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INSIDE: The 300th CAD education programme P2

March 22, 2012 Mar

GAZETTE COMPASS: Choose your ideal travel destination Pages 19-22

A done deal: Music to local students’ ears THE MEDIA students and artists

Fight night: Cuala GAA’s fundraiser proves huge hit Page 28

at Dun Laoghaire College of Further Education (DCFE), have secured a partnership deal with Nielsen Music to release their new album, Native.

Under this partnership, Nielsen Music are introducing students to music media monitoring and digital tracking, which has a value of over €2,000. Native will be released globally on various digital platforms and will receive a release in Tower Records on Friday, March 23.

Full Story on Page 6

Football: Local stars shine but Dublin denied victory Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ............. 2, 8-9 PETS..............................16 MOTORS ........................17 BUSINESS .....................18 ENTERTAINMENT ......... 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Civic reception for newly-elected dean Religious orders bid farewell to Rector Stacey

I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

THE County Hall in Dun Laoghaire was the ceremonial setting for a civic reception for the newly-elected Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Rector Victor Stacey.

Organised by An Cathaoirleach, John Bailey, the civic reception was the first such

ceremonial event to be held in Dun Laoghaire for a Church of Ireland dignitary.

The reception was attended on March 12, by representatives of all of the churches in the county. It was a truly interdenominational affair as all of the religious orders congregated to bid farewell and good luck to Rector Stacey.

Canon Stacey has been extremely popular in his parish of Dun Laoghaire since 1995, and as rural Dean of Monkstown since 2007.

His appointment means that he will effectively become the representative voice for the Church of Ireland.

Full Story on Page 4

2 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 22 March 2012

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MILESTONE The 300th CAD drug education programme

CALL THE GAZETTE ON 60 10 240

A round of applause for the help from all of those involved. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Anniversary celebration AD Co-ordinator Bernie McDonnell welcomed guest of honour, Minister Roisin Shortall, Minister for State at the Department of Health with responsibility for Primary Care and the National Drug Strategy, along and all those who were present to receive their certificates at the Community Awareness of Drugs (CAD) 300th Family Focus Drug Education Programme celebration at Mounttown Community Facility in Dun Laoghaire.

Oasis Project Worker, Dave Hennessey, gave an interesting talk about the project, drug misuse prevention, infor-

C

mation and outreach service. Paula Tunney, CAD tutor, also talked about the valuable work involved in the Family Focus Programme and thanked all the people involved.

Minister Shortall said it was a pleasure to come from the north side to the south side to visit such a project. The Oasis project was established in 1996 to provide a positive respone to drug misuse in the Mountwood/Fitzgerald park and Dunedin area. The project was initiated by the local community development project in response to the serious drug problems in the area.

Marian White, Oasis Project Co-ordinator

Dave Hennessey, Project Worker

Minister Roisin Shortall

Bernie McDonnell, CAD

A short musical video made by some of the youngsters

Marian White, Oasis Project

Co-ordinator

involved in the project called No Drugs for Me

Co-ordinator

22 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 3

CHARITY: SUPPORTING THE IRISH CANCER SOCIETY WHILE HAVING FUN

DESIGN 50 new animation positions

A Daffodil Day dinner dance THIS Daffodil Day you can support the Irish Cancer Society at a dinner dance in Lansdowne Rugby Club.

Guests can enjoy a great night out with family, friends and colleagues while helping the Irish Cancer Society to reach their target of €5,000.

T he event is been organised by Geraldine O’Connor and Mark Kenna, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.

Ireland’s cancer rate is one of the highest in the world. One-in-three of us will be diagnosed with cancer during our life time. It is estimated that, by 2020, 43,000 new cases will be diagnosed.

A c c o r d i n g t o l a test findings from the National Cancer Registr y (NCRI) , nearly 30,000 people were

diagnosed with cancer in Ireland in 2011.

These stark figures mean that there is an ever increasing demand for the direct patient care services provided by the Irish Cancer Society.

Early detection

Early detection and the research carried out by the Irish Cancer Society and the medical profession have made great strides in both prevention and cure.

“Since the establishment of the Irish Cancer Society 25 years ago, we have seen an increased awareness among Irish people of all cancers and especially oesophageal cancer,” says Prof John Reynolds, St James’ Hospital and the head of the Barrett’s Oesophagus Register

project.

“This is a difficult cancer to treat, but, as with all cancers, the earlier it is caught the easier it is to cure, and prevention and early diagnosis are our best strategies for the future.”

The Daffodil Day Dinner Dance in aid of the Irish Cancer Society will be held in Lansdowne Rugby Club, Dublin 4 on Friday, March 23, at 8.30pm.

Music on the night will be by Mack Fleetwood. The fun will go on until late with dancing, food, a monster raffle with fantastic prizes and special appearances

by Irish rugby legends past and present.

Tickets cost €50 each, or you can purchase two for €90. To get tickets go online at www.qudos.ie/ daffodilday

I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

news@gazettegroup.com

Going the distance: Microsoft Ireland ‘drive’ into Green Week MICROSOFT IRELAND has welcomed the arrival of their new electronic van, which employees can use to move between the Microsoft campuses in Sandyford and Leopardstown. The launch of the van was made on the first day of Microsoft Ireland’s Annual Green Week. Pictured are Cathriona Hallahan MD, EMEA Operations Centre Microsoft with Tara Fernandes, Jonathan McGloin, Geraldine Romann, Elsa Corbeau and Martina Ebbs.

APPLICATIONS for 50 new jobs in Dublin are open to Institute of Art, Design and Technology /National Film School Animation Graduates.

Boulder Media, of Hawkins Street, Dublin 2, has announced that it will take on 50 animation graduates to work on Randy Cunningham: Ninth Grade Ninja. Boulder Media is an award-winning Irish animation company and has secured a contract with Disney to produce the new cartoon.

The 50 employees will work on the production, from inception to postproduction, and have a big hand in design and animation.

Those interested in learning more about these jobs, or Boulder Media, can go online at http:// www.bouldermedia.tv/

4 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 22 March 2012

EVENT Reverend Canon Stacey elected Dean of the National Cathedral

Civic reception honours election of Rector THERE was a grand civic reception in County Hall, Dun Laoghaire last week to honour the election of Dun Laoghaire Rector Victor Stacey to the Deanery of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin.

An Cathaoirleach, councillor John Bailey, and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council organised the event

to celebrate the appointment and to bid farewell to the new dean. The Reverend Canon Stacey was elected Dean of the National Cathedral last month and his installation there will take place on Saturday, March 31, at 3pm.

The event was a great success and attendance was large and varied.

This was the first time a Church of Ireland personage was distinguished by Dun Laoghaire County Council.

The audience included representatives from many different churches paying their respects.

Msgr John O’Connor said that Canon Stacey was an “ecumenical bridge build-

er” to communities in Dun Laoghaire. He went on to say that the Canon was welcoming of all faiths and had time and attention to give everyone who called to his house.

“It is a great privilege for the community of Dun Laoghaire to see a man who served here elected as Dean of St Patrick’s,” said Cllr Bailey, the main

organiser of the reception.

Canon Stacey arrived in the parish in 1995 and was involved in many local activities down the years. Msgr John O’Connor said that: “St Patrick’s gain would be Dun Laoghaire’s loss.”

More tributes were paid by many church dignitaries including Archdeacon Ricky

Rountree, Rector of Powerscourt who identified the significant position Canon Stacey was assuming as Dean of St Patrick’s, “St Patrick’s Cathedral is dear to all of us as our National Cathedral and it draws its Canons from the whole of the Church of Ireland”.

See Gallery on Pages 8-9

Warner Bros signs Kealan IADT graduate, Kealan O’Rourke, has been signed up by Warner Bros to write and direct a new animated feature film.

The film will be an adaptation of the upcoming graphic novel, Bolivar. The graphic novel, which is due out in May, 2013, features a young girl named Sybil who moves to New York and discovers she’s living beside a dinosaur called Bolivar, the last dinosaur on earth.

Sean Rubin wrote the graphic novel of the reclusive dinosaur who doesn’t take too kindly to Sybil’s interference in his life.

Kealan graduated from

the National Film School IADT in 2001. He is lined up to write and direct the Bolivar project, which is intended to be an animated feature from production outfit Weed Road.

O’Rourke’s previous work includes his acclaimed animated film, The Boy in the Bubble which won the animation prize for at last year’s Irish Film and Television Awards.

The film-maker also won six Irish Film Board awards as well as a Prix des Enfants de la Licorne at the Amiens from the International Film Festival and a Bram Stoker Film Academy Award.

Picture perfect: Admiration for Avril A PAINTING entitled, Two Girls in Kilkee, by 17-yearold Avril Keegan, from Stillorgan Park, a pupil at Loreto College, Foxrock, is one of the entries submitted for this year’s 58th Texaco Children’s Art Competition. Pictured admiring Avril’s work is Texaco competition coordinator Annemarie Barnes.

This year, some 6,579 students from Dublin city and

county were amongst those who entered. This level of entry has helped Dublin retain its place as the highest represented county in the competition ahead of Cork and Wexford. Judging of entries is currently taking place and winners will be announced in earlyApril, followed by the prize-giving ceremony which takes place in May.

SEARCH AND RESCUE: MAJOR EVENT COMES TO TOWN

SAR Europe conference is a first for Ireland THE K illiney Court Hotel was the venue for the Shepard Search and Rescue (SAR) Europe Conference last week, the first time Ireland has played as host country of the event.

The SAR Europe Conference is a major international coast guard event, now in its fifteenth year, which concentrates on sharing information between search and rescue professionals from Europe and beyond.

Professional coast guards and rescue experts had an opportunity to learn about new technical developments in the field, share ideas for the future and discuss possible opportunities for international co-operation.

Guest speakers at the conference included representatives from the Icelandic, Irish, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, French, UK and the US Coast Guard.

Presentations will also be given by the Ministry of Transport in China, the European Maritime Safety Agency in Portugal, the Marine Ambulance Response Team in Ireland, the Armed Forces of Malta and by the Head of the Sea Border Sector in Poland.

T he Italian Coast Guard’s commander Giuseppe Troina, gave a briefing on the evacuation from the recent Costa Concordia ferry

disaster in Italy.

The keynote address at the conference was delivered by Chris Reynolds, director of the Irish Coast Guard and chairman of the EU Heads of Coast Guard.

Reynolds said: “More than ever, members of the EU have realised the benefits of stronger relationships of Coast Guards in dealing with major environmental and human tragedies. But across the globe, Coast Guard Units

also face the same challenges. Search and rescue means we are united in the goal of preserving life in difficult conditions and providing a maritime surveillance and response to the effects of pollution, among our other activities”.

He went on to stress how crucial such conferences were in that information and lessons learned from experience could be revealed and discussed.

22 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 5

6 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 22 March 2012

ARTS Local college teams up with Neilson Music in creative partnership

Local students to release new album, Native THE media students and artists at Dun Laoghaire College of Further Education (DCFE), have secured a partnership deal with Nielsen Music to release their new album, Native.

Under this partnership, Nielsen Music are introducing students to music media monitoring and digital tracking, which has a value of over €2,000.

Native will be released globally on various digital platforms and will receive a physical release in Tower Records on Friday, March 23. DCFE’s label in the past has secured four hit albums, two top 5s and they are hoping to build on this suc-

cess as they aim for the coveted number 1 spot.

The students are celebrating the release with an in-store performance in Tower Records at 6pm, and included with the album purchase is a free pass to the official launch party, which will be held in Twisted Pepper on Wednesday, March 28 from 8pm. The album is competitively priced at €9.99.

Native features a diverse mix of credible home-grown musicians, producers and bands to form a professional album, featuring an eclectic mix of Alternative Rock, Rap and Dance, so there is a song for everyone.

COUNCIL: DISOPOSAL OF PROPERTIES SECTION

Concerns over local housing associations I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

Concerns over voluntary housing associations were aired at a recent council meeting

CONCERNS over voluntary housing associations were aired at a meeting of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council last week.

The council was ratifying the Disposal of Properties section on the council’s agenda to

ratify several apartments at Belamarine Plaza and Rochedale under the affordable housing scheme.

However, Councillor Lettie McCarthy (Lab) raised concerns that residents of her own ward of Glencullen-Sandyford had in this regard.

Cllr McCarthy said that, although the associations in charge of these housing units were termed “voluntary”, they were being paid to do a job that, according to Cllr McCarthy, they were not doing.

“Tenants have no real representation at council anymore, and it’s not satisfactory. This should be addressed before we dispose of any more units,” Cllr McCarthy said.

Councillor Neale Richmond said that the housing associations didn’t have the resources and were not giving the services needed to the residents under their care.

Councillor Richard Humphreys (Lab) agreed with Cllr McCarthy, saying that there was a “loss of accountability” which can sometimes happen “when things are privatised,” he said.

He referred to one company as arrogant and ignorant as they had a policy of simply not talking to councillors. He claimed that this blanket ban on councillors denied residents their rights.

In a recent email to the company, Cllr Humphreys said: “I am afraid that your

flawed position on not communicating with me as my constituent’s representative, combined with (... confidential matter...) gives me little confidence in the procedures being operated by [your company]. This is particularly of concern where my constituent is the beneficiary of social housing.”

Councillor Melisa Halpin (PBP) agreed that the transfer of power from the council to these associations was a form of privatisation. She said the voluntary housing associations simply didn’t have the expertise to deal with the volume of complaints they were receiving.

Councillor Hugh Lewis (PBP) cited an example of this lack of know-how in

the form of the National Association of Building Cooperatives’ (NABCO’s) policy on house transfers.

In the past he said the council would very easily transfer a family with little fuss. “Today, if someone in Loughlinstown wants to transfer to Ballybrack, the closest they can get through this association is a transfer to Tallaght, which is a totally different area,’ Cllr Lewis said.

He went on to say that the council seems to have signed these residents’ rights away by going with NABCO and other housing associations.

Councillor Denis Callaghan (Lab) questioned the legitimacy of some of these housing bodies. He exhorted the council not to “wash our hands of tenants we advised for those housing units”.

It was agreed that the organisations under discussion should be brought into the council chamber to discuss what the council members and residents expect of them.

Cllr O’Callaghan went on to say that, “a real bugbear of mine is why we can’t raise money to build houses on the land we own but voluntary bodies can borrow money to do so”, recognising it was an issue for other fora, he thought this catch 22 regarding the council’s inability to raise money to build on its land must be eradicated in the future.

22 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 7

COMPETITION Three-day festival to find the winner

Search for the 2012 Dublin Rose is now on I LAURA WEBB

THE search for the Dublin Rose is now on, and, this year, organisers have changed the format for choosing the capital’s rose, by dedicating a three-day festival to finding a Rose that will represent their county at the Rose of Tralee later this year.

Applications are now open and everyone who applies will be featured in the three-day festival in May. “We encourage as many people as possible to enter. The major thing this year is that we put entrants up for the threeday festival at the Carlton Blanchardstown Hotel,” Dublin Rose co-ordinator, Brendan Galvin, told the Gazette.

“We are doing it differently this year; we used to run it on a system where we had heats in different parts of Dublin, who would then go to the grand Dublin final. We didn’t like that system, so what we are doing now is running a whole Dub-

lin festival in the Carlton Hotel in Blanchardstown from May 18-20. There is a selection night on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and the Dublin Rose will be picked out of that.

“Instead of girls going out in heats, they will all really come in second place after the Dublin Rose is selected. We want this to be a fun experience, which allows all Dublin Roses to be involved in it right until the end,” he said.

Experience

According to Brendan, the Dublin Rose experience is more than just about getting the title to represent Dublin at the Rose of Tralee festival in August. “The emphasis we want to get across is the amount of fun the girls are going to have. It’s not a competition, it’s not about who is going to be a Dublin Rose, it’s about entering for the whole Dublin Rose experience.

“People see the Rose of Tralee as just being what is on the telly those

two nights, but really it goes beyond that, that is a minuscule side of it. It doesn’t really show the whole story; there is so much more behind it and the big word is ‘friendship’. The amount of friends that are made through this is fantastic, it really is.

“Our job, as Dublin Rose coordinators, is to make sure every girl has a fantastic time. There were four girls last year, who never met each other until the festival, and now they all live together. There are loads of stories like this. They have a fantastic time,” Brendan said.

Girls aged six to 12 years can also experience the festival by becoming a Rose Bud. Rose Buds are paired with an International Rose, attend the first televised selection night in the Dome, participate in two Rose parades and take part in their own Gala Rose Bud evening and enjoy the fun of a week-long Rose Bud Summer Camp.

2011 Dublin Rose with Daithi O Se

As part of the selection process, the Gazette is running a colouring competition in association with Dublin Rose, details of which are coming soon.

For further information on Dublin Rose, log onto www.roseoftralee. ie/centres and click Dublin, or find Dublin Rose on facebook for dates of information evenings.

Organisers are dedicating a three-day festival to finding a Dublin Rose

APPLYING: SUMMER JOBS Council looking for beach lifeguards DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is accepting applications for beach lifeguards for the summer season, 2012.

Lifeguards are normally employed each year by the council during the summer months from June to August, though this can vary.

They are stationed at Seapoint, Killiney and Sandycove beaches.

The hourly rate for these positions is €10.61 plus what the council term “appropriate differentials”.

All details of the position are available on The Dun LaoghaireRathdow n County Council website, www. dlrcoco.ie.

To apply for the position as lifeguard, an application form can be obtained from the Information Desk, County Hall, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin or Human Resources Department Tel: (01) 2054700, Ext. 4217, 4218, 4240, 4246 or from the County Council Office, Dundrum Office Park, Main Street, Dundrum, or by email to hr@dlrcoco.ie.

Completed application forms should be returned to the Human Resources Department not later than 4.30pm on Friday March 30, 2012.

8 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 22 March 2012

EVENT Civic Ceremony at the County Hall for Rev Canon Stacey

Margaret McCarthy

ENTERPRISENEWS Isabel Moynan, Rev Fred Appelbe, Cllr Lettie McCarthy, Canon David Moynan and Caroline Senior. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

A fond farewell to Rev Victor Stacey

Perfect your Elevator Pitch and Lift your Sales!

“An Elevator Pitch is a concise, carefully planned and well-practised description of your business that your target market will understand and remember in the time that it would take to go up in an elevator!”

An Elevator Pitch should be Brief, Re-adaptable, Impressive and Memorable. When you are happy that it is, you will BRIM with confidence every time you are asked to deliver it.

To help small businesses develop their own pitch, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Enterprise Board are arranging a ½ day workshop, in their offices in Nutgrove Enterprise Park, on Tuesday, April 3rd 2012. The session will focus on providing those attending with the tools and techniques needed to convey a value-oriented, compelling and memorable message that will encourage your listener to take action. The workshop will be highly interactive, providing each participant with constructive feedback on their presentation style and impact. Everyone taking part will be given the opportunity to prepare and practise their skills on delivering their own Elevator Pitch with intensity.

A 60 second video will be given to each participant following the workshop.

This is a morning workshop (9am – 1pm), and will be followed by a light lunch and networking opportunities. The cost for the session is €25 per head. Places are strictly limited, so apply early to ensure a place.

For further details, and to sign up, visit our website – www.dlrceb.ie .

EVENTEEN years of service in Dun Laoghaire was celebrated at a civic reception to mark the election of the Rev Canon Victor Stacey as Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral recently. Canon Stacey was elected Dean of the National Cathedral last month and his installation there will take place on Saturday, March 31, at 3pm. However, his elevation means that he will be leaving the parish of Dun Laoghaire after many happy years and Msgr John O’Connor noted that St Patrick’s gain would be Dun Laoghaire’s loss. The civic reception was organised

by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and took place in County Hall in Dun Laoghaire. The event was attended by a huge number of parishioners, clergy from across the Dublin and Glendalough dioceses, friends, representatives of other churches as well as local councillors and council officials.

S Neville and Ann Allison with Venerable Donald S McLean

Cathaoirleach John Bailey, Canon Victor Stacey and Cllr Neale

Monsignor Dan O’Connor, Cathaoirleach John Bailey, Canon Victor

Richmond

Stacey and Archdeacon Ricky Rountree

Deputy Mary Mitchell-O’Connor, Canon Victor Stacey and

Cllr Donal Marren, councillor Pat Hand, councillor Jim O’Dea and

Cllr Donal Marren

Cathaoirleach John Bailey

22 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 9

as he says goodbye after seventeen years of service

Particia Patterson, Sylvia Heggie, Sandra Massey and Sylvia Simpson

Betty Browne, Betty McKee and Ruth Maybury

Rev Ian Gallagher and Cllr Gerry Horkan

Cathaoirleach John Bailey, Archdeacon Ricky Rowntree and Msgr Dan O’Connor

Cllr Jim O’Dea and Cllr Tony Fox

Garda Durkan and Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor

10 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 22 March 2012

EVENT Great opportunity to plan for your big day

A wedding fair at the stylish Ardboyne Hotel

M

Pet care: Natural remedies for keeping pets healthy

SEE PETS PAGE 16

The Ardboyne Hotel is hosting a Spring Wedding Fair

THE Ardboyne Hotel is hosting its Spring Wedding Fair on Sunday, March 25, from 2pm – 5pm. The event, that takes place throughout the hotel, promises to be one of the top wedding fairs of 2012, with an opportunity to speak with a variety of wedding suppliers from the local area.

The Ardboyne Hotel management team will also be on hand to show you around this most attractive venue, giving guests information on the hotel’s special wedding offers that are currently available.

On the day, the beautiful Boyne Suite will be set up with a host of exhibitors from the local area that can provide guests with their services and help in all things that are important for the perfect wedding day.

There will be entertainment – from Irish dancers to a stunning bridal fashion show by McElhinneys of Athboy.

The Ardboyne Hotel is traditionally known as a premier destination for weddings, and is synonymous with weddings of the highest quality.

The hotel’s relaxed atmosphere in the open

plan lobby, to the luxurious ballroom, T he Boyne Suite, with its crystal chandeliers and windows overlooking their beautifully landscaped gardens, there is no question as to where guests will want to celebrate saying “I do”.

The Ardboyne Hotel is registered for civil wedding ceremonies and the Tara Suite will be set up in the day as it would be for a wedding ceremony. The room is a perfect setting for an intimate, relaxed wedding ceremony with family and friends.

Enchanting

The hotel’s enchanting gardens create an astounding backdrop for all wedding photos.

With 29 well-appointed bedrooms available, as well as a beautiful bridal suite, guests can avail of a reduced rate on a wedding night.

There are a host of packages available, with the Three Ring Package proving extremely popular. The Bronze Ring Package costs €3,295, with the Silver Ring Package costing €3,595 and the Gold Ring Package priced at €3,895, all based on 100 guests attending.

All packages include red carpet on arrival, champagne reception for the bridal party, complimentary tea/coffee and homemade biscuits on arrival, five-course dinner, two glasses of house wine served with the meal, evening buffet, bar extension, floral centrepieces for all tables, chair covers and gold bows, bridal suite and two bedrooms for parents, free parking and anniversary dinner.

This year, for the hotel’s Spring Wedding Fair, guests can avail of a special offer, with an opportunity to enjoy €200 off their wedding day or a complimentary day-after wedding party for those who book between now and May 31 for a wedding in 2012.

Bookings

The hotel is also taking bookings for Christmas weddings and have limited dates available between Christmas and New Year.

For those unable to attend the wedding fair and are interested in the hotel’s special offers, contact the wedding co-ordinator, Michelle, on 0469023119 or mgilbane@ ardboynehotel.com.

St Vincent de Paul is looking for volunteers THE Society of St Vincent de Paul is the oldest and largest, voluntary, charitable organisation in Ireland. The Society is a volunteer organisation that is always in need of volunteers. The work is challenging but very rewarding.

The SVP is involved in a wide variety of works in support of those in need, which means there are many ways that the public can give their time to help the Society.

The kind of activities that people can become involved in will depend entirely upon their own personal interests.

Some activities the Society partici-

pates in are home visitation and hospital and prison visits. The Society also has 34 Vincent’s shops spread throughout Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare.

Volunteers generally give a couple of hours a week to their work, so volunteers can give as little or as much time as they want.

In the Society of St Vincent de Paul, too few people are trying to do too much. The society needs the public’s help to help people in need.

Anyone interested in volunteering some spare time to help can contact Claire Banks at (01) 8198414.

22 March 2012 GAZETTE 11

SPRING It’s time to get tooled up to tackle your lawn

Gardening greats at new centre WITH Dubliners enjoying the first signs of spring over the weekend, it’s no wonder they are taking to their gardens in their droves to prepare for what, we hope, will be a summer of long, lazy afternoons enjoying our own patches of green.

For all those green-fingered enthusiasts, there is an all-new new Husqvarna Centre opening up in a prime Dublin location on the Longmile Road this weekend, March 24.

From ride-on mowers, lawnmowers, blowers, hedgetrimmers, chainsaws, automowers and trimmers, to name but a few, Husqvarna Ireland

have all your garden needs wrapped up.

The Husqvarna range are a household name in Ireland and are known for their excellent design, attention to detail and long-lasting performance.

The Husqvarna lawnmower is tailor-made for both you and your garden needs. It mows lawns to perfection leaving your garden without a blade of grass out of place. The Husqvarna lawnmowers have a 3-in-1 cutting system, comfort handle and a robust design.

The Husqvarna Automower® recently featured on a Channel 4 pro-

gramme, entitled Home of the Future, and it truly is a revolutionary product, becoming increasingly more popular by the day.

Husqvarna developed the Automower®, the original robotic lawn mower and the undisputed leader. With the Automower, there is now no need for compost heaps, the grass cuttings produced are so fine that they decompose quickly, providing a natural fertiliser for the lawn. Also, the Automower is well equipped to work in the rain.

A Rider from Husqvarna can go almost anywhere, and has an

Gazette Contacts Block 3A Mill Bank Business Park Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251 Managing Director: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com

The Husqvarna Automower, top, and Rider, above

extremely small turning circle. It’s both easy and fun to drive, whether it’s fitted with a cutting deck, broom, sweeper or one of the many other attachments.

Liffey Distributors are the exclusive distributors of Husqvarna Forest, Garden and Construction products, Flymo, Jonsered, Partner, McCulloch, Aspen Fuel, Gardena and Oregon.

Established in 1970

by Vincent Brady, Liffey Distributors started in a portacabin on Iona Road in Glasnevin. Liffey Distributors is still run by Vincent and supported by all of his family and employs over 30 staff from a 40,000 sq ft base in Blanchardstown.

For your information on your local supplier, please log onto: www. husqvarna.ie.

Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com

Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion.

If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled.

The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

12 GAZETTE 22 March 2012

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When you feel like quitting, it is worth reminding

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yourself of stories where people have persevered and achieved their ambitions. Sometimes it can be just a small thing or, in the case of my friend, Cian O’Brolchain, it can be a big thing.

Cian is preparing to ascend the summit of Mt Everest later this year and he has already overcome odds beyond any that I had ever imagined. In the last year he has endured some of the world’s highest and most treacherous mountain climbs.

On a recent excursion to scale Cho Oyu, he described how some fellow climbers not only didn’t make it to the summit but lost their lives in

the process. Climbing in extremely bad weather, and having witnessed several of his colleagues drop out due to altitude sickness, dehydration and exhaustion, Cian still succeeded in reaching the summit.

Seeing the frozen body of a climber who had perished in the ice, and having to climb past the dead man’s body, was his biggest test. He knew he had to concentrate and put the tragic events around him out of his mind to prevent another fatality.

He struggled on despite dehydration, exhaustion and lack of food. His legs and upper body ached from carrying his heavy

pack, but he knew that, if he stopped, he might not get up again.

Cian used powerful visualisation techniques to remember past sporting achievements and reminded himself of all the support from family and friends that made it possible for him to be there. Staying focused on these positive and powerful images kept his determination focused as he closed his mind to the negative thoughts.

He describes as amazing the experience of standing atop the treacherous mountain peak, gazing at the horizon where he could see in the distance his ultimate

Cian O’Brolchain will attempt to scale Mount Everest later this year

ambition – Mt Everest.

The hardship and effort was worth this truly amazing experience.

Stories like Cian’s are what inspiration is all about. Sometimes ordinary people just like you have persevered to beat the insurmountable.

Remember, that whatever roadblocks life puts in your way, you should

never let them stop you.

Ignore the temptation to quit and do not allow negative thoughts to drag you off course. Stay focused and determined and you too will reach Your Peak.

You can follow Cian’s remarkable journey on www.irelandtoeverest. com.

If you are looking to get fit and healthy and

are looking for someone to inspire you, then surround yourself with those who have done it already.

Temple Training provides a FREE assessment and can advise on what fitness regime could help you reach your physical peak. See www.templetraining.ie, email info@ templetraining.ie or call 085 7131417.

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GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Edited by Laura Webb

Don’t weight - Lose It Now!

Getting some Olympic-style locks

TWO out of every five Irish adults are overweight and obesity is now the most common childhood disorder in Europe. A weight reduction of 10% drastically improves your energy and mental health and also helps reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. The aim of a weight loss programme should be to reduce fat whilst maintaining muscle tissue. CLA 24/7 tablets, in combination with healthy meal planning and increased physical activity, help optimise the relationship between body fat and muscle mass. Contact your local pharmacy for advice on healthy weight loss.

SHAPE up your hair with Olympic-style locks like Pantene Pro-V ambassador Olympic and World Champion cyclist, Victoria Pendleton.

Although we would all love to be on the same fitness and health level as an Olympian, getting the same beautiful glossy hair will do just fine thanks to the Pantene Pro-V smooth and Sleek range. It contains micro-smoothers which work with hair to silken each strand and to lock out humidity to help keep frizz from forming and leaving hair feeling smooth and silky.

Victoria shares her top tips on how she keep her hair looking amazing, despite a gruelling exercise routine.

With thanks to the staff of Lucan Village Pharmacy

What is your greatest hair challenge?

Training every day means my hair is prone to a lot of frizz, so I need a hair care regime that helps combat frizz throughout the day.

I’d recommend the new Pantene Smooth & Sleek 24h Frizz Fighter, it’s really light and smells gorgeous.

How important is having healthy looking hair?

Having healthy hair is really important to me and I always like to look and feel good on, and off, the bike. Pantene Smooth & Sleek range helps give me gorgeously, healthy-looking hair every day.

What hair products do you swear by?

Working with Pantene has reminded me of just how effective and amazing their products are. I especially love their new Smooth & Sleek 24h Frizz Fighter, and also the mousse in the rangeboth products help to really deliver a smooth and moisturised finish.

How often a week do you wash your hair?

Training with a helmet on every day means I wash my hair most days. I love to leave in a hydrating smoothing product after washing, to help combat frizz.

What would be your best hair care tip?

My best hair care tip would be to choose a hair care range that is right for your hair structure.

Working with Pantene has made me realise the importance of this, and it

Pantene Pro-V ambassador Olympic and World Champion Cyclist, Victoria Pendleton

really does make a difference. I have quite thick hair, so I use the Smooth & Sleek range.

What is your favourite

hair look?

I always think a timeless elegant look is a really smooth, sleek blow dry. This is so much easier to achieve at home if

you use styling products, Pantene’s Smooth & Sleek hairspray and mousse are my go-to products to achieve this look at home.

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GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: NUTRACEUTICAL TREATMENTS CAN BE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE

Natural remedies for keeping pets healthy HIS week I decided to write about a problem very close to my own heart – in fact it’s breaking it. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) or in lay persons terms, dog dementia.

Yep, after 17 years of faithful companionship, loyalty and unselfish love, our eldest Jack Russell Terrier, Sophie, has begun to display strange behaviours.

Ever since I rescued her as a six-week-old, frightened puppy from a lift shaft in an area of north Dublin, Sophie has showered me with love and been my best friend.

No matter what obstacles life throws at me, Sophie stoically sees me through them. Now, although physically healthy, my darling little friend is often in a state of confusion, doesn’t greet me the way she used to, stares into space and bites and

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snaps at me when I feed her or offer her treats.

I’m around animals long enough to realise what’s wrong with Sophie and don’t really need our wonderful vet to confirm that she is displaying signs of CCD. Similar to Alzheimer’s in humans, CCD tells me there are physical changes taking place in Sophie’s brain – the result of which means a deterioration of how she remembers, thinks and acts, all causing great upset to our lives.

Sophie has other “old lady” problems too, but none of them is life-threatening. Therefore, while my duties as her Mom may be more demanding due to her problems, the fact is my best friend still enjoys a good quality of life.

She eats well, she sleeps well, in fact she sleeps quite a lot, she drinks adequately, her coat is good and she

lets me know when she needs to relieve herself.

So, in the grand scheme of things, her dad and I reckon great-aunt Sophie deserves a little extra help and that is why we’ve consulted our lovely vet with regard to providing alternative remedies, such as herbal and nutraceutical treatments that contain brain sustaining supplements.

And no, I’m not trying to teach an old dog new tricks, rather help her extend the happy, good quality of life she already enjoys with us.

So, what is a nutraceutical? Basically, from what I understand, it’s a term used for a product isolated or purified from food(s) that is generally available in medicinal forms, which are not usually associated with food.

What are the benefits of herbal remedies to your dog? I believe they can be of great benefit

– especially as the gap between natural remedies and traditional treatments is not very wide.

Traditional medications are actually synthesised from herbal compounds that have been used to treat the same problems for centuries.

Herbal remedies are also highly cost-effective and often less expensive than conventional medicines.

How do they work? I believe natural remedies will strengthen the inherent immune system of my dog – allowing her body take care of her problems, (rather than mask them), and, hopefully, with their help, the short life Sophie has left will be enhanced, and the great thing is, without any of the side effects of conventional medications.

My love and loyalty for Sophie will never falter.

We face tough times, but we face them together.

Many pet parents are seeking more ‘natural’ forms of treatment

I’ll be there for her as she has been for me. Patience and love is the key.

Many pet parents are seeking more “natural” forms of treatment for their pets. However, I would like to mention the information contained in this column is simply a guideline. It is in no way a substitute for pro-

fessional, medical advice from your vet – whom you should always consult before using, or treating your pet with a natural remedy. A specialised practitioner will best advise as to which remedy can interact with your pet’s prescriptions, interact with each other and safety and effectiveness,

etc., It is only when you are armed with your vet’s advice, that you will be able to make an informed decision regarding your pet’s healthy future.

For more

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

22 March 2012 GAZETTE 17

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS

Edited by Cormac Curtis

RoadSigns Road Signs RENAULT ABOUT TO GO POSTAL:

The new Renault Grand Megane GTline offers a far more attractive option for those who need extra load space but don’t fancy a traditional estate car

Touring, just grander CORMAC CURTIS

ENAULT have a loyal fan base in the Irish market, and have always offered their customers a little more spec than many of their competitors and for less money.

Traditionally, Renault have offered practicality and value, but wouldn’t have necessarily been the prettiest or most desirable cars on the road.

In recent years, to be fair, they have made huge improvements with their styling, most notably their 2008 release of the Megane Coupe.

The dramatic and aggressive design elements of this car coincided with a move by Renault to invest a lot more time and mileage in to the test phases of their cars.

The brand’s reputation has improved steadily

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SPECS: RENAULT GRAND MEGANE GT LINE 1.5 dCi 0 – 100km/hr: 12.9 sec Economy: 4 L/100km (comb) CO2 emissions: 120 g/km Road Tax Band: A (€104) Price: €27,200 (model tested)

since, and the addition of models such as the Grand Megane, especially in the GT Line spec, is bound to add to their new-found cache.

Renault have brought the Grand Megane GT Line to the Irish market powered by a 1.5-litre dCi engine producing 110bhp, with a 90bhp option also available.

I spent a week driving the Grand Megane, and was very pleasantly surprised, not just with the performance, but also with how the power from

the engine is matched with a well-balanced sport chassis, lowered suspension and precise steering.

In short, I wasn’t expecting what is essentially an estate car from Renault to put such a wide smile on my face.

Not only is the Grande Megane keeping up with its competitors in terms of performance from small, fuel-efficient engines, which help to keep cost of ownership down, but their interior design team were obviously allowed

to throw out the Renault style book, as well as the budget plan.

Sitting in the cockpit, the driver enjoys sports seats that certainly keep you in place when you decide to power through a few twisty roads.

I admit that they were a little snug for me personally, but I imagine that I’m a little older and wider than the target market.

The upholstery is a very attractive half-leather/ cloth offering, with contrast stitching that certainly looks the part.

The overall pallet doesn’t hold any surprises, but there are some glossy panels that add some nice highlights to the cabin.

The dials are sporty and eye-catching, the steering wheel, gear knob, and handbrake are wrapped in leather and have a reassuring quality feel to them. The handbrake is at an offset angle, which is another nice touch that makes the cabin a little special.

Fur ther attractive touches include electric folding door mirrors, colour-coded sport bumpers and headlights with black surrounds, dark metal window surrounds and door handles.

This all adds up to a very pretty car indeed, but let’s not forget about some of the more practical aspects of this grand tourer.

For that special driving

holiday, the Grand Megane allows for a generous 486 litres of boot capacity with the five-seat configuration, and an impressive 1,600 litres when the rear seats are folded down.

More than enough space for a few cases of your favourite tipple.

The car’s boot comes with a storage compartment system that makes it easier to organise the loading space – another nice touch that is often missing from some of its competitors.

This car is something that fans of Renault will certainly covet, and it will not disappoint those who spring for the €27,200 price tag (or €25,000 for the 90 bhp version).

Renault still offer attractive trade-in and their own scrappage deals, so there are a few ways to bring that sticker price down a bit.

Kia’s Rio and Picanto red dot awards brings their total to 6 LAST WEEK saw Korean car manufacturer, Kia, awarded two top honours for its Picanto and Rio models in the 2012 red dot design competition.

The five-door versions of Kia’s A-segment Picanto and B-segment Rio were both winners in red dot’s internationally acclaimed Product Design category, in a competition that saw more than 4,500

products entered by 1,800 manufacturers from 58 countries across a variety of product sectors.

Judges scrutinised and tested the products in detail, with winners selected on the basis of their level of innovation, functionality, ergonomics, durability, ecological compatibility and intuitive handling.

Only products featuring the highest standards of design are eligible for the coveted red dot.

These two latest wins bring Kia’s red dot total to six, with the Soul crossover winning in 2009, Venga compact MPV in 2010, and both Sportage compact SUV and Optima sedan claiming top spots in 2011.

Optima was also named Best of the Best in 2011 – the red dot competition’s highest accolade for ground-breaking design, for which only the best products in each category are eligible.

Commenting on the awards, Kia’s chief officer, Peter Schreyer, said: “We are very proud of the red dot awards for the Picanto and the Rio.”

AN Post and Renault Ireland are joining forces in Ireland’s first ever on-the-road trial of electrically powered post vans.

The study will compare the energy/ fuel efficiency, maintenance costs and overall performance of the Renault Kangoo ZE (electric) mini van against its traditional diesel counterpart over the next 12 months.

An Post operates one of Ireland’s largest fleets, and, in 2011, their f leet-related fuel costs were in the region of €10 million.

Commenting on the trial, An Post chief executive, Donal Connell, said: “We’re very pleased to be conducting this likefor-like trial with this calibre of vehicle and we’re looking forward to reviewing the data with Renault Ireland over the coming months.”

18 GAZETTE 22 March 2012

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS 25 new jobs at Datapac IRELAND’S largest indigenous ICT solutions provider, Datapac announced last week that it will create up to 25 new jobs.

This follows the awarding of an €8m ICT consumables contract by the National Procurement Service to Datapac.

This new contract follows a strong start to 2012 for Datapac, enabling it to make a strategic decision to grow its business.

The new jobs will be based across all of Datapac’s locations and 15 of the roles will be created this year, with the additional 10 positions being created over the following two years. The new positions will include sales, marketing and logistics roles.

Supported by AIB

Fourth tech award for Eden training I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

EDEN Training in Rathfarnham has won the National Award for Training Centre of the Year, 2012 at the 15th National IT Training Conference.

This is the fourth win for Eden Training in the six-year history of the awards.

T he ECDL (Euro pean Computer Driving Licence) course at Eden Training won the ICS Skills Best Practice Training Centre on

March 9, 2012.

At the event, held in the Crown Plaza Hotel in Dublin, former President Mary McAleese described ECDL as “a huge national movement” and as an “enabler; it is what gives people the opportunity to advance their careers; to advance their education,” which can “empower people to avail of the advantages that technology can give”.

The award represents a standard of excellence nationally as Eden out-

flanked 1,000 other training providers. The ECDL certificate is a truly international qualification that is recognised in 148 countries.

The conference was addressed by Jim Friars, chief executive at ICS Skills, and Mary Cleary, professional development manager at ICS Skills, which is the organisation that oversees ECDL provision in Ireland.

“It was a great honour to again have our efforts with regard to ECDL provision recognised,”

From Leftt: Michael O’Connor (ICS Board), Denise Leahy (ICS Board), James Bannigan (Eden Training), Jim Friars (ICS CEO) and Sean Connolly (ICS board)

said Eden Training business development manager, James Bannigan.

“We feel that ECDL is a crucial steppingstone for those seeking to engage with IT on a

personal or professional level. That’s why we’re continually reinvesting in this programme to ensure the maximum possible learning outcome for our students.”

Those interested in doing the ECDL course, or any other with Eden Training, can go online at http://www.twitter.com/ edentraining or contact them on 01 4953155.

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Gazette

DONEGAL DELIGHT P2O

GOING BACK IN TIME New Titanic attraction to be opened to the public AFTER three years under construction, the same length of time it took to build the Titanic itself, the Titanic visitor attraction in Belfast is now completing its finishing touches and will be open to the public on March 31.

In Gallery 1, visitors step back into Edwardian Belfast. To appreciate the achievement Titanic represented, visitors are immersed in the Belfast of the e a r l y 19 0 0 s a n d become acquainted with the people who lived there. Visitors will walk through Belfast’s ‘streets’ towards Queen’s Island with a rising sense of expectation, eventually passing through a set of original Harland and Wolff gates In the Arrol Gantry and Shipyard Ride, visitors take a 20m journey in a metal elevator up the Arrol Gantry, the enormous steel structure built to facilitate the construction of Titanic and her sister ships, Olympic and Britannic. They then join Harland and Wolff’s workers on a “shipyard ride”.

Continued on Page 22

The Hagia Sophia is a well-preserved example of a Roman Catholic Cathedral during the reign of Constantine and during Istanbul’s heyday as a Christian capital

LONGITUDE 79° 24’ W | LATITUDE 43° 40’ N

A city of delights where the east meets the west

I SHONA MURRAY

STANBUL, aptly referred to as the most ‘western’, eastern city and the most ‘eastern’, western city is a capital serving conscientious travellers wishing to enjoy the ease and closeness of city delights with an interest in deep history and diverse culture.

As a central hub for European markets, Istanbul not only economically links the Middle East to the West, but its Christian heritage makes it more European than many other European cities.

Formerly, Constantinople, after Roman Emperor and saviour of the Catholic Church, Constantine the Great, Istanbul once served as the capital of the Roman Empire.

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Following the founding of the Republic of Turkey, the name Constantinople was replaced officially by Istanbul having had numerous names adopted to it by its various rulers, most significantly, the Ottoman Empire from which its adaptation into an Islamic capital, began in 1453, ending centuries of Christian rule in the region.

The most startling example of the successful Ottoman siege against the Roman Empire is in the Saint Sophia Museum, or Hagia Sophia.

This is an astonishingly well-preserved example of a Roman Catholic Cathedral during the reign of Constantine and during Istanbul’s heyday as a Christian capital.

It served as a Christian church until

the fateful coup by Ottoman soldiers in 1453 and was immediately transformed into a mosque.

Its Byzantine architecture and glaringly Christian features are what makes the Hagia Sophia all the more remarkable given its historic and bloody takeover more than 500 years ago.

Although the typical accoutrements of Catholic ceremony, such as the bibles, altar, bells and sacristy, were removed to make way for prayer mats and separate worshipping sections, the stunning Christian mosaics, beautifully crafted in golds, reds and blues were left untouched.

Instead, the Ottomans merely covered the Christian iconography with Islamic wording, thereby preserving what is now

possible to see in the museum today.

Despite being one of the strongest reminders of Christian domination in Turkey, the Hagia Sophia is credited with influencing the distinguished architecture that Istanbul has today.

No greater example of this exists than the Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul’s second largest mosque and one of the most imposing sights in the city.

Built over one hundred years after the Ottoman coup by Sultan Suleyman, the mosque, which is open to visitors of all creeds, also houses the tombs of the sultan and his family, as well as his successor in the marble mausoleums at the back of the Mosque.

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Athlone really has everything for Easter THE mighty River Shannon that flows through the town of Athlone is a haven for all types of waterbased activity, including kayaking, fishing, boating and the ever-popular Viking Boat, for lazy afternoon cruises – perfect for girly weekends, romantic breaks or family getaways.

For a golfing break, courses abound, with the Athlone Golf Club and the popular Glasson Golf club never too far.

For families, there is loads on offer, including Glendeer Pet Farm, walks in Portlick, learn a waterbased activity on Lough Ree, or just enjoy the kids’ camp in the Athlone Springs Hotel, while parents enjoy a superb meal in the Cedar Restaurant or a superb treatment in their beauty rooms.

Athlone is a place that will make a short break relaxing, enjoyable and excellent value for money.

The Athlone Springs will be doing an Easter Egg Hunt and Kids’ Camp over the Easter Holidays and mid-terms. This is available to everyone, and all kids are welcome.

The Athlone Springs Hotel is an independently owned hotel but forms part of the Select Hotels of Ireland group, and offers good food and great facilities. The hotel offers a full gym, a 20m pool and beauty treatment rooms. Visit www.athlonespringshotel.com or contact reservations on 090 644 4444 or by email on info@athlonespringshotel.com.

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LONGITUDE 8° 7’ W | LATITUDE 54° 39’ N

Making tracks for a Donegal delight I MIMI MURRAY

AS THE crow flies, Donegal is just as close to Dublin as Cork, but the fact that it lacks a really good road network makes it that little bit harder to get too, but very much worth the trip in my estimation.

It remains quite untapped by tourists; however, hardy souls have been making their way to Donegal’s beaches for years to make good use of the spectacular surf.

The coastline is dotted with stunning beaches, but being a large county, we only got to experience the south on a recent jaunt up there.

We stayed in the beautiful Lough Eske Castle, which has been renovated in recent years.

A castle has been located on the hotel site dating back as far as the 1400s.

The current castle was built in the 1860s, but was completely destroyed by fire in 1939.

As a focal point of the hotel, the main castle building has been completely renovated and enhanced to create Lough Eske Castle, which opened as a hotel in December 2007.

Expect relaxing spa treatments at Lough Eske Castle

The long driveway passes Lough Eske, which looks very inviting for a walk or cycle.

After a sensitive restoration, the building feels quite new, but the developers have gone to great lengths to keep much of the old-world charm.

Our deluxe room had some very comfortable, modern features, such as under-floor heating and an open gas fire, which come in handy as Donegal weather can be changeable.

Drizzle is to be expected, so bring warm clothing if you want to tramp around the countryside and experience what the county has to offer.

After a hearty buffet breakfast, which I am not normally a fan of, but these guys pull it off, we travelled to Kilcar on our second day, keeping

a beady eye out for one of its famous part-time residents, Sarah Jessica Parker.

Beaches surrounding the area, such as Muckross and Fintragh, are breathtaking, and were completely isolated. It’s no wonder the Parker/ Brodericks love this part of the world.

Further along the coast are the majestic Slieve League cliffs, dramatically overlooking the Atlantic beneath.

We soon needed a drop of something hot to warm us up, and headed back to the hotel for a swim and steam.

The leisure area is compact, with a pool, gym and spa, and while my husband hired a bike to explore the surrounding area, I made good use of the spa.

My rose facial was

everything you relaxing, everythi would ld expect ffrom a really good treatment.

Dinner is served in both the Gallery bar and Cedars Grill. We opted for the restaurant and it served up some tasty dishes, including duck confit for me, while my husband dined on sirloin steak.

Our desserts were delicious, including a platter with pecan tart, chocolate madeleines, panna cotta and home-made ice cream.

Delicious Other guests we spoke to said the bar food was delicious, and the bar area actually seemed like a more intimate setting, so comes highly recommended.

Service is second to none at the hotel and our waitress, Natalie, really went above and beyond, as did all the staff throughout our stay.

Prices start from €185 per room, per night, including breakfast for up to two adults sharing.

For more information on rates, offers and packages contact Lough Eske Castle reservations on +353 (0) 74 97 25100.

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LONGITUDE 79° 24’ W | LATITUDE 43° 40’ N

Istanbul is as stunningly beautiful as it is unique Continued from Page 19

Female and male prayer sections and the Mecca-facing orientation of the building, remind visitors that this unusually imperialistic Islamic site is in fact an operational mosque, given its architectural similarity to buildings such as the Saint Sophia.

Although some argue that Istanbul resisted from becoming a truly Islamic city, dominant sites like the Suleymaniye Mosque and the similarly immense Blue Mosque, as well as the traditional call to prayer for the city’s approximately 13 million people, 90% of whom are registered Muslim, are inarguable reminders of Turkey’s omnipotent Ottoman history.

However, historic sites, such as the Blue Mosque do not observe strict dress codes or practices unlike other religious attractions in the world. The clear objective is for visitors to respectfully understand Istanbul’s deep history.

T his more liberal approach towards western visitors makes the city even more appropriate for tourists wishing to both educate themselves on Middle Eastern cultures and history while indulging in the respite that a European city break brings.

Located south-west of the Hagia Sophia are the Underground Cisterns, the creation of Byzantine Emperor of Constantino-

ple, Justinian I. The cisterns were used to supply water to the Emperor and other important palaces until the Ottoman takeover.

Its design and craft are fascinating examples of Roman architecture surprisingly congruent with Istanbul’s clearly Islamic theme. In more recent years, the Basilica Cistern was the scene for the 1960’s James Bond film, From Russia with Love.

History

After engaging in Istanbul’s remarkable and accessible history, a trip to one of the traditional Hamam’s, or bath houses, is the only way to end a day of learning before an evening of fine dining begins.

The traditional bath houses were constructed by the Romans but the tradition of ritual cleansing and socialising remained throughout the Ottoman Empire.

Each house provides separate facilities for men and women as attendees are required to fully undress in order to enjoy the immense heat from the marble stone where one prepares to be doused with perfectly tepid water and rich oil infused soap by one of the Haman’s attendants.

A trip to the Haman starts at approximately €40 for self-service where soap and exfoliating mittens are provided.

Otherwise, pay up for €60 to be scrubbed from

head to toe by one of the Haman’s professional attendants, and retire to one of the warmed beds for an oil massage.

For those wanting an original experience, The Cemberlitas Haman comes highly recommended and is a short distance from the Hagia Sophia.

When eating out, the trendy Beyo’lu district offers the best mix of European and Middle Eastern foods, including deliciously fresh fish but a selection of more unusual fare such as sheep or goat’s brain is also available. It’s advisable to take a walk close to the famous Galata Bridge which links to the old city in order to find the most authentic, local eateries.

We flew with Turkish Airlines, which were recently awarded Best airline for Europe 2011 and you can see why as staff were very friendly and professional.

Before departing Istanbul, visitors can opt for the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, which featured a business centre, private relaxation rooms, massage chairs.

City breaks to Istanbul are available from WingsAbroad.ie or call 01 8719444 or contact your local travel agent.

Fly to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, Europe’s Best Airline 2011 (www. turkishairlines.com). Stay at the 3-star Seres Hotel from €319pps (excl. taxes).

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaarr. Inset: some of the city’s bustling night life

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The Titanic visitor attraction in Belfast is now completing its finishing touches

New Titanic attraction to be opened to the public Continued from Page 19

In Gallery 3, visitors will see the Launch of Titanic and Galler y 4 tells of the skill and craftsmanship that went into Titanic, from the fitting of its enormous boilers and engines to the fine joinery and upholstery work of its linens, carpets and cab-

ins. Visitors will experience the reality of the ship’s interiors in a 3D cave that recreates the engine rooms, third-class saloons, first-class corridors, grand staircase, a la carte restaurant and navigation bridge, allowing visitors to ‘walk’ the ship’s length. There are also detailed, full-scale reconstructions of 1st,

2nd and 3rd class cabins.

Visitors are now swept up in the celebratory atmosphere as Titanic leaves Belfast and then sets sail from Southampton on her maiden voyage in Gallery 5. The gallery features the extraordinary photographs of Father Frank Browne, the young Irish Jesuit who was given a gift of a ticket to travel on Titanic from Southampton to Queenstown and photographed the journey. His images provide a unique chronicle of Titanic’s first and only voyage.

The atmosphere of the exhibition now changes radically into a dramatic sensory experience, as visitors enter a darkened tunnel where the temperature, soundtrack and images all evoke the tragedy of Titanic’s collision with an iceberg and subsequent sinking, with the loss of 1,500 lives.

Visitors will sense the tragedy and the ending of the dream, which led to Titanic’s creation.

Given the level of interest in Titanic Belfast, and the accompanying festival, visitors are being encouraged to pre-book tickets where possible.

Tickets for Titanic Belfast can be purchased online at www.titanicbelfast. com or by phone / in person at the Belfast Welcome Centre at +44(0)28 9076 6399.

Lift off with a South African adventure that takes in the Garden Route from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town

LONGITUDE 18° 22’ E | LATITUDE 33° 55’ S

The kaleidoscope that is the modern South Africa I STEPHEN McKENNA

SOUTH Africa is a kaleidoscope of diversity, culture and colour. It is emerging from its hugely positive world cup experience with a tangible sense of pride and hope for the future.

Located at the south end of the world’s most epic continent, this vast area of land is fringed by both the Indian and Atlantic oceans. South Africa’s vibrant cities, historic towns, fertile vineyards and magnificent game parks provide all those who visit with a rewarding and intriguing experience.

South Africa offers so much to all those who are lucky enough to visit and is hugely popular with Irish visitors.

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‘The Garden Route is a wellknown, readymade road trip with stunning landscapes’ --------------------------

On this particular trip to South Africa, we started our journey in Port Elizabeth before we choose to drive to Cape Town with a number of stops along the way.

The Garden Route is a well-known, readymade road trip that runs between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town with stunning landscapes that will take your breath away, from the awe inspiring safaris on offer, to sip-

ping wine and tasting the culinary delights en route to Cape Town.

Cape Town’s most distinctive feature is its stunning setting: it lies on a dramatic coastline of pristine white beaches and icy waters, overlooked by the iconic flattopped Table Mountain, with lots to do and see of historical, cultural and general interest. If you’re fascinated in another kind of wildlife, hit the bars and nightclubs on Cape Town’s jumping Long St or sample African homebrew in a township shebeen (unlicensed bar).

South Africans are some of the most upbeat, welcoming and humorous folk you’ll encounter anywhere, from farmers in the rural north who

tell you to drive safely on those dirt roads, to kids who wish you molo ( “good morning” in Xhosa).

GoHop.ie are having a free Safari information event on March 27 in Dublin. Send an email to yes@gohop.ie with subject header Gazette to RSVP. To plan your South African adventure, contact Andre on 01-2412372, email andre@gohop.ie.

A 14-night South African Safari, Garden Route and Cape Town holiday in the Spring (September travel) includes hotels, lodges and meals, car rental and flights is on offer with prices from €2,329. Other dates also available.

Visit www.gohop.ie for more information.

22 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC LIVE SHOWS: METEOR SPONSORED EVENT SEES TALENT GALORE

Crawl’s lush live line-up I ROB HEIGH

THE first-ever Dublin incarnation of the iconic Camden Crawl music festival held in London since 1995 has been announced for the weekend of May 11 and 12 and sees a great mix of established and fresh faces on both the international and local music scenes.

Meteor Choice Music Prize double winner, Jape, as well as fellow Choice 2012 nominees, And So I Watch You From Afar, will be in action on Friday, May 11. Prodigious New York indie rockers We Are Scientists and

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masked maurauders, Rubberbandits, will also be on stage that day, with Bastille, DELS, Dutch Uncles on the bill.

The Saturday line up will be equally eclectic, with former Supergrass frontman, Gaz Coombes, and Choice 2012 nominees, Tieranniesaur and Cashier No 9, leading the line, with Mystery Jets and Ghost Poet in action.

These names are barely a sniff of the full line-up, and the full bill is extensive and varied to say the least, with a treat guaranteed for all music lovers.

The festival bill is packed to the gills with

100 acts set to take to the stages of 15 venues across the city.

The two-day event costs €40, and the weekend ticket is exchanged for a wristband that allows unlimited access to all venues, stages and aftershow parties. Arrive early as surprise guests may appear at any time or in any venue. Day tickets are also available for €25.

The London event began in the mid-90s when Britpop was king, and saw The Wedding Present and Kenickie on the bill. After a hiatus, the festival returned, and Snow Patrol, Maximo

Leading the line-up on Friday is local band, Jape

Park, and the Fratellis were among the names who have appeared on the bill on their way to wider

mainstream success.

For more information, see entertainment.ie/ camdencrawldublin.

FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods USUALLY when an artist releases an album with as much hype as Bruce Springsteen’s, Wrecking Ball, I tend to wonder, is it because the music isn’t up to scratch? Well, if you’ve heard it, or read the review on this page last week, you’ll know that’s not true. This rock icon has got the goods.

Delivering a keynote speech last week at the a Texas music festival, Springsteen said when he picked up a guitar at the age of six, he’d only 10 years of rock history to draw on. So he started making his own.

Wrecking Ball is his eighth number one album in his home country, and he has nearly treble the number of Grammy’s.

This summer’s gigs at the RDS will be played just a few months before his 63rd birthday and if you’re going, you’re in for a treat. He’s the only artist I’ve ever seen that looks like he’s playing his first gig every time. He enjoys it so much, you can’t help but get caught up in the Springsteria!

24 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 22 March 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929

Country Roads: A Celebration of John Denver

COUNTRY Roads - A Celebration of John Denver consists of a strong live band, with backing vocals and, of course, Wayne as John Denver. Enhanced with video footage throughout, this tribute show traces the early and late music of Denver, including the legendary hits, Country Roads, Annie’s Song, Leaving on a Jet Plane and many more. Catch the show on March 25 at 8pm. Tickets €20.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 The Mai

THE MAI is the moving story of four generations of women in one family in the midlands. An accomplished, beautiful forty-year-old woman, The Mai has always sought an exceptional life. We enter the world of The Mai on the day of her husband’s return after an absence of four years. In the midst of their troubled reunion are the idiosyncratic and comical characters that comprise the family. Irreverent and unapologetic, the opium-smoking, 100-year-old matriarch, Grandma Fraochlan, presides over all. Catch the magical performance from March 7 to 31, at 8pm, with tickets priced at €16/€14.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 885 2622 Many Young Men of Twenty

IN Martin Mangan’s production of the John B Keane classic, Many Young Men of Twenty the scene is transposed from a 1960s Kerry backwater to McLoughlin’s Bar at Achill Sound whose clientele consists of those arriving from or departing for England. Characters include Seelie, an unmarried sister who spends her time under her brother’s thumb, serving in his bar and witnessing all those who leave for England and those who return. Catch the show on Saturday, March 24 at 8pm. Admission: €20.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 An Evening of Dance

JOIN these young energetic dancers from Marian Lennon School of Ballet as they demonstrate their skills in classical ballet, modern and contemporary dance. There will be something for everyone to enjoy as the young dancers of all ages perform a rich and varied repertoire, including a magical journey to Saint-Saen’s Carnival of the Animals, Sleeping Beauty and a super Musical Medley that will have you dancing in your seats! Catch this show on March 23 and 24 at 8pm. Tickets €18/€14 concession.

Benjamin (Matt Damon) walks implausibly good-looking zookeeper Kelly (Scarlett Johansson) around the zoo that he has, as the title might suggest, bought following the death of his wife.

A little animal magic Following a seven-year break from feature-film making, Cameron Crowe returns with a trick or zoo up his sleeve.

I PAUL HOSFORD

WITH our own Kate Crowley off on holiday, I am required to sit in the hallowed chair of Gazette movie reviewer.

So, for those of you who flip to the Ents pages to see Mrs Crowley take down Hollywood’s finest (and not so finest), I apologise wholeheartedly.

For this is a review of the newest work by one of my favourite directors.

Full disclosure time – I was always going to love We Bought A Zoo. I, like Crowe, am a Billy Wilder aficionado, firmly believing that sentimental films can avoid the pitfalls of sappiness.

The first film I can remember genuinely loving is Jerry Maguire, which has as many detractors as fans and Say Anything’s Lloyd Dobler ranks in my alltime favourite movie protagonists.

I even loved Elizabeth-

FILM OF THE WEEK: We Bought A Zoo ### (PG) 124 mins Director: Cameron Crowe Starring: Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Thomas Haden Church, Peter Riegert, Elle Fanning, Angus Macfadyen

OUR VERDICT: IT skirts a fine line. In lesser hands, this falls into schmaltz and drowns in a sea of heavy handed imagery. But, this is Cameron Crowe. The fine line between over-sentimentality and heartfelt emotion is where he has spent his career. Beautifully acted and assuredly shot, Crowe is back and close to top form. Hopefully, the next one doesn’t take seven years.

town.

Now that the truth is out of the way, what about Crowe’s newest effort?

Based on the true story, and book, of Englishman Ben Mee, We Bought A Zoo tells the story of a man who, following the death of his wife, buys a zoo. Funnily enough.

Transporting the story from Devon to LA, the fictional Ben is played

by Matt Damon, here for perhaps the first time showing his 41 years.

But, grieving man buys zoo does not a two-hour story make, so enter a

fusty inspector played by John Michael Higgins.

Damon and his gang, Thomas Haden Church as wisecracking brother, Scarlett Johansson as potential love interest, and Colin Ford and Maggie Elizabeth Jones as the children, must scramble to get the zoo up to code and open to the public.

In many ways, it is a very un-Crowe film, with a straight journey to the end, rather than the meandering of Singles, Almost Famous and Maguire.

That in itself is the film’s biggest weakness.

For only the second time in his career, Crowe shares scripting duties, this time with Aline Brosh McKenna.

McKenna is a fine writer, no doubt, but here her voice seems out of kilter with her partners.

It seems that two writers, who should complement each other, Crowe’s lightness and McKenna’s spot-on workplace observation (The Devil Wears Prada, Morning Glory) just failed to gel.

Everytime it seems that the film has settled in an area, be it a bear on antidepressants or Johansson’s Kelly railing at the constant staff turnover, the other writer’s sensibilities take over and it becomes a little uneven in the middle.

Not that there is nothing to be enjoyed, even in the script.

The relationship between Ben and son, Dylan, is a particular highlight, with both

Damon and Ford infusing their characters with enough bite and anger to create a realistic tension.

Johansson and Haden Church add excellent grounding, with Johansson showing real selflessness in her role, given that it is not a straight, two-hand love story.

As always, one eye will be on the soundtrack of a Cameron Crowe film and, once more, the master of music in films doesn’t disappoint.

Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Neil Young might be standard enough fare, but the former Rolling Stone writer shows he still has a finger on the pulse by adding jonsi, Wilco, Sigur Ros and Bon Iver to the mix.

At the heart of the film, however, is a thoroughly likable performance from Damon.

His Ben is an earnest, decent man, one who we instantly root for. Kind of like the director, then.

22 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING group

The unnamed protagonist of I Am Alive looks out over Haventon.

It may be Alive, but is it worth downloading?

PAUL HOSFORD

IT is finally alive. I Am Alive, the newest release from Ubisoft, has had a torturous route to consoles.

First announced as far back as 2008’s E3, the survival horror finally made an appearance on Playstation Network and Xbox Live Arcade last week.

The question of whether it will prove worth the wait is rather a moot one.

Nobody would realisti-

cally argue that a download-only game has been worth four years waiting.

But, if the question is whether it is worth getting, the answer is a resounding yes.

In I Am Alive, you play an unnamed protagonist, of whom little is known and who, generally reveals little.

All you know is that your character has spent a year attempting to get back to their home town of Haventon.

One year before the

game picks up, the entire world has been decimated by a catastrophe known simply as “The Event”.

Cities are in ruins, bridges collapsed and skyscrapers crumbling.

It calls to mind a number of games, books and films, most notably, The Road, by Cormac McCarthy.

In the same way that book was methodical and slow-paced, I Am Alive is not a run-and-gun zombie survival game.

In fact, the biggest threat does not come from the undead, more from the living.

In the antithesis to the Hollywood, let’s all band together resolution of apocolypse-stricken folk, the residents of Haventon are, by and a large, a group of murderous outlaws.

Navigating the treacherous ruins of the city, the sprawling skyline and the gangs intent on bashing your head in and stealing your pants, all take their toll.

With that in mind, there is a stamina meter, a novel introduction in such a game.

You are a mere man, so running, climbing, swinging and fighting all take it out of you, and resting or eating food the only way to revive.

This addition, as well as the scarce nature of resources, makes the gameplay as strategic as it is action-packed.

With just a few bullets,

targeting the alpha members of a gang to scare the others becomes a handy trick.

As does pointing an empty gun at a foe. Just don’t try to fire it.

Saving NPCs can garner retries or extra supplies, but much of the game’s relatively short run time is spent on your own, forraging and scavenging for supplies, which can range from water, food, gas and medicine to cigarettes, tools, climbing gear, weapons, and ammunition.

Enemies don’t leave behind 30 or 40 bullets or a Gatling Gun that will help you take down 30 baddies at a time, or a key to a secret store room.

Because of that, the feeling of stumbling upon a bounty that may only include a couple of pieces of food and a rope, is remarkably gratifying.

As is helping your fellow stricken survivors.

If that’s the kind of post-apocalyptic survivor you are.

All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

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28 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 22 March 2012

GazetteSport Sport

Siobhan Browne feels the weight of Leanne Doyle’s right hook

Demonstration of martial arts by Master’s Temple All-Star Demo Team

Footballer Emma Schutte, makes a regal entrance

Fight Night Cuala GAA scrappers take to the ring HERE was some blood, but mostly glory flowed at Cuala GAA Club’s Fight Night, which took place last weekend.

Months of hard training led to male and female combatants taking to the ring at the clubhouse, set up with the assistance of Angels Boxing Club and lead sponsor, Faichney Ringwood Peugeot.

The bouts were conducted in impeccable sporting spirit, and the night was a huge win in terms of fundraising for the club.

Cuala were delighted with the success of the evening and are hoping that it can become an annual event.

They wish to thank the boxers, and all from the club who helped organise the night and made it run so smoothly, from Mike Bernie’s concept late last year to Lorraine Hayes’ organisation and drive to make the night a success.

T

Brothers Chris and Gar Brennan in a demonstration of sibling rivalry. All photos courtesy of www.cualagaa.ie

Fight promoter Mike Bernie stepped into the ring

Gar and Chris Brennan, brothers-in-arms

22 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29

in association with

Community hero hailed at Croker ROB HEIGH talks to Foxrock Cabinteely founder, Pat Ring, who was honoured by the LGFA with the Club Person of the Year award last week ONE of the architects of one of Dublin’s most community-oriented clubs was honoured at Croke Park last week, when Foxrock Cabinteely’s Pat Ring received the Leinster Tesco Provincial Club Person of the Year award.

Pat, who has been an integral part of the club’s formation and progress to it’s current level, was one of the four provincial winners whose efforts and input to the sport the Ladies’ Gaelic Football Association chose to acknowledge.

T he club, whose achievements in 2011 included the Dublin Ladies’ County Board’s best large club award i n D e c e m b e r, h a s gone from strength to strength since it’s formation in 2000.

They were runnersup in the Dublin sen-

ior ladies’ league and reached the semi-final of the Dublin championship, won the AllIreland Sevens’ Shield competition, as well as running and support-

er, we had a lot of work to do.

“Since I got involved, the biggest change I have seen has been the rise in numbers. It has been phenomenal. We

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

‘Although I got the award, it was very much a club effort.

The contribution of the mentors, volunteers and family members is huge.’

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

ing over 25 teams at all levels and ages at the club.

But the club started humbly following the merger of the small parish clubs, Cabinteely and Foxrock, as Pat recalls.

“I was involved in the Cabinteely side, and helped negotiate the merger in 2004. When the clubs came togeth-

are unique in that we started as a girls-only club, the only club in Ireland to do so. We grew from about five teams with 80 kids, and now we are up to 550 girls playing in 25 teams, over the course of seven or eight years.

“On the back of that success, families were requesting that we start a boys’ club, instead of

Pat Ring, of Foxrock Cabinteely, with his award at Croke Park

them going to bigger clubs in the area, and now we have 140 boys playing in Foxrock Cabinteely. Both sections are still growing dramatically.”

Foxrock Cabinteely’s growth can be attributed to the unique way they interact with the community, as Pat explained.

“The structure of the club is unique in that we carved out this niche in initially providing a club for girls, working closely with four local primary schools, St Brigid’s in Cabinteely, Hollypark i n F ox r o c k , J o h n s town in Killiney and St Anne’s in Shankill. It’s very much a partnership that works both ways. We all benefit from the relationship.”

The significant increase in interest in the club led to the rapid increase in the number of teams that they have been able to field, which can equally be attributed to the care with which they approach the children who come through the gates of the club to take part in Gaelic football.

“Of course, the goal is to be successful on the pitch, but, for us, to provide football for all abilities is equally important. We are putting in a second-level team for the girls who might not be able to compete at senior level, but they

will be able to play at junior level. We want to ensure all our players have a path and can see how they will progress with the club at every level.

Pat Quill, president of the Ladies’ Gaelic Football Association, hailed the “dedication, inspiration and leadership” that the winners of the provincial prizes show: “This is one of the most pleasing and rewarding dates in our Association’s calendar, whereby we recognise the great voluntar y work that takes place in communities throughout the country. It is a great personal honour and a source of pride to your family, club, county and province to be nominated for such a prestigious award.

They are role models in their communities and I thank them.”

Pat himself was keen to stress the part his fellow Foxes take in making the club the success it is.

“Although I got the aw a r d , i t w a s ve r y much a team effor t and a club effort. I am anxious to acknowlege all the people who put so much into the club over the course of every year.The huge amount of mentors, volunteers and family members also contribute a great deal to the success of the club.”

FastSport

College gridiron coming to Aviva in September THE AVIVA Stadium is set to play host to one of the longest-running rivalries in American College Football when the United States Naval Academy host rivals, the University of Notre Dame, on September 1.

Already on sale in the US market, the interest for the Emerald Isle Classic has been phenomenal, with over 25,000 tickets already sold, resulting in a huge boost to the Irish economy with the influx of American tourists in September.

Tickets for Irish gridiron fans are on sale now through Ticketmaster, and are expected to sell out quickly.

As part of the build-up to the game, the Notre Dame band marched in the St Patrick’s Festival Parade in Dublin last weekend.

The Navy-Notre Dame series has been played annually since 1927, making it the longest uninterrupted intersectional series in college football. Navy has emerged victorious in three of the past five years making the fixture a lot more competitive after decades of Notre Dame victories.

Most Notre Dame and Navy fans consider the series a sacred tradition for historical reasons.

Notre Dame, like many colleges, faced severe financial difficulties during World War II and during that time the US Navy made Notre Dame a training centre and paid enough for usage of the facilities to keep the University afloat.

Notre Dame has since extended an open invitation for Navy to play the Fighting Irish in football, and considers the game annual repayment on a debt of honour.

Naval Academy Athletic Directior, Chet Gladchuk, said: “We are delighted to bring this game to Ireland and we plan to bring the full show with us to make the most of this special occasion. This is one of our biggest rivalries and, along with a great American Football game, we plan to showcase all of the game’s traditions, including the jet fly-over, a 1,000 Midshipmen march, bands, along with a huge travelling alumni and support from both sides.”

30 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 22 March 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport McCambridge books her place in London MARIA McCambridge put in an outstanding performance last Sunday to achieve the qualification standard for the London Olympic Games at the Rome Marathon in Italy, running 2:36:37, just inside the Olympic A standard of 2:37.

McCambridge was well on track throughout the race, reaching the halfway mark in 1:17:37.

Although slowing slightly in the second half, she finished strongly and displayed tremendous courage to dip under the qualification standard.

It makes for incredible reading for Dundrum South Dublin AC as the long-time club member – now based in Donegal – joins DSDAC members Linda Byrne 2:36:23 and Ava Hutchinson 2:35:33 as the third Irish woman to achieve the standard for London.

“I really suffered over the last few miles and I thought I would never get to the finish because my feet were just killing me, and I found it increasingly hard to keep going on the cobblestones,” she said afterwards.

HOCKEY: IRELAND’S MISSION ENDS WITH GALLING DEFEAT

Last-second heartbreaker sport@gazettegroup.com

FOR seven days, Ireland’s men’s hockey were catapulted into the public conciousness for a rare moment in the limelight.

And then it came crashing down just two seconds from the end of normal time in their direct play-off for a place at the Olympic Games as tournament favourites, and world number six side, Korea nicked a gutwrenching, fortuitous late winner.

Nam Yong Lee’s touch was faint; faint enough to be missed by umpire Murray Grime but enough to

take the ball away from David Harte and into the bottom corner.

Initially awarded as a corner, the body language when the video referral was called for told the tail. Lee was ecstatic and Irish players buried their heads.

“A moment like this is hard to sometimes understand,” he said. “We don’t control things like this but certainly this is a young group, they’ve played incredibly well for a number of years now,” coach Paul Revington said afterwards.

“It’s going to be tough for them to face tomor-

row. Sport deals us blows and we’ve got to stand up again and carry on fighting.”

It ended what was a ground-breaking week for a side aiming to make it to a first Olympic Games since 1908 and the first team sport from Ireland to make it since 1948.

Big wins over Chile, Ukraine and Russia, allied to draws with Korea and Malaysia in the group phase, captured the imagination of the sporting public, setting up the oneoff rematch with Korea last Sunday.

But the manner in which they were elimi-

Andy McConnell in action against Korea

nated, having twice led only to succumb to a late sucker-punch, will leave emotional scars which may take a while to heal.

For the likes of Monkstown’s Dave Fitzgerald, Stu Loughrey, a former student in St Andrew’s College, Balally man Andy McConnell and Sandyford’s Mitch Darling, the hope is they can rise again in four years time.

“We’re devastated because we’ve got so much belief in what we’re trying to do, and where we’re going,” John Jackson said in the wake of the final.

“If it’s not this week, and this Olympics, it’s going to be the next one.

This team has taken a big step this week, and it’s never going to take a step backwards again.”

22 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 31

in association with

GAELIC: HURLERS, JACKIES LOSE BY SINGLE POINT

a

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CUALA WELL done to all involved in the

something we will be able to enjoy

Family Ceilidh on Saturday night. A

ourselves as a club before too long.

great way to celebrate our national holiday.

It was a quiet weekend on the pitch but Cuala Under-16 and Under-14 hurlers hosted O’Donovan Rossa from Antrim, on their way in to Croke Park for the AIB GAA All Ireland Club Finals.

The academy kids will be off on their fundraising hike on Saturday morning. March 24.

Good luck to them all as they take on Killiney Hill.

Booking are now being taken for the Easter Camp.

Check the website for details

It was great to see so many sup-

about how to join the camp, and all

porters in and around the city on

the news about the weekend fix-

Saturday. Hopefully, the finals are

tures around the club.

FOXROCK/CABINTEELY OUR annual Easter Camp takes

supplemented by experienced club

place in Kilbogget, for boys and

coaches.

girls aged four to 11. It is divided

Our coaches have been trained to

into two weeks, April 2 to 5 and April

create a fun-filled and safe envi-

10 to 13.

ronment in which participants can

For eight years Foxrock Cabinteely have been successfully running Sinead Goldrick (Foxrock Cabinteely) in action for Dublin against Monaghan. Picture: GAApics.com

Double disappointment for Dublin’s dynamos I sport@gazettegroup.com

ON A weekend when there were few club matches played, neither the Dubs’ hurlers nor the Jackies’ footballers could take the spoils in a pair of epic and hard-fought games that were decided in both instances by a single point.

In Aughnamullen, Dublin blitzed the Monaghan goal from the first whistle, taking an early fourpoint lead, with a brace from Sinead Goldrick adding to a point apiece from Fiona Hudson and Orlaith Egan.

But All-Star Ciara McAnespie majored shortly afterward, beating Cliodhna O’Connor in the Dublin goal. Two minutes later, Caitriona McConnell brought the sides level when she converted a 20 metre free.

The Blues struggled to find their range, squandering numerous scoring opportunities in front of the posts both from play

and from frees.

In spite of that, Goldrick and Olivia Leonard raised the white flag for the Sky Blues, but the move of the first half came when the raiding Goldrick intercepted a Monaghan pass, lobbed the ball to the unmarked Egan who duly despatched the ball to the back of Linda Martin’s net.

After going in four points ahead, Dublin again failed to find their range and were made to rue their missed opportunities, with Monaghan’s Ellen McCarron scoring to bring them back within a point, and then suffered a huge setback when Goldrick was forced to retire with a wrist injury.

Points from McCarron, Therese McNally and Caitriona McConnell took the Farney women ahead, but Gemma Fay goaled to put Dublin back in the match.

With four minutes left, and the sides level,

it looked as though the match was destined to finish tied. But Monaghan’s Sharon Courtney had other ideas, and her fisted point proved the difference between the sides, consigning Dublin to defeat.

They remain in the mix for the knock-out stages in third place, with Monaghan moving into second behind Cork, and the Jackies face Laois in their last league match on April 1.

Hurlers E l s e w h e r e , N ow lan Park saw an epic, high-scoring encounter between the Dubs and the Cats that was also decided by a single point, and the home side in the ascendancy.

In a heart-breaking finale, Matthew Ruth consigned Dublin to back-to-back single goal defeats, with a goal in the last 30 seconds that saw Kilkenny claim the points.

In spite of the defeat, Dublin can take solace from the tough and uncompromising play that saw them score six goals against the perennial hurling favourites.

But to be caught cold, having been eight points clear with 15 minutes left, must have been galling for the Dubs, especially as they showed their team unity having gone down to 14 men after Ryan O’Dwyer’s dismissal for a second booking.

Paul Ryan opened the scoring but hurt his hamstring in the process, with Danny Sutcliffe and Conor McCormack netting in the first half, helping put Dublin 3-8 to 1-9 ahead at half time.

David O’Callaghan and Sutcliffe scored early in the second half, and Eamon Dillon ended the run of majors for the Sky Blues, before goals for Richie Power and Ruth’s match-killing score allowing the Cats to take the cream.

learn and improve their footballing skills.

their own Gaelic football camps

Groups are arranged according

catering for boys and girls of all

to age and kept small to ensure

abilities.

each participant receives maxi-

The club selects experienced

mum attention.

players from our juvenile and minor

Our camps are organised by our

team squads a s coaches , with

Schools’ Club Co-Ordinator, Pat

many of these players helping out

Ring.

weekly throughout the year at our Nursery and Academy sessions,

For all details and entry form log on to www.foxcabgaa.com.

NAOMH OLAF OUR junior footballers continued their

Club member Kieran Brennan has

unbeaten run in AFL6 last Wednesday

promised that a few extra pieces will

evening, defeating Trinity Gaels on a

be sung to entertain us on the night.

scoreline of 4-4 to 0-7.

The recital details are on naomholaf.

The Olaf’s junior hurlers had a chal-

ie.

lenge game against Cuala in Shankill

Congratulations to Naomh Olaf

on Sunday last, with a final score

senior footballer Shane O’Connor, a

Olaf’s 2-7, Cuala 0-13. Match reports

noted golfer, who came second in the

are on naomholaf .ie.

amateur Spanish Open last week.

The Dublin Male Welsh Voice Choir,

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 13, 19

in association with Balally Parish, will

and 30. There was no jackpot win-

host an exciting musical evening in

ner. The jackpot next week will be

Balally Church in aid of the Pastoral

€1,200. The six €30 winners were

Centre on Friday, March 23. After-

Mark Ward, Roisín McGrath, Tho-

wards, the choir will receive refresh-

mas Brennan,Terry Broughal, Helen

ments in the Naomh Olaf clubhouse.

DeVeale and Tommy Duggan.

STARS OF ERIN THERE was no football for any teams last weekend.

Stars of Erin Easter Camp 2012 will

Lotto tickets available in all local shops and from committee members.

take place at the pitch from Mon-

The Step Inn is sponsoring a three-

day, April 2, to Thursday, April 5. The

day trip for two to New York. The

camp will be on from 10am to 2pm.

draw will take place on March 30 in

All children aged five to 13 are wel-

the Step Inn. Music on the night - all

come. Anyone interested, contact

welcome.

David Gill 087 7827144.

Lotto was not won last week. Next week’s jackpot is €600. €20 winners were Teresa O’Connor, Olive Kennedy and Olive Durnin.

Tickets available from club members and the Step Inn. Tickets cost €3 each, or five for €10.

Thanks to everyone for ongoing support.

32 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 22 March 2012 ADVERTISING FEATURE