Dun Laoghaire

Laoghaire GAZET TE FREE

SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

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DUN LAOGHAIRE • BLACKROCK • CORNELSCOURT • DEANSGRANGE • DALKEY • GLASTHULE • MONKSTOWN • GLENAGEARY

BBRIDE&GROOM: Our guide for planning your y perfect day P19

TOURISM: Boost for town with new office ahead of The Gathering Page 6

A cool idea: Pair of fundraisers hit Arctic Circle Football: Kilmacud all set for annual Sevens event Page 31

Hockey: Local clubs get Leinster season started in style Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ...............8 ENTERTAINMENT... 16 TRAVEL ................... 17 BUSINESS ............. 18 CLASSIFIEDS .........28

GLENAGEARY man Paddy Mullen, and Cavan man Kieran Elliott, felt right at home in Alaska recently, deep within “the Arctic Circle”, with the overcast skies and chilly weather reminding them of summer in Ireland.

The self-funded pair are biking 35,000 km across treacherous terrain, with the goal of fundraising €10,000 for the Make a Wish Foundation, and Cavan’s Holy Family School. This Friday, the final leg of their epic journey will see the intrepid pair arrive at Fitzpatrick’s Hotel, Killiney, at 7pm.

Bumper year as DLR scoops Tidy awards Cabinteely named as overall winner of competition

I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

TOWNS and villages across the Dun Laoghaire area were celebrating last week when the winners of the 2012 Tidy District Competition were announced.

Cabinteely was named as the overall winner of the com-

petition, with Dalkey winning Best Large Town, Blackrock named as Most Improved Town, and Shankill coming second to Cabinteely in the Best Small Town category.

The awards also saw three other towns, housing estates and residents’ associations all recognised in a bumper win-

ning year for the region.

The county tally also saw 18 awards given to housing estates and residents’ groups.

An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Tom Joyce (FG) said: “We are very proud of all the estates and Tidy Towns groups who entered the competition.”

Full Story on Page 3

2 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 September 2012

BUSINESS: FIRMS ARE ADVISED TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON BUDGET 2013

SPORT Old Wesley RFC kickstarts women’s rugby

Council urged to reduce high rates I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

A LOCAL councillor, Dun Loaghaire-Rathdow n Chamber and Dun Laoghaire Business Association are all calling for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to reduce commercial rates in their upcoming budget for 2013.

At present, the county manager, Owen Keegan, and the director of finance, Helena Cunningham, are in the process of drafting the council budgets for 2013, and Councillor Victor Boyhan (Ind) sees this as a ripe opportunity for businesses to have their say.

“In the context of the current debate about local government income and finance, I have heard little comment about the need to reduce the overall cost to businesses and the need to lift the heavy burden of commercial rates off the backs of local family businesses and shops operating in our community.

“I think it will be important that the issue is highlighted by each and everyone of us at this stage in order that the council executive understands fully the concerns about the viability of local businesses surviving another year under the crippling burden of funding local government.”

According to Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Chamber, the council needs to reduce commercial rates by 10% in the coming year.

“The chamber fully acknowledges that since 2003, when the county had the third highest rates in Ireland, the County Council has had the lowest percentage increase in rates,” said Hal Ledford, chief executive of Dun

Laoghaire-Rathdown Chamber.

“Nevertheless, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown still has the highest rates of any of the local authorities in Dublin, and county rates are still well above the Irish average. We need to send out a message that this county welcomes business and wants to provide an environment where business can be competitive.”

Dan McManus, chief executive of Dun Laoghaire Business Association said: “Rates continue to be a great concern to business in Dun Laoghaire. They make up 30% of the rental charge and there has been no reduction, although a 10% reduction was mooted but not followed through. This shows the lack of understanding of what businesses go through on a daily basis.

The rates officers try to help with negotiating payments, but it’s not enough and it’s not sustainable long term.

“Business needs incentives such as a moratorium on rates for the first eighteen months or so to get small businesses started. We have loads of properties for rent and the first question anyone asks is ‘What are the rates?’

“Everything else has come down, but rates haven’t budged, actually they’ve increased, and it’s a massive worry.”

A council spokesperson said: “The motion on this issue was not reached on the Council Agenda and in light of that we cannot comment until the members get the opportunity to discuss the report that was issued. The motion has been deferred to the next council meeting.”

Rachel Sheerin, Lyn Nolan, Leah Loughlin, Elma Beirne, Jennie Bagnall, Avril Poff and Tina Smyth with the Heineken Cup which visited Wesley Club on the open evening. Pictures: Geraldine Wood

Club venture is worth a try C OME one, come all, Old Wesley RFC is giving the fairer gender the chance to prove their worth on the rugby field this autumn. The club launched women’s rugby this season, introducing Old Wesley U16s, U18s and senior women’s teams at its open evening.

The Heineken Cup was also brought to the club that evening. The club has put in place a strong management team, with Avril Poff taking on the role of director of women’s rugby, Andrew Adams as coach and Elma Beirne as manager. A spokesperson said: “It is our goal

Keeping focused during the game

to cater for both experienced players and those who are new to the game...emphasis will be very much on getting fit, having fun and learning and developing the skills necessary.”

Training will take place every Monday night in Donnybrook at 7pm, with a second night on Wednesdays planned. The U16 and U18 girls teams will initially be based up in their Ballycorus grounds, where training will take place every Sunday at 11am. For more details, visit www.oldwesley.ie.

Tina Smyth keeping the ball in play

Bernard Dunne with Gary Murphy and The girls enthusiastically learning new skills

Peter Smith

20 September 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 3

AWARDS A shower of successes for DLR district

Team Cabinteely win praise for Small Town win I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

TOWNS across Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown were celebrating last week when results from the 20th Tidy Districts C o m p e t i t i o n 2 01 2 revealed that four towns and 12 estates in the region had won awards, with Cabinteely being declared the overall winner.

The announcement of the local successes was made at the Tidy Districts Awards ceremony which took place on September 13, which was attended by over 100 members of 42 local groups across the county.

This year, the judging panel said that the Cabinteely group had

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shown great teamwork for the upkeep and maintenance of the village and surrounding area by working closely with the county council, local schools, businesses and fellow residents associations.

Hard-working

Speaking after the event, Kate Hynes, environmental awareness officer with DLRCC said: “The Tidy Districts Competition gives the Council the opportunity to reward the hard-working residents associations and Tidy Towns groups in the county. These groups take an active interest in and responsibility for their own local environments. Building this

type of partnership with the council increases the sustainability of the progress achieved and results in long-term environmental improvement in the estates, towns or villages.”

In the towns category, Dalkey Tidy Towns won Best Large Town, Blackrock Tidy Towns came second in the same category, while Cabinteely took first place in Best Small Town, and Shankill took second place.

Eighteen residential category prizes were also awarded to groups throughout the county, including Kill Abbey Residents Association, Blackrock, who won Best Housing Estate / Apartment complex (5-100

Cabinteely Tidy Towns members Mary Moore with An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Tom Joyce (FG), Deirdre Smith and Imelda Galvin

h o u s e s ) . D u n d r u m ’s Parkvale Ballyolaf came second in the same category. Meadowbrook Residents Association in Dundrum won first place in the Best Housing Estate / Apartment complex (101-200 houses) and Wood Residents Association in Stillorgan came second.

Blackrock Tidy Towns won Most Improved

Tow n / V i l l a g e , a n d Marie Baker, chair of the Blackrock Tidy Towns committee, said: “When our name was called out for the second prize for Best Large Town Award, I think the whole room knew we were delighted, but to get the most Improved Town award

was the icing on the cake.”

Speaking at the awards ceremony, An Cathaoirleach Cllr Tom Joyce (FG) paid tribute to the winners. “We are very proud of all the estates and Tidy Towns groups who entered this year’s competition.”

PROPOSAL

George’s Street facelift THE laneways of George’s Street in Dun Laoghaire are to get a facelift, and local people can have a say in the proposals up until November.

The draft plans on display give a breakdown of the works set to take place which involve resurfacing, public lighting, landscaping and traffic management.

The laneways involved in the upgrade are located between Northumberland Avenue, Musgrave Street, Patrick Street and Convent Road.

The plans will remain on public display until October 26. Anyone wishing to make a submission to the proposals can do so in writing to DLRCC before November 9.

There will be two public information evenings on October 10-11 in County Hall in Dun Laoghaire from 4pm until 8pm.

4 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 September 2012

HOUSING: ‘INDEFINITE’ SAFETY WORKS DELAY

UPGRADE: ‘€1.7M WORKS’ ARE NOW COSTED AT €5M

The Laurels’ tenants are left waiting

Swimming pool bill is more than doubled

I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

TENANTS of The Laurels apartment complex in Dundrum, who moved out of their homes in early July while building safety issues were being remedied, have been told by the receiver that the original period of three months would be extended indefinitely.

On July 6, tenants received a letter telling them to evacuate their homes within 10 days while work was done to bring the building up to proper regulatory standards.

However, on Saturday, September 8, Laurels residents living in alternative temporary accommodation were notified at a meeting with Kieran Wallace, receiver for Tuskar Asset Management, that the safety work was more extensive than first thought in July.

He said: “Unfortunate-

ly, the cost budget has far exceeded the original estimates provided in July, due to the extent of work that needs to be carried out to make the building fully compliant with relevant regulations.”

The receiver told tenants that he would cover the cost of their extended stay in temporary lodgings until they can return home. However, he went on to say that there was a possibility that the costs would be so prohibitive as to prevent the remedial action being undertaken at all.

“As a result [of the budget excesses] it will not now be possible to complete the works in the timetable previously envisaged.

“Therefore, the property will not be safe for tenants to move back into in October. I appreciate the inconvenience and frustration that this may cause to you,” said Wallce.

I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

By Scott, he’s a winner: Local man scoops a Person of the Year award FOXROCK man Dr Tony Scott was honoured with a prestigious

award at Citywest Hotel recently, where he was presented with an award in the 2012 Rehab People of the Year awards.

The 38th annual Rehab awards saw Ryan Tubridy present Dr Scott with his award, joining in the judges’ praise for his outstanding contribution to the field of science in Ireland, with his enduring legacy perhaps best summed up by his co-founding of the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.

In 1963, Dr Scott and the late Rev Tom Burke had the idea of setting up a science project competition for secondary school students, modelled on the concept of the US science fairs. Today known as the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, and approaching its 50th anniversary, it is the longest-running event of its kind in Europe, and the second longest-running worldwide – an enduring legacy to the work of Dr Scott and Rev Burke.

THE upgrade due to take place on Glenalbyn Swimming Pool in Stillorgan will cost €5 million instead of the €1.7 million allocated for the work by Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council, it was announced in the latest engineer’s report last week.

The new adjusted figure leaves a shortfall of €3.3 million to be found in order for the work to go ahead.

Although the refurbishment will cost more than twice as much as the provision allowed for it, Councillor Richard Humphreys (Lab) said he backed the need for the swimming pool’s upgrade.

He said: “Given the stark choice between upgrading the pool or facing its closure in the relatively near future, I believe that the planned €5 million works are worthy of support.

“This pool is a fantastic facility for the people of the Stillorgan ward, and I will fully support its inclusion in the 2013 Capital Budget of the

county council,” said Cllr Humphreys.

The works will involve a comprehensive upgrade of the pool and associated facilities, including a new roof, a new water treatment system, a new plant room and new changing facilities.

Cllr Humphreys said the Stillorgan area was due for some funding, as Dun Laoghaire had received the lion’s share of recent council investment.

He said: “A large number of major capital projects have recently been approved for the Dun Laoghaire side of the county, so it is important that the Rathdown side – and particularly the Stillorgan Ward – would also benefit from development and investment.”

County manager Owen Keegan has entered into discussions with Kilmacud Crokes’ GAA club, Glenalbyn Sports Club and Glenalbyn Estates with a view to resolving any access and parking issues in order to better facilitate the proposed construction work on the pool and its ancillary facilities.

Red squirrel relocation project cost €40k I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

THE Red Squirrel Project, which saw the reintroduction and release of 15 red squirrels onto Killiney Hill last month, has cost Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council (DLRCC) €40,000.

A spokesperson for DLRCC said: “The costs involved were very reasonable for a translocation project of this scale,

and covered materials, a detailed assessment of the donor population, grey squirrel control, the trapping and translocations of red squirrels, as well as 24-hour monitoring of squirrels during the acclimatisation phase and intensive post-release monitoring.”

Jimmy Deenihan, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, released the squirrels, which came from Wex-

ford, onto Killiney Hill Park on September 4.

The plan is to boost the existing population of red squirrels in the hope that they will successfully breed and thrive on Killiney Hill.

Of the project, Mary Toomey, DLRCC’s biodiversity officer, said: “It is hoped that the release of these 15 red squirrels will boost the local squirrel population and allow it to thrive, and that we

will see evidence of them breeding in Killiney Hill Park in spring.”

The conser vation project to supplement the existing red squirrel population in the area was undertaken as the indigenous red squirrel number had dropped to critically low levels.

DLRCC undertook the project in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Services.

The council has been

working with University College Dublin researchers, William Carr and Favel Naulty, who have carried out detailed studies on both the Killiney and Wexford squirrel populations, and provided technical advice and expertise during the animals’ translocation.

Councillor Victor Boyhan (Ind) said: “It’s worth the money, and I hope the conservation project is a success.”

20 September 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 5

RETAIL Family-friendly day to mark rechristening

Stillorgan set to celebrate ‘Village’ title I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

STILLORGAN Shopping Centre is set to usher in a bright new era for the centre next week when it will be rebranded as Stillorgan Village and, to herald the new beginning, a celebration event is taking place.

The revamped Stillorgan Village will host a family-friendly day to mark the occasion, with free kids’ kart rides, carousels, bouncy castles, face painting and balloon modelling among the events on offer.

The Big Day Out, which takes place on September 22, will also feature

world street performance champions, who will be performing from 10am to 4.30pm.

Also in the mix will be 98FM’s Daragh O’Dea, who will be informing all attending about special offers available to shoppers, as well as giving out spot prizes throughout the day.

The event is a celebration of the recent upgrade of Stillorgan Village and also acts as a christening party for the popular local shopping centre.

The 46-year-old shopping centre was renamed Stillorgan Village to “reflect its friendly neighbourhood atmosphere at the heart of the commu-

nity”, said Ray Coary, its central manager.

He added: “More than €3m worth of refurbishment works has been completed in shops throughout the centre.

“The refurbishment has modernised Stillorgan Village whilst maintaining its family-friendly environment, enhancing the shopping experience for the community.”

The centre is enjoying near full capacity despite the economic downturn, and almost all of the units have been taken up. In the past 12 months, nine new brands have been added to Stillorgan Village, including Benetton, Ecco and Starbucks, which is

Stillorgan Shopping Centre will be rebranded as Stillorgan Village from next week

due to open in October and will create 15 jobs.

Coary said: “We are now virtually fully occupied in the shopping centre, with only one 1,000 sq ft unit available, and we are actually looking to create additional space to meet demand.

“All the fundamentals

which have attracted the loyal customer base to Stillorgan over the years are still in place, but the new retail stores mean that footfall in the centre has increased by 6%.”

Niall Kavanagh, director of property at Treasury Holdings, which manage the centre, said: “With

the retail sector suffering more than most, it’s encouraging to see this kind of positive response to the various initiatives we have been promoting.

“Stillorgan’s fresh new look, we believe, will help the centre go from strength to strength in the short-term.”

CONTEST

Help pick the best bookshop THE search for Ireland’s favourite bookshop is on, with all South Dublin booklovers urged to cast their votes before Sunday, October 14.

The search for the Bord Gais Energy Bookshop of the Year, which was first introduced last year, highlights the importance of bookshops. This year, more than 70 Dublin bookshops from Dublin are competing.

Local bookstores in the running include Easons, and Hughes & Hughes at Dundrum Town Centre; the Bookstation, at Nutgrove Shopping Centre; The Wise Owl, in Ballinteer, and the Rathfarnham Bookshop. To cast your vote, visit www.bordgaisenergybookclub.ie.

6 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 September 2012

TOURISM Local TD welcomes Failte Ireland initiative

ENTERPRISENEWS Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council are preparing tender documents for the new tourist office

Digital Video & LinkedIn for Small Business Seminar September 26th 2012, Royal Marine Hotel Learn how your business can make the most of Digital Video and LinkedIn. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Enterprise Board is hosting a full day seminar (9.30am–5 .30pm) on Wednesday, 26th September in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dún Laoghaire. In the morning session, you’ll get expert advice on how to use Digital Video as a form of promotional content for your website and social media presence. In the afternoon session, you’ll find out how to maximize the networking and lead generation capabilities of LinkedIn. Q&A sessions will follow both topics.

If you are a small business owner/manager with plans to build a business-winning digital marketing strategy on a limited budget, this seminar can help you. Led by experienced internet strategy professionals, this full day session will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to get proven online sales and marketing channels working for your business. You’ll also get the opportunity to network with other small businesses throughout the day.

Announcing the seminar speakers, Michael Johnson, the CEO of the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Enterprise Board, said: “There are plenty of examples of entrepreneurs in our county winning business by adopting smart online strategies. This seminar will give people an excellent opportunity to pick the brains of experts and to give their business a competitive edge in the process.”

For further information and to book your place, please visit www.dlrceb.ie or contact the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Enterprise Board on (01) 494 8400.

New tourist office in time for Gathering ’13 A NEW tourist office is set to open in Dun Laoghaire next spring as part of a new co-operative drive between Failte Ireland and local councils, community groups and businesses, in time for the Gathering 2013, the global diaspora event which is expected to draw some 325,000 extra visitors to the country throughout the year.

Local TD Mary Mitchell O’Connor welcomed the news of the new tourist office and said it will be great for local people and visitors to the area.

“The move is part of an

initiative which has seen Fáilte Ireland working with local groups across the country to provide tourist information services. Already, 30% of the existing Tourist Information Offices nationwide have been taken over by local groups, with the help of Fáilte Ireland.”

Deputy Mitchell O’Connor paid tribute to the efforts made by volunteers to keep local amenities open in the face of funding cuts.

“T he provision of the new office will be a great boost to the local community in Dun Laoghaire, particularly after the Trojan efforts to

keep the Joyce Martello Tower open this summer.

The challenges facing the tower were met with an incredible response by local volunteers who rallied together to ensure the museum could remain open.

“The altruistic spirit displayed by these volunteers is something Dun Laoghaire can really be proud of, and I have no doubt that this same spirit will play a role in the successful operation of the new tourist office. There is a deep sense of local pride in Dun Laoghaire and a strong recognition that it’s not only a great place

to live, but a great place to visit.”

Deptuy Mitchell O’Connor went on to say that Dun Laoghaire is the ideal tourist spot and has many attractions which can be advertised to advantage in the new tourist information office.

“The provision of a tourist office will help to provide visitors with useful information about the area, and it will add to the overall offering of the town. As well as a beautiful setting, great restaurants and cafes and historical attractions like the Joyce Tower, Dun Laoghaire will now be

able to provide visitors with advice and information on how to spend their time locally.

“Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council is currently preparing tender documents for the new facility, and it’s hoped the tourist office can be opened by spring 2013.”

In a statement, a council spokesperson said that the council is currently discussing County Hall as one possible location for the new tourist office in Dun Laoghaire, but that there are other options for its location also under consideration.

Jobs boost after pool development 15 JOBS are to be created at the new Loughlinstown swimming pool due to open in November of this year.

The new jobs on offer will be full and part-time qualified swimming teachers, lifeguards and leisure instructors. Tom Mowlds, chief executive of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Leisure Services, (DLRLS), said that as services are rolled out and demand is established, further jobs will emerge.

In addition to the 15 new lei-

sure industry jobs, DLRLS has said that it expects a large number of ancillary employment to be created as the pool’s construction is being finished.

The €6.8m investment in the new community facility has been funded by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

“We are working with local groups, the existing leisure centre users, and schools in the area to devise teaching, fitness, and

fun swimming sessions for the community,” said Mowlds.

Loughlinstown has been without a swimming facility for 20 years, so the new 26m sixlane pool is a welcome addition to the area. It will be managed

by DLRLS, which currently employs 170 staff across all of its centres. These include the Glenalbyn, Meadowbrook and Monkstown community pools, golf courses and all-weather pitches.

The Loughlinstown Leisure

Centre has also led the way in the area of cardiac care and is the only leisure facility in Leinster whose staff are trained in cardiac rehabilitation. Staff can even make GP referrals to members.

In 2010, the centre received the ILAM WhiteFlag Award in recognition of the exceptionally high standards of quality in health and leisure facilities For details of all job opportunities with DLRLS, refer to their website at www.dlrls.ie.

20 September 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 7

FOOD AWARD

TRANSPORT: PILOT ROAD SCHEME CRITICISED BY LOCAL POLITICIANS

Organic chocolate to savour

Roundabout is cited as unsafe I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

news@gazettegroup.com

A €300,000 cycle-friendly roundabout at Killiney Towers has been criticised by two local councillors as unsafe and a cause of accidents in the area.

Fine Gael councillors John Bailey and Patricia Stewart both objected to the finalised plans of the roundabout’s improvements at the end of October 2011, which were carried out in February of this year.

Cllr Stewart said he was opposed to the improvements on a number of grounds: “As councillors, we were not consulted [on the plans], it cost an enormous amount of money and especially because it is a pilot project which might be rolled out elsewhere.”

The roundabout was developed in accordance with the National Cycling Manual of the National Transport Authority.

Cllr Stewart explained that, on the roundabout, drivers have to yield to bicycles at all times.

“If a bicycle comes onto the roundabout, the car driver must stop and give it right of way. There is a segregated cycle lane and a main driving section. I don’t know why [the changes were] needed as, in the report on the previous roundabout, there were no accidents involving cyclists listed.

Nowadays, I’m hearing of more and more accidents.”

Cllr Stewart outlined that her greatest fear was for the public’s safety.

“This style of roundabout doesn’t exist anywhere else, so there is an

uncertain element to it. It has slowed traffic down, which is good, but it has introduced an anxiety on approaching it, as cyclists must be yielded to, and the exit off it is so tight.

“As well as that, there are all kinds of stripes and signs around it, which is very distracting. I think the council has complexified (sic) the whole thing needlessly, in my view. For so much money, I think we should have been consulted, at least.”

Both Cllrs Stewart and Bailey have said they intend to submit an engineers’ safety report at the next area committee transport meeting on October 1. The report was carried out by Clifton Scannell Emerson Associates in August after it was requested in council

by Cllr Stewart.

Divers activities: Beach cleanup part of international study THE COASTCARE Group and Sandycove Tidy Towns Committee took part in An Taisce’s big clean-up of Sandycove Beach last weekend, as part of the Ocean Conservancy’s 27th International Coastal Cleanup operation, much to the delight of divers Seamus Heffernan and Rob Whitfield, accompanied here by Margaret Brown from the Sandycove Tidy Towns committee.

Data collected from all clean-ups that took place internationally will be used by the Ocean Conservancy in their work to guide marine policy and in protecting the ocean and its wildlife for future generations.

WITH its outstanding packaging and carefully sourced ingredients, a Dun Laoghaire company picked up one of the top prizes at the recent National Organic Awards.

Wilkies Dark Chocolate was awarded the Best Organic Confectionery and Baked Good prize at an awards ceremony held last week in Bord Bia. Wilkies Chocolate was one of over 100 entries to compete in the competition and the awards were given in eight different categories.

According to Tara McCarthy, director of Bord Bia’s food and beverage division, Wilkies Chocolate was the deserving winner in its category.

“The judges described Wilkies Dark Chocolate as great tasting, neither too dry nor bitter and evidently made with passion.”

8 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 September 2012

SHACKLETON

Exhibition celebrates crew’s legacy

Daphne Shackleton

Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore paid particular praise to the superb photos at the exhibition (sample, right)

Holly Micklen was delighted as author Michael Smith autographed a copy of his book on explorer Tom Crean for her. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Warm reception for a cool explorer ...

ISTINGUISHED guests from across the political, historical and societal spheres attended the official opening of the Shackleton Endurance Exhibition at the newlyrenovated ferry terminal building in Dun Laoghaire recently.

The enduring legacy of Shackleton,

D

and his fellow sailor-explorers, loomed large over the gathering, which saw Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore joining the British Ambassador, His Excellency Dominick Chilcott; the Canadian Ambassador, His Excellency Loyola Hearn; Alexandra Shackleton, granddaughter of Sir Ernest Shackleton,

Kerryman, seaman and Antartic explorer Tom Crean

and other members of the Shackleton family.

Featuring photographs by Frank Hurley of the Endurance Expedition, video footage, and many other artefacts, the superb exhibition commemorates, and celebrates, the spirit of adventure and knowledge in style.

Roger Kirker, National Maritime Museum; Peadar Ward, president, the Maritime Joe O’Farrell

Institute, and Gerry Dunne, chief executive, Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company

Peter Whyte

Kay Gleeson

20 September 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 9

10 DUN LOAGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 September 2012

LAUNCH Domino’s roll out a new range of gourmet food

Siobhan O’Connor and Leanne Moore

Chef Andrew Rudd gets some help from the Wine Friendly crew at the evening’s launch

He’s Rudd-y to serve delicious new pizzas UESTS from across the city tucked into a delicious night out in the city centre recently, as chef Adam Rudd’s new studio in Drury Street hosted a Domino’s Pizza launch.

With Adam overseeing the flavourful fun, a range of pizzas, sides and

G

Tracey and Michelle Dolan

desserts were enjoyed by all, with wine from Wine Friendly proving a perfect complement to the fare.

Television personality Leanne Moore joined “Gossip Girl” Siobhan O’Connor to have a go at pizza making, but their game attempts were surpassed by the new Domino’s range.

Jennifer Maguire

Sinead O’Connor and Rebecca O’Neill

The new gourmet range has been designed to provide a “lighter” pizza with distinctive flavour, with tempting ingredients in the range including roast chicken breast, baby spinach, Greek feta cheese, Peruvian roquito peppers and more, providing something for everyone to tuck into.

Lynsey Murtagh and Gill Verrecchia

Allanna Hennessy

Charlotte and John McLoughlin

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 11

THEATRE Ballymun stages festival for eighth year

Axis premieres Beckett in Irish bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

THE world premieres of four Samuel Beckett plays which have been translated into Irish by Gabriel Rosenstock will take place in the Axis Theatre in Ballymun this October.

As part of the Borradh Buan Irish Language Festival, which runs from October 15 to 27, the Mouth on Fire Theatre Company will stage Blogh, which is the Irish translation of Beckett’s Rough for Theatre 1 and Rocabai, the Irish version of Rokaby.

The newly translated works will be performed by an ensemble under the title Ag Taibhreamh ar … nGra (Dreaming of … Love). There will

also be a performance of a selection of Beckett’s poems which have been translated.

Mother, father and son acting team Geraldine Plunkett, Peadar Lamb and Marcus Lamb will share the stage with actors Melissa Nolan and Jennifer Laverty. The Beckett poems will be read by Gabriel Rosenstock and Nick Devlin.

Festival

These productions, which have received backing from Dublin City Council and Foras na Gaeilge, are part of Borradh Buan 2012, which is Ireland’s only festival of its kind and is in its eighth year.

Announcing details of the production, Cathal Quinn, artistic director

of Mouth on Fire, said the theatre company was extremely honoured to be staging new interpretations of Beckett’s work and has even received touring requests from Britain, Japan and Canada.

“The Beckett estate is known for the scrupulous care it takes to safeguard the integrity of Beckett’s writing – and rightly so,” said Quinn. “So we were thrilled to be granted the rights to translate some of his short plays into Irish, and to stage these in Irish for the very first time.”

The world premiere of Blogh and Rocabai are on Friday, October 26, in the Axis in Ballymun, tickets cost from €8 to €12, and are available by calling 01 883 2100.

M

I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

Top Wedding Tips: Our complete guide for planning your perfect day The world premieres of four Samuel Beckett plays which have been translated into Irish will take place in the Axis Theatre in Ballymun this October

BRIDE&GROOM PAGES 19-27

12 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

GazetteContacts

SNAPSHOT The local stories of the day

Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251

Managing Director: Michael McGovern email:mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Acting News Editor: Rob Heigh email: rheigh@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater email: sport@gazettegroup.com Picture Editor: Paul Hosford email: picturedesk@gazettegroup.com Ad Manager: Louise Fitzgerald email: lfitzgerald@gazettegroup.com Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com

Advertising Sales: 01 6010240 email: sales@gazettegroup.com Westlife singer Nicky Byrne with fifth class students from St Peter and Paul’s National Boys’ School, Baldoyle, to launch the 2012 Cheerios Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement. If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

Childline Breakfast Together Week3

Byrne helps to raise funds for Childline WESTLIFE singer Nicky Byrne dropped in to see the fifth class students from St Peter and Paul’s National Boys’ School, Baldoyle, to launch the 2012 Cheerios Childline Breakfast Together Week.

Byrne, a former pupil of the school, was there in his capacity as an ambassador for the ISPCC. The children’s charity are asking as many people as possible – schools, creches, companies,

DIARY coffee shops, friends and families – to come together, hold a breakfast event and raise much-needed funds for Childline.

Childline is entirely funded by the Irish public, so their support is vital.

Funds raised will help Childline volunteers to answer more calls from vulnerable children and

young people in Ireland who have nowhere else to turn.

The Cheerios Childline Breakfast Together Week will take place from October 8 to 14. To register, log on to www. childlinebreakfast.ie, or call 1850 50 40 50.

Meeting Packie Bonner STAFF from the Beacon

Hospital in Sandyford, and former Irish goalkeeping legend Packie Bonner are heading to the National Ploughing Championships on September 26 to play an outdoor exhibition match in the Health and Wellness section of the trade show, from 12 noon to 2pm.

People who come to visit the UPMC Beacon stand will get the chance to meet the sporting hero afterwards.

Chartered physiotherapists will be on hand at the stand over the three days of the ploughing championships, advising on injury prevention and management.

Free analysis

They will also offer simple fitness tests for the more than 189,000 expected visitors to the three-day exhibition, and will offer free gait analysis for visitors.

A hotel stay worth €500 will also be won by one lucky visitor to the Beacon stand.

The Ploughing Championships will take place between Tuesday and Thursday, September 25 to 27 in New Ross, Co Wexford.

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 13

COMPETITION €10,000 worth of vouchers to be won

Search for the country’s most musical school THE Waltons Music for Schools Competition is looking for the country’s most musical school.

The competition will award a total of €10,000 worth of vouchers for

musical instruments, accessories, books, music technology or PA equipment from Waltons Music.

Awards will be divided among six winning primary and post-primary

schools, including two first prizes of €3,000 vouchers, and music groups from 12 finalist schools will have the fantastic opportunity to perform in the National Concert Hall.

Entry forms are available to download from www.waltons.ie, www. newschool.ie, www.rte. ie/lyricfm and w w w. nch.ie, and you can email your entry form, along with all addi-

tional information and materials, to musicforschools@waltonsmusic.ie Entries must arrive by 5 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013. Late entries will not be accepted.

EVENT: CHANCE TO MEET POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS

Jobs Expo returns to Croke Park

I HIROMI MOONEY

Road dogs: A charity cruise across the USA RADIO PRESENTER Baz Ashwamy, actor George McMahon, former boxing champion Bernard Dunne, singer Ryan Sheridan, will hit the open road on Harley Davidson motorcycles as part of the Delta Horizon Tour across the US in aid of Irish Dogs for the Disabled in September/October 2013.

Irish Dogs for the Disabled train assistance dogs to assist physically disabled children and adults. These dogs carry out a range of practical tasks in order to allow disabled people greater independence.

Every dog is trained to help with simple everyday tasks such as opening and closing doors, picking up dropped items, emptying the washing machine, sending for help or even helping a child with severe walk-

ing difficulties to walk with greater ease and balance.

Each dog is trained to cater for the needs of the specific client to enable them to live life with greater independence. This all costs money, of course, and in order to raise funds for this very worthy charity, the charity is undertaking the motorcyle trip of a lifetime from Chicago to New Orleans next year.

Irish Guide Dogs for the Disabled is now offering volunteers the chance to literally sample history on a two week, 3,000km guided motorcycle tour that will go from Chicago, Illinois, to the magical streets of New Orleans.

For further info check out www.deltahorizontour.com

JOBS Expo 2012 will return to Croke Park next Friday and Saturday, September 28 and 29, following its successful event held earlier this year.

The employment and recruitment fair promises to offer plenty of information and opportunities both at home and abroad.

The free event will offer advice and career opportunities from various companies. One such company is the British Columbia Construction Association, whose members are looking to fill positions in the Canadian province for carpenters, welders, iron workers, plumbers, pipe layers, mechanics, crane operators and sheet metal workers.

The Jobs Expo event coordinator, Vicky Kelly, said that following the success of the last expo event, which had around 9,000 attendees, they are expecting to exceed that figure this time.

“I think it’s very important [to host an expo like this] because it’s an ideal opportunity for employ-

ers to showcase the positions that they have, and also for the public so that they feel more involved in the recruitment process as well.

“They can actually come along and present themselves in person rather than being a piece of paper with a CV being emailed in to an organisation,” she said.

“It’s a great chance to actually come and speak to employers directly and to apply face-to-face for a role that you may be suitable for.”

The exhibition will be divided into five different areas, which are Irish Job Opportunities, Working Abroad, Education Village, Career Clinic and Starting Your Own Business.

The event is run by Learning Ireland, the publisher of leading websites Nightcourses.com, Gotocollege.ie, Postgrad. ie, Corporatetraining.ie and Learning.ie.

The expo will take place from 11am to 5pm both days in The Hogan Suite in Croke Park.

For more information, visit http://www.jobsexpo.ie/.

14 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

BUSINESS: CUTTING COSTS

STYLE Advice from Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen

EPA’s initiative to help firms go green

THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a one-stop shop for businesses in Dublin to help them save money while preventing waste, conserving water and reducing their energy costs.

The EPA developed the resources for businesses facing increasing energy costs and waste and water charges which are looking to reduce their overheads by adopting greener ways of doing business.

BeGreen provides access to a range of business programmes including Green-

Business and GreenHospitality.

GreenBusiness is a free business advisory service that represents an innovative approach to waste prevention and resource efficiency in Ireland. BeGreen’s expert environmental advisors will visit organisations and generate a tailored environmental efficiency action plan free of charge.

GreenHospitality has been a hugely successful BeGreen programme for the hospitality industry. For more information, visit BeGreen www.begreen.ie

Interior design guru, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, pictured in Dublin launching his exclusive online collection of furniture and furnishings for Littlewoods Ireland

‘Be subversive, be posh – ditch beige’ I LAURA WEBB

FORGET about living in a beige box – instead, be playful with colours and designs throughout the house.

That’s just a little of the advice that interior designer, Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, bestknown for his appearances on TV’s Changing Rooms, brought to town on a recent visit to launch his exclusive collection for online department store, Littlewoods Ireland.

The Gazette caught up with the designer at a hotel suite that had been transformed into a shrine to his new collection.

Sitting on a couch he had designed himself, Laurence looked ever the suave gentleman, and was only too delighted to talk about his new collection.

“It’s the first time ever, that I feel I have created an entire, almost couture attitude collection – something that encompasses furniture as well as bed linen, soft furniture, bedding, lighting and things – it has been tremendously liberating,” he said.

“I have been designing for years and years. I launched wallpaper 14 years ago – a really long time – but when you design an element like a roll of wallpaper or china or table-linen, or whatever, you have got to use that one small thing to tell a big story.

“But, when you are creating an entire collection, you can be so much more emphatic, so much more punky and subversive – you don’t need to be so bloody tasteful!

“The look I wanted to

sell, because it is my look, is all about indulgence, voluptuousness and every-day luxury and theatricality, opera – but it also has to be funny.

“There has to be something about it that is witty and grown-up, and so much interior design isn’t.

So much is so appallingly straight, and unbelievably serious! Sod that – we are fabulously diverse.

“I want to make people’s lives sexier, more playful, more indulgent – to me, those are the things that make you feel as if you are worth it,” said Laurence.

Asked about the use of colour on walls, Laurence believes the bolder, the better.

“If we all woke up in a beige box, we would all be very dull people!

We want to make these

places, places that we can escape to.

“It is all about being able to be ourselves and not conform to this rigid, pre-prescribed sense of what is ‘good taste’ and what is ‘bad taste’.”

According to Laurence, his collection offers luxury furnishings at affordable prices.

“People look at it and say, ‘That’s posh’. But ‘posh’ doesn’t mean anything, posh doesn’t mean class, it doesn’t mean money, it doesn’t mean status – it is just posh – and that is what I want it to be.

“Posh for as little money is absolutely perfect, because it is totally subversive,” he said.

The Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen collection is available now on www. littlewoodsireland.ie.

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 15

LIBRARY

ENTERPRISE: CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR ANNUAL ENTREPRENEURIAL CONTEST

Camera club set to exhibit

Start-up business will win €25,000 THE Learning and Innovation Centre (LINC) last week launched its annual entrepreneurial competition, which offers the winner an impressive prize worth €25,000 for a start-up business.

This is the third year of the LINC’s Jump-Start competition at the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) The competition is open to entrepreneurs who would like to base their business in an innovative and supportive environment.

The value of the award is €25,000, and includes €5,000 in cash for the winning company, plus the cost of the incubation space for 12 months, with varied mentoring support available to the company from industry experts, and a range of useful business start-up packages, including design, media,

technology equipment, print, call-answering and much more.

Last week saw the official launch of the competition, which took place at the Dylan Hotel.

One of Ireland’s bestknown entrepreneurs, and Dragon’s Den star, Bobby Kerr, was on hand to officially launch the competition.

Delighted He said: “I am delighted to be involved with the Jump-Start competition again.

“I see the competition as a great way for entrepreneurs to present to their peers and have the opportunity of winning an amazing prize that any start-up would love to receive, especially in the current climate.”

Shortlisted entrants will get a unique opportunity to present their

ideas to a very experienced panel, including Kerr; Judith Troy, AIB regional manager; Oisin Geoghegan, chief executive of Fingal County Enterprise Board, and George Kiely, regional director of Enterprise Ireland.

The judging panel will be chaired by Assumpta Harvey, manager of the LINC at ITB. Application forms can be downloaded from www.thelinc.ie/jumpstart, with the closing date for applications set for 4pm on Friday, October 19, with the shortlist to be announced on November 2.

All applicants must submit a fully completed application form.

The winner of the award will be announced on the evening of the final judging, on November 15.

I NATALIE BURKE

Gimme Moore: Street’s traders help to celebrate orchestra’s concerts SWAPPING her fruit and veg for cymbals, Moore Street trader Marie Cullen showed Sinead Farrell what a dab hand she is when it comes to making music.

The pair were having some fun on the famous street, as mem-

bers from the RTE National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) were visiting the street to help publicise the upcoming NSO 2012-2013 season, which is now under way at the National Concert Hall.

BALDOYLE Library will play host to the “Expressive Black and White” exhibition later this month – a photography event featuring the best work of Sutton Camera Club.

The photography exhibition will be held from Monday, September 24 until Friday, September 28, with the official launch taking place on Tuesday, September 25 at 6.30pm.

With members of the photography club hailing from Baldoyle, Swords, Howth, Clongriffin, Portmarnock and Donaghmede, the free exhibition features work from a number of different communities.

Sutton Camera Club currently meet every second Tuesday night in the Baldoyle Forum Centre.

For further information, see www.suttoncameraclub.com.

16 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT Boys and ghouls may like this film I SHANE DILLON

IT’S been a while since I was last at the cinema, so I don’t have any particular expectations of what most films for kids should be like, today.

I mean – and this is probably showing my age here – the last time I went to see a kid’s film, I think a young Jodie Foster was running around in it, looking for some place called Witch Mountain

(circa 1873)?

There was definitely an intermission in the middle of the film when the red curtains closed, I remember that much.

3D? It was all barely 2D, back then, mate!

All of this makes me sound less like a grownup, and more like a dinosaur. Could an old fogey like me truly get to grips with something that’s, y’know, for kids?

Well, ParaNorman

(deservedly a Cert PG; 92 mins; starring, oh, John Goodman is just about the biggest name there) is a stop-motion animated film about Norman; an average kid in his sleepy home town.

Average, that is, except for the fact that he sees dead people everywhere, and wearily blathers away with amiable ghosts that only he can see, including Uncle Prenderghast (Goodman).

Personally, I’d be using my invisible buddies to ace every test in school, but, alas, Norman’s a nicer kid than me – err, so to speak – as he doesn’t treat his deadly pals with any disrespect.

Norman’s pretty normal, otherwise, given his slightly annoying family; the fact that he’s getting bullied a bit at school, and the fact that his town keeps celebrating a witch that it, um, dealt with, 300 years earlier.

Now, you don’t suppose that a 300-year-dead witch and a boy who chats away to spirits from

Spot the odd one out ... Yes, that’s right – it’s Norman, who alone can see dead people everywhere. A handy gift, it turns out, given a town curse that’s about to unfold ...

the afterlife could possibly cross paths, thus fulfilling an ancient curse set upon the town, do you?

(Or, in my best ghost-ese: dooooo youuuuu?)

It’s not long before dead ol’ witchipoo is back – back, and deader than ever – ready to make up for 300 years of other people partying and celebrating her unfortunate

end, with a load of creepy minions and zombies.

(From this point onwards, the film ramps up its intensity a bit, as it gallops headlessly over heels towards that PG rating, making it worth pointing out that you better be sure your little boys and ghouls can handle the film’s grave humour.)

It’s down to Norman, his misfit friends, some clueless grown-ups and, of course, his spectral sidekicks – some of whom are dead willing to help – to save the day.

Not that it’s going to be that easy, of course ...

Actually, the film was fairly entertaining enough, with nothing too awful, so long as you’re clear that your little dar-

lings are going to see a PG film with ghosts, zombies and stuff.

(I had to grow up with endless cartoons starring sickly goodie-goodie, Casper The Friendly Ghost, so today’s kids have better luck than me with their entertainment choices.)

While stop-motion is something of a dying art, it’s beautifully done, here, crafting a lovely film to look at that, sure, is very much like a Tim Burton story in some parts, yet also has some heart and brains (or, in my zombieese, braiiiinnnnnssss).

So, for something a little spooky, and ahead of Halloween’s overkill, I’d say it’s worth an “okay” three stars out of five ...

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 17

GazetteTTRAVEL A delightful tribute to Beckett in Enniskillen I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

TRAVELLING to Fermanagh, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the very first Happy Days International Beckett Festival, celebrating the work and legacy of Irish writer and playwright, Samuel Beckett, but I was excited at the prospect of seeing some of my favourite old Beckett plays performed in stimulating new ways – and I was certainly not disappointed.

Enniskillen was the location of the inaugural festival. Upon arriving at the gorgeous Manor House Hotel in Killadeas, I was struck by the period residence’s faultless restoration to its original glory on grounds overlooking Lough Erne, dating back to the 17th century.

Dinner was delicious, and the portions generous, with wild salmon and fresh pasta served by a staff of very attentive waiters. During dinner, our party were introduced to the Happy Days festival, where its founder, Sean Doran, told us how it all began.

The seed for the idea was planted in his head to hold the festival in Enniskillen before he was even aware of the connection between the influential writer and the town.

He said: “I didn’t know he went to Portora [Royal School] here, but I wanted the festival to be here.

When I found out, it was happy days!”

Unlike other purely literary festivals, Sean wanted Happy Days to be more eclectic, and full of the spirit of Beckett’s influence, rather than just a few days of seeing his plays performed.

With that in mind, he decided to mix in elements which resonated with Beckett’s legacy.

Sean introduced sporting events, music and comedy into the programme; debates and talks by contemporary Irish and international writers, as well as Beckett pieces performed by small theatre companies and renowned actors.

Homage The great melting pot of acts and performers at the five-day festival was a collective homage to Beckett’s work and influence in all artistic forms.

The whole town of Enniskillen got into the spirit of the festival, with barber shops offering Beckett haircuts and delicatessens selling ham and clove sandwiches.

However, the undisputed highlight of the whole festival was Robert Wilson’s premiere of, Krapp’s Last Tape.

On entering the lovely Ardhowen Theatre, I knew I was in for something mighty, judging by the calibre of punter around me.

From the moment the curtain came up, American avant-garde theatremaker Robert Wilson,

TravelBriefs The parties will be even bigger than usual this year at the world-famous resort

Writer Samuel Beckett would have approved of the Muckball Cup, commissioned in his honour

Irish poet Paul Muldoon, heavily influenced by Beckett, also appeared at

Enniskillen gets into the spirit of the

the festival

festival, with many home-made signs

Part of the striking front of the truly beautiful Manor House Hotel in Killadeas

white-faced and utterly unique, mesmerised the audience.

His portrayal introduced effective and symbolic elements, bringing the play to life with a strange bolt of electricity.

The first thing Wilson did was to sit, as the sound effect of teeming rain flooded the theatre.

He sat for so long, he pushed the boundaries of audience expectation to the outer limits.

T hen, he ate two bananas in a very stylised and ritualistic way, whilst looking at the audience with a world of conflicting

Edited by Natalie Burke

emotions on his face.

The whole performance was a joy to witness, and I felt blessed to have been there.

Everything Wilson does is his own, and heavy with meaning and symbolism; he is a born artist of the highest rate, and I know I’ll never see anything like him again.

Not only was he a consummate performer on stage, but he used his primitive nature to great effect too.

Now and then, as he listened to the tapes, a great primal noise would emanate from his distended

clown-like mouth as he reacted in horror.

Yet, the sound echoed that of the stop button on the tape recorder. This marriage of the sublime and the ridiculous was astonishingly original.

People left the show wearing blank, dazed expressions, and it was patently clear that Wilson had done the real job of a theatre maker – he had put us all through something amazing.

For further information on the Manor House Hotel, Killadeas, Enniskillen, see www.manorhousecountryhotel.com.

Celebrating 20 years of Disneyland Paris THIS year, for its 20th anniversary, there is more magic in the air than ever at Disneyland Paris, which has been transformed through an amazing explosion of lights and colours.

Abbey Travel is offering family stopover packages for two adults and two children, starting from €479 per family, based on selected dates from November to March.

The package includes accommodation and breakfast in a Disney Hotel, tickets for both Disney Parks for each day, free Fastpass to reduce queuing times at the most popular attractions, and extra Magic Hours – access to Disneyland Park up to two hours before its regular opening time.

For full details of the offer, and related terms and conditions, or to make a booking, telephone Abbey Travel at 01 804 7160, or see www. abbeytravel.ie.

18 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Interview: Robert Prestage, owner, the Bathroom Boutique, Churchtown MY FINANCEE’S DEBTS ...

Q – MY FIANCEE and I are getting married in six months, but she is paying credit card debt and bank loans through MABS [the Money Advice and Budgeting Service].

So, when we get married, can they take my wages into account, and make me liable for her debts, too? Gerry – Clondalkin A - SHE must be a wonderful girl to marry her with all this debt. I suppose the phrase: “For richer, or poorer” comes to mind!

By going to MABS, it means that perhaps some of her debts require professional management and strategy.

This time of your life is certainly a time when all the cards should very definitely be on the table – no secrets, especially financial ones.

You would want to ensure there are no other skeletons in her cupboard.

The first thing I would do is for both of you to set out a monthly income and expenditure budget – you HAVE to know how much is coming in and, importantly, how much is going out.

You will also need to tell each other EXACTLY what liabilities and assets you have.

You may decide to escalate the debt repayment prior to marriage, so it doesn’t act like a millstone around your necks.

As regards your liability for her debts after marriage, the answer is no – her debts remain her debts, even if she cannot afford to repay them.

However, if her credit history is affected (judgments stay on your credit history for life), then that will affect your application for joint loans, such as a mortgage.

Even if she has a sound job with a healthy income, she will be precluded from being approved because of her past record.

Guard your good name, but talk openly NOW about it.

Anti-money laundering rules stipulate: “Know your customer”, but in your case, it is more like: “Know your wife”!

But may I wish you many happy years together.

All the best.

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

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

Bathroom designs to make a splash ROBERT Prestage has more than 25 years’ experience in the plumbing and construction industry, running his own company in South Africa’s Cape Town before moving to Dublin 12 years ago.

Initially coming for a holiday, professional curiosity got the better of him and, before the holiday was finished, he found himself working for a couple in Shankill, Co Dublin and, through referrals, he has never looked back.

Establishing Prestage Plumbers and Renovators soon afterwards, the business has gone from strength to strength; culminating in his latest business venture, the Bathroom Boutique.

The showroom, based in Churchtown, specialises in retail and offers full installation service and maintenance service by its sister company, Prestage Plumbers and Renovators.

The showroom is influenced by styles and concepts from Europe’s leading brands, offering a wide range of products from contemporary to traditional and everything in between.

Customers can find a wide range of baths, wet-room showers, shower enclosures, washbasins, toilets, furniture and a large selection of tiles.

Robert says that Bathroom Boutique’s ethos is based on

delivering superior quality and outstanding service, and products are sourced through Irish companies – mindful of his belief in keeping business local.

He adds that Tony and Tracey, the showroom staff, have more

than 30 years’ experience between them in the bathroom retail industry, with experience working with all the world’s leading brands and designer ranges.

They look forward to meeting and advising customers through

the various stages of designing, choosing and installation of their dream bathroom.

For testimonials of finished projects, see www.thebathroomboutique.ie, and www.prestageplumbers.ie.

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

A: A farmer

thing that you once thought you could not pull off?

A: No

TV or movie pleasure?

A: Farming and fishing pro-

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: Donedeal.ie

Q: What was your first job?

A: Worked in a hardware store

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

A: All day

Q&A

in Cape Town

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: 250 rands per month – about €25

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: Yes – a part-time mechanic

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS

CALL 60 10 240

Robert Prestage, owner, Bathroom Boutique, Churchtown, with some of the outlet’s wares

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

A: Mail Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Rugby and horseracing

grammes

Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – Michael D or Jedward?

A: Jedward Q: What music/pictures/ movies do you have on your iPod/iPad? A: Netflix app

Q: What sport can you play?

A: Golf and archery

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Family

ever since

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: Smoking

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Steak, chips and mushroom

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Customer satisfaction

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

A: moving house

Q: Have you ever achieved any-

Q: What is your guilty music/

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: 1981; I’ve been a plumber

sauce, and apple pie

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

A: Neither

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

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

A: Barbados Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: It would have to be sitting in the sun in a quiet place drinking a glass of rose

Q: What would be your dream job?

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

A: Maybe I will become a farmer then

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 19

ROYAL TREATMENT P21

TOP WEDDING TIPS P24

&

HONEYMOONS P26

Bride groom W

Dublin’s complete guide to yo u r w e d d i n g

ELCOME to the Gazette’s Bride and Groom supplement, your complete guide to creating the perfect wedding day.

Inside this month’s fantastic supplement, we focus on one of the most important factors in your big day — venue, venue, venue!

With a focus on elegance and quality, we feature some of the best wedding venues in the province and beyond, while we also take the time with the help of a wedding planner to go through a checklist of all the vital things to think about when making the all-important decision about where your wedding will happen.

SEPTEMBER 2012 We also highlight another crucial venue — where you are going to have your honeymoon, and look at what is on offer in Malta at the fabulous Fortina resort.

As well as all of these great features, we are giving readers the chance to pick up a pair of tickets for the upcoming Wedding Journal Show which takes place on September 29 and 30 at the Citywest Complex. So make sure and enter, and if you don’t win, head along regardless — there’s a fabulous €25,000 wedding to be won at the event for everyone who attends.

So read on for some fantastic advice and tips on how to throw the ultimate wedding bash.

20 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l BE AUT Y IN BALLSBRIDGE l

Elegant charm at the Clyde Court THE bride-to-be isn’t the only one to change their name when it comes to wedding days.

The Clyde Court Hotel in Ballsbridge, one of the most popular and romantic weddings venues in Dublin – and which features several elegant suites to choose from, with a selection of bespoke menus – recently changed its name from the Berkeley Court Hotel.

Its unique marriage of luxury and legend lends itself to big days.

The Grosvenor Suite is a regal ballroom with high ceilings, ornate mirrors, chandeliers and its own private bar, and is the perfect choice for larger weddings.

For more intimate celebrations, the Herbert Suite, or Clyde Room, both offer stylish surroundings and bespoke packages to suit every taste and budget.

Clyde Court Hotel’s wedding packages start at just €55 per person, and they host civil ceremonies and wedding

The beautiful Grovesnor Suite ballroom

blessings, too.

For further information, contact personal wedding coordinator Leanne Regan at 01 238 2700, email weddings@ clydecourthotel.com, or find them online at www.clydecourthotel.com.

Sister hotels with first-class choice: Navan’s Newgrange and Ardboyne excel with weddings SISTER properties in Navan, the Newgrange and Ardboyne Hotels are offering prospective brides and grooms a very different but equally royal wedding experience in the heart of Meath.

Both hotels have equally high standards and reputation, with the lively Newgrange Hotel inspired by the rich, ancient history of the area, while the Ardboyne Hotel providing a relaxed and luxurious setting for weddings.

Both hotels’ long years of experience in

organising and staging weddings of all sizes means they have the ability to assist every happy couple interested in holding their special day at the venues, and using their array of suites to provide an appropriate and tailorable experience for all budgets and sizes.

For further information, contact the Newgrange Hotel at 046 907 4100 or see its website at www. newgrangehotel.ie; contact the Ardboyne Hotel at 046 902 3119, or see its website at www.ardboynehotel.com.

20 September 2012 GAZETTE 21

l HI STORI C SI GH T S FR O M A CO NT E M PO R ARY SE T T ING l

Get royal treatment at Trim Castle Hotel EVERY woman dreams of a fairytale wedding day, in a luxurious and stylish venue.

There is an element of magic to all weddings, but having an historic castle on your doorstep is a great addition to the wonder of the day.

Trim Castle Hotel, which recently won the 2012 Best Wedding Venue in Leinster Weddings Online award, are set to open the doors to couples from around the province and beyond at their Wedding Fair, which will take place on Sunday, October 7.

The fair will showcase the hotel as a wedding venue and all it has to offer to prospective brides and grooms.

The hotel offers seasonal and mid-week

wedding packages, which include complimentary consultancy and planning with their wedding coordinators, a red carpet and champagne reception for the bridal party on arrival, and a complimentary stay for the bride and groom in one of their deluxe rooms, among other offerings.

Trim Castle Hotel is offering an all-inclusive wedding guest package on dates in 2013 and 2014 for only €55 per person.

The hotel itself overlooks Trim Castle and the adjoining rolling lawns of St Patrick’s Church, and also boasts a rooftop terrace from which guests can admire the impressive castle.

At Trim Castle Hotel, the team aspire to make your wedding day the

Trim Castle Hotel’s rooftop terrace affords beautiful views of Trim Castle and lawns

most memorable and enjoyable day of your life. To achieve this, their wedding team assures personal and professional attention in the planning and preparation of each couple’s special celebration.

A spokesperson for the hotel said: “Modern

couples simply do not go for just any venue.

Trim Castle Hotel is the perfect choice for their reception, as it possesses the old-world charisma of the historical AngloNorman castle, and the contemporary standards of magnificent food and stunning decor.

“Looking onto the castle, lit in romantic colour against the evening sky, is a breathtaking scene. This place has it all, and, if you host your wedding there, know that your guests will be talking about it for a long time to come,” said the spokesperson.

For further informa-

Wedding parties are assured of comfort and attention to detail at wonderfully-presented receptions

tion, you are very welcome to attend the Wedding Fair on October 7.

Alternatively, contact the hotel’s wedding co-

ordinators at 046 948 3000, email info@trimcastlehotel.com, or see www.trimcastlehotel. com.

22 GAZETTE 20 September 2012

BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l YO U R C H A N C E F O R F R E E E N T RY TO A N U N M I S S A B L E C I T Y W E ST E V E N T l

Win tickets to 2012 Wedding Journal Show DUBLIN Gazette Bride and Groom is delighted to offer our readers the chance to win a pair of tickets to the 2012 Wedding Journal Show, which takes place next weekend, September 29 and 30 at the Citywest Complex.

The Wedding Journal Show 2012 will feature more than 350 exhibitors and provide brides and grooms alike with a one-stop-wedding shop, together with all the inspira-

tion they need to plan their big day.

From venues and flowers to dresses and cars, the show has it all, and all under one roof.

Dream gown Celebrating all that’s Irish, there will be an Irish Bridal Designers Area to help you find that dream gown, as well as Wedding Journal’s international catwalk show, with

fully choreographed dance routines, which takes place three times daily.

The exclusive event provides a rare opportunity to see a selection of designer wedding gowns, and many superb styles for bridesmaids, mothers of the bride, and groomswear, some of which have never been seen in Ireland before.

Another huge attraction will be the opportunity for all

attendees to be entered into a prize draw to win a fabulous wedding package, worth €25,000.

The package will include a wedding reception at the Ballymagarvey Village; a dream honeymoon to St Nicolas Bay, Crete (a member of the Great Hotels of the World group); a wedding dress from Patrick Casey; room dressing from Frog Prince; wedding photographs by Laura

Faherty Photography; and wedding rings from McDowell’s Jewellers.

Competition question To win a pair of tickets, answer this simple question: Which Ireland AM star will be the host of the 98FM Style Stage at The Wedding Journal Show?

Send your answers (including your full name, address, and a contact number) by

email, with the subject line: Bride & Groom, to competition@gazettegroup.com by Tuesday, September 27.

The Wedding Journal Show 2012 will run from 12 noon to 6pm on both days, with the international catwalk show times at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm.

Tickets at the door cost €13, or are priced €10 when pre-booked online, with VIP tickets available for €20 from ww.ticketmaster.ie.

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20 September 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 23

24 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 September 2012

BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l LOTS TO C O NSIDE R FOR YOUR AL L-IMPORTANT PART Y l

Great advice to Top tips from CAROLINE MILLER, wedding coordinator at the Baskin Suite in Bewley’s Hotel, Dublin Airport FIRSTLY, you have to consider the date.

Before you make any selection on venue, it is very important to know the time of year that you want to get married.

The time of year can dictate cost, so do not restrict yourself to one date, but have a few in mind.

You also have to consider the actual venue, as these come in all shapes and sizes. There are castles, contemporary hotels, rural wedding

venues, marquee venues – the list goes on ...

I look after a contemporary, elegant wedding venue that is adaptable for every season.

Topics to consider When it comes to venues, you always have to ask about topics such as what are the minimum numbers, maximum and minimum capacity, accessibility, does it have civil ceremony or blessing facilities, guest accommodation, late bar,

bridal suite, car parking, where can you get photographs taken (if not at the venue, where is close by?)

Next, the type of venue that you pick will more than likely dictate the decor.

If you want to add special touches, or if the motto “less is more” is for you, your best bet is to go with a venue with neutral decor – the Baskin Suite uses ivory and gold tones.

This allows you to

match your colour theme or keep as is. Fairy light backdrops are also very popular.

For costing, meet with the wedding coordinator, get the full cost, and see if there is room to negotiate.

Package The Baskin Suite has recently launched an allinclusive package that includes everything that you will need on your day – flowers, car, entertainment, cake and all

20 September 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 25

help pick the perfect venue other venue items.

The great thing about the all-inclusive package is that it saves on time and cost.

Also ask if there are any hidden costs!

Your wedding coordinator is very important, as he or she plays a huge role in your wedding experience, as the more experienced, professional and approachable the wedding coordinator is, the better you will feel throughout the whole experience.

When it comes to food, make sure to select something that appeals to the majority of your guests.

Also check that the venue can cater for vegetarians, children and all dietary requirements.

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

‘The Baskin Suite has recently launched an all-inclusive package that includes everything that you will need on your day’ --------------------------

Don’t forget that, for beverages, if you decide to have wine during your meal – try and taste it, first!

Have a think about your choice of toast drink; you can let each guest choose their own

drink, or do a set drink, such as champagne or sparkling wine.

For entertainment, when you are selecting a band or DJ, I always recommend going and viewing them.

Make contact with them, and get a list of their upcoming gigs, before the big day.

Don’t forget to check for restrictions at the venue, such as: Is there a late bar? Are children allowed.

Lastly, consider your deposit and contract, noting that most deposits are non-refundable.

For anything that you have agreed – get it in writing!

Other than that, enjoy every minute of your wedding planning!

Caroline Miller: “When it comes to deposits and contracts, for anything that you have agreed – get it in writing!”

26 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 September 2012

www.gazette group.com All of your latest local news, sport, features and pictures are now just a click away

BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

With a wealth of options to consider, Malta has a great range of venues and locations to add a dash of classic style and beauty to your big day. The Fortina Spa Resort, located in the heart of Sliema on the island’s northeast coast, is perfectly located to help make the most of your venue.

l WH Y NOT M AR RY IN A JE WEL OF THE MED ITERR ANE AN? l

Marvellous Malta will make your day EVERY wedding day should be glorious but, sadly, the Irish weather isn’t always what you’d hope it will be. Long-haul destinations usually offer guaranteed sunshine, but you have to factor in the jet lag and expense.

However, with Malta just a three-hour flight away from Dublin, you can find a sun-soaked spot rich in history, beauty and culture, that is often called “an openair museum”.

The breadth of choice is astonishing, but what may intrigue you more is the exceptional value for money that getting married in Malta can offer.

The island is generally far more reasonable than many other Mediterranean islands.

The combination of Malta’s climate, and its

selection of inspiring wedding venues, could offer the idyllic location for the best day of your life.

One such venue is the Fortina Spa Resort, located in the heart of Sliema on the north-east coast of Malta.

The resort overlooks Valletta, the island’s capital, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Luxury Whether you want to relax in the spa facilities at the hotel for a few days before the event, or have the ceremony first and holiday later, the Fortina provides the ideal base for a luxurious wedding and honeymoon.

Imagine exchanging vows on a gloriously sunny day, cooled by the scented breeze drift-

ing off the Mediterranean, then whisking your guests off in a yacht to enjoy a reception in the grounds of a castle, followed by dancing under the stars ...

Alternatively, why not think about getting married in a country chapel, art gallery or on the beach?

To make sure everything goes like clockwork, it helps to have local experts to organise and advise you on your wedding.

The staff at the Fortina Spa Resort are experienced wedding organisers, and can source photographers, make-up artists, hairdressers, florists and even send your invitations for you – in short, everything you need to ensure the day goes smoothly.

They can also accommodate you for a beautiful ceremony, to your exact specifications, in the grounds of the resort.

The resort is also acclaimed for its internationally-inspired cuisine, so, if you’re tying the knot on the pool deck against breathtaking views of Valletta harbour, you can take advantage of an extensive repertoire that includes French, Thai, Indian or Italian fare, or local flavours.

You can also take the expertise of the Fortina’s award-winning chefs with you, should you decide to hold your reception elsewhere on the island.

For further information, call 0800 917 3001, or email info@hotelfortina.com.

20 September 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 27

l BRI DG E H OU S E HOT E L , T U L L A M O R E l

A wedding expo for the big day of your dreams THE Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore is getting ready to host its Wedding Expo on Sunday, September 30, which will see the four-star venue showing all that it can offer in creating a truly special day for its customers, and welcome brides- and grooms-tobe.

On the day, the hotel will be set up to demonstrate all the Bridge House can do for wedding parties.

T here will be the opportunity to meet the hotel’s wedding team, and a host of wedding suppliers, including videographers, stationery suppliers, bakers, pho-

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A lovely feature at The Bridge House Hotel is its “secret garden” – an oasis of peace for the happy couple

tographers, bands and musicians, florists, hairdressers, specialist jewellers, expert health and lifestyle consultants and, of course, bridal wear and menswear – all on hand to give all the wedding tips you could need.

The Wedding Expo at the Bridge House Hotel

will also include a bridal gown display, auction and a range of incentives for anyone who books their wedding on the day.

Now, the hotel’s dedicated wedding website – http://tullamore-weddings.bridgehouse.com – lets potential brides and

grooms preview exactly what the Bridge House Hotel has to offer, as well as view special offers and learn more about the hotel’s wedding team.

Located less than 90 minutes from Dublin, Galway and Limerick, the Bridge House Hotel has more than 40 years of experience and a longstanding reputation as one of the Midland’s most popular hotels for wedding receptions and civil ceremonies.

For further information, contact the Bridge House Hotel at 057 932 5600; or see the hotel’s website, www.bridgehouse.com, or its dedicated wedding website.

Head to the Headfort Arms: You won’t want to miss its special fair THE Headfort Arms Hotel in Kells is rolling out the red carpet to couples in October when they host their Autumn Wedding Show on Sunday, October 7.

Hotel owners, the Duff family, are celebrating 40 years in business this year, and have looked after generations of weddings with a personal family touch.

Every need in organising your

nuptials will be covered on the day, with suppliers from every domain available to discuss prospective clients’ every requirement for their perfect wedding, from entertainers to hat designers, jewellers to honeymoon experts.

For further information, call 046 924 0063, or see www.headfortarms.ie online.

GAZETTE

28 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 September 2012

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DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 20 September 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

HOCKEY: LOCAL CLUBS BEGIN LEAGUE SEASON IN STYLE

Stillorgan Chamber toasts top golf event STILLORGAN’s Chamber of Commerce’s 11th annual golf outing was held last week at Grange Golf Club at the foothills of the Dublin Mountains for the second successive year.

Grange captain Plunkett Walsh joined the group for the event, which was sponsored by Ballsbridge Motors Mercedes Benz, that was played in superb conditions for the yellow ball team competition.

Overall winner of the Stillorgan Chamber Perpetual Trophy, presented by Money Doc, was Matt Fagan of Ballsbridge Motors while Ray Roche (Pure Telecom) was second and Eddie Keddy (Gleeson McGrath Baldwin) was third.

The winner of the ladies competition was Ashleen McGonigle of Gleeson McGrath Baldwin.

Geoff Dunne (Ballsbridge Motors) claimed the longest drive while Kenny Reynolds (O’Brien Wines) was nearest the pin victor.

Winners of the yellow-ball team competition were Kevin O’Hara, Martyn Evans, Niall Cauldwell and Jim Hegarty of the Hegarty financial management group.

The day was topped off with dinner and the entertainment provided by Sil Fox with MC John Lowe (Money Doc) Independent TD Shane Ross and Cllr Gerry Horkan (FF), who are keen supporters of the chamber, joined the group for the dinner and awards ceremony.

Frank Murphy, president of the chamber, emphasised the increasing importance of “building and developing the local business network and that’s what the event was all about”.

Hermes’ Laura Pinder takes on Pembroke defender Ailbhe Coyle on the opening day of the Leinster league division one season

Hermes hockey Pembroke sport@gazettegroup.com

LOCAL clubs Hermes and Monkstown both got their seasons off to impressive starts as they look to claim back the Leinster women’s and men’s hockey leagues respectively.

For the former, a couple of sweet Hermes’ goals book-ended their comfortable 3-0 win over a new-look Pembroke side. The UCD connection was in full flow for the first as recently signed up graduates Fiona Bradish and Orlagh O’Shea combined superbly to open up the chance for Caitriona McGilp to fin-

ish off.

They thought they had a second when a possible own goal was first awarded but then disallowed on consultation between the umpires but Christine Quinlan had Hermes 2-0 up at half-time when she scored from the fourth of a series of penalty corners.

And Sadhbh HobanLogan completed the win in the second half with one of her first touches after being introduced.

For Pembroke, Maebh Horan offered plenty of evidence to suggest she will be a key addition in midfield with a fine performance in the

centre of the park while Kerry McComish was in top form at the centre of defence for Hermes to nullify much of the hosts attacking threat.

On the men’s side, Monkstown produced a strong statement of intent to see off Irish Senior Cup finalists Railway Union with a pair of goals in each half to head up the first table of the season on goal difference, winning 4-0 last Saturday.

Davy Carson made an early impact on debut when he broke in from the right and found Kyle Good who got around Stephen O’Keeffe and managed to finish off

despite shipping a knock en route. Gavin O’Halloran made it 2-0 with a fine individual goal, breaking through a couple of tackles and pulling home three minutes before the break.

Lee Cole guided home a corner deflection from older brother David’s shot before Ross Watkins popped up with a sharp rebound. Throughout the tie, Railway won a number of corners but could not convert while the last quarter, with the Sandymount side chasing an unlikely comeback, opened up markedly but no further goals accrued.

Elsewhere, Blackrock

club Avoca got a taste of the tough task ahead when they fell 4-1 to Corinthian in their first game since getting promoted back to the top tier after seven years in division two.

For Corinthian, their South African imports shone on debut as Sihle Ntuli created the first goal. Rob Pearson was the unlucky man to be credited with the first ever own goal following the introduction of a new law. Matt Fairweather struck twice before Pearson pulled one back but Alan Blennerhassett scored a penalty to close out the win.

East Coast’s O’Conaill triumphs sport@gazettegroup.com

DARRAGH O’Conaill, head coach at East Coast Jiu Jitsu Academy, was victorious again last week when he won the Nogi Welsh Open, continuing in his rich vein of form and ECJJA’s fantastic tradition in European competition.

Ireland’s youngest brown belt, O’Conaill is sure to see the competition as the perfect warm up to the London Open and the European Nogi Championships, which are due to take place in late October –

competitions that himself and team mate John Sheridan have been successful in before.

After taking a haul in the gi (uniform) event of the European Championships which were held in February in Portugal, O’Conaill previously spoke to GazetteSport and highlighted his wish for his team to get to London and win more medals in the nogi events.

With John Sheridan, Sam McNally and O’Conaill himself all claiming the medals across Europe, morale is high in the gym as they ready themselves

for another adventure, with O’Conaill in as good spirits as ever.

“It was brilliant to get the win in Wales,” said the Dun Laoghaire coach. “It wasn’t the biggest tournament in the world but I just like to constantly test myself and keep competition-fit.”

“While I was away, John Sheridan submitted everyone at the Irish Cup, and I’m sure he will do great things in London, having won the Open there before.

“We’ve got the UK Premier

Championships coming up on Friday, September 28 and then the week after that I’ll be heading to Poland to compete at the ADCC [Abu Dhabi Combat Club] Pro Trials.

“London will play host to the Nogi Europeans at the end of October and then I’m heading on to the States for the World Championships,” said O’Conaill.

If you are interested in Brazilian jiu jitsu, try a free month’s trial at East Coast Jiu Jitsu Academy, e-mail rjjireland@ gmail.com for more details.

20 September 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 31

FOOTBALL: SEVENS BACK IN TOWN FOR MILESTONE

CLUB NOTICEBOARD CUALA EVERYTHING is ready now for the Cuala

championship action in the past week

All-Ireland Lunch this Friday at the

with the senior footballers edging out

Burlington Hotel. Another full house

Crokes by one point in the intermedi-

is expected with MC Des Cahill tak-

ate quarter-finals last Thursday and

ing time out from selector duty with

the juniors making it through to the C

the Senior footballers and a couple

championship semi-finals with victory

of engagements with RTE to ensure

over Castleknock on Sunday.

The U-15As played a full-blooded

another great day for all those in attendance.

There are still a limited number of

Sunday morning. A disputed scoreline

places available if you want to enter-

at the end of 60 minutes was put to the

tain anybody from Mayo, Donegal or

back of their minds and the sides both

indeed the wider GAA family but you’d

scored 1-2 apiece in extra time to set

better act fast. All the details are on

up a replay that will have every ounce

www.cualagaa.ie.

of passion that it would were it to be an

Good luck to Conor Mulally and Mar-

Kilmacud to host 40th anniversary I sport@gazettegroup.com

A HOST of Kilmacud Crokes and Dublin stars were on hand in Croke Park on Tuesday as the draw for the 2012 FBD Sevens was announced, as well as details for a number of celebratory events around the event itself which runs throughout Saturday, September 22.

This is the 40th year of Ireland’s premier 7sevens tournament which has become a firm favourite in the GAA calendar for both players and supporters alike.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, Kilmacud announced that a specially designed All-Ireland Celtic Cross medal has been commissioned and that all of the previous winners have been invited back to help celebrate the day and, indeed, the last 40 years.

The tournament will see the best club teams from all over the country travel

to compete and given the weekend that is in it, it is no surprise that teams from Mayo and Donegal are to the fore.

Mayo champions Ballintubber will be joined by Knockmore and Claremorris, while Gaoth Dóbhair and Dungloe will be flying the Donegal flag.

Other teams to have signed up this year include previous winners Clan na nGael (Roscommon), Corofin (Galway) and Bryansford (Down) and county champions from Sligo (Tourlestrane), Cavan (Cavan Gaels) and Antrim (St Gall’s).

Teams qualify for the prestigious tournament by either winning their county championship or by invitation but, to mark the 40th anniversary, all previous winners were invited back for the 2012 tournament.

Teams will play out the group stages at four venues in the Stillorgan area with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final

being played on Saturday afternoon in Glenalbyn, the home of Kilmacud Crokes.

Speaking at the launch, Ard Stiurthoir Chumann Luthchleas Gael Paraic Duffy said: “Kilmacud Crokes’ long running sevens event has long since been enshrined as an integral part of All-Ireland weekend and huge crowds flock to the club year in year out to see top level action and to really kick-start All-Ireland weekend.

“It’s a credit to the club that they organise the event to such a high

standard on an annual basis.”

Commenting on the event, John Shovlin, chairman of Kilmacud Crokes football committee, said: “It is hard to believe that this is the 40th year of the Sevens and we hope that this year will be a unique celebration of all that is great about Sevens football.

“This competition has without doubt gone from strength to strength over the last 40 years but special thanks must also go to the GAA and to the media for their continued support,” he concluded.

All-Ireland final.

tin Cahalane as they prepare for the

The U-15Bs had an easier passage

minor All-Ireland football final on Sun-

past Na Fianna and will have the cham-

day. Good luck also to all our friends

pionship progress to take their minds

from Mayo and Donegal as they get

off the league final they qualified for

ready for their big game.

last weekend that will stretch the sea-

The best possible match to get club

Kilmacud Crokes’ senior footballers at last year’s launch of the All-Ireland Sevens

affair with Crokes at Silver Park on

son into early November.

supporters in the mood for those

The U-14Bs secured a top four finish

games will be the senior hurling cham-

in division five and possible promo-

pionship quarter-final against Craobh

tion with a hard fought win over Scoil

Ciarán in O’Toole Park at 5.45pm on

Ui Chonnail on Saturday while the As

Saturday. The lads will be sporting

“patchwork” team kept their hopes of

their new sponsored jerseys from

promotion from division two alive with

Home Instead and will be aiming to go

a gutsy draw at Kickham Park.

one step closer to bringing the cham-

Well done to Clodagh Sheehan, Sine-

pionship home for the fourth time and

ad Murphy, Blaithin Lane and Hannah

the first since 1994.

O’Dea who represented Dublin in the

There has been some cracking

Cooper All Ireland Under 14 blitz.

FOXROCK CABINTEELY THIS was another successful weekend

The senior ladies team will hold a quiz

in the club where teams were playing

night in the Graduate on Tuesday, Sep-

the final match of the round-robin

tember 25.

stage of the ladies juvenile championship.

The U-12As, U-13As and U-14As are through to their division one championship semi-finals.

The U-12Cs, U-16s and minors are all through to the division two semi-finals.

This is to raise much needed funds for their Leinster club championship campaign which starts in early October.

Don’t forget the club dinner dance in on November 16 in the Stillorgan Park Hotel. Tickets are selling out fast so book early.

These matches will take place over the

Well done to all the girls who received

coming two weekends and we wish the

their Junior Cert results last Wednes-

girls all the best of luck.

day.

NAOMH OLAF OUR intermediate footballers ended

B championship quarter-final on

their run in the championship on

Saturday at 6pm at home. Support

Saturday last in the Naul against

requested for these two crucially

a strong and skilful St Patrick’s,

important games.

Donabate side. Olaf’s battled hard

In Croke Park on Sunday, the Dub-

against a very strong wind in the

lin minors play Meath in the All-

first period keeping in touch to trail

Ireland minor football final. Naomh

by three points, 0-6 to 0-3, at half-

Olaf player David Byrne will captain

time.

Dublin. Best of luck to David and the

Some poor shooting resulted in several wides at the beginning of

Dublin minors from all in Naomh Olaf.

the second half for Olaf’s and cost

The 25-card game will resume in

us dearly. Pat’s handled the windy

the bar on Monday, September 24 at

conditions better and in the end ran

9pm. New players welcome.

out deserving winners on a score 0-13 to 0-6.

Our senior hurlers take on Kilmacud Crokes in the senior hurling

Our condolences to senior hurling manager Enda Kinsella on the death of his grandmother Kitty Kennedy.

Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam dilis.

ALL OF YOUR DUN LAOGHAIRE SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 30-31

HOCKEY HEROES: Monkstown and Hermes get season off to flying start P30

SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

GAA MATTERS: All the best local Gaelic Games coverage P31

GazetteSPORT

Cuala’s Harry Roberts, Paul Schutte, Karl Schutte (Home Instead), Bobby Browne (senior hurling captain), Oisin Gough and David Treacy

Cuala SHC ambitions sport@gazettegroup.com

HARRY Rober ts, manager of Cuala senior hurlers, is in confident form ahead of his side’s championship quarterfinal showdown with Craobh Ciaran this Saturday.

He believes that a good mix of youth and experience could see the Dalkey outfit going the distance in the run for silverware.

Speaking at the announcement of Home Instead Senior Care (Leopardstown) as the team’s new sponsors, Roberts said they have all the right elements in place to build on their stunning form in the group stages, eliminating five in-a-row winners Ballyboden St Enda’s.

“We have a smashing bunch of guys based on the U-21 team that won the championship in 2009 with a few older lads who have soldiered through the years without ever having their time on the big stage,” he said.

“It’s especially pleasing to see them having one last bash at it but also nice to see the excitement and enthusiasm of the young lads.

“We also got together a

sound back-up team who are working to blend the two.”

One thing that has Roberts especially excited for this year’s championship, is the fact that he will field a full strength squad, with no key players missing due to injury.

“This is the first time that we have been injury free in recent years and also the first time that Paul and Mark Schutte, David Treacy, Conor and Oisin Gough, Simon Timlin, have all played on the same team in senior championship.

“We don’t want to be the team that put Boden out of the championship just for someone else to win it.

“We are basing the whole effort on honesty. Yes, we think we are as good as anyone left in the competition,” said Roberts.

“We set out to change the image we had as a ‘nice team’ and I think we have achieved that. We can and will mix it with the best.

“We wanted to have a style of play that suits the players we have and that’s worked out also, our aim this year was to avoid relegation and finish safe in the league.”