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MAY 10, 2012
DUN LAOGHAIRE • BLACKROCK • CORNELSCOURT • DEANGRANGE • DALKEY • GLASTHULE • MONKSTOWN • GLENAGEARY
INSIDE: Churchtown starts preparing for Summerfest fun P4
TREATY: Senator Darragh O’Brien
on why FF wants a Yes vote See Page 6
Facebook fun: Debating site’s pros and cons Soccer: O’Dea named in Trappatoni’s Euro 2012 squad Page 32
AINE Flanagan and Niamh Casey, of St Joseph’s of Cluny, were enjoying the debating challenge at the recent Great Debate held at CBC Secondary School, Monkstown. The students joined their peers in debating , This House Believes That Facebook Does More Good Than Harm. Green party leader Eamon Ryan, one of the guest adjudicators, congratulated all the participants for their lively, engaging discussions. Picture: Geraldine Woods
Full Gallery on Pages 8-9
Rugby: Seapoint claim double after Schools Cup win Page 30
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ..................... 2 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
€960,000 funding for cycle network Major boost for I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
ambitious DLR integrated plan
THE National Transport Authority has allocated €960,000 towards a new, fully-integrated cycle network in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area. The scheme, which will marry up all existing cycle
lanes into one interconnected network, is in the preparatory stages. The entire route will eventually link up cycle lanes from Booterstown to Dalkey. A cycle network study of the proposed new scheme has been undertaken, using data collected by Arup engineers, and can be viewed at
the council offices. Conor Geraghty, of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s transportation depar tment, has invited advice from cyclists on “routes that may have been omitted or could add value to the network”. Full Story on Page 3
2 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 10 May 2012
SCHOOLS: DEFERRED BUILD SPARKS ACTION
A TEAM St Joseph of Cluny girls clean up a local park
Newpark extension’s lobbying campaign I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bbhraonain@gazettegroup.com
NEWPARK Comprehensive School in Blackrock is organising a campaign to lobby politicians on the decision announced last month to defer the long-awaited extension to the school be reversed. Last month principal, Derek Lowry and teacher Carl Breadan sent out letters urging parents, past pupils and all interested parties to support the campaign to get the work under way before the submission of tender documents at the end of April. The approval deadline of these documents is scheduled for mid-June. The Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn, revealed that the proposed work, which was due to start this year, would be delayed until 2015 or 2016. The disappointment was further compounded by the Department of Education statement weeks earlier that the work would be done this year. Planning permission
for the improvements and extensions had been granted, and the project placed on the e-tenders website. The letter sent out to all Avoca/Newpark School supporters urged people to go to clinics, phone TDs and write letters objecting to the delay. Supporters were furnished with names and addresses of TDs and their clinics in order to facilitate easy contact.
Lobbying The school authority will deal with lobbying the higher-profile public representatives, such as the Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eamon Gilmore, and Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor, FG. The school’s letter of appeal encourages supporters to contact and lobby their local politicians and councillors by Monday, May 14. The letter went on to say: “After that, if we have an inadequate response from our politicians, we will increase the pressure via a public meeting and other events throughout May.”
Before beginning their clean-up, the students organised themselves into teams, with plenty of equipment for the task ahead
Showing real community spirit T HE Green Schools committee at St Joseph of Cluny secondary school in Killiney organised a clean up of Kilbogget Park recently, highlighting the school’s commitment to community initiatives and helping to reinforce the students’ interest in maintaining their area. With bright sunshine helping to keep the day’s activities light-hearted, the students, who had volunteered
from first-year right up to sixth-year, soon set to work, attending to every corner and part of the park in a bid to help keep the local facility looking its best. Following their hard work, the girls were invited into Seapoint Rugby Club for some refreshments, as a small thank-you for their work. Well done to the St Joseph of Cluny girls for their cleaning efforts at Kilbogget Park!
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Thanks to their organised teamwork, their concentrated efforts soon saw the students clean up in a highly-efficient manner
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Their community-minded action saw a lot of rubbish collected, with the area benefiting from their great work
10 May 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 3
COUNCIL Funding boost for wheely ambitious plan
€960,000 to help create a cycle network I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bbhraonain@gazettegroup.com
DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) has received €960,000 from the N a t i o n a l Tr a n s p o r t Authority for cycling infrastructure projects, chief of which is the creation of a cycle network connecting parts of the county. DLRCC is in the process of finalising a cycle network study, which will lead to a network of connected cycle lanes and routes from Booterstown to Dalkey. The study shows a list of prioritised routes which are ripe for infra-
structural upgrade. A council spokesperson said: “The cost and scale of schemes will vary, with some being achievable very quickly, while others may take longer. “T he provision of this network will take a number of years to complete, depending on resources and personnel to implement it.” Some of the proposed routes due to be upgraded and included in the network are those preferred by cyclists for years. The recent Newtown Avenue contra f low cycle lane proposal has been warmly received by cyclists. This was created based on the findings of
the cycle network study. Although there is quite a bit of work to be done to achieve a full network, DLRCC will tackle the task in a priority fashion by addressing the most urgent routes first. Another key aspect of the cycling network study was the identification and assessment of what are termed “desire lines”, and this is being done by Arup, the engineering company. Desire lines are routes that connect attraction points of destination. The network of such desire lines will be built up until a mesh of routes is created. By using Census data,
FAITH
Holy bell continues journey I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bbhraonain@gazettegroup.com
As part of preparing for a possible cycle network connecting parts of the county, a cycle network study shows the breakdown of key infrastructural areas, with Census data helping to identify the most likely preferred routes
Arup can analyse a route’s connection to its environment, under a range of criteria. C o n o r G e r a g h t y, assistant engineer, transportation department, DLRCC said: “We would hope that, as part of the consultation, the public would review the information contained in the document and, if there are additional routes that
may have been omitted or could add value to the network, it would be great to have them included.” Displays of the study, to date, have also been erected in the council offices in Dun Laoghaire, Harbour Square and Dundrum. This is the beginning of an eight-week public consultation process and all comments can
be made at any of these locations; by email to traffic@dlrcoco.ie or by post to Senior Engineer, Traffic Section, County Hall, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire. If you’re a cyclist, this is your chance to contribute to the overall scheme of the cycle network. The report can also be read online at the www. dlrcoco.ie website.
THE Eucharistic Bell visited a primary school in Dalkey before ending its tour of Ireland. The pilgrimage began in the Archdiocese of Dublin on St Patrick’s Day, 2011, when the bell was blessed by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin in the Pro Cathedral. It was then brought to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, from where it continued its journey from diocese to diocese. The pilgrimage will end in a final pilgrimage ceremony at the opening of the International Eucharistic Congress in the Archdiocese of Dublin in June. The bell was at Loreto Primary School, Harbour Road, Dalkey last Thursday, May 3. Principal Catherine Shanahan, pupils and members of the community celebrated with a Mass at 11am.
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SCHEME Learning how to touch, type, read and spell with new course
Libraries seek participants for reading, writing class A SCHEME entitled Touch, Type, Read and Spell (T TRS), which is designed for people with reading or writing difficulties, is being run in libraries across Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown. DLRCC library services are currently looking for interested participants aged between nine and
12 years who would be accompanied by their parent, or guardian, to enrol on the new and very innovative course. The course helps both adults and children who have reading, spelling or writing difficulties and is especially helpful for those who are dyslexic or who have specific learn-
ing difficulties. It teaches the student to touch type while simultaneously teaching spelling and reading all through the method of a phonetic device. L i b r a r i a n M a rian Keyes said that the course was four weeks long and is hugely effective for those with dys-
lexia and other learning difficulties. “We are calling on children with these difficulties to partake in the Teach, Touch, Read and Spell course in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area,” she said. There has been a great interest response to the course and Marian said
that quite a number have signed up already. Each student works at his or her own pace and sees the word in conjunction with hearing it spoken by the computer. Then the student types what he, or she, has just seen and heard. The sessions will be supervised by a trained
tutor thanks to the support of Dun Laoghaire VEC. Councillor Victor Boyhan (Ind) said the introduction of the course was very positive and would open up so many opportunities to participants. “County librarian Mairead Owens and her team continue to push
out and expand the range of library facilities; her introduction of this innovative, computer-based programme is yet another progression of her exciting vision for the council’s library service.” To reserve a place on the course, email mkeyes@dlrcoco.ie or call 2801147.
Tanaiste opens new nursing home unit I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bbhraonain@gazettegroup.com
A NEW extension at the Beechfield Manor Nursing Home in Shankill was officially opened by the Tanaiste, Eamon Gilmore recently, who planted a beech tree in the grounds of the home to commemorate the event. The completion of the project, which was undertaken by Nursing Home Partners Ltd, has given Beechfield Nursing Home 21 new en suite bedrooms and upgraded facilities for both residents and staff. Mary Clear, director of nursing, Beechfield Manor Nursing Home said: “We
were delighted to be joined by Minister Gilmore, who took time out of his busy schedule to join us to unveil the new wing of Beechfield Manor Nursing Home. “As a member of our local community, Minister Gilmore has close links with Beechfield Manor, and has been a visitor to the home for a number of years.” The home currently employs a staff of more than 60 people, and has been owned and operated by the Beechfield Nursing Home Group since 2007. The same group also runs Glengara Park Nursing Home, Dun Laoghaire. Another nursing home, Mount Hybla in Castleknock, is due to open later this year.
Oisin Wycham was all smiles at last year’s Summerfest in Churchtown
ENTERPRISE: BUSINESSES’ FUN COMMUNITY EVENT
Churchtown looks to its Summerfest I SUZANNE BYRNE
SUMMER has finally arrived – in Churchtown, at least – as the local business association gears up for its annual Summerfest, to be held in the grounds of De La Salle College on Sunday, July 1. The event, which had its inaugural outing last year, was a runaway success for all involved, and organisers are hoping to do even better this time around. The Summerfest is designed to support and promote local business, and organisers are hoping locals will get out and vote with their feet again, this year. Among the attractions on offer, visitors
can look forward to food and garden stalls, one of Radio Nova’s legendary DJs (hummer included) orchestrating the day’s events and some fantastic day-long live entertainment, as well as kids’ favourite (and last year’s highlight): a visit from the local fire brigade. There’ll be no shortage of drama, either, with stage performances from local musical and drama societies, plus plenty of children’s entertainment, including face painting, bouncy castles and many, many other surprises. Fingers will be crossed that the Heineken Cup, which was on display last year after the local rugby heroes’ victory over Northampton Saints, will
pay a return visit when they beat Ulster pretenders in the final on May 19. After getting off to such a good start last year, the Churchtown Business Association are now looking for local businesses to contact them if they want to be a part of this year’s jamboree. There are 20 stalls up for grabs this time around, and they’ll be housed beneath a massive marquee. If last year is anything to go by, the €200 fee for a unique stall will be recouped many times over for any business hoping to showcase its wares. The marquee is a complete 80ft by 30ft large
unit, with a wooden floor, and equal space per stall, while stall places are also available outside the marquee. If you want to take part, or know anybody who does, contact 086 8234 604. On the day, entrance will be €3 for adults and €2 for children, with the day starting at 2pm and finishing at 7pm. All entertainment is free, including a “kiddies corner”. So, what else would you be doing, that day? It promises to be a great event and, hopefully, everybody in the area will come along and join in the fun and the spirit. Finally, “think local – think Churchtown”!
10 May 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 5
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TREATY Pact ‘will not cure all our economic woes’
Voting Yes provides a more secure future
SENATOR DARRAGH O’BRIEN (FF) explains why his party believes the Stability Treaty will give Ireland more growth opportunities and employment THE vote on May 31 on the Stability Treaty is extremely important for Dublin, for Ireland and for Europe. The treaty sets out a new framework for countries so that the crisis of budget deficits and high debt can’t threaten the Eurozone in the future. I will be honest and say that the treaty will not cure all our economic woes of today, but it will definitely allow Dublin and Ireland to have a more secure foundation
for our future. By voting yes, we will have access to the funds needed for our public services at a lower interest rate. We will be sending a message that Irish people want to have a strong voice at the European table when growth opportunities and investment in job creation are being discussed. We need to maintain strong ties and influence in Europe and make sure our voices are heard and we will do this by voting Yes. There has been much
debate in my party about this treaty and what it means for Ireland and Europe. At the Fianna Fail Ard Fheis, 50 years ago in 1962, Sean Lemass told delegates that the alternative to joining would be that “Ireland would be an isolated unit on the fringe of a dynamic European confederation”. The last thing Ireland needs to do today is to retreat to the fringes of Europe. The European Union will play a central role in Ireland’s recovery.
That is why Fianna Fail is vigorously campaigning for a Yes vote. This fiscal crisis has been a crisis of globalisation. It has crossed borders and many other countries, not just Ireland, are facing unprecedented pressures in controlling budgets and raising the money to fund public services. A crisis of this massive scale requires collaboration, co-operation and a joined up approach to achieving solutions amongst the countries of Europe. Fianna Fail has consistently been calling for three principal issues to be addressed: changing the mandate of the European Central Bank; increasing the central funding of the EU; and federalising financial regulation. If the euro is to be saved and if it is to retain democratic legitimacy, these measures must be taken up and Fianna Fail will continue to press this. Many of the problems facing people in Ireland are shared by other countries. The budgets in capital cities around Europe, like Dublin, are under huge pressure. It makes sense, therefore, that the best way to tackle them is for countries to work together. This treaty reinforces the rules to make sure that budgets are better controlled so that major debt is avoided. In return for agreeing these controls, countries will find it easier to raise money to fund public services, like the ones we benefit from in the city every day, our buses, gardai, schools and hospitals. It provides a more secure future for our country.
Senator Darragh O’Brien (FF): “EU will play central role in Ireland’s recovery”
In fact, had this new emergency funding system and other new policies been in place years ago Ireland would never have required a bail-out. Its support programme is based entirely on targets that were already proposed by the then Irish government, and Ireland’s debt is due to top out at a level of less than that of Italy today or Greece after all their adjustments. In the 2009, referendum on the revised Lisbon proposal, public support for a Yes vote
actually rose during the campaign. This was because we worked hard to bring a positive message directly to people. That referendum changed the nature of EU debate in Ireland and this is what is reflected in the current large majority indicating an intention to vote Yes, including 70% of my party’s voters. One of the key reasons for Ireland’s attractiveness is its export platform to the rest of the EU. Today nearly 100,000 people are directly employed in over 600
US firms in Ireland. US companies have a $190 billion cumulative stock of investments in Irishbased operations. I really believe that Ireland’s full and active membership in the EU is critical for stability and investment across Dublin. I believe Dublin needs a strong Yes vote on May 31 to secure stability and economic recovery.
Darragh O’Brien Fianna Fail Senator for Dublin North and Seanad Spokesperson on Finance
10 May 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 7
EDUCATION
SCHOOLS: FUNDRAISER WITH MUSICAL DELIGHTS
IADT in final five with top IT course
SUCH a great show to support I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bbhraonain@gazettegroup.com
WHAT’S being hailed as a contemporary comedy and dance extravaganza by Mount Anville and Blackrock College Transition Year students will be performed this month in Goatstown. T he students will present a show, entitled, SUCH Legends, in aid of children’s charity, Debra Ireland, with the show being carried out through the organisation SUCH (Students Unite for Children’s Health), which was set up for the purpose. The show, and organisation, is entirely run by fourth-year students as their enterprise project.
Hit songs Some of the legendary hit songs which will be performed on the night include Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Beyonce’s Love on Top, Lady Gaga’s Poker Face and MC Hammer’s Can’t Touch This. SUCH Legends will be performed on Thursday, May 10 at 8pm in the Sports Hall, Mount
I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bbhraonain@gazettegroup.com
Anville School, Mount Anville Road, Goatstown. Debra Ireland is a national charity, established in1988, which provides patient support and drives research into treatment for those living with the genetic skin condition, epidermolysis bullosa (EB). This is a very distressing and painful condition, which causes the skin layers and internal body linings to blister and wound at the slightest touch.
Research Debra Ireland also funds specific research programmes in Ireland, Britain and the USA into wound-healing, skin cancer and gene therapy. All of the proceeds from the night will go to Debra Ireland. Standard tickets cost €15, while Gold Circle tickets cost €25 and offer premium seating, a goodie bag and champagne. For further information on the event, look for SUCH Legends on Facebook and Twitter, or email 2008mmaguire@ gmail.com.
What’s shaking? Sinead doesn’t let the rain get in the way of supporting the RNLI IRELAND AM presenter Sinead Desmond didn’t let the heavy rain stop her supporting the RNLI Mayday Campaign outside Dun Laoghaire Dart Station. Dressed for the weather, Sinead and her
team, consisting of husband Davy Ryan and Mark McGibney, Coxswain Dun Laoghaire RNLI shook boxes in pouring rain to help the campaign which was proudly supported by John West. Picture: Margaret Brown
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THE Institute of Art, Design and Technolog y (IADT) in Dun Laoghaire was among the recent nominations for the Postgraduate Course of the Year Awards for its Masters course in Cyberpsychology. The course was shortlisted as one of the final five entries in the Information Technology (IT) category, and is the only one of its kind in Ireland and Britain. Dr Marion Palmer, head of the Department of Learning Sciences, says the course explores a developing area of knowledge, and the response of graduates has been highly-positive. “We get educational psychologists, journalists and others who say the course has helped them to plan, research, and better understand how people behave online,” she says. The awards took place on April 25 in the Mansion House, with the IT winner named as MSc in Computer Science by Negotiated Learning, UCD School of Computer Science and Informatics Centre.
8 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 10 May 2012
EVENT A contentious issue is raised and debated at The
Hugh Guidera and Stephen Stack, CBC Team
Aine Flanagan and Niamh Casey, St Joseph’s of Cluny team. Pictures: Geraldine Woods
The case for and against Facebook HIS House Believes That Facebook Does More Good Than Harm was the motion for the recent Great Debate at CBC Secondary School, Monkstown. The Great Debate has become a landmark calendar event where, annually, a contentious issue is raised and openly debated. The teams were representing Loreto Foxrock, St Joseph’s of
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Cluny and CBC. Parents, students, past-pupils, staff, family and friends gathered for the eagerly-awaited event and were not disappointed as the different teams made their case with some fantastic debating all round. Green Party leader and former Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan was one of the guest adjudicators. He
congratulated the students and said there was great hope for the future listening to their lively debate. He said the judging was very tight and the judges were divided on their selection. Eamon Ryan presented the trophy and shield after which, John Gallagher, of the Parents’ Council thanked him for attending and presented him with a thank-you gift.
Adjudicators, Caoimhe Stafford, Trinity, ex Loreto Foxrock and Ben Butler, Trinity, ex CBC
Shauna Fenton and Erica Duffy, Loreto Foxrock Team
10 May 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 9
Great Debate at CBC Secondary School, Monkstown
Green Party leader and former Minister for Communications, Eamon Ryan, makes a presentation to the winning speaker, Stephen Stack, CBC
Pupils from St Joseph’s Cluny and CBC
John Gallagher of the Parents’ Council presents Green Party leader Eamon Ryan with a thank-you gift Kevin Dooney, CBC
Adjudicator Pat Fox
The Patrick Fox Debating Cup
Best Speaker Award
The audience enjoyed the debate
Eamon Ryan makes presentation to the winning team, Michael Barton Pupils from St Joseph’s Cluny
and Kevin Dooney, CBC
10 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 10 May 2012
EVENT 2012 Dublin Gala Rose Ball in the Carlton Hotel
David Farrell and Shauna Lawes
Setting the ball rolling
Eleanor Hession, Jennifer Ward, Nicola O’Donoghue and Sinead Grant
Alan McEvoy, Ellen OBrien, Carleen Stringer and Shane Collins
Darragh McGrath and Siobheal Nic Julie Beathie, Ciara Ross and Aoife McManus
Eochaidh, Rose of Dublin 2011
HE Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown hosted the 2012 Dublin Gala Rose Ball on April 27. The event was a great occasion for potential Dublin Roses to meet and greet guests and chat to former Dublin Roses. There was plenty of excitement as the Roses themselves spoke about the forthcoming 2012 Dublin Rose of Tralee Selection which will also take place at the hotel from May 18 to May 20. Over the course of the event, all Dublin Rose contestants will enjoy a complimentary three-night stay including breakfast and dinner at the Carlton Hotel.
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Peter Richardson, Christina Ryan, Ann Ryan and Thomas Ryan
Fionan Henry and Tara Talbot, Rose of Tralee 2011
Susan Dowdall, Sarah Fitzgerald and Grace Nixon, Mark Nixon and Mel O’Conghaile
Saoirse Bardin, Paige Bardin, Monijka Bardin, Mary Bardin and Shannon Bardin
Mark Dowdall
10 May 2012 GAZETTE 11
12 GAZETTE 10 May 2012
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SNAPSHOT The local stories of the day
Summer Wedding Open Day THE Castle Arch Hotel in Trim will host its Summer Wedding Open Day on Sunday, May 13, from 2 to 5pm. The Castle Arch is one of the leading wedding venues in County Meath and this event will be one of their best open day’s with the hotel set up as it would be on the bride and groom’s special day.
Experience The management team have years of experience with weddings and will be on hand to guide you through the planning of your special day. T heir hallmark is attention to detail at all times by experienced staff in the art of creating a perfect wedding. The Castle Arch loves
weddings and this is obvious from the attentive service you receive from the initial enquiry through to departure the next morning after your perfect wedding. The Emmet Suite is the hotel’s dedicated wedding suite and will be set up with beautiful chair covers and a choice of sashes, as well as luxurious floral arrangements on each table and a fairylight backdrop.
Civil wedding The hotel is also registered for civil wedding ceremonies and the Arch Suite will be decorated as it would be on the special day with linen chair covers, flowers and candles. Contact the hotel directly for more information on packages. Contact Ruth Traynor o n 0 4 6 - 9 4 31516 o r Ruth@cusackhotels. com
The Emmet Suite
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10 May 2012 GAZETTE 13
EVENT Charity lunch at Brasserie 15
Encouraging healthy eating
Bressie’s boost to mum’s support centre I LAURA WEBB
lwebb@gazettegroup.com
HE has fast become a household name after judging, and mentoring the winning act of the Voice of Ireland, but his new found fame hasn’t inflated his ego, as he uses his celebrity status to fundraise for charity. Earlier this year, Bressie, aka Niall Breslin, was named the ambassador of LARCC (Lakelands Area Retreat and Cancer Centre) a cancer support centre located just outside his hometown of Mullingar in Co Westmeath, where his mum, Mandy, is the director. To help raise funds for the centre, he hosted a charity lunch in Brasserie 15 in Castleknock, Dublin 15 last week.
His best friend helped get the venue and he brought the entertainment, with thanks to his protegee, the Voice of Ireland winner, Pat Byrne. Speaking to the Gazette this week, he talked about his involvement in the charity and what’s next for the singer/songwriter and producer. Respected
“ I t ’s a ve r y we l l known national charity. It is very well respected. A lot of cancer charities deal with the physical aspect of cancer; this is looking more at the emotional and psychological aspect of it. It is a residential treatment centre where parents can go for a week with the family, and that
INITIATIVE: PROMOTING FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
Bressie with mum Mandy. Picture: Ania Sherlock
is unique – there is nowhere in the whole country where you can do that. “The HSE has cut funding by 50-60% and a lot of people don’t realise there is an emotional side to cancer, so people don’t really dedicate money to it. “There was no way I was going to let it lose out. I thought I could bring something to it, but then the show [The Voice] started and then I knew I could really bring something to it and it has. “We are starting with
this event, and then there will be a big event in the summer and we are not talking about trying to keep one open, we are talking about opening others – that is where I am going with it,” he said. Joining Bressie at the lunch was fellow Voice judge, Brian Kennedy, who said he was only too happy to be part of the charity event. Although he won’t be on our screens every Sunday night with the Voice, Bressie is still ver y much involved
in it as he gets ready to work with his winning act Pat Byrne, and also help his other act, Conor Quinn. “Pat hasn’t even got a day off yet. He asked about it, but I quickly told him – you’re in the music business now, there is no such thing,” he joked. “ We h ave s t a r t e d writing for the album for Pat. Then I will work with Conor and then work on my own. It’s a busy time.” For further information on LARCC log onto www.larcc.ie
STUDENTS across the country will be kept busy throughout May as Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles Healthy Eating Month challenges students to record their daily intake of potatoes, fruit and vegetables. Launched in Family Farm, which was developed by Agri Aware and Dublin Zoo, Minister of State Shane McEntee (FG), was on hand to commence the monthlong initiative which will see students note their consumption of these foods in a special healthy eating diary as part of the overall Incredible Edibles initiative. With childhood obesity levels in Ireland reaching epidemic proportions, Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles is a healthy eating initiative that encourages primary school children to eat more potatoes, fruit and vegetables. The project, now in its fourth year, is delivered by Agri Aware and is supported by Bord Bia, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and the Irish horticulture industry. The sponsors of the Incredible Edibles project will deliver healthy eating awareness activities, demonstrations and food tastings as part of Incredible
Edibles Healthy Eating month at Family Farm, Dublin Zoo during May. Students nationwide are collecting the Incredible Edibles tokens and/ or the Bord Bia Quality Mark from Irish potatoes, fruit and vegetables to win some amazing prizes for their class. The public are encouraged to help out by collecting the tokens and/or the Quality Mark from Irish potatoes, fruit and vegetables in support of their local schools participating in the project. Speaking at the launch, Minister McEntee commented: “In light of the current levels of obesity, especially in our younger population, and the overall need to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, I am very pleased that the Incredible Edibles has evolved to have a stronger emphasis on the need to increase consumption; I see Healthy Eating Month as a key part of this process.” Encouraging a positive attitude to healthy eating, Bernard Donohue, chairman of Agri Aware, said: “Incredible Edibles Healthy Eating month is a great opportunity for parents and teachers to communicate the importance of healthy eating to children.”
14 GAZETTE 10 May 2012
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: YOUR CAT’S DIET MAY NEED AN OVERHAUL AS SHE GETS OLDER
Helping kitty stay fit and healthy as she gets older H yes, it’s a cool for cats kinda time right now because it seems readers just can’t get enough of our feline friends… well, if your calls to the shelter are anything to go by. So, this week, I
A
thought I’d continue my, ahem, CAT-alogue of kitty columns and delve a little into the world of the senior feline and her specific dietary needs and requirements. You see as Kitty gets older, her nutritional needs will start to
change. She may have a slower metabolism and gain a few pounds, she may become less active and wish to stay indoors more therefore to help her stay fit and healthy into her senior years, you, as her parent, will need to give her diet an overhaul. However, I must add, always check with your vet before you change your pet’s diet, especially if there are specific health problems that need to be addressed.
Levels of Activity Some cats go out and hunt and are pretty active, others are pampered and lie around the house all day. It makes sense then that the less active Kitty may require 10% less maintenance energy. T his is also quite dependent on the weather. For example, keeping the body warm or cooling it down will use up more energy, so keep in touch with your vet in the event the temperature plummets and the same goes if we ever manage to get a heatwave… although the latter hardly ever occurs in Ireland.
As your cat gets older, her nutritional needs will start to change
Health Status If Kitty’s had surgery or an illness, she may have increased nutritional requirements in order to help her heal. Again, keep in contact with your vet who will best advise regarding periods of illness and recovery. Portion Control is Important Work with your vet to ascertain which senior cat food provides the best nutritional balance for Kitty. To help her maintain her recommended weight, measure out the portions as per manufacturer’s/veterinarian’s instructions.
Dividing the Spoils Usually it’s recommended you feed your cat two meals per day using portion control. Divide the amount suggested as per your vet or food manufacturer advice and allocate them approximately eight hours apart. As cats require taurine, (an amino acid important to maintain normal heart function, reproduction and vision) and… here’s a little tip; most mammals can make taurine, but cats can’t, it’s important to feed Kitty animal-based protein which means a meat-based diet in order
to meet her nutritional requirements. Remember you may need to adjust intake according to your cat’s level of activity or your vet’s recommendations.
Temperature A senior cat’s sense of smell may diminish slightly, so try to offer her food at room temperature to make it easier for her to be attracted to the aroma. Water Only Forget the saucer of milk, it’s bad for Kitty. Cats cannot process enough lactase in order to break down lactose
in milk, therefore allowing Kitty to drink milk or milk-based products will cause her to vomit or experience diarrhoea. Give water only and make sure you encourage her to drink it often, as some senior cats may be prone to medical problems such as urinary tract infections and an increased water intake may reduce the risk of this. It will also reduce the risk of dehydration. So, following the all clear from your vet, make sure Kitty gets enough gentle exercise in the form of some play with toys or a little potter around the garden while you’re tending to the plants. The above is written as a guideline only, so if you’ve got a senior cat, why not pop her along to your vet today for a quick check up because with his/her help, there’s no reason why you and Kitty can’t enjoy the golden years together and optimise her health and wellbeing. For more information,
log onto www.dspca.ie or contact your vet or email me at miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie
10 May 2012 GAZETTE 15
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GazetteGROWING GROWING
In association with
TASTE: NO NEED TO ROOT AROUND FOR A GREAT TREAT
Can’t beet this THIS month, we will be harvesting the first of our new-season beetroot. Okay, so they will be no bigger than golf balls, and will have been grown in the polytunnel – but they will be all the tastier and more tender as a result. I was turned off beetroot as a kid because the only way I ever saw it presented was pickled and floating in vinegar – fresh beetroot plucked straight from the soil and baked to retain all the goodness is a different matter: earthy, tender, wonderful and incredibly good for you. Interesting to note that we also still have about half a dozen beetroot from last year in a box of sand in the shed – they were sown in July, lifted for storage in October,
and we’ve been eating a couple a week since. They have held up well. They are an altogether hardier affair than the new season ones – about the size of large oranges, and not quite as tender, but they still taste pretty good and make a useful addition to salads (raw, grated). To my mind, this brings home why beetroot is the perfect GIY crop – it can be difficult to source fresh in the supermarket, it’s easy to grow, doesn’t demand much space and, with a little planning, it can be enjoyed fresh all year round. By the way, if you are heading to Bloom in the Phoenix Park (May 31 to June 4), come and visit us at the GIY Zone.
We will be showing people how to sow seeds and generally spreading GIY joy. We’re also aiming to break a Guinness World Record for the most people sowing seedlings at the one time, and creating a giant seedling mosaic!
Tip of the week: Best way to sow beetroot Beetroot likes a deep, sandy soil, manured the previous winter. Apply organic fertiliser about a week before sowing. Germination is in about 10 days, and you will have roots to eat in about three months. I always sow beetroot in module trays and then carefully transplant them about a month after sowing.
They should be planted four inches apart, in rows about 12 inches apart. Bear in mind that a beetroot seed is actually a “cluster” of up to five seeds, so even if you sow just one seed, you may end up with a small cluster of plants – thin them out to just one seedling. Sow every two weeks from April until July (for a continuous supply of young beets), although you can start even earlier (March) in a greenhouse or polytunnel. Sow another batch in July, which will be ready to lift in October for winter storage.
Michael Kelly is a
freelance journalist, author and founder of GIY Ireland
Recipe of the Week BEETROOT, walnuts and goat’s cheese make ideal bedfellows for a salad. This delicious salad serves four. Ingredients: • 12-15 baby beetroot • Two TBSP lemon juice • 80ml extra virgin olive oil • One TSP Dijon mustard • 70g baby spinach leaves and some small beetroot leaves • A bunch of flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped • 100g soft goat’s cheese, crumbled • 75g toasted walnuts TWIST off the leaves from the beetroot (don’t cut, this causes them to bleed), leaving about two inches
of stalk attached to the beet. Wash them well and pat dry. Place them in a tinfoil parcel, and bake in a hot (220C) oven for about 35-45 minutes. They will be very tender when cooked – pierce with a knife to check. Take a beetroot and rinse under a cold tap (so you can handle it), then quickly remove the skin by rubbing with your fingers – if it is well cooked, it should come off easily. Repeat with all the beetroot and cut them into quarters. Whisk the
lemon juice, olive oil and mustard together in a small bowl. Season to taste. Place the spinach, beetroot leaves and chopped parsley in a large bowl. Add half the dressing and toss well. Divide among four serving plates (or leave in the large bowl, if desired), then scatter with beetroot, goat’s cheese and toasted walnuts. Garnish the salad with some parsley, drizzle with the remaining dressing and serve immediately.
DublinGazetteNewspapers Advertising Sales Professionals
Dublin Gazette Newspapers is Dublin’s fastest growing community weekly regional publisher, with 8 titles covering the M50 from Swords to Dun Laoghaire. We are currently looking to recruit: We are now seeking experienced media sales executives to work in our advertising dept in our Lucan head office on a number of Dublin Gazette titles. Experience in newspaper advertising sales is preferable. Full clean driving license and own car required; fluent written and oral English essential. Excellent package on offer to suitable candidates. If you can work on your own initiative within a team environment, are motivated, enthusiastic with an excellent work ethic, please send your cv to: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com
16 GAZETTE 10 May 2012
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY The essential
A designer gift from Lancome
LANCOME announces its June 2012 designer gift collaboration with luxury design house, Jenny Packham. This is one of Lancome’s most exciting designer collaborations to date. The style of the make-up purse has a vintage feel to it, featuring romantic floral designs created exclusively by de Gournay for the Jenny Packham Lancome bag. From June 2012, Lancome customers can own this unique bag by simply purchasing two Lancome products (one to be skincare) from a Lancome counter. Available nationwide from June 8, 2012, whilst stocks last.
L
Enjoy the summer holiday season but take care while in the sun with an appropriate sun screen to prevent burning
et’s face it, the sooner we go on holidays to catch a few rays from that shiny ball in the sky, known as THE SUN, the sooner faces will be smiling again. The travel season is among us and Gazette Beauty is on a mini mission to give readers an idea of some of the essential products that should take up space in that 20kg bag. Forget packing luggage to the brim with flip flops and sarongs, you know you won’t use, think about items that you can’t live without on a sun holiday. Helping to take the stress out of travel this summer is Burt’s Bees and its mini kits. The kits have mini-
ature versions of all it’s full size favourites with Tips and Toes Kit, Head to Toe, Radiance Healthy Glow and the Essential Burt’s Bee Kit – our favourite. This essential Burt’s Bee’s kit (€16.99) contains soap bark and chamomile deep cleansing cream, hand cream, nourishing milk and honey lotion, coconut foot cream and beeswax lip balm. Of these, the lip balm is a must to keep with you at all times to avoid dry lips while sun bathing. T he coconut foot cream gives great relief after a day’s walking, or a night’s dancing and the coconut scent boosts that happy holiday feeling – available at health
stores and pharmacies nationwide. Take care while in the sun, and so it’s not unusual that we say sun factor is a MUST for everyone. Don’t let skin burn – red is not a sun-kissed colour, it’s sun-kissed pain. Apply sun factor as often as you can. If money doesn’t matter, Piz Buin is a favourite here as it is great for sensitive and dry skin, and works on building a glowing natural tan. Saving pennies? Then try out Lidl’s very own range from Cien. The range is available in various sun protection factors to suit every need from factor 8 to factor 50, kids to adults, it has the lot. Here’s something eve-
10 May 2012 GAZETTE 17
Edited by Laura Webb
products for a spell in the sun tecting hair from everyday wear and tear, a must when out and about this summer – Aussie hair products are available at Boots nationwide. Rub away your stress and worries with the new Spa Collection Absolute Calm Massage Oil, €8/100ml from Marks & Spencer. This non-greasy massage oil has been specially formulated with sweet almond oil to condition and nourish the skin whilst a soothing blend of essential oils of mandarin, chamomile and lavender help relax and unwind. This is perfect for trying to unwind after a day sightseeing. Also available in this range is the Spa Collection Absolute Calm Bath Essence, €5.50/300ml and Spa Collection Absolute Calm Pillow Mist, €5.50/50ml. Now obviously we are not saying take all these essentials with you, because if you do, that 20kg will be full before you get a chance to put in any summer shorts, so just take in our advice and then find what best suits your top five travel essentials.
Help take the stress out of travel with Essential Burt’s Bees Kit
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Dead Sea Skin Magik Brushing Salts (€17.95). This is a mix of Dead Sea salts and coconut oil, perfect for pre beach exfoliation and a great treatment for cellulite, also available at Nelson’s Homeopathic Dispensary. Take care of your hair when away. The Aussie hair care range, not only smells fantastic but works wonders for dry/ damaged hair. Tried and tested by Gazette beauties, the range recommended this summer is the Miracle Moist Range. This range makes hair soft, shiny and fabulously conditioned. It brings moisture to dry damaged hair, which is often a result of sun exposure. Miracle Moist Shampoo is used to lock moisture in all day long. After that, use Miracle Moist Conditioner for some serious moisturising. But the one thing we advise not to leave behind is its Miracle Hair Insurance. This leave-in conditioner is a little miracle for detangling hair by conditioning and nourishing it, while also pro-
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ryone should know – sun protection factor (SPF) refers to how long you can stay in the sun without getting burned. The higher the factor the longer you can stay out without burning. The Cien range is priced between €2.99 and €4.99. Another essential is, of course, after sun. One suggestion from Gazette Beauty for a good after sun, essential for soothing is Green People After Sun (€15.99). This product is made with cooling peppermint and helps to maintain a healthy tan – available at Nelson’s Homeopathic Dispensary, Duke St, Dublin 2. Travelling can take its toll on some stomachs and so a travel sickness preventative is worth bringing along, helping you enjoy your summer rather than loath it because of travel sickness. Our recommendation is, also available from Nelson’s, is Travella, a homeopathic preparation to aid with symptoms of travel sickness, this costs €7.25. Exfoliate before heading to the beach with
All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away Lidl’s very own range from Cien has factors to suit every need
18 GAZETTE 10 May 2012
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods SHE’S been called one of the most controversial women in rock, and I think Courtney Love whole-heartedly deserves that crown. Brawls, court cases, drugs...this woman has stared the usual rock cliches in the face (and in some cases, punched it), but only she could continue the on-again off-again relationship with her fella, 18 years after his death. Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain died in 1994 and the rights to his image were in
the hands of his wife. Although tumultuous, their relationship was one that seemed to survive all sorts of challenges...until Courtney needed a quick buck, it seems. It’s emerged the Hole singer gave up her rights to Cobain’s name, likeness and appearance in exchange for €2.1m. Surely, she wouldn’t be so shallow... I hear you ask, where is she getting the money? Oh, that’d be from her teenage daughter, Frances Bean
Cobain’s, trust fund. So, Courtney gets the loan of a couple of million, but until she can pay it back, will no longer be head of the company that looks after the Cobain cashflow: Frances Bean is. The 19-year-old is taking over her 47-year-old mother’s job and giving her a loan? Talk about role reversal. In fairness to Courtney, she’s doing her best to earn a few quid in the meantime. Her first art show was launched in New York last week. It featured drawings and lyrics by the Hole frontwoman and the piece de resistance: a designer gown which she claimed was to be worn to her marriage to Ed Norton that never happened. Now, there’s a woman with an appropriate surname - what’s not to Love?
Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys had an influence on a generation of music fans
All our love and respect to the end I ROB HEIGH
WHEN it was announced last week that Beastie Boy Adam Yauch had died after a three-year battle against cancer, the wave of genuine shock and sadness that passed through the world of music was palpable. Although the portents were not good when he was unable to attend the band’s induction to the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame in April, there was still hope that this essential part of one of the most influential and beloved bands of the past three decades would beat the disease that afflicted him. Yauch’s gravelly rasp counterpointed Diamond’s pally vibe and Horowitz’s amped craziness on the mic. Their skills combined to create a unique bouillabaisse – a Beastie Boys record was instantly recognisable, not only because of their rhyme styles, but because you felt that the way their personalities were right there on the track. Every record, which never sold less than a
million copies on release, was a new adventure in sound – the Beasties took the influences of their world, mashing up Japanese pop, Jamaican dub, old-school hip-hop, soul and hard rock riffs and made something uniquely their ow n. At the same time, they wrote some of the most memorable, quotable, referential and – don’t forget or underestimate this – fun rhymes in rap. The fact that the band seemed like a band of brothers, transmitting a genuine enjoyment in what they did, never appearing po-faced or serious, even in the face of serious illness in the last three years, defines why the Beastie Boys meant so much to so many people. They loved what they did, and they wanted you to be a part of the party they fought for the right to throw. You were invited, and welcome – the door was open and theirs was not a closed world of gangsta mores or outrageous bling that you had no access to. They opened a whole new world of music to
this impressionable teen – the Beasties were the link to Run-DMC, to Public Enemy, to NWA, and on, and on… Not only to their contemporaries, but also to the artists they sampled on their tracks, too innumerable to mention, especially on their best album, Paul’s Boutique. Creating some of the most memorable moments in music video history – Intergalactic, Body Movin’, So What’cha Want – was another of Yauch’s talents that was most immediately on display in the public domain, but his activism and charitable work for Tibetan freedom and the recovery of New York in the wake of 9/11 were other aspects of the work he did, which underlined his humanity and humanitarianism. There has been nothing but the Beasties finest moments on the playlist since last Friday, and they will always be one of of my most dearly loved, and missed, musical heroes. T hank you, Boys. Thank you, Adam. Namaste.
10 May 2012 GAZETTE 19
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Tracy Leonard, DAS Academy in Lucan and Rush
Helping people achieve their dreams
MORTGAGE RELIEF Q – We bought my first house in 2004, bought the second in 2010, as the family grew. We could not sell the first, as it was in negative equity and rented it out in 2010, losing the mortgage interest relief. Should we still qualify after recent changes ? The rent doesn’t cover the mortgage capital and interest repayments. Colin – Terenure A - Measures brought into effect last Budget would have meant that, had you stayed in your first house, you would now be enjoying 30% mortgage interest relief until 2017 ! Unfortunately, moving meant that you lost out on being a first-time buyer and, therefore, precludes you from receiving the new life changes announced in the last Budget. At
INTERNATIONAL singer and actress Tracy Leonard runs a new stage school in Lucan and Rush, known as DAS Academy (Dancing, Acting, Singing Academy). Tracy trained at the Gaiety School of Acting, Dublin and the Royal Academy of Music, London on its world renowned Musical Theatre Course and has worked professionally in Ireland, the UK and on a cruise ship as the main singer for Broadway style shows on the US high seas. Tracy loves to perform on stage and has done so since a young age, she now wants to help new up-and-coming actors, singers and dancers achieve their dreams or even just enjoy it as something to help them gain more confidence in themselves in everyday life. International singer and actress Tracy Leonard runs a new stage school in Lucan and Rush
Q&A When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A singer. What was your first job? Farmer’s daughter and then helping run a video shop when I was 15. I didn’t want to get muddy anymore!
soon as you started renting your former home. There are so many people who were forced to rent out their homes because of their inability to maintain repayments, but did not stop the TRS. This could come back to haunt them. Presumably, you are also making the usual offsets against the rental income tax liability: • 75% of the mortgage interest • Service charges (including block insurance) • Repairs and maintenance • 12.5% of furniture and fixtures (keep receipts) for each of the first eight years • PRTB fees • Property management fees • Contents insurance if contents are your own The NPPR and household charges are not allowable for offsetting against your rental income tax
What part of your working day do you “delegate”? I leave the dancing to Thomas…we work on production pieces together, but when it comes to choreography, I have a cuppa… What sport do you follow? I like rugby.
And your first pay check? I remember wanting these runners and thought if I work for two weeks, I’ll be able to get them. It made me feel great to be able to get them myself.
What sport can you play? I used to play camogie and Gaelic football, but now I just walk a lot and run around after my toddler…keeps me fit to say the least!
When did you start your present job? August 2011 with the stage school and singing forever it seems. Before that for weddings, shows and events.
What is your guilty music, TV or movie pleasure? I just love Sky Plus. I get to watch it all after baby is in bed and I can wind down with the soap stories, a nice cuppa and some choccy.
What is the best thing about your job? The kids. Seeing them achieve a dance move they couldn’t do before or hitting a note that seemed out of reach, not being shy to read out or “act” in front of their peers.
least you stopped the TRS (tax relief at source) as
What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? Everything from Heads Shoulders Knees and Toes to Rhianna for DAS Academy classes.
Who do you follow on Twitter/ Facebook? Just friends and family really, as my husband is American, so I keep in touch with all my friends and in-laws that way. It’s great for sharing photos and stories. Describe your dream meal? Cooked oysters and then a big, thick medium-rare steak and cheesy potatoes. Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? On my son and my husband – online. That way it’s a surprise when it arrives. I’m not a complete martyr though, I do get myself stuff too. How many pairs of shoes do you own? Mmm, let me think … about 40. BUT can’t wear half of the really high heels at the moment. I do intend wearing them again in the future, so refuse to throw them out (not sure if I’m in denial or not though!)
What was your worst holiday experience? My last trip to California (where my husband is from). The holiday wasn’t the problem, the travel was! Dublin to London to San Franciso was so long and my son was only six months old at the time. He was great on the flights but I hate flying! So, while hubby and son snoozed away, I was envisioning all sorts of scary airplane movies! Describe your dream holiday? Me, hubby and son by a pool with a maid to do all the cooking and cleaning. What would be your dream job? Singing/acting a couple of days a week and teaching the DAS Academy kids a couple of days a week too – I have done both, but not together yet. What do you plan to do when you retire? IF I retire, which will probably only ever be part-time retirement, as I love singing, acting and teaching. I will travel, relax and spend time with my son and future children and me and my husband’s family.
liability. As regards tax relief on your second home, the original allowance of seven years has now expired – the last two years being at 20% tax relief. Contact John with your money questions at
jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor
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20 GAZETTE 10 May 2012
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GazetteMOTORS MOTORS
New Astra lives RoadSigns Road Signs CORMAC CURTIS
Eircom calls on Kuga for its new fleet
IRELAND’S leading telecom services provider, Eircom, has taken delivery of 20 new Ford Kuga Commercial vehicles for its national team of radio site engineers. The Kuga is powered by Ford’s efficient 2.0-litre TDCi diesel engine and has fourwheel drive capability, enabling the Eircom teams to gain easy access to off-road sites. Michael Lynch, head of transport and logistics for Eircom, said: “Our teams need a tough, reliable vehicle in their daily work and the initial reaction to the new Kuga has been very positive. The Kuga has the right mix of style, versatility and toughness.” Ford Ireland’s commercial vehicle sales and Marketing manager, Ciaran McMahon, said: “Our Kuga Commercial is the ideal stylish package for any business user who needs that little bit more muscle in their daily work. And with prices from €26,604, it truly is a great value package”.
Volkswagen claims number one spot VOLKSWAGEN Ireland has claimed the number 1 position in the Irish motor industry during April, with 867 registrations, a market share of 12.9%. So far this year, Volkswagen has registered 6,513 vehicles representing a market share of 12.3%, up 0.5% (on 2011). This performance places Volkswagen immediately behind Toyota, and suggests it is closing the gap. Commenting on the figures, John Donegan, head of sales and marketing for Volkswagen Ireland said: “We are delighted with our performance during April and credit must go to our dealership network and their exceptional efforts. “With a gap of just 200 registrations between Volkswagen Ireland and the top spot we will be doing our utmost to continue this strong performance in the second quarter of 2012 and maximise a strong order bank.” Volkswagen Ireland’s strong performance is against the backdrop of an overall motoring industry that year to date is 7.2 % down on 2011 with April down 22% on April 2011.
EAR in, year out, car companies the world ove r t e a s e u s with incredible concept designs that they promise indicate the direction their latest models are following. Unfortunately, year after year, what eventually rolls off the assembly line doesn’t quite live up to our, admittedly juvenile, expectations. A certain part of every driver’s psyche (well, mine at least) wants to see a car that breaks the rules and doesn’t apologise for it. I have an insatiable appetite for a car that has all the charm, character, looks and power of a James Bond villain, just in motoring form. Something that really has a menacing personality. So, when Opel released their concept images of the newest incarnation of the Astra GTC at the Paris Autoshow in 2010, not too many members of the motoring press held their breath in anticipation of the final product matching the beauty of the concept. How wrong were we? Very. With the exception of the alloys and the racing seats featured in the pre-release images, the Opel Astra GTC is almost exactly as promised. A s m a ny w i l l b e aware, the Astra hatchback has been held close to the hearts of many a young boy racer over the years. And, as those boy racers have matured, Opel have kept a close eye on how the Astra has developed to match the needs and, indeed, the desires of their customers. This time, though, the design team led by
Y
SPECS: OPEL ASTRA GTC 2.0-LITRE DIESEL SRI Engine: 2.0 CDTI Economy: 49.6mpg CO2 emissions: 127g Price: €27,995
Opel’s vice-president of design, Mark Adams, has produced something wonderful. You simply can’t help but grin from ear to ear when you lay eyes on this car. The contours appear to have been modelled on the lines in a speed tunnel, making the car’s profile similar to a cross section of an aeroplane’s wing. This thing looks like it’s moving when it’s standing still. External chrome has been kept to a stylish minimum – only appearing on the front grille and as a highlighting arc over the side windows. The front lights have all the subtlety of a snarling panther, and, at night, the effect is exaggerated with some beautifully designed illumination. Let’s just say you’ll notice this car from a mile off – and you will feel like giving it plenty of space and avoiding eye contact. This Astra is also the first Opel coupe that offers an option of 20” alloy wheels the model I tested was sporting this option, and I couldn’t imagine the car without them. The biggest issue for my kids is rear seats – do they have enough room, and can they buckle themselves in to their booster chairs? In the Astra GTC, this was, surprisingly, absolutely no problem. Not only that, but, both kids could even flip the front seats for ward themselves to get out. Practicality reaches further back in to the
The Astra GTC is well worth a test drive if you can drag yourself away from the beauty of the outside
car, as the boot provides between 380 and 1,165 litres of volume – over 200 litres more than some of the competition. I was impressed with the high-quality materials that feature in all GTCs, and with the attractive chromeedged instruments in deep-set binnacles that give drivers clear and well laid-out information. Standard on all GTCs are DAB stereo and USB functionality, while the SRi gets an onboard computer and leather-rimmed steering wheel. My test car came in a beautifully striking Morello Red, and featured the
new premium leather trim, and a six-way adjustable driver’s seat. I was relieved that the sports seats in this car were forgiving enough to allow me to drive in incredible comfort – which is not always the case with figure-hugging sports seats! This car would not be complete without some serious performance ability – and the 2.0CDTi packs 165PS with an exceptionally strong 350Nm of torque from just 1,750rpm. This helps it to a c h i e ve a 0 - 6 0 m p h time of just 8.4 seconds and 50-70mph in 6.4 seconds, together with a combined fuel consumption of 58.9mpg
and emissions of just 127g/km. In short, enough poke for some laugh-out-load fun on the road. Driver comfort is further enhanced as the engine is bolted in position via hydraulicallydamped mountings that minimise vibration through the body structure. Opel’s Start/ Stop system is fitted to all 2.0-CDTi models as standard and works nicely. So, there is a lot going on in the new Astra GTC, and it won me over quicker than it can reach 60mph. It’s well worth a test drive if you can drag yourself away from the beauty of the outside!
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up to expectations
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GazetteTTRAVEL
Edited by Mimi Murray
Enjoy non-stop Las Vegas casino action
Cancun is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world
Enjoy the crisp ocean air in Cape Cod
AMERICA: BEAUTIFUL BEACHES, FANTASTIC THEME PARKS AND CARIBBEAN CRUISES
Get away to the USA hether you’re looking to see the beauty of Cape Cod, get Mickey Mouse’s autograph, or chance your luck in the casinos, American Holidays have some great US offers at the moment.
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Orlando and Clearwater Beach
Stay 10 nights at the 4-star Crowne Plaza Universal Orlando and four nights at the 4-star Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort, with 14 nights car hire included, from only €1,049pp. The Crowne Plaza Universal Orlando Hotel, located on Universal Boulevard, is just a quick walk from Orlando’s world-renowned International Drive. It offers an outdoor pool, fitness and business centres, and offers high-speed and wireless internet access. Complimentary shuttles
whisk visitors from the hotel to SeaWorld, Wet ‘n’ Wild, and the Disney and Universal Orlando theme parks. Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort stands on 10 acres of white-sand beach in Clearwater Beach and Pier 60, positioned adjacent to the resort, hosts nightly sunset celebrations. The Show Queen Riverboat is docked two blocks from the hotel. Price includes: Return flights from Dublin to Orlando, 14 nights accommodation and 14 nights car hire with fully inclusive insurance. Price based on two adults and two children sharing. Boston and Cape Cod
Spend three nights in the 3-star Midtown Hotel Boston and four nights in the 3-star Cape Codder Resort and Spa Hyannis from only €1,219pp
Centrally located in downtown Boston, the Midtown Hotel blends comfort and convenience with affordability. This moderately priced hotel, nestling in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay, puts the city at your doorstep. Boston is an exciting city to visit and the Midtown Hotel is the place to stay. At the award-winning Cape Codder Resort and Spa, enjoy the crisp ocean air and rolling sand dune scenery, providing numerous attractions, shopping and dining for its guests. Comfortable lodgings and excellent restaurants are available as is fun for all the family in the complex’s amazing indoor wave pool. Price includes: Return flights direct from Dublin to Boston with Aer Lingus, seven nights accommodation and four days car hire. Prices based on two adults sharing.
Orlando Stay and Western Caribbean Cruise
Stay five nights in the 3-star Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando Hotel and seven nights aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas from only €1,329pp. Take the family to Orlando this Christmas and stay in the Rosen Inn Pointe Orlando Hotel on the famous International Drive, within driving distance of Universal Orlando, Sea World, Walt Disney World Theme Parks and many other Orlando attractions. The hotel also provides a complimentary scheduled shuttle transportation service to each of these attractions. The newly-enhanced Freedom of the Seas is a marvel of maritime engineering, packed with awesome innovations to stir your imagination. Catch a first-run movie in the 3D theatre or poolside under the stars on the outdoor movie
screen. Infuse colour into your cruise with the artworks of the BRITTO Gallery or with the frosted confections of the Cupcake Cupboard. Plus, enjoy all the revolutionary features Freedom of the Seas has always been known for - FlowRider surf simulator, rock climbing wall, ice-skating rink, Royal Promenade, cantilevered whirlpools, mini-golf course, H2O Zone water park, and much more. Price includes: Return flights from Dublin to Orlando, five nights accommodation in Orlando, seven nights full-board cruise and taxes. Excludes gratuities. Terms and conditions apply. Price based on two adults sharing. Las Vegas and Cancun
Stay three nights in the 3-star Excalibur Hotel and seven nights in the 3-star Viva Wynham Maya in Cancun, Mexico from only €1,479pp.
Stay in royal accommodations in the Excalibur Hotel in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Excalibur offers everything you’d expect from a Las Vegas hotel - from top-notch dining and entertainment, to non-stop Las Vegas casino action. Surrounded by pristine beaches and submerged among coral reefs, the Viva Wynham Maya is enchanted by ancient Mayan ruins. The all-inclusive resort experience shines with a seemingly endless array of exciting possibilities. Dine at one of seven restaurants, offering a tempting array of cuisines in a variety of beautiful settings. Price includes: Return flights, internal flight, 10 nights accommodation and airport transfers in Cancun. Prices based on two adults sharing. Call American Holidays to book on 01 6733800.
10 May 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23
24 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 10 May 2012
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT !
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Seann William Scott and Jason Biggs explain to the rest of the gang what it felt like to have a career beyond the American Pie films. Out of shot, Chris Klein plots Rollerball 2.
This slice is stale Thirteen years after their first adventure, the American Pie gang are reunited, but they’ve left the charm behind I PAUL HOSFORD
AVENGERS Assemble may have announced the arrival of summer in cineplexes, but another reluctant team are coming together this week to fight off their own demons and play dress up. Unfortunately for the cast of American Pie: Reunion, Joss Whedon didn’t work his magic on the fourth (or eighth, depending on whether you class direct to video sequels) instalment of the series. Because, whereas the characters you know and love are back, they are basically the same people. Sure, Jim (Jason Biggs) and Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) are now parents of a two-year-old, Oz (Chris Klein) has become a sports caster with a blonde girlfriend ( 3 0 R o c k ’s K a t r i n a Bowden).
FILM OF THE WEEK: American Pie: Reunion ### (15) 113 mins Directors: Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg Starring: Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Tara Reid, Eugene Levy, Mena Suvari, Jennifer Coolidge
OUR VERDICT: ONLY nostalgia gets this film such a high score. A film without characters as warmly built and easily recognised may have dipped below three stars. That said, there are genuinely funny parts and some that are laced with the good-hearted sweetness that made the series so successful. It is definitely worth a watch, but not worth rushing to.
Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas) has settled into the life of a househusband, Finch (Eddie Kaye Thomas) is a welltravelled man of the world, Mena Suvari’s Heather is a doctor, Stif ler’s (Seann William Scott) still Stifler, and Tara Reid’s Vicky is... living in New York, which is all we learn, but that’s ok because her character was the worst. So, 13 years after their graduation, the gang are back in town for a reunion and all ruminating on how their
lives haven’t gone as expected. It’s an odd fit, trying to make a mid-life crisis comedy of a franchise that got famous for its unconventional use of baked goods. So, we have the gang wistfully looking at the kids these days, wondering where their own youth has gone and alternately being their usual selves, which is the film’s biggest flaw. Jim will have his customary mishap, Finch will become obsessive about a toilet, Oz and Heather will look at
each other doe-eyed, Stif ler will scam on younger girls and get the best lines, while Kevin and Vicky will continue to be massive, lumberingly unfunny, millstones around the neck of the franchise. Directors Hur witz and Schlossberg created the Harold and Kumar series, itself a race-concious homage to American Pie, so you would feel that this project was right in their wheel-house. Unfor tunately, the pair seem to have mistaken watching the first film for making the fourth. Most of the jokes are callbacks to the original instalment, and nothing more than that. The only character given room to grow is Jim’s Dad, played with typical dryness by Eugene Levy. With his wife, Jim’s Mom, dead, his attempts
to get back into the dating game are peppered with brilliant Levy dialogue. Of course, there is the inevitable meeting with Stifler’s Mom (Jennifer Coolidge) and the two play off each other magnificently. But, this all feels like an afterthought. Like somewhere through filming, someone pointed out that Levy and Coolidge are two gifted comedians and the fans would probably like to see them get together. The actors struggle manfully with the material and, to an extent, seeing characters that you have built a genuine affection for back on the screen isn’t the worst way to spend two hours, but that alone just isn’t enough. This is why reunions are short-lived affairs; after the initial buzz of being back together, you realise why you left.
10 May 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING Blackberry’s battle SHANE DILLON
IT’S not that long ago when the (then) ubiquitous Blackberry was half-jokingly referred to as the “Crackberry”, given its near-addictive hold over its owners, and their seemingly constant need to be toying with it, checking up on their emails. Flash forward a few short years, and Blackberry’s maker, Research in Motion (RIM) faces terribly civilised barbarians at the gate, in the form of Apple and Samsung – but barbarians, nonetheless, threatening to hack and slash what remains of the Blackberry’s collapsed share of the mobile smartphone/ internet phone market.
In a bid to beat back its rivals’ ever-advancing pincer movements, RIM’s alchemists have emerged with the Blackberry 10 – an almost all-ornothing device that RIM hopes is the secret weapon it needs to guarantee its survival, or, at the very least, provide some market breathing space. Of course, as an awful lot of current-gen Blackberry owners will tell you, there’s nothing very “wrong” with their devices – it’s just that the general expectation of the mass market for what their phones (at heart) can do has shifted, incrementally, with the public perception that, foot by foot, RIM has been left behind on the way to the all-conquering peak of
Research in Motion (RIM) chief, Thorsten Heins, unveils the Blackberry 10 (inset) at RIM’s annual BlackBerry World gathering in Orlando, last week
market dominance. And so, the Blackberry 10 has a number of contemporary features, with de rigueur touchscreen helping to maximise a new OS aimed at keeping pace with its peers (assuming, of course, developers row in behind the new OS – given the
comparative paucity of Blackberry apps, they have to). However, what’s most striking, from the prototype, is that the iconic ke y b o a r d h a s b e e n ditched, in line with modern smartphone stylings, helping to retool the Blackberry into a more
streamlined smartphone. With shareholders fielding blows to stock values, profit warnings and its first quarterly loss, coupled with other woes, RIM’s bosses must be praying Blackberry 10 can beat back the hordes, or the Blackberry’s very future could be axed ...
Bytesandpieces Puppets string out a fun Fable FROM chicken-kicking to lute-playing, the Fable series of games has always had much more to do than merely saving the kingdom, for those looking for a dash of fun with their adventuring. Now, building on the wellestablished world seen throughout the series, we’re presented with Fable Heroes, a not-entirely-obvious (but fun, nonetheless) title launching on XBox Live Arcade, priced 800 Microsoft points. Adding to the rush of quality titles winging their way to Live Arcade, Fable Heroes sees bright, colourful and intensely competitive multiplayer action rolling out across the land of Albion, with puppet heroes joining forces to battle evil, level up their characters, unlock ever-greater weapons and powers and compete for gold rewards. As for any chicken-kicking – well, play the game to see ... Anticipated with some puzzlement by the gaming press, the silly, cheeky and intense battles are lots of fun, presented with a gorgeous art style in the instantly memorable land of Albion. Boss battles, party games and side-scrolling action are certainly fun reasons to sally forth with your hero.
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26 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 10 May 2012
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GazetteSPORT
WONDER WARD:
Portmarnock’s Ireland star on his hopes for Euro 2012: Page 29
GOLF: KELLOGG’S SKILLS COMPETITION TO TEST THE BEST OF COUNTRY’S GOLFERS
Challenge is set for Dublin’s golfing stars sport@gazettegroup.com
GOLFERS all over the city are being called upon to show their skills in a new initiative from the Golfing Union of Ireland and Kellogg’s. The Kellogg’s NutriGrain Golf Skills Challenge competition, which is being run to mark a new partnership between the organisations, aims to find Ireland’s most skilled golfers.
There are seven skills involved in the challenge — driving, 135metre shot, pitching, up-and-down, bunker play, difficult lies and putting. There will be a number of regional qualif ying events, from which qualifiers will progress to a national final. These include qualifying events at Donabate Golf Club on Friday, June 22 and Hollystown Golf Club on Friday, August
10, prior to the national finat at the GUI National Golf Academy at Carton Demense. Ireland rugby player and Kellogg NutriG r a i n a m b a s s a d o r, Rob Kearney, attended the launch of the new partnership at the GUI National Golf Academy, and said: “As a professional athlete, I fully appreciate the need to practise basic skills and drills day in, day out. If I could bring the disci-
Rob Kearney (right) with pro at the GUI Academy, Kenny Fahey, and Jim McNeill of Kellogg Ireland
pline and time I devote to r ugby to my golf game, I’m sure I could drop another few shots off my handicap.” Speaking on behalf of the GUI National Golf Academy, Alan Kelly
said: “T he Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Golf Skills Challenge presents golfers from around Ireland the opportunity to challenge themselves and really make all their practice pay off.
T he idea of skills challenge came about after we saw the reaction to our short game clinics over the last couple of years, and now we have the opportunity to establish the challenge
in golf clubs.” The competition is open to all golfers over the age of 18, who have an official GUI or ILGU handicap. Online entry is available at w w w. learntogolf.ie.
28 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 10 May 2012
GazetteSport Sport
Henry Shefflin with Ellie Pears, Kerrie, Peter and David Gannon, Kian Kayla McEneaney has her face painted
Durkin and Darragh McGibney
Conal Keaney and friends at Ballyboden
Family Event Community matters at Ballyboden T HE first Centra Brighten Up Your Day Community Event took place at Ballyboden St Enda’s GAA club at the end of last month. The free family event featured two of Centra’s GAA hurling ambassadors, Dublin and Ballyboden star Conal Keaney and Henry Shefflin from Kilkenny, who hosted a hurling skills session for children. In addition, there was some cracking family fun including face painting, a hurling skills simulator and a barbecue by local Centra retailers. There will be more community events like this running until Saturday, July 28, and for more information log onto www.centra.ie or Facebook.com/centraireland.
Henry Shefflin, Conal Keaney and trainer Donagh O’Donnell with participants during the Centra Brighten Up Your Day GAA Community Event
Henry Shefflin and Conal Keaney with Centra’s Breda Cahill, Fergal Scolard, Michael Moyles, Alan Henry points out the positives
Jordan and participants Stephen Pullan and Paul O’Mahony Cotter
10 May 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29
Green manifesto for Euro glory
FastSport
Stephen Ward is set to put a tough season behind him when he travels to Poland with Ireland for Euro 2012, writes STEPHEN FINDLATER AT TIMES, Stephen Ward has to pinch himself. His most vivid childhood memories were defined by Ireland’s appearance in major international tournaments, but now he stands ready to take his European championships bow. As a four-year-old, he remembers “causing carnage” at street parties in 1990. In 2002, his parents “allowed” him to skip a fifth-year engineering exam to watch Robbie Keane strike late for a 1-1 draw against Germany in the World Cup. Now, it is the Portmarnock man’s time to shine on the international stage.
Stephen Ward
Wolves’ relegation from the English Premier League means his focus is already firmly trained on Poland and, hopefully, Ukraine, with the time to create new memories on the agenda.
but I can still remember street parties, no cars and tables up the road. I knew something big was going on. “From there, I remember where I was for all the games in 1994 and 2002.
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‘There are still a lot of players over here that could make it in England but it’s just about a manager taking a chance on you’
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“Your best memories are when Ireland are in major tournaments,” he said at the launch of the FAI Summer Schools this week. “I was only four in 1990
It’s a dream come true. For kids growing up now, hopefully, this will be part of their memories and we can give them some of the highlights.” Having such a carrot has offered some respite for Ward. He has played every minute of Wolves’ ultimately doomed campaign this term, one of the club’s top performers in an ultimately forgettable campaign. Such setbacks, indeed, do not always lead to a loss of form. In 2002, Matt Holland bounced back from relegation with Ipswich to score for the Republic in their opening World Cup game against Cameroon. It is an irony not lost on Ward when reminded of the stat: “I’d take that! It’s not nice going as a relegated player. “It’s been devastating, but the writing has been on the wall for a few weeks, so we’ve had a bit
of time to reflect on what has happened.” Terr y Connor has offered Ward a chance to rest in recent weeks but is keen to finish off a complete season and build toward Poland. It is quite the position to be in for the former Bohs’ man who opted to stay in Dublin at the start of his professional career rather than move across the water in his mid-teens, owing a lot to club mate, Kevin Doyle. “I certainly don’t feel I’d be where I am today if it wasn’t for the League of Ireland.
Opportunity “It definitely helped me grow up. Hand on heart, I don’t know how I would have reacted going away at 16, moving to an environment where everyone is trying to make it. “Doyler opened a door for a lot of people with how easy he took to it in his first season. He keeps telling me I owe him! It is true, though. “If he hadn’t gone over and done as well as he did, we wouldn’t have this opportunity. There are still a lot of players over here that could make it in England but it’s just about a manager taking a chance on you.” Ireland manager, Giovanni Trapattoni was another to take a chance on Ward, and he has become a key player on the left in recent time.
So much so, he is now in a position to emulate the vintage of Jack Charlton’s 1-0 victory over Italy in 1994 – one Ward watched enthralled with 15 family members in his house. “No one gave us a chance in that game, and no one will do that against Spain. I know it’s a different scale, but you look at what Chelsea did to Barcelona, it can happen – these teams can be beaten. In the last World Cup, Spain lost to Switzerland and went on to win it. “They can slip up and, hopefully if they do, it will be against us. I think we can shock a lot of people. Not many people will give us a chance of getting out of our group. I think that will suit us. “We always seem to do well with an underdog tag. We’re going there with a world-class manager. Qualifying is down to him and the way he prepares us. Obviously there are better technical teams in the tournament – Spain and Italy are among the best teams in the world. But when it comes to 90 minutes, we can make it really tough for anyone. “The first game will be vital but if we’re still in contention coming into the Italy game, we’ll have a great chance of progressing. After that, you just hope you can go as far as possible.”
GOAL calls on Transition students to get active TRANSITION year students throughout Dublin are being challenged to take on their teachers as part of a new annual multi-sport challenge taking place during May in aid of humanitarian agency, GOAL. Launched nationwide last week, the GOAL Sports Challenge provides all schoolchildren — from junior infants right up to Leaving Certificate level – with the opportunity to compete against each other in a wide range of popular sports and games. The event is aimed at boosting fitness levels amongst children and teenagers, and raising money and awareness for some of GOAL’s programmes for vulnerable children throughout the developing world. Teachers are also being encouraged to participate, by either taking part in as many events as they can, or by arranging and supervising games for the younger children. “We expect the students versus the teachers event, in sports like rugby, soccer, Gaelic football or hurling to capture the imagination of most schools, but we have proposed a number of other games, such as skipping, hula-hoop rolling, long puck and long kick events, GOAL miles and relays as types of events that will suit boys and girls of all ages and fitness levels,” said GOAL’s development education officer, Maeve Seery. “However, schools are more than welcome to come up with their own ideas, too. “We have also suggested Friday, May 11, as a day to hold the GOAL Sports Challenge, but it may be easier for schools to run the event at another time, whether it is during a sports day, a lunch break, or even a PE class.” Participating children and teachers are being encouraged to donate whatever they can afford towards GOAL. For more information, including tips and guidelines for individual games, students and teachers should log on to www.goal.ie, or call Maeve at GOAL on 01-2809 779.
30 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 10 May 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
RUGBY: YOUNG SIDE REPEL LATE ASHBOURNE COMEBACK
Get your spot picked out for Star Saturday THIS year, the UEFA Champions League final and the first all-Ireland Heineken Cup final both take place on May 19. This sporting feast of a day will deliver exhilarating viewing experiences for rugby and soccer fans alike, and key sponsors, Heineken, are inviting fans to catch both finals at specially prepared venues on what they are describing as Star Saturday. In a monumental day for Irish rugby, two Irish provinces meet in the Heineken Cup final for the first time. Leinster clash with Ulster in Twickenham at 5pm and, with both provinces having tasted Heineken Cup glory in the past, they will be keen to recreate their respective heroics to claim the coveted trophy once more. In the UEFA Champions League final, Bayern Munich will look to use their home advantage and lift the famous trophy in front of their adoring fans. However, they face a stern test against a rejuvenated Chelsea team that recently eliminated Barcelona. This huge fixture kicks off at 7.45pm. Throughout Ireland on May 19, Heineken will host Star Saturday in participating pubs, with competitions running across nine venues, allowing fans to win some special prizes. The action-packed day is set to be filled with sporting drama, and Heineken are inviting fans to get down to participating pubs to enjoy the action with friends, and snap up the best seats to both finals. Fans can locate their nearest Heineken Star Saturday venue on www.heineken.ie/starsaturday.
Seapoint celebrated their victory in the Schools and Youths Cup final over Ashbourne that confirmed their double credentials
Seapoint U-14s do the double SCHOOLS & YOUTHS CUP Seapoint RFC Ashbourne
22 15
sport@gazettegroup.com
SEAPOINT Under-14s beat a strong and committed Ashbourne side to win the Schools and Youths Cup by 22-15 last weekend. The cup win adds to the league title secured earlier in the season to cap a marvellous campaign for the team and coaches On a perfect day for running rugby, Seapoint started strongly and immediately applied pressure in the Ashbourne 22. With only one minute on the clock, Geoffrey
Mahon caught a loose clearance kick near the 10m line and immediately set out towards the Ashbourne whitewash. A quick sprint into the Ashbourne 22 and some slick interpassing allowed winger Cameron Madden to finish off the move and touch down. Seapoint continued to press strongly and almost all of the rugby was being played in the Ashbourne half. From a solid scrum, Seapoint’s No 8, Glen Mulvaney, picked and ran powerfully to score under the posts. Sean Ross converted to leave Seapoint 12 points up and looking strong 10
minutes before half time. Three minutes later, again from a solid scrum, S e a p o i n t ’s o u t h a l f , Andrew Doran, kicked a beautiful grubber kick through the Ashbourne defence. Sean Ross was first to the ball and quickly passed to the flying winger, Rory Murphy, to score to the right of the posts. Sean missed the difficult conversion, but Seapoint were 17 points clear. Ashbourne quickly got back into the game with a penalty to reduce the score at half time to 17-8. Seapoint picked up the pace again at the start of the second half ,with Davy Nash and Robert Ivers
winning some excellent lineout ball, and the backrow of Don Twomey, Ben Ryan and Glen Mulvaney forcing Ashbourne back at every opportunity. The front row of Cian Reilly, Andrew Bodley and captain, Eoghan Clarke, also stood up against a stronger Ashbourne pack. Ten minutes into the half, Ross picked the ball up on the Seapoint 22, side-stepped their winger and set off on a jinking run through the Ashbourne team to get within touching distance of the try line only to be denied by a last-ditch taptackle. Seapoint kept up the pressure and scored
soon after through Ben Ryan. From a ruck, Ben spotted a gap opening up before him and he duly galloped home to make the score 22-8 with ten minutes left. Ashbourne weren’t to be denied and upped the pressure, but they couldn’t break through the Seapoint midfield, where Tom Kelly, Darragh Forster and Robert Doyle kept them at bay. The pressure eventually told and Ashbourne got their second try four minutes from time. Seapoint regrouped and kept Ashbourne out to win the Cup to add to their league title.
Monkstown denied title yet again sport@gazettegroup.com
A MAN-of-the-match performance from Graham Woods denied Monkstown a place in the Irish Hockey League final last Saturday in Hillsborough, and their wait for a national title continues in frustrating fashion. Woods brilliantly denied Andrew Ward in the penultimate round of a penalty shoot-out, adding to a wealth of saves in normal time as YM handed Monkstown yet another painful day out in this agonising season. The Y were 2-0 up inside ten
minutes, a Geoff Walker crash ball wreaking havoc and while Marcus Richardson and Phil Powderly were subsequently credited with the goal, an own goal appeared the consensus, rebounding off two defensive sticks. There was no doubt about the second, Richardson smashed home mid-circle and the men in black were in dreamland. Monkstown, though, have produced their fair share of comebacks of late and they were on course when Stephen Cole reversed home and Brian Groves
– only back in the side at the latter stages of the season – got them level, volleying behind his back from Ward’s cross. In the second half, Woods dived full-length to get his stick to a Richard Sykes’ drag before he departed early with a leg strain. From another corner, David Cole and Ward pummelled the keeper’s pads. But YM had plenty of chances themselves. Parker was through one-on-one and while Dave Fitzgerald saved well, in getting back to his feet, he almost kicked into his own goal, scampering to
knock the ball away. Extra-time drew only a Richardson shot just wide of the uprights, leading to the penalty one-on-one scenario. David Robinson was fouled by Fitzgerald in round two for a penalty goal to give YM an early advantage – a decision Monkstown contested hotly. Lee Cole levelled with an excellent reverse finish but it was their only goal in the shoot-out as Richardson and Parker took the direct route and slipped under the advancing goalkeeper for the final berth.
10 May 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 31
FOOTBALL: THIRD NATIONAL TITLE IN A DECADE a
CLUB NOTICEBOARD CUALA CONGRATULATIONS to our latest All-
Great heart, great courage and
Ireland champion, Mark Schutte,
great skill bodes very well for the
who was part of the Dublin U-21
future. Massive thanks to all in the
football team that landed the title in
club who made such a huge effort
Tullamore on Sunday.
to support the lads all over the city
Congratulations also to the group
and put on what was regarded as
of Cuala players who represented
among the best hosted event of the
Dublin at minor level on Saturday.
whole tournament at Thomastown
Well done to our three U-14 Feile
on Saturday.
football teams who did themselves,
Well done to our U-12 group of
their families and the club proud
hurlers who hosted clubs from
in reaching one semi-final and two
across the country on the soft day
finals over the weekend.
that Monday proved to be.
ST JUDE’S HUGE congratulations to our latest
Congratulations to Ciaran and
All-Ireland champions, John Brian
Catherine McLoughlin on the birth
Carthy and Paul Maguire, who both
of baby Dan Charles on Sunday last.
played for Dublin in the All-Ireland
Another hurler to add to the ranks.
U-21 football final victory over Roscommon in Tullamore. Well done lads you did yourselves and your club proud. Dublin manager Jim Gavin and team captain Kevin O’Brien with the All-Ireland trophy
Well done to all the boys who played
Dublin secure AllIreland U-21 crown ALL-IRELAND U-21 FINAL Dublin Roscommon
2-12 0-11
I sport@gazettegroup.com
CUALA’S Mark Schutte played a key part for the Dublin U-21s when they claimed the county’s third Clark Cup with victory over Roscommon in Tullamore last Sunday, adding to the Sky Blues’ success at this level in 2003 and 2010. The Dubs finished like a freight train to capture the title, with m a n a g e r J i m G av i n becoming the first Dublin manager to lead the county to two AllIreland glories, having managed the team in 2010. Dublin led 1-5 to 0-6 at the interval thanks in part to the clinical accuracy of Paul Hudson. Indeed, it was the Thomas Davis sniper whose goal in added time in the first half that proved to be the
only major of the first half, after he skillfully jab-lifted the ball before rifling to the roof of the Roscommon net. The goal arrived in the 32nd minute when John Kelly’s delivery was broken down by Ciaran Kilkenny, and Hudson showed terrific guile to find the net. The Dubs could really have held a stronger advantage, but failed to convert possession into scores, and were guilty of not combining to telling effect up front as the Rossies dominated territory and possession for the first 30 minutes. Roscommon threw caution to the wind after the restart and were rewarded with four points without reply as the lively Donie Smith (two), Cian Connolly and Colin Compton were all on target. But when his side needed him most, Emmet O’Conghaile regained a foothold for
the Dubs at centrefield, while the introduction of Paddy O’Higgins, like nearly all the substitutions, helped to turn the balance of power the way of Gavin’s men in a frenetic second half. At the back, the likes of team captain, Kevin O’Brien, and Sean George kept their opponents at bay with some heroic defending. Now on the front foot, Dublin began to open up Roscommon with some direct running from the likes of Gary Sweeney and sub Harr y Dawson and, over the concluding ten minutes, Dublin hit 1-6 without reply as they turned on the turbo drive to finally shake off a very committed Roscommon side. Ciaran Kilkenny put in an excellent last ten minutes, while centreback John Kelly’s points summed up the “never say die” attitude of the Dublin team as they
stretched themselves to the limit to capture victory. Deep in injury time, Paul Mannion raised Dublin’s second green flag after being denied at the original attempt, to add All-Ireland glory to Dublin’s provincial success.
DUBLIN - JB Carthy; S George, K O’Brien, M Concar, L Fletcher, J Kelly, J McCaffrey, E O’Conghaile, C Reddin, G Sweeney, D Byrne, M Schutte, P Hudson, P Ryan, C Kilkenny. S u b s : P M a g u i re fo r Schutte (ht), G Seaver for Byrne (34), H Dawson for Ryan (41), P O’Higgins for Reddin (42), P Mannion for Hudson (58).
winner, and Paul Crennan and Donal Evoy matched three numbers. The jackpot remains at €12,700.
in last Saturday’s Feile. Both teams
Naomh Jude Bingo is in the back
played very well and were a credit
bar at 8pm as usual next Wednesday
to the club.
night (and every Wednesday night).
Hard luck to Tom Devlin, Shane Gibbons and Fionn O’Rionn who played
Calling will begin at 8.15pm sharp. All welcome.
for the Dublin minors on Saturday
Condolences to Martin Molamphy
it was a great game, and the Dubs
on the death of his brother Tom of
were unlucky to lose after extra-
Ballina. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam
time.
dilis.
WANDERERS THERE was no winner of last week’s
playing members €50. No player is
lotto. Numbers drawn were 1, 5 and 18.
eligible to play unless fully paid up as
€25 goes to Chloe Walsh, Maeve Walsh
of February 29.
and Ashling Brady. Jackpot next week
Non-playing members are entitled
is €3,000. Note: You can now choose
to apply for Dublin tickets if fully paid
numbers from 1 to 36.
up only. Contact Damian on 086 863
€100 annual subscription to lotto also available; contact any committee member for details.
SCORERS: Dublin: P Hudson 1-4, C Kilkenny 0-4 (0-1f), P Mannion 1-0, P Ryan, J Kelly, G Seaver, H Dawson 0-1 each. Roscommon: D Smith 0- 4 (0-2f ), C Compton 0-3 (0-1f), D Keane, C Connolly 0-2 each.
Last week’s lotto numbers were 1, 4, 12 and 17. There was no jackpot
Membership deadline has now passed. Playing members €100, non-
2565. Adult men’s junior A and B players training continues at Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm in Frank Kelly Park.
NAOMH OLAF THE 15th Naomh Olaf Annual Golf Clas-
members and both devoted a huge
sic takes place in Edmondstown Golf
amount of time to club activities over
Cub on Friday, May 25. This is a very
the years.
significant fundraiser for the club and
Sympathy is extended to the Walsh
support through sponsorship or oth-
family, and to the Stars of Erin GAA
erwise would be much appreciated.
Club on the death of Paddy Walsh.
Congratulations to Sean Saunders,
Congratulations to the boys football
Dun Emer and Hillary Callanan, Boot-
Feile teams who did us proud in Divi-
erstown, on their recent wedding in
sion 2 and Division 9. It wasn’t to be
beautiful Dingle. Nearly half of Naomh
our year, but the team mentors and
Olaf appeared to be in Kerry for this
players did us proud.
event over the weekend. Sympathy is expressed to the Irwin family, Ballaly, on the passing of Kate Irwin, loving wife of Dermott. Dermott and Kate are long-standing club
Congratulations to the two girls’ football teams who also did us proud at Feile two weeks ago. There was no winner of this week’s lotto.
ALL OF YOUR DUN LAOGHAIRE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
POINT PROSPER: Seapoint do the U-14 double with great win over Ashbourne P30
MAY 10, 2012
MAKING MEMORIES: Ward spies potential Euro surprise package P29
GazetteSPORT
Darren O’Dea (left) has forged a top quality central defensive partnership with Richard Dunne in the Republic of Ireland side. Picture: Fergus McNally
O’Dea wins Euro ticket to Poland Clonkeen man named in Republic of Ireland panel to travel to the Euro 2012 in four weeks’ time dunlaoghairesport@gazettegroup.com
FORMER Clonkeen College student Darren O’Dea was named last Monday in Giovanni Trapattoni’s Republic of Ireland panel to travel to Euro 2012 in the coming month. The 25-year-old Celtic player has forged a strong central defensive partnership with Richard Dunne in recent times, most notably in the crucial 0-0 draw in Russia. For the moment, he will not be joined by former St Joseph’s Boys duo Paul McShane and Andy Keogh who have both been named on the standby list. O’Dea, though, will also be included in the 23-man squad to face Bosnia in the Three International Friendly on May 26 in Aviva Stadium, and later travel to Poland for Euro 2012. Making the announcement, the Republic of Ireland manager Trapattoni said, “I had a very difficult task in choosing this 23 man squad. Several players have proven their abilities to us during the qualifying campaign, and we are
thankful to all who have played a part. However, we are happy with our choices. “We will look to emulate the attitude and performance that brought us qualification, and push our limits further as we prepare for this tournament. We will be focused as we enter this important time.”
Determination Trapattoni elaborated that while his charges may not come from the illustrious European clubs of group rivals Croatia, Italy and Spain, the grit and determination shown in qualifying mean the opposition know they have a battle on their hands. “I think my colleagues respect us,” he said at the announcement. “In Italy and also in Croatia I have friends and the managers there say that Ireland is a strong team with a strong mentality. “Spain’s manager was an important player. I played against Vicente, I know him and he knows me. Also the Croatia manager, he
played in Germany and he knows me because we played against his club. Prandelli was my player. So I don’t think any of my colleagues would be arrogant enough to think they are superior. “My philosophy is to be careful. I saw a team this week that is threatened with relegation make two mistakes and concede two goals. That is why I always say that games can be decided by the little details. Italy at the last World Cup lost because of a throw-in. This week this team lost because of a lack of attention. “I don’t know at these European Championships if there will be a situation like this but what is important is that we believe in our quality and our system. We have work to do. We have to improve but we have to believe in what we can achieve together.” “Our second game is against Spain. Then maybe the third game will decide but [if Ireland beat Croatia], we can think about not only Spain but Italy. I think yes, the third game can decide it.”