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8 PAPERS, 8 YEARS

March 29 29, 2012

As The Gazette celebrates 8 years bringing you the best local news, we would like to thank all of our readers and advertisers for their continued support

Football: Future bright as Crokes announce plans Page 31

Basketball: Iosagain U-19s miss out on AllIreland title Page 30

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

Another blow for delayed school project I STAFF REPORTER

NEWPARK Secondary School in Blackrock has suffered another disappointing setback to plans to refurbish and extend the school.

The school was supposed to undergo a major demolition of the old school and the construction of a new, three-storey building.

Locals and staff at the school have been waiting for 12 years for these works to be done, and feel they are as far away from

that goal today as they were in 2003. According to the Department of Education and Skills, the work will not now commence until 2015 or 2016.

In an announcement made by the Department last week, it was revealed that a postponement of five years for the renovations is now to be expected.

The “dismay” expressed by the school principal, Derek Lowry, was echoed in a statement by local Independent councillor, Victor Boyhan.

Full Story on Page 4

Paddy’s pals: Having fun giving their support to a fundraiser THERE was no mistaking the day when

Michael and Gaye O’Neill added to the fun of a fundraising morning at St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, Glasthule.

Organised again by Margaret Brown, the St Patrick’s Day Irish Coffee

Morning, held in aid of The Forgotten Irish Emigrants (in London) was a busy, upbeat event, with lots of people delighted to come along and help support members of the diaspora.

Full Gallery on Pages 8-9

2 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29 March 2012

FastNews

PLANNING European guests’ interest in region’s growth

Ooh la la! Don’t miss Jean Christophe

ON Sunday, April 1, renowned Michelinstarred French chef Jean Christophe Novelli will do a cookery demonstration at Superquinn in Blackrock.

The event is being organised to advertise the French Wine and Food sale which begins March 28 at all Superquinn stores.

Go along and sample some of Novelli’s French cuisine. The demonstration will take place from 11am to 7pm on April Fool’s Day at Blackrock Superquinn.

Encouraging better staff travel habits DUN LaoghaireRathdown County Council has lauched a staff Travel Charter, in an effort to encourage their own staff to travel to work by alternative and more sustainable modes of travel.

The council is hoping to achieve a 10% quotient of staff on the charter’s register.

This Charter is the first of its kind in Ireland and its intention is to make staff members more aware of how travel habits affect their environment.

The habits of a lifetime may be changed by keeping tabs on what modes of travel DLRCC staff is using on a weekly basis.

The council is always looking forways to promote the benefits of sustainable travel and this innovative initiative can get people thinking more about how they travel to and from work.

Fewer people driving to work can also free up parking spaces.

“This simple innovative initiative can easily be replicated

at other work places in the County,” said Gerry Flaherty, Sustainable Travel Officer.

The Charter requires staff to make a pledge to commute to and from work at least one day a week every week by walking, cycling, bus, Dart or car sharing. In the first week of the initiative, 65 people have signed up to make a sustainable change to their travel habits.

Visiting members of the SURE Network gather for a group shot. Pictures: Margaret Brown

SURE way to look at urban DLR A N CATHAOIRLEACH, Councillor John Bailey, extended a warm welcome on behalf of the county to visiting members of the European-wide SURE Network when they visited the country recently.

SURE, which stands for Fostering diversification of local economies by using innovative Socio-Economic methods of Urban Rehabilitation in deprived urban areas, saw member representatives from several countries’ city partners visiting Dun Laoghaire on a study visit,

which spent one day looking at examples of Dublin’s city break tourism schemes, and two days examining community development in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.

The visitors were most impressed by the town’s, and the region’s efforts in facing complex socio-economic challenges, with the DLR region’s efforts providing some key points that struck a chord with the visitors. Cllr Bailey shared some fascinating insight into the region’s continuing efforts to develop and grow.

Tree surgery to take place in Monkstown FOLLOWING the results of a recent tree survey assessment carried out by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, some tree surgery will be carried out in Monkstown in the near future.

The tender for the tree surgery works has been awarded to Tree Solutions Ltd. Local Councillor Victor Boyhan (Ind.) has welcomed the council’s decision to proceed with the recommendations of the tree survey.

He said: “This tree surgery should extend the life of most of these trees, which is good news.”

Jean Christophe Echement (Belgium), Sillja Laine (Finland) and Damien Vanneste (Belgium) Botond Razsi and Attila Ratkai, from the Municipality of Eger, Hungary, Lead

took a moment to admire the elaborate spiral

Partner of SURE, make a presentation to An Cathaoirleach, Councillor John Bailey

staircase in County Hall

Cllr Bailey with Sandrine Bertrand (Belgium), Mari Antikainen (Finland), Olga Tsetine (Greece) and Anna Cordoba Lopez (Spain)

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PEOPLE Barry Norman to give talk in Dun Laoghaire

Screening his thoughts on Cinema’s great films I ROB HEIGH

IT’S not every day you get to talk to one of your heroes, or to have him come to Dublin to talk about the subject he is a complete authority on, but Barry Norman – the epitome of British cinema criticism for more than four decades – will be in Dun Laoghaire this weekend at The Pavilion Theatre to discuss some of the best films of all time, and to take the audience’s questions about his experiences in the film trade.

Norman is an iconic presence in cinema, and his BBC programme, Film, that he hosted from 1974 to 1998, informed and educated film lovers as he laconically, often hilariously, but always authoritatively, discussed the merits (or lack thereof) of the week’s film releases.

His return to Ireland next month, that will also see him appear at a number of other venues around the country, is a happy return for Norman, who says: “I’ve always been hugely flattered by the fact I have such an unexpectedly large following in Ireland, and the fact that they liked what I said.

“I always thought: ‘God bless you’, as I was always careful in writing the scripts, and I love the English language, and I think the Irish write it better than anyone else in the world.”

Norman has been steeped in cinema since childhood, as his father was the acclaimed producer and director, Leslie

Norman.

“Throughout my childhood, the house was full of people involved in the movie business, including movie stars. I loved movies from an early age.”

A career behind the camera was an obvious choice, but experience gave him another viewpoint.

“I quite often had the opportunity to visit the set when my father was working, and it made me realise I didn’t want to be a film-maker myself, simply because I didn’t have the patience – going through scenes time after time seemed a bit of a waste of time.

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‘I love Ireland, and Dublin is my favourite foreign city.

I always look forward to going there.’

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Barry Norman

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“I was thinking of going into the film industry, and following in my father’s footsteps – he became an editor, and then a producer, and then a director – and I thought that, if I was going to do that, that I would go down that path, because I think the best directors are the ones who understand editing, and that my father did brilliantly.

“But the film industry was in one of its many slumps, so it was decided that it wasn’t the best way to go at the time, and I

started working as a journalist at the Kensington News in West London,” says Norman.

His journalistic career saw him travel to South Africa and Rhodesia (Zimbabwe), before he returned to England to work.

He says: “I came back to London and got a job as a gossip writer on the Daily Sketch [a Manchester newspaper that eventually merged with the Daily Mail in 1971], that I loathed, but it was the only job I could get in London at the time.

“I moved from there to The Daily Mail, where I was the showbiz editor, until they made me redundant in 1971.

“I then became a freelance journalist, writing TV reviews for The Times, among other things, and a weekly satirical column in The Guardian.

“As a result of the work with The Times, I was invited to appear on a show called Late Night Line-up, with other critics to talk about TV. “A few days later, I got a call from Iain Johnston, a producer for the BBC, who I had never heard of, nor his programme, which was called, Film 72. He had seen me on Late Night, didn’t think my appearance would frighten people, and liked my stuff in the Guardian, and wondered if I would like the chance to take the same approach to reviewing movies? I said yes,” says Norman.

That decision led him to become one of the most iconic presences on British television, and

SCHOOLS: REGIONAL CONTEST

Glory for local school at final I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com

TRANSITION Year students from Blackrock have won an award at the Leinster Regional Final of the Junior Achievement Company of the year Competition, which was held on Wednesday, March 14 at Chartered Accountants House in Pearse Street.

The students are from Newpark Comprehensive School, Blackrock, and won an award, entitled, Tomorrow, for their impressive and meticulous cook book.

Internationally respected British film critic, Barry Norman, who will be at The Pavilion Theatre

his voice and smile are unmistakable to anyone who had even a passing interest in cinema in the time he was on screen.

In that time, he spoke to the legends of cinema, and I asked him who made the biggest impact on him.

“My favourite interviews were with the directors and writers of films – people such as Howard Hawks, Billy Wilder, Martin Scorsese, Stephen Spielberg, William Goldman.

“There was no pain in sitting close to talking to Kim Bassinger or Michelle Pfeiffer, though!

“However, the person who impressed me the most was Laurence Olivier, who I got to know very well when he was setting up the National Theatre at the Old Vic. “I’d never been star-

struck, because of my family film background, but I was very close to being in awe of Olivier. I think he is certainly the best stage actor I have seen, or ever will see,” he says.

Although the films he will be discussing at The Pavilion are all classics – Casablanca, Gone With The Wind, The Adventures of Robin Hood and Dirty Harry – Norman admits he finds it impossible to select an all-time list of his favourite movies.

“I have seen somewhere between 12 and 15,000 films, so it is impossible to pick one, or 10, or even 100 out of those as my favourites.

“The one ‘best’ is absolutely impossible for me.

I say that my favourite film of all time would be one that I could watch

whatever mood I was in, and I don’t think that film exists.”

As for his return to Ireland, a place he adores and visited often with his late wife, Diana, Norman is unequivocal about his view of the country.

“I love Ireland, and Dublin is my favourite foreign city. We have lots of friends there. Dublin is a great place and I always look forward to going there,” he says.

60 entrepreneurs The event involved 60 budding teenage entrepreneurs as part of the Leinster Regional Final of Junior Achievement’s Company of the year Competition.

T h e r e we r e t h r e e awards in total presented on the day.

As well as Newpark Comprehensive in Blackrock, the other winners of the three awards given on the day included Ardscoil Na Trionoide, Athy, Co Kildare, and the Patrician Secondary School.

2,000 students Approximately 2,000 students nationwide participated in the competition, and four regional finals will take place nationwide over the coming weeks.

The Junior Achievement Company of the Year competition is sponsored by the Chartered Accountants Ireland Leinster Society.

Other dates and venues to catch Barry Norman are: Friday, March 30, Dunamaise , Portlaoise Sunday April, 1, An Grianain, Letterkenny Tuesday, April 3, Backstage, Longford Wednesday, April 4, Siamsa Tire, Tralee Thursday, April 5, Glor, Ennis

National final Two winning secondary school teams from each region will go through to the national final in May, and the ultimate prize is winning the Junior Achievement European Company competition, which is to be held in Bucharest, Romania, in July.

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SCHOOLS Dismay as Government sets back the new facility

Planned Newpark School building ‘delayed until 2015’ THE planned school building announced in 2003 for Newpark School in Blackrock is facing yet another setback, as it has been delayed until 2015 by the Department of Education and Skills, it has been announced.

The project was first discussed and agreed on in 2000, at a proposed cost of €14,500,000.

It comprised the replacement of old 1970’s buildings in a state of disrepair, with a new, 800-pupil postprimary school, and sports facili-

ties of approximately 6,790 square metres.

In a letter sent to parents last week, Derek Lowry, principal, Newpark School, announced the delay, and expressed his great disappointment.

Deferred until 2015/16 He wrote that the Department of Education and Skills’ five-year plan for the new school buildings and extensions was being deferred until 2015/16, despite the fact that

“the tender documents were within weeks of completion, and that on November 7 the project was advertised on the tenders public procurement websites for ... construction companies”.

The dismay felt by Mr Lowry and all concerned will be dealt with by a newly-formed “strategy sub-committee” within the school, which will involve teachers and parents to try to speed up the building process.

Planning permission for Newpark School, Newtownpark Avenue,

Blackrock was granted on March 18, 2011.

The development involves the demolition of the existing 1970’s single-storey school buildings, the creation of a new, three-storey school building, refurbishment and extensions onto the west side of Belfort House, an ESB substation, the refurbishment of two gate lodges, 226 parking spaces, playground areas and landscaping.

In the letter, Mr Lowry tells of the Board of Management’s shock and

anger at the Department’s decision to delay things after so long a wait.

“Now, 12 years later, and within months of approval for the project to go ahead, it has been put back another four years.”

‘Disappointed’ Councillor Victor Boyhan (Ind), a former pupil of the school, said: “I, too, am very disappointed with this news. It’s extremely frustrating that this project keeps getting put off by successive governments.”

FAMILIES: INVITATION

Mad Hatter’s Easter tea party DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is arranging a very special tea party for Easter Sunday.

Based on the most famous scene from Alice in Wonderland, members of the public are cordially invited to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, where all is not quite what it seems.

The White Rabbit, a mad Hatter, and Alice will host a most unusual tea party, complete with a teacup ride, giant chess, croquet, a hat walk, balloons, an Easter trail and a host of surprises on picnic tables under a tree.

Bring your own picnic, or buy some tea and cakes from the tuck shop and dine in style at the picnic tables.

This year, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party falls on Easter Sunday, so a highlight will be the Easter trail. Follow the signs

around the park, collect the code words from the back of the signs, get them all right and collect an Easter treat.

The White Rabbit, Alice, and the Mad Hatter himself will be there to greet you on arrival.

Young and old alike are welcome to enjoy a fantastical day of tea-cup rides, human chess and tablecloths under a tree.

The event is free, and is hosted by DLR Events.

There will also be a makeand-do area for younger children to make a mad hat. If you decide to attend this unusual tea party, it is requested that you dress up as one of the Alice in Wonderland characters, and wear the maddest hat possible.

The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party takes place on Easter Sunday, April 8, from 1pm to 5pm in Deerpark, Mount Merrion.

Picture perfect: Admiration for Annie THE GAZETTE was so entranced by this painting, Two Girls in Kilkee, by a 17-year-old student from Loreto College, Foxrock, that she was accidentally given the wrong name in the caption when featuring her work, recently. Brushing up on our spelling, The Gazette is delighted to paint a clearer picture of the talented young artist’s name – Annie Keegan, who created this

great work for this year’s 58th annual Texaco Children’s Art Competition. Competition coordinator, Annemarie Barnes, is pictured examining Annie’s great entry, submitted as part of the impressive tally of 5,579 students from Dublin city and county. With judging currently under way, winners will be announced in early April, followed by the prize-giving ceremony in May.

Newpark students complete a BOI ‘Learn to Earn’ programme TRANSITION Year students in Newpark Comprehensive Secondary School, Blackrock, were recently given lessons on financial planning and management

by Bank of Ireland volunteers in a Learn to Earn programme.

Topics such as financial planning and budgeting, credit, saving and investing, insurance and how to protect from identity theft and fraud were featured on the course.

Described as a “unique financial literacy programme”, Learn to Earn was designed by Bank of Ireland, in conjunction with Junior Achievement Ireland.

Ms Cloney, business teacher at

Newpark Comprehenisive Secondary School, said: “The students really enjoyed Hazel Nangle’s [Bank of Ireland volunteer] visits each week during the programme.

“They found the activities very enjoyable, whilst also learning about financial matters such as budgeting, credit, insurance, identity theft/ fraud and investments. It gave an excellent insight into their future personal finances.”

Newpark was one of almost 4,400 secondary school students nationwide who took part in the five-week programme. The aim of the project was to equip the students with practical financial

know-how, which can be applied throughout their whole adult lives.

Jason Quilty, branch manager, Blackrock Bank of Ireland, said: “This is a unique opportunity for Bank of Ireland to partner Junior Achievement in this exciting educational initiative, that provides very meaningful skills to students.

“We have a solid history of supporting schools in the communities in which we do business, and this offers a new opportunity for volunteers from our branch network to share their experience and knowledge in classrooms, and to help young people learn in a fun and creative way,” he said.

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DULUX

Colour campaign DU LU X , t h e p a i n t company, is launching the Let’s Colour Campaign 2012 at the end of March.

As one of their landmarks, they have chosen Dun Laoghaire Baths for its wonderful location and the place the baths hold in local people’s hearts.

The first launch buildings were the Lido Cinema in Cork and St Mary’s Pre-School in Dublin, and Dulux claim that the colours selected reflected the nature and purpose of the buildings.

The Let’s Colour Project is a not-for-profit initiative by Dulux to help communities add colour to their lives. Local community groups are given free paint by Dulux, so that they can revitalise buildings and spaces to enhance the local environment for everyone.

FITNESS Local gym’s weight-loss success is ‘based on science’

Educogym to announce its big challenge I STAFF REPORTER

FOLLOWING on from their last gym challenge, which saw members lose a combined weight total of over 58 stone, educogym has announced details of their next big gym challenge.

Participants can choose between two options – a six-week Transformational Challenge, which includes 18 supervised sessions with your own personal trainer, consultations, 12 day check up,

results, including before and after photos, a cutting-edge nutritional programme and three educational seminars – the cost of which is €400.

The other option is a three-month Ultimate Body Challenge, which includes all of the transformational challenge, plus unlimited training sessions with your own personal trainer. The cost of this is €750.

Jamie Myerscough, educogym CEO said: “Our success is based

on science. Metabolism – the rate at which the body burns food and fat for energy, is the key that unlocks the mystery of body fat loss. Our aim is to increase the muscle and decrease body fat. We concentrate on weight training at a fast pace in short bursts, which gives the benefits of aerobic exercise without the attendant stresses. The heart rate is raised and the lungs get a good workout.”

By following the well-

Training taking place at Educogym

designed and focused educogym programme of exercise and nutrition, participants can expect to lose at least seven and a half pounds of fat, drop a full clothes size, lose a minimum two inches off their waistline and increase their fat burning rate by

10% plus.

They can also enjoy a significant boost to their energy levels with these challenges. A 58-stone weight loss in the last challenge shows what be achieved at educogym.

For more information on the educogym Challenge, call 1850 737 737

or email dundrum@educogym.com To be with a chance to win a three-month Ultimate Body Challenge, including unlimited training sessions with a personal trainer, visit http://www.facebook. com/myeducogym and click the ‘like’ button.

29 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 7

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EVENT St Patrick’s Day Irish Coffee Morning in Glasthule

Benefit for the forgotten

OR the third year running Margaret Brown organised a St Patrick’s Day Irish Coffee Morning in aid of The Forgotten Irish Emigrants (in London). The event was held in St Joseph’s Pastoral Centre, Glasthule.

Margaret was expecting an even bigger crown than last year and she wasn’t disappointed as the coffee dock was packed. It was a true Baileys Irish Coffee morning with a wide array of delicious cakes and delicacies on offer. Guest of honour, Bobby Kerr, along with Cathaoirleach Cllr John Bailey, and Margaret cut the cake.

Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Cllr Cormac Devlin, Cllr Lettie McCarthy and Cllr Jane Dillon-Byrne were amongst those who were in attendance. All proceeds will go to The Saint Gabriel’s Outreach Project which supports the elderly, lonely and isolated people who emigrated to England in the 40s, 50s and 60s w h o have now hit hard times.

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Clare Dillon, Patricia Swords, Colin Baker (the Gadget Man) Anne and Emma Harkin. Picture: Geraldine Woods

Micheal and Gaye O’Neill Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor and Elaine O’Hare

Marie and Frankie Rooney

An Cathaoirleach John Bailey, Margaret Brown and Bobby Kerr

Zoe Smith, Sarah McDonald, Aine Brennan and Grace McDonald

29 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 9

in aid of The Forgotten Irish Emigrants in London

Margaret Brown, Bobby Kerr and Cllr Lettie McCarthy

Brother Bernard Murphy and Fr Denis Kennedy, Glasthule Parish Ken O’Sullivan, chairman of Cuala GAA, with Cathaoirleach John Bailey

Cllr Cormac Devlin and Warren Fisher

Cllr Jane Dillon-Byrne

Charlie, Alice and Ava Hennegan

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ENTERPRISE Outlet featuring the work of 15 local designers

Marianne Flood, wearing one of her own designs

Melanie Hand, from Melanie Hand Design Jewellery, takes centre-frame behind another one of her impressive pieces

Cornering the best of our local artisans

OLLOWING the highly-successful run of The Design Corner in December, which featured the work and skills of several artisans and craftspeople from across the region, the outlet has again reopened, this time helping to provide a diverse range of goods in time for Easter.

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With the work of 15 designers from across the county, The Design Corner, located on Upper George’s Street opposite the entrance to the People’s Park, Dun Laoghaire, features a range of high-quality wares from both well-established and up-and-coming designers, providing something to

A grey piece from Cathy White Vintage Bags

Tara Hammond with coasters from Slated

suit all tastes and budgets for Irish crafts and design lovers. An initiative of the local Enterprise Board in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, The Design Corner runs from this Saturday, March 31 to Monday, May 7. For a preview of many of the wares at the outlet, see www.facebook.com/thedesigncorner.

Jenny Toland and a Hot Christina Sanne, of Red Rufu, with sockdogs

Head creation

Rebeka Kahn, of Rebeka Kahn Artwear

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MUSIC: FAMILIES How sisters took plunge on a baby swim club franchise EARLY BIRD FUNDRAISER

Whelan’s to host a Spirit of Folk gig DESCRIBED as one of the best up-and-coming festivals of 2011, Spirit of Folk (SOF) returns this year, from September 21 to 23, with another aweinspiring line-up of events and music.

Festival sales will kick off with an early bird deal at a SOF fundraiser, to be held in Whelan’s on Thursday, March 29, when you can buy a weekend ticket for €50 for 24 hours only.

It promises to be a raucous affair for all the right reasons, starting off with a folktastic line-up that includes The Hot Sprockets, The Young Folk, Bunoscionn and TRAZ. This will be followed by some kicking tunes by Mr Benny. Bust and Bust will take to the stage to compere the evening and give out an array of raffle prizes, including weekend camping tickets.

Last year’s festival saw an amazing bill of artists with many up-and-coming singer-songwriters, as well as an array of folk legends, including Gay Woods from Steeleye Span, Lisa O’Neill and Rhob Cunningham.

Speaking of the niche festival, O’Neill told festival goers: “I think we’re at the start of something very special here.”

The weekend ended with a monster performance from The Hot Sprockets.

To get in early and purchase a ticket for €50, go to www.tickets.ie, or you can buy them in Whelan’s on the night.

Tickets for the fundraiser cost €10, and the full line-up will be announced in early May.

Water Babies graduates, from left: Manus Connolly, age 4, Blanchardstown; Mya Macari, age 3, Dun Laoghaire; Emily Webb, age 5, Blanchardstown; Rachel Searle, age 4, Blanchardstown; Alicia Hampson, age 5, Sandyford; Grace Beausang, age 5, Kinsealy; Maia Gabbie, age 5, Malahide and Rhianna Harvey, age 4, Portmarnock

Making a big splash I LAURA WEBB

news@gazettegroup.com

CHILDREN are taking to swimming like ducks to water, thanks to a leading baby swim club, which recently celebrated its third birthday.

Water Babies was introduced in Ireland back in 2009, and has become the fastest-growing franchise out of the 44 schools across Ireland and Britain, thanks to Blanchardstown businesswomen, and sisters, Carol and Therese McNally, who teach 1,400 babies and toddlers every week in 16 locations in Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow.

T he business also employs 11, including swimming instructors and administration staff.

Growing up, their father, Hugh McNally, ran a sports centre in Blanchardstown, and was heavily involved in Irish

Water Safety.

This led to the sisters following in their father’s footsteps and a childhood in water, competitive swimming, life-guarding and teaching were the natural career choice.

While on holidays in Britain, Carol came across a Water Babies’ leaflet, and knew that it was the perfect business for them.

The mothers were able to combine their love for babies with their love for swimming, and help to pass a love and understanding of water to their own and other children.

Carol says: “Swimming is a life-protecting gift from parent to child, and one that gives me true satisfaction to promote.

“The lessons give you such a feel-good factor – and I’ll never get over the thrill of seeing babies swimming underwater,” she says. “[The classes] also create a huge sense of achievement, especially seeing what the babies can do from so young.

“I think we often underestimate how much children are capable of, even when still babies, and they clearly love the sense of freedom that being in water provides,” she says.

The Water Babies programme is designed to

Manus Connolly shows how easily he graduated from the baby swim club, above, while Water Babies’ Carol and Therese McNally relax underwater, below

make the most of babies’ natural affinity with water, and teaches confidence and safety, using specialist techniques that see many swimming short distances from as young as 30 months.

Baby swimming is an entirely safe and gentle activity, which helps parents to bond with their baby while giving them a lifetime’s water confidence and safety skills.

Locations include Rathfarnham, Blackrock, Swords, Castleknock and Liffey Valley. To find out more see www.waterbabies.ie; to find out about “taster” classes, or to book a class, call 01 824 9987.

29 March 2012 GAZETTE 13

FOOD Free programme’s aim to tackle obesity

New study to help improve teens’ health The Teen Nutrition Study was recently launched by Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin, and is funded by the National Children’s Research Centre.

The study will look at the effect of a novel nutritional approach on teen health. The free, eight-week programme, designed by nutritional experts, is the first of its kind to be held in Ireland.

Overweight teens, who take part in the study, will take a nutritional supplement as well as learn how to manage their weight by following a healthy eating plan.

The study aims to combat some of the problems associated with carrying extra weight.

Ruth Connaughton, one of the researchers, says: “Carrying extra weight can cause the body to produce unhealthy substances, known as inflammatory substances, which .

“These inflammatory substances travel around in the blood and can increase risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease.”

The Teen Nutrition Study will test whether taking a supplement containing healthy nutrients that are usually found in foods such as fruit, veg-

Dietary experts, including Dr Fiona Lithander, lecturer in Human Nutrition at Trinity College Dublin; Ruth Connaughton, researcher; and Aoibheann McMorrow, research dietitian, are calling for overweight teenagers to take part in a new, free eight-week study programme to help improve their diets and health

etables and fish, and are generally lacking in an Irish teenager’s diet, can reduce the number of these unhealthy inflammatory substances in the blood and improve overall teen health.

The programme also incorporates an easy-tofollow healthy eating plan, which was developed to help young people make

healthier meal and snack choices and, as a result, manage their weight successfully and boost selfesteem.

Parents accompanying the teens will also be educated on the healthy eating programme, meaning that participation in this study will potentially benefit the whole family.

This study is now call-

ing for new participants aged between 13 and 18 years of age to take part.

Interested teens or parents can email teen.nutrition@tcd.ie, or call or text 086 721 3854 for further information.

More information can also be found on the study website, at medicine.tcd. ie/nutrition-dietetics/ teenstudy.

Hunger Games melodramatic adaptation of a teen novel that has a fanatical fanbase. But don’t let that put you off …

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ALMOST one-in-five teenagers are overweight or obese. Research has shown that Irish teens consume one-fifth of their calories from cakes, biscuits, chocolate and savoury snacks.

Dr Fiona Lithander, lecturer in Human Nutrition at Trinity College Dublin, says: “Poor food choices contribute to weight gain, and teenagers who are carrying an excess amount of body weight for their height have a significantly greater risk of carrying that weight into their adult years.

“As a result, they have an increased risk of developing diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes.”

More than a game:

ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 24

14 GAZETTE 29 March 2012

GazetteFITNESS FITNESS Knowing the symptons of a heart attack

ALMOST six out of 10 Irish people know heart symptoms, but only half of heart attack victims arrive at hospital by ambulance.

Sur vival rates of heart attack victims can be improved by as much as 50% if patients access treatment within one hour of the onset of symptoms.

The symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, light-headedness,

loss of consciousness, weakness, tiredness, and upper body pain in the neck, back, jaw or arms.

Heart disease can lead to stroke and heart attack. One of the best ways to prevent heart disease is to keep your cholesterol at a healthy level.

Drop into your local GP or pharmacy to have your cholesterol level checked.

With thanks to the staff of Lucan Village Pharmacy.

GOT A PICTURE? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email picturedesk@gazettegroup.com

Brought to you by Derry Temple personal trainer and pilates instructor

Toxins affect ability to lose weight TOTAL OF 80,000 chemicals have been i nt r oduced t o our environment since the turn of the 20th century. We are only now beginning to understand the effect of these substances on our body.

Latest research shows that many such toxins can affect your ability to lose weight, so a detox programme is an important part of any weightloss plan.

Toxins can hinder your metabolism in many ways. They can alter thyroid hormone production, cause an increase in inflammation and imbalance neurotransmitters that negatively affect appetite control. They can slow down the metabolic rate by damaging the mitochondria within our cells and increase oxidative stress and free radicals.

To reduce your toxic load, you need to consider environmental toxins, such as exposure to common household cleaners or garden chemicals, second-hand smoke, plastics and phthalates in food and water containers.

Many foods that are a staple in our modern diet also contain toxins. These

A

include trans fatty acids, alcohol, caffeine, aspartame, genetically modified foods, hormones, antibiotics and the most common toxin, sugar.

These foods should be avoided or minimised.

Your detoxification system relies on the right balance of proteins, fats, fibre, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals to be effective. The trick is to eat “clean” and avoid processed foods.

Protein provides amino acids that are vital for many of the bodies detoxification systems and good sources include eggs, whey protein, beans, nuts and whole grains. Eat only organic food and animal products to avoid petrochemical pesticides, herbicides, hormones and antbiotics.

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, collards, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower can provide many phytochemicals that enhance detoxification. Other vegetables such as garlic and onion contain sulphur that helps the body excrete toxins. Bioflavonoids in grapes, berries and citrus fruits will also help the detoxification process.

It is important to sweat

Detoxifying is an important part of overall health and weight loss

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

‘Your detoxification system relies on the right balance of proteins, fats, fibre, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals to be effective’ -------------------------------------------------------

when trying to detoxify and people who have a heavily toxified system often find it difficult to perspire. Exercising regularly is a great way to increase blood and lymphatic circulation. If you find exercising difficult or need some extra help, then try the sauna.

The sauna is an established treatment for detox therapy and can help the body excrete many toxins

through the skin. A farinfrared sauna is the best type of sauna for detoxifying. It is more tolerable then conventional saunas because it does not heat or dry the air and yet it penetrates much deeper into tissues of the body.

Drinking plenty of fresh water will ensure you have enough fluid to help the kidneys flush out toxins.

To s u p p o r t y o u r

immune system you should also take a strong multi vitamin and mineral complex.

Shed Toxins to Shed the Pounds

Detoxifying is such an important part of overall health and weight loss.

While we live in an everincreasing toxic environment, it is possible to limit your exposure and to support the ability of your body to detoxify and lose weight.

Join Temple Training on facebook to get tips on training and eating for fat loss and for special offers on health and fitness packages. See www. templetraining.ie.

29 March 2012 GAZETTE 15

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: THE RIGHT QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN SEARCHING FOR A NEW VET

Finding the perfect vet for your pet S a responsible pet parent, I know one of the most important decisions I have ever made was finding and choosing the right vet for my doggies.

Ok, I’m at a distinct advantage because I work at Ireland’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity, so I’m surrounded by wonderful veterinary staff and experts. However, I didn’t always work for the Dublin SPCA and as a “civilian”, I would have depended entirely on my personal research skills and referrals from family and friends regarding the suitability of the local veterinarians.

So, if you’ve recently adopted a companion pet, you’re already a pet parent who has moved to a new area or, perhaps, you’re unhappy with your veterinary clinic’s facilities and aren’t sure where to turn – don’t worry, help is at hand. I’m going to give you a few pointers that you can use as guidelines.

Of course, the final choice

pet’s specific needs and who explains things in a manner you understand.

A

Emergency Service

I would recommend you don’t base your choice on convenience, but I would suggest you ask if the vet is available for emergencies/outof-hour’s calls/does the practice enjoy hospital status?

Ask Questions

The lovely three-legged greyhound, Red

is up to you. That said, do bear in mind your vet will be your closest ally in your quest for a healthy, happy, long and loving relationship with your pet.

Referral

Get a recommendation from your local animal welfare shelter or family and friends. However, make sure their idea of a good vet matches your own personal criteria.

For example, you want to find a vet who suits your

Are appointments required?

Does the vet specialise?

For example, as I prefer the holistic approach, it’s important for me that at least one vet in the practice specialises, or is open to, using homeopathic remedies.

Is he/she familiar with your pet’s specific breed?

Fees for routine checkups, vaccinations, out-ofhour’s service. Ask about options, such as pet insurance.

How are overnight patients monitored?

What is the protocol for pain management?

Atlantis (Lance for short), a baby goat, who was born the day the space shuttle Atlantis was launched, and Pooch

Ask for a tour of the facility and check out the examination rooms. How sanitary/up-to-date/efficient are they?

Effective communication is the key: What’s staff morale like? Does all staff have a good rapport with each other?

With your pet?

Is there a facility for x-rays, blood tests, ultrasound, etc., to be carried out in-house or by referral to a specialist?

How many vets are in the practice? Most modern surgeries have several and allow for different skills sets/specialties. This does not mean one vet is better than another.

Check for:

Does the vet have exceptional people,

as well as pet skills? I believe a good vet should be able to listen, learn and be willing to update his/her skills.

Does he/she have a library of reference books in order to diagnose difficult ailments?

Are dogs and cats housed in separate areas?

How organised is this vet? Are instruments arranged methodically or lying about in a haphazard fashion?

So you see, choosing the right vet for your pet requires extensive research because, believe it or not, you’re doing more than engaging the skills of a medical expert – you’re searching for your new best friend!

You’re employing the services of someone who

is as passionate and compassionate about your pet as you are. That’s why I use and recommend the amazing veterinary clinic at the Dublin SPCA. In my professional opinion as an animal welfare officer, and as a woman who places her animals on a pedestal, the facilities are stateof-the-art, the staff are dedicated and passionate about my dogs.

The team offer highquality medicine that is not only affordable, but individualised to suit each of my dogs’ specific needs (and, believe me, with rescue dogs, they are varied), and the fabulous ladies who work there provide an emergency, out-ofhours service making it convenient, as well as

Dublin’s premier onestop complete veterinary service.

Oh, and another good reason for choosing this state-of-the-art facility – as if the fabulous staff weren’t enough – all profits go straight back into the Dublin SPCA Animal Welfare Charity to help us rescue, treat, rehabilitate and rehome more cruelly-treated and abandoned animals.

Now, that’s not just innovative and creative – it makes for positive animal welfare for you and for your beloved companion pets.

For more information log onto www.dspca.ie, or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie, or phone our veterinary clinic on 01-4994780. They’d love to hear from you.

16 GAZETTE 29 March 2012

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY

HOME RENOVATION: MANAGE THE PROCESS AND AVOID THE STRESS

Making your home the best it can be

Some of the fine aspects of No 2, Liffey Walk

LUCAN: LIFFEY WALK PROPERTY €205,000

Valley Park corner site a classy catch NUMBER 2, Liffey Walk, is located in a soughtafter development on a corner site, with professionally landscaped gardens both front and rear, expertly decorated inside and with a large conservatory.

The downstairs accommodation offers a large living room with double doors opening into the kitchen/dining room, and features a stylish kitchen.

This opens into the conservatory, which provides an ideal reception area to entertain your guests in style as it overlooks the beautiful garden that enjoys a sunny aspect.

Upstairs, the established theme of good taste continues with three bedrooms, en-suite and the recently upgraded family bathroom. Finally, there is access to the attic, which is partially floored and lit.

Every room is beautifully presented in neutral tones, with a splash of colour here and there creating an interior designer finish. According to the agents, you could move in, change nothing, and be the envy of all your friends.

Accommodation comprises entrance hall with laminate flooring and guest WC. The living room has laminate flooring, a stylish fireplace and double doors leading to the dining room/kitchen. This space spans the width of the home, with plenty of wall and floor units and a breakfast bar dividing both rooms.

There is a conservatory located to the rear, with solid wooden flooring overlooking the rear garden.

Upstairs, bedroom one is located to the front of the house with T&G flooring, fitted wardrobes and a beautifully decorated en suite with wc, whb and stand-in shower.

GERHARD Heyl, director of HSLC Ltd, is an expert in home renovation, and here discusses some of the most important aspects of the process.

Renovating and extending your home can be a challenging and stressful endeavour. There’s the upheaval, and don’t even think about the mess, it’s hard enough to get the kids to wipe their feet!

But it doesn’t have to be like that. A properly managed extension project can be run with the minimum disruption to family life. There are a few key things you can do yourself before and during the build to help things go as smoothly as possible.

Planning Discuss all aspects of the extension project with your building team in advance of any work taking place. Make sure you have a timetable of work so you know what days and at what times workmen will be arriving.

Discuss with your project manager the possibility of organising deliveries when the house is quiet. Things

will run much smoother if the cement truck arrives after the school run as opposed to when you are trying to reverse out of the driveway.

There is no denying extending your home with kids in tow is no joke and finding ways to amuse house-bound children is a challenge for even the most imaginative parent.

However, you need to keep the goal of the renovation in focus throughout the project. You’re doing this extension to give more space, light and energy to your family home and ultimately your loved ones. So, chin up, you can do this!

Often with a large renovation project, there will be no choice but for the family to move out. It simply isn’t safe to have a family living in a house that may have an open external wall, or no kitchen/bathroom facilities.

There will be an additional cost involved in renting alternative accommodation but, on the other hand, if the crew are not working around your domestic schedule, they

The slight inconveniences of renovation are well worth the effort

may be able to complete the job sooner.

Pets Animals thrive on routine and can be easily upset if their living quarters are suddenly turned upside down with a renovation project. You need to consider your pet’s existing routine and adjust accordingly for the life of the extension. If your four-legged friend is an outside pet, you need to make a new secure area for them. Side gates will

be left open, walls may be taken down and the last thing you want is for your pet to stray.

Disruption management There is no way of escaping it, getting an extension completed on your home will create mess and dirt. There is no point in being upset or surprised by this; it’s a fact of life. Be proactive and prepare in a sensible way before the renovation project even starts. Treat

the preparation for a build like moving house and pack up precious items and put them into storage. Look on the bright side, you have a genuine excuse to declutter!

Having your home extended is a marvellous way to reinvent your living space, matching your home to your lifestyle.

Hopefully, with good disruption management, the inconvenience of the build, will be forgotten once your new home is revealed.

HOLLYSTOWN: DETATCHED FOUR-BED PROPERTY IN DUBLIN 15

Redwood towers over the rest

SHERRY FitzGerald are delighted to bring No 38 Redwood to the market.

This detached four-bed property is presented in showhouse condition, with exquisite interior design and taste evident throughout.

The best quality fixtures and fittings adorn this turn-key home and it further benefits from a magnificent landscaped, sunny, south-west facing rear garden with water feature, split-level patio

and garden lighting.

Situated in a quiet cul de sac beside Hollystown Golf Course, this home enjoys a good selection of shopping and leisure facilities, both locally and within a 10-minute drive.

Viewing is highly recommended and is imperative to appreciate this stunning home and the exceptional interior finishes throughout.

The floor area is a most impressive 1,360 sq ft.

The accommodation

comprises entrance hall that sets the tone for the impeccable standard throughout, with prolific use of exquisite Canadian solid hardwood flooring on the ground floor.

An attractive radiator cover further ads to the elegance. There is particularly good under-stair storage here also.

The guest WC is oversized, and elegant in its simplicity, with quality wall and floor tiling, and it includes WHB and WC.

The living room is a magnificent reception space, and benefits from dual aspect, a bay window to the front and a picture window and double glass doors which open to the gorgeous rear garden.

The contemporar y stone fireplace has a gas inset fire.

The study/fourth bedroom is currently used as a study/TV room, but was originally laid out as the fourth bedroom. It, too, has a lovely bay window

to the side, along with a window to the front.

The kitchen/breakfast room has a stunning ivory fitted kitchen and is complemented by a deep, red-tiled splash back and cream ceramic floor tiles.

The electrical appliances are mainly top-of-therange Neff appliances, such as a double oven, five-ring gas hob and chimney-style extractor fan. There is an integrated fridge freezer and dishwasher.

29 March 2012 GAZETTE 17

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY

Getting back to the basics GET back to basics by rejuvenating your daily skincare routine, and get faces feeling clean, glowing and well-moisturised.

This week, we are taking a look at one of the most important routines of the day – cleansing and moisturising.

Women, and men, are using so many different products that it’s easy to forget two of the most important steps in skincare.

According to Celebrity facialist, Anastasia Achilleo, cleansing is a must.

“It’s key to having bright fresh, healthy-looking skin. It’s particularly important to cleanse the skin effectively at night to remove make-up and ensure that pores don’t become clogged and debris isn’t left on the skin that can cause bac-

teria, which is how spots can develop on younger skin. In the morning, skin just needs a quick sweep with cleanser to freshen it for the day ahead.”

Olay has re-launched its iconic cleansing and moisturising range, Classic Care as Olay Essentials. The new-look product has everything a person needs to acquire clean, glowing skin that is moisturised and wellprotected. Here are a few to check out to help get back to basics.

In the Olay Essentials Cleansers range are Olay Essential Wet Cleansing Wipes (RRP €3.99). No woman should be without cleansing wipes.

These wipes help to remove dirt and makeup, while also providing sensitive skin with con-

ditioning benefits. This product has been tried and tested on stubborn waterproof mascara and has left faces without panda eyes.

The Olay Essential Smoothing Face Scrub (RRP €3.15) range also offers a smoothing face scrub, which helps to smooth away surface skin cells, impurities and make up.

Olay Essentials Moisturisers have Olay’s proven skin conditioners, with effective protection against UV damage. No matter what day of the year it is, protecting skin from UV damage should be on top of the skincare list.

Olay Essentials Complete Care SPF 30-Day Lotion (RRP €12.99) is a light, daily facial moisturiser that has been

Olay Essentials Complete Care SPF 30

specially designed to give skin everything it needs to help maintain and improve the look of the skin. It provides

up to eight hours moisturisation, SPF 30 protection and pampering vitamins, combined with a non-greasy formula.

Edited by Laura Webb

Go gold with limited edition False Lash Effect mascara TO celebrate Max Factor’s most awarded mascara, the beauty giant has released a limited edition gold False Lash Effect.

False Lash Effect Gold comes in a stylish gold pack and gives long, lash-loving girls an ultra feminine, black eyelash look.

It features Max Factor’s biggest ever mascara brush to give lashes that long lash appearance. The dynamic mascara brush works wonders with Max Factor’s patented Liquid Lash formula, which glides onto each lash with ease, so lashes are instantly volumised and separated. The formula allows for layering, so a fatter lash look can be created to suit the mood. For best results, Gazette Beauty recommends turning the mascara brush as you apply the product on the top lid, which helps curl and enhance long lashes.

18 GAZETTE 29 March 2012

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods THE mornings are brighter, the evenings are longer and it’s all good news from the Nova camp this week.

Thin Lizzy had fans in a Cold Sweat when they cancelled a gig planned for The Olympia in August, seemingly without explanation, last month.

Now the boys will be back in town when they’re special guests at Guns n Roses’ return to The O2 on May 17.

Axl Rose is a huge Lizzy fan, with a tattoo of the black rose from their 1979 album cover inked on his right arm (let’s hope he wears a watch on that arm too, so as to be on stage on time for a change).

And, not forgetting the original Lizzy frontman; the brilliantly exhaustive Phil Lynott exhibition that lived in the top floor of the Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre at the end of last year is moving to The O2 in London next month. If you didn’t catch it while it was here, book a flight!

And, at a time when everything seems to be going up except wages, it’s good to know it isn’t always a bad thing when there’s an increase. The new Odeon cinema at the Point Village around the corner from us here at Radio Nova is showing movies on screens three stories high.

Social commentators said the dismantling of Revolver (aka the giant wheel) at the village was a symbol of Ireland’s economic downfall.

Let’s hope the cinema signifies bigger and better things to come for our little country. Failing that, there’s always Nova!

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

REVIEW: A RETURN TO CLASSIC FORM FOR THE QUEEN OF POP

MDNA has the right mix for pop ecstasy I ROB HEIGH

MADONNA. The name alone conjours some iconic moments in music from the last 25 years in your mind.

Along with Prince and Michael Jackson, she was the female part of the musical Holy Trinity who defined what a thrilling ride pop music could be in the Eighties.

Madonna was the queen of pop throughout that decade and the decade that followed. She paved the way for female artists to express themselves, and there would certainly be no Lady Gaga now if Madonna did not exist.

Albums such as Like A Prayer, Ray of Light and Confessions on a Dancefloor have been career defining, but the records in between have proved variable to say the least, and have not had the impact on the pop firmament they might have done had the focus been more on the

music and less on the public image or movie career.

Working with Ray Of Light producer William Orbit, as well as current leading lights of the house and dance scenes, the Benassi brothers and Mar tin Solveig, the album is certainly a strong and contemporary effort that draws hugely on the styles and trends at play in the clubs, but which also dips back and samples everything that made Madonna such an influential figure on her way to global megastardom.

In the same way that Bruce Springsteen created a summation of everything that made him such an icon on his recent Wrecking Ball album, here, Madonna tries to amalgamate everything good from her recent past in a collection of tracks that are a mix of bubblegum pop, hard house beats and classic tracks that, really, no one else could have

Madonna releases her 12th studio album this month

created.

But, as far as creating an incisive and defining statement of intent like Ray of Light on this record, there is something not quite hitting all the marks on MDNA. That is certainly not to say that the album is not without its high points, and the longer it goes on, the better it gets — as the view of the landscape gets broader, and samples and inflections from previous records, like Hung Up and Beautiful Stranger, begin to appear on I’m A

Sinner, there is more of a sense of her own history at play. Madonna has never been better at being herself than on Turn Up The Radio, more obviously the lead single from MDNA than the slightly weak Give Me All Your Luvin’.

It takes her (or her producer’s) way with a pop hook and plays it out to its logical conclusion, with more of a melodic twist than her recent records have demonstrated.

There are a few cringeworthy moments — the

shopping list song of modern divorced megastar parenthood being a case in point, but, again, you feel as though this album as a whole is part of Madonna’s journey back to her very best.

Certainly, someone of her stardom and calibre should be hitting the marks more often and being able to create a coherent and consistent set of songs on every outing, but compared to Erotica, American Life and Hard Candy, MDNA is a very easy pill to swallow.

29 March 2012 GAZETTE 19

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Lesley Condron, Bowen Technique Therapist

Helping people to live without pain LESLEY Condron is a Bowen Technique Therapist, having trained in the discipline in 2008. Having spent many years working as a staff nurse, she developed lower back pain.

Here she tells the Gazette of her journey from severe back pain sufferer to Bowen Technique Practitioner.

“Little did I know, when I boarded a flight to Australia in 2007, events would unfold that would change my career path,” Lesley says.

“I worked as a staff nurse for many years, a job I loved. But, over time, I began to experience lower back pain.

“While visiting my brother in Melbourne, my back seized. He suggested I go to see a Bowen Technique therapist.

I entered Margo’s clinic and one hour later, with very little discomfort, the pain had all but gone. I left moving quite freely and standing straight.

“Before leaving Australia, I had another treatment and to this day I have

been pain free.

“In 2008 I decided to train in the Bowen Technique, and have been a fulltime therapist since 2010.

“The work is easy on the client, and can be used in acute cases as well as with small children and the elderly.

“The practitioner uses fingers and thumbs to apply sets of rolling type moves on very precise points of the body. These moves stimulate the muscles, soft tissue and energy within the body, promoting relief of pain and recovery of energy.

“The work can be done through light clothing and many health problems can be treated using this method, ranging from minor ailments, such as headaches. I have found that problems, such as frozen shoulder, back and neck pain, as well as knee and ankle injuries, are very responsive.”

Lesley can be contacted on 087 249 0565, or 01 497 5388.

GOLD INVESTMENT Q – Gold seems to be out of favour at the moment but I am being told to buy it still as rumours abound that it will go to $5,000 per troy ounce – don’t even know what a troy ounce is ! Help ? Mary – Raheny A - Troy ounces are slightly lighter than avoirdupois ounces – 16 of them make a pound (lb) but gold has had a meteoric rise over the last four years. In 2007, it was $850 per troy ounce – but was $850 as far back as 1980…so taking 27 years to get back to the level of 2007… $850. Just bear in mind that $850 in 1980 is equivalent to c. $2,500 in today’s money !

Since 2007, gold went to $2,000 but has fallen back to c. $1650 and some commentators believe it could have peaked. Peter Schiff is a well-known precious metal analyst with CBNC in New York – he has forecast gold prices will reach $5,000 per troy ounce by the end of this year.

The balanced portfolio will have c. 10% of the funds in a precious metal. There is only 170,000 metric tonnes of the yellow metal on the planet. If it was a blob, it would be a 68-foot sided cube worth $9.6trillion! Two thirds the size of a football pitch.

Question is, if you decide to buy, what form should it take ? Gold mine shares, exchange traded funds (ETFs), gold coins ( e.g. kruggerands ) jewellery – security and safety are important issues as well as the investment risk.

Perth Mint Certificate Programme in many ways

Lesley Condron practises in Rathgar, Dublin 6, and

answers most of these issues – this is 24 carat gold

Curves in Sundrive, Dublin 12

bullion, stored in a Perth Australian mint with a guarantee from an AAA-rated government – the Western Australian government. You receive a

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

A: A cook Q: What was your first job?

A: Hotel receptionist Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: Can’t remember Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

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

A: 2010 Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: I get very excited when I see how the body responds to the gentle Touch that is the Bowen technique.

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

certificate for the gold you bought, though at any

A: Motherhood

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

A: Criminal Minds

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

A: None

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

A: David Norris

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

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

A: No

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: No

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Rugby Q: What sport can you play?

A: Tennis, golf

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Italian with family and

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: Not being able to say no Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to?

A: A weekend break in Berlin in a few weeks time

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: None

friends

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

A: Dame Edna Q: Where do you enjoy spend-

time you can repatriate the gold to your home if

ing money frivolously?

A: Paris

you wish. Prices are determined by the market and

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: 35 Q: What was your worst holiday experience?

A: Going on a sun holiday to northern France; we were camping three young children, it was cold and very wet.

you buy and sell on the prices of the day. There is a 2% fee on buying and 1% on selling. Email me for details (jlowe@moneydoctor.ie) Contact

John with your money questions at jlowe@ moneydoctor. ie or visit his

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: See below

website at

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: See below

Lowe, Fellow of

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

A: Buy a campervan, tour

founder and

Australia and New Zealand for two years

Money Doctor

www.moneydoctor.ie. John the Institute of Bankers, is managing director of

Harvey Norman sells out of iPad3 ahead of launch HARVEY Norman cancelled its planned midnight launch of the New iPad due to oversubscription of pre-orders.

“We have already pre-sold most of our launch stock for the New iPad, interest is very strong,” said Tim Hannon gen-

eral manager of computers for Harvey Norman Ireland.

The New iPad went on sale this week across Ireland.

“Demand has been overwhelming, and we decided not to open at midnight as we simply did not have enough

stock. We have more arriving this morning, but we didn’t want to disappoint customers.”

Unveiling the new iPad two weeks ago in the US, Apple sold out of its initial stock in online pre-orders within two

days. Harvey Norman have dropped the price of the existing iPad 2, which is now available for only €399 making it a serious competitor to the Amazon Kindle Fire.

Apple has announced it has sold three million of its

new iPad, since its US launch on Friday, March 16. The new iPad features a new Retina display, Apple’s new A5X chip with quad-core graphics, a 5 megapixel iSight camera with advanced optics for capturing photos and 1080p HD video,

and the same all-day 10-hour battery life.

Harvey Norman confirmed that they have more stock due to arrive in its shops, but warned that availability will be tight across Ireland for the first few weeks.

20 GAZETTE 29 March 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs

Charge up at the Stillorgan Park

ESB ecars and the Stillorgan Park Hotel have joined forces to install multiple ecar charge points at the hotel, a first for a Dublin hotel.

The hotel is one of the first in Ireland to offer charging, but they have gone one step further to offer three charge points conveniently located in the car park.

Daragh O’Neill, general manager of the Stillorgan Park Hotel said: “As part of our overall Green Strategy and our continuing efforts to become an environmentally friendly hotel, we are delighted to announce that, in partnership with ESB ecars we have installed three ecar charge points at the hotel for our guests and employees.”

The roll-out of charge points is part of ESB ecars plan to build the charging infrastructure nationwide to meet the Government target of 10% of all vehicles to be electric by 2020.

To date, more than 560 charge points have been installed in public locations, service stations, commercial premises and in homes across Ireland.

Paul Mulvaney, managing director, ESB ecars said: “We are delighted that organisations like Stillorgan Park Hotel are supportive of the nationwide ecar programme and proactively promoting sustainable transport.”

New charge points at the Stillorgan Park Hotel

¤15M IN RENAULT FINANCE: SINCE launching in Ireland in September 2011, Renault Finance Ireland has lent over €15 million to both individual and business customers.

The arrival of Renault Finance in Ireland made motor finance accessible to all, and, currently, eight out of ten customers get approved to purchase a new car or van with Renault Finance.

Its arrival also brought 15 muchneeded jobs to the

finance sector.

Commenting on the figures, Alessandro Garzia, of Renault Finance, said: “Since the start of the year 80% of applicants have been approved for finance with us. In addition to Renault’s competitive car range, and Renault Finance rates, the cost of change for our customers has never been lower. You get €2,000 discount off a Clio and a rate of 4.9% APR. We believe in making it simple for a customer to deal with Renault.”

A tale of

Motoring Editor, Cormac Curtis out if petrol is the new diesel, THERE’S a battle raging in the minds of car buyers at the moment.

The price of fuel is fluctuating wildly (and by that I mean increasing), and analysts tell us that the price of diesel is likely to overtake petrol later this year.

Accepted wisdom has always suggested that, when the cost of ownership and MPG was a big concern for the buyer, then the diesel engine was the way to go.

Not only was the fuel significantly cheaper, you also got more miles out of every tank.

In recent years, Ireland’s emissions-based road tax system has meant that cars with cleaner, more fuel-efficient engines can compete with their diesel counterparts in terms of cost of road tax.

Also, the fact that car manufacturers are doing their best to cover the full spectrum of

options with a wider choice of engines and green technologies, a car buyer can be left scratching their head when it comes to choosing between different models in a given range.

In recent weeks, I had the opportunity to road test two of Skoda’s Superb range – both of which could very easily appeal to the same buyer, one with a diesel engine, the other with a petrol.

The first model was the Skoda Superb Combi 1.6-litre TDI GreenLine. Anyone who reads the Gazette motoring pages will know that I am a bit of a fan boy when it comes to Skoda, and the Superb range in particular is one that I always enjoy driving.

The level of attention to detail in this range really does see Skoda punching above its weight.

It has been said that the Superb is a direct competitor

with Ford’s Mondeo, but I feel that is selling the Superb a good deal short.

In the Elegence Spec that I tested, the interior is incredibly attractive yet understated. The leather seats are luxurious, the points of contact, such as the steering wheel, gear shift, handbrake and door handles are solid and reassuring, as well as being wrapped in leather.

The legroom in the Superb range is not only the best in its class, but also in the class above.

And, somehow, the designers always seem to be able to squeeze a centimetre or so more out of it with each new model.

It can take an awfully long time to list the features of a car of this level; suffice to say that it comes with a set of seven airbags, a host of driver-assistance programmes, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise

SPECS: SKODA SUPERB COMBI 1.6TDI GreenLine Top speed: 190km/h 0–100km/hr: 12.6sec Economy: 4.4 l/100km CO2 emissions: 114 g/km Road Tax Band: ¤160 Entry Price: ¤26,935 (model driven, ¤31,055 Elegance Spec)

control, an array of car information on the driver’s Maxi DOT display, as well as a host of navigation, media, and telephone connectivity through the impressive centre console display featuring Bluetooth, much of which can be controlled through the multi-function steering wheel.

In practical terms, the storage in the Combi is exceptional.

With the seats down, there is a

29 March 2012 GAZETTE 21

Edited by Cormac Curtis

RoadSigns Road Signs UPWARDLY MOBILE AT MAZDA:

2 Superbs scratches his head as he tries to figure and if Skoda’s saloon tops their estate

SKODA SUPERB SALOON 1.4TSI GreenTech Top speed: 204km/h 0–100km/hr: 10.6sec Economy: 5.9 l/100km CO2 emissions: 139 g/km Road Tax Band: ¤225 Entry Price: ¤25,615 (model driven)

cavernous 1,865 litres of storage space, and, with that, a selection of hooks, rails and assorted storage aids including a nifty little LED torch that stores magnetically in the boot.

So, what’s it like to drive?

Put it this way, I was driving the family to my wife’s godson’s Confirmation recently, and we weren’t exactly running on

time.

When my wife suggested I put the boot down a little, i had to politely inform her that we were already driving at over 140kph.

It felt like we were just idling along the motorway at the time – it’s that comfortable.

And let’s not forget about the fuel economy. Other motoring journalists I have spoken to have claimed to get 1,000km out of a tank of diesel, but I only had the car for a week and my commute isn’t that long!

What makes the Superb Combi GreenLine different from the standard model is that it employs a set of technological solutions designed to reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.

The estate version I drove featured a four-cylinder 1.6litre TDI CR/77 kW (105bhp)

common-rail direct-injection turbo diesel engine.

The set of GreenLine technological components that Skoda have developed for the car can be selected for the Active, Ambition and Elegance trim levels in both of the Superb’s body versions (hatch and estate/combi).

So, just as the GreenLine models feature diesel engines, Skoda’s Superb GreenTech model features their newly developed low-emission 1.4litre TSI petrol engine that utilises the latest direct injection petrol technology, together with turbo-charging to develop a surprising 125bhp from this small unit.

To reduce emissions and fuel consumption even further, they have added GreenTech technologies, including Stop-Start, optimised aerodynamics, lower

rolling resistance tyres and brake-energy regeneration.

Just like the estate Greenline version, this car has all the eye-grabbing attractiveness and luxurious interior and an exhausting list of features.

With an entry price of €23,995, it is €2,150 cheaper than the 1.6TDI diesel derivative with identical specification.

On top of that, it has 20bhp more power and achieves 0-100km/h two seconds faster than the 1.6 TDI. The Skoda Superb 1.4-litre TSI with GreenTech consumes just 5.9l/100km (48mpg) and with CO2 of just 139g/km, which places it in the affordable motor tax band B with annual road tax of €225.

The diesel version is in the lowest tax band (A) and has slightly better fuel consump-

tion, but that doesnt tell the full story.

If the cost of diesel matches that of petrol at €1.67 per litre, the diesel only becomes more cost effective after 94,000km of driving.

Like I said – it’s all headscratching stuff when you’re trying to get the most cost-efficient model.

But, then again, what Skoda have done here is give buyers one less decision to make.

If I had to chose between the two, I would simply pick my favourite!

To hell with the fuel cost - it’s practically negligible.

I can see why the faster, lighter saloon would be the preference for some drivers, but, for me, the ridiculously attractive, as well as practical Combi version, would be my pick.

Maybe I’m getting old!

MAZDA Motors have announced the appointment of Steve Jelliss as Director Market Support for Ireland.

Having previously had the roles of Aftersales Director and Fleet Director in Mazda Motors UK, Jelliss is taking up responsibility for all aspects of Mazda affairs in Ireland with immediate effect.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Jelliss said: “Mazda is committed to re-energising g g the business in Ireland.

The strength of the Mazda brand, reputation for building extremely highquality cars and a professional Dealer Network provides us with a solid platform for future growth.”

Steve describes his hobbies as keeping fit for triathlons and playing golf.

22 GAZETTE 29 March 2012

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel

A season of bouncing fun and educational pottery classes await at Trabolgan Holiday Village TRABOLGAN Holiday Village in East Cork have secured funding for a new Bounce Zone at the holiday village for the 2012 season. The Bounce Zone will include a Bungee Trampoline Unit, an Inflatable Bungee Unit and an Inflatable Obstacle Course and will give guests and visitors to the holiday village a unique and exciting leisure experience whatever the weather.

Meanwhile, it’s all hands to the ready as they team up with local Midleton business, Craftyhands Pottery Studio, to bring a range of educational pottery and ceramics classes to guests at the holiday village for the 2012 season.

Trabolgan’s general manager, Donal O’Sullivan, said: “We are delighted to work with local businesses in the East Cork area and showcase to our guests the extensive range of educational activities available to them at our holiday village. The pottery classes will give our guests the opportunity to try their hand at something different in a relaxed learning environment, and allow them to take home something that they themselves have created to remember their holiday at Trabolgan. We want to offer guests, visitors and school tours to the park an unforgettable educational and valuable experience.”

A holiday with a difference awaits with a 13-day cruise in Iceland

BROADEN your horizons and take a holiday with a difference this year, with a 13-day tour of Iceland with Cosmos Tours and Cruises.

Experience an erupting geyser, swim in a geothermal pool and be at the heart of Iceland’s history with this amazing, eye-opening tour.

Holiday highlights include: Reykjavik city and a Geyseir walk around the hot springs. Take a Arnastapi walking tour and swim in geothermal pool in the Blue Lagoon. Visit Erik the Red’s replica farmhouse in Laxardalur and Lake Myvatn Dimmu Borgir and Krafla volcanic area.

The package includes return flights ex Dublin/ Cork via Heathrow to Reykjavik, accommodation on tour in a twin room with private facilities, meals on tour, services of a tour director on tour, transfers between overseas airports and hotels.

It departs on October 8. View a selection of our tours on line at TravelFox.ie or call 021 4976293 to speak to our Escorted Tours specialists.

The Talbot Hotel is an ideal place to stay when exploring Carlow. A family-friendly pool will keep the kids happy, while a range of spa treatments will help to relax the parents

Carlow-bound for a weekend break LAURA WEBB

IT MAY come as a surprise to some, but, there is one area in particular that has been on my list of places to see in Ireland. Not the usual weekend away destinations like Galway or Kilkenny, but it was the smaller and more intimate town of Carlow that impressed me recently.

The journey from Dublin to Carlow took just 1 hour and 15 minutes, thanks to the M9 motorway.

On arrival at the Talbot hotel Carlow, I was greeted with a red carpet entrance, but, much to my disappointment, it wasn’t for me! It was for newlyweds who had tied the knot earlier that day.

I quickly got over my disappointment and checked in. The room

The Pure Beauty spa room holds the key to some real pampering and relaxation

on the third floor was a standard double room and decorated in a modern style. Wi-fi is easily available by getting a password at reception.

Finely dressed kids and adults took over the ground floor as they prepared to enjoy the wedding celebrations. I had a sneaky look at the reception room where

the newlyweds officially tied the knot. The room made for a lovely intimate ceremony with family and friends, and was filled with beautiful flowers. It looked like the perfect place for anyone looking for an alternative to a church wedding.

The hotel offers residents’ access to the gym and sauna, as well as the

pool area. For anyone in need of some relaxation, the Pure Beauty spa room is available on the same floor. I had booked in for an Ultra Soothing facial with Sue, who worked wonders on my dehydrated face, using Eve Taylor products, a product that I am now thinking of using.

The relaxed atmosphere at the spa helped me to unwind, and afterwards I felt like doing nothing for the rest of the day.

Dinner at the hotel’s top-floor restaurant, the Liberty Tree, was simply delicious. Our waitress for the night was Rachel, who was not only entertaining, but full of general knowledge on her local area.

The salmon was fresh, and served with a delicious white wine cream sauce, and everything

from the starter to dessert was tasteful and deserving of a finished plate.

High-rise windows in the corner of the restaurant offered great views of its surroundings. The restaurant is also the location for the buffet breakfast, offering continental and hot food.

Carlow is full of fun activities, and a great place to bring the kids.

Some of the attractions include Rancho Reilly Pet Farm and Children’s activities, Carlow Art Collection, St. Laserian’s Cathedral, the Carlow Brewing company (for the grown-ups!) and many outdoor activities.

Definitely worth a look.

For more details, call 059 915 3000 or email reservations@talbothotelcarlow.ie. Visit www. talbotcarlow.ie for more details.

29 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

Free ferry tickets for kids must end soon!

UP TO 12 million kids throughout the Republic of Ireland and the UK can travel for free with Stena Line in 2012, as part of an initiative launched by Ireland’s leading ferry company to celebrate National Ferry Fortnight, which is running until March 31.

Stena Line is offering children, up to the age of 15 years, free travel on all of its five Irish Sea routes, when a car booking is made during National Ferry Fortnight, which gives tourists a couple of days to make those bookings. In the Republic of Ireland there are approximately 870,000 kids 15 years of age and

under, and, when combined with the number of children in the UK, this would equate to almost €36 million worth of free travel.

Stena Line’s head of PR and communications, Diane Poole, hopes National Ferry Fortnight will help focus attention on just how far ferry travel has transformed in recent years, as well as highlighting the benefits of ferry travel. “National Ferry Fortnight is a great opportunity to bring the ferry travel into the spotlight. Taking the ferry really is the most relaxing way to travel, and, with so much to do, your holiday really does start as soon

TravelBriefs 40th birthday celebrations at Dublin’s Burlington Hotel

March 31 is the last day holiday makers can pick up free Stena Line tickets for kids

as you step onboard.

“All of our ships boast excellent facilities, including Curious Georgethemed play area, Teen Town, free movies, choice of restaurants and bars, free wifi, an on-board shop with great savings on fragrances, spirits and lots more.

“We continuously invest in our routes and services, and, we want

to highlight the benefits of travelling with Stena Line and encourage people to take advantage of our fantastic kids-go-free offer.

“We are offering free places to children aged up to 15 years when car travel is booked before March 31 for trips to be taken until January 5, 2013, so it really is an offer not to be missed,”

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Diane said.

To find out more, or to make a booking, log onto www.stenaline.ie/nff, call 01 204 77 77 or contact your local travel agent.

FIRST opened in April 1972, the renowned Burlington Hotel is celebrating 40 years in business this year. The hotel has changed faces many times over the last 40 years, most recently with a new opening following a brief closure for an extensive refurbishment in 2008.

The Burlington Hotel has seen many famous faces pass through its revolving doors over the years, including international celebrities such as Bill and Hilary Clinton, Mel Gibson, Maureen O’Hara, Johnny Cash and Celine Dion, as well as home-grown stars such as Bono, comedian Pat Shortt and Bob Geldof.

General manager, David Monks, said: “We have an exciting year planned in order to celebrate The Burlington Hotel’s Ruby birthday and look forward to showing our many loyal guests and customers just how ‘Dublin’s Grand Dame Hotel’ celebrates.”

Avail of some special offers at The Burlington Hotel in celebration of the hotel’s 40th birthday.

For information, call 01 618 5600, email reservations@burlingtonhotel.ie or visit www.burlingtonhotel.ie.

24 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29 March 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 A Spell of Cold Weather

Two down-in-the-mouth farmers, Betty and Bob, have forgotten how to have fun. There is no joy on the farm anymore. Then during Christmas and New Year Betty and Bob get a surprise, when their little niece Holly comes to visit them. At first Holly feels very alone, in a strange place with no friends, but then she meets Tomos Trickman – a puck-like fairy who explains to Holly how the two farmers have forgotten how to sing, dance and play games.

Together, Holly and Tomos bring the farm back to life and create some seasonal cheer, just in time to ring in the New Year with an unforgettably magical party. Sat 31 Mar 1 & 3pm. Tickets €10/8. Booking: (01) 231 2929 Online booking www.paviliontheatre.ie

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 01 462 7477 Schoolbooks in Wallpaper IAN Perth, a local Tallaght comedian takes you on a journey of fun and outrage in his one-man show. From the bizarre period that was 80s Ireland through our hilarious Celtic Tiger ways to the comedy of errors that led to Ireland’s financial meltdown. His style of charismatic warmth, along with his witty observations from the past and present, have made him a regular in comedy clubs across Ireland and Britain. Runs from March 29-March 31 at 8.15pm.

Admission: €10.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Coolmine Goes To The Movies Lights! Music! Action! Since movie-makers first added sound to the action, the marriage of movies and music has been a match made in heaven – whether it be theme songs, mood setting music or full-blown musicals. Let Coolmine take you on a magical musical tour from the glamour of the Hollywood classics through the wonderful world of Disney and to the theme songs that immediately evoke a movie. Catch this show on March 30 and 31 at 8pm. Tickets €16/€14 concession.

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Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) takes aim as she prepares to enter The Hunger Games, a barbaric event held by The Capital to remind the citizens of Panem that rebellion will not be tolerated.

More than a game

It’s a melodramatic adaptation of a teen novel that has a fanatical fanbase. But don’t let that put you off.

I PAUL HOSFORD

EXPOSITION in The Hunger Games comes quickly.

Within 90 seconds, the audience has been introduced to why we are where we are.

Two men discuss the concept of The Hunger Games, a yearly fight to the death by one boy and one girl, aged 12-18, from each of Panem’s 12 Districts.

Panem, of course, has risen from the ashes of North America sometime in the future.

A fractured society, broken into districts, tried to rise up 70 years ago, but was brutally put down by the forces of The Capital.

Now, to remind the districts of The Capital’s control, a yearly raffle, or “reaping”, is held to determine the unlucky participants.

Of course, winning the Games comes with its

FILM OF THE WEEK: The Hunger Games #### (12A) 142 mins Director: Gary Ross Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci

OUR VERDICT: A fantastic achievement. Ross manages to steer this film away from teenage melodrama, into the waters of thoughtful, terrifying and smart film-making. Lawrence deserves huge credit for her turn as Katniss, managing to keep away from an overly emotional or too cold portrayal, giving the audience a heroine they can root for when she goes into the arena.

own reward.

The winner will be showered with praise, honour and enough food to ensure they never go hungry.

The losers will be taunted and booed until my throat is sore.

Or killed. Whatever.

In District 12, we are introduced to Katniss Everdeen.

Katniss is a hardy sort, caring for younger sister Prim and her mother after her father’s untimely death.

More than hardy, Katniss proves her bravery by entering her name into

the reaping twice, allowing her family receive extra food.

Keeping up? Good.

In Prim’s first year being entered into the reaping, her name is called.

But, being the hardy and brave sort she is, Katniss volunteers herself to go forward in her little sister’s place.

Alongside long-time admirer Peeta Mellark (Hutcherson), Katniss is whisked to The Capital.

There she is styled to make an impression on shady sponsors and trained by District 12’s only winner of the Games,

a bizarrely be-wigged Woody Harrelson.

With the odds stacked against her, Katniss must fight, using all of the skills learned illegally hunting in District 12.

Where The Hunger Games succeeds, is in the creation of the world of Panem.

A contrast of haves and have-nots, the disparity between The Capital and District 12 is bleak.

The industrial, mining community of District 12, all gnarled hands and downtrodden spirits clashes believably with the neon lights and flash of The Capital.

The direction is clever, with urgent, hand-held camera work whipping around the action.

In the heart of it all, this is Lawrence’s show.

Flexing all of the acting muscles honed in her Oscar-nominated turn in Winter’s Bone, as well as the action muscles she displayed in X-Men: First

Class.

Her Katniss is nowhere near as annoying as many female leads in adaptations of teen books.

She is not sullen, despite having more to complain about than being in love with a vampire.

Instead, Lawrence infuses her character with a depth that is genuinely refreshing.

Inside Katniss is a deeper sense of melancholy, which seems apt in the earlier, harsher environs of District 12.

But, when it hits the bright lights and big city, Katniss, and Lawrence, comes into her own.

Bouncing off the demented characters of Banks, Harrelson and, oddly enough, Lenny Kravitz, there is a steely cynicism displayed, as Katniss is solely focused on getting home.

Overall, a surprisingly good film that leaves us wanting more.

29 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING www.

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Wayne Rooney indulges in some impromptu jigs and reels.

It’s time to take it back to the mean Streets PAUL HOSFORD

THE title, FIFA Street, fills a lot of football gaming veterans with the kind of dread usually reserved for Adidas Power Soccer, Three Lions or (gulp) David Beckham Soccer.

In fact, the sight of R o n a l d i n h o ’s b a d l y warped body looking like a rejected Rocky cartoon was enough to have this reviewer praying for the sweet release of Soccer Kid. So, you can imagine that news of a release

coming this week didn’t exactly fill me with hope.

But, for the second time this week (see opposite) I have been surprised.

T his FIFA edition is more a compliment to FIFA 12 than an attempt to be dow n with the kids.

The kids, of course, play football in ghettos and can do backflips with the ball between their legs.

The gameplay here is more ported over from the main FIFA franchise

and the movement feels a lot like 12.

The passing is less precise, which makes afficionados of tiki-taka somewhat redundant.

Instead, the gameplay is weighted in favour of baiting opponents and knocking the ball beyond them.

Holding a shoulder button puts your player in control of the ball, rolling between his feet.

The idea is that your opponent will ignore the first rule of Sunday league football and dive in.

Once he’s committed,

your superior skills, set in motion with the right analog stick, will leave him with egg on his face and you with a clear run at goal.

This style of play can get repetitive, but the difference in levels, with varying goal sizes, pitch dimensions and the presence of goalkeepers, it makes the game a lot more varied.

This is really Newcastle under Kevin Keegan football.

Defending is a secondary concern, with the emphasis on scoring one more than your opponent.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that, this is a street football game, after all.

It will, however, have you cursing at your virtual players for their inability to make a simple tackle.

But a majestic Marseille Turn or a bamboozling series of stepovers later and all will be ok in the container that your team

presumably uses as a dressing room.

Longevity is never something that this particular franchise has been able to achieve and, unfortunately, this is not somewhere this iteration succeeds.

The World Tour mode, in which you must take your rag-tag bunch of street players to the world street finals in Brazil, is fun enough, if a little lacking depth.

But, what the game loses in depth, it gains in immediacy.

The game requires little getting used to. New players can jump straight in and began flummoxing opponents with a few flicks of a stick.

In this way, FIFA Street holds an advantage over it’s mainstream brother.

There is no frustration when a striker screws a shot wide or your midfielder loses the ball.

All in all, grab some friends, beat them 10-8 and enjoy.

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GazetteSPORT

STARS FOR MARCH

This month’s Dublin Sport Awards nominees are announced: Page 29

ATHLETICS: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S CHARITY ASKS FOR MINI-MARATHON SUPPORT

Britton and Bergin back the Because cause sport@gazettegroup.com

OLYMPIC athletes and Dubliners, Fionnuala Britton and Claire Bergin, joined forces with international children’s charity, Plan Ireland, last week to call on the women of Ireland to be a part of the Because I Am A Girl team and run or walk for girls in the upcoming women’s mini-marathon, which is set to take place on June 4.

The athletes are supporting the campaign, which aims to fight gender inequality, promote girls’ rights and break the cycle of poverty.

Jessica Majekodunmi, of Plan Ireland, was on hand to help launch the campaign, saying: “We are calling on all women, friends, daughters, sisters, nieces, aunts, mothers and grandmothers, to make a difference this June Bank Holiday weekend and join our

team at this year’s women’s mini-marathon.

“By taking part in the world’s biggest womenonly event, you will help to build a brighter future for some of the world’s poorest girls. Every step makes a difference.”

Britton said: “This is such a great cause. I should know, I volunteered with Plan Ireland a few years ago. I know the impact that their work has. The campaign is really inspiring as it

Fionnuala Britton hopes that runners in the mini-marathon go the distance for girls in the developing world

specifically focuses on supporting and empowering girls in the developing world who need our help the most. I’m delighted to play my part and I hope women around the country will join myself and Claire in supporting this fantastic campaign.”

All funds raised will

go towards life changing projects for girls in the developing world. Contributions will be invested in effective projects that address and promote equality for girls.

Currently, Plan Ireland’s work with girls i n cl u d e s e d u c a t i o n p r o j e c t s , i n cl u d i n g establishing girl-friendly

schools, maternal and reproductive health projects, protecting girls and women against trafficking and child labour, empowering women to achieve financial stability through savings and loan schemes, and tackling early and forced marriage and exploitation of girls and young

women.

To sign up and help change a girl’s life in the developing world, submit the official form and fee to Flora Women’s Mini Marathon, and visit www.plan.ie or call freefone 1800 829 829 to sign up for your fundraising pack, which is provided by Nivea.

28 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29 March 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

ATHLETICS: LOCAL STAR LOOKS TO INTERNATIONAL TRAINING

Answer athletic call on the school mile THE Irish Schools’ Athletic Association and Athletics Ireland will run the Aviva School Mile Challenge this spring. This new event will provide a superb opportunity for local schools to support an initiative to encourage teenagers to get a taste of recreational participation in sport.

There is a fun, competitive element also as the organisers will be looking at categories such as best schools, counties and provinces, and may even uncover the next sub-four minute miler, but that is incidental to the main purpose, which is to promote running or walking as part of a balanced healthy lifestyle.

The event, which is being supported by Aviva, will see some 10,000 teenagers from 100 secondary schools throughout the country run, jog or walk a mile at their school this spring.

Athletics Ireland chief executive, John Foley, said: “This is a truly positive initiative and Athletics Ireland is delighted to support it. The AVIVA School Mile Challenge is targeted at secondary school students across all bands of ability and fitness and is an excellent way for young people to get involved in exercise. The focus of the AVIVA School Mile Challenge is to ensure that participants enjoy the experience and assist in opening up the sport to a wider audience.”

John Shields, from the Irish Schools’ Athletics Association believes the School Mile Challenge can promote athletics at all level: “This is an excellent opportunity to encourage young people to take part in a healthy form of exercise.

For more information, contact Christopher Russell at Christopher.russell2@mail.dcu.ie, or John Shields at johnshields@athleticsireland.ie or on 087 2633376.

Joe Sweeney, centre, leads the pack from the start in the Dunboyne four-mile road race last weekend

Joe in Dunboyne done good I sport@gazettegroup.com

COLAISTE Eoin graduate Joe Sweeney strode to a comfortable victory in last Sunday’s EirGrid Dunboyne 4 Mile Road Race in county Meath, an event that attracted an entry of over one thousand.

DSDAC’s Sweeney, who is coached by Jerry Kiernan, raced into an early lead and stormed to victory in 18 minutes 18 seconds, well clear of Tomas Fitzpatrick of Tallaght AC, 19:00, and national cross-countr y champion, Eddie McGinley, of Annadale Striders, who placed third in 19:23.

“It felt good to race here in Dunboyne just a few days before I travel to Albuquerque for some weeks of training there,” Sweeney said.

“I am looking forward

to the opportunity of training at altitude and it is great that my clubmate and training partner, Alan McCormack, is coming with me.

“I have been putting in some really hard training sessions over the past number of weeks and I am happy with today’s performance.”

Sara Treacy of the nearby Moy nalvey Athletic Club, won her second race in a weekleading home the women’s field in 21:59. Last Sunday, Treacy also won the St Patrick’s Festival 5km road event in Dublin and she is also heading off for a month of training at high altitude in Font Romeu in France.

Julie Turley (Donamore AC) finished second in 22:21 and Fiona Roche, of Raheny

Shamrock AC, placed third in 22:46.

“I enjoyed today’s race and I am now looking forward to a solid month of training at altitude – a build-up for the track season,” Sara Treacy said. “It has been a busy couple of weeks for me and winning two races within a week has been very satisfying.”

DSDAC’s juvenile athletes, meanwhile, had a successful weekend as a number who had qualified through the Dublin Indoor Championships, converged on Nenagh for the first weekend of the Juvenile All-Ireland Indoor championships.

Special congratulations were in order for Jade Leahy (U-18 300 metres) and Tara Jenkins (U-14 Long Jump) who both secured their first national indoor titles

in Nenagh at the weekend.

There were also medals for Killian Whyte at U-18 level in the triple jump, taking second, while Eoin Deevy (U-12 high jump) and Ali Boylan (U-13 60 metres

hurdles).

Meabh Phelan was unlucky to miss out a medal on count-back in the U-12 high jump while Shane Mullins to just miss out on a medal in the U-14 long jump.

29 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29

2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - MARCH NOMINEES

FastSport

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

# STARof the

Olympic nightmare for Hermes star O’Flynn

MONTH

MARIA MCCAMBRIDGE

DAN CASEY

KARL BURDIS

THE DSDAC graduate became the third athlete from the club to reach the Olympic qualifying mark with an exceptional run in Rome this month

TOWERING star of St Joseph’s Boys’ U-15s, Casey captained Ireland on a memorable day for his club, scoring against Belgium in the process

THE Portmarnock man returned to the Irish swimming scene with a bang to qualify for the European championships in cracking fashion

METEORS

COOLMINE RFC

COLAISTE PHADRAIG

AN incredible month for the Stillorgan based club, they claimed the U-14, U-15 and U-16 titles as well as U-17 and U-18 silver in quick succession

ASHBROOK’S rugby heroes picked up a league and cup double as their seconds nailed down the Leinster league division 1A and the Spencer Cup

THE Lucan school picked up the Leinster 1st Year Cup crown with a superb win over Chanel before adding the league title with victory over the same opponents

# TEAMof the MONTH

Cul runnings: Young Dubs get taste for Kellogg’s camps THE 2012 Kellogg’s GAA Cul Camps

were launched in Croke Park on Tuesday, with Dubliners Rhiannon Campbell, age 6, Matthew Ryan, age 11, Jack Sullivan, age 6, from Howth, Eabha Last, age 9, Daniel Ryan, age 9, and Kilmacud Crokes’ Conor Sullivan, age 10, all on hand to enjoy their day at headquarters.

A SECOND Irish Olympic hockey dream went up in smoke within seven days as Belgium proved an all-round superior force in Kontich last Sunday, barely offering Ireland a glimmer of hope with a rousing 4-1 victory in the direct play-off for a ticket to London.

It was rough justice on Irish player of the tournament, Hermes’ woman Audrey O’Flynn, pictured, as Ireland struggled in the face of some early Spring heat and a vociferous home support to get off the ground.

“The girls said after it was like living a nightmare,” said O’Flynn. “The match just flew by. They were just winning every 50-50 ball, I don’t know, we just never got into it, never got going. Ah, it’s just so disappointing.

“We said before the match that we’ve put in two years of hard work for this but we have to show that on the pitch – and we didn’t show it today. We just didn’t perform in any area of the pitch,” she said.

Sofie Gierts’ seven-minute hat-trick effectively ended the tie as early as the 19th minute as she cracked home a brilliant volley, added a contentious penalty stroke and swept home a neat penalty corner move to run up an imposing 3-0 lead.

After Gierts early blitz, the remaining 50 minutes was a physical battle but Ireland’s inability to score from corners – bar O’Flynn’s eighth of the tournament in the 57th minute – meant there was never any drama.

And coach Gen Muller added it was a rough day for his young side against a Belgian outfit lower ranked in the world but flying high on confidence.

“Technically, we were not good enough, didn’t score on our corners and couldn’t get back into the game and whenever we had a sight of it, we’d let in another one.

“They were the better team, they were technically better, they scored at moments of ascendancy, we just couldn’t get a foothold in the game,” the coach said.

“There were one or two controversial decisions that went against us but they still deserved to win, they have been the best team at this event, and deserve to go to London. I congratulate them.

“This Irish team has improved enormously to get to this stage but there wasn’t enough in us; not technically, not physically so we could never create that tension,” he said.

30 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29 March 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

BASKETBALL: UNDER-19 SIDE DEFEATED BY STRONG CLONTARF

Seapoint reach their league final after win SEAPOINT’S Under-14s beat a very strong Navan side last weekend to advance to the final of their league.

The final score was 19-17 and reflects what was a closely-fought contest right up to the end. The result was up for grabs right up until the end, with Seapoint deserving the win.

Seapoint started strongly and set up a base in the Navan 22. Following an indirect penalty from the first scrum of the game for an early engagement, Navan made a break through the middle and scored the opening try to put them five ahead.

Seapoint continued to play most of the rugby in the Navan half despite playing against the wind but were undone again just before the break for Navan to lead 12-5 at half time.

Seapoint started strongly in the second half and, after sustained pressure, Ben Ryan scored from close range after six minutes of the half.

Sean converted to make it 12-12 with less than 20 minutes to go.

Seapoint continued to play most of the rugby and scored the try of the season to put them in the driving seat.

Superb interplay and offloading left Ben Ryan to score his second try, which Sean again converted to put them 19-12 up with 10 minutes to play. Navan upped the pressure and Seapoint defended magnificently to hold them out until well into injury time when Navan scored to the right of the posts.

The conversion was missed and Seapoint held out to win following many more minutes of injury time.

Blackrock’s ladies’ day BLACKROCK College ladies’ RFC will run the first in a series of events designed to attract girls to play rugby on April 15.

They are inviting girls between the

ages of 12 and 18 to the club from 9.30am for a morning of rugby-related activities.

On the morning, all those who take part will get free goodie bags.

If you have any questions, message Blackrock College Women’s Rugby on Facebook.

Colaiste Iosagain’s Under-19 basketball ladies were denied the All-Ireland title in a tight match at the National Arena

Iosagain miss out on title

U-19A ALL-IRELAND

Holy Faith, Clontarf 44 Colaiste Iosagain 34 sport@gazettegroup.com

HOLY Faith Clontarf were crowned the Under19A Girls’ All-Ireland Schools league champions after an impressive performance from Colaiste Iosagain fell just short of the mark, the final scoreline arriving at 44-34 in favour of the Clontarf side.

HFC’s captain, Amy Russell, was named the Most Valuable Player after finishing with a powerful performance and 16 points to her name.

The atmosphere for this final was nothing short of electrifying, as both teams arrived backed by a mass of ecstatic supporters to cheer them on.

But it was HFC’s Russell who opened this thrilling final with not one, but three, quick scores for her side.

Both teams played extremely tough defence, and this was reflected in the score, the first quarter finishing 10-5 in HFC’s favour.

Colaiste Iosagain came out all guns blazing at the start of the second quarter, with Cliona Mairtin silencing the HFC crowd

Leinster’s leaders: Supporters smiling in spite of defeat SMILING Leinster supporters Dave Bren-

nan, Aisling and Brian Daly were on hand to lend their support to the Leinster team when they took on the Ospreys in the Celtic League last week at the RDS, Ballsbridge.

Although the match saw the return of Brian O’Driscoll and Leo Cullen, and saw points from Ian Madigan and the prolific Fergus McFadden, Leinster nonetheless fell to a single-point defeat by the visitors.

with a big three-point shot for her school.

The pressure continued to mount, as did the foul count, with both teams visiting the free throw line on numerous occasions.

However, Colaiste Iosagain’s slight lead was soon lost when Alice Fennell from HFC scored on the buzzer to tie the game at 21 apiece at the end of the first half.

The energetic pace continued into the second half, and HFC’s Matthews came out of the blocks with a quick score to put her team ahead.

Although both teams were battling at either end of the court, HFC were clearly on winning ways as Colaiste Iosagain couldn’t contain HFC’s dominating star player, Russell.

Meanwhile, Loreto Beaufort celebrated an outstanding 42-26 win over St Vincent’s in the Under-16 A Girls’ All Ireland Schools’ League final last week.

Jennifer Kirwan received the prestigious Most Valuable Player award after contributing 12 points and leading her school to victory.

It was Loreto that opened the game with

immense intensity, going on a quick scoring run in the first few minutes of the game to go 8-0 up.

This pressure continued throughout the first half, but St Vincent’s responded with some impressive defensive stops and managed to get back into the game during the second quarter, with the half-time scoreline at 15-16 to Loreto.

Loreto stepped their performance up another gear coming into the third quarter as MVP Kirwan and Julie Milroy crashed the boards and came up with some big scores when their team needed them most.

29 March 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 31

in association with

FOOTBALL: HEADLINE SPONSOR FOR ALL-IRELAND

a

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CUALA CONGRATULATIONS on a good week-

the website for the application

end of hurling action around the

forms. It will be football for U-6 to

club.

U-12 at Hyde Road in the first week,

The senior team recorded a four-

followed by hurling the second.

point win over Faughs in Division

The reverse is the case for the

One while there were good wins

older groups, including our feile

for the U-16As against Kilmacud,

teams. Hurling first and then foot-

the U-15As against Na Fianna, The

ball for them at Thomastown. The

U-14As against Balinteer and the

courses run for four hours a day

U-14Bs against Whitehall.

and cost €30 for members and €50

All this on top of a David Treacy

for non-members.

goal for the Dubs in Saturda y’s

The academy hikers took over Kil-

drawn game with Tipp at Croke

liney Hill on Saturday morning and

Park meant it was a good couple of

a great time was had by all.

days for the hurlers.

The Cuala Comedy Night takes

Well done to the ladies’ minor

place at the club on Thursday, April

footballers who played out a crack-

5, featuring stars from the Republic

er of a draw, 5-9 to 6-6, against Kil-

of Telly and the Savage Eye.

macud at Hyde Road on Saturday

Shankill Spring Clean comes to

afternoon. The U-16, U-14 and U-11

our pitches next Saturday. Players

camogie teams also had good wins

and members are asked to attend

over the weekend.

between 10am and 12 noon to help

There is great interest in the East-

tidy up the woods behind the goals

er Schools of Excellence, spurred no

and hopefully find a few missing

doubt by the fine weather. Check

sliotars.

Announcing the FBD Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland Sevens were Diarmuid Connolly and Craig Dias

Sevens and selectors all set for Kilmacud I sport@gazettegroup.com

K ILMACUD Crokes GAA Club are looking to continue building their immense success into the future with a series of initiatives and programmes that will cement their foundation for years to come.

Last week, Crokes announced a three-year deal with FBD, one of Ireland’s largest insurers, for the Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland Football Sevens competition, the premier GAA Sevens competition, which is traditionally held the day before the All-Ireland football final.

At the announcement in the Kilmacud Crokes clubhouse in Glenalbyn were representatives from Kilmacud Crokes and FBD, as well as a number of high profile inter-county and Kilmacud Crokes’ footballers such as Brian Kavanagh and Craig Dias, and Dublin and St. Vincent’s

player, Diarmuid Connolly.

Speaking at the announcement, John Shovlin, K ilmacud Crokes’ Football chairman, said: “This is a huge coup for Kilmacud Crokes. At a time when businesses are looking to cut costs and scale back, to receive the backing of FBD in the current climate is wonderful for the club and indeed for the competition.

“I look forward to welcoming you all along to Glenalbyn on September 22.”

In addition to the sponsorship announcem e n t , C r o ke s h ave announced that they will once again be running their hugely popular Play the Whistle competition, which was launched as a fundraising initiative in 2011 by the football committee and proved to be an instant success.

Players were presented with a series of

choices covering a wide range of sporting events.

Points were awarded for choosing correctly the winner of each event and accumulated over the entire programme.

Entry fee was a modest €20 per entry and each week a leader board was circulated showing the progress of each player over the summer months. Safe choices of picking favourites meant a limited accumulated of points, while

adventurous players who focussed on outsiders were rewarded with higher points when the nomination came in.

The competition appealed to young and old and generated an interest in many sporting events that were not headline-grabbing.

This year’s Play the Whistle will build on last year’s success and has even more sporting events to test the players’ knowledge.

STARS OF ERIN The adult mens’ footballers had a

The Under-12s were beaten by a

great win in the Parson Cup against

very strong St Jude’s side on Satur-

Robert Emmets.

day in Glencullen.

Outstanding free taking from

The nursery continues every Sat-

Vinny Corley pushed Stars over the

urday morning in Glencullen from

line to take the two points in Glen-

10am.

cullen on Sunday morning.

There was no winner of the weekly

The adults ladies’ team played a

lotto. Numbers drawn were 5, 12 and

challenge game against Naomh Olaf

21. Jackpot next week will be €700.

in Glencullen on Saturday.

The three bonus prize winners were

Good game of football but the strong breeze caused a bit of disruption to the flow of the game.

Thanks to Olaf’s for making the short trip up to play the game.

1st: Donna Delaney 2nd: Pat Hylano 3rd: Helen Fisher.

The raffle for the trip to New York will take place on Friday, April 30, in the Step Inn.

The Under-8s had a very strong

Tickets start at €3 each or book

win a gainst Rober t Emmet s in

of five for €10. All support is greatly

Greentrees Park on Saturday morn-

appreciated.

ing. Roisin Maguire was excellent,

The Easter Camp begins Monday

special mention for Joe Daly and his

2nd April for further information

wonderful goal kicks. The Under-10s

please contact Club Coach David Gill

had no game.

on 087 782 7144

BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S

The announcement of Play The Whistle

THE club extends its deepest sym-

his parents Brian and Tess; broth-

pathy to the family of former Boden

ers Brian and David; sisters Sha-

great, Jim Stynes, on his passing

ron, Terri-Anne and Dearbhla and

in Melbourne after a long battle

all his family.

with illness. Jim won an All-Ireland

Congrats to Niall McMorrow on

minor football medal with Dublin

making his Allianz Senior Hurling

in 1984 and was on the first Bally-

league debut for Dublin against

boden St Enda’s Juvenile team to

Tipperary.

win a championship, the U-16 foot-

The jackpot for tonight’s bingo is

ball in 1981. He earned distinction

€750. Bingo takes place every Tues-

as an Aussie Rules player, winning

day at 8:30pm in clubhouse.

the coveted Brownlow Medal in

The Boden Theatre Group presents

1991. The club would like to express

Brendan Behan’s The Hostage until

its condolance to his wife Sam, son

Saturday at 7.45pm. See website

(Tiernan) and daughter (Matisse);

and Facebook for more details.

32 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29 March 2012