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Little Green Cars are in the fast lane to success in 2013 see page 22 February 14, 2013 Find us on

Month XX, 2012 Dun laoghaire • Blackrock • Cornelscourt • Deansgrange • Dalkey • Glasthule • Monkstown • Glenageary

INSIDE: Money Doctor John Lowe tells The Gazette why his top-selling book is a must-read Page 9

Sailing:

Murphy among the nominees for big award Page 28

Rugby:

CBC Monkstown end six-year JCT wait for win Page 30

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES.......................6 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................27

drawing up plans: IADT and Wexford Festival Opera announce an alliance P4

Oil firm calls off Dalkey drilling  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

OIL exploration company Providence Resources have announced that they will not be proceeding with their exploratory drilling off Dalkey Island and are surrendering their foreshore licence.

The issuing of the exploratory foreshore licence by Minister Jan O’Sullivan at the Department of the Environment has been dogged by

controversy, with frequent protests against the proposed drilling.

Stephen Vard, of the Dublin Bay Concern group, who protested against the granting of the licence and drilling, said: “We should celebrate this development because it proves that people power works [and we] repeatedly stressed the inappropriate nature of drilling four miles off the coast with little or no benefit to the country.”

See Full Story Next Week

Yellow, petal: Bouquet’s the day to mention a daffodil fundraiser DAF MAN – also known as James

Gileran – was a true gentleman as he presented a lovely selection of daffodils to 96-year-old Maura Hanratty. The Daffodil Day volunteers were helping to promote the Irish Cancer Society’s (ICS)

upcoming national Daffodil Day on Friday, March 22. This year marks the 26th annual such event, with the ICS hoping to raise €3.4 million for cancer information, support and care services. For further information, see www.cancer.ie.

2 DUN laoghaire Gazette 14 February 2013

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Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 - 6010240 Dublin Gazette Newspapers publish eight weekly quality free titles, covering the greater Dublin area from Swords to Dun Laoghaire

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Model students Claire MacDougald and Donal Talbot, getting a head start on exam prep revising online to launch the innovative study service for Leaving Cert students called clevernotes.ie

New exam revision site set to create 25 jobs

Twenty-five jobs are set to be created after a new Blackrock-based website for Leaving Certificate exam students was launched last week.

Set up by Folens’ parent company, Apierien, clevernotes.ie is a new exam revision service for Leaving Cert students which allows them access to a repository of lessons, exam tips, sample answers and study notes from teachers and examiners.

According to Folens Group’s managing director, John Cadell, the 25 new jobs will be high-tech and highly skilled, focusing on the

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

development of e-learning. According to Cadell, half of the jobs will be created this year, and the rest of the positions will be filled within the next two years.

The Gazette spoke to clevernotes.ie product marketing manager, Tiernan O’Neill, and online brand manager, Sinead Keogh about the new service.

O’Neill, from Leopardstown, said: “Clevernotes.ie is the first product of Apierien which is the parent company of Folens, the Irish educational company.

“The site has two access areas; students can view a lot of articles for free or can sign up and pay only €25 for the month of February for access to all areas, including the self recording service until the end of the student’s exams.

Great value

“This is a limited introductory offer but, once it expires, the fee is only €50 which is really great

value for nine subjects for four months when you put it in the context of how much a subject oneoff grind costs.”

Brand manager Keogh said: “We have a lot of teachers and examiners online and the feedback we are getting from students already is really good and they are enjoying the products. The advice of our online examiners is that students of Irish and French need to speak the language more and we have a recording service on clevernotes.ie.”

Tiernan continued: “This is the right time to access this service

because the oral exams are in April and there are some really cool features available for free.”

Clevernotes.ie currently employs an Irish Teacher of the Year for 2012 who gives advice for English and two other contributors who have written well-known revision books.

Apierien is also in talks with Enterprise Ireland to develop its e-learning products for sale overseas in the future.

The announcement of the 25 new jobs now brings the total number of people employed by the Folens Group up to over 100.

Council gets €4.26m for ‘smarter travel’ works  bairbre ni Bhraonain

bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is to receive €4,265,000 in funding for roads throughout the county over the next two years as part of a smarter

travel initiative being run by the National Transport Authority.

Among the projects lined up for work is a pedestrian crossing at the entrance to Sandyford Hall, a cycle track for Leopardstown, improvements to Blackglen Road and Hillcrest Road,

the Braemor Road Improvement Scheme, a toucan crossing at Silver Tassie, a public transport interchange in Dun Laoghaire, and improvements to roads in Stillorgan Village and to the Wyattville Road.

The funding amounts range

from €1.5m for the Braemor Improvement Scheme to €25,000 for access from Blackrock Park to the Blackrock Dart Station.

Most of the improvements will be either completed or designed in 2013, but others are tabled for 2014.

14 February 2013 DUN laoghaire Gazette 3

council: sandycove move will give women swimmers a place to change

council Call for temporary WCs on East Pier

Motion passed for unisex swim shelter  bairbre ni Bhraonain

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council last week passed a motion which will see the provision of a long-campaigned-for unisex swimmers’ shelter at Sandycove harbour and beach.

The motion from Cllr Jane Dillon Byrne (Lab) was unanimously approved, and Cllr Dillon Byrne spoke to The Gazette about the success of her motion which will give women swimmers somewhere to change after years of no facilities being available to them.

“This has been going on for a couple of years now.

The shelter was owned

by a local fisherman and hadn’t been used for years, but nothing else could be done with it as it’s in an area of protection. The manager bought it and it will now be re-built and back onto the lifeguard hut. A new tender will go out for its construction which will have to be sympathetic to the design of the lifeguard hut which is a Greek temple design.

“The shelter will be a welcome addition to the little bay which at the moment has no shelter at all and it’s a very special place but on the days of wild storms we have nowhere to put our clothes and they get blown away.

“Another aspect of the

shelter will be the provision of a shower. There was no shower there either. I’m delighted with this result and that we finally have our shelter at Sandycove.”

The shelter will be close to the Forty Foot bathing area and changing facilities which are under the control of the Sandycove Bathers Association, whose ordinances prohibit women using them.

Frank Mullen of the Sandycove Bathers Association said: “We’re very much behind this and myself and the president have worked closely with this for the last six months. It’s a great asset to the harbour for winter swimmers as well.”

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B e c a u s e Lo c a l M a t t e r s

Gach dea-ghui! Glasnevin woman becomes the president of Oireachtas na Gaeilge BlAthnaid O Bradaigh, pictured here with her husband Sean, has

been inaugurated as President of Oireachtas na Gaeilge 2013 in the Comhaltas headquarters in Monkstown in Dublin. Blathnaid originally from Glasnevin, now living in Glenageary, will represent Oireachtas na Gaeilge for the coming year. This inaugural ceremony kicks off the Oireachtas calendar of events for 2013, the highlight of the year being the Oireachtas na Samhna festival which will be held in Killarney this October.

Following an amendment to a motion passed last November at a meeting of Dun LaoghaireRathdown County Council, toilets on the East Pier are to be re-opened by Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company.

Councillor John Bailey (FG) made an amendment calling for temporary toilets to be installed on the pier in lieu of permanent toilets. DLHC announced last week that toilets would soon be made available on the pier.

4 DUN laoghaire Gazette 14 February 2013

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arts Students to get practical experience

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Enterprisenews Hi-Start Programme

 bairbre ni Bhraonain

Second year costume design students Conor Dalton and Sophie Shannon were happy to help as Dr Annie Doona, president, Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology; Jimmy Deenihan, Minister for Arts, Heritage

Get your Business Investor Ready How can Hi-Start progress my business in 2013?

THE Hi-Start Management Development Programme assists ambitious early stage growth focused companies to identify and build the foundations required to secure investment and scale the business in international markets.

Hi-Start has been developed and part-funded by the Dublin & Wicklow Enterprise Boards and Enterprise Ireland.

Now in its 6th year and with a new focus on investor readiness the programme will run from April to November 2013 in Dublin.

What is involved?

The six half day workshops are designed to each contribute a key component to the development of the investor ready business plan.

A related mentoring session will follow each training module to assist the participant with the specific outcomes required.

The programme will be delivered by the highly acclaimed world-class business development consultant John McMahon, Forum 21 Ltd.

Am I eligible?

Participation is limited to 10 companies. Applicants must meet the criteria below: • Have established customer need and demand for the products/service • Demonstrate the potential to scale business to the international market • Be established no more than 18 months • Based in Dublin or Wicklow region

How to apply?

Participation Fee €500 (includes all training and mentoring costs). To apply, contact angela@dlrceb. ie. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Enterprise Board (01) 4948400.

killiney: towers revamp

and the Gaeltacht; and Ger Lawlor, chairman, Wexford Festival Opera, signed a Memorandum of Understanding

Wexford Festival Opera to collaborate with IADT  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain

Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) last week formed a new alliance with the world-reknowned Wexford Festival Opera when the two creative organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the presence of Minister for Arts, Heritage and theGaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan.

This formal agreement paves the way for future educational and artistic collaborations between the opera festival and IADT. Both groups will benefit from the new arrangement,

with the Wexford Opera Festival’s experience in staging live performance events being aligned with IADT’s artistic and technical expertise.

IADT students will now have an opportunity for gaining practical and observational first hand experience in the areas of stage craft such as makeup, prosthetics, costume design and audio-visual presentation and production.

Speaking at the event, president of Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology Dr Annie Doona, said: “This announcement marks the beginning of a new exciting relation-

ship between two vibrant contributors to Ireland’s creative industries; the magnificent and inspiring Wexford Festival Opera and IADT. “T he signing will enable our students to work with Wexford Festival Opera and expedite their careers to making a real contribution as the designers, craftspeople and technicians shaping the future of opera production in Ireland.”

Ger Lawlor, chairman of Wexford Festival Opera went on to say: “For 62 years, Wexford has been recognised as presenting opera to the highest international standards and for providing a springboard

for young arts practitioners at the beginning of their careers.

“This collaboration with IADT will expose their students to technical, visual and musical excellence, working side by side with some of the most talented and well respected artists in the industry, giving them a comprehensive insight and practical experience in the building, staging and presentation of highquality large and small scale operatic productions.”

The Wexford Festival Opera has been running since 1951 and is known as one of the world’s most renowned festivals.

THE contentious Killiney Towers Roundabout will be the subject of a revision programme after it was announced that the National Transport Authority will fund improvement work.

A new redesign to the roundabout, completed

by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, can now be realised thanks to the government’s promise to fund the modifications.

According to Cllr Cormac Devlin (FF): “For the past number of months, public representatives have been inundated with queries and concerns about the cost and the new layout of the Killiney Towers Roundabout.

“If this design meets the needs of all users, then it needs to be [implemented].”

Cllr John Bailey (FG) said he had been calling for changes to the roundabout for some time.

“There have been four accidents there in four months, and local people have always been totally against the design of the roundabout.

“For 15 months, the council spent money on this that could be better spent on roads in the county,” said Cllr Bailey.

‘Brides’ wanted for wedding ball  bairbre ni Bhraonain

THE Make A Wish Ireland Wedding Party Ball is being held at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire on Saturday, March 9 from 7.30pm.

This event will give all former brides an opportunity to wear their wed-

ding dresses again and relive the thrill of the happiest day of their lives, supporting charity in the process.

Make A Wish is the international children’s c h a r i t y t h a t m a ke s dreams come true for childern aged three to 17 years, suffering from seri-

ous and life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses.

T he Wedding Ball Party is a novel idea to raise funds for the charity, with the theme being to dress for a wedding, glam up, and dust off your dancing shoes.

The party is laid out like a real wedding with

drinks on arrival, a three-course meal, and dancing until late.

Email If you would like to attend and help the charity, you can book your €50 ticket at weddingpartyball@gmail. com.

14 February 2013 DUN laoghaire Gazette 5

children Prints raise funds for LauraLynn Hospice

Ah, go on, go on, go on and help charity  bairbre ni Bhraonain

A DUNDRUM artist has come up with an unusual way to raise funds for the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice in Leopardstown – selling prints of some of the most famous Irish sayings and catchphrases.

June Kelly’s prints include extracts from popular poems and quotations by Irish writers and artists.

They can be made to order, and a selection is now available for sale in the Artists Craft Gallery in Dun Laoghaire, with the proceeds going to the LauraLynn Founda-

tion.

J u n e ’s wo r k w a s recently presented as a gift to Merlin Crossingham, creative director of Aardman Studios, who visited the Blackrock Animation Film Festival in October with Wallace and Gromit figurines.

Of the meeting, June said: “I had only just started selling my work in the Artists Craft Gallery when I was asked to design prints to present to the guest animators at the Blackrock Festival.

“For Merlin, [the inscription was]: ‘But I, being poor, have only my dreams; I have spread my dreams under your

feet; tread softly because you tread on my dreams’.

I was thrilled that Merlin liked it!”

According to June, every stencil is individually designed and, apart from the material costs, the proceeds go to the LauraLynn Foundation.

Enthusiastic June is a primar y school teacher and is an enthusiastic supporter of LauraLynn.

“So far, my stencils have raised €2,500.

Recently, I managed to get a picture of Joe Duffy with one of my prints that says: ‘I have a good mind to ring Joe Duffy’,

and also I have a picture of Pauline McLynn, the actress who played Mrs Doyle, with a print saying ‘Go on, go on, go on, go on, go on’.

“Both prints were very popular and sold well.

“I recently stencilled the Irish poem, Subh Milis, for one customer, who wanted it for a birthday present for her father.

“She had asked me to stencil it so that it looked as though it had been typed on an old-fashioned typewriter. It does take time, but it’s worth it. I have had a lot of happy people who want a keepsake reminder of a

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expert

Talk on healing IF YOU are interested in the mysterious art of natural healing, you can see a practitioner in action this month in the Esplanade Hotel on the Bray sea front.

Healer Paddy Cummins will give a talk about his work, in an event that will take place at 7.30pm on Friday, February 22.

Admission is free for the talk, which promises to be a fascinating event.

“Mrs Doyle” – actress Pauline McLynn – holds up samples of artist June Kelly’s work, which feature her catchphrase from the classic comedy, Father Ted

special event,” said June.

If you want to support the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice and have June make up a bespoke

framed stencil message for you, you can contact her on her Facebook page, www.Facebook. com/junebugprints.

6 DUN laoghaire Gazette 14 February 2013

gazetteGALLERIES

Some members of the Irish Coast Guard attended the Mass to pay their respects to the late Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe

rest in peace: respects paid at local church for slain garda

A

MEMORIAL Mass was recently held at St Michael’s Church in Dun Laoghaire for the late Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. Parish priest Monsignor Dan O’Connor, Reverend P Monahan and Reverend A Carroll concelebrated the memorial Mass which was attended by senior members of An Garda Siochana, members of the Government and County Council, local school children, as well as and colleagues and friends of Garda Donohoe who served his time in Dun Laoghaire in training. Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett and An Cathaoirleach Tom Joyce (FG) were amongst those who came to show their respects.

Ben, Harry and Tim

Francesca buys some blooming lovely flowers

kickstart: Helping to start 2013 in an upbeat way

Ceann Comhairle Sean Barrett talks to a local parishioner

Superintendent Martin Fitzgerald talks to a local parishioner

Gavin Roche’s delicious treats tempted shoppers with

Local TD Mary Mitchell O’Connor (FG)

Many people gathered for the Mass. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Having a lark at the park market

D

ESPITE the gloomy weather, there was a great attendance at the People’s Park recently for another great CoCo Market, which coincided with the annual Kickstart event. Staged to start 2013 with an upbeat feeling – yet delayed this year until February, due to January’s inclement weather – Kickstart saw everything from a bouncy castle to public performers helping to entertain young and old alike at the park. Meanwhile, the CoCo Market was as busy as ever, attracting lots of local shoppers and browsers, all keen to see some of the very best crafts and wares from a wide variety of DLR artisans and produce providers.

Books were another popular feature of the market

Despite the chilly weather, the day saw brisk trade at the stalls

14 February 2013 DUN laoghaire Gazette 7

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Jack Quinn

a sweet tooth. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Marcus Cassidy and Richard Majer

Brightly-coloured stalls added to the day’s fun

Some of the delicious locally-made produce on sale at the CoCo Market

Davi Llewellyn doles out some cider

Taking it easy at the bouncy castle, deciding what to do next

Niamh and Daragh Walsh liked their day at the park

8 DUN laoghaire Gazette 14 February 2013

economy News of ECB agreement welcomed by many, not all, local politicians

Mixed reactions to news of promissory note deal  bairbre ni Bhraonain

bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown TDs and councillors have been reacting to the new government deal on promissory notes which was struck last week with the European Central Bank (ECB), and that will

mean a saving to the Irish taxpayer of €1 billion next year.

The government drew up emergency legislation in the Dail last week to liquidate Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IRBC), which will mean that the promissory notes, valued at €28 billion, will be replaced with long-term bonds.

Ahead of the new deal, Deputy Shane Ross (Ind) told The Gazette: “We want the government to negotiate with the ECB for the write-down of our debt, and for a fair sharing of the debt across the euro zone.”

Cllr Jim O’Dea (FG) said: “The deal agreed by the Irish

government is a hugely significant step forward in our economic recovery. Thanks to the savings delivered as part of the deal, the budgetary adjustment needed for next year will be €1 billion less.

“Furthermore, we will have to borrow €20 billion less on the international markets over

the next decade as a result of this deal.”

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett (PBP) said: “It is reminiscent of the infamous night of the bank guarantee when decisions were made in the early hours of the morning that bankrupted this State.”

Deputy Mary Mitchell

School day: Special visit from Mary

FastNews

Antiques And More fair at the Royal Marine AN ANTIQUES and More fair to take place this Sunday, February 17 from 11am to 6pm in the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire is expected to be the biggest for many years, according to organisers.

The fair will feature more than 40 traders, and fair organiser Joan Murray said: “People nowadays are much more careful with their money, and are not so caught up in the pressure to have the latest thing.

“Saving money while saving the planet has become fashionable, and this has boosted sales at antiques fairs.”

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O’Connor (FG) said: “This deal is one essential element of the government’s plan to improve the disastrous bailout deal we inherited from the previous government.

“This development is a vast improvement. The Irish economy now has a much better shot at success.”

visiting schools is part of a politician’s routine, but Mary Mitchell O’Connor’s recent tour of the International School of Dublin was a learning experience for both the TD and the students.

Deputy Mitchell O’Connor (FG), who has represented the Dun Laoghaire constituency in the Dail since 2011, is a qualified teacher and served as principal of the Harold School Glasthule before beginning her political career with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in 2004.

apology: politicians unite in call for state response for survivors

Magdalene laundries report sparks strong local reaction  bairbre ni Bhraonain

bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

THERE has been strong local reaction following the publication of the report into the operation of the Magdalene Laundries by Dr Martin McAleese, one of which was located in Dun Laoghaire.

Although no records survive of St Patrick’s Refuge on Crofton Road, due to the disappearance of its register, there were approximately 20 women there at the time of its closure in 1963, although it had a capac-

ity to house 50.

In the report, it states that: “The Magdalene Laundry referred to in the report as St Patrick’s Refuge, Dun Laoghaire, was founded in Bow Street, Dublin in 1790.

“It was moved to Crof ton Road, Dun Laoghaire in 1880.

“The laundry and living quarters for the women who worked there were located adjacent to and on the grounds of St Michael’s Hospital, Dun Laoghaire, and St Michael’s Convent.”

The report outlines several cases relating to those

held in St Patrick’s, including a 17-year-old girl who, in 1933, was convicted of having travelled “in a carriage of Great Southern Railway without having paid her fare”, for which she received 12 months probation with the condition that she reside at the laundry.

Local councillors are united in calling for the government to make a formal apology to the 1,000 survivors of the Magdalene laundries.

This week, Councillor Victor Boyhan (Ind) said: “It is my hope that the government accept

the McAleese report and proceed to provide for redress, care and support for the Magdalene ladies who have suffered and lost so much. Our State owes them no less.”

His comments were echoed by Cllr Niamh Bhreathnach (Lab), who said: “I have contacted the Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore’s office and asked for my hurt on the survivors’ behalf be noted; that, given there are only approximately 1,000 survivors, I believe that, in lieu of their free labour, each woman should qualify for contributory

old age pensions, and that I would like the State to apologise, at least on my behalf.”

Cllr John Bailey (FG) said: “It’s appalling, what these people went through in the laundries for years. I’m calling on the government to take appropriate action, and to meet these people and their representatives in order to compensate them immediately for all they suffered.

“There were children who never met their parents, and parents who didn’t know what happened to their children.”

Cllr Richard Humphreys (Lab) said: “The suffering of the women imprisoned in the Magdalene laundries, as outlined in the McAleese report, is tremendously sad, and is a shocking indictment of church and State.

“The State needs to address the needs of the survivors as a matter of urgency. While the government’s response has been questioned, I believe this government deserves enormous credit for addressing this issue where previous administrations failed.”

14 February 2013 DUN laoghaire Gazette 9

finance John Lowe, the Money Doctor

Getting advice adds up to great savings  bairbre ni Bhraonain

B E S T- s e l l i n g D u n Laoghaire-Rathdownbased author John Lowe has just released the eighth edition of his financial advice book, The Money Doctor.

The Gazette spoke to John at his Stillorgan offices. Speaking about his book, he said: “It is now the best-selling financial annual in Ireland.

“We have two other competitors, but we’re outstripping them.”

Lowe puts the success of the book down to a number of factors. “It’s really a simple A-to-Z of personal finance.

“It contains, for instance, a section of 100 top money-saving tips. It is also jargon-busting.

“The December 2012 Budget is covered and

explained, there is a new chapter on the Personal Solvency Bill, and lots more.

“A particularly useful section is the one where I list my tips for top products.

“These are services I endorse such as An Post Bill Pay, by which you can pay 120 bills free of charge, and can put €25 or so by a week for your ESB bill this way – all these services are totally free in your post office.”

Lowe was born in Dublin but moved to England when he was six. He returned at 19, and has lived locally ever since.

His background is in banking, and he is an authorised regulated financial advisor and fellow and charter director of the Irish Management Institue in Sandyford.

Lowe said: “Most peo-

Man caught with €35k of drugs A Dun Laoghaire man was caught in possession of €35,000-worth of an illegal substance so rare that gardai had to get a professor from TCD to confirm what it was.

Michael Leahy, of Bray Road, Foxrock, was also caught with €1,772-worth of the head shop drug, mephedrone. He had rented an office on Haddington Road, in Dublin 4, and was selling the drugs from there.

Leahy pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to unlawfully importing a psychoactive substance for human consumption.

Celebrations for Tet, the Vietnamese New Year AN EVENT to raise money for charity as well as celebrate Vietnamese New Year was held last week in Blackrock.

Tet, or Vietnamese New Year, fell on February 10, and the Vietnamese culture night was held two days before to raise money for the charity, Only Rice Is Not Enough, which was set up by Vietnamese students at UCD Smurfit School.

The event gave adoptive families of Vietnamese children in Ireland an opportunity to get together, celebrate and support Vietnamese culture.

Stillorgan-based author and financial advice expert, John Lowe

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

‘The book helps you focus on how to better manage your finances for your life stages’ --------------------------

John Lowe

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

ple don’t budget, so this book helps them to do that. In it, I compartmentalise for each period of a person’s life.

“You might be at the stage where you’re looking for a house, or you may be older and concerned that you have no pension.

“The book helps you

focus on how to better manage your finances for these things, and how to write a financial plan.

“It is written in very simple and plain English, and has won a lot of accolades, to date,” he said.

Ever y life stage is indeed covered in the book, and this includes death. Lowe has a detailed section in the book devoted to wills and probate.

“Everything is in there, and there are so many ways to save money. It’s the kind of book you can dip in and out of as you need to.”

Money Doctor is on sale for €10.99. For further information, see ww.moneydoctor.ie.

Recycle on over to a bike swap  bairbre ni Bhraonain

A NEW scheme to recycle children’s bikes is being brought to Dun Laoghaire, and will officially be launched at the Rothar bike shop, on Patrick Street, this Saturday, February 16.

The idea is for children to bring along the old bikes they have outgrown and swap them for another bike that has been left in for the same reason.

A Rothar spokesperson said:

FastNews

“You bring the bike you want to swap down to the shop, and the owners will decide how much it is worth.

Difference “Then, you can swap it with another bike of equal value. In a case where your bike is of less value than the one desired, you will have to pay the difference,” said the spokesperson People are being encouraged to go down with their bikes, and not

only will they get a replacement bike free of charge, but they will also be put into a draw to win a set of family tickets to the IMC cinema in Dun Laoghaire.

The bike swapping event will run from 10am until 12am.

Rothar is a not-for-profit organisation, so any extra expense is only to cover the costs of running the shop. The community bike shop takes donations of unwanted bikes, sells revamped bikes and provides bike repairs.

10 DUN laoghaire Gazette 14 February 2013

gazetteGALLERY

Have you seen yourself in the Gazette? Buy photos online from only €6.99 at www.gazettephotos.com

Team Ireland’s Gary Burton with his parents Michael and Mary, and his brothers Darragh and Dale

Team Ireland’s Gary Burton from Sallynoggin, County Dublin

Making the moment gold at the Special Olympics T

EAM Ireland did us proud abroad as they earned themselves numerous medals competing in the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games held at Pyeongchang in South Korea.

Katherine Daly from Dalkey, County Dublin won a sil-

ver medal in the novice grade giant slalom, and Rosalind Connolly from Portadown, County Armagh won a gold medal in another final at the same division.

Gary Burton, from Sallynoggin, County Dublin competed in the intermediate giant slalom and won a gold medal.

Team Ireland’s Katherine Daly from Dalkey and

Team Ireland’s Gary Burton is congratulated by medical officer Julie Dwyer

Rosalind Connolly from Portadown, County Armagh

after competing in the intermediate giant slalom

Pat Savill from Mayfield in Cork whose son played on the floorball team

Team Ireland’s Katherine Daly, from Dalkey

14 February 2013 Gazette 11

feature P13

dublinlife

Let Dublin Gazette Newspapers take you on a tour of the news and events taking place across the city and county this week, as well as the latest from our schools

asdfsdaf schoolsP27 P14



Gazette

diary P12

non-profit: Ulster Bank Community Impact Fund

New €75k grant now open to voluntary organisations A new €175,000 grant fund is now open for application by all voluntary and community organisations in Ireland.

The Ulster Bank Community Impact Fund was announced last week and has been developed through a partnership between Ulster Bank, The Community Foundation for Ireland and The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.

The Ulster Bank Com-

munity Impact Fund is open to all non-profit, voluntary and community based organisations to support the development of local enterprise activity, financial education and financial inclusion initiatives.

Successful applicants will be awarded individual grants ranging between €1,000 to €40,000.

Applications to the fund will be shortlisted by The Community Foun-

dation for Ireland and assessed by the Community Impact Fund judging panel.

Speaking at the launch, David Thomas, managing director of Ulster Bank’s corporate banking division, said: “This is another step in our long-standing relationship with The Community Foundation for Ireland in our support of communities and individuals across the country.

Specifically the fund will

enable voluntary organisations enhance financial education programmes and foster enterprise in turn creating a more vibrant and progressive economy.”

The application process is open until March 8 and successful organisations will be informed in April.

For information log on to www.communityfoundation.ie/our-grants/applyfor-ulster-bank-community-impact-grants.

The €175,000 Ulster Bank Community Impact Fund has been announced by David Thomas, managing director of Ulster Bank’s Corporate Banking Division, and Jackie Harrison, fund development associate at The Community Foundation for Ireland

Gazette

12 Gazette 14 February 2013

dublinlife

diary

Bid to revolutionise student cooking Late-night kebabs and microwaveable meals are just a few of the staples which feature heavily in the average Irish student’s diet, but these culinary crimes have inspired one food company to attempt to revolutionise student cooking this spring.

Italian food brand Sacla are on the hunt for a special Dublin resident – an Italian mother – to help educate students and prepare them for life away from Piera Campanelle Ercole who founded the Italian home.

Any Italian mothers food brand Sacla She must have pasinterested in applying, sion and a flair for cooking, in order to who will receive a fee for their time, be able teach the city’s students about should send a photo, a picture of their the joys and benefit of creating deli- kitchen and the reasons they would cious dishes. like to take part, to samantha.craw-

ford@taylorherring.com.

a look at the lives of healers on Rte A faith healing documentary set to air on RTE in April is currently

looking for contributions from the people of Dublin.

In the forthcoming programme, the Maccana Teoranta production company will be exploring the many aspects to the tradition of faith healing and will look at the lives of healers, the healed, as well as exploring the understandings of what it is.

Ireland has witnessed a huge change in the traditional following of both the Catholic and Protestant faiths, but one element of spirituality and faith remains strong and that is healing.

The documentary is looking for information from people who have had an encounter with a healer, those who heal or those who have a story to share.

Contact ShaunaMacanna@ gmail.com.

jobs expo makes a return to dublin The Jobs Expo is returning to Dublin this weekend following its huge success in recent years.

This year, organisers are promising an even bigger array of jobs for future employees, as companies from Ireland and abroad compete over the weekend for the cream of Irish jobseekers.

Among the employers lined up are Sky Ireland, who are looking to fill 600 positions, the Department of Health Western Australia, which will be recruiting doctors, nurses and health professionals, and Hourglass Education Recruitment for primary and secondary school teachers.

The exhibition features Irish and international job opportunities, free career clinics and topical seminars.

It runs on February 16 and 17 from 11am until 5pm in The Hogan Suite in Croke Park.

14 February 2013 Gazette 13

FEATURE Eurovision acts are announced

DONATION: PARKING FEE FIRM BACKS CHARITY

Easytrip to raise funds for Irish Guide Dogs Easytrip has announced a charity campaign to raise muchneeded funds for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB).

The electronic toll and parking payment service provider will donate €5 to IGDB for every new Easytrip account opened between now and March 31.

The campaign kicked off at the East Link and Dublin Port Tunnel toll plazas on February 4.

Motorists can pick up a leaflet when passing through these plazas and sign up at www.easytrip.

ie or lo call 1890 67 67 68 until March 31.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Dermot MacEvilly, chief executive officer of Easytrip Services Ireland, said: “Easytrip is committed to supporting the friends and families of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

“These dedicated caregivers commit themselves to helping people who are blind and vision impaired, and also families of children with autism, to achieve improved mobility and independence.

“We are proud to be announcing this fund-

raising campaign and hope it can contribute to the continued success of the charity. This is only the beginning of what we hope will become a flourishing partnership with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind into the future,” said MacEvilly.

Also commenting on the campaign, Padraig Mallon, chief executive of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, said: “We are delighted that Easytrip have chosen us for this promotion. Our staff uses the tags as they travel the country to support our clients and volunteers.

“We know how convenient and cost effective the Easytrip facility is and would recommend that all motorists who use tolled roads should open an account. When you do, you will be helping us to train and support people who are vision impaired and families of children with autism, everyone wins, now that’s a good deal,” Mallon added.

To find out more on this fundraising initiative check out www.easytrip. ie or for more details about Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind log on to www.guidedogs.ie

Jim Geraghty, Eastlink operations manager, with Dermot MacEvilly, chief executive officer, Easytrip Services Ireland, guide dog Kirby and Sinead O’Keeffe, commercial manager, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind

RTE have confirmed the five acts bidding for a place to represent the nation in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest.

The five Irish acts are Zoe Alexis Bohorquez, Ryan Dolan, Aimee Fitzpatrick, Inchequin and Kasey.

The public got a chance to hear each of the five songs for the first time on Mooney on RTE Radio 1 last Thursday.

Last November, RTE nominated five mentors who each worked with an act and a song which they believe could be a Eurovision winner.

The winning act will be selected on Eurosong 2013 on The Late Late Show on February 22.

Gazette

14 Gazette 14 February 2013

dublinlife

schoolLife

Get involved with our new Gazette schools pages As part of the relaunch of the Dublin Gazette Newspapers, we are reaching out to all the schools in our catchment areas to become a closer part of our community than ever before.

Schools are the beating hearts of communities, one of the last places around which a community can gather.

We are calling on budding writers and photographers from all of our schools to help fill the pages and, in order to encourage the next generation of journalists and snappers to get involved, we are partnering with Harvey Norman to present the Dublin Gazette Newspapers’ Cub Reporter and Cub Photographer of the Year awards.

For more details, contact rheigh@gazettegroup. com, or on 01 601 0240.

schools

st finian’s: students visit port authority offices

Getting all-access to Dublin Port  Samantha Jakstonyte, Nicole Hanratty and Jennifer Evbakhavbokun St Finian’s Community College

On February 4, 2013, the fifth year Leaving Cert Vocational Programme (LCVP) students from St Finian’s Community College went on a guided tour of Dublin Port, organised by Michael Mooney, the LCVP coordinator, organised the visit with head of human resources Pat Ward. The Port Authority were very generous with their time on the day, the students accessed all areas and were treated like VIPs. They first visited Dublin Port Authority head

office and were shown a video of the history and importance of the port in Ireland – its past, present and future.

Charlie Murphy, community liaison and media officer at Dublin Port, spoke to the students.

He has worked at the port his whole life and is passionate about the port and the local community. He has a wealth of knowledge and stayed with the students all day to answer questions.

The students were then brought to the Customs Office within the port to see how they operate. They were shown another short film about all aspects

St Finian’s fifth year students taking a tour of Dublin Port. Picture: Clara Kinsella

of customs control in Ireland – from sea, air and land. For the students, the most exciting part was seeing the portable X-ray machine which can x-ray a truck or container without opening it. The students

then met Molly the sniffer dog who demonstrated her expertise by detecting planted counterfeit money carried by an employee mingling amongst the students.

Finally, the students were driven around the

vast port before touring the Harbour Masters Control Centre. This is where all the ships are monitored and controlled in and out of the port.

The students had very positive feedback. Sami Bouakkaz commented: “Customs was fascinating, I never thought about how difficult it is to monitor illegal goods and substances coming into an island. The Customs Office do an amazing job considering the challenges they face” This was another excellent opportunity for LCVP students to see the world at work and make contacts with business.

14 February 2013 Gazette 15

FEATURE Donate unwanted goods

aontas: promoting adult learning

Festival sets out to prove you're never too old to learn  bairbre ni Bhraonain

bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

AONTAS (National Education Through Voluntary Unification) Adult Learners Festival 2013 starts on February 25 and ends on March 2 and adult education groups throughout the country are being encouraged to get involved by setting up an event based around a theme.

During the festival, trainees from the FAS local training initiative in

culture and heritage studies at the national print museum will lead special interactive tours of the museum’s permanent print collection.

The tour will give the trainees the chance to work directly with the public for the first time and show off their new training as they become fully f ledged tour guides.

This is the seventh nationwide Adult Learners’ Festival which has become a focus over the

years for adult education in Ireland. The festival hosts events around the country offering information, lectures and workshops for those interested in pursuing an adult learning course.

Any adult learning organisation or group can take part in the festival by holding an event or getting involved in the festival in some other way.

There is a different theme for each day of the festival.

On Monday, February

The free interactive tour of the print museum has been set up as part of the learning for work theme in the festival

25, the theme is to celebrate learning, Tuesday.

February 26 will be given over to green learning, learning communities will feature on Wednesday, February 27, February 28 will be learning for work while lobby for learning day is Friday, March 1 and the festival ends with family and intergenerational learning day on March 2.

According to organisers, the week-long festival aims to promote the work of and the adult education sector and ensure that adult education is placed firmly on the political agenda by showcasing all the work done by adult learners throughout the year.

The free interactive tour of the print museum has been set up as part of the

learning for work theme in the festival and will take place on Thursday, February 28 from 11.30 am to 1pm.

If you are part of an adult education organisation and would like to involve yourself in the adult learners’ week, you can get more information by going online to www.adultlearnersfestival.com

Age Action is urging the public to undertake a spring clean this week, and donate their unwanted goods to charity.

The national charity for older people currently has three charity shops taking donations of furniture, clothes, books, shoes, bric-a-brac, rags and many other items.

“If you’d like to make a donation of stock you can either drop it off at your nearest shop, or alternatively take advantage of our collection service which operates within the M50 in Dublin,” shop manager Edwina Brady said.

To arrange a collection, contact 01 475 6989 or email info@ageaction.ie.

Gazette

16 Gazette 14 February 2013

dublinlife

business commuting

advice: LOOK AT Retirement, insurance

Stay focused on finances for life  john lowe The Money Doctor

THIS week, I conclude my examination of financial planning for each stage of your life, with retirement, and start examining insurance.

Retirement With luck and/or judgement, your debts should

all be paid. You should have a range of assets, not least your own home and a pension fund.

You should have spare cash to indulge your chosen leisure activities.

If this is the case, your priorities are likely to include any or all of the following: Creating an emergency fund; funding any benefits

lost following retirement, such as health insurance or a company car; planning for long-term care; tax planning; investing for income or finding other ways to boost income.

If you aren’t as well-off as you would like, then, naturally, your priority will be making the most of what you have available and trying to improve

Leap into a way to save on transport Car insurance is one obvious expenditure we all attend to. However, there are many other vital outlays in life that we should also plan and account for.

your situation as much as possible.

This concludes my analysis of the main life stages of financial planning. Next ...

Insurance made simple Life is a dangerous business – and so, insurance was born. Every day, all

around us, terrible things are happening.

Some of these terrible things happen to possessions (for instance, houses burn down, cars crash, roofs are blown off, holidays are cancelled because of strikes and bicycles are stolen).

Some terrible things happen to people (for

instance, people fall ill, get hurt in accidents, and die). More in the February 28 edition.  Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@ moneydoctor.ie or visit www. moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

WE ARE all looking for ways to save a few euro these days, and especially when it comes to travel.

To this end, the Leap card has been introduced – a reusable plastic smart card that can be used instead of paper tickets to pay-as-you-go on public transport in Dublin.

A spokesperson for Leap said: “Using the Leap card can save you money. It is up to 15% cheaper than Dublin Bus single tickets paid with cash; up to 17% cheaper than Luas singles, and up to 18% cheaper than DART and commuter rail singles.

“It also works out cheaper than return tickets on Luas, DART and commuter rail services.”

Cost-capping A recent innovation for travellers in suburban Dublin is the costcapping option for Luas users. If you make lots of Luas trips with your Leap Card in one day or during a week, the Leap system will automatically cap the price so you don’t spend any more than you need to.

Similar functionality is being developed for Dublin Bus, DART and Commuter Rail services and will be enabled shortly.

Other operators, such as Bus Eireann, and private bus services are being approached to join the scheme.

A wide range of ticket options, such as annual and monthly tickets, will also be made available on Leap cards later this year.

The Leap card is available at more than 400 shops in Dublin, or online at www.leapcard.ie.

14 February 2013 GAZETTE 17

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OUT&ABOUT Never be out of the loop on what’s happening in Dublin! Let Out&About be your guide to all that is stylish, cultural and essential across the city and beyond this week

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Pets

HELP BELLA FIND A LOVELY NEW HOME

In talking with The Gazette’s Laura Webb on the Lucan set of his new film, Gold, James Nesbitt praised the production’s location – if not quite the bitter weather. Then it was back to work (right) as he, and co-star, David Wilmot, prepared to splash in the freezing Liffey ...

CINEMA: THE GAZETTE TALKS WITH ACTORS JAMES NESBITT AND DAVID WILMOT

Happy to be cold for Gold  LAURA WEBB

WAKING up on a cold Tuesday morning in February to shoot a scene that sees one man get thrown into the icy waters of the River Liffey hardly sounds appealing, but it’s all in a day’s work for actors James Nesbitt and David Wilmot.

Well, kind of ... the stunt man does most of the work, but Hobbit star Nesbitt was also planning on making a splash on set by getting pushed into the chilly February waters during a scene being shot in St Catherine’s Park in Lucan last week.

Nesbitt, and Shadow Dancer actor Wilmot, lead an all-star cast for Irish feature film, Gold, which is currently in production.

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

‘It is a beautiful location here at St Catherine’s Park; I really can’t wait [for this shoot].’

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

James Nesbitt, actor

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The comedy/drama, developed by Dublin-based production company Subotica, is about the life of wandering loner Ray, played by Wilmot, who desperately tries to track down his estranged ex-wife so his dying father can see his teenage granddaughter one last time.

However, Ray soon discovers his ex has built a new life with his former PE

teacher, played by Nesbitt.

Last week, The Gazette went down to the popular Dublin West Park to get a glimpse behind the scenes and have a chat with some of the cast members.

The scene being filmed at the park involved a stunt man falling into the river and being washed down through the rapids.

Setting the scene, one of the onset production team members, Anne, explained what was about to happen.

“The two leading actors, Frank (Nesbitt) and Ray (Wilmot) go for a walk down the river, a little argument happens and one of them falls into the river.

“We have our stunt team ready, water safety [crew] and the ambulance [crew] ready for the scene. Donal, our stunt-

man, is doubling [as] James Nesbitt. He is going in the water, and he will shoot all the way across the river.”

During their rehearsal time, Nesbitt and Wilmot took a moment out to talk to The Gazette about their latest film project.

Nesbitt said he was loving filming the movie, and was geared up and ready for his day ahead.

“It is a beautiful location here [at St Catherine’s Park]; I really can’t wait [for this shoot]. We have been filming for about a week now, and I think it is going to take about five weeks to complete.”

Nesbitt was enthusiastic about the project, saying that the script is “fabulous”, and praised his fellow actors and crew.

Continued Overleaf

DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs.

Love is in the air, and our Dog of the Week, Bella, is a two-year-old pointer crossbreed. A real beauty – both inside and out – this lady is a clever girl who even knows how to open gates!

Bella’s ideal match would live in an active home with plenty of space for her to be able to run off-lead and stretch her paws. Her pawfect owner would be able to spend time helping her with her socialisation skills and basic training, as she adores learning new things.

As a playful pup, she would cherish a canine companion to keep her company and goof around with, and would be happy to share her new home with big kids, aged 10+.

Please contact Dogs Trust at 01 879 1000. They are based in Finglas, just off Exit 5 on the M50. A map and directions can be found at www.dogstrust. ie, and you can also find them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ dogstrustireland), or on Twitter (@DogsTrust_IE).

GAZETTE

18 GAZETTE 14 February 2013

OUT&ABOUT

Ready to make a splash with roles the way in,” he said, shuddering at the thought.

Working together for the first time, Wilmot said working alongside Nesbitt has been “great”, as has working with Condon and young Game of

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

‘Working in film, you would work longer hours. Films are like marathons, so it’s sort of an endurance test’

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

David Wilmot, actor

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his hair to keep it from sweeping in his face.

Asked how he was, he bounced about, saying “very cold”.

For him, filming is going well. “It’s hard to tell, but people seem happy. Today is the first bit of snow we have had, and we have to climb into the river.

“I have to wade in a little, but Jimmy has to go all

Thrones actress Maisie Williams, who plays his daughter.

Their day at St Catherine’s Park was set to end at 4.30pm when daylight turned to night, which is a short day for movie makers.

“Working in film, you would work longer hours.

Films are like marathons, so it’s sort of an endur-

ance test,” said Wilmot.

It seems the test is not just for working long hours, but also enduring sub-zero temperatures.

“I was thinking about that the other day. I am kind of cold – a lot. I can’t remember the last hot day I worked in. I should sort that out,” joked Wilmot.

Other supporting actors in the production include Eileen Walsh from Pure Mule and Steven Mackintosh from Small Engine Repair. Gold was written by and is being directed

by IFTA winner Niall Heery.

Filming is ongoing in various locations around Dublin since it commenced on January 30, and principal photography is scheduled to wrap on March 5.

Gold is hoped to be completed in September, and goes on general release in 2014.

Perfectly understandably, David Wilmot was relieved that his character only had to wade into the freezing Liffey a little bit – unlike his co-star, James Nesbitt

gazette

group

.com

“I am working with some brilliant people, including David Wilmot and Kerr y Condon [actress from This Must Be The Place, the Sean Penn film that was partially filmed at the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre], so I am very thrilled to be here. It is lovely.”

Asked if he had filmed in the park before, the Ballymena-born actor said it was his first time there.

“I filmed a lot [in the Republic] years and years ago – it is a beautiful place, but never here. It is cold but very exciting – it’s great to be a part of it.”

Remaining tight-lipped about the film’s storyline, he said all he could tell us was that it’s a “comedy about a family”.

“I don’t think I can say any more ... But today,

we know two people are walking along, and I am getting in the water later, so it’s gonna be a cold day,” he laughed.

A chilly David Wilmot was wrapped up in a duffel jacket and hair clip in

www.

Continued from Page 17

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

14 February 2013 Gazette 19

Gazette

STYLE health: kbm dental service

Awear €50

Look after one of your most valuable assets – your teeth

Miss Selfridge TBA

Awear €55

Marks and Spencer €40

MONO CHROME Celebrities like Beautiful Creatures star Emmy Rossum, Homeland’s Clare Danes and reality superstar Kim Kardashian, to name just a few, are all rocking out the monochrome look that is about to take over our wardrobes (again!) So this week, Gazette Style has found some great looks to show our readers just how good you can look in black and white, without any worries of looking like that 1980s character from Beetlejuice or that zebra out of Madagascar!

Heatons €20

Penneys €20

“Your health is your wealth” is a very wise old saying, but one of the results of Ireland’s economic woes has been that many people cannot afford to look after their most valuable asset – their health.

Most people don’t realise that there is a proven link between a person’s dental health and their general health. Problems with your teeth or gums can cause serious auto-immunisation diseases of the joints, kidney and heart. Statistics reveal up to half of the children in Ireland have tooth decay by the age of five, but public dental screening service does not start until a child is at least seven.

Baby teeth play an impor-

tant role in helping adult jaws and teeth develop into the right position. If lost early, it can create problems in how the adult teeth align.

KBM Dental is helping to drive down dental costs for Irish people. KBM Dental can offer your child a dental check up for €25 (if you mention this article) which includes a gentle exam of the child’s teeth, oral tissues, and jaws.

The centre also offers root canal treatments and tooth whitening. For more info email kbmdental.grange@ gmail.com or call the clinic at Grange Road Retail park, Rathfarnham on 4957 844.

Centres also located at Tallaght and Skerries.

Gazette

20 gazette 14 February 2013

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

review: Jessica chastain single-handedly brings down osama bin laden

Zero to complain about I AM not a man who believes that films, or any entertainment media, need to be scrutinised for political stance, gender representations or any other societal concerns.

Yes, there are some artists who like to pepper their work with their beliefs and opinions, but more often than not, they recognise that their first priority is to entertain.

W hich is why I believe that Girls is just a very funny sit-com and not a building block of

 Paul Hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

modern feminism and that maybe it’s okay to enjoy The Impossible without worrying about the colour of the leading family.

Which brings us to Zero Dark Thirty, another film which has become more than a film.

It has become a debat-

ing point in a US presidential election, a source of investigation by both the CIA and Department of Homeland Security (who both found that the film makers had not been given access to classified information) and the basis of an argument over the use of torture in war.

Personally, I don’t really care about any of that.

Yes, I believe that torture is abhorrent and the US needs to look at its own rules of engagement, but was I thinking about that during the muchdiscussed scenes in Zero Dark Thirty? Honestly, no.

Maybe I am missing the point and the film is designed to make you discuss and debate these things, but personally I watch feature films to be entertained, to be told a story.

I believe that documentaries do a better job of raising big issues and that researching a topic is much more valuable than basing an ideological position on what Kathryn Bigelow portrays on film.

The fact that it has been buried under all that argument has detracted from the fact that what we do have here is a very, very good film.

Based loosely on the story of the USA’s attempts to hunt down Osama Bin Laden, Zero Dark Thirty is Bigelow’s follow up to her Oscarwinning war film, The Hurt Locker.

Where that film looked at modern warfare and modern warriors, Zero Dark looks at what it took to get the information on where Bin Laden was hiding acted upon.

Reteaming with Hurt Locker writer Mark Boal, Bigelow is in control from the off here, keeping a short leash on the audience, all false trails and slow sequences.

While the film is the subject of much debate about its politics, it actually doesn’t have any.

No political discussion is given to what to do with the intel at the spooks hands, merely that they must act on it.

Whereas most films about spying show the

Jessica Chastain: saving the world while being fabulous

Film of the Week: Zero Dark Thirty h h h h h (15) 157 mins Director: Kathryn Bigelow Starring: Jessica Chastain, Kyle Chandler, Jason Clarke, Chris Pratt, James Gandolfini

OUR VERDICT: DON’T take it as gospel, don’t get bogged down in its political stances and don’t pay attention to accuracy. Do those three things and you will find an excellent film, a tense thriller and some breathtaking performances. Chastain should find herself an Oscar winner later this month, as her Maya fights to make herself equal in a man’s world. Which is odd because, on current form, she has no equal as an actress.

rock star elements of the job, Zero Dark Thirty shows the grinding boredom and repetition that is involved in gathering

intel.

Not to say that the film is harmed for it by any stretch.

The whole thing is tied

together so tightly that it is strengthened by the slower moments.

But, really, this is Jessica Chastain’s show and she revels in it.

Given the most freedom of her career by a director who clearly trusts her implicitly, she moves the story on with a frenzied energy and an immediacy that is perfectly measured.

After announcing her arrival over the last three years, this marks her as a true Hollywood star.

14 February 2013 GAZETTE 21

GAZETTE

GAMING DEAD SPACE 3: A HORRIBLY ENTERTAINING ADDITION

BYTES&PIECES BYTES

Sequel is quite a blast SOMEONE once wrote that the problem with horror is that if you write about, say, someone opening a door and finding a nine-foot-tall bug outside, the reader thinks: “Ah, how horrible!”

However, at the same time, they’re also thinking: “Well, at least it wasn’t a 10-foot-tall bug.”

The point is that no matter what you create and deliver, there’s always a law of diminishing returns to overcome when factoring in reader familiarity and expectation with horror, and horror tropes.

This has been the problem with the horribly good (and definitely adult-rated) Dead Space franchise, in that each episode, to date, has been a smash hit in blending psychological horror with action in a sci-fi setting, yet, in doing so, has been reinforcing gamers’ expectations with what to expect in each game.

For “newbies” to the series, and as a quick recap, following his (mis)

EVEN MORE SKYLANDERS

 SHANE DILLON sdillon@gazettegroup.com

adventures in Dead Space aboard the Ishimura, a giant mining spaceship, unlucky engineer Isaac Clarke found himself hot on the heels of the ship’s Unitologist members – a single-minded cult who, having dug up an alien Marker on another world, led to the deaths of everyone on the Ishimura, including his girlfriend.

Later, Dead Space 2 saw Clarke escaping the Unitologists’ clutches aboard The Sprawl – a vast city complex in space also brought to ruin by the cult, and by the Marker’s strange powers – namely, not just to make most people hallucinate and eventually go crazy, but also to pretty effectively mutate and zombify them in pretty dangerous and grotesque ways.

LAND YOURSELF IN A DREAMY SETTING Proteus is a fine example of a “wander-em-up”

The galaxy’s unluckiest engineer, Isaac Clarke (inset, above), finds himself jetting into another awful – in the best sense – adventure in Dead Space 3

Now, Dead Space 3 (DS3) sees Clarke return, determined to put an end to the Marker, and Unitology, once and for all, using his engineer skills (as in the prequels) to turn whatever he finds on his journey to deadly use, whether that’s machinery or, more often, upgrading mining equipment, raw materials and gear into deadly weapons.

He’ll need them, too, as Clarke faces an awful lot of determined human Unitologists, hideously mutated Necromorphs (um, space zombies), and more, not to mention the natural dangers of a number of fantastical and otherworldly settings, all the while as he deals with other characters and their motivations, some helpful but others not ...

PARENTS everywhere will join my nephews in rejoicing with the news that the next Skylanders game has just been announced, and is due out some time this year.

Skylanders Swap Force will bring oodles of new characters to the hit series, with interchangeable top and bottom halves to create even more

While purists may disagree with DS3’s increased emphasis on action – not to mention the dreaded words, “computer-controlled partner” for some sections, which carries all sorts of negative connotations for many gamers – it’s a fair enough development for the popular franchise.

There’s still an awful lot of interesting gameplay, great locales, creative setpieces (has anyone tired of Zero-G sequences yet?) and engaging aspects to make DS3 a blast upon its recent multiplatform release (where, as always, prices vary in shops).

All in all, despite being a step away from the more rarified horror of its prequels, DS3 is a gaming highlight for 2013.

gaming fun.

A new Swap Force peripheral will also be released, to facilitate the new characters, while existing characters can also join in with the next game.

Parents (and hard-pressed uncles) can look forward to tiny pleas of “I just want one more Skylanders, just one!” some time in 2013 ...

I MEANT to get around to this PC title sooner – oh well, better late than never, right? Regular readers may note that I’m rather fond of open world “sandbox” games, and Proteus is a creative addition to this niche genre.

Available for €8.99 through Steam, the digital distribution channel, Proteus is an interesting wander-em-up, more experience than game, which sees the player wander through a randomly created island, yet one which, upon each iteration, hosts a number of common features.

By wandering around, different audio soundscapes are triggered, depending on the location and surroundings, and even by the seasons, as it’s possible – and part of Proteus’ charm – to cycle the island through a year.

There’s no goal, no missions, no side quests – just you, the land, odd creatures and sights – but that’s all. Steering away from the “Videogames as art” argument, it’s also worth noting that Proteus’ visually simplistic, yet creatively striking graphics are also memorable, helping to generate an aimless landscape that yet rewards repeat visits.

Gazette

22 Gazette 14 February 2013

OUT&ABOUT

MUSIC

Little Green Cars are in the frame for much success this year

Cars geared for 2013 IT’s easy to fall in love with you.

So goes the refrain from The John Wayne, the lead single from Little Green Cars Nell Harper EP. The lifting melodies and insanely catchy chorus have made the song a constant feature on Irish radio in recent months, but the sentiment can be as easily applied to the young band, who hail from across Dublin’s southside.

A five-piece whose combined age barely makes a century, Little Green Cars are the most hyped band in Ireland at the moment and, unlike many recent most hyped bands, Little Green Cars are

 Paul Hosford phosford@gazettegroup.com

totally worth every last superlative.

The Harper Lee EP brims with a confidence and assuredness that isn’t evident in most bands with twice the experience.

T he five-par t harmonies are mostly anchored around leads from Stevie Appleby and Faye O’Rourke and Faye says that the band’s current success can be a bit odd at times.

“It has been surreal at times. But I’ve never

been the kind of person who has thought too much about the future.

“I’m doing music now, going to keep doing it til I’m not.”

Typical of the Irish music scene, there have been detractors wishing to take shots at the band, with much of the criticism aimed at their collective youth, but getting to their current status, signed to Island Records in the UK and Glassnote, home of Mumford and Sons, in the US, has taken some doing.

“It’s been an arduous process to get where we are. We had a lot of labels coming over to watch us before we were signed.

“We wanted to make

music as freely available as possible.

“We are really lucky, lots of labels weren’t the right fit, but now we have a phenomenal team of people around us.

“It’s not about hype or quick releases, it’s about making sustainable careers.”

While Faye recognises that occassionally their age is mentioned, once you get down to brass tacks, all that matters is the music.

“You want people to take you seriously and get past our ages.

“But we’re making mature music at a young age, or so I’m told!

“It can be a bit strange because when you’re working at your own

pace for so long you then have to get used to --------------------------

‘It’s not about hype or quick releases, it’s about making sustainable careers’

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

hitting deadlines.”

The band are due to follow up The Harper Lee EP with the release of their debut album Absolute Zero in April.

Produced by Markus Dravs (Mumford and Sons’ Sigh No More and Babel, Arcade Fire’s Neon Bible and T he Suburbs, Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto), the

album is as anticipated as any other this year, with Faye saying that working with Dravs was a dream.

“When we were asked who we’d like to work with on the album, Markus was a dream producer, the Maccabees Wall of Arms is one of my favourite albums, so when he showed interest, that was really surreal.

“It was great because he wanted to capture what we’d done, not change it too much.

“So we worked with him for four months straight in an isolated farmhouse in the English countryside.

“The album might make people turn their heads.

“I think people will be

intrigued.”

With a slot on US mega-festival Coachella to come in April, a soldout gig in Dublin’s Button Factory on the slate and a place on the BBC’s sound of 2013 list, the next 12 months are set to belong to Little Green Cars, not that Faye is making any plans.

“I’ve never been someone who plans that far ahead.

“We’re really happy with what we’ve done.

Wherever that takes us, it takes us.

“Whether what we’ve recorded connects with three, 10, 50 or 100 people or more, then that’s great.”

Something tells me it will be a lot more than that.

14 February 2013 dun LAOGHAIRE gazette 23

kia: a more engaging driving experience than its predecessor

Sportswagon brings style and sophistication n Cormac Curtis

OK, so I’m about to turn 40 – that does not mean I’m getting old, practical, settled or boring, but I do have a lot more time for estate cars than I used to.

But there is no reason to dismiss these motors in the way we traditionally have done.

Take for instance the Kia cee’d sportswagon.

It went on sale in Ireland last October, and I for one started to notice it straight away.

Naturally, it has been put together with all of Kia’s current design queues in mind – the distinctive front grille, the upswept headlight clusters and body contours all combining to give the car real modern appeal.

The Sportswagon is the latest addition to the cee’d range – following the introduction of the five-door that was

launched in May. This is a more sophisticated, more efficient, and more refined car and it delivers a more engaging driving experience than its predecessor There are no surprises with the interior – quality materials, top-notch build quality, clean lines and very comfortable seats.

While offering the same range of engines, transmissions and running gear as the cee’d five-door hatchback, the cee’d Sportswagon offers increased passenger and cargo space, with enhanced practicality.

With a new roof, side panels, rear doors and tailgate, the Sportswagon is 195mm longer (4,505 mm) and 15mm taller (1,485mm), while the 2,650mm wheelbase, one of the longest in the C-segment, is common to all cee’d variants. When open, the new tailgate

The Sportswagon is the latest addition to the cee’d range

rises to 1,888mm to allow easy, unimpeded access to the cargo bay.

And while all the extra bits and pieces sound impressive and look the part – I must admit that rear visibility was just that little bit too obscured for my liking. You can certainly get used to it, but given the terrific view looking forward, it was just a pity they couldn’t have squeezed a few more inches of glass in the aft section.

In terms of cargo, the capacity is 39% greater than the cee’d fivedoor hatchback (528 litres compared to 380 litres) with the rear seats upright and 25% greater with the rear seats folded and the cargo bay loaded to the roof (1,642 litres compared to 1,318 litres). The higher roofline ensures that headroom is increased, by 21mm (front) and by 2mm (rear).

The model line for new

cee’d in Ireland will comprise two trim and engine choices. Trim levels comprise entry level TX and EX - both will be available in 1.4 and 1.6 diesel.

Standard on all models are ESP (electronic stability program), ABS (antilock braking system), BAS (emergency brake assist system), HAC (hill assist control) to prevent roll-back, VSM (vehicle stability management) and ESS (emergency stop signal).

Gazette

MOTORS

road

NOISE

Volkswagen claims number 1 spot for January

Volkswagen Ireland were the topselling passenger car brand in Ireland in January according to figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), claiming the No 1 position with 2,137 registrations, a market share of 12.37%.

Commenting, Paul Burke, operations director for Volkswagen Ireland said: “We are delighted with the strong start to 2013, which continues the momentum from

last year. The level of interest in all our model range plus our 3 Offer is very strong.

In addition, the new Golf has been in huge demand since launch and we expect sales to increase further as supply improves. At the moment we are selling every car we can get our hands on.”

Volkswagen Ireland’s strong performance is against the backdrop of an overall motoring industry that year to date is 18.54% down on 2012.

The new Golf has been in huge demand

Gazette

24 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 14 February 2013

OUT&ABOUT

fast

TRAVEL Take a trip of a lifetime to Beijing and Shanghai If this is your year to treat yourself to the trip of a lifetime, Travel Department could have the perfect escape with a trip to Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai.

Depart April 5 from Dublin to Beijing and return from Shanghai to Dublin with British Airways (via London Heathrow).

Spend five nights at the five-star Legendale Hotel in Beijing on a B&B basis and during your stay, enjoy excursions to The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall of China and Beijing Zoo, among other places.

You will spend three nights at the five-star Howard Johnson Ginwa Plaza Hotel at Xi’an before spending two nights at the five-star Radisson Pudong Century Park Hotel in Shanghai.

Excursions in both Xi’an and Shangai are also included.

Evening meals are included every night in each city.

Alternative dates are available including April 18, 23 and May 2 (prices may vary). Priced from €2,099. Visit www. traveldepartment.ie or call 01 6371600.

TRAVEL

northern ireland: derry~londonderry celebrates its 2013 city of culture win

Walk through history along the walls of ancient Derry  Dave Phillips

You can’t mention the winner of the 2013 City of Culture award without being made aware of its complex history of divide.

Popularly and historically Derry, but since 1613 officially Londonderry, the name undoubtedly induced palpitations in the City of Culture marketing team, who settled on a tilde between the contentious titles to make Derry~Londonderry the focus of this inaugural year.

A year long series of events began in January with the Sons and Daughters Concert which brought home an eclectic collection of performers including Snow Patrol, Phil Coulter and The Undertones. In the coming months, the city

will host the world GAA congress, an Irish language festival, the Fleadh Ceoil, and the Turner Prize alongside many smaller festivals and events, giving Dubliners ample opportunities to make the three-hour trip north for an overnight or weekend stay.

One of the first things you should do is take a walking tour of Derry’s walls, which have enveloped the city centre for 400 years. Martin McCrossan, a local man who first started up the tours over two decades ago, provides an excellent commentary on the city through the ages.

An hour walking the walls will take you from the establishment of the 6th century monastery of Colmcille, through the Siege of Derry and the

formation of the Apprentice Boys, to Bloody Sunday and the peace and reconciliation work that eventually followed for the community.

From the vantage point of the walls, you can look out over the collection of murals that have become well-known symbols of sectarianism. Some of the murals have changed over time to reflect the change from violence to peace.

The turbulent history of Derry is one that nobody is afraid to shy away from, let alone attempt to forget. The great split in this community and its subsequent repair is part and parcel of a unique cultural identity; and the walking tours and museums dedicated to what has become known as The Troubles have become some of the most popular attractions for visitors.

Staying at a hotel within the walls of the

The Foyle, traditionally a natural border between the Catholic and Protestant communities, can now be crossed via the recently erected Peace Bridge

A walking tour of Derry’s walls, which have enveloped the city centre for 400 years, comes highly recommended. Pictures: Gavan Donnelly

city is recommended, as so much is accessible on foot. The Tower Hotel is a great central spot as you’ll have everything just a short stroll away.

Derry is full of little streets, arches and alleyways, so there are a lot of nooks and crannies to explore – one of the highlights is the Craft Village, a quiet collection of shops and cafes where you can pick up some unique jewellery or gifts. There’s also a great live music

scene in the evenings, with lots of pubs hosting bands. Aside from the Fleadh Ceoil, which is set to make its first border crossing and draw up to 300,000 people to the city in August, there’s also a Hidden Voices festival, and BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend festival on the cards for 2013.

Many of the 2013 City of Culture events are taking place in The Venue, a temporary arena located at Ebrington Square on

What to do and Where to stay  A full list of events taking place

 Rooms are available at the Tower

in Derry~Londonderry during 2013

Hotel, Derry, from £59 at www.

is available at www.cityofculture2013.com.

Derry~Londonderry is a 2013 City of Culture

towerhotelderry.com  Tours cost £4 from

www.derrycitytours.com

the banks of the river Foyle, in what was once a British Army base. The symbolic relevance of this is not coincidental.

The Foyle, traditionally a natural border between the Catholic and Protestant communities, can now be crossed on the recently erected Peace Bridge, a massive monument to progress that gently twists and turns across the river.

It’s only when walking on this new ground that the rationale of bridging the name Derr y~Londonderr y with a tilde becomes obvious. There’s a palpable sense of pride in the city and a whole list of reasons to visit.

14 February 2013 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 25

No 4 Oak Glen Park, Southern Cross Road, in Bray is a four-bedroom house on the market for €420,000

Home with unique style and warmth

Sherry Fitzgerald in Bray are bringing No 4 Oak Glen Park, Southern Cross Road, in the town to the market for the price of €420,000.

This four-bedroom home has been well maintained and extended and upgraded over the years, meaning that the house has a unique warmth and style.

On entering, the hallway is indicative of the pristine accommodation to follow. The heart of this home is the open plan kitchen/family/dining room, which has been extended in recent years.

Flooded with natural light from the various Velux windows in the high vaulted ceiling, it is the perfect area for relaxing and dining. Double doors bring you through to a study or playroom

which in turn brings you through to the living room at the front which has a lovely box bay window.

A separate utility located off the hallway is ideal for hiding all evidence of mundane household chores!

A guest wc completes the downstairs accommodation.

Upstairs there are four bedrooms: two singles and two doubles. Three of the bedrooms have fitted wardrobes and the fourth bedroom has fitted shelving and storage.

Master bedroom

The master bedroom is en suite. A hotpress and family bathroom complete the accommodation on this level. A further stairs will bring you up to the converted attic. This

space has been cleverly converted to provide a very bright and spacious room.

The property has a cobblelock drive to the front of the house which provides off-street parking. It has a wooden gate to the side, giving access to the rear garden, which is laid out with Indian sandstone paving and is the perfect haven for al fresco dining in summer months. The rear garden is bordered with plants and shrubs, and a Barna shed provides outside storage.

Oak Glen Park is only moments from the N11/ M50, providing quick and easy access to both the city centre and the sunny south east. A bus at the end of the road will bring you to the Luas or the DART. Bray

town itself has a charming beach and seafront promenade that appeals all year round. An excellent choice of pubs, restaurants and coffee shops are along the main street and seafront. There is an excellent choice of both primary and secondary schools close by.

Oak Glen Park is a very popular development on the Southern Cross Road and has always proved popular with both young and old alike, and this is a home of the highest standard providing spacious living accommodation ideal for a growing family.

For more information and to arrange an appointment to view, contact Joan O’Hanlon at Sherry Fitzgferald, Bray on 01 286 6630, or email bray@sherryfitz.ie

The cleverly converted attic space

The open plan kitchen/family/dining room is flooded with natural light

Gazette

HOMES

26 dun Laoghaire gazette 14 February 2013

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14 February 2013 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 27

cycling P28

asdfsdaf gaelic games P27 P31

dublinsport Let the Gazette keep you up to date with all the best local sporting action from around the city as we cover all the stories that matter to you and your community



Gazette

sailing P28

FastSport iosagain star wins Leinster title: COLAISTE

James McGee and Sam Barry celebrate their doubles victory over Marek Marksoo and Vladimir Ivanov in the Davis Cup

tennis: castleknock man aces estonia test in riverview showdown last week

McGee power play critical as Ireland win dramatic Cup tie CASTLEKNOCK man James McGee cut a dramatic figure last week in Riverview following his and Sam Barry’s epic doubles victory over Estonia’s Marek Marksoo and Vladimir Ivanov in the third leg of their Davis Cup tie.

It ultimately proved the vital match as the two countries shared the four singles rubbers on the Friday and Sunday. Sandwiched in between, the doubles was the epitome of the competition’s attraction, running the gamut of emotions in front of an enlivened capacity crowd at the Clonskea venue.

Initially, it looked plain sailing as Barry played a blinder in the first set while McGee’s two bludgeoned returns forced the key break in the final game, making it 6-4.

The second set followed, 6-3, but the pendulum swung against them as they were unable to break again for another 25 games. Marksoo, without a world ranking but a current University of Sacramento tennis scholar, looked all at sea in the opening sets but suddenly found a lightness of foot and deftness of touch around the net to become the key player,

pulling off a string of sharp volleys.

Indeed, Estonia were claiming the big points and raced to the next two sets, both 6-3, to send the rubber to a deciding fifth. Again, Estonia looked to be cruising after an early break of the McGee serve and they extended the lead out to 5-2.

McGee did hold to keep the tie alive before, on Ivanov’s serve, Estonia earned two match points, one of which Barry produced a stunning forehand winner down the line to survive once more.

Those saves got the crowd going and their chants of “break, break, break” grew

louder when Marksoo overhit a volley, bringing Ireland back to 5-4. Barry held and parity remained up to 7-7.

When the crucial break came, McGee let out a primal roar, leaving him with the chance to serve out the match.

Two heavy second serves got him to match point and he saw it home with an emphatic ace.

A day later Barry, completed the job with a singles success, 3-2 overall and earning Ireland a date with Finland in round two of the Euro Africa section of the draw.

Iosagain’s Siofra Cleirigh Buttner continued her winning streak as she claimed the Aviva Leinster Schools’ Cross Country Championships in Santry Demesne last week.

Cleirigh Buttner won the senior girls race, detaching herself and Linda Conroy from the field by the final lap as both athletes entered the finishing straight. Buttner made the decisive break to win the title.

Mount Anville’s Ella Fennelly showed a clean pair of heels to the rest of the intermediate girls field as she strode to an impressive victory. Isabelle Odlum (Rathdown School) and Isabel Carron (Skerries CC) finished second and third respectively.

c o n ta c t s Acting Sports Editor: Stephen Findlater sfindlater@gazettegroup.com

For more information or to send in news and photos: sport@gazettegroup.com Phone: 01 651 6205

Gazette

28 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 14 February 2013

SPORT

FastSport leinster call for trio from adamstown: ADAMSTOWN trio Hammas Habi, Hannan Mann and Ali Elahi have all been included in the South Leinster training squad for winter cricket coaching sessions currently being held at North County Cricket Club.

Six sessions between now and Easter will give the players an opportunity to further their skills and gain selection onto this summer’s Leinster U-17 squad.

As well as playing in this year’s interprovincial series, games have also been arranged against Australian schools – St Patrick’s, Sydney and St Peter’s College, Adelaide.

Added to the programme this year will be two South Leinster versus North Leinster fixtures due to take place on July 24 and 26 at Kilgobbet Park in Cabinteely.

Phoenix’s Thomas Anders, Eoin Cleere and Adam Chester have been named in the North Leinster selection.

sailing: strong local contingent up for annual national awards

Murphy heads ISA nominees  sport@gazettegroup.com

LOCAL sailors abounded among the 25 nominees in contention for the Irish Sailing Association’s six prestigious annual awards including the premier accolade of the Irish sailing community; the ISA Sailing Achievement of the Year award.

The awards will be presented at the ISA seventh annual awards ball in the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire on March 2 as hundreds of members and supporters of the Irish sailing community come together.

2012 was an incredibly successful year for Irish sailing as 11 sailors competed at the London Olympic and Paralym-

pic Games and dozens of medals were claimed at events around the world. This has been represented in the calibre of nominees.

The female star of Irish sailing, Rathfarnham’s Annalise Murphy, will go head-to-head against two other outstanding nominees for Sailing Achievement of the Year, kindly supported by BHP Insurance.

Fellow Oly mpians Peter O’Leary and Malahide’s David Burrows earned their nod when they won gold at the preOlympic Sail for Gold regatta which took place less than two months before the Games at the Olympic venue in Weymouth.

But both contenders

will face stiff competition from the third nominee; offshore sailor Damian Foxall who was Watch Captain on Groupama, winner of the 2011-2012 Volvo Ocean Yacht Race.

New to this year’s awards is the collaboration between the ISA and Mitsubishi Motors for the ISA Mitsubishi Motors Club of the Year Award. This award will be presented to the club that has significantly developed in raising the profile of the sport, improved safety standards and developed initiatives to grow membership and community inclusion.

Amongst the nominees is the Royal St George Yacht Club which wel-

Annalise Murphy is among the nominees for Irish Sailing Achievement of the Year

comed 350 youth sailors from 63 nations to Dun Laoghaire last July as they hosted the Youth World Sailing Championships along with three other Dun Laoghaire clubs. They are up against UC D S a i l i n g C l u b who won the student yachting world cup last November and Wicklow Sailing Club who hosted the 17th Round Ireland Yacht Race during the summer.

Paving the way for future Olympic successes are the incredibly talented youth sailors who are rising through the ranks of the ISA Olympic Pathway Programme.

Among them is Laser Radial sailor Finn Lynch, from the National Yacht Club, who claimed silver at the Youth World Sailing Championships last summer giving Ireland its best ever result at the championship.

0He has been nominated in the category of Youth Sailor of the Year, supported by Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company, along with Sarah Eames from Co Down, Dougie Power from Co Waterford and Harry Whitaker from Co Cork. Other awards on the night include Volunteer of the Year, Instructor of the Year and Training Centre of the Year.

Ryan hoping to add to world championships medal haul  sport@gazettegroup.com

Garda cycling club’s Caroline Ryan

GARDA cycling club’s Caroline Ryan has been named in Cycling Ireland’s world championship team as the country has qualified for a record six events.

She has been named in the three-person selection for the event which takes place in Minsk from February 20-24.

She is joined in the side by Skerries-based Martyn Irvine and Eoin Mullen as they finalise their preparation for the World Championships having qualified through the World Cup series.

Olympian Irvine will race the individual pursuit and the scratch race, events in which he took a silver medal at the World Cup in Glasgow last December.

In the colours of his new team, United Healthcare, Irvine is completing his preparation racing in France, before joining the rest of the team two weeks before the competition begins.

Ryan, who is the reigning bronze medallist in the points race, will be racing in the individual pursuit, the points race, and in the scratch race.

That was Ireland’s first medal

at a senior track cycling world championship since Harry Reynolds took gold in 1896 and bronze in 1897, a feat made even more incredible by the fact that cycling is the second sport at which she has competed internationally having previously rowed for the country.

Both Irvine and Ryan are aiming to place in the top five in the world in their events, which given recent results, is a realistic goal.

Mullen will be racing in his first senior world championship, and is competing in the sprint event.

“Mullen has been based in the

world training centre in Aigle for the past year, and his performances have been consistently improving.

Coach Brian Nugent said: “Eoin has created history by becoming the first sprint rider to qualify for the world championships. This in itself is a fantastic achievement, and it is great to see the new generation of cyclists coming through.

“With Ireland lining up in six events, this is the largest representation that we have had, and we will be on the hunt for another world medal.”

14 February 2013 DUN LAOGHAIRE Gazette 29

Gazette

30 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 14 February 2013

SPORT

FastSport

rugby: monkstown break six-year wait in junior cup

Joey’s LSL title push dented by Terenure DEREK Crawley’s two second-half goals ensured CYM Terenure ran out comfortable winners in their Saturday Major 1A clash against St Joseph’s Boys at the CYM grounds, writes Carl Duffy.

Both sides were looking to bounce back from disappointing results but it was the home side that took an early lead in the fifth minute when Brian Dukes got a touch to Joseph Kennedy’s cross to send the ball flying past goalkeeper Brian McDonald.

The visitors were clearly shocked from conceding an early goal and were fortunate not to find themselves two goals down with CYM relentlessly going on the attack.

CYM made a pair of substitutions at half time, striker Paul Lynskey was struggling with a hamstring injury throughout the first half and winger Kevin Lynch both replaced by Crawley and Dermot McKeown as their manager looked to switch to a 4-5-1 formation.

Crawley made an immediate impact when he was quickest to a through ball by Aaron Jewell, where he was able to try an audacious lob over McDonald and looked to be a certain goal only for the ball to strike the upright.

Joey’s quickly countered and played a series of superb passes which allowed Niall King to find room on the edge of the penalty area where his shot sailed just inches wide.

On the 55th minute, the visitors were caught short while seeking an equalising goal when a long clearance from keeper David O’Brien was chased down by McKeown, whose pace saw him through one on one with McDonald where he unselfishly squared the ball to Crawley who tapped the ball into an empty net to finish off.

The Sallynoggin outfit continued to attack with Jamie Hammond and Kevin Ivie looking lively in attack, the latter unlucky not to pull one back for side when his shot hit the upright.

His side also had a penalty claim turned down when Daniel Flynn Fallon shot struck the arm of a CYM defender but adjudged to have been unintentional.

Crawley bagged his second goal with the final kick of the game to cap off a fine team performance for CYM and leave Joeys frustrated in their bid for the league title.

A try in each half helped CBC Monkstown overcome the challenge of Castleknock at Templeville Road last Thursday

CBC powered by Barry brace leinster junior cup CBC Monkstown Castleknock  sport@gazettegroup.com

13 3

CILLIAN Barry’s pair of tries helped CBC Monkstown make their way into the quarter-finals of the Leinster school’s junior cup for the first time in six years, seeing off Castleknock in a tightknit tussle at Templeville Road.

His finishing skills off the back of outside centre Dan Casey’s superb work was the catalyst for the win as the southside school were in control for the most part but

found Castleknock’s defence a tough nut to crack.

Indeed, they started in the ascendancy but were pegged back when Barry crossed on the quarter hour from Casey’s spiralling right to left kick.

The left winger collected after a quick bounce and duly bounded over and while the conversion drove wide of the posts, Monkstown were back in the danger zone as Doyle’s excellent incision brought them up to the 5m line.

The back-pedalling Castleknock defence coughed up a penalty

hero’s welcome Dalkey’s Daly enjoys Special reception SPECIAL Olympics Team Ireland athlete Katherine Daly, from Dalkey is greeted by her sister Anna and her father Ian in the arrivals hall of Dublin Airport having returned home from the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea at Dublin airport.

She won silver in the novice super giant slalom, silver in the novice slalom and a fourth place ribbon in the novice giant slalom.

for offside in front of the posts but Robert Jordan tapped and went and a couple of phases later, his side infringed in the face of a packed defence.

Castleknock duly fought back in the second half as Marc Boucher nailed a penalty attempt from under the stand two minutes into the second half. Sean Gibbons’ powerful running created the chance as he careered through the CBC centre channel to great effect.

In response, Casey landed a three-pointer four minutes later to

reassert the five-point margin after a late challenge on a cross-field kick brought the penalty into range.

From there, precious little separated the sides in a thrilling closing period in which both sides had their chances to nick the result.

Rob O’Meara’s interception briefly looked like it might stick as he raced from 35m out only to be caught just 5m from the try-line by the CBC cover defence from their best moment.

Monkstown, meanwhile, won the day three minutes from time off the

back of first phase possession at a line-out. It was not especially quick ball but they shipped it out to Casey whose pace and direct running saw him evade his opposite number. He subsequently flipped the ball out to clinical Barry who added the insurance try to put 10 points between the sides.

Castleknock piled forward but could not break through a scrambling Monkstow n defence who closed out the tie with 14 players due to their desperate attempts to slow Knock’s advances.

14 February 2013 DUN LAOGHAIRE gazette 31

Gazette

Gilheaney positive despite Donegal loss  sport@gazettegroup.com

DESPITE not coming away with a win against Donegal at the weekend, Dublin ladies manager Paul Gilheaney will take some positives from the performances of Foxrock Cabinteely’s Sinead Goldrick, St Sylvester’s Sinead Aherne, Finallians’ Sinead Finnegan,

and Amy McGuinness along with St Brigid’s Noelle Healy who battled hard for the Sky Blues throughout the 60 minutes in Chanel College, despite the 2-7 to 3-10 loss.

The Jackies’ chances were hurt by the loss to injury of 2011 All-Star Elaine Kelly who was forced from the field

after sustaining an ailment in the warm up.

Kelly’s name only adds to the list of Dublin injuries coming off their opening league encounter with Meath the week before where the side lost the services of Orlagh Egan and St Sylvester’s Niamh McEvoy.

The f luidity in the

side’s movement and distribution that was witnessed in their opening league clash with Meath was absent on Parnell’s turf, as the lack of training and match fitness seemed to rear its head in the Dublin side who may still be having some growing pains with some fresh faces now added to the squad.

football: tymon troopers edge out ballinteer

Club Noticeboard cuala WELL done to the Schutte brothers

Killiney Castle Hotel and it promises

who brought home the first silver-

to be a great night. Ticket prices have

ware of the new year helping Dublin

been set at a very attractive €15 per

to victory over Wexford in the final of

person and are available from the

the Walsh Cup over the weekend.

club office throughout the week or via

Congratulations to David Treacy and Oisin Gough both in Fitzgibbon Cup action over the past week.

Well done to the senior footballers

all those who have made this a winner before the night by following the

three-point victory over Balinteer

Cuala Facebook page.

St John’s on Sunday morning. Good to

After the smooth talking of that,

get the eye in early for a year when we

there will be the smooth moves of the

return to top flight action.

Cuala Strictly Dancers who continue

u-14 football St Jude’s 10-12 Ballinteer St John’s 9-5  sport@gazettegroup.com

BALLINTEER St John’s and St Jude’s U-14s locked horns in a division eight clash that boasted a massive score line that is unlikely to be rivalled throughout the remainder of the league campaign.

Jude’s took the victory on the day, but there was no wavering in the Ballinteer intensity as they fought throughout the game to get back on terms and were leading at the half-time mark when

the sides went in at 4-9 to 6-4.

The scores continued to come in the second half and in the final passages of the game the Jude’s contingent took off and eventually won the game by 10-12 to 9-5, with t10 points splitting the teams at full time.

“It was a very good and evenly contested game,” said Ballinteer boss Ken Sheehan. “Jude’s finished a bit better than us but there are plenty of positives to take from the game.”

Such sentiments were mirrored by Jude’s boss Freddie Graham as his

side took their first victory of the year in their second outing.

“The two teams played ver y well,” Graham agreed. “It was a very fast paced game and it’s great to see the kids playing football like that. The two sides were well matched and it was a very end-toend affair.

“We’ll look to push on now and build on the success of beating a great club like Ballinteer St John’s and hopefully finish in a good spot at the end of the year,” he finished.

The Ballinteer coach also spoke about his goals

for his team this year, and after winning their first game the week before, Sheehan is looking for a big reaction from his men to finish in the top half of the league.

“We took our scores well and we will continue to focus on improving our skills and working as a team. We’ve been working on moving the ball quickly up the field and I saw plenty of that at the weekend, but I think the lads are capable of getting some better results.

“We have a talented bunch here and we’ll be eyeing a top half finish for the season.”

to hone their flicks and kicks.

of the year. First years are already

There are opportunities to spon-

getting excited on Facebook about

sor dancers, dancers and to come

the night after St Valentine’s. We need

along on the night where there will be

plenty of helpers from those whose

big band entertainment and lots of

offspring have enjoyed the socials

sequins. Tickets available from Gerry

but now moved on. These nights are

Byrne or email notstrictlycuala@

a great fundraiser and really good at

gmail.com

building an affinity to the club away

Gaelic for Mothers and Others will

from the pitch as well as on it. Please

be resuming training first week of

contact zitamcdermott@gmail.com

March. The aim is to provide mums

because it doesn’t always have to be

and friends an opportunity to play

somebody else.

ladies Gaelic football in a fun, non-

The Cuala awards night is on this

Jude’s and St John’s produce 19-goal epic

The following week is the Cuala Take Me Out fundraiser. You can check out

who kicked off the new year with a

Next Friday is the first Cuala social

St Jude’s shaded a wonderfully entertaining U-14 football tie last Saturday Picture: www.sportsimage.ie

secretary.cuala.dublin@gaa.

competitive, social environment.

Saturday, February 16. As you will all

As well as keeping fit and hav-

be aware last season was one of the

ing a laugh, new members are very

best ever for our club. We claimed

welcome, no experience necessary

titles at many age groups not least of

and no need to be a mum either. For

which was the overwhelming success

further information please contact

of our adult section.

Frances Burns on 087 9942389 or

The function is on in Fitzpatrick’s

email burnsgahan@gmail.com.

naomh olaf WELL done to the U-16 footballers who

have line dancing from 8pm. Wednes-

had another good win on Saturday

day in the sports hall from 9pm, we

over Thomas Davis. This is their sec-

have badminton. Thursday, we have

ond win after making the jump up from

slimming world; contact Janet on 087

U-14 to U-16.

6837730.

Last Friday night saw the second of

Congratulations to Niall and Sinead

our juvenile presentations. The night

McCaffrey on the birth of a baby girl,

saw our juvenile girls receive awards

Bronagh, a sister for Sadhbh and Siun,

for player of the year, team player and

and another grandchild for Breda and

most improved player of the year. The

Hugh McCaffrey, Clonard Park.

night was a great success.

Congratulations also to John Mar-

Dance and drama continues every

tin, Balally Park on being recently

Saturday in the function room from

honoured by Coiste Na Seanna Gheal,

11.30am-1pm, new members are very

Coiste Ath Cliath, in recognition of his

welcome. Contact Dee on 086 079-

dedicated contribution to the promo-

6981.

tion of Gaelic Games, in Dublin.

Monday and Friday nights from 8pm

There was no winner of the joker’s

in the sports hall, we have table tennis.

wild so next week’s jackpot is up to

If you are interested pop in and ask for

€1,350.There was no winner of the

Roman.

lotto. The numbers drawn were 17, 28,

Tuesday in the function room, we

31 Next week’s jackpot is €1,300.

ballinteer st john’s THERE was no winner of the Thursday,

ballinteerstjohns.com or from the

February 7 lotto draw of €6,600. Next

usual outlets. Wednesday night is a

week’s draw will be for €6,800.

great night of traditional music, there

Tickets are available online at www.

is no cover charge.

GazetteSPORT all of your dun laoghaire sports coverage from page 27-31

cbc cup dreams: Monkstown see off Castleknock to advance to second round of the junior cup P30

february 14, 2013

davis cup doubles heroes: Ireland celebrate stunning win over Estonia visitors P27

Shankill FC chairman Brendan Moore poses for a photo amid a special training session at the club to coincide with their Aviva Club of the Month celebrations Picture: Ger Woods

Recognition for Shankill The local club celebrated its FAI club of the month award in style last Saturday as they welcomed the cameras along for a memorable event  peter carroll

sport@gazettegroup.com

THE BRIGHT lights were in Shankill last Saturday morning at Shankill football club when they were presented with their Aviva FAI Club of the Month award for October, with the whole community getting involved in the celebrations.

RTE sports presenter Jacqui Hurley was along with a film crew while famous members of the club like Darren Quigley also supported the event that celebrated a big moment in the club’s history.

Club secretary Brendan Yates spoke of how great an honour it was for the club to be hon-

oured by their peers and how important it was for Shankill to get some recognition for the hard work they put in with the surrounding community.

“It means everything to us,” said Yates. “We’ve been putting in a lot of work in and it’s very nice to be recognised. Over the last 10 years we’ve gone from fielding five teams to 19 and in the last two years we’ve doubled the numbers at the club with seven sides joining our ranks.”

Yates also spoke of a shift in the focus in the club’s policies and how a new look to coaching development will benefit the players in the long run, with Shankill now looking to have their coaches already with their Kick Start certificate before they take the helm for their first

competitive match.

“The whole club has been restructured and we are putting a lot of focus on the coaching now. We have the academy that caters for children as young as four years old and while they’re in that set-up the coaches will already be in the process of getting their badges, and therefore they can manage the sides when they come of age,” said Yates.

The Shankill secretary also stressed that the club try to do as much as they can for their surrounding area.

“We try to stay very involved with the community. We have a team designated to each area and they help in keeping the area clean ahead of the Tidy Towns competitions.

“The club also hosts four summer festivals where we invite everyone from the community and other areas like Cabinteely, Sallynoggin, Ballybrack and Bray to the club to take part.

“We have recently started a street league which has gained a lot of popularity too and we have set up a three-year, a five-year and a 10-year plan with sub committees making sure that we reach our goals.

“The community have always helped us out and when we changed the name of the club from Valeview Shankill Schoolboys to just Shankill Football Club on account of the girls teams, the continued support of the small businesses in the area let us get through it with such ease,” said Yates.