANT TO TALK TO YOUR LOCAL MARKET?

TALK TO US FIRST! Call your local sales person,

Jackie O’Hanlon now on

085 8018737 johanlon@ gazettegroup.com

The Blackrock Business Network is a not-forprofit organisation for the town of Blackrock, and was founded in April, 2010.

The group set up a website, I Love Blackrock, in June, 2011, and it now lists more than 350 businesses in Blackrock, as well as providing news, images and useful information about the town.

In late 2011, the county council commenced preparation for a Local Area Plan for Blackrock, and the Blackrock Business Network made a submission on behalf of the business community.

Their main aims were to promote the town, fos-

ter relationships between local businesses, and be a voice for Blackrock.

In the past, the organisation has staged family fun days, which provided free entertainment and were hugely successful, with several thousand attending.

In 2011, Blackrock Business Network launched the country’s first animation film festival and animation competition. It received more than 45 entries from around the world, including entries from the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Japan, Hong Kong, Scotland, Spain and Italy.

The inaugural Black-

MUSIC

Choir’s heavenly sounds I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com

Aidan Fitzgerald, chairman, Blackrock Business Network; Larry Brennan, chairman and director, Retail Sales Ireland; Karen Whelan; Pat Cox and Paul Keville, commercial manager, Ulster Bank, Blackrock

rock Animation Festival was opened by Minister Jimmy Deenihan, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Prizes were awarded in several categories, and were presented by An Cathaoirleach, the President of IADT, and the CEO of Dun Laoghaire-

Rathdown Chamber, to name but a few.

The bigger and better 2012 Animation Film Festival has now been launched, and the plan is to hold the festival on October 12 and 13.

The organisers are looking for sponsors for the festival itself, and in

the areas of workshop delivery, talks and the provision of trophies.

If you want to get involved in any way with Blackrock Business Network, or any of its offshoots, you can find more detailed information at www.iloveblackrock.ie.

THE Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire is the venue for the Dublin Gospel Choir’s muchanticipated latest show.

The last time the choir was in the Pavilion was in 2009. Since then, the choir has gone on to have a top 30-hit album, Doing Their Thing.

This highly-popular choir had humble beginnings 15 years ago, with their establishment as a school choir from inner city Dublin.

They have grown to such status today that they are a familiar sight at festivals such as Electric Picnic, where they’ll play the main stage in 2012, and the concert circuit at home and abroad.

Book tickets for the March 30 show at 01 231 2929, or see paviliontheatre.ticketsolve.com. Tickets cost €20.

8 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 8 March 2012

SCHOOLS Question: How successful was the

first

County Manager, Owen Keegan; Cathleen Houlihan, Cathaoirleach John Bailey and Richard Shakespeare examine some of the medals

Quiz teaches all to enjoy themselves

N CATHAOIRLEACH, Councillor John Bailey, was on hand to launch the inaugural inter-school table quiz for Transition Year students at County Hall, Dun Laoghire recently.

The well-attended event saw 20 teams from local schools battle it

A

out for the top prize, as well as the glory of victory. Sponsored by HSOC – Hamill, Spence and O’Connell, Financial Business Advisors – the event featured Councillor Marie Baker and Deputy Peter Mathews TD acting as quizmasters, while Cllr Dean Eaton helped to run the show.

Everyone got a prize of some sort for taking part, but the real winners on the day was the local authority, and the participating schools, as it proved to be a great way of engaging with local students, in the hopes of opening up county buildings and working on increasing local knowledge.

Avril Briarley, from Our Lady’s Grove School

Hugh McGeown, from HSOC, and Deputy Peter Mathews

St Joseph’s of Cluny

These students were sure they had a great set of answers

Councillor Marie Baker praised the students’ efforts

Cliona Neeson, St Raphaela’s, listens to a question

8 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 9

inter-school table quiz at County Hall? (Answer: Very.)

Cllr Dean Eton and Cllr John Bailey

Loreto Foxrock students check their answers

Cllr Patricia Stewart and Cllr John Bailey

Sean Tobin, from St Brendan’s in Bray, gets a spot prize from Deputy Peter Mathews

Holy Child, Killiney

Wesley College students

Loreto Foxrock

St Kilian’s German School were hoping that 13 would prove to be their lucky number. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

10 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 8 March 2012

SCHOOLS An impressive project is a hit at AIB Cornelscourt

Samples of old media content which the boys compiled

St Brigid’s School, Foxrock, principal Pat O’Connell with school pupils and AIB Cornlescourt branch manager, Sandy Doyle, and retail manager, Terri McGeary, stand by the sixth-class boys’ local community project, on the history of the area. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Celebrating the area’s rich heritage UPILS from St Brigid’s School, Foxrock, were delighted to visit the AIB Cornelscourt branch recently, as their community project was on display for the entire month of February, charting the rich heritage and changing face of Cornelscourt and Cabinteely villages.

P

Under the guidance of sixth-class teacher, Kay Cadogan, the boys’ community project faithfully recorded and researched many aspects of life in the two villages across the years and, indeed, the centuries, and the project proved particularly interesting for the staff and customers at the branch.

Lots of photos of the area were used in the project

The result of an entire term spent working on the project, some unlikely and little-known glimpses of life in the area came to light, with the impact of war rubbing shoulders with the sights of long-gone – or still-serving – businesses, names and enterprises from across the area.

The pupils had plenty to smile about, as they put lots of great work into creating the attractively presented and well-researched project, which did a great job on revealing the area’s heritage

8 March 2012 GAZETTE 11

PEOPLE Hollywood history-maker’s talk in Dun Laoghaire

A Brave task to talk about Brenda’s hit CV IBAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

DUN Laoghaire’s Pavilion Theatre played host to a Hollywod historymaker recently, when film director Brenda Chapman held a two-day seminar.

In 1998, Brenda became the first woman to direct an animated feature for a major Hollywood studio with The Prince of Egypt and her CV is full of other blockbusters, including Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, WALL-E and Up. Brenda is also the original writer and director of Pixar’s upcoming feature, Brave.

The seminar made up

part of Brenda’s time as a Fellow in the National Film School in IADT. T he Pavilion was packed with students from colleges all over the city, questioning Brenda on her career and seeking advice.

Because she’d been stung by big studios in the early years she advised the assembly to become more “law savvy” as to contracts and protection of ideas.

Brenda is from a very small farming community in Illinois where her time was occupied by drawing and making up stories.

“There wasn’t much to do,” she said, adding that she has her own fam-

ily and tries to strike the right balance.

She tried to stay at home for a while when her daughter was born but soon realised that she needed to feed her creative side too.

“I did miss [my creative side} myself and I wanted to give my daughter a good example too.

“I’ve always been respected as an artist.

I was originally hired because I was a woman.

Executives responded to the fact that I was a woman but my peers responded to my work.

“And, despite the communication dispute with Pixar, I still have incredible respect for that ani-

Brenda Chapman (right), writer of Pixar’s upcoming film, Brave (above), addresses local students at the Pavilion Theatre

mation community.”

That “commuication dispute” revolves around the film Brave, which Chapman based on her daughter but which she is no longer working on.

She refuses to be drawn further on the matter as it is in legal limbo.

“Right now, I’m just taking a break. I’ll spend

a bit of time with my daughter.

“I grew up in a really small town and the thing I really wanted to be was a hermit and part of me is like, yeah, I’d still like to do that.”

One theme of the seminar was female involvement. The Pavilion auditorium held a

great number of female students and these were Brenda’s primary questioners.

“I’m very excited to see so many women in there.

Because when I was at that point, there were three or four women in my class. But now, it’s still not quite halfand-half but it’s getting

there.”

In answer to why she chose animation as her lifelong career, Brenda has no doubts as to it being the right choice.

“I love to tell stories and I love to draw and I love fine art, and all that, so the only way I can combine the two sides is through animation.”

12 GAZETTE 8 March 2012

GOT SOMETHING TO TELL US? WATER:

YOUR LOCAL PAPER, YOUR LOCAL NEWS! Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

NEW PLANS PROPOSED

Making water meters pay I PAUL HOSFORD

news@gazettegroup.com

A NEW report has suggested giving financial incentives to people who instal water meters to help boost the local economy.

The plan is one of many proposals contained in a document called Water Sector Reform by South Dublin Chamber, which was presented to the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government last week.

T he proposals are based on the recent Government Position Paper and the 2011 Irish Water Phase 1 Report

by Price Waterhouse Cooper.

T h e Wa t e r S e c t o r Reform document also calls for the State’s proposed new water services utility to bear the cost of phased water meter installation.

Peter By rne, chief executive officer of South Dublin Chamber, said the incentive would be a boon for struggling local economies in particular.

“This incentive would boost the local economy and lessen the burden on the State to roll out the metering process.”

Patrick’s Day: It’s time for the party favours CELEBRATE in style this St Patrick’s Day

with a little help from Tesco Ensure you are kitted out for this year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations by popping down to your local Tesco store where you can pick up an array of fun items available at great value prices.

Decorate your home or workplace for St Patrick’s Day by picking up the Tesco 23 Foot Ireland Bunting at just €6.99 or some Ireland Flags available for just €1.49 each – perfect for decorating your St Patrick’s Day parties.

For the St Patrick’s Day parade, why not pick up a fun Leprechaun Hat with Beard, the trendy Tesco Green, White and Gold Trim Cowboy Hat or the Tricolour Jester Hat for just €5.99 each?

For the ladies, the Glitter Mini Hat with ribbon and feather is just €3.99, the Leprechaun Hairband with Green Hat is just €2.49 or the funky Black Shamrock Tights are just €5.99.

And there’s also the St Patrick’s Day novelty tie at just €3.49 or the St Patrick’s Day Rosettes for just €1.99.

Tesco also has a great range of accessories including the St Patrick’s Day Inflatable Sticks (2 pack) €1.20 or the St Patrick’s Day Vuvuzela Horn just €1.99 which are sure to finish off your Patrick’s Day attire.

For details, visit www.tesco.ie

8 March 2012 GAZETTE 13

14 GAZETTE 8 March 2012

GazetteHEALTH HEALTH& &BEAUTY Blood pressure – keeping it down!

A new heavenly collection CONIC supermodel Helena Christensen was in Dublin last week to officially launch her exclusive Triumph Essence Spring/ Summer lingerie collection, and Gazette Beauty went down to take a closer look.

She has been in the business for over two decades and is still as stunning as she was starting out. The former Victoria Secret model has moved to the other side of the lens. She is now a photographer, and is an in-house photographer at Oxfam.

The international fashion icon greeted guests and posed for photographers at Brown Thomas, when she showed off her lingerie collection recently.

Wo m e n a n d m e n packed the lingerie room at Brown Thomas in Grafton Street to see what her collection offered, but really most just wanted to see what a real supermodel looks like, and hearing whisperings by customers behind me saying: “Oh, my God, she looks amazing” and “look at that body”, they weren’t disappointed.

The Danish super-

I

BLOOD pressure is essential for us all to survive - without it our blood vessels would collapse.

Hypertension, on the other hand, refers to blood pressure above a defined safe limit. Hypertension forces the heart to work harder and it is the single most important risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke.

Symptoms

Because hypertension generally has no symptoms it is essential that you attend your doctor or local pharmacy to get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.

With thanks to the staff at Lucan Village Pharmacy Helena Christensen (left) has officially launched her exclusive Triumph Essence Spring/Summer lingerie collection

model joined forces with Triumph Essence to design a sensual collection that includes a lacy bra and stunning bodyhugging skirt with subtle shaping properties and sexy string.

For Helena, it’s essential for lingerie designers to get the woman’s perspective because women have to wear them, and what most women want is to feel sexy, yet comfortable in what they are wearing underneath their clothes.

“For me, it’s essential for a lingerie company to have a female perspective. After all, women are wearing these pieces and it’s all about what makes you feel good. And these sophisticated styles definitely do that.”

The model, who is not a big fan of g-strings, says creating the perfect piece of lingerie for women is “basically a science” because everyone has different bodies.

Whether you want to treat yourself to a lavish lingerie collection, or you are looking for something extra special for that extra special dress, be it a wedding or ball gown, the Triumph Essence Collection has a stunning collection of

GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW! Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

Each Triumph Essence piece is developed to provide a blend of perfect fit and precise craftsmanship

8 March 2012 GAZETTE 15

Edited by Laura Webb

from Helena flattering designs to suit most body shapes.

The Delicate Essence series combines lace and soft elastic fabric for charming and subtle shaping effects. The Charming Essence series stands out with delicate lace in striking geometric pattern. Decorative tassels, peek-a-book details, fine Guipure embroidery and flirty straps made of pleated mesh are playful details every fashionenthusiast admires.

The Precious Essence series is a dream come true for brides-to-be because of its feminine look, which is available in a creamy white.

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

‘For me, it’s essential for a lingerie company to have a female perspective’ --------------------------

Helena Christensen

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

Each Triumph Essence piece is developed to provide an uncompromising blend of perfect fit, precise craftsmanship and care for the small details that make all the difference. This is true luxury. And these are the qualities Triumph

has refined throughout over 125-years of lingerie excellence.

The Triumph Essence collection, with designs

by Helena Christensen, is available in The Lingerie Rooms at Brown Thomas Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick.

Brown Thomas resident fitters are on hand to help solve all lingerie dilemmas, offering personal consultations to help weary lingerie shoppers to find their optimum shapes and styles.

Book your personal lingerie and shapewear fitting appointment in The Lingerie Rooms Dublin at 01 – 617 1114.

WE HAVE 135,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS

CALL 60 10 240

16 GAZETTE 8 March 2012

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: HELP PREVENT POTENTIALLY UNWANTED AND ABANDONED CATS AND DOGS

Spaying or neutering your pet AS THE country’s leadi n g a n i m a l we l f a r e organisation, we at the Dublin SPCA understand and appreciate the importance of spaying and neutering animals.

In fact, for 172 years this Society has assumed a leadership role in advocating and offering affordable spaying and neutering in order to help prevent the cruel and inhumane slaughter of unwanted, homeless, abandoned and neglected cats and dogs.

In Ireland, as in every other country in the world, there are homeless animals. Many of these end up in rescue shelters similar to the Dublin SPCA. Through our very strict re-homing policy, we manage to rehabilitate them with loving, caring families.

They are the lucky ones.

Tr a g i c a l l y, m a ny, many, more, throughout the world, though healthy, wonderful and companionable they may be – face the pros-

pect of being euthanised due to a shortage of new homes and this is the only future they can look forward to.

But it’s not just abandoned animals that are left at shelters. No, it’s the offspring of beloved family pets.

Let me explain: For example, I wish I had a euro every time somebody visits our clinic with a pregnant pet explaining she “managed to get out of the garden, went missing for only half an hour and came back pregnant”.

And, even if the “accidental” offspring manage to get adopted, it’s still possible for them to be placed in a rescue shelter due to them being “too big,” “not great with the kids,” “doesn’t fit in with the new decor,” or “too difficult to handle.” Yep, we’ve heard it all.

So, in order to avoid this happening to you and your pet, because, let’s face it, no family wants an unwanted

pregnancy – I thought I’d make readers aware, or shine a little spotlight if I may, on World Annual Spay Day – it usually falls around the last week in February but you can visit your vet at any time.

He/she will be thrilled to advise you regarding your pet because having your animal altered is the only effective 100% method of birth control.

And, FYI, for those pet parents who are in receipt of social welfare payments, it’s advisable to drop into the Dublin SPCA mobile veterinary clinic at any one of our four Dublin locations, (details on www.dspca. ie/mobileclinic and have a chat with our vet). However, proof of social welfare is an absolute strict condition of this affordable, low-cost service.

Neutering: The Facts.

• Castrating your dog prevents more than unwanted litters – it can help prevent testicular and prostate cancer,

Having your pet spayed or neutered is the only effective 100% method of birth control

which is common in unneutered dogs. In addition to this, if the dog is neutered before he reaches adulthood, he will not naturally develop the types of territorial behaviours un-neutered male dogs develop, i.e. aggressiveness, marking territory, roaming, etc., • Neutering is also a routine, relatively lowrisk surgery with a swift recovery time. Serious complications are rare and owners can usually take their dog home on the same day surgery is performed, having him back to his old self in no time.

Spaying: The Facts.

• Spaying your female dog eliminates the problem of stray males camp-

ing on your doorstep and decreases her own desire to roam and breed. In addition, there are many health benefits attached, such as a marked reduction in the risk of her contracting ovarian cancer, mammary gland tumours and the procedure helps reduce aggression.

The Myths:

• Spaying/neutering will make my pet fat.

Nonsense. Owners make their pets fat! Failing to provide an adequate, healthy diet and daily exercise will render your pet fat.

• Bitches should have one litter.

This is of no benefit at all and simply an old wives tale.

• Spaying and neuter-

ing is cruel.

Look, we, as humans, domesticated animals and brought them into our lives and homes. The environment we created for them is far removed from their natural one and we have made them dependent on us; therefore we are responsible for their care.

What is cruel, in my opinion, is allowing your bitch to have litter after litter and then dumping the puppies in a black sack on a deserted roadside, leaving the poor mites to fend for themselves and the mother heavily burdened with milk, with a serious risk of developing mastitis and dying from lack of veterinary care ... do you get my point?

• My dog’s personality will alter.

Oh grow up! Neutering/spaying has absolutely no negative affect on your dog’s personality. Be positive! This procedure will make your animal more amenable, less aggressive and less likely to pick a fight!

So, to those of you who whine, “it’s not normal,” or “my bitch deserves to have a litter,” my response to that is, get a clue, save a life; spay/ neuter your pet immediately or as soon as practicable. Contact your local vet for details.

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

8 March 2012 GAZETTE 17

18 GAZETTE 8 March 2012

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

REVIEW: BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH FORMER REPUBLIC STARS

Cars Love Girls love...

I ROB HEIGH

GOT last year’s mud scraped off your wellies?

Ready to reveal your pasty pins in a pair of shorts (no matter how blue the cold makes your legs go.) Have a hankering for something cooked in a van?

Then you’re ready for festival season. And with musical meccas cropping up on seemingly every grassy knoll this year, there are plenty of chances to check out bands you love and possibly discover new ones.

We may be without Oxegen but we do have electricity. The Electric Picnic in Stradbally starts on August 31 and its line-up this year is a melting pot of acts and activities that includes multi-platinum artists like The Killers and The Cure, to festival staples like Christy Moore and Glen Hansard, and up-and-coming talents like Jonathan Wilson and Ed Sheeran. I’m already charged!

Listen to Dee Woods from Radio Nova every weeknight from 7pm to 12am on 100.3FM

CARS Love Girls are set to launch their debut album, Skip School, this week and having heard the album, my goodness, you had better be at the Workman’s Club this Thursday. If you’re not lucky enough to be there, then you ought to rush out and buy the album immediately.

When we spoke to lead singer Bres last summer, he was keen to get the band out into the public arena, but he was equally keen to make sure that the band took time to perfect every flick and twist, and that is clealy what Cars Love Girls have done.

The slow gestation and polishing of every track here bears great fruit, and

is no small tribute to the quality of the songwriting and musicianship of the band, as well as the final touches provided by one of the most prominent names in mastering, Bernie Grundman, who worked on Carol King’s Tapestry, Steely Dan’s Aja and Prince’s Purple Rain.

Whatever way you turn, there are inflections of some of the classiest pop in history throughout this record, and that’s no bad thing to wear on your sleeve when your influences are the best in the business.

Opening with the Prefab Sprout-esque overture of What’s On My Mind, Skip School melts the day around you as you get drawn into its velvet sheen.

Cars Love Girls open up their account with a top-class debut album

There’s a pure pop sensibility that runs through every note of the album, and CLG’s way round a melody is refreshing, to say the least.

Debut single, Lose Your Mind, langorously grooves it way out of the speakers,

while Never Gonna Get It wears its Prince influence on its sleeve, a combination of choppy guitar and synth lines that throw you all the way back to the heights of 1999-era Rogers Nelson.

Cars Love Girls (the

track) is a Steely Daninfluenced west coast classic, another reinforcement of the feeling that this is the kind of music should be listened to in a convertible on a freeway driving next to the ocean.

A fine debut all round.

8 March 2012 GAZETTE 19

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Sandra Taylor, founder of Angelic Touch

A holistic touch to help resolve anxieties SANDRA Taylor had a very successful career in IT, but found that in recent years, it wasn’t getting her out of bed in the morning, and she struggled to figure out what she wanted to do.

This struggle went on for a number of years until she had the luck to end up working in the same company as a woman who shared the same struggle.

They started talking about what they wanted to do with their lives, started doing courses together, and six years later are the best of friends Her journey from there has had its highs and lows, with part of the journey to heal her own issues so that she could help her clients heal themselves. Sandra suffered panic attacks, fears and anxieties, fear of flying, mild agoraphobia, hated crowds and questioned whether her new path in life was the correct one – was an IT consultant job easier?

For her, it would have been the easier path but not the correct one, as she felt that she wasn’t put on this planet to be an IT consultant.

She underwent various therapies to help heal and resolve issues that caused

the panic attacks and anxieties and, today, she is feeling really good.

However, she knows there are a lot of people out there that struggle like she did. As Sandra says, we live in stressful times; we often suffer from stressrelated health problems. Stress acts on the body and the mind and, therefore, on our whole being, causing us to battle through life.

Sandra believes that adopting a holistic and natural healing approach is the best way to balance the body, mind and soul, allowing the body to use its natural ability to heal itself. She achieves this by using a variety of therapies that she is qualified in. In addition to helping clients resolve fears, phobias and anxieties, she is also a qualified reflexologist and massage therapist, and often uses a combination of therapies to help treat the mind and the body.

Sandra also hosts talks/seminars by well-known speakers on holistic health.

For more information about Angelic Touch, or to attend a “Detox Your Mind” event, see www.angelictouch.ie, or call Sandra at 086 838 4134.

the UK taxpayer. Investors are guaranteed up to €100,000 per person (and if sterling, the equivalent of € 100,000 so funds sent across the Irish Sea or up to the North of Ireland would be covered to this threshold) by the UK Financial Regulatory Authority. You may also remember Ulster Bank took over the engagements of ( i.e. bought ) First Active plc, formerly First National Building Society. Other institutions covered by the UK authority include Investec Bank, Leeds Building Society and Nationwide UK Building Society.

KBC Bank, Rabo Bank and Danske Bank guarantee their respective subsidiaries here.

INCOME PROTECTION OR SERIOUS ILLNESS COVER Q – I took out a serious illness policy four years ago. I am a 36-year-old widow with two young children in professional employment, earning in excess of €85,000 per annum. The monthly contributions for this insurance are sizeable and with my current health good, seems to be a big waste of money. A friend of mine suggested I would be better off with income protection.

What would you advise? Jenny – Blackrock

Sandra Taylor

A – Your friend could be right. Serious illness cover,

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

A: None. I’m a one-man-band,

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: Saying ‘You know’ at the

Q: What was your first job?

A: Mortgage administrator in

so if it’s doing my treatments, designing/printing my brochures and flyers, updating my website, organising talks/ seminars/courses, I have to do it myself – but I love it

end of every sentence

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

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

A: October, 2009

ment guarantee? Alan - Mulhuddart

of Scotland (RBS) who, in turn, are owned 84% by

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

A: PE teacher

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: My memory isn’t that good

Q – Is the Ulster Bank covered by the Govern-

A – The Ulster Bank is owned by the Royal Bank

Q&A

Irish Permanent

DEPOSIT GUARANTEES

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

A: ITEC Teaching Diploma assignments – I really need to get the assignments finished

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

A: Expanding my business

that the last body of the Tit Bonhomme victims was recovered

or critical illness only covers you in the event of contracting a serious illness (the big four in particular are cancer, heart attack, stroke, MS) but you could be incapacitated for any reason outside of these

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Diep Le Shaker, Pembroke

“serious” illnesses and not be compensated. With

Street with hubby

tion be more suitable, but the premiums you pay

two young children, not only would income protecattract tax relief at your full marginal rate (which in

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

A: The Champ, or Shemar

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

A: Dame Edna, without a

Moore – AKA Derek Morgan, from Criminal Minds

shadow of doubt – at least he/ she would be a bit of a laugh

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: I tend to listen to chill-out,

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Somewhere near the sea

covers 75% of your monthly salary (less any social

with my husband and kids, not too hot, with lots of activities, yet lots of treatments to help unwind

Some serious illness or critical illness cover can be

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Working for myself, look-

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

A: Redheads have a bad

ing after my clients and seeing their quality of life improving following treatment

reputation of having a fiery temper – not true! We are just passionate souls!

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Kilmacud Crokes GAA,

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

A: Getting my first diploma at

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Football, rugby, GAA and

Louise Hay, Deepak Chopra, CoWorkinn

MotoGP

the age of 43 – in Anatomy and Physiology. It’s never too late!

Q: What sport can you play?

A: Football.

Q: What was your last tweet/ status update?

A: Shared great but sad news

relaxing music most of the time

your case would be 41%). Put another way, a golfing partner once confided to me that he missed out on a payout from his serious illness policy because he only had one stent put into his heart (apparently the minimum is two!). Essentially, income protection welfare payments) until your incapacitation ends or your pension kicks in – whichever is the sooner. considered as part of an overall mix of health cover.

It is important you obtain independent and professional advice.

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: Managing my own beautiful

Contact John with your money questions at

holistic treatment centre

www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the

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

A: Enjoy it

Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZET TE CALL 60 10 240

jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at

director of Money Doctor

LOCAL

MATTERS

20 GAZETTE 8 March 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs GETTING MORE MILES FROM SKODA:

SKODA’s Dublin dealerships are giving away 300km of free fuel for every person who visits the dealership between now and March 16, and takes a test drive in any SKODA model.

SKODA will also reward anyone who orders and registers a new SKODA before March 31 with an additional 3,000km Topaz fuel voucher.

This latest offer from SKODA’s Dublin dealerships is part of a nationwide testdrive campaign where SKODA intends to give away up to twomillion kilometres worth of free fuel.

Announcing the offer, Ray Leddy, marketing manager of Skoda Ireland said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Dublin to save some hardearned cash and avail of this free fuel offer.”

A recent survey has shown that 46% of all cyclists have done things like breaking red lights, while nearly three quarters don’t wear a helmet

Nearly half of cyclists break rules of the road HILE the majority of cyclists heed the rules of the road, a roadside survey in Dublin has shown that nearly a half (46 percent) break the law on Dublin’s streets.

The survey by Semperit Tyres was carried out over two days at a number of locations around Dublin city and environs.

Paddy Murphy, from Semperit Tyres Ireland, said: “Safety is key for

W

us in Semperit and that was the motivation for us to carry out this survey. The good news is that the majority of cyclists are careful and law-abiding but there is a significant minority who don’t obey the rules and it needs to be brought home to them that their behaviour is not only a safety hazard for themselves but also for other road users.

“From my own experience, I know that cyclists

don’t have it easy on Ireland’s roads; badly designed and badly maintained roads, insufficient cycle path provision and aggressive driving habits, all combine to make life difficult for cyclists. However, as the most vulnerable class of road user, they really need to heed all of the rules of the road in order to stay safe.”

The main infringements highlighted by the survey included cycling

on footpaths (21 per cent); breaking traffic lights (15 per cent); and cycling against the flow of traffic or wrong way on a one-way street (14 per cent). And although they are not obligatory, nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of cyclists do not wear a protective helmet. Helmets have been shown to significantly reduce head injuries for cyclists in the event of a collision.

At opposite ends of the

scale, the survey showed that teenagers proved to be the least observant of rules, while over-50s were the least likely to break the law. Exactly two-thirds (66 per cent) of teenagers were seen to break the law with a significant number commiting multiple infringements within a short space of time (e.g. breaking a red light and then cycling on the footpath).

W h i l e t h e s u r ve y was being carried out,

a cyclist who broke a red light while pedestrians were crossing, was challenged by a pedestrian and the cyclist was heard to shout: “Traffic lights are for cars, cyclists don’t have to heed them.”

However, under the terms of the Road Traffic Act, a bicycle is considered to be a vehicle, and thus, similar to car drivers, cyclists are obliged to obey the road traffic laws.

MINI making a statement in the commercial van world MINI are set to reveal a new stand-outfrom-the-crowd concept at Geneva International Motor Show 2012 – The MINI Clubvan Concept – a compact van for business and leisure, and the first premium model in the small carbased van segment.

According to MINI, the Clubvan Concept proves that style can also be

practical. The MINI Clubman-based concept car combines all of the driving fun and distinctive design for which MINI is renowned, with an increased load-carrying capability.

The Clubvan concept opens the door to a completely new market for MINI, premium small businesses who want to combine sharp driving dynamics with

low-cost of ownership, while also making a style statement with their company van.

The Clubvan Concept is a five-door car with a twist. Two front doors for the driver and front passenger, two sidehinged rear doors and the rear-hinged Clubdoor on the right-hand side all create useful access. The Clubdoor gives

owners the option of loading smaller items from the side of the car as well as the rear.

8 March 2012 GAZETTE 21

Edited by Cormac Curtis

WHITE VANS

TomTom looking to improve Freight safety TOMTOM has launched a new partnership with the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

The link-up will see TomTom provide their support for the FTA’s Van Excellence programme, which aims to promote best practice through selfregulation.

TomTom and its network of fleet consultant resellers will promote best practice in van fleets across the UK and Ireland. The local representatives will use the FTA’s best practice guides to help van managers strive towards Van Excellence, using TomTom’s technology to underpin efforts to achieve this status.

“We are delighted to join forces with the FTA, as the Van Excellence programme represents a significant move to raise standards throughout the industry,” said Giles Margerison, of TomTom. “The programme offers an ideal fit with TomTom Business Solution’s own values in promoting greener, safer, more efficient drivers. Self-regulation is important in ensuring high levels of operational best practice and our technology can help to provide the framework companies need to maintain those standards.”

More than 40 organisations have already signed up forVan Excellence and members will be accredited through a robust auditing process. The programme is designed to improve safety and efficiency among van drivers, and help to scrap the outdated “white van man” image.

Businesses interested in signing up for the programme should contact the FTA on +44 (0)8700 202 021.

The new Honda Civic, which has been hailed as one of the safest cars on the road

Civic safety supreme T HE new Honda Civic has received a five-star Euro NCAP Overall Safety Rating and Advanced NCAP Award for Safety Innovation.

The new Civic has been rated one of Europe‘s safest cars, according to new independent crash testing results from Euro NCAP. In addition, Euro NCAP have announced that they are extending Honda’s Advanced NCAP reward for its Collision Mitigation Braking Sys-

tem (CMBS) technology to include the new Civic.

The new Honda Civic has been awarded Euro NCAP’s maximum five-star rating. The rating scheme focuses on the vehicle’s overall safety performance which gives consumers an easy-to-understand single score.

The system considers occupant protection, child protection, pedestrian protection and the availability of driver aids. Since the introduction of Euro NCAP’s new rating scheme all

Honda models tested have achieved five stars.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General, commented “The ninth generation Civic impressed and achieved high scores in all areas of assessment, putting it on a par with its rivals in this competitive market segment.

The car scored well in Safety Assist and is also fitted as an option with Honda’s Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS).”

Euro NCAP also announced that they are extending Honda’s Advanced NCAP reward for its CMBS technology to include the new Civic.

The reward recognises Honda‘s CMBS technology as amongst the best available safety innovations, offering research proven benefits.

Euro NCAP Advanced is an initiative developed in response to the rapid development of new safety technologies, for which there is no independent assessment.

This Tourneo aims to beat competition THE new Ford Tourneo Custom Concept will make its global debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March, bringing a new level of energy and style to the European personal use vehicle segment.

Previewing the introduction of a completely new range of people movers, with commercial vehicles to follow, the Tourneo Custom Concept showcases a dramatic new look that will appeal to customers seeking style,

functionality and space.

“One look at the Tourneo Custom Concept is enough to tell you that it will inject an exciting new spirit into the personal use segment,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

“Our forthcoming new range gives us the opportunity to appeal to new customers with a fresh new direction, and we have seized that opportunity with both hands.

“The Tourneo Custom Concept will preview of

a host of exciting new features, which give the vehicle strong car-like appeal.

“These include an allnew interior design with driver-focused cockpit, and a luxurious, fully trimmed cabin which has the ambience and highquality materials of a modern multi-seat saloon car.”

Ford says the Tourneo Custom Concept “communicates very clearly a dramatic new design direction for Ford’s commercial vehicle range”.

The new Ford Tourneo, which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show

22 GAZETTE 8 March 2012

R1

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel

Leopards, temples and culture ... it can only be lovely Sri Lanka SRI LANKA conjures up images of tea plantations, beaches, sacred temples and exotic wildlife, and the island will not disappoint those looking for a holiday of exceptional variety this year, with an exceptional escorted tour available, from €2,139.

Once landed, you’re in a different world, with a night in the vibrant colonial capital followed by a visit to cave paintings, en route to the ruins of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

History is everywhere, as shrines and temples punctuate this part of the tour, along with opportunities for an elephant-back safari and a visit to an elephant orphanage.

A cultural evening is then followed by a trip to a tea plantation on the way to Nuwara Eliya, and then on to Yala National Park, where you can look out for leopards and other exotic creatures as part of a two-night stay there. Two relaxing days at the beach at Bentota, with visits to local towns, round off the 12-day adventure.

The full escorted tour starts from €2,139 ex-London, which includes breakfast on most mornings, dinner on seven nights and lunch at the elephant sanctuary. Connecting flights from Dublin can be arranged. To book, visit your local travel agent or call the Thomas Cook Ireland team in Dublin on 01 514 0316.

A spacious Tara Room suite at the Trinity Capital Hotel on Pearse St in the heart of Dublin

CITY BREAK: A FOUR-STAR HOTEL THAT DARES TO BE DIFFERENT

Step into another world at the Trinity Capital JESSICA MAILE

I THINK its important to state that not all four-star hotels are the same. I’m sure we have all been in hotels where the decor and atmosphere makes them all feel similar. The Trinity Capital Hotel breaks that mould.

Walking off Pearse Street and into the reception area, you know you have entered a hotel

with a difference. The subtle lighting and cosy selection of extremely tall Winsdor-like chairs makes you want to just sit back and watch Dublin pass by or marvel at the amazing chandeliers. The interior design makes you feel so warm and at home, as the dark, yet warm, colours give off a cosy, but exotic, atmosphere and you can certainly see why the hotel has achieved it’s four-star status.

As we made our way to our room, the journey down the purple and magenta hallway was relaxing (it sounds a bit much, but with the low lighting, it really worked) and made us wonder what the inside of the rooms was going to look like!

The Tara Rooms may have been at the end of this inspirational corridor, but the best was definitely left to last.

It was a hard choice between the huge bed, or the wonderfully modern

The lavishly decorated bar

sofas that invited you to take the pressure off your legs after a day’s shopping in the capital city. The carpet, cleverly designed to look like floorboards, and the bare brick gave the room a modern, yet homely feel that would be suited in any docklands warehouse apartment conversion.

As evening approached, it was time to sit back with a refreshing pint in the lavishly decorated bar and enjoy the buzz of conversations and the exotic music playing in the background. The soft lighting from the internal courtyard provided a

warming glow and actually made us feel like we were in a much warmer climate.

The Cafe Cairo restaurant provided a wonderful choice of meals to suit our building hunger, and our friendly hostess even helped with a recommendation for which wine to choose.

The delicious lamb kebabs, with a tangy cucumber and mint sauce as starter, just stirred up my appetite as I knew the Surf and Turf was next for the main course.

The succulent steak, and large tiger prawns, did not disappoint, but I

had to make sure I still had room for the blackcurrant cheesecake to top it all off.

The combination of a full stomach and warm ambience combined to make us feel ready to waddle back to our large, comfy bed for a peaceful night’s sleep.

The central location of the Trinity Capital Hotel makes it an ideal venue to appreciate all that Dublin has to offer. It was just a short walk before we were right in the heart of Dublin shopping district, as Grafton Street and O’Connell Street were just a stroll away.

T he Trinity Capital Hotel offers all that you would want from a city hotel, but with that something extra special that you will want to take home with you, especially if it’s one of those oversized armchairs for your front room!

For more information see www.trinitycapitalhotel.com.

8 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

SAFARI: LUXURY BREAK TAKES IN SPECTACULAR NATURAL SIGHTS

Kenya find a better getaway in Africa?

THE itinerary of the Kenya Migration Safari has been specially designed to put you at the heart of the annual wildlife migration.

Visitors to this beautiful country will experience three very different regions while on safari, including Sambur u, which is rugged and beautiful and is renowned for predators and elephants; Nakuru, which is located in the Great Rift Valley, and is most famous for its flamingos and rhino, and the Masai Mara – world famous for its rolling grasslands and vast migrating herds.

Enjoy this magnificent country as you drive on its rugged roads through rich farm land. Samburu Reserve lies 300km north of Nairobi, on the hot and arid fringes of Kenya. You arrive in time for lunch, followed by a game viewing drive.

The Ashnil Samburu is separated from the reserve by the Uaso Nyiro River.

The reserve lies within the lands of the Samburu people and is home to wildlife rarely found elsewhere in Kenya, including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and beisa oryx, which are found only north of the equator.

The graceful gerenuk – an antelope with a characteristic long neck – spends much of its time in a bipedal stance, seeking relaxation in the sparse scrub that grows in this harsh terrain.

This dramatic landscape is blanketed by the hot equatorial sun for most of the year. Relief comes from the cool waters of the Uaso Nyiro River, which rises to the west on the foothills of the Aberdares and which vanishes beyond Samburu in the soggy expanse known

Flamingos flock to Lake Nakaru in their thousands – just one of Kenya’s many stunning natural sights

as the Lorian Swamp.

Sweetwaters is a sheltered oasis, clustered around a water hole and set in the pristine and private Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Game here includes elephants, giraffes, zebras and impalas and you will also visit the 200-acre chimpanzee sanctuary, established by Kenya’s Wildlife Service and the Jane Goodall Institute.

More than 20 orphaned and abused chimps reside here, while becoming rehabilitated so they may be reintroduced to the wild. Sweetwaters also boasts almost 400 bird species.

Nakuru is perhaps the most famous of Africa’s great soda lakes, and Lake Nakuru is home to hundreds of thousands of greater and lesser flamingos and many other water bird species.

Built in a natural dais, overlooking one of the world’s greatest ornithological spectacles, the Sarova Lion Hill Lodge impresses with its panoramic views of Lake Nakuru.

The lodge is surrounded by natural flora and fauna and you can enjoy the vista from the privacy

of your own veranda.

One of the great natural features on earth, the Rift Valley is visible from outer space and stretches 5,500km, spans two continents, and runs from Jordan, through Kenya to Mozambique.

In the Masai Mara, with the reserve borders between Kenya and Tanzania unfenced, the wildlife is free to migrate, and the Mara is probably best known for its annual wildebeest migration. Lion, cheetah and leopard are often spotted; however, it is the vast herds that will leave you spellbound.

The cost is €2,195pp – ground only – and €2,718pp, including flights. The price of this trip includes all transfers, accommodation, meals and game drives as indicated, private transport

while on safari with a naturalist driver/guide, and National Park and transit fees.

International return flights to Nairobi are not included, and will be priced on application to ensure the best fare. Kenya visa fees are USD$50 per person. Travel insurance, and tips to drivers, porters and bellmen are not included.

The Kenya Migration Safari is only available from July 1 to October 31, so book now to avoid disappointment.

This package can be booked as is. However, it is best combined with a beach stay of four or six nights in a resort along Mombasa’s sandy shores.

This can be arranged upon request.

For more information, or to book, visit www. gohop.ie.

You could easily see some of Samburu’s elephants

TravelBriefs Exciting new wedding package on offer at the luxury four-star Slieve Russell hotel in Cavan THE Slieve Russell hotel in Cavan has launched its exciting new wedding package.

The four-star luxury Slieve Russell Hotel, located on the Cavan border, has created a great wedding package that is budget-friendly, covering 100 guests for €5,000, with this offer valid on all Fridays and Saturdays during the months of January, February, March, November and December, 2013, and all midweek dates in 2013 (excluding December 27 to 31).

Set in 300 acres of magnificently landscaped gardens, including 50 acres of lakes, the hotel ensures the perfect setting for your wedding day. Inspirational gardens with vibrant and unique surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for those all-important wedding shots.

For further information, contact the Slieve Russell sales office on 049 952 6444, see www.slieverussell.ie, or email slieve-sales@ quinn-hotels.com.

24 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 8 March 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Carthaginans

CONTINUING with The Pavilion’s run of strong, memorable drama, Frank McGuinness’ striking play, Carthaginans, runs on Friday, March 9 and Saturday, March 10. Influenced

by Bloody Sunday, and delving into certain facets of The Troubles, this production, set in a graveyard, both helps to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and provides some thought-provoking entertainment for theatre fans. Catch the show at 8pm, with tickets costing €20/6.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 The Field GLENCULLEN Musical and Dramatic Society will bring the intimidating figure of Bull McCabe to life in their production of the classic John B Keane play, The Field. Marking the tenth anniversary of the acclaimed playwright’s death, the imposing tenant farmer will stalk the rural setting of a remote Irish village, while tragedy builds like billowing stormclouds over a simple field ... The show runs nightly at 8pm until Saturday, March 10, with tickets priced at €15/€12.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 885 2622 Love’s Last Shift PRESENTED by Bull Alley Training College, the sights, sounds and mores of 1696 will be brought to life in a broad farce inflluenced partly by the Restoration period’s values, and theatrical tastes. When a virtuous wife’s longabsent rake of a husband returns to London, yet no longer remembers her after all his time spent with the bottle and the brothel, she resolves to trick him, thus showing him the error of his ways ... The play runs at 8.15pm until Saturday, March 10, with admission costing €10/€7 conc.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 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.

Gate Theatre regulars Michael James Ford and Michael Winder will be joined by the RSC’s Simon Coury for an exquisite dinner theatre 90-minute show at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 10, with tickets priced €40/€35 conc, which includes a three-course meal.

Although audiences may not have been quite as enthusiastic, there was near universal critical acclaim for The Artist, which claimed several titles at the recent Oscars’ ceremony, including the widely-expected wins for Best Actor, for Jean Dujardin, and Best Picture

Let’s look at Oscar Kate’s invite was lost in the post – but not to worry, as here’s a look at some key titles from this year’s awards I KATE CROWLEY

THERE’S no accounting for taste – something which my readers would probably hiss each week, but never mind. I mean, I take what you both think very seriously indeed, but I don’t always follow what general audiences, rather than my readers, are interested in.

Take The Woman In Black, for instance, which I part reviewed last week, and noted that it was a decidedly twostar film. (Space prohibited me from revealing at the time that one star was given to star, Daniel Radcliffe’s whiskers.)

However, audiences have begged to differ – in Britain, at least – where I see that the film has become the most successful horror film, like, ever. Yikes. Unlike the film, that’s rather scary ...

Well, sticking with the audience for now, let’s follow ’em right on over

to The Oscars.

Oh, sure, I’m a week late – but, on the other hand, this way I get to look at some of the winners, rather than sitting here with egg on my face from predicting likely winners from the week before.

The Best Picture Oscar went to The Artist, which, in retrospect, wasn’t exactly the greatest surprise in the world.

Although I never got around to reviewing it here, it’s a fine choice for best film, with the preceding year not having any particularly outstanding titles.

Perhaps something of an acquired taste, it still stands out as an expertly made, yet entertaining look back at the fine old traditions of cinema itself, while its shameless mugging and over-the-top acting still has plenty of wit and warmth, making it a good, if somewhat safe, choice for that Oscar.

Not just one Oscar, of course, as it scooped up several others, with Jean Dujardin’s energetic performance seizing Best Actor, while other Oscars included Best Director, Best Original Score and Best Costume Design.

Not bad going for a silent film.

Hugo, which I did review, also did quite well, taking another impressive haul with such winners as Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing, and Best Cinematography, all of which helps to show that it’s not just a great, if thoughtful kids’ film, but also something that looks and sounds great, making it an audiovisual treat, and was a pretty good win for what is Marty

Scorcese’s first children’s film.

Of course, Meryl Streep took yet another award, sweeping onto the stage to take Best Actress for The Iron Lady. Another non-surprise, as who on earth would argue with Margaret Thatcher – well, Meryl – on her way to the stage?

I’m assuming thatMer yl’s downstairs loo – or wherever she keeps all her gold awards and statues – now has more bling than the window at Appleby’s.

Something that was almost as golden was the highlyemotional acceptance speech by Octavia Spencer, given her Best Suppor ting Actress win for The Help;

a film I didn’t quite take to, but which was a hit for many.

Christopher Plummer was gracious with his simple speech for his win for Best Supporting Actor for Beginners, while his rivals looked on from the rank-and-file filling the auditorium.

Otherwise ... well, it was a mixed bag of largely unsurprising wins, while Billy Crystal’s shtick went down as well*/terribly* as usual (*delete as appropriate).

And that’s yer lot.

There were some great winners, some worthy ones, bizarre choices and curious omissions – same old, same old – creating an Oscars show, and selection, that was straightforward enough.

And now, the Oscar award for the Best Suddenly Off To The Shops Film Critic goes to ...

In tribute to this year’s Best Picture winner, here’s a monochrome Oscar

8 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Could chain soon face Game over?

It’s early notice, but gamers will welcome the news of the release date for Bioshock Infinite, with its floating city-state setting of Columbia (above), echoing many of the architectural designs and societal mores of Chicago’s 1893 World Columbian Exposition (right)

Prepared for an Infinite adventure in Columbia?

SHANE DILLON

BEING something of a nerd in many fields, and not just in gaming, I know lots of useless stuff – such as … did you know that the world’s first Ferris Wheel was Irish? (Keep reading – this is going somewhere, I promise.).

Yes, indeed, the humble ferris wheel first made its appearance in Irish Town

– just one of the many national locations found within the vast, sprawling and pretty amazing 1893 World Columbian Exposition (also known as the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893).

Amongst other gems, Irish Town featured a fine example of Irish steel and iron, which the ironmongers had crafted into a giant spinning

wheel with carriages, with which to raise visitors for a view over the vast site.

So far, so … informative, yet what, one might ask, has the little-known wonder of the 1893 Chicago World Fair’s sights got to do with gaming today?

It’s pretty simple, really, as the release date for Bioshock Infinite has

Anotherweebyte...

Chilling news for Blizzard’s staff MANY readers will be aware of the jobs lost in Cork recently when Blizzard Entertainment announced that 200 jobs were to go at its division there, in a move that’s a personal tragedy for all involved, but a step that’s unlikely to have been very surprising for industry watchers, or, indeed, for many of Bliz-

zard’s user base.

World of Warcraft, Blizzard’s international role-playing game, has peaked, plateaued and begun to lose subscribers, with a subscriber base standing at 12 million in 2010, but dropping to 10.2 million by the end of December last – a 15% drop that was set to inevitably hit staff numbers at the firm’s global operations.

There’s absolutely no pun intended, but

Blizzard’s cuts are just another sign of the chill winds that continue to blow through the Irish and global economy.

Hopefully, the staff at Blizzard’s Cork operations will benefit from the support available from IDA Ireland and other such bodies, and, with World of Warcraft set to be part of their past, I’m sure we all hope there’s a world of opportunity ahead for the 200 staff ...

just been announced – October 19 – and, for those who know of such matters, it’s easy to see Bioshock Infinite (or B3, as I’ll call it, being the third in the Bioshock series) as a setting that’s been heavily influenced by the architecture and stylings of the 1893 fair, coupled with the mores and habits of turn-of-thecentury America.

Indeed, even by name alone, B3 seems influenced by the 1893 Fair, as its setting – the floating city of Columbia, traversing the sky with all manner of turbines and wind balloons holding it aloft – looks quite similar in look, and concept, to her earthbound Chicago counterpart.

In B3, faced with the task of roaming through now largely lawless Columbia, which is feared by those lands below the anarchic floating city, the player will constantly endeavour to find, work with and

ultimately escape with Elizabeth – a mysterious women with barely controlled psychic powers, who is an essential part of Columbia’s destiny, and a character at the centre of several rival factions’ plans – and not all of them human ...

So far, so Bioshock, as previous fans of Bioshock’s way of presenting story alongside gameplay will know to expect a first-personshooter that’s presented with interesting undertones to exercise their grey matter, alongside their trigger finger.

Despite Columbia being set to be a very unwelcoming place for visitors on October 19 gamers will certainly be on cloud nine once they step forth into the floating city, where Elizabeth and all manner of wondrous sights, intimidating gangs, political rivalries – and terrifying falls to the distant landscape, below – will await …

I DIDN’T expect to be covering Game’s fortunes again quite so soon after last week’s side story on the retailer’s announcement it would not be stocking a significant new Wii release.

However, the retailer has been making news for all the wrong reasons yet again, as its share price suddenly tumbled 15% at the end of last week.

Continuing its ongoing trading difficulties with distributors, it was reported that Game was unable to reach agreement with EA over credit terms for stocking the imminent and keenlyanticipated cross-platform EA release, Mass Effect 3 (ME3) and, consequently, won’t be stocking ME3 at its stores upon its release this Friday – despite ME3 being one of the key “flagpole” releases for 2012 for all games retailers, and a lucrative money generator for all concerned.

The failure to stock such a key title amounts to even more of Game’s balance-sheet blood in the water, as the retailer struggles to restructure its finances and credit sheet, and reach agreement with its significant trading partners.

ME3’s war should have been a nice little earner for Game – or at the very least, helpful in addressing some of its ongoing credit issues – but, instead, gamers, shareholders and business correspondents could be forgiven for wondering if it’ll soon be Game over for the ailing chain …

GAZETTE

26 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 8 March 2012

DUN LAOGHAIREclassifieds

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

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DUN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

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Planning Permission sought for proposed ground floor porch extension at front, attic conversion to include study and toilet with dormer window to rear and small window in gable, form gable on existing hipped roof and removal of chimney stack down to first floor level at 29 The Green, Woodpark, Ballinteer, Dublin 16 for Damian & Claire Crowe.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire during its public opening hours. A submission / observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the Planning Authority.

We, Niall & Tina Byrne, intend to apply for Planning Permission for widening of existing vehicular entrance by 1.45 meters consisting of repositioning brick gate pillars and removing part of garden walls, widening of road access, dishing of kerb, minor modifications to driveway paving and all associated site works at 67 Holywell, Upper Kilmacud Road, Dublin 14. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire during its public opening hours. A submission/observation may be made on payment of €20 within the period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

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GazetteSPORT

STARS IN YOUR EYES Dublin Sports Stars winners for February are announced: Page 29

SPORT SCIENCE: NUTRITIONAL BENEFIT OF MILK FORMS PART OF NATIONAL CAMPAIGN

Basketball Ireland and NDC hold seminar sport@gazettegroup.com

BASKETBALL Ireland, in conjunction with the National Dairy Council (NDC), recently held a Nutrition and Coaching Seminar for coaches at the National Basketball Arena, as part of the Milk it For All It’s Worth campaign.

Dr Tom Hill, a senior lecturer in Nutrition at Newcastle University, led an interactive discussion, supported by

the nutritional team from NDC. Dr Hill has extensive experience of working on diet and nutrition issues with players, athletes and teams across a variety of sports, ranging from soccer to rowing.

T he NDC interest is fuelled by the growing body of scientific research showing milk can play a very positive role in a number of aspects of sports nutri-

tion.

Specific areas of focus include the effectiveness of skimmed milk as a rehydration drink after sports, in addition to research highlighting the beneficial role of milk and milk-based products in recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage.

The beneficial role of milk in these areas has been attributed to the natural nutritional composition of milk.

Dr Tom Hill, Caroline O’Donovan from the National Dairy Council, and and Martin McGettrick, Basketball Ireland

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

Hill, coaches should be encouraged to initiate basic nutrition strategies with their squads.

“Proper sports nutrition will help athletes to train and compete harder and to recover more quickly, so that they are better able to take on their next train-

ing session or competition,” said Dr. Hill.

“The few hours before, during and after exercise are critical times for ensuring players eat and drink properly and coaches can play a role in giving encouragement to players around this.

“During sport last-

ing more than 30 minutes, fluid intake may be required. Adequate rehydration after sports is vital to replace fluids lost via sweat.”

Fluid requirements should also account for the ongoing sweat loss that occurs during the recovery period after exercise. In summary,

food and drink after sport, which replaces the carbohydrate stores, provides some protein and helps replace the fluid and electrolytes (sodium and potassium) lost in sweat is recommended.

For more information on the campaign, see www.ndc.ie

28 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 8 March 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastGAA

RUGBY: KILBOGGET SIDE PRIMED FOR NEXT STAGE OF SUCCESS with Setanta’s Senan Connell

Dublin should learn from Laois experience DUBLIN starred in a game of two halves at the weekend against Laois.

The Dubs looked comfortable at all times, even at 0-4 to 0-1 down by the 10th minute; they re-grouped and, from then on, went on a scoring rampage.

From a Dublin point of view, they played the better football in the first half.

Pat Gilroy’s men had acres of space, though to Justin McNulty’s delight, Laois did go on a slight spur in the second half. They went from being 0-10 to 0-6 down to 0-10 to 0-8 but then Ross Munnelly missed a kickable free, which would have closed the gap to just one point.

Alan Brogan then went up the other end and kicked a score for Dublin. Small margins at that level make all the difference.

Eoghan O’Gara had a stormer, hitting 1-5 from play. He has obviously been working on his strength and conditioning and has been building on his form for DCU in the Sigerson Cup. However, crucially, he is free from injury, which has not been the case the last few years.

Himself and man-of-the-match Diarmuid Connolly up front were remarkable at times and certainly provide answers to critics who say that Dublin are over-reliant on the Brogan brothers.

Dublin now face the challenge of Armagh at Croke Park this weekend, in a double header that sees the hurlers take on Cork.

Senan Connell is a pundit with Setanta Sports, broadcasting 14 exclusively live Allianz League matches this season.

Setanta Sports Satellite customers can subscribe for just €8.49 per month to get this great GAA plus 33 Premier League games, FA Cup, European soccer and World Class Rugby. Subscribe at Setanta.com/gaaoffer or call 0818 20 30 40.

Seeapoint, seen here in action against City of Derry, are set for a potential promotion after another win in Ulster Bank Division 2A

Point placed for glory ULSTER BANK DIV 2A Seapoint Clonalkilty

35 15

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A THIRD successive victory has placed Seapoint in the mix for yet another promotion after they picked up a bonus-point win over basement side, Clonakilty, in Kilbogget Park last Saturday.

It added to narrow wins over fellow chasers Queen’s University (13-12) and DLSP (29-25) to continue Seapoint’s incredible story, rising from the Leinster leagues two seasons ago to the verge of the second tier of AllIreland rugby.

They moved second in the Division 2A behind runaway leaders, Dublin University, courtesy of five converted tries

Tr i e s f r o m G r e g Foley, Danny Ruddock, Ken Casey and Martin O’Connor, as well as five conversions from the metronomic boot of Brian Keegan, saw the bonus point assured, a vital one as it lifted Seapoint clear of Malone by one point.

With local rivals De La Salle Palmerston falling for a second successive week, it opened the door for Seapoint to leap further up the rankings and in with the possibility of an automatic promotion place.

Such a jump could lead to them sharing a division with Blackrock College’s first team for the very first time if the Stradbrook side’s travails continue.

With four rounds of division 1A still to go,

they lie second from bottom after a crushing 42-3 defeat to league leaders Clontarf.

Frank Cogan and Killian Lett celebrated their call-ups to the Ireland Clubs’ squad by scoring a try apiece in this one-sided encounter.

Dermot O’Meara, Timmy McCoy, Simon Crawford (2) and Martin Dufficy also crossed the ‘Rock whitewash, with former Rock coach Andy Wood now just four games away from the title.

Visitors Blackrock, who are second from bottom in the table, were 15-0 behind at the break with Cogan and promising scrum half O’Meara touching down for ‘Tarf.

Credit to Eric Miller’s young side, they man-

aged to hold Clontarf to just five points until late in the first half when Dufficy kicked a penalty and O’Meara broke through for his try.

O’Meara was an able deputy for regular number 9 Sam Cronin who was ruled out with a shoulder injury.

A penalty from fullback Andrew Letham got ‘Rock off the mark early in the second half, but two more tries secured the bonus point for the north Dubliners

and then they ran riot.

Their power and pace on the ball was too much for a youthful Blackrock outfit to handle, despite the addition of player-coach and former Ireland and Lions back rower Miller to their line-up.

Full-back Dufficy helped himself to a tr y, finishing with a 12-point tally, and the experienced Crawford was sprung from the bench to claim a welltaken brace.

8 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29

in association with

GIFT OF SPORT: CELEBRATION AT ST ANN’S CHURCH

2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS FEBRUARY WINNERS IN ASSOCIATION WITH

STARof theMONTH

LESLEY O’HALLORAN THE South Dublin tennis ace has had a lengthy and prestigious career in the sport in this country, and brought two gold, a silver and a bronze medal back from the San Diego International Tennis Federation (ITF) Senior World championships, claiming Ireland’s first-ever team title in world tennis in the process.

Dublin gives thanks sport@gazettegroup.com

THE Annual Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of Sport will be held in St Ann’s Church on Dawson Street on Sunday, March 25, at 7.30pm.

Sixty-three years ago the first service of thanksgiving for the gift of sport took place in Dublin in 1949 in St Peter’s Church, Aungier Street, long since demolished.

The idea for holding such a ser vice arose following discussions between the Revd

SUPPORT

LOCAL BUSINESS

THREE ROCK ROVERS

THE Rathfarnham side travelled to Malatya in south-eastern Turkey to claim promotion from the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champion’s Challenge II, getting back into the top tier of the indoor competition in Europe by virtue of a second-place position in the competition, achieved in spite of some tough breaks on their way to the tournament.

WHAT? It’s March already?

February ended on a high with the showing of the Dublin Sports Awards show on Setanta Ireland, and keep an eye out for more repeats of the show throughout this month.

Not only that, but there were some huge achievements on the world stage by our stars of the month.

World number two at her age level, Lesley O’Halloran brought a handful of world championship medals back to the capital after her great success in San Diego.

Equally far afield, Three Rock

SHOP LOCALLY

TEAMof theMONTH

Rovers achieved their Turkish delight and obtained promotion to the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champion’s Challenge I for the 2013 season.

Let us know!

Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance to be one of our monthly stars.

Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes, and follow us on Facebook at facebook. com/gazettesportII.

CALL THE GAZETTE ON

60 10 240

George Crummy and Bob Graves, the Irish r ugby international.

Since then the ser vice has developed into an annual ecumenical event, held in the evenings, to allow for maximum attendance from the sporting fraternity The service continues to be the focus of thanksgiving for all men, women and young people whose lives have been enriched and blessed by the gift of sport, whether through active par ticipation, patronage or through the media of radio, tel-

evision or attendance at sporting events and fixtures.

Over the years many prominent sportspersons of note have spoken at the service and, this year, the address will be given by Tommy Carr, the former Gaelic football player for Dublin and All-Star winner in1991.

He has also managed a number of other county GAA teams since his retirement as a player.

The collection is donated each year to a charity and, this year, Pieta House has been

chosen. Pieta is involved in assisting people at risk of suicide and self harm.

Unfortunately, those who participate in sport are not immune from such tragedy and sadness as most recently highlighted by the death of Garry Speed in Britain.

For further information, contact Robert Prole, member of the ASU (Association of Schools’ Unions ) Service Organising Committee by telephone on 01 2889565 or via email to rdeprole@eircom.net.

30 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 8 March 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

SOCCER: CABINTEELY, JOEY’S STARS ARE NAMED IN PANELS

St Andrew’s record claim league double ST ANDREW’S took the first two major schoolboys’ hockey titles of the year when their junior and U-13 sides took their respective league titles.

Late goals from Ben Campbell and Jordan Larmour saw St Andrew’s fight off Sutton Park in the closing minutes of their Junior A league final.

A cracking tie, Andrew’s hit the front through Jazze Henry early on but Sutton, in search of their first ever title at this level, were level when Irish U-16 star Jack Ryan drew a save from Jamie Carr which Keith O’Hare netted on the rebound.

Campbell laid on for Wilf King to tap in for 2-1 at the break and they had a number of chances to extend their lead early in the second half as King slid a shot across the face while David Nolan and Larmour missed out on great chances.

Gavin O’Brien levelled from a set piece 11 minutes from the end for 2-2. But Andrews bounced back, captain Campbell volleying the go-ahead goal and Larmour finished off the fourth to start the celebrations.

St Joseph’s Boys Under-15 Premier players were among the squad picked to represent Ireland against Belgium

Local kids get call-ups I sport@gazettegroup.com

FIVE of Cabinteely’s U-13s have been selected for league squads for forthcoming fixtures.

In the DDSL, Sean McDonald, of the U-13 Premiers, has been named in the league representative squad that will travel to Manchester on March 16, where they will play two games, a ga inst Ma nchester United and Blackburn Rovers.

As a further testimony to their great performances, four of the club’s U-13 SDFL Premier players — Alex Connolly, Sam O’Connor, Mikey

Fegan and Niall O’Leary — have been called in to the SDFL U-13 representative squad, with their fixtures still to be finalised.

M e a nw h i l e , n e a rneighbours, St Joseph’s Boys, were also celebrating representative callups when Dan Casey, Sean Byrne and Malike Benrouguibi, from the club’s U-15 Premiers, were selected to represent the Republic of Ireland U-15 international team for their internationals against Belgium.

The ties will see international football return to Killarney, with the ties played last week at Kil-

larney Celtic’s ground.

All of the players involved in this panel currently play their football in this country and have come through the emerging talent programme, where they have been continuously monitored and coached to the highest levels.

Many of the players starred in the Kennedy Cup last summer, and they have since taken part in a number of three-day training camps, along with a two-match trip to Qatar.

The Under-15 squad is the first rung on the ladder to full international caps for these players

and is a major step in the preparation of the players for competition at European Championships level.

Head coach, Niall Harrison, said: “This is going to be a very valuable lesson for these young players who learn what it is like being away as part of a squad.

“It gives the lads great experience of travelling to play fixtures which will really stand to them as they progress through the age groups.

“We are delighted to play in Killarney; I have been down to the club on a few occasions and been very impressed

with the facilities there.

The club, league and general public in Kerry have given us great support, it is an ideal place to play.”

Elsewhere, Joeys were delighted to confirm Liverpool FC will take part in this year’s in the Hibernia Trophy 2012.

They will be returning to the Hibernia Trophy as defending champions, having defeated Glasgow Celtic on penalties in last year’s final.

Preparations are well under way for the Hibernia Trophy 2012, which will be held in Sallynoggin from Friday, August 17 to Sunday, August 19.

Dynamic Dragons: Seapoint’s first training session SEAPOINT Rugby Club held their first special needs tag rugby training session last weekend, and it proved to be a huge success. Six students from Holy Child School, Killiney, were present to give a helping hand.Do you know anyone with an intellectual disability aged 11 years and over who might like to be part of this new team? If you would like to hear more about this new club initiative, contact Caroline O’Brien at carolineobrien@ireland.com

8 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 31

in association with

GAELIC GAMES: LOCAL STARS FOR CLUB, COUNTY a

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CUALA THE club fight night takes place this

hurlers who started their campaign

coming Saturday. The training has

with a win over Faughs; to the U-16

been intense and so too has the sales

and U-13B hurlers who both won

effort. At this stage it looks likely the

their league matches; to the U-11,

event will be completely sold out on

U-12 and U-13 girls’ footballers and

Saturday night, so buy your tickets

to the U-11, U-13 and U-14 camogie

in advance for what promises to be a

teams who each got their campaigns

cracker of a night.

off to winning starts.

Thanks to all those who turned out

58 entrants are still standing in the

for the club strategic planning event

Last Man Standing fundraiser. Those

in Killiney on Friday night. A lot of

yet to pay should see their way to

common sense spoken and the real

handing over their €10 to one of the

importance is that what emerges

adult mentors. This week is the last

over the coming weeks as a plan for

chance to enter the great sports

the coming years will be the work of

prophet fundraiser, where you are

the members.

asked to predict the outcome of

Well done to the minor footballers

a host of sports events through

who recorded one- and two-point

the year, and earn bragging rights

wins respectively over the weekend.

throughout the club. Find out more

Congratulations also to the junior

at www.cualagaa.ie

FOXROCK/CABINTEELY Kilmacud Crokes junior hurlers won their opening league encounter against St Brigid’s

Jackies, Crokes win opening encounters U-16 LADIES LEINSTER Dublin Kildare

9-19 2-4

I sport@gazettegroup.com

DUBLIN’S young Jackies were in action last we e ke n d , a n d b o t h sides started their Leinster championship campaigns with comprehensive victories against Kildare at O’Toole’s.

The Under-16s manager, Fearghal Brennan, must have come away from last Saturday’s Leinster championship game with Kildare delighted after his young charges dismissed the Lilywhites on a scoreline of 9-19 to 2-4.

Although Dublin recorded a comfortable victory, Kildare must have been aware that they were coming into this encounter facing a stern challenge from the reigning Leinster champions Kildare, having made the move up from Leinster B champion-

ship to top-flight football this season were always going to find the step up in levels a taxing challenge.

In front of a sizeable home crowd, Dublin gave a solid performance, dominating every sector of the field. One concern for the Dublin management team would be the missed openings in front of the Kildare posts, but this result can be looked on as a good opening and a learning experience.

Being the early part of the season, the Jackies have plenty of time to work on tweaking their football and scoring skills with four additional round-robin fixtures still to be played.

The Dubs can look forward to a trip down to Wexford on March 24; the Model county girls registered a comfortable away win over Meath in their opening round game.

Wexford will relish

the visit of the Dubs and they also have the potential to cause an upset; Dublin will have to hit top form if they intend to keep their unbeaten run in Leinster intact.

At the same ground, the Dublin Under-14 girls commenced their Leinster championship with a comprehensive win over Kildare.

The girls in blue were apprehensive prior to the start of the game, but the nerves quickly disappeared as they entertained their supporters and the Dublin U-16 ladies’ team with some fine, fast-flowing scores from play.

Elsewhere, Kilmacud Crokes’ junior A side got their league campaign off to a winning start on Sunday against St Brigid’s, claiming a 1-9 to 1-4 result.

O n a c o l d s u n ny morning, the pitch was heavy and it showed in players’ first touch.

However, Crokes were playing with the benefit of a strong breeze in the first half and quickly got on top, with a point from Richie Tighe.

Soon after, Tighe converted a penalty, following a foul on MacDara O ’ Ho g a i n , a n d f u rther scores came from Conor Caulfield and Kevin Dalton. At half time, it was 1-06 to 0-02 for Crokes.

Brigid’s came into contention in the second half and closed the gap to two points but, with ten minutes to go, the Crokes’ forwards stepped up to close out the game, with fine points from Caulfield and Justin Cassidy.

At senior level, Crokes fell 1-15 to 1-8 to Faughs in their opening match in defence of their Division 1 crown.

Crokes finished the first half with a five-point lead but failed to score against the wind in the second half.

THIS weekend saw the commence-

ship with both teams coming away

ment of the juvenile ladies’ league

with an emphatic win.

seasons.

Congratulations to Loreto Foxrock

There were mixed fortunes for

U-14 Gaelic team who are through

our teams with wins for the U-12As,

to the Leinster quarter-finals fol-

U-13As , U-14As and Bs.

lowing their win over Portmarnock

Well done to our Dublin repre-

CS during the week.

sentatives on the U-14 and U-16

The team is largely made up of

teams. Both teams played Kildare

Fox-Cab players, and is managed

in the first round of the champion-

by Tony Myles.

NAOMH OLAF CONGRATULATIONS to our senior

Gordon, had fine games in defence,

hurlers who got off to a great start

whilst James Hughes, Francois Grey

in the AHL3 league by defeating a

and Johnny Connors were the most

strongly fancied Parnell’s side away

impressive forwards.

on Sunday by a score of 1-10 to 0-7 in a toughly-fought battle.

In the Loving Cup, Naomh Olaf put in a good performance in a very enjoy-

Our junior hurlers had a tough away

able home game on Saturday that

assignment against St Brendan’s in

ended with a draw against Clanna

their opening AHL6 game. Olaf’s put

Gael with the final score Naomh Olaf

up a credible performance but were

2 -16, Clanna Gael 4 - 10.

defeated by a stronger side on a scoreline of 3-12 to 1-5.

Goalkeeper Eoin McCaffrey and full backs Shane Mulvey and Peter

Naomh Olaf achieved great success in the Dublin Scor na bPaisti final, coming first in the Ceol Uirlise competition.

WANDERERS MEMBERSHIP deadline has now passed.

Junior A and B players training continues each Tuesday and Thurs-

Playing members €100, non-playing

day at 7.30pm in Frank Kelly Park. All

members €50. No player will be eli-

players from both teams expected to

gible to play unless fully paid up as

attend.

of February 29. Non-playing mem-

Ladies training each Monda y

bers are entitled to apply for Dublin

at 7.15pm in Frank Kelly Park and

tickets if fully paid up only. Contact

Wednesday at 7pm in Firhouse Gym.

Damian on 086 863 2565.

Contact Ian on 087 630 7046.

Individual tickets can now be pur-

Juvenile training continues each

chased for the two remaining Dub-

Saturday 11am-12noon for all ages,

lin double-headers in Croke Park

and each Wednesday from 6.30 to

on March 11 and 24. Tickets are €13.

7.30pm for ages 6 and up at Frank

Contact Gary on 086 833 0433.

Kelly Park. All welcome.

ALL OF YOUR DUN LAOGHAIRE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

KILMACUD WIN: Crokes junior hurlers open with a victory over St Brigid’s P31

MARCH 8, 2012

FEBRUARY FAVES: Dublin Sports Awards winners announced P29

GazetteSPORT

Annalise Murphy claimed the Sailing Achievement of the Year award at the ceremony in Dublin last week

Murphy caps fine 2011 with award Dublin Sport Star winner receives Sailing Achievement honour from ISA at gala event STEPHEN FINDLATER

dunlaoghairesport@gazettegroup.com

NATIONAL Yacht club member Annalise Murphy picked up the Sailing Acheivement of the Year award at last Saturday’s ISA Sailing Awards following a bumper 2011 which was capped by qualifying for the London Olympics.

She faced tough competition from the other three nominees — George Kenefick, Martin Byrne and Noelle Doran — who all had found international glory throughout the year but, ultimately, it was Murphy who clinched the crown.

She began the year with a fourth-place finish at the Miami World Cup in January, followed by a podium finish at Sail for Gold in Weymouth, where she took home the bronze medal. She then travelled to Perth in December for the ISAF World Championships where she finished sixth overall and qualified Ireland for the 2012 Olympics.

Speaking about the award from her Palma base, she is hoping she can carry the form into 2012.

“I’ve been training pretty hard for the last two years, but the next block of five months are going to be really important. There’s about ten girls in the world who are all really good, and it is going to be tough to beat them but I’ll try my best and, hopefully, when August comes around, I’ll be as best prepared as I can be,” she said.

The black-tie awards ball was a wonderful success, with over 200 guests attending from all corners of the Irish boating community, with RTE’s Fergal Keane acting as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

Also in attendance were two of the three Irish Paralympian sailors, John Twomey and Ian Costello. The team of three have already qualified for the 2012 Paralympics, but John Twomey will be celebrating his tenth Paralympics.

ISA President Niamh McCutcheon said: “The ISA Awards Ball provides us with a platform to officially acknowledge and commend some of the outstanding contributors to our sports. I would like to congratulate all the nominees and winners and

wish John Twomey, our Paralympian sailor, the best of luck this summer.”

Among the other awards on the night, the Young Sailor of the YearAward was won by Tralee’s Sophie Browne, who is currently in New Zealand preparing for the Optimist World Championships.

She finished 13th overall from 210 boats, picking up a silver medal for second Girl. It was this result that ultimately put her ahead of her fellow nominees, Patrick Crosbie, Peter McCann, Philip Doran and Seafra Guilfoyle.

The other winners included Michael McCarney who won the ISA Volunteer of the Year award, Rachel Hoolahan, from Greystones, who won the ISA Instructor of the Year award and Rusheen Bay Windsurfing from Co Galway took home the prize for ISA Training Centre of the Year.

As watersports enthusiasts, ISA members are aware of the tremendous work the RNLI do each and every day. In order to support their tireless work the event also held a collection in aid of the RNLI which raised €875.