Dun Laoghaire

Laoghaire GAZET TE FREE

OCTOBER 4, 2012 Find us on

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

INSIDE: Check in for some fun and games NEW CHAPTER: Dalkey Library at Hotel Transylvania reopens with Binchy tribute P8-9

A brush with art: Launching a competition Hurling: Wins

set Crokes and Cuala on road to face-off in final Page 40

Sport awards:

September’s sporting heroes announced inside Page 37

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 BUSINESS ................... 26 MOTORS ....................... 28 TRAVEL......................... 30 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 32 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 34

LOCAL children Lilly Dunne Fleming (from Dalkey), Rossa McSwiney (Sandymount) and Ethan Manby (Dun Laoghaire) proved they were dab hands at painting when they helped launch Sightsavers’ fourth annual Junior Painter Awards at Meeting House Square recently. More than 6,000 school children are expected to take part in the contest, with the aim of inspiring children to look at the way in which we view the world and how technology has changed what human beings are capable of.

Local centre could be European model Diaspora centre project could be replicated – MEP

 BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

DUN Laoghaire could lead the way for the rest of Europe after the Irish International Diaspora Centre (IIDC) opens on Carlisle Pier in 2015, according to MEP Emer Costello (Lab).

Costello was speaking last

week at a European Parliament forum in Brussels on EU diaspora policy, where the international centre was discussed.

She said: “As we seek to develop a diaspora strategy over the coming years, a dedicated diaspora centre in Dun Laoghaire could become a

pilot project to be replicated in other EU member states.”

Costello will be visiting the proposed IIDC site this week, and is meeting local employers and innovators to discuss the centre’s potential as a spearheading EU pilot.

Full Story on Page 4

2 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 4 October 2012

council: high-tech service on the way

fundraiser An event of note at the Giddy Goose Cafe

Pay for your parking on your phone  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

AN INNOVATIVE texting scheme for on-street parking, currently in use

by Dublin City Council (DCC), is set to be adopted by Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council (DLRCC) in the near future.

The contract for ticketing and parking enforcement in the county is up for review at the moment, and the county manager will shortly be awarding a new one.

It is proposed that when the new contractor is appointed, they should also be responsible for the new parking by text scheme.

Local councillor R ichard Humphreys (Lab) said: “The council intends to put in place arrangements for remote payment of parking fees by means of the web or mobile phone.

“Parking by text has been a huge success in Dublin city, and I am strongly pushing for it to be extended to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.

“Ideally, this should be

done in a manner integrated with DCC’s system, if possible.”

T he DCC scheme allows motorists to simply park in any paid parking space in the city by making the transaction by a short phone call, or by sending a text message.

DCC has used the scheme for three years, and it has extended its features since the system began in 2009. These include topping up your parking by sending another text, and getting reminders when your time is running out.

To pay by mobile phone, you first register online on the council’s website. The benefits, according to DCC, are many, including being a cash-free system, offering a text reminder service telling you when your ticket is going to expire, and the ability to extend your parking by mobile phone without going back to your car.

For companies, the council says, it provides a very clear-cut statement of parking costs for their accounts.

Emma Craxton and Vanessa Butler catch up over their cuppa. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Music to help a hospice thrive L

OVELY, lilting live music was to the fore at The Giddy Goose cafe on George’s Street recently when a coffee morning with a difference was laid on to help fundraise for the Blackrock Hospice.

Catherine Madden, and some of her students from Dun Laoghaire School of Music, delighted patrons with their renditions of a number of songs and instrumental

Catherine Madden

Iulian Pusca and Ioan Moldovan

pieces, all with the aim of supporting a local hospice.

The event was staged as part of the nationwide Bewley’s Coffee Morning, which this year marked its 20th anniversary, and which saw thousands of events held in homes, offices and businesses around the country to aid local causes. Catherine, and her students, were also involved in a second such coffee morning at Leonardo’s.

Paula played beautifully on the clarinet

Rita Donegan

A colourful reminder of what the event was for

4 October 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 3

pier Structural safety issues present difficulties

Resumption of Dalkey Island ferry ruled out  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

THE hopes of campaigning Dalkey residents and politicians were dashed at a Dun Laoghaire Area Committee meeting as Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) said that there would be no renewed operation of a passenger ferry route to Dalkey Island in the foreseeable future, because of structural problems on Coliemore Harbour.

A recent council inspection of the pier on Coliemore Harbour found it was structurally unsafe for waiting ferry passengers, and held a

high risk of them falling into the water.

Access to Dalkey Island from Coliemore Harbour has been closed off to visitors since early summer 2011 and DLRCC has not renewed the licence for the service since then.

Passengers used to be able to cross over to Dalkey Island from Coliemore on fishermen’s boats, which assumed the role of a ferry service.

A DLRCC spokesperson said that the route was closed in 2011 to facilitate heritage works to the Martello Tower and Beignet’s Church on the island, as the council

had plans to restore the buildings on the island “in keeping with their acknowledged historical and heritage significance, and to introduce measures to protect fauna and wildlife on the island”.

Various groups comprising local Dalkey residents held a meeting on July 25 in an attempt to co-ordinate a campaign to reopen the access route to the island.

However, a manager’s report delivered on September 24 stated that the structural work needed for the pier at Coliemore will not be paid for with council money.

The report said: “No

music: live show

Leonard Cohen as Gaeilge

So near, yet so far: The council will not be providing a passenger ferry route to Dalkey Island for the forseeable future, due to structural problems at Coliemore Harbour, and the costs associated with rendering it safe for passengers

provision has been made in the council’s Capital Programme 2012 to 2015 to cover the cost of any works that will be required.”

The council will, however, pay for the works and improvements to Dalkey Island’s landing point slipway, and this work is due to begin next February.

Leas Cathaoirleach, Councillor Stephen Fitzpatrick (Lab), who grew up beside Dalkey Island, said: “[Director of environment, culture and community at DLRCC] Richard Shakespeare is now looking for an engineering company to assess the full extent of the problems, and it is thought it might cost

millions, which is not factored into the budget up until 2016.

“We have to identify the issues involved with the pier, then calculate the cost and find the money to repair it from somewhere. Locals need a commitment of some kind, as the route has been there for 300 years,” he said.

A NIGHT of Leonard Cohen songs translated into Irish by Hothouse Flowers star, Liam O Maonlai, and Gabriel Rosenstock, entitled, The Tower of Song (Tur na nAmhran), will be held at the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire next week.

The Irish versions of songs such as Suzanne, and Hallelujah, and many more, will be performed by O Maonlai and David Blake, with support from The Brad Pitt Light Orchestra and Hilary Bow. The show is produced

by IMRAM (Voyage of Discovery) Irish Language Literature Festival to promote Irish language literature and musical innovation.

The show is on October 12 at 8pm, with tickets priced €18 to €20, available at the Pavilion’s box office at 01 231 2929.

4 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 4 October 2012

FastNews

strategy Dun Laoghaire could lead way for EU policy

Brookfield Terrace closure extended There will be an extension of the temporary closure of Brookfield Terrace in Blackrock to through traffic by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council until Friday, October 12.

The road was originally closed to facilitate road restoration works and an alternative diversion route installed. The diversion will be clearly signposted, and is available to view online at www.dlrcc.ie soon. The council has said that there will also be a traffic management plan in operation for the duration of the road closure so that all local access will be maintained for residents and local businesses.

Shackleton exhibition at the Ferry THE Shackleton Endurance Exhibition is set to continue at the Ferry Terminal Building in Dun Laoghaire until September 2014.

The exhibition charts the Antarctic expedition of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his team of explorers.

Their polar survival

story is documented through photographs, artefacts and the exhibition features a replica of the lifeboat the explorers used. The exhibition was created with the assistance of a host of historical organisations including the American Museum of Natural History and the Scott Polar Research Institute. Tickets cost €5 per adult, €3 per child and €12 for a family of four.

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The European Parliament seminar on the EU’s diaspora policy was attended by MEP Emer Costello (Lab)

€50m diaspora centre to act as cultural hub  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

Du n L ao ghaire could act as a pilot model for all EU countries in dealing with their diaspora populations, it was proposed at a recent European Parliament seminar held in Brussels last week.

A range of issues relating to the diaspora were discussed including the establishment of the proposed €50m Irish International Diaspora Centre (IIDC), due to open in 2015 in Dun Laoghaire, which is projected to be a cultural hub for the Irish diaspora which, at over 70 million, is the largest in the world.

The seminar on EU diaspora policy was attended by MEP Emer Costello, Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Manager, Owen Keegan and Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company chief executive, Gerry Dunne.

Costello suggested at the seminar, that the Diaspora Centre proposed for Dun Laoghaire could lead the way for a European diaspora strategy.

“As we seek to develop a diaspora strategy over the coming years, a dedicated Diaspora Centre in Dun Laoghaire could become a pilot project to be replicated in other EU member states.”

Ms Costello went on to say that she will be visiting the proposed IIDC site on Carlisle Pier this week on October 5 and meeting local employers and innovators to discuss the centre’s potential as a spearheading EU pilot, given its importance in the context of emigration from Ireland.

“There is no doubt that diaspora communities and their descendants contribute enormously to their receiving countries. Two-way diasporas – from Europe and into Europe – represent a resource both for the countries of origin and the receiving countries.

Diasporas help spread

ideas and promote innovation.

“By tapping into thirdcountry diasporas in Europe, we can help reverse the so-called ‘brain drain’ that holds countries back. This is particularly relevant for Ireland, where we have suffered high levels of youth emigration in recent years,” said Costello.

She added that she was “determined to pursue the development of a European diaspora strategy, particularly during Ireland’s EU Presidency in the first half of next year.”

Gerry Dunne, trustee of the IIDC Trust, said: “By the end of 2012, we

should have completed the project on funding and timing and the look of the centre. We will be updating all stakeholders in the coming weeks with the next quantum of work on the Project Plan.

“At the seminar in Brussels on Tuesday, we pointed out that there was a gap in EU policy in relation to diaspora and that the International Diaspora Centre in Dun Laoghaire could be a model project for other countries. It has EU relevance so we’re expecting some EU funding [€30 million from the EU Structural Funds and other EU Funds],” said Dunne.

Start up firms alerted to €750,000 funding According to a local politician, part of a second round fund of €750,000 to be made available to new businesses through the Enterprise Ireland Competitive Start Fund could end up benefiting Dun Loaghaire companies.

This week, Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Richard Bruton announced that 30 companies, including Orion Veterinary Ltd in Dublin 14 and KelAda Pharmachem in Blackrock had received funding from Enterprise Ireland’s

Competitive Start Fund and that a further €750,000 was to be made available to 15 more start-up companies.

Welcome

Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire, Mar y Mitchell O’Connor said: “With 18 of the 30 companies which have been awarded this funding being located in the Dublin area, it is a welcome boost for our local economy.

“The companies which were awarded the funding are start-

up businesses which are leading the way in innovation and job creation.

“With the announcement of an additional €750,000 in funding, a further 15 companies will receive funding allowing them to grow and develop their business. This could be hugely beneficial to companies in Dun Laoghaire.

“The Competitive Start Fund provides new companies in the industrial and ICT sectors with funding to test the market with their products and services and

hopefully progress their business plans to the global marketplace. The additional 15 companies will bring the total companies that have benefited from this fund, up to 60.”

Minister Bruton said: “Enterprise Ireland’s Competitive Start Fund has clearly struck a cord with the innovative and ambitious entrepreneurial community.”

The closing date for applications is October 10, and can be made online at www.enterpriseireland.com

4 October 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 5

community Council funds to help with rebranding

Windy Arbour revamp to get €13,500 grant  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

THE residents and businesspeople of Windy Arbour have been presented with a grant from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) to assist with the revamping and rebranding of the area.

The project, which is being undertaken to improve the environs of the village, is working with a budget of €18,000, of which the council has donated €13,500, whilst the remainder has been raised by local residents and businesses.

Shan Kelly, of the residents’ committee, spoke

to The Gazette about the project.

“We have a lot of things going on at the moment.

We contributed a quarter of the total cost of the scheme, and the council will provide the remainder. “ We a r e wo r k i n g with local residents to form an environmental group, and will work with DLRCC to draw up a local plan to identify how we can improve our green spaces.

“We recently procured two granite namestones to mark the entrances to Windy Arbour Village, and we are now looking for a stonemason to help us engrave them,” said

Kelly.

Local businesses are also a crucial part of the plan to rebrand the area, and Kelly spoke about the creation of a new business group – the Windy Arbour Village Association (WAVA) – which was set up nearly a year ago.

“Our membership has grown steadily [over the year] and includes the Milltown & Clonskeagh Credit Union; firms such as John Paul in Dundrum Business Park, and lots of small local traders, such as Lynch’s Craft Butchers, Laser Computers, and Ecologic, Ireland’s first organic shop [are part of the group].

“The Southside Part-

works: park plans

Wooden bridges set for repairs

The River Dodder (above), located near Windy Arbour, will be included as part of the proposed Rebel Trail, honouring Robert Emmet

nership is also involved in the project, and we’ve had lots of tradesmen helping out and getting [people] back to work through this.”

Kelly added: “We are also going to organise a walking trail with the council and hope to have lots of local history events set up for 2016, such as a Rebel Walk in honour of Robert Emmet and the

1803 Rising.”

Other events and plans lined up for the rebranding include a Christmas celebration and a competition between local traders for the best shop fronts and flower arrangements.

“This year, we will organise a visit by Santa Claus to Windy Arbour to open our improved village greens, and we

welcome ideas and input from local businesses and resident groups,” said Kelly.

If you would like to get involved with the project, contact Shan Kelly, WAVA secretary, at 01 296 8835, or 086 664 1667.

For further information on the Windy Arbour rebranding, see www. windyarbour.webs.com.

MINSTER of State with responsibility for the OPW, Brian Hayes (FG) has confirmed that two wooden bridges in St Enda’s Park in Rathfarnham are to undergo repair work before the end of 2012.

Minister Hayes said: “I am delighted to be in a position to confirm that a contract for the repair of one of the bridges in Pearse [St Enda’s] Park has been signed and work will commence very soon.

Replacement “The condition of a second bridge has deteriorated beyond repair and I have asked my department to issue a procurement notice for its replacement. I hope that this work will be completed later in the year,” said Minister Hayes.

6 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 4 October 2012

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rehab World Cafe Conversation seeks user input

Patient-focused talkshop on health launched  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

THE inaugural Rehabilitation Medicine Programme’s new World Cafe Conversation took place in Dun Laoghaire recently, with the Minister for Disability, Kathleen Lynch, attending the event.

The scheme concentrates on patient involve-

ment within healthcare, and claims that the input from those receiving medical care can provide a unique perspective and a valuable resource when it comes to determining what constitutes good quality care.

The series of World Cafe Conversation events aims to come up with new solutions for rehabilitation by giving those

availing of health care an opportunity to guide the direction of the programme.

Minister Lynch said: “I welcome this innovative project. Promoting local input to a national programme at events like this demonstrates a clear and practical way for service users to have their views represented.”

The Rehabilitation

Medicine Programme engages widely with other healthcare organisations and individuals.

Represented The National Advocacy Unit, HSE and the Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI) are both represented in the programme.

The NAI, which is the national umbrella organ-

isation for those affected by neurological conditions, were also involved in organising the cafe event.

Chris Macey , chairman, the NAI, welcomed the new initiative, and said: “Engaging people and their family members affected by neurological conditions in informal events like this is an important development.”

picturedesk@gazettegroup.com

Enterprisenews

Need advice on how to get going?

Are you thinking of starting a business or are you already in business and looking towards expanding?

The County Enterprise Board can help you!

Every week we hold Business Advice sessions where you can meet an experienced Business Advisor who will be able to give you information about all of the services the Enterprise Board can provide and will be able to point you in the right direction so that you can avail of the supports which are available to you.

The Enterprise Board has four key support areas – Training, Mentoring, Networking and – in qualifying cases – Funding. These are available to all small businesses in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown area. The Business Advice sessions are the best way to learn about how best you can be helped in your business. The Enterprise Boards are funded by the Dept. of Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation and there is no cost to anyone attending these meetings.

So how to get involved? It’s easy – all you have to do is call us on (01) 494 8400 or email: info@ dlrceb.ie . You can also find out about all of our activities and current courses and network activity on our website – www.dlrceb.ie .

The Enterprise Board has a number of publications which might be helpful to you – Business Start Up, Social Media for Business, Business Marketing, Managing Business Finances and Your Business & the Law. If you would like a copy of all or any of these – free of charge – please contact us on the above phone number or email address.

Sky is the limit: Cloud software package is launched GLENAGEARY accountancy software firm Big Red Book have just rolled out a new cloud-based software solution, Big Red Cloud.

Paul Relis, managing director, Microsoft Ireland joined Marc O’Dwyer, chief executive, Big Red Book to launch the new accountancy service, which is hosted

on Windows Azure, Microsoft’s open and flexible cloud platform that enables companies to build, deploy and manage applications and services. The launch of the new service will see 12 jobs created over the next 12 months, with the service expected to be in big demand among the firm’s 17,000 SME customers across Ireland and Britain.

launch: week of events to highlight dlr’s diverse citizens

Celebrating all residents at Social Inclusion Week  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

SOCIAL Inclusion Week 2012 gets under way in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown later this month and, to mark the event, a launch was held in the newly-opened Civic Square at The Metals.

The week will run from October 13 to October 20, and some of the events returning this year include the fourth DLR Community 5K which will kick-start Social Inclusion Week on Saturday, October 13, in Kilbogget Park.

2012 is the European Year of Active Ageing

and Solidarity between Generations, and the guest speakers at the launch included An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Tom Joyce (FG); Mary Davis, president and managing director of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Region, and Dan Hurst, representing the Network for Older People.

At the launch, Cllr Joyce said: “Social Inclusion Week is a wonderful opportunity for community, State and other organisations to highlight the excellent work being undertaken to eliminate disadvantage and improve the quality

of life for all residents of our county.

“The county of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown is often regarded as an area of affluence, with little disadvantage or vulnerability.

“This can mean that those who are often most excluded and at a high risk of disadvantage are often hidden from sight.”

During the week-long event, residents of DLR can also avail of opportunities to access information about services and supports that are available to people in the community.

The HSE, along with

partners, Community Health Fair and DLR Citizen’s Information Service, will provide information sessions on social welfare rights and entitlements and other support structures throughout the week.

Among the artistic events, Inclusion Fusion will present acts from across the county who will perform in the Mill Theatre in Dundrum on Thursday, October 18.

These will include Phaze 3 Dance School, RehabCare Dun Laoghaire, Sallynoggin All Stars, Southside Travellers and UNITAS dancers. Tickets are

available directly from the Mill Theatre.

There will be awards aplenty during the week, as DLRCC’s Environment Department celebrates young environmentalists with an awards presentation and Green workshop.

In the sports arena, DLR Outreach Project will host an inter-agency Gaelic football tournament, and the annual volunteer awards will be hosted by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Volunteer Centre.

For fur ther information on the week’s events, see www.dlrcoco.ie/socialinclusion.

4 October 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 7

people 13-year-old has reached iTunes charts

Meet the Blackrock teen ready to shake up the world  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

BLACKROCK girl Vicky Cornick is not your average 13-year-old. With three record releases under her belt and a growing fan base, her music career is on the verge of exploding.

Talking to her on her lunch break at St Andrew’s College, Vicky told The Gazette the story of her singing career to date, from singing in her bedroom to a planned future appearance on The Late Late Show.

“I’m so happy! I only took up singing when I was about nine. Before that, I was more into dancing and acting.

Then, when I was 10, I auditioned for a competition to go to Florida to act and model. I got through the process and got to go to Florida. “ T h e co m p e ti t i o n bosses said I should concentrate on my singing, go home and send them a recorded video of myself singing.

“I sent a recorded video of my cover of Adele’s Rolling in the Deep but I got no feedback. “ Vicky is the epitome of the YouTube sensation, as her story illustrates.

“I just kept on recording videos myself and putting them up on

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

‘I went off to London to record a song [producer Pete Woodroffe] wrote for me, called Clumsy.

It reached Number 13 in the iTunes pop charts.’

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

YouTube. Then, in January, my manager told me a Greek songwriter called Gorgi had written a song for me called, Hear What I Say, so I recorded it and put it up on YouTube for my 13th birthday.

“It’s a slow ballad, and it got 10,000 hits on YouTube, and the song was also up on iTunes, too,” she says.

“I was contacted through YouTube and told I should get into a studio with Pete Woodroffe, an English producer who has worked with Def Leppard and others.

“So, I went off to London to record a song he wrote for me, called Clumsy. It reached Number 13 in the iTunes pop charts,” says Vicky.

The song was subsequently picked up for a TV series pilot, and

Vicky Cornick – recently landed a role in a TV series that will be out in December

Vicky is looking forward to extending her range as her career progresses.

“I sing pop, and my voice is kind of soft and sweet, I suppose, but I do love to have a go at the loud, shouty songs too.

“My new song was released last night, and I hope it might go big. It’s called, Six Feet Small, and was written by Billy Farrell, Stuart Gray and Shannen Dunleavy.”

The only child of a Blackrock couple, Vicky says: ”They would have wanted me to go big when I was a bit older,

but they’re still loving it. I know I really want to be a singer.”

With her background in acting, Vicky has broader dreams than just singing, and it seems that these, too, are about to come true.

“I recently landed a role in a TV series too which will be out in December.

“It was filmed in Ireland, and I can’t really say what it’s all about yet, but there has been interest from TV stations in America and England to show it there.”

Driving licence move criticised  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

A LOCAL councillor has spoken out against possible job and revenue losses to councils which, he claims, will result from the forthcoming changes to the National Driving Licence’s administration.

The changeover next January will see driving licence processing being taken over by the Road Safety Authority (RSA) instead of local Motor Tax departments.

Reacting to the news, Dundrum Fine Gael Councillor Jim O’Dea said: “This is just another incidence

of revenue being taken off the councils, and I’m sure it will result in a number of job losses.

“Work is well advanced on preparing for the transition to the new system. There will be a period of transition for part of 2013, during which the local authorities will continue to perform some driver licensing functions on behalf of the RSA.” New credit-card style licences will be issued to applicants from January, and it is hoped the card will reduce the likelihood of fraud.

Of the changeover, a spokesperson for the RSA said: “From

January 19 onwards, the RSA will become the Government agency with sole responsibility for the driver licensing service, and the RSA will produce all new, replacement and renewal driver licences and learner permits in a credit card format.

“The Government also requested that the way licences are issued should also be reformed.

“At present, driver licences are delivered by local authority Motor Taxation Offices. This will be transferred to the RSA’s National Driver Licence Service by [next] September.”

appeal Volunteer to help St Michael’s  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

ST MICHAEL’S House in Dundrum is calling for people to volunteer as host families in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown area as it expands its family-based respite scheme for adults.

Fidelma Kelly, of St Michael’s House, said: “The scheme is about inviting a person with an intellectual disability into your home and including them in your family life while they are with you.

“Visits can vary enormously; some people visit their host family a few times a year, while others spend day placements or regular weekends.”

The scheme is open to families of all ages and sizes. For further information, or to request an application form, contact Fidelma at 01 877 0550, or email Fidelma.Kelly@ smh.ie.

8 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 4 October 2012

refurbishment Locals celebrate as popular facility opens

Maria Lyons

Margaret Brown and Peter Caviston celebrate the library’s reopening

Marking a new chapter in Dalkey Library’s life L

OCALS turned out in force for the long-awaited relaunch of Dalkey Library recently, with politicians, locals, authors and some of the area’s famous citizens all keen to see the popular library’s refurbishment.

With Leas Cathaoirleach Councillor Stephen Fitzpatrick (Lab) on hand for

the official opening, he joined everyone in highly praising the refurbishment, which has seen a dramatic transformation of the space into a brighter and more welcoming space, adding to the appeal of the library’s already impressive facilities.

However, for many, the dedication of

Deputy Mary Mitchell-O’Connor (FG) with Owen Keegan, county manager

the library’s new garden to the memory of the much-loved local author, Maeve Binchy, was the highlight of the opening. Her husband, author Gordon Snell, praised the oasis of calm that has been created by the lovely new garden, making it a perfect spot to catch up with Maeve’s work.

Councillor Jane Dillon Byrne (Lab)

Marita Conlon-McKenna with Don and Gay Conroy

Alli O’Brien

Councillor Patricia Stewart (FG)

4 October 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 9

again, complete with a garden that honours Maeve Binchy

Leas Cathaoirleach, Councillor Stephen Fitzpatrick (Lab) with senior executive librarian, Marian Keyes

Part of the transformed new space. Pictures: Margaret Brown

Geraldine McHugh, Michael O’Sullivan and Pamela O’Connor

A small part of the new garden

Noelle Scanlan and April Bryan

Alice Wright

Maeve Binchy’s brother, William, and her husband, Gordon Snell

County librarian Mairead Owens addresses guests in the new Maeve Binchy Garden at the library

A selection of Maeve’s, and Gordon’s, books near the new garden space

10 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 4 October 2012

charity Supporters help to highlight brain injury service

Sophie and Maria Ford

Amanda Kevlin and Fiona Foy Holland

Stars come out to raise funds in style L

OTS of celebrities, socialites and well-known faces gathered at 37 bar in Dawson Street recently as part of Dublin Fashion Festival, with a great shindig in aid of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland.

98FM DJ Steve Cooper got the show started, with the likes of Mickey Joe

Harte, Brian Kennedy, the Debbie Allen Dance Troop and Fauve Chapman rubbing shoulders with Emma Waldron, Alison Canavan, Niall O’Farrell, George McMahon and Nick Munier, all keen to help support the evening’s fashion show in aid of the Dun Laoghaire-based charity.

Dave Duffy and Lisa Cuddy

Models showcased clothing from stores such as Lara Boutique, American Honey, Fran and Jane and Louis Copeland, while up and coming designers Claire O’Connor and Umit Kutluk, and milliner Aisling Ahern, all donated some of their pieces to be part of the fundraiser.

Siobhan Nolan and Susan Chris and Maggie O’Hara

Barbara Nolan, Brian Kennedy, Calum Best and Karen Ennis

Craddock

Aisling Holly and Andrea Smith

4 October 2012 gazette 11

property

education: dse initiative calls for primary school participation

Dublin prices rise 3%

Pupils urged to go for science prizes  Hiromi Mooney

PRIMARY schools across Dublin are being encouraged to apply for this year’s Discover Science & Engineering’s (DSE) Awards of Science and Maths Excellence.

Last year, 77 Dublin primary schools were recipients of the awards.

To qualify for the award, schools must keep a log of certain science and mathsrelated activities that they undertake throughout the year.

Schools will get credit for taking part in other DSE programmes, visiting Discover Science Centres, inviting guest speakers to talk about science and maths and displaying their work.

Many primary schools in Dublin are also taking part in DSE’s Discover Primary Science

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and Maths Programme, which encourages primary school children and teachers to approach science and maths in a fun and interactive way.

“Since we started the Discover Primary Science and Maths Programme in 2003, the project has gone from strength to strength, with more than 6,000 teachers registered last year,” said director of DSE Dr Graham Love.

“This year, the Discover Primary Science and Maths programme will continue to encourage an appreciation of science and maths in students from an early age that will stay with them throughout their education. Students of today are tomorrow’s leaders and we look forward to Irish students leading the field of maths and science in the future.”

DSE is the national integrated awareness programme managed by the Science Foundation Ireland on behalf of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.

It aims to increase the numbers of students studying the physical sciences, to promote a positive attitude to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Speaking at the launch of the awards, Minister for Research and Innovation, Sean Sherlock said: “The growth of STEM subjects is extremely important for the recovery and further development of our economy. It is imperative that STEM subjects are promoted at a young age to recruit and encourage the youth of Ireland to progress their skills.”

At Tayto Park right meow: Maenam is the latest addition to cat family MEET Maenam, the newest addition to the animal family at Tayto

Park. The female Fishing Cat cub, born in August, is slowly being introduced to her surroundings. As part of an endangered species, her arrival is a real success story for the park’s breeding programme.

International Cat Day takes place this month, so Tayto Park is celebrating the five different cats species living there –the Amur leopard, the ocelot, the serval, the mountain lion and the Fishing Cat. Log onto www.taytopark.ie for more details.

DUBLIN house prices increased in value by an average of 3.1% in the last quarter, according to figures released by estate agents DNG. T his figure covers the period of August to October, and this is the first three-month period in more than six years to show an increase in the average price on the House Price Gauge.

In the same period last year, the average price of a resale property in the capital fell by 5.6%.

The managing direct o r o f DN G , K e i t h Lowe, was cautious about the significance of the increase.: “The latest results add further weight to the argument that the market in 2012 has proved flat in terms of price movement at the very worst and, in some cases, prices have moved away from their low point, at least for the time being.”

12 gazette 4 October 2012

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charity Fight night at Croke Park for Pieta

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

Boxing star John Joe Nevin, pictured here at the SARI Soccerfest 2012 in Phoenix Park, leads the line-up

Silver-medal drive for charity boxers  laura webb

Olympic silver medallist John Joe Nevin is returning to the boxing ring and joining the fight against suicide for Pieta House in the coming weeks.

The silver medallist is taking part in the Croker Clash Charity Fight night in aid of the suicide crisis centre.

The event, which takes place on Friday, October 12, will see Nevin take to the ring alongside Jim Rock, aka The Pink Panther, and Paul Dunne. It also sees brave beginners get into the ring for the first time after just a few

weeks of training.

Now in its third year, the event is organised by Mountjoy prison officers Helen Feeney and Paul Dunne, who are both stalwarts of the Irish boxing scene. Past events have attracted crowds of up to 500 people, and they are aiming to sell 1,000 tickets for this year’s Croker Clash.

“Following the success of our Olympians in London we decided to go all out and hold the charity fight night in Croke Park this year,” said Helen Feeney.

“Boxing is one of the most high-profile sports in Ireland at the moment

so we hope that this event will be a massive success, raising lots of much-needed funds for Pieta House.

“Seeing Joan Freeman win her People of the Year Award last year showed me how one person can change the lives of so many, and I hope that The Croker Clash will be a big help in Pieta House’s fight against suicide,” she said.

Already confirmed to attend the night is Jimmy Magee, Michael Carruth, Stephen and Alan Reynolds.

“I’m really excited that so many stalwarts of the Irish boxing scene have

pledged their support for The Croker Clash,” said Joan Freeman, chief executive and founder of Pieta House.

“It’s sure to be a fantastic night and I’d urge everyone to come on down, enjoy the boxing and experience Croke Park in all its glory,” she said.

Tickets are on sale now and are available from Ticketmaster at €20 for general admission, €30 for ringside seats. All funds raised on the night will go to Pieta House.

For more information on Pieta House, visit www.pieta.ie.

4 October 2012 gazette 13

musical Life story of Tina Turner coming to town

River deep, Bord Gais high for Emi  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

A brand new musical based on the life and times of legendary singer, Tina Turner and her husband Ike, is coming to The Bord Gais Energy Theatre this month and its leading lady, Emi Wakoma is already being hailed as a superstar of the future.

The show, entitled Soul Sister, tells the life story of the iconic soul star, but equally fascinating is the life of its lead actor.

Emi was born in Nigeria and moved to Britain when she was one, but considers herself a Nigerian woman through and through: “I was only one when I came to England, that’s why I have this dodgy cockney accent but I consider myself a Nigerian woman in terms of my family and culture.”

Emi has been getting rave reviews about her performance as Turner, something that she says

she pays little attention to: “I don’t read them, I’ve a job to do. I would think the reviewers were talking about someone else. I’m just waiting for someone to knock on my dressing room door and say ‘You’re not really the girl we wanted’.”

Emi compares her own character to the one she plays in Soul Sister: “The similarities lie in the fact that neither of us is conventional. Tina didn’t have a conventional voice and was not conventionally beautiful and neither am I. Like Tina, I was unique and didn’t fit into any boxes. Her difference is seen as a positive thing and something to celebrate.”

When asked where the per forming bug came from, Emi said: “I don’t have a clue. I’ve been singing since I was nine years old and my mum bought me The Bodyguard soundtrack album. I used to sing Bodyguard songs

in school all the time.

“So my parents, seeing this, sent me to the Brit School [the acclaimed theatrical and musical hotbed that has produced Adele and Jessie J].

“T hen, when they realised I was serious about doing it, they said, ‘Right, if you’re going to do it, do it well’ and sent me to the Guildford School of Acting.

“Over the years I’ve done lots of bits of things, I’ve been in Eastenders and Casualty and have done a lot of musicals but this is my first starring role.

“I can’t wait to come to Dublin, my friends say it’s great but I’ve never been.”

There will be inevitable comparisons to the previous Tina Turner biopic, What’s Love Got To Do With It?, which starred Angela Bassett, but Emi says this is an entirely different approach.

“Tina was very upset

fit for life Calling on older Olympians to compete N u r si n g h o m e s across Dublin are expected to take part in a specially organised ‘Olympics’ during Positive Ageing Week.

More than 300 Dublin nursing home residents and more than 1,500 throughout Ireland are expected to take part.

T he event, r un by exercise specialists Fit for Life, will take place in 17 nursing homes in Co Dublin, and more than 80 nursing homes nationally compared to 22 last year.

Compete

Actor and singer Emi Wakoma brings her acclaimed portrayal of soul legend Tina Turner to Dublin in the coming weeks

by that film because she thought it gave her a victim status. It was too one-dimensional in a lot of ways, especially in its portrayal of Ike Turner. He was shown as not a good person but it didn’t delve into the background enough

to find out why Tina stayed with him for such a long time.”

Emi dedicates every performance to her late father who died last year. “It’s not upsetting at all, it’s part of life. He got to see me play Tina Turner in the

West End before he died and I’m so glad he did. I’m so grateful to him for bringing me to this country as it turned out to be a blessing.”

The show comes to the Bord Gais Energy Theatre from October 15 to 20.

Participants will compete in team events such as bowling, magnetic darts, golf and ring toss, with gold, silver and bronze medals awarded to winners.

Positive Ageing Week runs until October 6.

Speaking ahead of the Fit for Life Olympics, managing director of Fit for Life, Mark Sweeney said: “We here at Fit for Life are committed to improving the quality of life of the older generation. The Fit for Life Olympics are designed to provide our clients with a fun event where their families and nursing home staff can get involved and see the benefits of keeping active.”

14 gazette 4 October 2012

workshop: icons of animation coming to blackrock in october

charity Women’s Aid get a great Deal CHARITY Women’s Aid received over €33,000 last week, after online classified adverts website, DoneDeal, donated the proceeds from money raised during its charity month in August.

DoneDeal raised €33,260 for the women’s charity, which provides support and information to women affected by domestic violence.

Speaking at the presentation of the funding Margaret Martin, the director of Women’s Aid said: “This fantastic donation from DoneDeal will help us to continue our work to support thousands of women and children in Ireland to live safer, happier lives, free from abuse.”

A grand day out at festival Pink power: Marie Keating Foundation launch their 2012 awareness campaign fair city actresses Rose Henderson and Aoibheann McCaul, accompanied by Linda Keating, were proud to launch the Marie Keating Foundation’s eleventh annual Breast Cancer Awareness campaign in Marks & Spencer Grafton Street.

Every year, almost 3,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Ireland and the message from the foundation for women of

all ages is Look after your girls, talk to your friends about breast cancer.

As proud supporter of the annual Marie Keating Foundation Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Marks & Spencer Ireland will be selling a fantastic selection of pink themed items in-store and online in aid of the foundation throughout October.

For more, visit www.mariekeating.ie

Wallace and Gromit are embarking on a new Irish adventure when they arrive to celebrate the second BlackrockAnimation Film Festival later this month.

As part of this year’s festival, the plasticine pals will be on hand to help Merlin Crossingham, creative director at Aarman Animations, give a workshop on animation using models.

Crossingham will be giving a talk at Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology on his experiences working in stop-motion animation, with Wallace and Gromit among his bestknown work, on Friday, October 12, at 2 pm.

Merlin started at Aardman Animations 17 years ago as an apprentice animator and has worked his way up to become a creative director at the awardwinning animation studio.

His credits include work on the studio’s successful motion pictures, Chicken Run and The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.

Merlin is a firm believer in the special magic of model animation: “It is closer to us. We suspend our disbelief a fraction quicker as if [the figures] existed in reality.”

Although this kind of animation is the most laborious, Merlin feels it is worth all the effort. “It takes one animator a day

of work to complete two seconds of animation. So, with 30 animators, it takes about two years to make a feature film.

Crossingham will also be giving a workshop on the morning of Saturday, October 13, in the Southside Partnership building in Blackrock.

When Merlin was asked if he was worried that Wallace and Gromit might get into a pickle in Ireland, he replied: “Obviously they are very excited. Wallace definitely wants to investigate the cheeses available.

He is also talking about a new invention, but it’s top secret! Everyone worries about Wallace, but Gromit will always come to the rescue.”

He will also be giving a workshop on the morning of Saturday, October 13, in the Southside Partnership building in Blackrock.

Rumour also has it that some of Aardman’s Pirates, from their recent Adventure With Scientists, may try and jump onboard the flight from Bristol to Dublin as stowaways.

He will also be giving a workshop on the morning of Saturday, October 13, in the Southside Partnership building in Blackrock.

To book a place at the workshop go to www. iloveblackrock.ie for more details.

Merlin Crossingham of Aardman will be a special guest at the Blackrock Animation Festival

4 October 2012 gazette 15

snapshot The stories of the day from around the capital

Make a joyous noise and bid for awards Diary

It’s heads or tails for charity, as Make-AWish Ireland attempts a world record for the biggest number of coins tossed simultaneously.

The charity is working in conjunction with Bank of Ireland to attempt the world record at the Aviva Stadium on October 6.

The event will be held at half time during the Leinster and Munster rugby match.

Everyone seated in the stadium will toss a coin at the same time to break the record.

All monies collected go towards helping to grant wishes to children throughout the country aged between three and 17 years.

Susan O’Dwyer, chief executive of MakeA-Wish, said: “To do this in the year where we are celebrating 20 years as a charity in

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

Talented young musicians across the city are being called on to enter the 2012 Fr Frank Maher Music Awards, which aim to showcase outstanding young musical talent in Ireland.

Open to sixth year post-primary students of strings, woodwind, brass and piano, the awards present a bursary of €2,000 to the winner.

Seven finalists will be selected from the entries received by the independent adjudication panel and attend a competition night on November 7 in Castleknock College where they will perform in front of an invited audience.

The closing date to enter the Fr Frank Maher Music Scholarship Awards is Monday, October 15.

Full details, including rules and a copy of the application form, are available on www.topsecurity.ie.

Make-A-Wish make call for coin record

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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.

Raphaela’s PP in Stillorgan at the launch of the 2012 Fr Frank Maher Music awards, Ireland’s largest classical music scholarship for post-primary schools.

Ireland is a great achievement.”

For more information log onto www. makeawish.ie

Ich bin ein Oktoberfest supporter THERE is still time to experience the world famous German Oktoberfest as it continues to run at the Dublin Docklands until this Sunday.

This is the third, and final weekend of the festival which gives Irish people the chance to experience the authentic Oktoberfest.

Marquees are set up throughout George’s Dock, representative of that in the Munich Oktoberfest. There are also German markets, German food and entertainment.

Visitors will be introduced to the very best of Bavarian food and specialties from sausages, meat, pastries, Käse Alm (German mountain cheese) to German candy and gingerbread hearts.

The original Bavarian Oktoberfest is almost 200 years old and has been held in Munich, Germany since 1810. The 2012 Oktoberfest runs at the Dublin Docklands until October 7. For further information, log onto www.oktoberfest-dublin.de

Got a story?

Tell us about Your local event, Celebration Or Function Call our news team on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

16 gazette 4 October 2012

Gazettemusic review: the princes of pastoral pop clear the tricky second album hurdle

Mumfords muster more magic  Rob Heigh

That most worn out of phrases in the music critic’s canon, the “difficult second album”, is one that is incredibly hard to quantify. Difficult how?

If you are Oasis, you’ve enough in the bank to follow Definitely Maybe with their other good album, What’s The Story Morning Glory?

If you’re The Stone Roses, you head off into the wilderness with bags of dubious substances, more ego-inf lating reviews than most acts garner in a lifetime, and implode spectacularly, producing the occasionally mesmerising Second Coming...

If you’re Mumford and Sons... well, you do something else entirely.

Which is go out on tour, write and road-test all your new numbers in front of massive audiences worldwide as your currency explodes on the back of your horrifically catchy sing-along first album.

Then come up with the genius move of employing Arcade Fire producer Markus Dravs to bring all the dynamism and frenzy of your live shows to the studio and, hey presto, here’s Babel.

If you were expecting a complete about-face, you’re certainly going to be disappointed. In the same vein as Muse have adopted on their new

release, The 2nd Law, M&S have gone for a straightforward answer to the inevitable question, “what does it sound like?”

And that answer is, “A lot like the last one, only more so.”

No dubstep reinvention, no guest raps. no cover of Gangam Style...

Which is not that disappointing, really, when the songs are as strong and the melodies as magnetic as those that appear on these 12 tracks.

Like Sigh No More, the songs are again clearly delineated into “the quiet ones” and “the loud ones”; this time, however, notably absent of the shot-through mel-

Marcus Mumford and chums reveal their plan for world domination

ancholy that bubbled under the surface of their debut release.

There is far from a sense of fun at play in the lyrical concerns of sin and salvation, but there is a confidence and clarity in the songs that

they have been infused with by constantly being refined on stage night after night.

There is more ambient depth to the record, too, with the sense that you have just walked in on the band mid-hoedown

in a cabin somewhere, the piano rocking and the banjo being picked within an inch of its life.

The frenzied tracks bounce like a festival crowd and the slower reflections are perfectly paced so as not to be

maudlin.

If it feels at all calculating, it is, but only by virtue of the fact that this is a band who’ve found their groove and there is no reason for them to plough another furrow.

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4 October 2012 GAZETTE 25

GazetteBEAUTY Brushing up on Holly’s top tips for terrific teeth Edited by Laura Webb

S

HE has envious curves, a top presenting job and still manages to be a super mum – now, on top of all this, Holly Willoughby has become the new face of Oral-B’s premium beauty product, 3D White toothpaste.

In this week’s Gazette Beauty, we hear all about her new role, her beauty regime, and how she manages juggling a career with family life.

How do you feel about being chosen as the new face of Oral-B? I would never work with a brand I didn’t trust, and Oral-B, for me, is a brand that I am happy to be working with and have in my home for the whole family to use.

I have learnt all there is to know about teeth and oral care, and I’m very proud to be working with Oral-B. How do you fit 3D White toothpaste into your beauty regime?

During the week I’m pretty busy. I literally get up, have a shower, brush my teeth with 3D White toothpaste and whizz off on the motorbike to the TV studio.

It’s impor tant my smile looks good as I’m constantly talking on TV during interviews. I use it with my Oral-B TriZone power brush, which is so easy to use.

It feels like a manual toothbrush, but with lots of power behind it. No fuss or hassle – perfect.

What are your top beauty tips for busy mums?

• Use a tinted moisturiser – then, you can just whack it on – time is of the essence – also, curl your eyelashes.

• Heat your eyelash curlers with a hair dryer

before using them, for a really bouncy lash.

• Make sure you floss your teeth. You can have a great face with makeup, but if you have stains in between your teeth from not flossing, your smile won’t look as good as your look.

• Dry shampoo is a great beauty product to save a bit of time. It’s also great at getting a nice, beachy look to your hair.

• Eyeliner in the waterline of your upper lid – it makes your eyes look as if you’ve done full-blown make-up, but without spending any time on it.

What’s your usual beauty routine while you are filming?

Luckily, I have a makeup artist, so I don’t need to do make-up myself! I don’t put any on before I go to the studio, just a little bit of moisturiser when I’ve hopped out of the shower.

In the morning, before I leave for work (at 7.30am), I use Liz Earle in the shower, and then brush with Oral-B 3D White toothpaste to make sure my smile is on form.

What are your top tips for looking good on camera?

Two big things for me – blow-dry and false lashes – but natural looking ones. And I just use one pair, as I’m not one for layering on false lashes; they weigh my eyes down.

My hair stylist gives me a “power blow dry”, and that lasts me a couple of days.

Who is your natural beauty icon, and why?

I think Scarlett Johansson is so beautiful. Her look is really effortless, and she just exudes this beautiful confidence.

She’s got a really classic, naturally beautiful look.

Camouflage your skin’s blemishes

What beauty products can’t you live without?

Oral-B 3D W hite toothpaste, as this has really become part of my daily beauty routine.

I love having natural, whiter-looking teeth.

Plus, it looks and tastes great too. And, then, my eyelash curlers!

What’s the best tip you’ve picked up from your styling team?

Follow the eyeline of your natural lash when applying false eye lashes.

They’re very tricky to put on so, when you’ve mastered it, using that tip, you’ll nail it.

Also, when you dry your hair, before it cools down, fix it with a pin in the shape of the curl, then do your make up.

This helps set the curls.

As the new public face of Oral-B’s 3D White toothpaste, TV presenter Holly Willoughby has plenty

What’s the best beauty tip you learned from your mother?

Always wear a little bit of lipstick. It took me a long time to agree with this, but this was probably because of my mum’s choice of colours!

The right colour lipstick definitely lifts your make-up, and it’s great that there’s all these bright lippies that are in fashion now to choose from.

What do you do to stay in shape?

Not a lot, because of time. If I didn’t have a family, I’d probably do more, but I prefer to do active things with my family.

Walking with the kids and Dan, and generally being an active mum, helps me stay in shape.

How do you juggle a busy work schedule with

to smile about (above), with her gleaming teeth to the fore in this stunning beauty shot (right)

being a mum and looking so glamorous?

I don’t look glamorous at the weekend! I have my hair and make-up done in the week, so that is very fortunate, but when I’m not at work I’m very au natural.

I just put my hair up and wear minimal makeup – like most mums, I suppose!

Oral-B TriZone is available nationwide in the following variants: Trizone 600, TriZone 1000, Trizone 3000, Trizone 5000. Pricing starts from €66.49.

Oral-B 3D white toothpaste is available now in supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide, with a RRP of €4.65/75ml.

Oral-B 3D toothpaste is available now, priced €4.65

CAMOUFLAGE imperfections and blemishes with Dr Hauschka’s Pure Care Cover Stick’s newest colour (above).

Available in three shades, this nurturing spot concealer provides harmonising care for blemished skin, while concealing skin impurities and helping to clear up the complexion.

The new Pure Care Cover Stick 03 Sand is especially suitable for medium to dark skin tones. With their pleasantly cool and woody fragrance, the cover sticks complement the Dr Hauschka line of balancing care products for blemished skin.

Pure Care Cover Stick works best when used at the first sign of a blemish. The product should match the skin tone, and be gently blended. Afterwards, make-up can be applied as usual.

Cleansing tea tree and manuka oils, combined with extracts of kidney vetch and calendula, work to support the healing process – which facilitates the quick disappearance of skin impurities.

The skin care range is stocked in selected health stores, pharmacies, all Life pharmacies, McCabes@ Clery’s, Avoca and Harvey Nichols.

For details of your nearest stockist, see www.drhauschkaireland.ie.

26 GAZETTE 4 October 2012

GazetteBUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Interview: Clodagh Bury, owner and director of Slim4Life across the city MAKING SOME SAVINGS...

THESE days everybody is trying to payless tax and sometimes the way to do this is actually staring us in the face!

Knowing what you can claim is the secret to legally paying less tax.

In this article the first of a series of articles on how to pay less tax Cathal Maxwell highlights one particular claim that is often overlooked by PAYE earners.

Tax relief for medical insurance is allowed at source by the insurance company and because it’s no longer claimable through your tax return form most people forget about it.

But what happens when your employer pays your annual medical insurance bill or a part of it on your behalf?

The Revenue have put the onus on employers to tax the payment of your medical insurance bill as a benefit in kind (BIK) when they are paying the bill for you.

If you pay tax at 41% your BIK tax will be at 41% on the amount of your gross annual medical insurance bill.

The employer has to give back to the Revenue the 20% tax relief allowed at source by the medical insurance company.

However, the individual employee is then entitled to claim the 20% personal tax relief back from the Revenue and this final step in the process is what many employees forget (because nobody tells them to!).

How much is it worth? Let’s look at an example.

In 2011 Mr Smart’s annual medical insurance costs €3,000 gross. His employer pays this on his behalf.

IncomeTax Due As Benefit-In-Kind: Collected through PAYE Tax Relief On Premium at 20% Must be claimed from Tax Office

*€1,230

€600

*Assume tax payable at 41% and ignoring PRSI In this example Mr Smart was due back €600 from the Revenue for the tax year 2011 that he never knew about.

If his employer paid his medical insurance for the past number of years the refund due could be even bigger.

Claims for the last four tax years can now be made so Mr Smart could be due a total refund of €2,400.

A nice simple way to pay less tax!  Cathal Maxwell, FCA, AITI,QFA, taxation con-

sultant, representing paylesstax.ie

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

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240

Getting the skinny on slimming trade CLODAGH Bury has been working in the slimming industry for the last 10 years, and is the owner and director of Slim4Life, a slimming club that she set up in 2010.

She spoke to GazetteBusiness about setting up her business and the appeal of helping people lose weight.

“Working in the slimming industry has given me enormous pleasure. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing our members losing weight and the joy on their faces when they see their weight going down.

“I decided two years ago that I wanted to be part of a slimming agency that everyone could afford, where they didn’t have to pay big joining fees and no missedweek penalty. I wanted it to have a warm club atmosphere and not just a weigh-in service, so I decided to open my own club, and called it Slim4Life. We have a no-nonsense programme called the food pyramid and it brings us back to basics.

“In the two years since I opened Slim4life, it has has gone from strength to strength. There are now 44 clubs, and a lot of success stories. We have members that have lost over five stone, and their comments are fantastic. Long may Slim4Life continue to grow!”

For more information on your local Clodagh Bury of Slim4Life: “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing our members losing weight and the joy on their faces.” club, contact Clodagh on 087 902 5150.

Q&A Q: How long have you been in business?

A: I’ve been in business for myself for two years

Q: What makes your business successful?

A: We are a family business and look after our clients as if they were a part of our family.

Q: What do you offer your clients that differs from your competitors?

A: The directors are hands on at our clubs, they also compose and send two motivational texts to each member of our 40 clubs each week, We are the only Irish-based slimming company which is not franchised from the UK or America

Q: How has the recession impacted your business?

A: We are down 15% on our

members but holding steady

Q: What have you changed about your business to combat the effects of the recession?

A: I personally ring each member who has not attended their club after three weeks. We offer free recipes each week and charge a very basic entry fee and still do at €6 with no joining fee or missed week unlike any of our competitors.

Q: What law or regulation would you change overnight to help your business?

A: More money being made accessible to new business ventures.

Q: How do you use social media (Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin, etc) to help your business?

A: We promote new clubs on Facebook, and it’s a great

way to create business awareness.

Dublin restaurant?

A: The Merrion Restaurant.

Q: What is your ambition for the business?

A: To grow and be available

Q: Who would your three dream dinner guests be and why?

A: Danny O’Donahue,

in each of the 32 counties, and then move to Britain and then the rest of the world.

Q: What is the best piece of business advice you ever received?

A: Speculate to accumulate, and make sure each member is given special treatment.

Q: What is your favourite thing about doing business in your local area?

A: It gives me great job satisfaction serving my neighbours and making new friends.

Q: What living person do you most admire?

A: My mother.

Q: What is your favourite

Danny O’Donahue, Danny O’Donahue, because he is a brilliant song writer and singer, just happens he is gorgeous, available and Irish.

Q: What is your most treasured possession?

A: The house I live in because it is my grandmother’s, and it has lots of memories.

Q: What is the worst job you’ve ever had?

A: Picking strawberries on summer holidays.

Q: You are on death row, what is your last meal?

A: Fillet steak, onions, mushrooms and thick-cut chips.

4 October 2012 gazette 27

Gazettehomes efficiency measures: how to think about your energy bills as costs increase

Generating a new age for homes  gerhard heyl

“Money saver”, “special offer”, “discount”...

Terms that we might have ignored a few years ago if we saw them on a billboard, but not in today’s climate.

We are all trying to economise and run our households with altered budgets. We shop around for the best value in groceries, clothing and entertainment, but what about your electricity costs?

I’m sure I’m not the only one patrolling the house after dark, turning off lights and keeping an eagle eye on the immersion.

I’m just glad we don’t have an electric shower as I think I’d be tempted to keep a stop watch running so the kids don’t spend too long in there!

Over the last few years white goods and domestic appliances have become more energy efficient. You will have noticed the

huge array of choice available now. When we go to replace an old or broken appliance, it’s not just the shape and size of a machine we look at, but the”‘rating” attached to it.

How much electricity does it consume and how much will it cost to run?

There is a saving to be made in theory by outlaying an initial investment and upgrading white goods to triple A rated appliances and bulbs to energy efficient models.

Your household equipment will be more energy efficient and you will consume less electricity, ergo a drop in your bill.

But, how realistic is this in practice?

We have seen a gradual increase in the cost of electricity and any savings made by upgrading small domestic appliances are at risk of being eroded by rising electricity costs.

Your consumption may well be lower, but you won’t recoup your initial sizable investment on new appliances.

The drive to reduce our bills becomes a vicious cycle, we strive to make our homes as efficient as possible, we turn off lights, invest in the latest energy efficient technology and in the blink of an eye, all our investment is for naught as the unit charge on our bill simply rises again and the whole cycle starts over.

If you look at it logically, the solution is clear. The only true safeguard you can have is to be in control of your own electricity generation and supply. If you can power your own home you are not at the whim of the electricity company’s latest price hike.

Micro-generation can help you get there. The ability to generation a reliable, clean, free source of electricity for

your home is the way forward.

Renewable solutions like photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are a cost effective way to ensure you can be in charge of your electricity costs for the next 30 years or more. These lightweight, quality panels can be installed in a day and are extremely cost effective.

The PV panels are surface mounted on your roof so even if you move house, you can take them with you, making them an ideal solution for the domestic and commercial market alike.

Gerhard Heyl is the managing director of established building contracting firm HSLC. In a new venture launching this autumn, Gerhard will be rolling out a programme of PV installations.

See www.pvgreenenergysavings.ie for more information.

Or call Gerhard on 087 774 9470/041 98 88960 , or email: info@greenenergysavings.ie

Photovoltaic cells may be one method of making some energy savings

28 GAZETTE 4 October 2012

GazetteMOTORS RoadSigns Mazda CX-5 gets a What Car? Trophy EARLIER this year, before its Irish launch, the Mazda CX-5 crossover was featured on the Gazette motoring pages when it was released in Vienna.

The all-new vehicle has added the What Car? Green SUV 2012 title to its trophy cabinet. “The Mazda CX-5 offers an extraordinary amount of car for the price,” said What Car? editor-in-chief Chas Hallett at the awards ceremony held at The Imagination Gallery in London last month. “As well as great fuel economy and low emissions, it has loads of standard equipment, plenty of passenger space and an elevated seating position.

The flexible seating can also be folded flat in a second for easy loading.”

Keep an eye on the Gazette motoring pages for a full review in the coming weeks.

Today’s Beetle transfers the styling of the original Beetle and the 1998 new Beetle into a sportier, more masculine era

The Mazda CX-5

SKODA OFFERS A CHANCE TO JOIN THEIR CLUB: SKODA is all about quality and value and the new My Skoda Loyalty Programme has just been launched which offers Skoda owners the chance to be part of a very exclusive club.

The My Skoda Loyalty Programme is about one thing – rewarding Skoda owners for their loyalty.

Skoda have developed a plan so that Skoda owners can visit their local authorized retailer and enjoy fantastic rewards.

The My Skoda Loyalty Programme is now available for free to all new and existing Skoda drivers.

Taking the form of a card, which owners can apply for by visiting www.mySkoda.

ie/join, the card offers Skoda drivers a wide range of benefits, including free vehicle health checks and discounts on vehicle services at their local Skoda retailer.

It also provides them with access to exclusive dining, travel, and shopping offers, designed to deliver an even more rewarding experience to customers.

My Skoda Loyalty Card also allows Skoda drivers to earn points with each service at their local Skoda retailer. The points are then redeemable against the purchase of a new car.

All Skoda motorists can request a My Skoda Loyalty Card by registering online at www.mySkoda.ie/join or at Skoda retailers nationwide.

VW launches a new 21st century Beetle VOLKSWAGEN Ireland has launched the 21st century Beetle into a market breathless with anticipation.

One of the three most successful cars ever sold, selling 21.5 million units (first generation). The Beetle is the symbol of the Volkswagen brand.

It links the emotional heritage of the “Original Volkswagen” to the future of Volkswagen.

With excellent product characteristics, the 21st century Beetle has shed its niche vehicle tag and rekindled the spirit of the “people’s car” by providing an emotional, sporty and practical everyday driving experience starting from €19,995.

More affordable and more accessible to a new generation of motorists compared with many of the cars in its class, this third-generation model will appeal to the Irish

public to fall in love with an automotive icon all over again.

Today’s Beetle transfers the styling of the original Beetle and the 1998 new Beetle into a sportier, more masculine era. Following the design DNA of the Volkswagen brand, the 21st Century Beetle demonstrates this through its styling lines, extended bonnet, sharply swept back windscreen and longer wheelbase.

Commenting on the vehicle, John Donegan, brand director of Volkswagen Ireland, said: “Irish motorists have always had affection for the Beetle and we believe this third generation model will set pulses racing amongst hardcore Beetle aficionados and with a new crop of Beetle lovers. The Beetle has always held a special relationship with Ireland, this unique relationship

can be traced right back to the fact that the first ever Beetle assembled outside of Germany took place on the Shelbourne Road in Dublin.

“From the 50s right up to the late 70s, Beetles were assembled in Ireland and this coincided with the car’s most popular era both as a symbol of counter culture and then more mainstream thanks to the adventures of Herbie.”

The new Beetle offers plenty of space for four and lots of luggage. The boot can handle up to 905 litres of space, there is the option of a panoramic tilt/slide sunroof and music lovers can opt for a 400-watt Fender sound system – recently named audio system of the year in the USA. Premium optional features also include Bluetooth technology, keyless access with push-button

start, leather seating surfaces and BI-XENON headlights and LED daytime running lights.

Under the bonnet, new to the range will be a 1.6-litre 105bhp diesel engine with emissions of just 113g/km, capable of 1,279km on a single tank, enough to travel from Dublin, to Cork, to Galway, to Belfast, to Dublin and back to Cork again!

For those looking for a little more aggression from their Beetle there is the superb 1.4 TSI – a twin charger. The 160bhp petrol engine is twin charged by a turbocharger and a supercharger, allowing blistering performance of 0-100km/h in just 8.3 seconds yet real-world fuel economy of 6.2 l.100km and CO2 emissions of 143g/km.

The range starts with a 1.2 105bhp TSI engine with emissions of 129g/ km and capable of return-

ing 5.61 l/100km for just €19,995. The 1.6-litre 105bhp TDI diesel starts from €21,995 and the 1.4-litre TSI twin charger with 160bhp starts from €26,320. At the top of the range is the 2.0-litre TDi 140bhp diesel, which still has low emissions of just 129/km, this starts at €27,805. The 1.2-litre TSI, 1.6-litre TDI, 1.4-litre TSI and 2.0-litre are all available with the excellent DSG double-clutch gearbox.

John Donegan concludes: “For all intents and purposes the Beetle has grown up. All that was eye-catching about the icon has been retained and refined with cutting edge modern driving technology.

Now we have an agile, driver-orientated coupe that offers exceptional features and premium options, all at very competitive pricing.”

4 October 2012 gazette 29

Edited by Cormac Curtis

safety: tomtom helps keeps hands on the wheel

Get a handsfree kit for your phone Tr a d i t i o n a lly, motorists had very few options when it came to good hands-free kits for their mobile phones.

Especially modern smart phones.

The best kits tended to be of the built-in variety, and they brought their own set of frustrations when it came to two-car families, or indeed people like myself, who drive different cars almost every week.

There is now a real leap forward in mobile phone hands-free kits for smart phones in the shape of TomTom’s Hands Free Car Kit for smartphones.

This kit is easily mounted, secures in seconds and moves from one car to another with great ease.

It features the highest quality audio for loud and clear hands-free calling and navigation.

The new car kit features an advanced noise and echo cancellation system, which dramatically reduces background noise for the caller and removes ambient noise for the driver.

New mounting options make smartphone use on the move safer and more convenient. The newly designed car kit has an adjustable grip to fit any smartphone with or without its cover. An extendable microphone can be

clipped to the sun visor to ensure conversations are louder and clearer.

“The new car kit has been designed for safety and convenience,” said Corinne Vigreux, of TomTom. “With fantastic audio quality and new mounting options, we are making it easier and safer for drivers to make calls and use navigation applications on the move.

With advanced new features, our aim is to help drivers keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.”

The TomTom Hands Free Car Kit comes in two versions to support iPhone and micro USB compatible smartphones such as Android phones with the possibility to automatically pair two mobile devices simultaneously. When connected via Bluetooth, voice recognition functionality can be activated; enabling drivers to navigate and dial without taking their hands from the wheel.

The TomTom HandsFree Car Kit for iPhone or Smartphone is available in selected retail stores and from the www.tomtom.com\smartphone and priced at €99.95.

The TomTom HandsFree Car Kit for iPhone with Western EU navigation app is priced at €149.95

RoadSigns

The Land Rover Double Cab Pick-up

2012 Paris Motor Show celebrates Bond … James Bond

TomTom’s Hands Free Car Kit for smartphones has an adjustable grip to fit any smartphone with or without its cover

The hands-free car kit offers drivers:  Sound boost – An in-built 2 watt speaker means that drivers can hear hands-free calls and navigation instructions loud and clear.  Extendable microphone – The microphone can be brought closer to the driver for clearer conversations.  Noise and echo cancellation – Cancels out background noise so drivers can have even clearer conversations.

Dual phone connection – Connects two phones simultaneously.  Fast charging – Fast charges the driver’s phone on the go.

 Dual mounting system – Drivers can choose to mount their device on the dashboard or the windscreen.

It includes a self-adhesive disc that allows use of the suction mount on the dash or centre console.

 Voice menu and spoken instructions – Drivers can connect their phone easily using the voice menu and spoken instructions.

 Easy-reach answer and reject buttons – Answer and reject calls, even when the phone isn’t mounted.

Last weekend, Jaguar Land Rover celebrated 50 years of James Bond at the 2012 Paris Motor show by displaying one of the Land Rover Defenders used in Albert R. Broccoli’s upcoming release, Skyfall. The motor show welcomed the Double Cab Pick-up, driven in the opening sequence by field agent Eve (played by Naomie Harris).

Jaguar Land Rover provided a total of 77 vehicles to the Skyfall production, including the Land Rover Defender, Range Rover and Jaguar XJ for use both on-screen and as production support vehicles.

Speaking at Pinewood Studios, where Bond was filmed, co-producer Andrew Noakes, a veteran of 11 James Bond films, said: “Bond is quintessentially British and Jaguar and Land Rover are two of the most established and globally recognised British brands, so it was a natural step for us to involve them in the film.”

Alongside Daniel Craig as James Bond, the cast includes: Dame Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Bérénice Marlohe, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw and Albert Finney.

Global brand director for Land Rover John Edwards said: “Land Rover is extremely proud to be associated with the new James Bond film Skyfall. The iconic Land Rover Defender is recognised around the world for its rugged appeal and the Range Rover is the pinnacle of SUV luxury and capability. Both vehicles are renowned as examples of excellence in British design and engineering.”

Adrian Hallmark, global brand director for Jaguar, said: “The Jaguar XJ is the most advanced technological vehicle that Jaguar currently produces. Constructed out of aluminium, its chassis is lightweight yet immensely strong allowing the car to blend responsive handling with effortless cruising over long distances. The XJ benefits from the very latest generation of entertainment and comfort technologies, and together with its award winning design, creates a unique combination of luxury, technology and performance which is unparalleled.”

30 gazette 4 October 2012

GazetteTravel FastTravel Loosening up and chilling out at this heavenly spa Shake off the winter blues with a quick sunshine break to the Mediterranean sun and sea

AFTER a disappointing Irish “summer” and the return to school well of of the way, now is the perfect time to plan a quick sunshine break. There’s nothing like looking forward to a bit of Mediterranean warmth to shake off the winter blues!

Located on Spain’s Costa del Sol, and open all year round, Sunset Beach Club offers the best of both worlds, by combining comfortable accommodation in one-bedroom apartments, with complete hotel services and facilities.

This popular four-star resort-hotel is the ideal place to stay, located directly on the seafront of Benalmadena Costa, just 20 minutes from Malaga airport (taxi transfer costs approximately €28).

n jessica maile

A Sunset Beach Club apartment

In fact, if you leave Dublin early morning, you should arrive in plenty of time for lunch, perhaps followed by a Spanish siesta! Sunset Beach Club enjoys a friendly ambience all year round, and their entertainment programme continues in the winter time with daily organised activities for all ages and regular live music in the evenings.

Guests can also book an excursion, some golf or a game of bowls through the leisure desk, or if you prefer, why not simply relax with a good book by the pool or on the nearby beach. Sunset Beach Club promises that your winter sun holiday can be as action-packed or relaxed as you wish and is ideal for couples or families alike.

A one-bedroom exterior apartment is suitable for up to four persons sharing, with one twin bedroom and one double sofa bed, and the Sunset Beach Club is priced from just €54 per apartment per night. Prices available from November 2012 until March 2013, with additional supplements applied at Easter and New Year.

For more information or to book online, visit www.sunsetbeachclub.com. Email booking@ sunsetbeachclub.com or phone +34 952 579.

A view of a golf course and the mountains

SOMETIMES new modern features, such as the M3 motorway, make you realise places like Co Cavan are only a short drive away. And that’s a good thing because it will lead you to the Radisson Blu Farnham Estate Hotel in no time at all!

When you are going to visit a Radisson Blu Hotel, you have a certain vision in mind of what you should expect; a gorgeous hotel with plenty of amenities and courteous, helpful staff.

And that’s what you get when you enter the gateway to the almost 400-year-old, 1,300-acre Farnham Estate.

You could also be mistaken for thinking you have driven back in time, maybe even into a Bronte novel.

As you wind your way b e t we e n m a n i c u r e d greens and fairways of the golf course, you realise how large the Farnham Estate really is.

In the distance you get the first view of the manor house and then the modern addition whose architecture blends well with the statuesque older building.

It is a perfect marriage of future and past. The rooms and facades of the original buildings sit perfectly with the newer features in this 21st century

luxury hotel.

Farnham Estate houses such large windows that you never feel far away from nature. There are ancient redwoods, cedar, copper beech and Scots pine, as well as amazing views of Farnham Lake.

There are plenty of activities at the Farnham Estate to suit everyone’s tastes. Whilst cycling, walking and golf are attractive pursuits to consider, my weekend was all about the spa.

Before I got myself ready for an evening of dinner and drinks, I thought it was best to take time to slowly unwind and try all the facilities available.

Oasis T he Radisson Blu Farnham Estate is one of Ireland’s most popular spa retreats and I certainly found out why! It’s an oasis set in the heart of the hotel.

After a relaxing and healthy lunch in the spa’s Pear Tree restaurant, I made my way to an impressive choice of thermal suites and aroma steam baths to let my aches and pains disappear into the mist and steam.

I sampled the Aroma Steam Bath, the drier heat of the Finnish sauna and the gentle heat of the Laconium.

For a break from the

heat, the Snail showers and ice fountain allowed me to freshen up and keep cool.

Finally, it was time for the Infinity swimming pool. This cleverly designed hydro swimming pool has so many features made just for me, from floating around in the warmth of the pool, to sitting down as the spa bubbles loosened my shoulders even more.

There is something quite wonderful about swimming out through a small gap in the large window and finding yourself swimming outside in the open air.

The smooth transition from an indoor to an outdoor pool is quite amazing.

There are very few times in your life when you can get in a pool, make your way outside to look out at an amazingly lush countryside and then swim right back in again.

When the rain decided to drop, it only added to the experience. The warmth of the water kept me comfortable as the freshness of the outside air invigorated my senses.

After a perfect day unwinding, the evening promised to be very entertaining yet still relaxing. The soft hum of conversation from my fellow guests made

for pleasant listening as we settled down for our evening meal in the Botanica Restaurant.

The deconstructed Caesar salad washed down with a glass of wine, began a night of gourmet treats.

It was hard to choose from the menu as the fillet of Irish beef looked so appetising, but, in the end, the rump of Irish lamb won my heart.

My literacy skills cannot do the lamb, slowbraised shoulder pie and minted pea any justice, only that you have to try it for yourself.

Romantic

With a satisfied belly, it was time to retire to the bar. And with this being the Farnham Estate, it was far from ordinary.

The Wine Goose Cellar is a cavernous place.

While couples huddled together in romantic snugs, groups enjoyed themselves around large, long tables.

T he sense of history returned as the bar’s brick vaulted ceilings had a history all to themselves. The joyful live music from the band wafted through the air in this unique cellar bar.

The dim lights and the relaxed atmosphere gave me the chance to relax and enjoy a few drinks before that big, soft bed in my luxurious room

A reception room at the

called. When I did settle down for the night, it was really for the night.

It might not seem like a huge deal, but an uninterrupted sleep in a hotel room is not easy to come by and is crucial when you crave total relaxation.

Guests were very considerate and there were no late night antics out in the hallways.

Relaxation

A f ter an excellent night’s sleep, I devoured my scrumptious breakfast that was delivered right to my door and then made my way back to the spa for my beauty treatments.

My two hours in the spa were nothing short of heaven. The staff were very welcoming and took the time to learn about my skin and my lifestyle habits and explained which treatments suited

4 October 2012 dun LAOGHAIRE gazette 31

Edited by Natalie Burke

TravelBriefs Atlantis The Palm Hotel and Resort

Immerse yourself in sumptuous sophisticated delights of Dubai FROM desert oases, unspoiled beaches, camel races to top-class shopping, avant-garde architecture and cuisine, Dubai has more than enough to satisfy travellers. Spend five nights B&B in the five-star Atlantis The Palm from just €1,099 per person. Immerse yourself in the water themed amusements, extensive fresh and salt-water pools and lagoon exhibits, luxury boutiques and an endless stretch of beach. The price includes return flights leaving Dublin on November 24, 2012, accommodation and taxes and charges. Prices are based on two adults and one child. From €1,539 per person, spend four nights at the five-star The Palace at the One and Only Royal Mirage, on a B&B basis which is set on its own private beach, with waterfalls, gardens and Arabian Palace style rooms. Travelling from Dublin on March 2, 2013. The price includes flights, accommodation, taxes and charges based on two adults sharing. Please visit www.travelmood.ie, or phone 01-4331020.

Radisson Blu Farnham Estate Hotel in Co Cavan

my needs. I enjoyed the 120 minute Secret de Beaute, which included a full body exfoliation treatment, a Yon’ka Hydralessence facial and nourishing foot mask.

Did I say it was heaven?

I have been to my share of spas, but my two hours there were some of the best, ever. It does live up to its title of one of Ireland’s top spa retreats.

After my spa experience, I could have easily drifted back to my room for a nap and I found myself wishing I could stay just one more night!

Overnight stays begin from €199 per room, bed and breakfast.

For reservations or for further details and to book treatments and packages in the health spa, please contact the spa on 049 4377700 or email info.farnham@ radissonblu.com.

The impressive exterior of the Radisson Blu Farnham Estate Hotel

A thermal suite area in the spa

A bedroom suite at the hotel

The outdoor part of the Infinity pool on the estate

32 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 4 October 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT

GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Darren Shan

THERE’S plenty of life in the zombie genre for children, so to speak, with popular author Darren Shan providing plenty of spooky chills in his latest book, Zom-B. Suitable for children aged 11 and up, Darren will star at a guest discussion of his latest work at the Pavilion on Saturday, October 6, as part of the DLR Library Voices Series.

Staged as part of the DLR Children’s Book Festival, children are invited to come along at 2pm, with tickets priced at €5.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Cause & Effect

IF YOU’VE ever wanted to help decide a show’s outcome – this is for you, with Cause & Effect relying heavily on audience interaction to bring its zany improv art to life. The first half of the show will see an audience member become a key character, while the second half will see the Herewego Theatre cast act out the audience’s chosen characters, where anything could happen! Catch Cause & Effect nightly at 8.15pm this Friday, October 5 and Saturday, October 6, with tickets priced at €10/€12.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 The Brendan Boyer Show

THE legendary Bredan Boyer needs no introduction to his many showband music fans, with the legacy of the singer to the fore in this concert’s celebration of his music. The man who invited the world to “do the Hucklebuck” invites you to help celebrate the very best of his showband hits, with his inimitable songs sure to delight fans. Billed as a concert show of pure nostalgia, catch Brendan and his band, and a special guest, on Sunday, October 7 at 8pm, with tickets priced at €25/€23 conc.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Underage Band Nights

CONTINUING its series of giving young musicians and bands the chance to get out there and show what they can do, Draiocht is set to host another in its popular Underage Band Nights. With the aim of highlighting and promoting the talents of under-18 musicians and singers, as well as showcasing their talents to friends, family and other aspiring musicians, the night is set to be a great showcase of some up-and-coming talents. Catch the acts on Friday, October 5 at 7.30pm, with tickets priced at €5.

Although, of course, Mavis (Gomez) likes hanging out with dad-cula (Sandler), she’s something of a bored ghoul, hanging out with a bunch of lifeless monsters at the family’s otherworldly hotel in Transylvania. When some fresh blood arrives (courtesy of a lost American backpacker), the Count gets his cape in a twist, trying to cope with the annoying human’s habits – and, more worryingly, Mavis’ interest to leave home ...

Little ghoul grows up Dads will sympathise with Dracula’s over-protective nature as his little darling (age: 118) wants to leave home  ROB HEIGH

REVIEWING movies can be a fangless task.

It’s all about avoiding the howlers and picking through the grotesque and bizarre to find something not monstrous that will appeal to all GazetteMovies fans ...

Adam Sandler is responsible for some hilarious comedies over the years, but also some of the worst things committed to the silver screen in living memory.

Fortunately, Hotel Transylvania , which has been in gestation for some six years, focuses on the things that he was the best at at the start of his career – the story, and the funny.

The story is straightforward enough – Count Dracula has created a

FILM OF THE WEEK: Hotel Translyvania  (PG) 91 mins Director: Genndy Tartakovsky Starring: Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Steve Buscemi, CeeLo Green, Kevin James, Andy Samberg, stock Hollywood monsters Not starring: Sesame Street’s Count, sadly

OUR VERDICT:

DRAC’S back – and his latest bite at the big screen sees him starring alongside his little-known daughter, err, Mavis. From here, it’s an interesting take of what life’s like as a “monster”, with Hotel Transylvania providing a welcome respite from pesky humans with pitchforks and so on. Not exactly the freshest premise, there’s still plenty here to sink your teeth into ...

hotel/sanctuary for all the ghouls and monsters familiar to anyone who loves the horror genre – Frankenstein’s monster and his Bride, the Wolfman, the Mummy, Quasimodo, and so on – when they have had enough of the human world.

It’s also a playground for his beloved little girl, Mavis, who is growing up and is keen to escape the shackles of home and go off into the world.

So, when Jonathan,

an archetypal American backpacker, thinks he’s arrived at an out of the way hostel, and Mavis falls for him, Drac’s plans to hang onto his little girl a little while longer start to go awry.

There is a fine pedigree of talent behind the microphones, and behind the scenes. The voice talent here, led by Sandler, includes David Spade, Steve Buscemi, Jon Lovitz, Andy Samberg and Selina Gomez, hav-

ing a ball with the script from comedy veterans Robert Smigel (Saturday Night Live, The Wedding Singer) and Peter Baynham (Borat, Arthur Christmas).

Overseeing it all is animation hero Genndy Tartorofsky – a name you might not know, but you will know his work if you’ve been near a TV screen on a Saturday morning in the last decade or so, thanks to his iconic work on The Powerpuff Girls, Samurai Jack and Dexter’s Laboratory.

Although the movie is stylistically light years away from his unique 2D style, there is still a playful and iconic style to the design.

The hugely inflated expectations of modern audiences can leave you let down by a lot of mov-

ies – ParaNorman, for example, proved to be less than the sum of its parts, and was a bit of a disappointment.

Perhaps we’ve been spoiled by the high standards of Pixar, and the sophistication of young audiences has pushed the bar higher still.

But, fortunately, Hotel Transylvania takes a premise full of promise and runs with it. With gags a-plenty using the tropes of the horror characters, who choose to take a break from the human realm in the Count’s getaway location, as well as a solid tale about the relationship between parents and their children, the movie tells a good story well and has fun with it along the way.

Go and see this movie – you can fang me later.

4 October 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 33

GazetteGaming Bytesandpieces Almost 100 staff lose Dublin jobs

The just-released PlayStation 3 Slim is certainly a stylish-looking beast, with its eye-catching design, coupled with some aggressive

UNFORTUNATELY, as previously reported, games developer PopCap have indeed decided to close their Dublin offices, with 96 layoffs resulting from the restructuring decision.

Although Ireland continues to see some inward investment from certain wings of interested games developers and publishers – just look to Electronic Arts’ recent announcement of a lot of new jobs for its Galway support centre – it’s still terrible news for those affected.

For all of its worth, the gaming sector has always been particularly uncertain at the best of times.

However, PopCap are providing support for those at its Dublin studio, so best of luck to everyone affected there in moving on to something else.

storage options (to maximise Sony’s intention of making the PS3 a key all-round home entertainment system) more than capable of seeing it land in even more homes around the key autumn/winter, and Christmas, periods

A Slim success for Sony  shane dillon

IT’S been a while since I had anything on Sony, so, as a non-partisan gamer, I feel obliged to tug my forelock and offer an apology.

I tend to cover more X b o x- r e l a t e d s t u f f because, frankly, it’s easier for me to preview and access that content, but, of course, both consoles, and companies, offer excellent choice for gamers.

They both have their own strengths – and weaknesses – with excellent platform-specific titles and franchises that make it impossible to say which is a “better” platform for gamers.

You may as well try debating whether apples or bananas are the “better” fruit.

Sony is in the same

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

‘The PS3 recently had a facelift, with a smaller and slimmer model (with a gorgeous design) just released’

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

boat as Microsoft at the moment – both are sitting at opposite ends, avoiding eye contact, while they bide their time for just a little while longer, as the run-up to Christmas, and early 2013, sees some terrific titles available jointly, or exclusively, for each console.

Perhaps aware that the PlayStation 3 isn’t quite a spring chicken any

more, with its sixth birthday around the corner, and with the continuing march of manufacturing and computing developments, the PS3 recently had a facelift, with a smaller and slimmer model, the PlayStation 3 Slim (with a gorgeous design) just released, with a 500GB model available, and a 12GB version soon to hit stores.

It’s a practical step by Sony, with the PS3 redesign as the Slim something to be relied upon to give a sales bounce, heading into the lucrative – and crucial – Christmas markets, with several strong cards in Sony’s suit yet to be played.

While Microsoft get a lot of media coverage through its suites of business and leisure software, and with Nintendo having its strongest media

coverage for some years with the upcoming release of its next console, Sony have obviously put their thinking caps on to reassess how to engage with gamers even further.

A redesigned “main” console alone won’t do it, but it’s certainly a help.

For example, its recently released handheld hasn’t particularly helped Sony further eat into gaming.

I’m not sure who’s buying its Vita handheld, but, personally, after extensive travelling this year, I’ve yet to see just one on the ground in other countries, at airports, and so on.

However, aggressive marketing, of the type which once helped to propel Sony from being “just” a technology firm to being indisputably behind the coolest con-

sole – at the time – could help Sony to take back some of the ground that it’s lost in recent years.

It shares at least one thing with Microsoft – both seemed unprepared for the surprise explosion in mobile gaming, which has seen people who’d never class themselves as “gamers” having no issue, say, paying €0.79 or €2.39 to download games to their IOS-driven handhelds, or other platforms.

The next year should be very interesting for Sony’s gamers, investors and analysts, with the PS3 redesign, and some terrific titles (such as the incredible looking postapocalyptic title, The Last Of Us) ready to give another boost to one of gaming’s two titans, still slugging it out for the title of top dog.

It’s time to be a Bad Piggie and roll to the finish line

Say Halo to an exclusive interview

WHILE not exactly about to go bust, due to there being about a bazillion and one people playing Angry Birds around the world – and buying merchandise, its maker, Roxio, can’t keep milking its birds forever.

For example, its recent release of Amazing Alex (its first non-Angry Birds title) barely made a flap in the charts, unlike those blasted birds.

NEXT week, I have an exclusive full page special on the upcoming early November release of key Xbox 360 title, Halo 4.

Last weekend, I was in Madrid for an extensive handson Halo 4 preview.

Not only that, but I also interviewed Frank

And so, we come to its next game that’s a little like a cross between the two aforementioned titles, Bad Piggies.

Here, gamers are tasked to build unlikely contraptions to carry said pigs to each stage’s finish, where their contraption’s design will be either an inspired success – or a crashing, crumbling catastrophe.

Fusing the familiar art

style and characterisation of those pigs (below, right) in that game, with the tinkering found in Alex’s world, it’s an interesting – if not exactly revolutionary – sidestep for the franchise.

Available for IOS platforms, at present, here’s your chance to try being very good at being bad ...

O’Connor, franchise development director for the Halo franchise at 343 Industries, and all-round nice guy.

My exclusive interview with such a key Halo head honcho is definitely something any gamer won’t want to miss. So, say Halo to that exclusive in-depth interview, and preview feedback, in next week’s Gazette …

iPhone 5 sales failed to impress POOR old Apple. Even though they sold five million iPhone 5s in the first three days of trading, it seems that wasn’t enough to appease analysts – despite being the world’s most valuable company, its shares tumbled by more than $10 in early trading, due to what must have been seen as “disappointing” sales by various Wall Street types. However, with Christmas around the corner, and new markets opening up, Apple can surely be expected to bound back from such “poor” sales ...

GAZETTE

34 DUN LAOGHAIRE GAZETTE 4 October 2012

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GazetteSPORT

4 October 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 35

american dream: Dublin’s hockey stars snapped up by US Colleges: Page 28

cricket: local players shine with bat and ball in annual staffordshire event

Leinster U-15 stars just pipped to title

by Cheshire side

 sport@gazettegroup.com

THE Leinster Under15 boy’s cricket squad enjoyed a successful visit to Wolverhampton recently as they participated in the Staffordshire Youth Cricket Tournament.

They recorded four wins out of five during the festival week, with a narrow loss to Cheshire costing them the title in the final reckoning. They enjoyed wins over Cumbria, Norfolk,

Staffordshire and Lincolnshire. Between the Interprovincial and the Wolverhampton tournament, 23 players were used which reflects the depth of cricketers at this age-group in the province.

Among them were Malahide’s Cameron Shoebridge, Phoenix’s Eoin Cleere and Marc Gibson-McKenna while there was a trio of North County players in the panel – Kashif Ali, Brian Smyth and Ross Staun-

ton, They started the campaign with a six wicket win over Norfolk with Ali (2-16) and Fiachra Tucker (2-19) producing fine spells. Balbriggan’s Nathan Rooney fired 58 with Smyth clipping 37 not out to see the side home with 12 overs to spare.

Smyth then hit 61 in the defeat of Cumbria as Leinster made 221-6 before restricting the opposition to 114-8 from their allotted 45 overs,

Leinster captain Danny Hogan is presented with a shield at the Staffordshire youth cricket tournament

Tom Stanton’s spell producing an excellent 3-8.

Cheshire, though, got the better of Leinster on day three, running up 157-8 and the Irish side fell 31 runs short in response.

T hey got back on track with a 19-run win over Staffordshire and

closed out the competition with a 75-run win over Lincolnshire to tie at the top of the table with Cheshire.

Having received the same amount of bonus points, though, Cheshire were awarded the overall title by virtue of more wickets taken.

Smyth ended as the leading run scorer for Leinster with 191 runs at an average of 63.

Tucker was the province’s leading wicket taker with nine wickets at a miserly average of 9.5 runs per wicket.

Indeed, he was named the bowler of the tour-

nament as he picked up the Peter Jones Bowling Award. His controlled leg spin impressed many seasoned watchers on the boundary.

Te r e n u r e ’s D a n ny Hogan ably led the team, setting imaginative and attacking fields throughout the week.

36 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 4 October 2012

GazetteSport FastSport

hockey: local stars making waves at us universities

Aisling Naughton, centre, celebrates with her University of Michigan team mates as she has made a bright start to her college career

Castleknock to run Whitle Collar event THIRTY of Castleknock CLG’s finest will step into the ring on December 1 for the first Castleknock-Out night.

The white collar boxing event will be held in the Wright Venue in Swords with buses organised for travel to and from the venue for what looks set be a great night.

Tickets will be on sale very soon so keep it in your diaries.

To fill the bill, the club is looking for club members willing to take part in the main event.

All boxers will be matched by age, height and weight so a fair fight will be arranged.

Full headgear will be worn for the fight which will consist of three two-minute rounds on the night.

All who sign up will be given six weeks training by former professional and Olympic boxers in the National Stadium’s high performance gym Boxers of all ages and from all areas of the club are welcome to make for a diverse fightcard on the night with female members also encouraged to put their names forward.

If interested or you want to volunteer somebody, get in touch with Paul Hughes, Gerry Kelly, Finbar Brady or Paul Warnock and they will be able to give you all the info about the event.

This will raise much needed funds for the new clubhouse.

The American dream  stephen findlater sport@gazettegroup.com

IRISH hockey waved goodbye to some of its brightest female prospects in the past few months as the trickle of talent heading to America has turned into a flood.

In recent times, the country’s hockey players have been exploring opportunities within the sport. The majority of the Irish men’s squad currently play semi-professionally in the Dutch, German and Belgian leagues, while the women are now taking the chance to experience student life in the United States.

Omagh’s Ireland international forward Megan Frazer was the first of the current crop to be lured on scholarship in 2009, winning consecutive allAmerican titles with the University of Maryland

as well as being named as the country’s best student hockey player last year.

College recr uiters have since awoken to the opportunity to give Irish girls used to playing a low-profile sport in their spare time the chance to experience the buzz, crowds and media attention that come with collegiate sport in America, as well as putting hockey front and centre in their lives.

The result is that 16 starlets — most of who have previously been involved with Ireland at U-18 or U-21 level — have opted to follow the American dream, 11 of them are heading over as freshers this year.

From that number, many hail from south Dublin. They include Deirdre Duke (formerly of Alexandra College), Emma Russell (Loreto,

Dalkey), Orla Macken (Rathdown) , Gillian Pinder and Hayley Sarratt (both St Andrew’s), while former Hermes player Liz McInerney and Loreto Beaufort graduate Trish O’Dwyer travelled over a year earlier.

There are also three former Mount Anville players in situ with Lisa McCarthy and Aisling Naughton taking up impressive scholarships, following in the footsteps of Sinead Loughran who has been at University of North Carolina for the past three years.

And Naughton – who was part of the Ireland U-21 panel earlier this year – enthusiastically explained to GazetteSport that it has been one of the most exciting times for her hockey career since taking up an offer from University of Michigan.

A tireless attacker, Naughton has scored three times in her first nine outings and has already been named in the Big Ten freshman line-up, adapting quickly to her new surroundings, one which is a world away from Dublin’s lowkey scene.

“Each game is like a showcase with over 350 people watching,” she said. “It’s a really great experience as the crowd do go crazy and cheer throughout the game. It’s much more of an event and they create a great atmosphere.

“It’s like we are treated like professionals. When I first arrived, they had a custom-made face mask for defensive penalty corners. It shows how well we are treated.”

Such perks are simply not affordable on the Irish scale and while

some Irish coaches have expressed concerns about the standard of play on offer, Naughton says that she reckons it should not have a negative impact on her career.

“I wasn’t sure what it would be like coming over here but there are a couple of players who are training with the US international squad.

“It will always be a concern that we might be forgotten about [by the national coaches].

But what does help is that there are 10 more of us over here. No selector can ignore that amount of potentially good players.”

Next on the agenda for Naughton is a battle against North-Western University, where she will be in direct opposition to McCarthy, her best friend from school days as the season builds to a crescendo in October.

4 October 2012 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 37

DublinGazetteNewspapers golf: doran and moynihan on top form 2012 Dublin sports awards september winners

H STARof theMONTH catherine walsh swords woman Catherine Walsh was one of the Irish stars of the Paralympic Games as she, in tandem with Fran Meehan, won a silver and bronze medal in the track and road cycling events, respectively, to add another chapter to an already glittering career across a number of sporting disciplines

TEAMof theMONTH castle golf club NINETY-NINE years since their last success, Rathfarnham’s Castle golf club finally ended their long wait for an Irish Senior Cup success in fine style as they took glory this month in Kinsale, getting the better of Warrenpoint in the final, their ninth victory en route to the title throughout the summer.

TEAM ethic was very much the motto of the month as the tail-end of summer saw club and county produce some magnificent performances, highlighted by the Dublin minor hurlers and footballers.

Inspired by their efforts, many clubs around the city found their trophy cabinets bolstered while others moved a couple of steps closer to such glory.

As such, all three individual nominees for the September Star of the

Month award owed a lot to teamwork in many respects with eventual winner Catherine Walsh working with her pilot Fran Meehan in the Paralympic cycling event.

For Castle golf club, they reached the pinnacle of the Irish club golfing scene as they completed an incredible run of nine successive wins in the Irish Senior Cup to add the national title to the provincial one they pinned down a month earlier.

Donabate’s Pat Doran shot a spectacular final round to earn a playoff shot at the British Senior’s strokeplay

Local duo shoot top rounds  sport@gazettegroup.com

DONABATE’S Pat Doran fired a sensational one-under par 74 to tie for the lead and then lost out at the second tiehole at the British Senior Women’s Strokeplay at Hunstanton, last week.

Katherine Russell (Royal Ashdown Forest), making her debut in the championship at the age of 51, won the title with a conceded par four at the 18th hole after the first tie hole was halved

in bogey. Doran had to settle for second place for the second successive year.

Earlier Doran had birdied five of the last 10 holes to jump from sixth to a tie for first place and force extra time. Helen Jones (Royal Portrush) had started the day one behind Spanish leader Rocio Ruiz de Velasco but slipped back to the pack after a disappointing 81.

Sheena McElroy (Grange) fired a second

successive level par 75 to finish joint fourth while Ireland’s only other qualifier for the final round Mary Maclaren (Wellingborough) signed for 92.

T he Island golfer Gavin Moynihan, meanwhile, picked up 2.5 out of three points at the Junior Ryder Cup last week.

He was one of the competition’s standout performers despite Europe’s 14½ to 9½ loss at Olympia Fields Country Club as they claimed

Super Swans: Local quartet claim Euro Cup south Dublin Swans players,

left to right, Bobby Byrne, Peter Ross, Kevin Brennan and Richie Duignam celebrate their success as part of the Irish Aussie Rules football team.

They claimed the AFL European Cup for the second successive year in Edinburgh with a stunning victory over Denmark, scoring two goals in the final minute to win 30-29.

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

the title for a third successive year.

The United States battled to a 7-5 lead after the first day of foursomes and mixed four-balls, then sprinted out in singles Tuesday by winning four of its first five matches.

And they duly claimed the match with seven points from the 12 singles matches – despite Moynihan’s four and three victory over Jim Liu of Smithtown, New York in the first match.

38

dun laoghaire gazette 4 October 2012

GazetteSport FastSport

rugby: aul season opens with donnybrook thriller

Irish Taekwondo Tiger’s Anna Blake receives her trophy for the East Coast championship

Irish Taekwondo Tigers prove to be fierce in East Coast Open DUN Laoghaire-based Irish Taekwondo Tigers are celebrating more success, this time at the East Coast Open competition which took place recently in St Killian’s School in Bray, County Wicklow.

Featuring martial arts clubs of various styles from around the country, the competition was tough but the Tigers’ five-strong team took home an impressive four-trophy haul.

Team members Anna Blake, Caoilinn Merrigan and Amy Eiffe all competed in the advanced Korean patterns section, turning the event into a Tigers whitewash, with the trio placing first, second and third respectively.

The section wasn’t without drama though, as Blake and Merrigan initially tied in first place, forcing a tie break between the two friends with the former narrowly coming out on top.

Tom Browne, the youngest Tiger to compete, narrowly missed out on the trophy stages against older, more experienced competitors.

To cap another successful day off, chief instructor Michelle Hogan competed in the Black Belt Dan section and was crowned East Coast Open champion.

After the event, Hogan was happy, but had one eye on the future: “I was very pleased with the performances of all my students, particularly as we’re all a little rusty after the summer break. We’ll continue to work hard now to make sure we’re fully prepared for the National Taekwondo Championships in November.”

The Irish Taekwondo Tigers have recently moved into a dedicated martial arts fitness facility in Kill Avenue, Dun Laoghaire.

New members of all skill levels are always welcome. For more information, call Michelle Hogan on 0851488492 or email: mhogantaekwondo@gmail.com

Old Wesley took the spoils after a dramatic injury time try against visitors, Seapoint, at Donnybrook

Time on Old Wesley’s side Ulster Bank League Division 2A Old Wesley Seapoint  sport@gazettegroup.com

25 18

IAN McGann’s dramatic injury-time try stole the first win of the All-Ireland League season last Friday in Donnybrook as Old Wesley bounced back from a three-point deficit with scarcely a minute left to play.

It handed them an opening day victory for the first time in the competition since 2006, denying a Peter Leydon-inspired Seapoint who looked set for the four-points with time running out.

The rangy lock broke

free as the Ballinteer old boys affected a turnover under the shadow of the grandstand close to halfway and managed to have enough pace for a dramatic late winning try.

Early on, Alan Large showed some of what Wesley had missed from his year in Australia as he darted through the 10-12 channel and the follow up phases saw Ben Horan dive over for the first try inside three minutes.

Barr y McLaughlin converted for a 7-0 lead.

Leydon responded with the first of a string of impressive kicks with his rangy left-boot while his cross-field kick almost fell

perfectly for Conor Byrne.

He spilled what would have been a try-scoring connection but Leydon’s second penalty put the minimum between the sides after 24 minutes.

Byrne almost wriggled free a second time, too, but was denied by Steven Boyle’s excellent cover tackle though – in spite of Paddy Crown’s sinbinning – the Kilbogget club ended the half ahead courtesy of Leydon’s third three-pointer.

After the break, Leydon offered something of a let-off when shanking a 45-metre penalty and missing out from a central drop-goal attempt.

Rugby festival returns: An undefeated Old Belvedere take trophy old belvedere won the Friends First Castle Trophy following an undefeated campaign in the All-Ireland U-21 rugby festival which took place at Blackrock College RFC last week.

Blackrock College RFC reintroduced the tournament to mark their 50th anniversary at their club headquarters in Stradbrook, where the original tournament first began in 1966.

The tournament will now convene on an annual basis and will be contested by hosts Blackrock College RFC, Old Belvedere and the eight teams that qualify into the play-offs of the Frazer McMullen competition.

We s l e y p u n i s h e d those misses with a simple enough move, racing off the back of a scrum, the ball fed to substitute wing Owen Stynes who showed great pace and vision to cross for the second try of the match Minutes later, Steven Harvey looked to be away following an intercept pass however the referee adjudged him offside and from the ensuing kick the sides drew level at 12 all.

Seapoint were looking the stronger, punishing Wesley at the scrum.

But the game stayed in the balance as the sides exchanged penalties, Leydon’s fifth and sixth

scores, nudging Seapoint into an 18-15 lead, the latter dusting its feet off the inside of the post.

But the hosts got lucky in the endgame, winning a penalty off the back of what looked a clear forward pass two phases before an offside accrued.

Barry McLaughlin cleared the bar to tie matters up with his third successive kick In the final play, Seapoint endeavoured to return a punt but got swallowed up by a swarm of Wesley forwards and while a penalty was due for holding on, McGann managed to prise the ball free and race to glory.

4 October 2012 dun laoghaire Gazette 39

hurling: epic summer ends on low note for Dubs

Club Noticeboard

cuala

WELL done to our senior hurlers who

Juvenile teams bid farewell to

came through their championship

the summer and switch into winter

semi-final against Crumlin in front of

training schedules this week. Con-

a big crowd of supporters at Parnell

tact your team mentors or check

Park on Saturday.

your usual communications chan-

Barry Connolly scored an incredible 15-point tally, seven of them from

nels if you are not sure where and when.

play, but things were still in the mix

Well done to the U-15As who trav-

when Sean Brennan a saved a pen-

elled to Skerries for their champion-

alty three minutes from time.

ship shield quarter-final and came

All eyes are now on the final in two weeks time against Kilmacud Crokes.

away winners by a two-point margin.

This is what being a club member

There was a busy martial arts

is all about and it was especially

evening in the club on Saturday night

encouraging to see a full bus load

and a boxing evening this coming

of our youngest academy members

weekend. Anyone able to volunteer

heading off from Hyde Road on Sat-

as a steward for these or for upcom-

urday.

ing social nights might contact Adri-

Hard luck to Cian, Colm, Sean, Ross

an or Lorraine through the club.

Tickets are being sold through the

and Jack who had to watch Tipp lift Sunday’s minor All-Ireland title.

The lads did great all the way The Dublin minor hurling team that were undone in the All-Ireland hurling final replay last Sunday in Croke Park

Local stars topped

by Tipp in minor final  sport@gazettegroup.com

TWO early goals for the Premier County took the wind out of Dublin sails last Sunday when they went six points down in the early passages of the All Ireland minor final at Croke Park.

Despite a late rally, Shay Boland’s men couldn’t recapture the magic of the initial draw, missing out in the final for a second successive year.

Mark McCarthy and Tadhg Gallagher scored early to get the Munster men in front and despite points from Ballyboden St Enda’s James Roche to soften those blows, the Tipperary duo opened up a large early lead with a further five points being put over before the break, leaving it 2-10 to 0-5.

As captain, Cuala’s C i a n O ’ C a l l a g h a n ’s influence in the side has been second to none, but yesterday the Tipperary men attacked

from the off and there was nothing that the talented defender could do about it.

His clubmate Colm Cronin has been a massive part of how the Dublin team play with the tall midfielder doing an amazing job throughout the championship holding the position on his own as his presence allowed Cormac Costello to continuously get forward.

Ross Tierney and Sean Treacy, also from Cuala, have made great accounts of themselves during the championship run and they were awarded with a run out last Sunday in front of the Croke Park crowd.

Un u s e d s u b J a c k Behan made up the fifth representative from the Hyde Road club.

The two points from Roche proved him a worthy starter for the Dubs, making up a forward line that had a torrid day in the company of Tipperary’s dominant

backline.

He came into the 15 in place of Kilmacud’s Caolan Conway who was brought on in an effort to get back into the game in the second half after proving his worth following some fantastic performances in the championship run.

Oisin O’Rorke, Robert Murphy and Cian MacGabhann made up the rest of the Kilmacud contingent on the day, with O’Rorke being the key man behind a late surge for the Dubs.

Robert Murphy had a tough day in the half-back line after an amazing string of performances that helped the Boys in Blue to the championship final.

The Tipperary finishing was immense on the day and there was nothing MacGabhann could have done about the efforts, he was a key man for Boland in the championship campaign.

Donal Gormley of

Ballinteer St John’s was put through his paces in the half-back line on the day.

Tipp’ pressed their advantage home in the second half and had a 14-point lead going into the last 10 minutes 2-16 to 0-8. O’Rorke netted what turned out to be a consolation for the Dubs, with the scores finishing at 2-18 to 1-11.

After the game, minor manager Shay Boland took time to acknowledge the effort his players put in.

“They’re only young fellas and they did their best and once they do their best that’s all you can ask for,” said the Plunkett’s man.

“We didn’t get the start we’d have hoped for and Tipperary, to be fair to them, took their goals very well.

“A f ter that it was always going to be an uphill battle and they were just too much for us on the day,” he finished.

club shop for the Scoil Lorcain fashion night at Killiney Castle.

through a long campaign and have a

Keep up to date with all the latest

long future in the game at club and

news on our website (cualagaa.ie),

county level.

Twitter and Facebook.

foxrock cabinteely CONGRATULATIONS to our senior play-

This team is an U-11 team that came

er Sinead Murphy who got married

up for championship and will definitely

this weekend. Sinead is from Wexford

be a team of the future, with play-

and returned there to tie the knot.

ers such as Emma, Jodie, Molly, Kez,

All our senior team decamped down there for the day, so too did the man-

Jessic,Lily and Rosalind showing skills way beyond their years.

agement team to keep an eye on the

The highlight of the weekend was the

girls in advance of their first round of

U-14Cs who have made it to the cham-

the senior club championship.

pionship final following their defeat of

This match is scheduled for October

O’Tooles. The management has kept

14 and the venue is Bray Emmets. A

this team together over the years

number of our teams were in champi-

despite always being the underdogs

onship semi-final action this weekend.

and suffering heavy defeats. There are

The U-13As defeated last year’s win-

a core of 20 players and they rarely

ners Kilmacud Crokes to advance to a

augment their teams with players

final against Boden.

from the lower divisions so it is a true

The U-12As had a very strong per-

C team.

formance against Scoil Ui Chonnaill

Earlier this year, they were runners

to earn their place in the final, also

up in division five Feile and now their

against Boden. The U-12Cs advanced to

appearance in their first champion-

the final with a strong win over neigh-

ship final is the icing on the cake. Well

bours Cuala.

done girls.

naomh olaf OUR senior B hurlers went down to Bal-

left in the league. If the division eight

lyboden in the championship semi final

team win, they will finish in fourth

on Saturday with a final score 1-12 to

place and will qualify for the league

1-6 after a good run this season.

semi-final. If they lose, they’ll finish

There was a great buzz at Pairc Ui Bhriain last Saturday as Olaf’s boys’

in fifth but will miss out on the semifinal.

U-7s (2005 group) hosted a football

The division two team play Lucan

blitz involving 18 teams, nine from Kil-

Sarsfields in the last game of the

macud, five from Templeogue and four

league. If Crokes beat Jude’s, Olaf’s

from Naomh Olaf.

and Jude’s enter a playoff for a semi-

Olaf’s competed well, had some

final place. Both games will be played

notable victories and, above all, the

on October 13 with the division two

140-plus kids really enjoyed it. Well

game at home while the division eight

done to the mentors and parents

team have to travel to St Sylvester’s.

of the 2005 group for organising the event.

Our U-14 footballers have one game

Lotto: there was no winner; the numbers drawn were 17, 19 and 25. The jackpot is now €1,800.

all of your dun laoghaire sports coverage from page 35-39

minority report: Dublin hurlers

fall to Tipperary in All-Ireland replay P39

october 4, 2012

American dream: South Dublin stars USbound for hockey season P36

GazetteSPORT

Kilmacud Crokes’ Ross O’Carroll under close attention from Lucan’s Brendan McGarry and Matt McCaffrey in the SHC semi-final

Crokes and Cuala clash for crown Dublin Senior Hurling Championship decider set to see local rivals face off for the 2012 title  dunlaoghairesport@gazettegroup.com

Last weekend’s two Dublin Senior Hurling Championship semi-finals set up a local derby for the decider, where Kilmacud Crokes will face off against Cuala for the county honours, with both sides winning impressively in their penultimate match-ups.

Kilmacud Crokes will be vying for their fifth county championship, last reaching the final in 2008 where they lost to the current champions Ballyboden St Enda’s. Cuala, on the other hand, will be aiming for their fourth senior hurling championship with their last taste of glory coming in 1994 when they saw off this year’s semi-final opponent, Crumlin.

Two second half goals from Jude Sweeney set up the Lucan demise at Parnell Park on Saturday, after the 12th Lock side started impressively and went into the break with the lead of 0-5 to 0-4.

It could have been more for the Lucan men with their forward line getting fed play

constantly during the first half. However, the Crokes backline were equal to their advances with Niall Corcoran, Bill O’Carroll and Ronan Walsh doing breaking up and intercepting the play.

A Barry O’Rorke shot that smashed the woodwork led to Sweeney’s opening goal in the second half when the sliotar landed nicely in his path before he sent it flying into the Sarsfields’ net.

For the second goal, Sean McGrath found Sweeney at the end of a long rangy delivery in the danger area, and the Crokes man made no bones about putting the ball past the Lucan ’keeper again.

After being so competitive in the first half, Lucan Sarsfields will be disappointed with the second half tally of just two points, with the game finishing 2-11 to 0-7. To add to their woes Chris Crummey and Alan Roche were given their marching orders before the final whistle.

Barry Connelly took an impressive tally of 15 points when Cuala faced off against Crumlin

in the later game on Saturday, and the Dalkey men did most of their damage in the opening half of the game, going in with a considerable lead of nine points at the break, 1-12 to 0-6.

The Cuala goal came from Dublin senior, David Treacy who netted well after Sean Barron set up the strike with some fantastic build up play.

Crumlin were a different animal in the second half and attacked the Cuala goal with great enthusiasm, and had it not been for Connolly’s exceptional vision on the day and the great work of the backline, it could have been a very different result.

Wes O’Brien and Kevin Byrne did well to raise Crumlin hopes on the restart before an Adam McGreal goal spurred on their efforts further before Cian Waldron took one back for the Cuala men.

Cuala took the result on the day and their first half gulf was never really brdged by the Crumlin side, who in the end lost out by seven points 2-19 to 2-12.