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Weddings: Our guide to your big day Supplement P18-22
€3m job on flood Q DAWN LOVE
Exclusive: St Joseph’s sign deal with Liverpool FC Page 30
June 23, 2011
WORKS on the multimillion euro Carysfort Maretimo Stream Improvement project are set to get underway this week, four years after severe flooding affected numerous homes and local businesses in Blackrock and Stillorgan. A €2.9m contract had been awarded to the company, Wills Bros Ltd, by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, with the works
estimated to take 14 weeks to complete. The project will include the establishment of stream bank protection measures, the provision of flood protection walls, upgrading of existing trash screens and the provision of new trash screens. Works will be carried out in locations that will include Stillorgan Grove, Orpen Green, Stillorgan Park, Avoca Park Carysfort Avenue and Blackrock.
Heritage: Celebrating a literary icon LEOPOLD BLOOM – also known
as Paul Gunn – was joined for a lovely spot of afternoon tea by fellow Bloomsday lovers, Blue Ruin and Helenda Duffy, as they got into the spirit of of the day to relive the life and times
of Leopold Bloom on Tuesday, June 14, the day James Joyce’s most celebrated character wandered through some of the city’s areas. Full Gallery on Page 8
2 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23 June 2011
23 June 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 3
FastNews
HERITAGE: A RANGE OF FREE EVENTS FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS ALIKE
Architecture awards 2011
Attractions for Summer of Heritage festival 2011 Q DAWN LOVE news@gazettegroup.com
THE newly renovated Martello tower at Seapoint will be just one of a host of attractions at this year’s Summer of Heritage festival in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown. The tower is a spectacularly restored example of a 19th-century defensive fort, built during the Napoleonic wars and is sure to be a hit with the thousands of people set to visit some of the county’s top heritage sites this summer as part of the heritage programme, details of which were announced this week.
Events The programme of events will run until September 4 and has been expanded on considerably since the first Summer of Heritage four years ago. There will be a range of events for adults and children alike, all of which are free to the public. This summer will also see the Carrickbrennan graveyard feature for the first time, the resting place of many sailors lost in maritime disasters since the 17th century. A walking tour along ‘The
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‘I am very excited about the new additions, the Seapoint Martello Tower and Carrickbrennan Graveyard, both of which embrace our wonderful local history.’
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Tim Carey, Heritage Officer of DLR County Council
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Metals’, a historic pathway that linked the quarry in Dalkey to the harbour in Dun Laoghaire, has been included again after its popularity last year. Also included again is the Dun Laoghaire Memorials Tour, which is a coastal visit to the numerous memorials around the town, including the Queen Victoria Fountain and the Crimean War Cannon. Meanwhile, there will also be tours of the stunning Celtic Oratory on Library Road in Dun Laoghaire and the Obelisk in Stillorgan. All of the tours will be conducted by qualified guides.
Tours will also take place at two of Dublin’s most magnificent stately homes, Cabinteely House, located in Cabinteely Park, and Marlay House, in Rathfarnham. The tours will include living history performances from professional actors in period costumes and feature many of the colourful characters from both house’s histories. Speaking to the Gazette, Tim Carey, Heritage Officer of DLR County Council, said the Summer of Heritage festival had been a huge success over the past number of years. “I am very excited about the new additions, the Seapoint Martello tower and Carrickbrennan Graveyard, both of which embrace our wonderful local history.” “I am also delighted to say that all the excursions will again be free of charge and I’m certain that local residents will find many things of interest at this summer’s series of events,” says Tim. The programme will be officially launched at the The Martello Towers of Dublin exhibition at County Hall on Friday, July 1, at 7.30pm.
TWO architectural projects in South Dublin have been shortlisted for the 2011 Irish Architecture Awards. The Ballyroan Pastoral Centre, designed by Box Architects, and Roebuck Hall University Residence in UCD, designed by Kavanagh Tuite Architects, have both been shortlisted. In total, 134 entries were received across 15 categories. The winners will be announced and presented with awards on Monday, July 11. Paul Keogh, president, Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI), said: “The 2011 Irish Architecture Awards clearly demonstrate the extremely high standard of contemporary architecture in Ireland, and the value of investment in design quality.” For further details, see www.riai.ie.
Competition winners
Dressed to impress: Annual Bloomsday Garden Party MORE THAN 80 members and friends of the United Arts Club (3, Upper Fitzwilliam St.), including Anne Boylan and Mary Dunne, gathered for their annual Bloomsday Garden Party in a corner of Merrion Square last week. A whole host of the club’s Dalkey and Sandycove members turned out for the event. Mercifully, the rain held off and a wonderful afternoon of banter, live jazz and impromptu dancing, and strawberries, was the order. Not too long before the sun got lost behind black clouds, the assembly repaired to the club’s premises for a buffet supper, prepared by chef Anthony O’Grady. There were prizes for the Best Dressed lady and gent, and these were claimed by Anne Corrigan and Dr. Pat McCormack. Also in the winning stakes were Tony and Simone Orr, who were judged Best Dressed couple, while Jerry Sheehan took the most outstanding hat prize. The festive mood travelled into the night as the jazz trio of Dave Fleming, Peter Power and John Flynn, encouraged many to dance steps definitely not out of the textbook.
MARLAY Wine Shop and the Gazette are delighted to announce the recent winners of the ongoing competition who called in to collect their prizes. Joe Deegan, from Loreto Abbey, Rathfarnham, D14 won the 1st prize of a case of wine worth €150, while Adam Trodd, from Enniskerry Road, Stepaside, won the 2nd prize of a case of wine worth €75 Meanwhile, Rachel Cullen, from Martello Ave, in Sandycove, won the 1st prize of a case of wine worth €150 and Emer Breen, from Anville Park, Goatstown, won the 2nd prize of a case of wine worth €75.
4 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23 June 2011
INITIATIVE IADT offering back-to-work courses to re-educate workers
A springboard back into the workforce THE fight against unemployment has a new ally with a range of free backto-work training courses offered by the Institute of Art, Design & Technology (IADT) in Dun Laoghaire, under the Government’s Springboard initiative. The initiative is aimed at those recently made redundant and looking
for retraining. It was set up on May 25 by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and has over 200 courses on offer. The IADT offer six of these, including Level 8 awards in Business/ Entrepreneurship and certificates in Online Business Trading, Enterprise Development, Mobile Software Devel-
opment (Android or iOS) and Human Computer Interaction. Set up in 1997, the IADT has over 2,200 full-time students. The college’s project coordinator, Joan Broderick, revelead how the scheme will work. “It works like a miniCAO of college courses for those wanting to get
back into employment. Each applicant can apply for up to 15 courses.” To be eligible for the course, applicants must have a history of employment and be actively seeking work. They must be in receipt of one of the Department of Social Protection payments for a period of at least six months prior to the
course start date – Jobseeker’s Benefit payment, Jobseeker’s Allowance payment or One Parent Family allowance payment – or be signing for social insurance contribution credits. “It’s a collaboration of social welfare, social protection and the colleges. It’s aimed at people who might have Level 7
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or Level 8 training, but mightn’t have the bit of paper to go with it. It’s for those people who’ve been made redundant, but if they haven’t got the education, they are not necessarily excluded from it,” Ms. Broderick said. The level of interest has been highly positive, she said, with the college
having received 40 applications so far. Closing dates range from August 2 to August 19. Information
For more information on the courses at IADT and to check for eligibility, please log on to www. bluebrick.ie/springboard or contact Joan Broderick on 01-2394971.
Blooming record: 90,000 people visit Bloom Festival
SHOP LOCALLY
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COLM QUINN AND GARY HANAPHY, from Glastule, won the gold medal for overall medium garden with their Hidden Cube Arnotts Style Garden at this year’s Bloom festival over the June Bank holiday weekend. Seventy-eight medals were awarded on the first day of the festival to floral artists and garden designers. The international judging panel commented on the improved quality of the garden designs at this years’ Bloom festival. Bloom, Bord Bia’s gardening, food and family festival, has run for five years and had a record breaking 90,000 people visit the festival in Phoenix Park during that weekend. Speaking of the events, Aidan Cotter, CEO, Bord Bia said: “Over the last five days the spirit that had lifted the nation in recent weeks was once again in evidence among almost 90,000 visitors who came to witness and applaud the magic and creativity of our garden designers[...]”
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Shock at double fine for parking DEAR EDITOR,
T A K I N G advantage of the warm weather on June 3, I took a small group of children to the beach below Vico Road. Given that I had three young children and beach paraphernalia with me, I was delighted to find a parking spot so near the beach. Further up the road there is a double yellow line indicating no parking, but where I parked the line had ended. I looked for a sign indicating parking restrictions. There was none. So, thinking it legal, I parked my car. After enjoying a day in the sun we returned to the car to find two individuals working on behalf of Dun Laoghaire County
Council ticketing cars up and down the stretch of road where I had parked. My car, along with many others, was ticketed. I was baffled and so were the other drivers arriving back to their cars, including two tourists from the UK. One of the two agents explained that it is illegal to park along the side of a road of less than three lines where there is a solid line in the middle of the road. I was given a €40 fine from the council. I paid the fine immediately, although not happily. Today, however a second fine of €40 arrived from the Garda. I had found only one parking ticket on my car. Thinking this notice must be an error, I rang the phone number
on the letter and “no”, I was told, “The fines are separate.” This second fine for the same offence, prompted me to action. Ignorance of a law is no defence and section 35, subsection 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, does tell us we cannot park along the side of a road of less than three lines where there is a solid line in the middle. But, this is an obscure law and I was not alone in my ignorance of it. None of the other drivers knew it. I wonder how many of you reading this letter knew of this rule and, even if you had been aware of it, would not have been misled by the ending of a double yellow line further up the road. Doesn’t the end of a dou-
ble yellow line practically welcome you to park? I tend to forget to wonder if there is an obscure rule in the Road Traffic Act 1994. But, I have learned an expensive lesson. I acknowledge that traffic along Vico Road is sheer pandemonium on a sunny afternoon and I can imagine that this must be frustrating for those who live in the area and must travel the road daily. But, if you really wish to stop people from parking there, shouldn’t there be a sign? Shouldn’t there be road markings? Why does the double yellow line end just short of this area? The road markings serve to indicate just the opposite of what they should. I cannot help feel
that it appears a trap, a trap from which both the Garda and Dun Laoghaire County Council are profiting – a trap that makes a day at the beach very expensive. I am writing this letter requesting that the Dun Laoghaire County Council send out a line painting crew to extend the double yellow line and/ or have a sign erected. I am writing also, so that until proper markings or signage are in place, other visitors to Vico Road are made aware of section 35, subsection 5, of the Road Traffic Act and perhaps a day at the beach will not cost them €80. Spain Hughes-Fagan Details with Editor
23 June 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 5
COMMUNITY Dalkey Book Festival inspires two sites to share issues, memories
New websites to encourage community spirit Q DAWN LOVE dunlaoghaire@gazettegroup.com
A DALKEY-based business has launched two new websites to coincide with and capture the spirit of the Dalkey Book Festival, which was held last weekend.. The two new websites, www.TelMyStory.ie and w w w.LetYourVoiceCount.ie, are aimed at getting people to share
their stories with the community, and make an impact on issues that concern them. A free online site, www. TellMyStory.ie contains interesting and sometimes fascinating stories from people of all walks of life, and encourages story-telling and writing among all age groups. The website gives people the opportunity to tell their story in video form
or text, and provides a chance to preserve family history and memories, and share them with generations to come. Website founder, Derek Quinn, said: “This a great opportunity for people and their families to pass on and record various life experiences that may be lost with time. “We are also giving away Kindle book readers for the best-judged story
in each category, so posters might walk away with a nice prize,” he said. Meanwhile, www.LetYourVoiceCount.ie offers individuals and organisations the opportunity to voice the issues and opinions that really matter to them, petition support online, and attempt to influence Ireland’s decision-makers. The service will also be of interest to those seek-
ing support and views on issues other than public policy, such as entertainment, sport and local concerns, and will be a tool for organisations wishing to generate support or opinion on an issue among their members. Co-founded by Nigel Brookes and Derek Quinn, the secure website’s premium service allows online petition authors to collect a large
number of signatures and present their petition in a professional PDF form. They will also be able to upload videos, include signatories’ comments to the petition, and email updates to signatories on its progress. Quinn said: “Last weekend, local businesses and residents of Dalkey came together to celebrate their town, share their stories and let their voice count
when it comes to boosting our economy. “Many people sign a petition and never hear any more about the cause or campaign. “LetYourVoiceCount gives a platform to individuals and organisations to petition support online and allows a petition author to keep signatories up-to-date on the petition or campaign’s progress,” he said.
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Time for a Block Party: Fancy moves are set to wow at the Pavilion Theatre Plaza DUN Laoghaire-based Dance Theatre of Ireland are set to wow onlookers at the Pavilion Theatre Plaza when they perform their award-winning production of Block Party at 7.15pm on Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3, with their production opening the Dublin Youth Dance Festival in memorable style.
Having toured the fast-moving, witty and colourful Block Party to international acclaim in venues as far-flung as South Korea, the Dun Laoghaire dancers are looking forward to dazzling home audiences with their free show, with all the community welcome to attend a show to remember.
6 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23 June 2011
COUNCIL: FIRST TENANTS TO MOVE IN SHORTLY
PEOPLE Local man’s incredible trip looms
Eighty new social housing units for area Q DAWN LOVE news@gazettegroup.com
A TOTAL of 80 new social housing units are set to come on stream at a development in Dun Laoghaire, with the first tenants expected to move into the Cosgrave-built Honey Park Development within the next two weeks. The announcement comes just one week after it emerged that there are 4,175 people on the housing list in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown. Speaking to the Gazette last week, Independent Councillor Victor Boyhan said: “We have to face up to the fact that we have a housing crisis in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown. The figures speak for themselves – 4,175 applicants are on the social housing list; 2,188 applications are on the affordable housing too.” The 80 new housing units at Rochdale, Honey
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‘We have to face up to the fact that we have a housing crisis in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown’ --------------------------
Cllr Victor Boyhan
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Park, will comprise 16 one-bedroom units, 46 two-bed units and 18 three-bed units. “This is great news for 80 social housing applicants this week and has come about as a result of an agreement entered into with Dun Laoghaire Rathdow n County Council and Cosgrave, the developers of the former Dun Laoghaire Golf Club lands,” said Cllr Boyhan. He added that social and access to affordable housing are now the most important issues facing the council.
In a remarkable tribute to his late grandmother, Lily (inset), and to the work that family carers provide, Dundrum resident Ian Lacey is preparing to set off on a gruelling pan-American fundraising cycle in aid of The Carers’ Association, on a trip entitled 350 South (above)
FUNDRAISER: CYCLING THE AMERICAS TO RAISE €100,000
17,000 miles to help make a difference Q DAWN LOVE news@gazettegroup.com
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TANAISTE and Dun Laoghaire TD, Eamon Gilmore lent his support last week to a fundraising cycle in aid of The Carers’ Association being undertaken by Dundrum man, Ian Lacey, who is cycling from Alaska to Argentina. Next month, 25-yearold Lacey, who is originally from Gorey but now living in Dundrum, will undertake the gruelling expedition alongside his friend, Lee Saville (26), from Denver, Colorado. The pair will cycle an incredible 17,000 miles of the Pan-Amercian Highway, from the northern tip of Alaska to the southernmost lands of Argentina. Along the way, they will meet with members of the Irish Diaspora, and those with connections to Irish heritage. They have named the expedition 350 South. The trip will be filmed
for a documentary series for national broadcast next year, exploring Ireland’s emigration trail. Weighing in behind the cycling duo’s fundraising efforts, the Tanaiste said he was confident that they would get a warm reception from Irish communities along the route. Speaking to the Gazette, Lacey said his support of the fundraising trip was “hugely appreciated”. The journey, which starts on July 15, will see the team scaling three mountain ranges, and cycling in desert heat in the US and Mexico, before continuing on to freezing winter temperatures in Chile and Argentina. Lacey was inspired to undertake this trip after providing care for his grandmother, Lily, for eight years, until she passed away in 2008. A young carer, Lacey, along with his mother,
began providing care for his grandmother when he was just 15-years-old. Speaking of the cycle, he said: “Lee and I came up with the idea for the cycle originally in Denver, Colorado, in 2010. “The dream has since grown from there, and we are very excited to be leaving Ireland soon for Alaska. “While the experience will allow us to see different places, and hear the experiences of the Irish we meet on our travels, we are always conscious of our aim to raise €100,000 for The Carers’ Association,” he says. “My grandmother, Lily, hugely benefited from my mum and I being able to love, support and care for her at home, but my mum made many sacrifices to do this. “We are eager to raise as much money as possible to help family carers, and urge people to support us. “We will be blogging
our experiences and posting updates on Facebook and Twitter during our trip, so people can follow the journey and donate at www.350south.org,” says Lacey. Funds raised will go towards helping to lighten the load of Ireland’s 161,000 family carers, who often provide round-the-clock care in the home for older people, the terminally ill, people with disabilities and children with special needs. The Carers’Association supports family carers by providing free in-home respite care, to give family carers a break, as well as training, support groups, a Freefone national care line and campaigns for recognition and better rights and entitlements for carers. The Association also helps carers to take a break from their often 24-7 caring responsibilities. To donate, see www.350south.org.
23 June 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 7
BUSINESS Family business at seven years
EDUCATION: CALLS FOR ENROLMENT CAPS TO BE RAISED
Extra funding needed in DCFE Q DAWN LOVE
Adrian and Nick Jones, of First Choice Motors in Dun Laoghaire
Giving priority to local customers Q HIROMI MOONEY
FIRST Choice Autos, in Dun Laoghaire, are celebrating seven years in business, and are looking forward to reaching their 10th birthday. The company specialises in providing “premium quality used cars” at low prices. They also offer car-servicing, valeting and brokering. The family business was set up by Adrian Jones in 1977 as JPS (Jones Peterson Services) Motors Dun Laoghaire, which specialised in Volvo cars. T his closed dow n almost seven years ago and Adrian went to work for the new Volvo garage in Sandyford, while his son, Nick, set up First Choice Autos. Adrian has since retired, but he’s back with Nick working part-time, this year. “We used to work together 10 years ago, and now it’s how the circle of life comes around,” says the company director, Nick. “He’s back now working for me, as opposed to me working for him! And he helped me out. “But it’s basically knowledge-based wisdom that you can’t replace.
“If someone’s had 30 years in the market, it’s a terrible shame to think that they’re just, you know, retired from life in total. It’s great to be able to utilise their wisdom. “We used to have the agency for Volvo, BMW and Citroen in Dun Laoghaire back in 1977. “And, personally, I left the family business and worked for Jaguar Ireland, and as I was working for Jaguar, the company themselves who own Jaguar Ireland – a company called OHM – they bought the family business, which was JPS Motors, and we were both effectively joined up in Sandyford. “When I left Jaguar, and I started on my own, he eventually left them and reunited with me, and that’s how it worked out.” First Choice Autos sells affordable cars under €10,000 including Volkswagen Golf, Honda, Skoda, Audi and Jaguar. Nick has worked in the motor trade industry for more than 15 years. He says that local people should come to First Choice Autos if they want to buy a car. “It’s a family-based business, so we especially
look after the people in Dun Laoghaire area – we call it the Family Rate,” says Nick. “If I have two people in front of me, or on the phone, and one is a local and one is somebody in Kerry, I always want to look after the one locally, you know. “So we call it the ‘Ask for the Family Rate and you will be served as if you are a member of the family.’ “We are SIMI members; we also sell AA membership, you know, roadside assistance AA members, we’ve 12
EXTRA funding required to facilitate Dun Laoghaire College in re-skilling up to 175 unemployed construction workers would be paid back in subsequent taxation gains and social welfare savings, the local branch of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has claimed. Speaking to the Gazette, TUI representative, Dave Alvey said that, with requisite funding, the college would be in position to pioneer a number of alternative courses in areas. This includes areas such as sustainable energy, retrofitting, building conservation, antique restoration, boat building, furniture-making
and timber technology in a leading college of further education. He described the courses being provided as “extremely innovative and of huge relevance to key growth areas within the construction industry”. “Crucially, the courses would take people off the Live Register. “Subsequent income to the State in taxation and non-payment of social welfare would mean that the courses would ultimately be self-financing,” said Alvey. According to Alvey, since 2008, because of the recession, demand for places on its apprenticeship courses has collapsed. The college needs to have its cap on student
enrolment raised by 175. So far the Department has only agreed to raise it in the three Dun Laoghaire VEC colleges by 55. He said that by providing the new courses, 175 unemployed construction workers would be re-skilled and suitable students would be assisted in founding their own enterprises. The college would also avoid a major re-deployment of its teaching staff he said. “As DCFE is unique in providing apprentice training, in addition to its further education courses, the relatively small amount of extra funding needed would have no knock-on cost implications for other colleges,” he continued.
months’ warranty with that, and also we have a warranty company called, Car Protect, and they’re like an insurance company. “So, anyone who buys from us will basically get 12 months’ AA membership, they can get six or 12 months’ warranty with the car as a member of Car Protect, and they get the Family Rate.” First Choice Motors is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. For inquiries, call 01 284 4448.
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8 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23 June 2011
HERITAGE Celebrating a literary icon in Dun
Laoghaire
Leopold Bloom – also known as Paul Gunn – was joined for a lovely spot of afternoon tea by fellow Bloomsday lovers, Blue Ruin and Helenda Duffy. Pictures: Jason Clarke Photography
A Blooming great way to honour Joyce HE life and times of one of Dublin’s most famous (fictional) citizens, and a much-loved literary son, were celebrated in style in Dun Laoghaire as part of this year’s traditional Bloomsday events. Local traders and business people got into the spirit of the day to relive
T
the life and times of Leopold Bloom on Tuesday, June 14, the day in which James Joyce’s most celebrated character wandered past and through some of the city’s areas, as they donned suitable attire to step back in time to the genteel world of 1904. However, as well as looking to the
past to celebrate bygone Dublin, Dun Laoghaire locals and guests were also looking to the future. The Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs, Jimmy Deenihan, called to see the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company’s proposed plans for the development of the town’s harbour facility.
Meeting an ancient Irish king – AKA Bill Shannon – was a crowning moment for Eoin Farrell, of O’Brien’s Wines
Tom Fitzgerald was happy to meet James Pirates, ahoy ... Sinead Murnane and Dermot Bolger
Joyce (also known as Peter Caviston)
The Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs, Jimmy Deenihan, addressed the gathering, as local Fine Gael
Gerry Dunne, Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, discussed the company’s proposals for
deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, looked on
development at the town facility with Minister Deenihan and Deputy Mitchell O’Connor
Mr Bloom really enjoyed reading about his adventures
23 June 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 9
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RESOURCE Happy to help launch ILoveBlackrock.ie website
In one of his first appointmenst as the new Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fine Gael councillor John Bailey was on hand to join local business people and entrepreneurs for the launch of the website
With the click of a button, an entire community is accessible online, as these interested onlookers found when browsing the site. Pictures: Peter Doyle
A site you’ll love to make use of OFFEE, community and commerce came together in a perfect blend for the official launch of an exciting new website, www.ILoveBlackrock.ie, at Starbucks andUrban Junction. Announced in March, the official launch saw well-known figures from across Blackrock join leading political, community and commercial figures from across the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown region, all keen to help highlight
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the new online facility. Designed to boost awareness of the diverse range of commercial, culinary, community, retail, cultural and heritage features to be found in and around Blackrock – as well as much more besides – the website is intended to prove a one-stop-shop for all those intending to visit the town, set up a business, for those who live there, or who may otherwise interact with one of Dublin’s best-loved spots.
Dail Ceann Comhairle, Sean Barrett, was happy to support the launch, joining a number of prominent locals and supporters to welcome the online initiative
23 June 2011 GAZETTE 11
12 GAZETTE 23 June 2011
PETS Saving your sanity and furniture
Keeping those Kitty claws up to scratch MIRIAM KERINS Education Officer, Dublin SPCA
E V E RYO N E k n ow s that cats like to claw and scratch – that’s why I’m amazed when, very often, some people enquiring about adopting a kitten insist they don’t want one that will “scratch” their top- grain leather furniture. Oh, grow up! It’s no secret that, as part of their daily routine, our feline friends instinctively pull the claws on their front paws through any surface that offers resistance – this unfortunately includes prized possessions like leather furniture! It’s a cat thing
– get over it! A cat’s claws are the Swiss army knife of her tool box and an integral part of who she is – an exceptional hunter, climber and expert in personal defence. Kitty’s one paw swat is usually enough to send other cats running for cover, let alone the new family dog who swaggers onto her territory thinking he’s the dominant alpha male on the block. Big mistake! A cat will also use her claws to communicate and leave messages for other cats by scratching on surfaces. You see, Kitty’s claws will engrave a visual territorial mark,
Cats instinctively pull the claws on their front paws through any surface that offers resistance
while the scent glands in her paw pads will brush on an olfactory mark signaling to other cats that she’s in da house! Ok, if your cat is an outdoorsy type, then she’ll probably use tree trunks as part of her daily clawing ritual. But when she’s indoors, then she’ll go for everything from the curtains to the bed linen and beyond.
So, if Kitty is an indoor cat (and, here’s a bit of trivia - thanks to the invention of cat litter back in the 1940s, more and more felines are staying in, allowing them to live longer, healthier lives) she may be determined to feng shui your home in her own particular style of, er, “claw chic” well, then, what’s a pet parent to do? • Encourage Kitty to use posts by scenting them with her favourite cat food, or hang or place toys in areas where she’ll climb. Also, gently rub your own hands on the scratching post’s surface and then gently rub Kitty’s paws onto the surface and praise her for using it. • If your budget allows it, then get a multi-level scratching post that incorporates climbing and resting platforms with tree trunk-style stilts built in. • Reward your cat every time she uses her scratching post. Remember, security is essential here, so make sure the scratching post is stable because if it topples or shakes, Kitty won’t want to use it. • Cover objects that are out of bounds – better still, move them. • If you manage to catch Kitty in the act of scratching a forbidden object, distract her by clapping your hands or by squirting her, very gently, with clean water from a child’s small toy water pistol. Never, ever hit her. For more information log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie
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SNAPSHOT The stories of the day
Calling all snappers!
AN Taisce are inviting entries from Dublin to their annual Clean Coast Photography Competition, which was launched last week as part of Coca-Cola Clean Coast Week. Dublin has some of the most beautiful and spectacular coastlines in Ireland and, last year, a photograph of Dollymount, taken by Jonathan Mallin, took third prize in the Under-18s’ category of the competition, while Jamie Saunder’s photograph of Dublin Bay took third prize in the Over-18s’ category. The Clean Coasts Photography Competition is a key part of An Taisce’s Clean Coasts’ programme, which encourages communities to manage and conserve some of the 3,000 miles of Irish coastline. There were over 600 entries last year with a very high standard of photography as
Annabel Fitzgerald, Coastal Programmes Manager with An Taisce commented: “The photography competition is in its second year. “Last year’s competition was so successful, an exhibition of some of the entries has been touring Ireland, a real snapshot of the beauty
of Ireland’s coastline.” The theme of this year’s competition is, I Love My Coast, and entries are invited under four categories: 1) Coastal Landscape; 2) Coastal Heritage; 3) Nature & Wildlife; 4) People & the Coast. The total prize fund is
€3,000 and the chance to be part of the Clean Coasts Photography Exhibition. If you would like to enter the Clean Coast Photography Competition, log on to the website www.cleancoastphoto.org The Clean Coasts’ programme is owned and oper-
ated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce and is supported by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Coca-Cola. To learn more about An Taisce’s Clean Coasts’ Programme visit www.cleancoastsireland.org
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GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
A film ready to take flight
Based on a ‘kind of’ true story, Ian Power’s directorial debut, The Runway, is a triumph for the whole family Q JONATHAN KEANE
Jamie Kierans and Demian Bichir star in Ian Power’s feel-good debut feature length film, The Runway, showing in cinemas now
THE Runaway is the partially true story of a small quiet town in rural Cork called Drumasheen, with little or nothing going on, spelling utter boredom for the children living there and particularly our protagonist Paco (Jamie Kierans). However, that all swiftly changes with, literally, a bang. Ernesto, a Columbian pilot played by Demian Bichir, crashes his plane outside the town, and, lucky to survive, meets Paco who rallies the residents together to build
a runway for Ernesto to fly home. Set in 1983, The Runway has all the hallmarks of feel-good film; the town is stuck in the doldrums of the recession of the 80s and this unlikely arrival is what brings the populace together, even if some have ulterior motives. Some have looked beyond the goodwill of the other residents to get Ernesto home and see the situation as a PR and money-making gold -mine. The different motives of these minor characters keep things a lit-
FILM OF THE WEEK: The Runway ++++ (PG) 101 mins Director: Ian Power Starring: Demian Bichir, Kerry Condon, Jamie Kierans, James Cosmo
OUR VERDICT: THE Runway is a simple family film filled with laughs and warming moments. There’s still plenty here for any age to enjoy from the development of the different relationships to various characters’ quirks. Ian Power has taken this true story, and well and truly, made it his with his own well-scripted subplots. The script and acting are solid and affecting, so there’s little to really fault with in The Runway.
tle more interesting as there is always something under the surface. Director Ian Power keeps the plot simple overall and easy to follow from the opening to closing credits, which is the film’s greatest strength. The relationship b e t we e n P a c o a n d Ernesto is the centrepiece of the film, striking a bond that is both heartwarming as well as funny when it needs to be. Paco has been raised by his single mother (Kerry Condon) and the arrival of Ernesto marks something of a father figure for him, especially with Paco’s only knowledge of his father being that he “lives in Spain”. Under this belief of his father’s whereabouts, Paco learns Spanish and when Ernesto lands in Dr umasheen, he attempts to establish a rapport with the Columbian stranger and soon finds himself acting as interpreter for the rest of the town. This is Power’s debut feature film and it proves to be a more than impressive debut, with him taking this true story and mixing in and integrating his own sub-plots and quirks to the film. It is easy to see why The Runway has been gathering acclaim, seemingly across the board ,including scooping up the gong for Best Irish
Feature Film at the Galway Film Fleadh. The film has been likened to E.T. with an outsider entering a small community and bonding with a child, and the two building an affecting relationship. Spielberg’s influence is quite evident in Power’s work here. Debut
Power is not the only debut here, as Jamie Kierans too is making his debut as the touching and cheery Paco. It seems that Kierans adapted quickly and easily to Power’s plot, with the youngster depicting Paco with little or no flaws, and with ease, creating a character that the audience can relate to. The star performance comes from Demian Bichir though, in his portrayal of the almost dark and reluctant hero of the film. The Mexican actor is heavily acclaimed too, particularly in his role in Che (2008) and his presence in the cast gives the film just a little bit more credibility, for those perhaps reluctant to watch the film. The Runway, as cliched as it sounds, is one for all ages, with its bubbly comedic moments as well as poignant scenes, and is certainly a victory for Irish film that shouldn’t be overlooked.
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D u b l i n ’ s co m p l e t e g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g
Be the best best man on the day WHEN it comes to public speaking, most people would admit that they hate the thought of standing up and addressing any kind of a gathering. The best man’s speech is almost as important as the wedding ceremony itself – everyone knows it’s going to happen, the preparations are desperately nerve-wracking, and there’s no escaping it once you’ve signed up to the event. You’ll be honoured, of course, to be best man. But, your words will not be forgotten. They will
be etched in everyone’s minds for years to come. We can all remember the kinds of car-crash speeches we’ve heard in the past. Advice
The best advice is to be yourself and remember what the speech is all about. You probably don’t do stand up-comedy for a living, so don’t try. Be humorous, but remember that the most important people in the room are sitting next to you; it’s their day and they should be the main focus.
l M UM S -TO - B E l
Serious style to dress your bump AT THIS time of the year there are so many wedding’s to attend, women purchasing fabulous dresses and men buying suits or heading down to Blacktie. But what about mumsto-be? It is just as important they feel and look fabulous wearing a beautiful dress for their special occasion day. That’s where Stylemama comes in, helping mums-to-be find that perfect maternity dress without the expense of buying one that may only be worn once or twice throughout their pregnancy. And, for a fraction of the price, they offer a fantastic collection of dresses by well-known designers, many of which are worn by some of our favourite celebrities. Clients can browse through the collection of dresses at the show-
room, taking as much time as they desire. With the option of their mobile service – shopping for maternity dresses has never been easier. The selection of Nicole Michelle dresses are a very popular choice this season, truly beautiful dresses made with luxurious lace, a fabric which gives a perfect silhouette shape and, of course, lots of comfort, too, and allowing you to show off your beautiful bump, not conceal it. Dresses from this range of have been worn by celebrity Emma Bunton this year, and many more of our dresses from other designers have been worn by Myleene Klass, Danielle Lloyd and Tess Daly. Mums-to-be will be really spoilt for choice when visiting Stylemama.
All-inclusive package from Green Isle Hotel THE Green Isle Hotel on the Naas road has just teamed up with wedding specialist Laura Leigh, and is excited to announce their new exclusive, and all-inclusive, wedding package. The Green Isle Hotel offers an innovative and elegant wedding programme with a trained, professional team to see that every wedding is truly special. Exquisite cuisine and wines, the loveliest linens, floral arrangements and a range of suites all help to take the stress out of your big day. The Green Isle Hotel offers a convenient location for a wedding reception and will make for a very memorable occasion.
From the moment a couple decides to hold their special day at the Green Isle Conference & Leisure Hotel, the hotel’s team will be happy to assist; ensuring attention to detail is of the utmost importance. The hotel will work to create a wonderful and unforgettable occasion for the happy couple, their families and guests. The hotel’s new all-inclusive wedding package features tea/ coffee, biscuits and mulled wine or fruit punch on arrival, followed by a sumptuous fivecourse evening meal for all guests. Each guest enjoys one glass of wine with their meal, which is
enjoyed at tables featuring chair covers and floral centrepieces. The happy couple enjoy one month leisure membership and a complimentary bridal suite. This offer applies to minimum numbers of 100 people, Monday – Friday. For Saturday weddings, a charge of €10 extra per person applies, and the offer includes and evening reception buffet, two guests bedrooms provided by the Green Isle Hotel. Also provided by “I Do” Weddings – by Laura Leigh – is a choice of wedding gown from top designers, two bridesmaid dresses, tiara, veil and bridal
shoes. Other wedding essentials, including a total of 60 day invitations, a two- or three-tier cake, photographer and album, videographer, one car hire and unity candle and stand are also included. See www.idoweddings.ie for examples. This offer is available from €9,500 and is subject to availability. Upgrades are possible at a surcharge. For further information, please contact the hotel’s wedding coordinator, Suzanne McCabe, on (01) 4123708 or email sales@ greenislehotel.com.
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l LO O K I N G A M I L L I O N D O L L A R S l
Planning your bridal beauty regime ARE YOU five or six months away from your wedding? While you’re addressing invitations and picking out bridesmaids’ dresses, it will definitely pay off to take some time to work on your beauty regimen. Making an investment now will pay off big on your wedding day.
Skin Care Now is the time to start working on your skin. On your wedding day, you’ll be having your picture taken close-up and many people getting close to your skin as they hug and kiss you. Even a relatively nice complexion can get extra benefit from six months of stress-relief, proper nutrition, and added water-drinking. First, start a good cleansing programme. You should be using a multi-step system, including a good cleanser
(Sothys Morning Cleanser for all skin types) in the morning, eye makeup remover and cleanser and toner at night, daily moisturiser (Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream) and an exfoliant and mask once a week. (Sothys Desquacrem and Oxyliance Mask). If you can afford it, this is a great time to consult a professional beauty therapist. Tell them your wedding date, and your skin-care goals. They may recommend treatments such as microdermabrasion or regular facials that will help you have pictureperfect skin. Examine how much water you drink daily. Drinking up to eight glasses daily may help clear up blemishes and make your skin more luminous. Try filling a bottle and keeping it on your desk at work. Have another water bottle in
the TV room (or wherever you tend to relax at night). While drinking this much water may be a challenge at first, keep at it, and it will get easier and easier. While you’re increasing your water consumption, it’s a great time to be decreasing your caffeine consumption. Not only will less caffeine help your skin, it will also help you to be less stressed out. You know if you’re better off going cold turkey or decreasing gradually.
Body Treatments Regular body massages will help to relax you during this stressful time! Most beauty salons offer massage therapy treatments. As well as massages, salons and spas offer full body and beauty treatments for brides-to-be and their parties, so look around and see where
Take the time between now and your wedding to focus on your beauty health
offers the best value – you might think about taking a day off with your hens and pampering yourself before the big day. All kinds of treatments are available, from Body
treatments, including Swedish, stone therapy, lymphatic and deeptissue massage, Holistic therapies, including Hopi ear candling, reflexology, aromatherapy and Indian
head massage – think about which one will be right for you, and enjoy the downtime.
Make-up At least a month before
the wedding, visit a beauty salon and ask about a trial make up. It is best to get two each for hair and make-up to make sure you know what you are getting. And make sure your trials are with the people who will be doing your hair/makeup on the day You need to know exactly what your make up will look like on your big day, and taking the time to think it through with your beautician beforehand is a very good idea. Consider using this make-up session when you get ready for your hen night – you’ll also get to see how well your makeup performs on a night out, good practise for the big day itself. Remember it’s your wedding day, one of the best days of your life, so, once all the preparations are done, sit back and enjoy, and be beautiful.
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BRIDE& GROOM
D u b l i n ’ s co m p l e t e g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g
l HONEYMOON OFFERS l
A heavenly Honeymoon FROM lazing on a deserted Caribbean beach to gazing on wild African game in their natural environment, it is important that you get the right advice when choosing your honeymoon. The run-up to a wedding can be one of the most exciting times in a person’s life, but it can also be quite stressful! Once the happy couple have said their “I do’s” and partied the night away with friends and family, they are often exhausted from all of the anticipation and planning and are ready for the per-
fect honeymoon. Tour operators and travel agents have cottoned on to the fact that honeymooners no longer want just a week on the beach somewhere, but are often after a once-ina-lifetime experience. “We are talking to a lot of honeymooners who say that they want a week on the beach to relax followed by an experience, such as a wildlife safari or a blowout in Las Vegas,” says Stephen McKenna, Founder of GoHop.ie. “Twin centre holidays are increasingly popular, with a few days in Dubai
followed by a South African safari and or Garden Route trip – a firm favourite” he says. Asia is also another haven for honeymooners, thanks to the affordability of the resorts in Thailand and Bali. It is possible to get excellent value for money without having to scrimp on luxury. Lisa Byrne, Travelmood, comments: “More and more honeymooners are opting for all-inclusive package deals to Thailand or the Caribbean. There are lots of all-inclusive deals around that offer the very best value for money. After
After the big day, the couple want to relax without having to worry about money
the big expense of a wedding, the couple want to kick back and relax without having to worry about the cost of their honeymoon.” In the run-up to the wedding, practical planning for the honeymoon can get overlooked. It is important to research whether you need specific visas or vaccinations for the countries you will be visiting. Remember, that for vaccines to have the maximum effect, it is important to get them
well in advance of the trip. The Tropical Medical Bureau have over 23 clinics nationwide. Travel insurance is also another important factor when travelling abroad. Multitrip.ie offers cheap travel insurance that provides comprehensive holiday insurance cover, and ,with prices starting from as little as €19.99, should definitely be a priority when planning. Top Honeymoon Offers
1) Travelmood – Pat-
taya, Thailand. Ten nights at the 3-star Green Park Resort in a standard room from €875.50pp inc tax (€570pp without tax). P a c k a g e i n cl u d e s accommodation on a room-only basis, return flights with SAS ex-Dublin. Must book before July 14. Travel: October 2 2011. Quote Ref: 156376 Visit www.travelmood.ie or call 01 433 1040. 2) GoHop.ie – Tanzania & Zanzibar. Tanzania – Safari + Zanzibar Honey-
moon package price from €2,990pp sharing, including flights from Ireland. Package price includes all transfers, accommodation, meals and game drives. Private transport while on safari with a naturalist driver/guide. Internal flights from Arusha to Zanzibar and from Zanzibar to Dar Es Salaam. Visit www.gohop.ie or call 01 2412389. 3) Joe Walsh Tours Antigua. Seven nights in Antigua on an all-inclusive basis at the Grand Pineapple Beach Antigua from €1,320 plus tax. Includes: Return flights from Dublin, seven nights accommodation at the 3-star Grand Pineapple in a standard room on an all-inclusive basis (all meals, drinks and entertainment included) and transfers. Visit www.joewalshtours.ie or call 01 241 0888. 4) Concorde Travel Croatia. Stay seven nights at the 5-star Hotel Croatia in Cavtat on a B&B basis from €930pp inc tax. Includes; flights, accommodation and transfers. Travel: July 17 and 24 from Dublin. Includes €100 off offer. Visit www. concordetravel.ie or call 01 775 9300 5) American Holidays – Hawaii & Las Vegas. Stay three nights at the 4-star Treasure Island in Las Vegas and 7 nights at 5* Hilton Hawaiian Village on a room only basis from €1,729pp. Quote ref 712829. Visit www.americanholidays.ie or call 01 673 3840.
23 June 2011 GAZETTE 21
l FLOWER POWER l
Special flower, special meaning, special day SAY it with flowers, the old advertising slogan used to chime. But, if you’re planning to get married soon, you should bear in mind that the flowers might have something to say themselves on your special day. Flowers carry a special meaning, passed down from generations gone by and before you start choosing the make up of your bouquets and table decorations, you might take a moment to reflect on the messages that your marigolds and rhododendrons might be sending. In ancient times, people believed that the car-
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rying of strongly smelling flowers and herbs and spices repelled bad luck and ill health on their wedding day. In early Roman civilisation, brides and grooms used to wear floral garlands to signify hope of fertility. But the syntax of your shrubbery came into it’s own during Victorian times, when lovers exchanged different flowers to pass on their messages to each other. Each flower symbolised a special meaning, and the recipient understood the message as clearly as if it were written on a piece of paper. Today, most people
don’t speak flower, but on a day as important as your wedding, placing emphasis on what your flowers are saying can add another level of meaning to the subtext of your special day. Let’s look at a few of the most appealing wedding flowers and their meanings.
Roses Roses have always been the most regularly chosen flower by brides throughout the world. Roses come in many colours, each of them with their own different meanings. White stands for innocence, beauty and charm, while
them in their wedding arrangements. However, they might if they understood their significance – daisies stand for romance and an innocent spirit.
Roses come in many different colours, each with their own meaning
red expresses a bride’s zeal and unending love towards her man. Dark pink denotes thankfulness towards God that the bride and groom are made the man and wife, and an ivy-
coloured rose represents fidelity in marriage.
Tulips There are over 500 varieties of tulips, and they are considered the best for spring weddings
and are well recognised for the undying love and affection that they represent.
Daisies Everyone loves daisies. But not many brides use
Calla Lilies These graceful flowers are reminders of past generations when grace and beauty were the rule. Associated with elegance and charm, a calla lily would be the perfect flower if you wanted to create a sophisticated atmosphere for your wedding. They also come in many different colours and varieties. All graceful. All elegant.
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BRIDE& GROOM
D u b l i n ’ s co m p l e t e g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g
l P E D I C U R E T R E AT M E N T M A K E S A S P L AS H l
A fishtastic experience to remember Q ANITA WARD
I THINK I can safely say that I don’t give my feet an easy time of it. So, when we were discussing the new fish pedicure craze that seems to be everywhere at the moment, the consensus was that I would benefit the most. Considering that I have a love of high-heeled shoes and horse-riding in equal measures, I’m not surprised that my feet are in a state. I spend the better part of my day walking around the office in anything from four- to six-inch heels, and then, come the evening, I change into leather jodhpur boots and proceed to sweat a lot in them for the rest of the evening – very attractive!
I don’t even give my feet the luxury of some TLC, because I’m not overly fond of actually touching my feet, or having them touched. In fact, I’ve never even had a pedicure before – I know, the shame ...
Ealu Spa However, I was ridiculously curious about whether it was worth the hype, and what it would feel like, so I headed over to the Ealu Spa Therapy Salon in Naas, Co Kildare, to see what the fuss was all about. Entering Ealu from a deluge of rain, I was greeted by the friendly staff and stepped into a little oasis of calm. I was quickly introduced to the pedicure fish – Garra Rufa fish, I
was informed – and just hoped they were hungry, because my feet were a banquet of dead skin! These little guys don’t get too full, apparently, despite the pedicure, and they are very happy in their job. Their tank is placed on the floor beside a very comfortable looking recliner chair, with a built-in foot spa. I met the lovely therapist, and she asked me to get comfortable on the chair and take off my shoes, and proceeded to wash my feet. Your feet have to be free from any creams or chemicals (so, fake tan is a big no-no), but nail polish is fine. The 150 little Garra Rufas got very excited at the prospect of a slap-up
Despite counting her toes before and after lowering them into a tank full of hungry Garra Rufa fish at Ealu Spa Therapy Salon, our writer swears by the marvellous pedicure treatment that they gave
meal on my tootsies as I lowered them into the water ... To say it is an unusual feeling is an understatement – it’s not quite like someone touching your feet; it’s not unpleasant – it’s just bizarre! If anything, I could describe it like hundreds of little mini-vibrations, all working away together in different places on your feet. These fish don’t nibble
at your feet, a common misconception – they don’t have teeth; it’s more like a sucking action. They went to town on my feet – oh, and not just on my feet, but on my legs, too. Your leg goes up to mid-calf into the tank, so the fish were more than happy to give my legs a good clean as well. I was fascinated with the fish as they busied themselves, with some of them even getting right in
Part of the welcoming environment at Ealu Spa
between my toes or, even funnier, fighting with each other to get the best position!
Experience The therapist offered me a magazine or something to drink, but I was quite happy to sit and soak up the experience by watching the little guys go to work. The treatment lasts about 25 to 35 minutes, and it was strangely relax-
ing. Despite my reservations, I was actually excited to feel my feet afterwards, once the fish had finished happily working away on them. I didn’t know if I expected them to turn their noses up at my foul feet, or to have a taste and then keel over and die. Interestingly, the therapist told me about the benefits for people with skin conditions. On lifting my feet out of the tank, I felt like I should be thanking the little guys for all of their hard work. Already I could feel that there was something different about my feet. I was treated to another foot spa wash, and a massage, from the comfort of the comfy chair, and I got to touch my new feet. I say “new” because, I swear, it was like I had baby skin on my feet – they had been reborn! The skin was soft and smooth, and felt absolutely brand new! I was very proud to show off all of the hard work of the little Garra Rufa fishies. Ealu Spa are experts at making this odd craze of having fish make-over your feet seem perfectly normal, and at putting you at ease, and are offering a great deal of just €10 for 25 minutes in the tank – so you have no excuse not to try it out for yourself.
23 June 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Grainne Lowe, Malahide Books & Gifts
Opening a chapter on local book excellence GRAINNE Lowe opened Malahide Books & Gifts in July, 2009. She opened the Malahide shop after the success of her shop in Ratoath, which she opened in 2004. Grainne runs the shops with her husband, Ciaran, and they pride themselves on excellent customer service, which became clear when Malahide Books & Gifts won the Friendliest Business Award, 2009 from the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Grainne and Ciaran are running a very successful business, selling schoolbooks, school stationery, art and craft supplies and gifts. They offer an online service, and have also introduced a savings scheme to help parents with the financial burden of backto-school purchases.
ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS WHAT WELFARE ENTITLEMENTS CAN A SINGLE MOTHER CLAIM? Q – I am a single mother, and am due my baby in five months. Can you confirm exactly my welfare entitlements, as there seems to be some confusion. I am also unemployed, having been made redundant six months ago – it was my first job, and I was only there for 10 months. Sharon – Terenure A - CONGRATULATIONS on the baby, first of all. Raising children is a costly exercise. Some of the benefits payable by the State are based on PRSI contributions you may have made, so some of these you will be ineligible to claim Presumably, you are still claiming Jobseekers’ Allowance, or unemployment assistance. However, there are currently three main payments due to you on the arrival of your baby. Firstly, child benefit is the most common payment to families with children. You are entitled to it because you satisfy a habitual residency test, and will have a dependent child that meets the criteria. Currently, this is €140 per month for the first and second child, and slightly more for subsequent children. Secondly, Early Childcare Supplement (ECS) was
Grainne runs the shops with her husband, Ciaran
a payment to families with children under five years of age. This was €41.50 per month, up to December,
Q&A Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: I wanted to be a vet, as I loved animals and petted every dog and cat I saw.
Q: What was your first job? A: I worked in Woolworths on Henry Street when I was in school.
Q: And your first pay cheque? A: I think it was €5 per day from Woolworths.
Q: When did you start your present job? A: I opened my first shop, Ratoath Books & Gifts, seven years ago, and I opened Malahide Books & Gifts two years ago.
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: I get great job satisfaction when things go well, and being my own boss is nice, too.
2009.
can’t pack a box – this is true!
Q: What sport do you follow? A: Gaelic football and soccer (because my children play these sports).
Q: What sport can you play? A: I was very athletic, in my day. I played camogie and basketball, and I was a sprinter, and I did the long jump. Unfortunately, I don’t have much time or energy for sport these days, but I hope to take up golf in a few years.
Q: What is your guilty music/ TV or movie pleasure? A: I love 80’s music; in fact, if you visit our shops, you will hear my favourites on my iPod. My favourite movie so far is Avatar; I could watch it over and over, and my favourite TV programme is Greys Anatomy.
Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’? A: I am not very good at
Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: I would have to say David
shop displays and keeping things tidy, so, Amber and my daughter, Amanda, look after that side of the business for me. There is a standing joke that I
Norris. I really enjoy listening to him on the radio, and I think his views are refreshing in these dire times. He would be a great ambassador for the
country if he made it to Aras an Uachtarain.
Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: I have a good selection; mostly 80’s stuff, but I also have modern music on it, such as Black Eyed Peas, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry etc.
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: Just my friends on Facebook. Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update? A: Beware of viruses. Q: Describe your dream meal? A: My favourite dinner is chicken with mushrooms and apricot in a brandy sauce – yum, yum.
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Dame Edna, as at least I
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: Way too many. Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: My worst holiday experience was the year my sister and I rented a mobile [home] in Wexford with our kids – I was six months pregnant, and got a tummy bug.
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: Somewhere that I didn’t have to lift a finger, and where I could eat and eat and not gain a pound.
Q: What would be your dream job? A: You know, I have always worked, so I guess my dream would be not to work at all, and just potter around the house and garden, meet my friends for coffee whenever I felt like it, and cook and bake.
wouldn’t have to listen to more depressing news about our failing economy. Also, I could get a few fashion tips from her!
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Potter around the house and
Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: On the garden.
garden, meet my friends for coffee whenever I feel like it and cook and bake!
But, [as official information has previously said], “from January, 2010, ECS will be replaced with a free pre-school year of early childhood care and education for all children between the ages of three years, three months, and four years, six months. Details of this scheme are available from the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs; Locall 1890 30 30 39”. Thirdly, One-Parent Family Payment (OPF) is paid to men and women in Ireland who are bringing children up without the support of a partner. You must satisfy a means test, and a habitual residence test. Currently, this is for €188 per week. If you are working, you can also get a OPF tax credit; you do not have to get OPF to claim this tax credit. Finally, I would talk to your local social welfare office for definitive answers on your particular circumstances – I have always found them helpful. Their web site is: www.welfare.ie. Best of luck next September. 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
GOT A MATCH REPORT? Call our SPORTS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email sport@gazettegroup.com
24 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23 June 2011
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs HYUNDAI RESPONDS TO I40 REPORTS: HYUNDAI in Ireland has responded to reports about the specification and prices featured in this column last week for the new i40 car. Hyundai emphasises that the prices quoted are not yet agreed and that the cars will come with a full five-year unlimited mileage warranty. Unfortunately, Hyundai will not be offering a full spare wheel, as reported, in the new i40, which will be available later this summer. And the company claims that the car does not replace the Sonata model, but in fact is geared for a different market segment.
Ibiza gets stretched for ST appeal MICHAEL MORONEY drove the Ibiza, and here’s his verdict I’VE had the Seat Ibiza ST, the estate version of the small Spanish-built car, out on test recently. This is a stylish-looking small estate car built around the standard Ibiza model, with a new three-cylinder turbo-diesel engine as the power source. The car scores well on style and design; it’s a Seat thing, they are now designing cars that look distinctive, even if they use the same engines and gearboxes as Skoda and Volkswagen cars. Those combined ingredients should make for a car worth having and a car that’s good to drive.
Add to that package the neat Volkswagen design 1.2-litre turbodiesel engine and you can expect thrift and low-cost motoring. And that’s just what you get. This is a car that looks well and should be easy to buy and own. The addition of the estate concept gives more internal space for bigger loads, while built around the same wheelbase as the standard car. The STversion is almost 200mm (8in) longer than the standard five-door hatchback and that’s significant enough when it comes to providing additional space.
Seat has added an ST, or mini estate version, to the Ibiza range to give more space and a family appeal
The rear seats fold down easily to increase the load area, making the car more attractive as a family choice where there are always awkward loads to be shifted, bikes included. I liked the 60/40 split folding rear sears, roof rails in either black or chrome finish, a low load height
and wide rear hatch, a flat boot floor and some good storage areas throughout the ST’s interior, which allowed for ease of use on longer journeys. That’s the outline of the Seat Ibiza ST package, which includes three specification options, either Reference, Style or Sport. Out on the road,
the car is more sluggish than I would have expected. The 1.2-litre, three cylinder engine develops an impressive 75bhp, but you can feel that it’s doing the work. It’s a shade noisy and feels less smooth than you would like and this aspect of the car lets it down a little.
That’s a pity because this car has plenty going for it in terms of its space, flexibility and style. And the price is competitive too at €16,495 for the entry model, before delivery charges. And while I don’t expect pace from such a small engine, its acceleration figure of 14.5 seconds for a 0 to 100km/hr race is reasonable. It’s just that it’s hard work getting there and there’s an unnecessary harshness to the car as a result. This car scores highly in terms of value-for-money motoring with an impressive economy figure of 25 km/litre (4.0l/100km or 70mpg). That’s very good even in this segment of the market and it also helps the car to get into Band A for road tax purposes, giving an annual tax charge of just €104.
23 June 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 25
GAZETTE
26 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23 June 2011
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PLANNING NOTICE DUN LAOGHAIRE/ RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL Permission is sought for a first floor extension to the side with alterations to the rear main roof profile with a first floor wall & window treatment to the rear and a roof window to the side; an attic conversion including alterations to the rear main roof profile to incorporate a flat roof dormer window and also alterations to the existing front & side canopy roof to facilitate the first floor side extension at 13 Castlebrook, Dundrum, Dublin 16 by Martin Fellenz. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire during its public opening hours. A submission or observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.
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GazetteSPORT
MAKING THE RULES:
Ireland get set for Aussie Rules international cup: Page 29
SOCCER: DO ONE THING UNHCR INTERNATIONAL EVENT TAKES PLACE IN DUBLIN
Fair Play Cup sees SARI side take the spoils sport@gazettegroup.com
WORLD Refugee Day’s Do 1 Thing soccer celebrations kicked off in style when the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Office in Ireland and Sport Against Racism Ireland (SARI) held its second annual Fair Play Football Cup in Dublin’s Law Society gardens. On a day which also saw UNHCR commemorating the 60th anniver-
sary of the UN Convention Relating to Refugees, this year’s Fair Play Football Cup was won by SARI Insaka when they beat the holders, Hot Press 1-0, courtesy of a first-half goal from Eddie Sirbu. In a repeat of last year’s final it was SARI Insaka who started the brighter with early efforts coming from Sirbu and Chris Amour, with Hot Press, led by Niall Stokes, chasing the game. With very
little space or time given on the ball neither team seemed like breaking the deadlock until Sirbu popped up to score the decisive goal with a wonder individual low drive just before half time. Hot Press chased the game after the restart, with Rafael Souto having their best opportunity but he blasted his shot just over the bar from close range, leaving the SARI Insaka captain Toheeb ‘Tiger’ Adigun
Action from the final between SARI Insaka and Hot Press at the World Refugee Day event last week
to lift the cup aloft after Newstalk’s Global Village presenter Dil Wickremasinghe presented the 2011 winners with the Fair Play Football Cup. “It was a brilliant tournament, we all really had fun, it’s not just about
winning but to take part was ver y impor tant. Everyone really enjoyed themselves and we’re all looking forward to coming back next year to defend the cup,” said a jubilant Adigun after the final whistle. Sophie Magennis, of
UNHCR Ireland, said: “We had a brilliant day today. It was great that lots of kids and families came down, and SARI Insaka were very worthy winners. “It was also a great way to mark the 60th anniversary of the UN
convention on the status of refugees and we’d like to mark the importance of the convention in offering protection to refugees. But it’s also a day to mark the contribution refugees and asylum seekers make to Irish society.”
28 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23 June 2011
GazetteSport Sport
Posing for the camera during a break in play
Cabinteely FC
Summer football fest ends INALS day of Cabinteely FC’s 22nd annual Mini World Cup brought the two-week long community summer football fest to a magnificent finale. Between the players, their families and friends and the many hundreds of volunteers, there were almost 3,000 people present on the day. A total of 1,667 goals were scored during the 357 games played during the fest. FAI Deputy John Delaney joined in the fun as he presented the Ladies Special Needs squad with its National Division Three trophy and medals. Deputy Mary Mitchell O’Connor, TD, and Tommy Heffernan, Dublin District Schoolboys League chairman, presented the World Cup trophies.
FAI CEO John Delaney presents the National Division Three trophy and medals to Cabo’s Ladies Special Needs squad
Waiting for the in-swinging ball in the rain.
The satisfied smile of the goal-poacher supreme and a ball well struck
F
Two of Cabo’s young stars waiting for their turn to play in the competition
Perfectly balanced poise showing how to strike the ball cleanly
Teammates and friends after Israel’s first game
The girls of New Zealand grouping in strength in their game against Samoa.
23 June 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 29
in association with
Following Rules all the way to Oz Competing at the highest level in the sport, Ireland is sending a team to the International Aussie Rules cup in August, ROB HEIGH discovers
IRELAND is set to send a group of players to Australia later in the summer, who will compete for honours in the sport that the Australians themselves created — Aussie Rules Football. The fast-paced, hardhitting and stamina-sapping sport so beloved in the Antipodes has been popular in Ireland for many years, and has been a fixture here since around 2000. The links between the codes of Gaelic football and AFL are clearly defined, the clear connection being the compromise rules series that takes place between the two countries being very keenly contested. However, playing the pure version of Aussie Rules was so appealing that the game has
spawned clubs across the country, with three teams based in Dublin, the South Dublin Swans, based in Bushey Park, the Dublin Demons, who are based in Islandbridge, and the North Dublin Saints, who play their games at Coolock. Peter Ross, player with the South Dublin Swans and the Irish Warriors Aussie Rules Football team, spoke to Gazette Sport last week ahead of the serious preparation for the International Cup tournament, which takes place this year in Sydney from August 13 to 27. “This year, the team will probably be the strongest ever sent to represent Ireland in the competition. We have rising stars, such as Richmond Tigers’ inter-
A team talk for the Ireland AFL team in London recently
national rookie and Westmeath GAA senior, John Heslin, playing for the Warriors, as well as David Stynes, a former Ballyboden St
the competitions, having previously won the event on its debut in 2002, and reaching the semi-final of the event in 2005 and 2008. The
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‘A lot of young GAA players see Aussie Rules as an opportunity to become a professional player in a sport similar to the one they play already when they move there.’ --------------------------------------------------------
Enda’s man and brother of Dublin star, Jim, who has lived in Melbourne for a number of years.”
Fourth tournament This is the fourth running of the tournament, that brings together the biggest international teams in Aussie Rules outside of Australia. Ireland are among the top-seeded sides for
Irish side are on a roll following their victory in the European championships last year. “In Ireland, there is a lot of media attention as there are so many GAA players out there. A lot of young GAA players see Aussie Rules as an opportunity to become a professional player in a sport very similar to the one they play already when they move there. “The game is a huge professional sport in Australia, the players are well rewarded, not the same as you would get as a professional soccer player, but about the same as a professional r ugby player would receive.” Australia will be absent from the event, as Peter says: “It would be like Ireland taking part in a world series of GAA event.” However, the tournament will visit some of the most famous stadiums in the
world with games being played in Sydney’s ANZ Stadium (where the Sydney Olympics were held) and the most iconic ground of them all, the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Asked who the contenders for the crown would be in Sydney, Peter said: “There are some countries who are very strong in the sport, like New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and South Africa, which is seen as a big pool of talent for Aussie Rules. The AFL are looking to expand the game beyond Australia, and take it all over the world.” When asked about what’s involved in playing the sport, Peter said: “Aussie rules is for allround athletes, and these countries produce very strong rugby players, but not everyone is built for rugby. “Stamina is as important as strength, and there are a lot of players from these countries who are picked up by the Aussie Rules teams. “T he average AFL player does a lot of catching and kicking, and will run over 14km per game. If you come to AFL from rugby, it’s a big shock to the system.” To find out more about the sport in Ireland, see w w w.ar f li.com, and rishwarriorsaussierules. wordpress.com.
FastSport Touch squad heading for World Cup destiny LOCAL faces from around Dublin will be competing against the best in the world this week when they take the field in Edinburgh at the 2011 Touch Rugby World Cup. Cllr Neale Richmond of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council presented the players, managers, coaches and physios with their jerseys at Bewley’s Hotel, Ballsbridge last Saturday. President of the Ireland Touch Association, Michael Davies, has high hopes for the teams as they head over to Edinburgh this week. “Coming home from last year’s European Championships with titles in the Mixed Open and the Men’s Over-40 divisions has provided a great foundation going into the World Cup,” he said. “Handing the green jerseys to the players is recognition of their dedication to training and their ability in the sport.” Ireland will be competing in four categories: Mixed Open (men and women of any age), Men’s Open (men of any age), Men’s Over-35 and Men’s Over-40. For more, see irelandtouchassociation.com
30 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23 June 2011
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
Aldridge legends at Cabo this weekend FOLLOWING on its successful Mini World Cup, Cabinteely FC’s committee and volunteers are working frenetically this week to ensure that all is in order for their weekend challenge game with John Aldridge’s Irish International Legends’ XI. The match takes place on Saturday, June 25, on Cabinteely’s home patch of Kilbogget Park. Among the big names now confirmed for the game are Ronnie Whelan, John Aldridge, Jason McAteer, Phil Babb, Paul McGrath, Kevin Sheedy, Paul Byrne, Alan McLoughlin, Keith O’Neill and Curtis Fleming. The match will kick-off at 3pm, with gates open at 1pm, after which there’ll be plenty of family entertainment and fun for all until the game begins. Tickets, priced at €10 for singles and €25 for a family of four, to include two children, are available online at www.cabinteelyfc.com, via Cabinteely FC on Facebook, in person from the Cabo clubhouse in Kilbogget Park, or call 01-235 4343 and leave your order.
EXCLUSIVE: DUN LAOGHAIRE CLUB ESTABLISHES LINK WITH KOP
Liverpool captain Stephen Gerrard will be one of the players travelling to Dublin to take part in a match against Bray
Joey’s partner Liverpool JONNY STAPLETON sport@gazettegroup.com
ST JOSEPH’S Boys have signed a partnership agreement with none other than Premier League giants, Liverpool, GazetteSport can exclusively reveal. The deal, which will see Liverpool and the Dun Laoghaire club work closely together in coaching and player development, was finalised this week, and will be officially announced over the weekend. Liverpool manager Kenny Daglish, who signed a similar agreement with the club when he was in charge at New-
castle, will come to Dublin to launch the agreement shortly, and will be followed by his team on July 18. Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Jamie Carragher will sport the famous Liver crest in the Carlisle Grounds next month when the Anfield side play Joey’s League of Ireland sister club, Bray, as part of the agreement. The partnership sees one of the most successful underage sides in Ireland team up with one of the most successful clubs in the world. Joey’s coaches and underage players will benefit from access to the renowned Liverpool
Putt it there: Dalkey at Community Games COMPETITORS from across Dun
Laoghaire and the rest of Dublin took part in the Dublin Commuinity Games Athletics finals at Morton Stadium last weekend. Over 3,000 children, from 53 areas around the city and county filled the ground with energy and excitement as they competed in the full range of athletics disciplines on track and field. Tony Feeney, president of Dublin Community Games said: “Well done to everyone who participated in the finals and we wish those who qualified for the National Finals in Athlone the very best of luck.”
academy, whilst Liverpool with get access to some of Ireland’s brightest soccer talents. “It is a massive boost for the club, and it is great to have Liverpool on board. We finalised the partnership over the last few days and it will be announced next week,” club secretary Niall O’Driscoll told GazetteSport. “We will have the help of the Liverpool coaching academy and our Under12s to Under-14s will travel over twice a year. Our coaches will also visit and have access to the Liverpool academy. “Liverpool might take up some the better young players and the likes of
Andy Keogh and Paul McShane may be followed across the water by some of the talent we have now.” For a club that emphasises individual rather than team development, and prides itself on educating and developing footballers, it is a massive step. Already, they have had a long list of player and individual achievements to celebrate this year. The club’s Under-14s registered back-to-back AllIreland success. The Under-9s and Under-13s claimed respective league titles, while the Under-12s and girls Under-17s and Under-15s
celebrated league cup success. Individually, they have had no few than 17 girls and 19 boys playing representative level this term, with eight internationals between the boys and girls set-ups. Sam Byrne signed for Manchester United and Dillon Hayes for Derby County as the conveyer belt of talent goes into overdrive. “Joey’s ethos is to develop players. Player development comes first. If we win medals along the way well and good, but it’s about making good players. We did well this year but we always try and raise the bar higher.”
23 June 2011 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 31
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