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December 6, 2012 Find us on

Month XX, 2012 • Stillorgan Dundrum • Churchtown • Nutgrove • Rathfarnham • Ballinteer • Sandyford • Leopardstown • Terenure

INSIDE: Santa Claus is a popular man at Nutgrove Shopping Centre Page 10

Hockey:

Corinthian’s magnificent seven strikes Page 30

Football:

Crokes ladies land double in winning run Page 31

County manager earns €153,000  bairbre ni bhraonain

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERY........................ 10 DUBLIN LIFE....................11 OUT&ABOUT...................17 CLASSIFIEDS.................26 SPORT............................27

Jobs: Extra €150k for local start-ups goes to county enterprise board P 4

A LOCAL councillor has hit out at the “huge discrepancy” between the Dun Laoghaire County Council Manger Owen Keegan’s salary of €153,260 and that of other council staff.

The remark came on the heels of Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Phil Hogan’s circulation of Dublin City

and County Council managers’ salary figures last week in response to a call for their publication from Sinn Fein Deputy, Mary Lou McDonald.

Coucillor Lettie McCarthy (Lab) said: “It shows the great divide that exists between high earners and other council staff. There is a huge discrepancy there.”

Full Story on Page 8

Protect our hills: Little ones protest against rezoning plan These Local mums and children are among the residents angered at the proposal to build a retirement village in Ticknock at the foothills of the Dublin mountains. Armed with placards, made by their granny, Leon, Alex, Eva, Hector, Siofra, Tessa May

and Beatrice took to the hills with their mums Sandra Miller and Tracey Munnelly (who are sisters) ahead of Monday’s vote

by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council on rezoning the area which would pave the way for the proposal.

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Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, launched the new policy statement on supporting green economy in Ireland

New policy statement may create 10,000 jobs MINISTER for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, last week launched a new policy statement on supporting the green economy in Ireland, which is hoped to lead to the creation of 10,000 jobs nationally in the next three years. The Minister was speaking at the offices of Sandyford company, SolarPrint.

The statement, Delivering Our Green Potential, is part of the government’s Action Plan for jobs. The minister said: “As many commentators have recognised over recent years, the green economy is a sector where Ireland has major potential for jobs

 Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

growth, due to the rapid growth of the sector globally, our natural advantages in the sector as well as our business-friendly and open economy.

“We also have cuttingedge companies, both indigenous and multinational, already operating in this sector, and a world-class research and development system. It is estimated that well over

10,000 extra jobs could be created over the next number of years, and we are determined to act decisively across Government to ensure that the proper measures are put in place to realise this potential.”

The Minister chose SolarPrint as the venue to launch the new green document as, according to commercial director, Roy Horgan, the company represents: “Three elements: university collaboration, seed investment from Enterprise Ireland and the commercialisation of a highly technical innovation which creates jobs.”

SolarPrint develops photovoltaic (PV) energy technologies, designed to convert light from any source into energy.

Its technology can be produced using cheap raw materials at a highly competitive cost, and has the potential to be used in various consumer electronic and wireless devices.

“We are in the first phase of commercialisation now so it’s at quite an advanced stage. We ship products all over the world. At present, we are looking into collaborating with analogue device and chip manufacturers in Limerick,” said Horgan.

At the launch, the Minister said: “ We are targeting growth across the range of activities in the green economy renewable energy, energy efficiency, financial services, agriculture, tourism, waste and water management, green products and services and low carbon transport.

“We are putting in place the proper supports through our research and development systems to ensure that we can create not only the companies that will create jobs in this decade, but also the businesses that will create the jobs we need in the 2020s.”

Old Health Board building cost DLRCC €375k DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council had bought the Old Health Board building in Dundrum for €375,000, it emerged at a recent Dundrum Area Committee Meeting.

At the November 26 meeting, councillors Tony Fox (Ind)

and Pat Hand (FG) asked about the council’s plans for the building and if they would affect the current Dundrum council offices. T hey had expressed concerns about the loss of offices needed by the council to serve Dundrum

residents.

The manager’s reply was that the council had bought the Old Health Board building and entered into a licence agreement with the HSE for 12 months. It went on to say plans for the Dundrum coun-

cil offices would be reviewed in due course.

A Council spokesperson told the Gazette: “The use of the building once the Council assumes possession after this 12 month period is currently under review.”

6 December 2012 DUNDRUM Gazette 3

xmas tips

opportunity: local Projects ARE set to benefit from capital funding

Locals urged to budget

€894k allocated to DLR sports clubs MINISTER for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, has announced this week that Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County sports clubs will receive €894,931 in capital funding.

Almost €26 million in new funding for local sports projects across the country was made, and marks the first round of sports capital funding in four years.

Speaking at the announcement, Minister Ring said: “I am excited about the allocations being made. These allocations will benefit people in every county by giving them more opportunities to get involved in sport, whatever their ability.

This funding will allow a diverse array of sports

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clubs and groups to build and improve much-needed facilities, or to purchase sports equipment.”

Local TD Olivia Mitchell said: “Improving sports facilities and providing support for local sporting organisations gives both children and adults the opportunity to get involved in sport and fitness. This is particularly welcome in a week when we hear one in four children in Ireland is overweight. “€462,616 of funding has been allocated to Marlay Park. This allocation will enable Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council to build one new all-weather pitch and establish three new grass pitches. Trim Trail

equipment will also be built throughout the park with this funding. This injection will increase the sports facilities in Marlay Park.

“The other group in the area to receive funding is Lakelands Football Club, a voluntary children and youth’s soccer club based in the Stillorgan area. The allocation of €3,202 to Lakelands Football Club means this sports club can improve its facilities and purchase much-needed equipment.”

Other clubs in line for the funding include Dublin Dun Laoghaire Active Retirement Association, Monkstown Lawn Tennis Club, St Joseph’s Boys AFC and Trojan Gymnastic Club.

Clean Up Residents Association helps keep Mount Merrion tidy pictured at at the recent Mount Merrion Clean Up Day

are president of the Mount Merrion Residents’ Association, Michael Walton, David and Deirdre Donnelly and Independent TD Shane Ross. The Residents’ Association plays an active role in the preservation and upkeep of the local environment, by hosting these Clean Up days several times a year. For further information about its work, log on to its website at www. mountmerrionresidents.ie

DUNDRUM Credit Union is urging local people to budget well for Christmas, to avoid getting into debt this year.

‘Let Santa Be The Only One In The Red’ is their catchphrase for the festive season, and it is part of the Credit Union’s awareness campaign, which offers free budgeting information to their members.

The free advice plan allows customers to ke e p t r a c k o f t h e i r income and outgoings for future planning beyond Christmas.

Members can call the Dundrum Credit Union office on 01 299 0400 and make an appointment to avail of the free financial advice service.

4 DUNDRUM Gazette 6 December 2012

event

President launches a week THE 11th Annual Neighbourhood Week was launched by President Michael D Higgins in the Islamic Cultural Centre in Clonskeagh on November 28.

The president and his wife Sabina were given a tour of the mosque before entering the multi-purpose hall, where he cut the ribbon for the launch.

Opening the event, President Higgins spoke of the importance of community-relations in an increasingly multicultural Ireland.

Neighbourhood Week is open to the public daily from 12 noon to 7pm from November 29 to December 10 at the Centre, admission is free and all are welcome. For more information, log on to www.islamireland.ie

Enterprise Employment opportunities locally

€150k fund to create jobs in DLR business  Bairbre Ni bhraonain

DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Enterprise Board (DLRCEB) is set to create 10 new jobs after it received €150,000 in additional funding from the Minister for Small Business, John Perry.

Through county and city enterprise boards, €3.78 million in extra funding has been made available nationally to small businesses with a view to creating and sus-

taining 505 jobs.

Minister Perry said: “It is well established that a huge proportion of jobs in this country are held in small, local enterprises.

These companies are the lifeblood that is playing a key role in helping to restore our economy to a healthier footing.

“The Government recognises the importance of this role and so my Department has secured additional capital funding for the County and City Enterprise Boards

that will support and encourage these companies to start-up or expand their services and thereby create and sustain jobs around the country.”

The new allocations will directly fund job creation projects through low interest loans, which will be delivered to qualifying small to medium enterprises (SMEs). The €3.78 million is in addition to the €15 million in capital funding already provided to County Enterprise Boards throughout the year.

Michael Johnson, chief executive of DLRCEB said: “Currently, local enterprise, which have been financially supported by DLRCEB employ over 1,700 people in our county, and we believe this (€150,000 funding) has been hugely significant in terms of the local economy.”

He stressed the importance of SMEs in the region: “The small business sector is the source

CEO of DLRCEB, Michael Johnson

of the majority of future employment opportunities in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, and we are well positioned to see expansion of this sector with record levels of StartUps in 2012.”

In 2012, DLRCEB approved investments amounting to €850,000 for local enterprises which has lead to the creation of nearly 100 new jobs.

“This is the second year in succession that the

County Enterprise Boards have indicated that the demand for their services is so strong that they need additional funding to respond to the needs of micro-enterprises in their area,” said the Minister.

“This is a clear demonstration that Ireland has a vibrant entrepreneurial sector and the Government is committed to supporting those involved in their endeavours. I am delighted therefore

to announce that additional funding of €3.78 million will be allocated to 30 County Enterprise Boards, which will provide sufficient direct capital assistance and other supports, such as mentoring and training, to assist in creating or sustaining 505 jobs throughout the counties concerned.”

Interested SMEs in the local area should contact the DLRCEB through www.dlrceb.ie.

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Politics

R1

TD meets with activists over possible sell-off of Coillte Ireland

Boyd Barrett slams privatisation of State assets  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

A SPECIAL public meeting was held last week by local politician, Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett (PBP), to object to the possible privatisation of Coillte Ireland and other State assets next year.

The TD and a panel of environmentalists held the meeting in The Step Inn in Stepaside.

Boyd Barrett said; “The plan to sell off State assets and natural resources represents the ultimate betrayal of the country, its citizens, our economic future and our

national heritage, in order to protect the interests of banks and bondholders.

“It robs the country of precisely the assets and resources that we need if we are to have anyway of charting our way out of the current economic crisis and create the jobs needed to resolve the

desperate unemployment crisis.”

Thanks to an agreement made with the EU-IMF, Ireland is hoping to hold onto 50% of the expected €3bn proceeds from the sale of State assets for domestic investment.

According to Pub-

lic Expenditure Minister, Brendan Howlin, State assets definitely due to be sold in 2013 include Bord Gais Energy, some of the ESB and the National Lottery.

Deputy Boyd Barrett, who is opposing the sale of Irish forests, said that they are a natural resource, capable of

1812 on...

Quakers delighted

FastNews Bank of Ireland hosted three local companies

pictured at the celebratory event of the 200th anniversary of Quakers, at Bloomfield Health Services in Rathfarnham, are: John Davey, Alice Mauger, Rob Goodbody and Glynn Douglas. They are holding the new book, Bloomfield A History 1812-2012, which was launched at the event. Quakers have long been caring for the mentally ill and elderly in Ireland.

THREE local companies showcased their business last week at the Bank of Ireland’s seventh National Enterprise Week in its Dundrum branch.

TaxAssist Accountants of Main Street in Dundrum, First Class Learning from Taney Parish, and Williams and Allen Wines from the Dundrum Road all attended the event.

Locals urged to voice about CRO LOCAL councillor Neale Richmond is calling on constituents in the Dun LaoghaireRathdown area to express their views on how the Credit Review Office (CRO) can better serve them, following last week’s national call for submissions by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan.

“Small businesses employ more than a third of all people working in Ireland today, so it is critical that we create an environment in which they are adequately supported,” he said.

A report published by the Department of Finance found that the approval rate for credit applications to banks is 76%. The CRO is currently overturning around 60% of refusals to small to medium enterprises.

creating a public works programme to counter unemployment.

Councillor Jim O’Dea (FG) said: “We all know that some State assets will be sold off to reduce our debt. Until we are informed of what will be sold and when it will be sold, it would be idle to comment.”

wages: top county managers under spotlight for what they earn

DLR County Manager Keegan earns over €153k a year  Bairbre Ni Bhraonain bnibhraonain@gazettegroup.com

D U BL I N C i t y a n d County Council managers’ salaries came under the spotlight at a parliamentary questions session in the Dail recently, at which it emerged that Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Manager, Owen Keegan, receives a yearly wage of €153,260.

Deputy Mar y Lou McDonald asked Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan

to provide a breakdown of the total remuneration packages for each of the four Dublin local authorities’ City and County Managers.

As the figure revealed, Owen Keegan’s is the lowest salary among all of the Dublin managers.

The highest earner on the list provided was the Dublin City Manager, John Tierney, earning €189,301, followed by Fingal County Manager, David O’Connor and South Dublin County Manager, Philomena Poole, who are both on €162,062.

Councillor Lettie McCarthy (Lab), said: “[The manager’s salary] shows the divide between high earners and other council staff, and that there’s a huge discrepancy there. Most people would think they were millionaires if they were on that money.”

Councillor Barry Ward (FG), though reluctant to comment on the manager’s salary, said: “Unfortunately, we have no say in [the salary figure], but that’s nothing new when it comes to the council’s budget; they’re already set. [The

setting of salaries is] outside our power [as councillors] as they are set by the Department of the Environment. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown is, however, a very wellmanaged authority, with the highest compliance rate for the household charge.”

Councillor Richard Humphreys (Lab) said: “Public servants in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have their pay set by Central Government and not by the Council. It would be unfair to single them out for attention ahead of

any other similar category of public servants.

“I support the concept that high earners, whether in the public or private sectors, can be expected to contribute more through the tax system or Universal Social Charge, and I await details of the budgetary proposals in this regard,” said Humphreys.

In a statement from DLRCC, a spokesperson said: “The pay rate of a County Manager is broadly related to the population of their local authority area. DLR has a lower population than

Fingal, South Dublin or Dublin City Council and is therefore in a lower band for the Manager’s salary.”

The council spokesperson would not comment on the size of the salaries in light of current economic austerity.

A spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government said that the pay of County Managers was “protected like everyone else under the Croke Park Agreement. The Minister can’t do anything because the salaries are protected”.

Commercial Feature

6 December 2012 DUNDRUM Gazette 9

Local Pharmacy holds special event for re-opening

Bradleys Pharmacy fit with state-ofthe-art robot Bradleys Pharmacy, 5 Lower Kilmacud Road, has recently received a total 21st century makeover.

This long established pharmacy (previously trading as Ryalls) has been completely refitted throughout. However what makes this pharmacy refit so high tech and different is the installation of a state of the art German robotic dispensing system.

Willach the German supplier of the robot are world leaders in robotic dispensing systems.

The installation of the robot allows more popular higher volume medicines to be dispensed robotically. This means that the preparation time for a prescription has been greatly reduced, especially during busy periods. This allows for quicker dispensing turnaround times.

Not only has dispensary service become much faster and efficient, the robot allows the pharmacists and dispensary team much more time to interact with patients/customers. Now, on presenting a prescription the pharmacist is involved directly

with the patient at stage one.

This is known as a forward dispensing process. The Pharmacist is available to discuss the patients prescription there and then whilst the robot prepares and quickly dispenses the correct medicines. The pharmacist then completes the prescription and discusses the patients medication.

The Robot is 100% safe and accurate, all medication dispensed by the Robot is double checked by the pharmacist prior to handing to the patient.

The pharmacist completes the prescription and is available to the patient at every stage.

In summary patients will benefit from dramatically quicker dispensing times with direct access to our pharmacists for advice and recommendations.

The store has been enlarged and shopfitted to a very high standard. This will provide an enhanced convenient and more smooth flowing shopping experience for all our customers. The pharmacy was shopfitted by ‘Prime shopfitters’ an Irish spe-

cialist pharmacy shopfitting Company based in Kildare. The pharmacy has been re-merchandised with a more increasing emphasis on over the counter medicines and an extended selection of vitamins and healthcare products. The pharmacy has further enhanced its healthcare offering across many product ranges.

Additional ser vices including food intolerance screening and Professional teeth whitening.

Our resident Pharmacists Jean keyes MPSI and Cian Fitzsimons MPSI, Pharmacy Manager Helen Doran and all the team would be delighted if you could join us on this special reopening day on Friday 14th December 4pm – 6pm when a local Dublin sports star will be in store to formally open our new Pharmacy.

Come and see your medication dispensed by the latest in Robotic technology!

In addition, we will have Free Gifts, Special Offers, Christmas Gifts and giveaways on the day, everyone welcome!

The new robot (above) installed into the beautifully refitted and redesigned Bradleys Pharmacy shop (below)

10 DUNDRUM Gazette 6 December 2012

christmas fair: deck the halls this weekend in churCHtown

R1

gazetteGALLERY

Local business joins up for fair The Churchtown Business Park is set to ring with the chimes of the season this weekend when it hosts a special Christmas fair on Saturday, December 8.

Businesses in the park, which has been a feature of the local area for the last 20 years, will provide an array of offers and market stalls of many kinds will be set up for local festive friends to avail of.

Santa himself will be arriving with a Garda escort at 4pm to turn on the lights for all of Churchtown.

Musical thrills A n u n a , I r e l a n d ’s national choir, has taken time out of its busy schedule to sing all the Christmas favourites at the fair, and a local choir will be given the chance of performing alongside Anuna.

As well as that, musical treats will be provided by a choir from local creche, Angels Care Nursery and Montessori, as well as the Blackrock College Parents’s Choir. DJ Ronan Devitt will be on the decks of holly to help

everyone rock around the Christmas tree.

Carmel Tracey, owner of Angels Care Nursery and Montessori, has teamed up with eldest daughter, Naomi, the owner of Le Pet, for a special charity event at the fair.

Carmel and Naomi were looking for a charity that would link both businesses and felt that Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland was the perfect choice.

As a result, Le Pet will be hosting a charity dog show. Registration for the show costs just €2 and Sarah Day was delighted to meet Mr Claus at Nutgrove Shopping Centre. Pictures: Geraldine Woods all proceeds go towards the charity’s work with people suffering from autism.

There will be a host of poochy prizes on offer for Best Dressed, Waggiest Tail as well as the Best in Show.

As well as the Christmas market, there will be live performances ANTA Claus enjoyed a warm local boys and girls, Santa and friends on stage (with special welcome when he and his friends were also helping to highlight the work visited Nutgrove Shopping Cenof the charity in some of the world’s guests to be announced), most impoverished places. a Leinster Rugby skills tre recently, in a visit organised by the The donation of an animal, through exhibition, a Christmas Irish charity, Bothar.

In addition to meeting lots of excited Bothar, makes a life-changing differTreasure Trail and much, much more.

For more information, see www.churchtown.ie.

Giving a real hip-hop hooray for Santa Claus S

ence to families and communities around the world. Closer to home, everyone enjoyed the great Christmas cheer, as dancers from Arlene Ryan’s Dundrum Hip-Hop School stepped up to add to the day’s fun.

Brendan Carberry, Aiden Redmond, Harry McWalters, Enda and Conor Carberry celebrate Christmas in Churchtown last year

Robert Graubergs

Sarah and Alice Redmond were delighted to meet Cuddles

Abbie Blades

6 December 2012 Gazette 11

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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

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dance: tappy toes teaches little ones

Toddlers to get grooving as UK class arrives here

A NEW dance class for toddlers is set to take Dublin by storm, and will see little ones tapping their toes to their own beat.

Award winning toddler group Tappy Toes is launching in Ireland.

The latest activity was voted Britain’s best preschool activity and caters for kids aged 20 months to four and half years.

The dance/movement class is considered to be

for a demographic that is often ignored. Parents and their toddlers are being invited to come along to dance, sing and play.

Former ballerina Petra Durdikova will be delivering the new Dublin classes, incorporating fun and learning into dance with the use of bells, ribbons, and maracas as well as songs with actions and nursery rhymes.

She moved to England in 2002 where she spent 10 years teaching, choreographing and performing in local dance schools and annual shows.

With four years’ experience teaching Tappy Toes in the UK, she is now ready to take this knowledge and share it with Ireland.

The one thing this new business is looking for is that children involved are enjoying

every minute of it. Creator Claire Greenwood said: “Parents tell me our class is the highlight of their child’s week.”

Children absorb basic fundamentals of dance in a warm, comfortable and enjoyable social environment resulting in physical, psychological and social development.

For further information, or to watch a Tappy Toes demonstration, log onto www.tappytoes.ie

Grace Reilly gets the chance to tap her toes in the Howth Tappy Toes class

Gazette

12 Gazette 6 December 2012

dublinlife

Steady, steady ... this young chef gets to grips with her meal at Wagamama Dundrum

diary

Children happy to wok to learn top Wagamama tips YOUNG child chefs showed off their culinary skills when they took part in Wagamama Dundrum’s cookery class programme recently.

Children from St Andrew’s College lined up for the educational event, and had their wooden spoons and woks at the ready for an action-packed day of learning the secrets and skills of the restaurant industry.

The class had the opportunity to learn about food, nutrition, order systems, the restaurant industry and the Wagamama brand.

Restaurant manager, Brian Smyth, said: “This experience follows sev-

eral cooking-day experiences that Wagamama had undertaken with local schools last year.

“Some of the previous participants had written letters to Wagamama saying it was the best day in school they’d ever had.”

Wagamama is continuing its educational projects with other local schools every few months until next June. Interested schools should get in touch with the team via Wagamama’s Facebook or Twitter pages.

ring in 2013 at christ church AN EXPECTED 500 people will ring in 2013 with the Dublin Gospel

Choir at a special New Year’s Eve Gala Concert to be held at Christ Church Cathedral.

The evening includes a post-concert champagne reception in the cr ypt, followed by a countdown to the ringing of the bells at midnight on the cathedral grounds.

The Christ Church Cathedral New Year’s Eve Gala Concert is always hugely popular, so patrons are asked to book well in advance.

Tickets cost €45 per person, and include the reception. Doors open at 8.30pm, and the concert begins at 9pm.

To book your place at the concer t, call

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01 677 8099, or see Christ Church Cathedral’s website at www. christchurchdublin.ie/.

celebrations at docklands SANTA Claus is coming to town, and he’s set to give children a great holiday experience at the Dublin Docklands.

Santa is arriving on Saturday, December 8, and will be meeting boys and girls every Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 7pm – what’s even better, it’s free to meet the man in red.

Charity To celebrate the true giving spirit of Christmas, Santa will be asking boys and girls to bring a gift and leave it at Santa’s Giving Tree, for distribution to a leading children’s charity.

On Friday, December 7, Santa will officially switch on the Christmas lights for the Dublin Docklands Christmas Festival, which will run in the IFSC from December 7 to 23, from 12 noon to 8pm daily, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am.

Entry is free, and the event promises to be a real delight for children and adults alike.

For further information on the upcoming Dublin Docklands Christmas Festival, or to book space at the event, see the website at www.dublindocklandschristmasfestival.ie.

6 December 2012 Gazette 13

Gazette

feature

break away project

A cosy evening for Christmas The Break Away Project, a new performance group based in Dublin, is holding a cosy evening of stories, music and mulled wine as part of its Christmas celebrations this year.

Artistic director of the project, Helena Byrne, spoke to The Gazette about the project and the upcoming storytelling evening.

“The Break Away Project was founded in January and each month we hold an event. So far, we’ve hosted four readings, three concerts and, in October, put on a full play of Dr Seward’s Dracula in the Crypt of Christ Church.

Links Rena Maycock and Feargal Harrington established Intro Matchmaking in 2011

Date with a difference  Hiromi Mooney

With many Christmas nights ahead on the social calendar, there are plenty of opportunities to meet someone special. But what do you do if you feel that you can’t pluck up the courage to approach the opposite sex?

Perhaps you find the idea of introducing yourself to strangers too daunting, or you have negative experiences in the past and lost your confidence.

Whatever the reason, help is just a phone call away with Intro Matchmaking, a company established in September 2011 by Rena Maycock and Feargal Harrington from Malahide, which is based on Dawson Street in the city centre.

They worked with focus groups for a year and a half before they set up, and discovered that up to 80% of people felt that bars and pubs were hostile environments to meet the opposite sex, and over 70% had admitted to telling lies on online dating websites

– such as exaggerating their height or reducing their waistline. They also discovered that some people set the bar too high.

“There could be expectations that are so high in some people’s cases that we know that they’ll never be pleased,” said Feargal.

“A very blunt expression here is ‘those who can be pleased will be’ – and it’s so true. I mean, we get stories that some people literally say ‘I’ll only meet that man if he’s above six foot, if he’s from a certain location in Dublin, if he’s never been married – only if he’s single, no children, and third-level educated in certain professions’.

A la carte

“It doesn’t work that way, because it’s like they’re treating it as an a la carte menu in a restaurant.

“We had some very difficult people to begin with, but (they) actually changed their mind, and ended up with people who are polar opposites to what they had come

in and initially specified as being their requirements.”

Intro Matchmaking’s clients range in age from 22 to 79, and one in three of their members joined through word of mouth.

Feargal said that since they have opened, one in four of their clients are now in long-term relationships.

“It just proves that people wouldn’t go into a long-term relationship unless they really felt that it was definitely going to work,” he said.

“We schedule dates.

We book the restaurants for the couples and they’re booked under their personal names – never under the company name, so there’s no fear or worry that you need to actually be holding a rose or wearing a certain colour for the person to recognise you. So it’s kind of seamless in the sense that there’s no hassle.”

Intro Matchmaking first speaks to clients by phone, and then meets them to check that they provide legitimate details and identification. It then assess them to help find

their perfect match. In this way – unlike online dating services, it can ensure that it’s members cannot make false claims about themselves. It also never makea their clients’ details available, which leaves them assured that it’s a very confidential,

trustworthy and discreet service.

Now that Christmas is approaching, Feargal advises all singletons to attend all of the social events around them.

For more information about Intro Matchmaking, visit www.intro.ie.

“For 2013 we have a lot of things planned as part of our remit is to forge links between Irish and American artists. One of the biggest upcoming events for the year of the Gathering will be our production of It Came From Mars by Joseph Zettlemaier, and he is due to come over for the production in Easter, hopefully.

“This December, though, we’re having an evening of storytelling and music with tales of folklore from Ireland, Scandanavia and Italy. The music will be a mixture of unusual Christmas songs, not the obvious stuff you’d hear on the radio.”

The candlelit Evening of Stories, Music and Mulled Wine will be hosted in the Centre for Creative Practices at 15 Pembroke St Lower, Dublin 2 on December 16 at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost €12 and can be booked by calling the centre on 01 799 5416.

Gazette

14 Gazette 6 December 2012

dublinlife

DublinGazetteNewspapers cub reporters and photographers of the year November 2012 winners

H Reporter of the

MONTH

Aisling O’Fiachain & Julia Ryan Sixth-Year Notre Dame students Aisling and Julia showed their journalistic skills by bringing to life their school’s science fair that brought the wonders of chemistry, biology and physics to visiting primary school pupils.

Spikeball has proven to be a big hit with the children that the Transition Year pupils taught

Photo

colaiste cois life: sport teaching programme

of the H

MONTH

Wiktoria Stawasz ADAMSTOWN Community College student, Wiktoria Stawasz, sent in this shot of local nature, with squirrels still bounding about as winter looms. You can see more of Wiktoria’s work at wikta2703.deviantart.com/gallery.

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.

Transition Years teach Spikeball to local kids  Aisling NI Bhlo-

scaidh and Ashley Nic Gabhann

Colaiste Cois Life, an all-Irish Secondary School in Lucan, was recently selected to take part in the Volleyball Association of Ireland’s Transition Year Girls SpikeBall Leaders Award Programme for 2012.

The initiative is funded by the Irish Sports Council’s Women In Sport project, which encoura ges girls to actively participate in sport.

O n O c t o b e r 18 , Colaiste Cois Life was visited by Mary Lalor and Graham Torrance, development officers

from the Volleyball Association of Ireland, for a full day course.

Mary and Graham introduced us to the game of spikeball (an adapted game of volleyball). We learned the SpikeBall rules, how to play the game and how to introduce it to Primary School students.

We also learned about coaching, refereeing, sports reporting and organising a SpikeBall Blitz.

Fif teen girls were divided into five groups and were sent out to local primary schools in the Lucan area.

These schools included Scoil Eiscir Riada, Gaelscoil Naomh Padraig and Griffeen Valley

Educate Together.

The girls were coaching fifth and sixth class students in SpikeBall skills and prepared them ahead of a blitz on November 30.

T he coaching was very beneficial to the leaders, and the students thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a huge learning experi-

ence for the Transition Year girls. The highlight of the course was the sense of achievement after successfully completing the course.

T he toughest par t was getting the students attention and maintaining authority over them.

Overall, it was a great experience for everyone involved.

6 December 2012 Gazette 15

Gazette

schools st conleth’s college: bond theme for event

Shaken not stirred at Build-A-Bank launch  Conor White

THE Bond Bank in St Conleth’s College got itself off to an actionpacked start when it held its launch day on November 20.

Students from throughout the school came to visit the bank and learn about the products it has on offer.

Centred around the theme of ‘James Bond’, the bank is the school’s entry to the Build-a-Bank Challenge, a national competition overseen by AIB. Students are encouraged to set up bank accounts, apply for internet banking and avail of a debit card.

The bank team, a group of six Transition Year students, open the

bank every Tuesday so that money can be lodged.

At the launch, the visiting students were invited to listen to a presentation about what the bank could offer them, teaching invaluable skills about money and personal finance.

However, the audiences were initially ‘shaken and stirred’ by the bank’s own advertisement created on the James Bond theme. Sales and marketing executive, Gavin Sheridan, donned a black suit and was filmed on his mission to withdraw from an ATM and use mobile banking, among other tasks.

There was a rapturous response from all that attended. Most students created accounts and left the

room with an extremely positive attitude about the bank.

It is hoped that this supportive relationship can continue throughout the year with the bank’s seasonal promotions and savings’ week in the pipeline.

St Finian’s CC: Olympic star Carruth stars at school’s awards night 

Bank manager Conor White

Ojamiji Catherine Adaranijo

St Finian’s Community College in Swords recently held its annual awards evening, where the guest speaker was Olympic gold medallist, Michael Carruth. Mr Carruth spoke at the beginning of the ceremony and encouraged students with motivating words such as “if you believe, you achieve”.

On the night, students received awards for their achievements in academia, sport and positively contributing to school life throughout the 2011-12 academic year.

Notably, the junior student of the year was awarded to Jessica Gargan, and the senior student of the year was Sruthy Kumar. It was a very enjoyable evening of celebration for parents, students and teachers. Photographer – Clara Kinsella

GAZETTE

16 GAZETTE 6 December 2012

DUBLINLIFE

Managing a joint account

Q&A

OLLIE FLOOD, MANAGER, HARVEY NORMAN

Bedding down to succeed in Blanchardstown role OLLIE Flood has worked with one of Ireland’s leading retailers, Harvey Norman, since 2006. He has been working in home furnishings for 18 years, having previously worked with BB Blinds for 12 years before joining Harvey Norman in 2006.

He worked in the Dundalk store initially, before moving to manage the Holywood store in 2009; he has now taken on the reins as manager

in Harvey Norman’s latest store in Blanchardstown Retail Park, at Blanchardstown Shopping Centre.

He says: “For me, this is a fabulous step forward, running the most fantastic furniture store in the country. I look forward to seeing the store grow with our customers, keeping that important balance between working hard and having a great store and enjoying my day’s work.”

How long have you been in business?

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

I’ve been in the furnishing business 20 years; the last eight with Harvey Norman. Now, I’m in our newly opened, massively expanded 30,000 sq ft Harvey Norman store in Blanchardstown Retail Park.

What makes your business successful?

We know our customer, we know that they want the range and quality of products at competitive prices, and that’s what we offer them.

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

It comes down to two things: products and service. Our range of products is a great mix of both design and value, plus our trained staff know what they are selling and how to listen to the customer to ensure they choose the right product for them – what could be better?

How has the recession impacted your business?

It’s a flat economy, but Harvey Norman sales are up, and market share in key categories is growing.

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

It’s not a change; it’s a continuation – big selection, affordable pricing and an ever increasing focus on great customer service.

BUSINESS

Supported

by AIB

Introduce legislation to abolish upward-only rent clauses in commercial leases. Our Irish rents are crazy.

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

We interact with our customers in lots of ways, so in that way we are very social. We regularly interact via customers’ own social media including Twitter, blogs, and boards.

What is your ambition for the business?

For the new store in Blanchardstown to become our busiest Dublin furniture and bedding, electrical and computers store.

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

There is no such as thing as ‘No’.

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

Blanchardstown is a great centre, always busy, and our new furniture and bedding store is going to amaze people. I look forward to seeing those customers return again and again to buy from us.

What living person do you most admire?

Alan Sugar.

DISAGREEMENTS about personal finance can be very divisive – I have seen figures that suggest half of the couples who break up do so because of a disagreement about money.

So, when I say that you need to agree a joint financial strategy with your partner, I don’t say it lightly. One approach that I have found works well is to: • Look for common ground. It is likely, for instance, that you both want the same thing – to be free of debt, and to have plenty of spare cash.

• Communicate freely and honestly. Assess where you are, and how each of you have contributed to the current state of affairs. Be honest. Discuss each of your strengths and weaknesses, and the things you are doing right, and the things you are doing wrong.

• Compromise. Don’t allow past behaviour and events to poison your chance of success. Put grievances behind you. Start afresh, and in doing so, accept that you will both have to agree to do things differently in the future.

Here are some valuable tips on handling joint finances – whether with your partner, or with someone else.

• Maintain your independence. A joint account is perfect for joint responsibilities, but it is a good idea to keep an account for yourself so that you have money available to spend as you want.

Decide which areas are joint expenditure, and which you are each going to handle alone.

• If one half of a partnership takes over all the money

management, it can lead to big trouble. The person in charge may end up resenting the fact that he or she is doing all the work ... and he or she may also become controlling. The person not involved is leaving himself or herself vulnerable, and is adopting an essentially childlike position.

Both of you should take decisions together – even if one of you does the day-to-day accounting.

• Be honest about how you each feel. If one of you wants to save and the other wants to spend ... admit it, and work out a strategy that allows each of you to do as you please. Compromise!

• Plan for a future that isn’t completely dependent on staying together. I realise that this may seem pessimistic, but I frequently find myself counselling people who unexpectedly find themselves having to deal with money for the first time.

Communication, of course, is the key. More next week.  Contact John with your money questions at jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor

AIB: SEMINAR ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR SMALL FIRMS

Experts offer retail tips on e-commerce in 2013 LAST week, AIB hosted a seminar for over 200 of its SME customers, Retailing in Ireland – Prospects and Possibilities 2013, at the AIB Bankcentre in Ballsbridge.

It provided information on current consumer spending trends and the likely profile of consumer spending in 2013, along with expert views on best practices for e-retailing from Google.

A wide variety of retailers attended the event, from hardware to fashion to hotels, all with varying levels of experience in e-retailing.

Gerard O’Neill, chairman of Amarach Research and a leading economic commentator on future trends and forecast-

ing, said that the online market in Ireland will be worth an estimated €6bn in 2016.

Cian O’Mongain, senior industry manager at Google, also outlined best practice in this area for both novice and existing online retailers, sharing his tips and tricks to take advantage of opportunities that lay ahead.

AIB’s head of business banking Brendan O’Connor said: “SMEs are critical to our economic recovery, for the maintenance and creation of thousands of jobs.

“We are determined to assist our business customers to grow and develop their business, both through the access to credit they need and

Gerard O’Neill of Amarach Research, Louis Copeland, Mark Dinneen of John A Taylor Ltd, and Anthony Doyle from AIB at the seminar

through a range of supports such as this seminar today.”

Through AIB’s Big Drive For Small Business campaign, it launched a new initiative to speed up SME loan decisions which assisted over 50 SME customers in creating their own TV and radio advertising campaigns, while offering coaching to 2,500 SME

customers. The bank also organised over 100 business management seminars, with 4,000 participating to date.

AIB has exceeded the Government SME lending target of €3.5bn for 2012 and sanctioned 2,156 requests for credit from businesses across the Midwest region in the first nine months of this year.

6 December 2012 Gazette 17

gaming P21

asdfsdaf P27 motors P22

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 can you give beau a home?

Celebrity chef Kevin Dundon entertains while cooking up a storm as part of the the Supervalu Roadshow in Churchtown, Dublin. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

food: tv chef kevin dundon joins forces with supervalu retail chain

Cook up a calm Christmas  laura webb

Irish chef and TV personality Kevin Dundon has joined forces with SuperValu to bring customers a delicious range of signature dishes that will help destress the cook in the family this festive season.

Over the past two-and-a-half years, Kevin has been working with the supermarket chain on its selection of fresh food. This year, he is travelling around Ireland in an air-stream caravan, which has an iconic silver-bullet style, to showcase the SuperValu Christmas range.

Speaking to the Gazette ahead of the roadshow, where he visited a number a local SuperValu stores in Dublin before heading off around the country, he said

meeting the public was his favourite thing to do. “I love people. We pull up to a store and I just chat to people and talk about their dishes and how we can help, and we showcase our signature range and the other produce available in SuperValu. “[The supermarket chain] buy a lot of local products, and that is the whole ethos. That is something that I always believed in and it’s the main reason I got together with SuperValu,” he said.

The SuperValu Christmas road-show showcases the store’s wide-ranging festive products, which extend beyond just turkey and ham.

“Within the signature range, we have a fantastic rib beef on the bone, When you roast it up, it is very impressive on

the table and it also cooks really well.

Salmon en croute is another – fresh salmon with spinach and a cream sauce wrapped in pastry. Make it in the oven and when you cut it, it looks great.

“The dish I love, which I do on the show, is a rack of pork with crispy crackling on top and apple compote on the side.

“However, I think, on Christmas Day, it is all about the roast. I like to tell people it’s just like cooking a Sunday roast: it doesn’t have to be stressful. You could cook your ham the day before and when you cook your turkey, take that out and let it rest for half an hour. Put your glaze on your ham and put it in the oven for a half an hour, you don’t necessarily have to have a hot ham with turkey dinner.

“Home kitchens are limited in space, and it is hard to juggle everything. Have your potatoes and vegetables already peeled and ready to go the day before – that also helps.”

Growing up, Kevin was inspired by the women in his life. He said his mother and grandmother were great cooks who introduced him to cooking. He is still a firm believer in making dinner family time.

“My family is mad busy coming up to Christmas and, for me, this time of year is for family. I love to cook, and I do cook Christmas dinner, but it’s not stressful for me because that’s what I do,” he laughed.

Continued on Page 23

DUBLIN Gazette Newspapers has teamed up with Dogs Trust, Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity, to help find homes for unwanted and abandoned dogs.

Our ‘Dog of the week’ is Beau, a two-year-old Staffie cross. This is one beautiful boy with a big heart! He needs his confidence built as he can be quite a worried little man when meeting new friends but once he gets to know you, he will shower you with love and affection.

This handsome hound would prefer canine company rather than cats or kids, and would probably love a home where he is the centre of someone’s world. He especially likes playing with his tennis ball and would love a big garden or getting out for a walk where he strides along wagging his tail admiring the world around him.

If you think you could give Beau the fabulous forever home he deserves, contact Dogs Trust at 01 8791000 (www. dogstrust.ie). All their dogs are vet-checked, vaccinated, neutered and microchipped before being rehomed.

Gazette

18 Gazette 6 December 2012

OUT&ABOUT Debenhams €170

STYLE

Debenhams €54

Heatons €13

Christmas Guide - for him!

M&S €8

 Laura Webb

It’s the second instalment of Gazette Style’s guide to Christmas presents for those special people in your life. Last week we showed you some very impressive gifts for the woman in your life, so this week it is all about the man.

Now that Movember is over, some men may be in need of a shaver, or may want to keep it and so taming it is a must. We also have some great fashion for the man in the house, while aftershave is also the way to go for the other half.

Check out our final instalment next week which will be all about the kids.

Debenhams €39

Urban Outfitters €111

Penneys €9 Emporio Armani See stockists for details

M&S €47.50

Debenhams €124

Debenhams €34

Next €49

Debenhams €17

6 December 2012 Gazette 19

Gazette

MUSIC FASTtunes with Dee Woods

Instant karma’s gonna get you... a bizarre wardrobe

Deftones’ Kai No Yokan pushes the band’s aural assault into a more powerful fresh direction

review: the ongoing resurgence of deftones continues

’Tones of survival  rob heigh

A COMMON statement about bands who last, say, more than the average lifespan of a mayfly is that they are “survivors”.

A genuine definition of survivors is a band of brothers who have been to the edge of personal devastation and disassociation and who have pulled together to create some of the finest art of their careers.

That is the appropriate description for California’s Deftones. The band, formed in Sacramento in 1988, have proved themselves more than capable of weathering the kinds of storms that a 25-year career in the music busi-

ness can throw up.

Having established themselves with a trio of platinum selling albums straight out of the blocks, one of which, Around The Fur, was a bona fide classic of the genre, Deftones proceeded to solidify their position in the alt metal scene.

However, following personal tragedies, illness, drug problems and ultimately, a 1988 car crash that put bassist Chi Cheng into a coma, from which he is still to fully recover, the impetus to come back together from the battles that threatened to derail the band for good and make some of the best music of their careers found a foothold.

Since then, Deftones have been creating some astonishing soundscapes and have just released their seventh album, Koi No Yokan.

To many, their overpowering aural assault would be too much, but listen just beneath the surface and there is a melodic texture and crafting seldom encountered in their niche.

Be assured, this is no softer a record than Deftones have previously created. If anything, it is a heavier, more piledriving collection of songs than their previous release, Diamond Eyes, named by many as one of the defining records of the start of the new decade when it

appeared in 2010.

Where Koi No Yokan departs from the immediacy that marked Diamond Eyes out as a classic in the making is in its construction. The longer gestation period that this album enjoyed has resulted in an impressive and multi-layered set of songs that chime with a unity of purpose and sing with a layered creativity that gives infinite hope for the

future of the rock genre.

There are times when it is as gentle as Jane’s Addiction at their most brutal, at times as affecting as anything Deftones have recorded before.

In spite of their tribulations, the rallying cause that they have found since the loss of Cheng has made Deftones a more uncompromising, and more impressive, rock survivor.

This weekend sees the 32nd anniversary of the death of John Lennon. It’s a time for Beatles’ fans and Lennon devotees around the world to reflect on the legend that helped shape the path of music forever...

Or, if you’re Yoko Ono, it’s a time to unveil jockstraps and other saucy clothing designed in his memory. Ono has revealed a new men’s clothing collection inspired by drawings she gave her late husband as a wedding gift.

Talking about her new collection, 79-yearold Ono said: “I felt it was a pity if we could not make clothes emphasizing his very sexy bod. So, I made this whole series with love for his hot bod and gave it to him as a wedding present. You can imagine how he went wild and fell in love with me even more.”

But will people fall in love with the clothes?

The fashion range, for American brand Opening Ceremony, includes jockstraps, skin-tight tops with strategic holes and trousers with handprints on the crotch. Check out the full range at www.openingceremony.us, if only to prove yourself wrong if you thought bras, pink mesh tops and open-toe thigh-high boots were only for women. Yes, they’re in the collection too. And they deliver to Ireland.

Not sure it’d go down well with all John Lennon fans here, but worth a look nonetheless. The hoodie with the word “Dream” across the front, priced $75, might be a safer buy for the Lennon lover in your life. Ironic though, that a $200 jockstrap is included in a collection inspired by a man who once wrote You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away.

Dee Woods @ Radio Nova

Yoko Ono and John Lennon wearing some more conventional attire in the late 1960s

Gazette

20 gazette 6 December 2012

OUT&ABOUT

CINEMA

more

theatre THE pavilioN THEATRE 01 231 2929 The Gloaming

THE Gloaming is a newly minted collective of five remarkable musicians poised to become a vital force in Irish music.

Navigating between the contemporary and traditional genres, their creativity trumps predictability – with music that is haunting and beautiful in equal measure. Having started recording of their debut album in August, they end the year with a series of intimate shows.

December 9, tickets are priced at €26.

Mill Theatre 01 296 9340

Miracle on 34th St ENJOY such popular songs as Pinecones and Hollyberries, It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas and My State, My Kansas, in this joyous, heart-warming musical of pure family entertainment. Miracle On 34th Street tells the story of a mother and daughter that are much too practical to believe in Santa Claus. Macy’s hires a kind, white-bearded, older gentlemen to play Santa at the store, but when the man proclaims to be Kris Kringle and Santa himself, his sanity is called into question.

Presented by Glencullen Musical and Dramatic Society. December 5-15 at 8pm, tickets are priced at €20/18.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 ABBA Forever

IT’S Christmas! It’s party time! It’s ABBA! From Waterloo to Dancing Queen, expect a dazzling, fantastic performance including the most iconic hits, Mamma Mia, SOS, Money, Money Money, The Winner Takes It All and many more.

December 10 and 11, tickets are priced at €20.

Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper in Silver Linings Playbook – not a bow and arrow or hangover in sight

review: cooper, lawrence, De niro and stiles at the top of their game

Silver? This is gold LOOKING at it objectively, you might say that the guy who directed The Fighter might aim a little higher for his next film than a self-penned, low-budget romantic comedy about a man with psychiatric problems.

But, then again, this is the man who famously called Lily Tomlin every name under the sun in a rant on the set of I Huckabees. So really, all bets are off when it comes to predicting his next move.

In Silver Linings Playbook, Russell actually makes a film that suits as a successor to the awards laden Fighter.

Here, the family is as dysfunctional, the frustration at what might have been as palpable and the loving moments

 paul hosford

phosford@gazettegroup.com

as tender. The only real difference is that Bradley Cooper’s Pat doesn’t have a heroin addict brother dragging him down.

Instead, he has his ow n demons and a conviction for assaulting his wife’s lover.

After being released from a state mental facility and moving back in with his parents, played

by Robert De Niro and Jackie Weaver, Pat must confront his issues, his family and his newest friend, Tiffany.

Tiffany comes with a whole slew of prob-

lems of her own, which makes everyone nervous.

Law rence is an actress with the world at her fingertips at the minute, with The Hunger Games and X-Men establishing her on the A-list and her Oscar nomination for Winter’s Bone last year marking her as a truly special talent.

She should have her pick of projects, which makes her appearance in Playbook all the more impressive.

Eschewing what were certainly higher-profile roles for the chance to play what appears on paper to be a much younger love interest to Bradley Cooper.

That age gap is barely noticeable, however, as Lawrence brings a maturity to the role that

Film of the Week: Silver Linings Playbook h h h h h (15) 122mins Director: David O.Russell Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Julia Stiles, Chris Tucker, Jackie Weaver

OUR VERDICT: THERE are small stumbles, small little frustrating stumbles, but all in all, this is a great piece of cinema. Brave, unflinching and superbly acted, End of Watch is as good a cop film as there is, but is abundantly more. A great dissection of character, a fantastic look at male relationships and a thoroughly brilliant piece of film-making. See it. See it now.

is much needed.

Without it, Tiffany would become a bratty post-teen and her madness would be offputting.

In Lawrence’s hands, it becomes appealing, almost attractive as she keeps a sure hand on the quirks of her character.

Her work here proves that the nomination for Winter’s Bone was no fluke and she is a generational talent, some-

one who should be watched for many years to come.

C o o p e r t o o p l ay s against type. Gone is the megawatt smile and easy charisma, replaced instead with an anger, a fr ustration and a deep set of problems that Cooper manages to make work, despite some shortcomings in the script.

With Robert De Niro on fine form as Pat’s father and Chris Tucker

providing the comic relief, this is as well an acted piece of cinema as you are likely to see all year.

A side-note; welcome back to Julia Stiles, it’s been too long.

The star of the show, however, is Russell. His blistering announcement to Holly wood, 1999’s Three Kings, has been long-forgotten, but The Fighter announced the return of a real talent.

With Playbook, Russell continues that form and will make many sit up and notice.

That he is still best know n for the viral video of the Tomlin rant is sad, if understandable, but soon he will be known solely for his work.

Especially if he keeps up this kind of form.

6 December 2012 gazette 21

Gazette

GAMING far cry 3: it’s pretty, crazy and fun

It’s so Far, so good in this fun threequel  shane dillon

I TOUCHED on this in last week’s page, but space prevented me giving it more room.

And so, I return to Rook Island, the central hub of just-released Far Cry 3, and quite probably the daftest, most unpredictable gaming playground we’ve seen this side of Just Cause 2’s Panau island.

I’m not sure what it is about islands that makes game designers want to turn them into places the average SWAT team would want to avoid, but who knows – maybe one day, we’ll see an Irish designer come up with an analogous Aran Island setting, involving a quest for revenge after a cow gets kidnapped, or something.

Anyway, mooooving right back to the game’s exotic tropical island set-

 shane dillon sdillon@gazettegroup.com

ting (somewhere around the Indian and Pacific Oceans), and the playerprotagonist has much to enjoy here.

As briefly mentioned last week, the player ends up on the island with his girlfriend and friends – only for the action-seeking group to get more than they want to when they run into the wrong type of people.

The very wrong types, who have a habit of disposing of such guests, with guns, and other such extreme visitor controls.

(Perhaps the guys should have just gone to lovely Fundoran instead, up near Sligo.)

BYTES&PIECES new title hits a very honourable sales target

From here on in, you’re in familiar territory, yet one that very much has its own clear identity and style.

You’re tasked with saving your friends, and your girlfriend, and helping the few friendly people on the islands to claim back their territory – by tackling the bad guys, one group of thugs, or enemy stronghold, at a time; sometimes by stealthy means, yet more often than not by charging around like Chuck Norris with a headache.

In order to do this, there are all kinds of toand-fro missions that you can carry out, gradually unlocking more and more areas, mission types and friendly characters, as your actions begin to change the control of power on the islands.

Of course, there are all kinds of other distractions in Far Cry 3 to undertake

The tropical island setting of Far Cry 3 would be lovely to visit – were it not for the roving gangs of heavily armed thugs, occasional leopard attacks and, presumably, hotel prices in high season

instead, if you’d rather take a break from the main and side missions.

After all, your friends would probably understand that, rather than rescue them from their hellish captors, you went looking for a hill peak to go hang-gliding from. I mean, who wouldn’t?

As usual for such titles, there are lots and lots of treasure hunts and distractions to go wandering off on, away from the ‘real’ game, Whether collecting rare plants, going on animal hunts – or being hunted, by some particuarly dangerous beasts – searching out obscure parts of the

NEWS just in – Dishonoured (below), the particularly stylish first-person stealth-’em-up, has done better than expected at retail and, as such, has been decreed a new franchise, ripe for returning to.

Its publisher, Bethseda, praised its sales, which have kept pace with the critical acclaim that the well-rounded title garnered on its recent release, and were strong in both physical and download form.

It’s an all the more impressive feat, consid-

islands’ history, or just taking parts in races on land, sea and in the air, there’s an awful lot to do, with virtually everything you do gifting your character with experience points, with which to unlock ever more useful skills and upgrades.

I should also mention that Far Cry 3 looks great, building on the detailed worlds that the series is famed for. While not perfect, there’s still a pretty immersive sense of scale and detail to its setting, making it a world that’s well worth getting lost in.

A multi-platform title, Far Cry 3 is available in shops now.

ering its release near the end of the year, at a time when all of the Christmas heavyweights start limbering up to do battle, and particularly for a brand new title. With some downloadable content on the way to add to Dishonoured’s scale, it’s a welcome bit of news, as all too often slightly quirkier games get overlooked at retail, in favour of, say, bogstandard shooters featuring angry, bearded soldiers. (Yawn.)

Not so with Dishonoured’s characters, whose late Empress, left, would surely welcome the news that gamers can expect to return to its setting, soon.

22 Gazette 6 December 2012

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT road

MOTORS

NOISE

Fiat 500L earns a fivestar safety rating The Euro NCAP released its latest round of results last week, and the FIAT 500L has earned a five-star safety rating from the independent vehicle safety assessment body.

With an overall score of 83/100, the FIAT 500L’s coveted five-star rating was awarded on the basis of the scores it achieved. Adult occupant protection was (94/100); child occupant protection, 78/100; pedestrian protection, 65/100, and driver-assist safety system, 71/100.

Thousands of hours of virtual simulations were employed during the creation of FIAT’s brand new “Small Wide” architecture which was engineered without the need for prototypes. To ensure there were no unforeseen anomalies, some 200 tests were conducted on components and sub-systems, as well as more than 100 shock test simulations and in excess of 100 crash tests. They took taking all possible types of impact into consideration: frontal impact, side impact, rollover, pile-up and impacts with pedestrians.

Honours were also bestowed upon Skoda’s new compact saloon, the Rapid. It earned good marks in the Euro NCAP crash test for its high level of safety.

It was recognised for its excellent test results in the areas of occupant protection for adults and children, pedestrian protection and safety assistance systems.

“The Skoda Rapid is one of the safest cars in its segment,” says FrankWelsch, SKODA board member for technical development. “These Euro NCAP results are confirmation coming from an independent party. Our compact saloon is an ideal family car offering lots of space for five occupants and their baggage. It is functional, high quality and conforms to top-level safety standards,” said Welsch.

Skoda’s new compact saloon, the Rapid

The SEAT Mii boasts plnty of extras including alloy wheels, front fog lights and heated door mirrors

seat: a pleasant surprise for those looking for a city car

Mii makes driving plenty of fun again

n Cormac Curtis

This will be the second round of deja vu I’ve had on the motoring pages this year, as I am writing about the third sibling in what is affectionately know in motoring circles as “The Triplets”.

In case you missed my verdicts of the Skoda CitiGo and the VW Up!, let me fill you in.

T here has been a heated battle raging in the small car market all across Europe this year, in one corner there is the odds-on favourite, the VW Up!, in the other corner, there is the new boy threatening the established veteran in the shape of the Skoda CitiGo, and in the third corner (OK, this is not a traditional boxing analogy) there is the plucky

specs: SEAT Mii 1.0 Sport 5Door  0 – 100km/hr: 13.2 secs  Top speed: 171km/h  CO2 Emissions : 108g/km  Tax Band: A  Current Tax Rate: €160  Price: €12,000

underdog that is the SEAT Mii. You may be aware that all three cars come from the same family, namely the Volkswagen Group, so they share quite a lot in terms of chassis, gearboxes and the like.

They all have a pretty similar look, but, to be fair, there’s not a huge amount you can do with something this size when you’re competing for the same market.

But they all have their own distinct person-

alities, and the little Mii was a real eye-opener.

As mentioned, I had already been in the Up! and the Citigo – in the case of the Skoda, I had tested it at its launch in Portugal as well as on Irish roads – so I was not really expecting anything to take me by surprise.

But this car seemed to edge the other two in one key area – its noise.

Even though I tend to drone on about points of contact and the tactile connection between car and driver – the sound is every bit as important for a car to have character.

Don’t get me wrong, this car ticked plenty of other boxes that count just as much – but to get a symphony of exhaust notes thrown into the mix is a huge bonus for

a petrol head like me.

To give you a mental picture, think of how the Minis in the Italian Job sounded as they made their way around Rome… that’s exactly how it felt driving the Mii, an absolute pleasure.

That’s the thing about driving little cars, they remind us of how much fun driving can be.

When you strip away the couch-like comfort and pampering of highend luxury saloons, the dizzying array of digital controls and touchscreen do-das, and the panoramic, all-glass ceilings of the modern people carriers, you are left with the basics – four wheels, a little poke, a short wheel base, and lots of manoeuvrability.

How much fun is that?

But the Mii, like all the Triplets, boasts real world practicality too, and the 1.0 Sport 5-door I tested came with plenty of spec as standard.

From the 15” ANIA alloy wheels; front fog lights with cornering; body coloured electric and heated door mirrors and handles to the electric windows up front; hill hold; leather steering wheel and gearstick for the all-important points of contact; SPORT Specific trim and upholstery; rear tinted windows; and front and rear sport suspension, nobody can accuse SEAT of skimping on the extras.

The SEAT Mii will be a pleasant surprise to anyone in the market for a small city car and it really stands toe-to-toe with its siblings.

6 December 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23

GAZETTE

FEATURES

Interview KEVIN DUNDON FROM P17

Thousands of poinsettias being nurtured for the Christmas market. Inset top, the plants before they turn their distinctive crimson shade, and inset below, the poinsettia bloom.

HOUSEHOLD: MEXICAN PLANT IS A HUGE FESTIVE HIT HERE

The dark secrets of poinsettia growers...

GARDEN centre retailer B&Q is expecting to sell thousands of poinsettias this Christmas, when this most popular houseplant makes its annual Christmas debut.

Indigenous to Mexico and Central America, this plant is now a Christmas staple for many Irish homeowners.

Over 100 million poinsettias are sold every year throughout Europe, but what many people are not aware of is exactly how the plant gets its

famous crimson colour.

The secret – shading the plants in darkness for 50 days as it grows.

Growers begin in May, six months before the plants will go on sale, to grow the plants and to ensure they all get that famous red glow.

Poinsettias only develop coloured blooms when kept in darkness for a minimum of 50 days, for 12 hours a day.

So, to ensure that the plant is available in October for homeown-

ers to buy, growers artificially control the environment, blocking out all sunlight.

As a result, poinsettia fans can enjoy the first colourful plants as early as the end of October Ben Smith, horticulture bedding buyer at B&Q, said: “Not many people know the secret trick to getting a really red poinsettia, but it’s the help of our shorter days and artificial darkness which brings out the famous colour.

“For many, Christmas just isn’t Christmas without this red plant, but for those wanting a change this year, we’re also introducing the new Ivory Poinsettia.”

B&Q’s poinsettias start out as any other green plant growing in daylight.

Darkness falls for the last 50 days of the growing cycle to ensure Poinsettia’s turn red.

Poinsettias are traditionally associated with Christmas due to

a 16th century Mexican legend. The story goes that a young girl was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus’ birthday, so was told by an angel to plant weeds from the street in front of the church altar.

Crimson blossoms sprouted from the weeds which became poinsettias. This Mexican seasonal tradition was then adopted by more countries with the plant becoming a Christmas favourite.

KEVIN says: “But for a lot of people it is very stressful, so we trying to take the stress out of Christmas for our customers and people around Ireland. It’s all fresh food and it’s all Irish. I have devised recipes for our butchers in stores to put together, Brussels sprouts and cranberry with seasoning. They are in a tray, already prepared, and all you have to do is put them in the oven and you’ll have fantastic Brussels sprouts.

“We make a point in our house to eat at 5.30pm every night when I am at home. We all have dinner together, very much a family event. It’s a time to catch up on what’s going on,” he said.

Kevin’s impressive CV is just too extensive to mention everything he has achieved, but one thing that stands out is that he cooked for the Queen during his seven-year stay in Canada.

So, what was the dish that was fit for a queen?

“BBQ smoked salmon starter with maple syrup poured over the salmon and they had a rack of lamb. The mad thing was she brought her own china and there were tasters there too, who tasted the food before,” he told the Gazette.

Not only will Kevin be visiting local stores, but he will also be appearing on our small screens.

On December 17, a new TV series starring the renowned cook will air on RTE One at 8.30pm.

Kevin Dundon’s Christmas Made Easy, is a must-see for tips and alternative recipes this Christmas.

For further information on the Christmas Range, Roadshow or SuperValu’s festive offers log onto www.supervalu.ie, check out www. facebook.com/SuperValuIreland or drop into your local SuperValu.

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24 DUNDRUM gazette 6 December 2012

Gazette

&ABOUT OUT fast TRAVEL

Busy elves in Wales SANTA’S elves will be at Bluestone National Park in South Wales this Christmas and, for families hoping to catch a glimpse of them in action, StenaLine is offering some great deals in the run-up to Christmas.

Travel to the magical Kingdom of the Elves at the park, for just €419 for two adults and two children.

The price includes four nights’ accommodation in a two-bedroom Caldey Lodge (pictured) in Bluestone National Park, from Monday to Thursday, including travel by car from Rosslare to Fishguard. For further information, see www. stenaline.ie/bluestone, or call 01 204 7733.

northern ireland: Lots of fun and urban delights in its capital city

Shake it up in Belfast with Cuban dance fever  hiromi mooney

THERE’S always something exciting to do in Belfast, whether it’s a day out shopping, enjoying some of the fine dining the city has to offer, or sampling some of the talent in the concert halls or theatres – day and night, the city is bursting with various events or activities.

Although you can drive to the city, you can also conveniently get a train from Connolly Station in Dublin city centre, and be brought directly to the heart of Belfast in two and a half hours.

That’s how I travelled, anyway, and after a relaxed and carefree journey, I arrived at my destination.

I checked in to the Malmaison Hotel, which is a boutique hotel located on

Victoria Street. Although it’s not the cheapest accommodation option, the experience there is certainly memorable.

The hotel had a nice ambience, friendly staff, and the sophisticated MALBAR bar on the ground floor – which boasts a vast selection of cocktails.

However, even if you decide not to stay there for the night, you can still sample some of their culinary delights in The Mal Brasserie restaurant.

I enjoyed a pickled pear and pecan nut salad for starters, which was followed by duck for my main course, and, to top it all off, I devoured a Valrhona chocolate fondant for dessert – which went down quite a treat.

The hotel and restau-

Malmaison Hotel, a boutique hotel located on Victoria

rant have some upcoming special deals in time for Christmas and New Year’s, so it’s worth looking them up.

I went up North just in time for the 50th Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s University, which took place from October 19 to November 4.

The festival was first formed by a group of students from Queen’s as the university’s first arts festival.

Since then, it has been celebrating dance, music, theatre, visual arts, film, classical and world music, with performers from all over the world. Throughout the years, many of the world’s greatest musicians, writers and performers have appeared at the festival.

The festival is also the perfect platform for new talent – no wonder it’s one of the main highlights

on the Belfast events calendar.

This year, the 50th festival gave Belfast a chance to reflect on all of its past achievements, and to celebrate its new talent and future. One such event, which I attended, was an evening of Cuban music and dancing with The Buena Vista Social Club in The Ulster Hall.

World-famous In the 1990s, this group revived the forgotten repertoire of son, bolero, danzon and guajiro – which are now world-famous.

Today, Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club continues their work, featuring new musicians. The lineup now includes singers Omara Portuondo, Idania Valdes and Carlos Calunga; pianist Rolando Lunal; trombonist Aguaje Ramos and trumpeter Guajiro Mirabel.

6 December 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 25

GAZETTE

Travel Clearly some great deals with Crystal Ski travel ONE of the most popular destinations for a post-Christmas holiday often involves a warm chalet, white mountain slopes and, of course, a pair of skis.

If you’re already thinking about your New Year break, Crystal Ski has a host of offers to take you to Austria, Andorra or Italy. Travel to Austria on January 12 and stay at the two-star Pension Sonja, Niederau, on a B&B basis from €399 per person.

Travel on January 6 or 13 to La Thuile, in Italy, and stay at the threestar Apartments Planibel, from €399

WE HAVE 135,000* READERS EACH WEEK Street in Belfast, has a nice ambiance and first class entertainment like The Buena Vista Social Club (inset, above)

The Buena Vista Social Club performed many lively songs on the stage, while the audience gathered close to them on the dance floor.

The strong rhythm of the music meant that you couldn’t help but swing your hips with the beat of the music – it was as if it was your body’s natural response to sway as soon as another tune came on.

The closer the people were to the stage, the more they let loose. The group engaged really

well with the crowd as well, with everyone clapping, cheering and dancing – and the crowd even encouraged them to return to play one more tune.

It was an extremely enjoyable alternative evening that celebrated Cuban music at its best.

So, now that the festival has wrapped up, it’s time for the Christmas season to kick in with some more exciting events in Belfast – which calls for a good excuse to plan another trip up North

again soon.

As the city is lit up with Christmas lights and decorations, Belfast is turned into a magical place, creating a whole new atmosphere and experience again.

Christmas Market The annual Belfast Continental Christmas Market at City Hall is now on until December 20, where there are more than 80 traders from 26 countries. Here, you’ll be spoiled for choice with a selection of Christmas

presents. Santa Claus will also be in Belfast at his indoor Grotto at the Hillmount Nursery until December 23.

Children can tell Santa himself of their Christmas wish list and can also enjoy petting real reindeers and donkeys.

So, whenever you decide to go to Belfast, you can be assured that there is plenty to do.

You can plan your trip in advance by checking w w w.discovernor thernireland.com, and www.gotobelfast.com.

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For further information, or to book your ski break, call 01 433 1055, or see www.crystalski.ie.

26 dundrum gazette 6 December 2012

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planning Notice dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

planning Notice dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

planning Notice dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council

I Jonah Keatings intend to apply for Permission for development at this site: 63 Sweetmount Ave.,Dundrum,Dublin 14 • The development will consist / consists of: Planning permission is sought for dormer projection to rear to accommodate new bedroom and enlargement of existing bathroom,new bedroom 13.4sqm bathroom 6.8sqm,with velux over stairway,also removal of boiler room to rear to make flush the rear elevation and enlargement of existing sunroom to rear new area 20.83sqm and all associated site works The planning application may be inspected or purchased for a fee not exceeding a reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Marine Road,Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, during its public opening hours of Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm.A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority, on payment of a fee of €20 within 5 weeks of receipt of the application by the Planning Authority and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

17066

I, Lorraine McDermott intend to apply for planning permission at 53 Rosemount Estate, Dundrum, Dublin 14 for a) demolition of existing single storey rear extension and construction of new single storey extension to rear and side. b) Internal alterations to ground and first floor levels including newwindow to gable elevation at first floor landing. c) widen existing vehicular entrance and enlarged driveway. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Dun Laoaghaire Rathdown County Council, County Hall, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin during its public opening hours from 10am - 4pm Monday - Friday excluding Bank Holidays.

A submission or observation in relation to theApplication may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of a fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt of the application by the Planning Authority.

17073

Ms. Sandra Wagstaff is applying for Retention of Development for a porch to the front of an existing two-storey terraced dwelling and all associated siteworks at 33, Camberly Oaks, Churchtown, Dublin, 14. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin during its public opening hours. A submission / observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

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sports awards 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

cumann na mbunscol P29

FastSport Graham leads the pack in mo run: LUCAN’S

Scott Evans is hoping for more celebrations in Baldoyle after he was ranked as the top seed for the event in Dublin which gets under way on Thursday

badminton: ballinteer man in good form ahead of irish open event in baldoyle

Bitburger run likely to inspire top seed Evans at Dublin event BALLINTEER man Scott Evans will head the bill at badminton’s Carlton Irish Open, which gets under way on Thursday, December 6 in Baldoyle, For the first time ever, home players are the top seeds for both men and women’s singles.

On the men’s side Evans will play Maxime Michele of France in his opening match and then either Flemming Quach of Denmark, or a qualifier who could turn out to be Ireland’s Tony Stephenson.

He is looking to progress from the

qualifying tournament as one of eight players to earn their ticket via that route.

Other Irish players among the eight groups of eight include Nigel Boyne, Scott Burnside, Io Wai Lau, Tony Murphy, Stuart Lightbody, Josh Magee, Jonathan Dolan, David Walsh and Liam O’Leary. Dolan, currently the number 10 junior in the world, has a tough draw and is likely to face France’s Lucas Corvee before the deciding match in his group.

O’Leary is in a group that includes No 8 seed Daniel Massersi from Italy.

Included in Scott Burnside’s group are Daniel Font from Wales and fellow Irish player Io Wai Lau. Should Evans progress, there is plenty of top quality talent to negotiate with Germany’s Marcel Router, England’s Toby Plenty and the dangerous Malaysian player Kuan Beng Hong, whom Evans came unstuck against in the opening round of the Welsh Open last Friday, lying in wait.

Since then, Evans has spent the week training in England before coming to Dublin. Prior to that, he produced a

good run in the Bitburger Open, making it through to the quarter-finals before falling to England’s Raj Ouspeh.

En route, Evans knocked out a pair of seeded players, enjoying a strong week all round. From there, he returned to his club side Gentofte in Denmark, winning two games against Henri Hurskainen and Anand Pawar.

Chloe Magee, meanwhile, tops the pre-tournament rankings on the women’s side and potentially plays qualifiers in her opening two rounds of the competition.

Sinead Graham was the first lady home overall in the Mo Run 10km in Phoenix Park recently in a fantastic time of 44.12, beating her target of 45 mintues with plenty to spare.

Meanwhile, at the cross country BHAA 6k Race in Santry, first home for Lucan Ladies, and third in her category was Bernie Stapleton in a great time of 30.10 minutes; quickly followed by Eileen O’Brien in a great time of 31.43 minutes, second in her category.

For the men, first home in this 6k race was Gerry Martin in a time of 28.33 minutes followed by Jim Dwyer in a time of 35.21minutes.

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 DUNDRUM gazette 6 December 2012

SPORT

DublinGazetteNewspapers

community games: dublin region honoured

2012 dublin sports awards november winners

H STARof the MONTH

Limekiln’s Marguerite Nylans, Olive Kavanagh, Tom Sheridan, Margaret Carroll, Director, HSE Community Games, Amanda Kavanagh, Siobhan White, Maureen Quinlan, Mary White and Brian MacManus

barry murphy THE Aer Lingus swimmer broke a string of Irish national records to show his form at the European short course championships in Chartres, France. He topped his best mark in the 50m butterfly and the 50m breaststroke.

TEAMof the MONTH H

Limekiln wins big at Awards night  sport@gazettegroup.com

castleknock LEINSTER junior championship glory was annexed last week to go with Dublin honours as they had too much in the tank for St Fintan’s last weekend at Parnell Park. A truly breathtaking season continues with an AllIreland quarter-final in Britain.

DUBLIN area Limekiln/Templemanor picked up two awards at the HSE Community Games Area and Volunteer Awards Event last Saturday in Ballinasloe.

It was honoured with the Dublin Area Award and a Special Merit award, the first time that the area has won the county title.

The area is made up of two small estates consisting in total of 303 houses. While it is always easier for large population areas to win these participation awards, Limekiln/ Templemanor emulates the spirit of

the Community Games.

The population is well under the Community Games area limit, and it has no halls or facilities to call their own.

Limekiln/Templemanor circulate newsletters to all houses and almost every child is in an activity. It was instrumental in getting the skittles competition off the ground and this year it managed to field three teams with one getting through to the Leinster finals.

In addition, it has a top class youth committee which organise fundraising; helps with coaching at area level; as well as helping

at county, Leinster and national finals.

The area secretary is Eileen Reilly, who is also County Dublin’s children’s officer and takes the role of county manager at the national finals. Its adult volunteers co-ordinate and referee rounders at Dublin, Leinster and national level.

Also honoured at the event was Balbriggan’s Siobhain White for her years of service. She joined Dublin Community Games in 1980 and has served as a member of the county executive committee and served as assistant county secretary for a number of years.

Balbriggan girls annex futsal title for the first time  sport@gazettegroup.com

Loreto Balbriggan claimed the Leinster Futsal first years title in Gormanston last week

LORETO, Balbriggan and the Dublin Oak Academy were crowned FAI Schools First Year Futsal Leinster champions last week in Gormanston at the Post Primary Schools futsal competition.

Now in its fourth year nationally, the competition caters for first-year students with both boys and girls categories catered for with 288 participants from 23 schools represented.

On the girls’ side, Loreto had to work hard for their success

throughout the day as they came up against a wonderful St Leo’s College of Carlow in the ultimate decider in a hugely entertaining final.

Loreto may have been the underdogs going into the final, but they held their own to overcome a classy Carlow side 2-1.

T hey were impressive throughout their group stages winning four out of the five games played, only falling to Tullamore’s Sacred Heart.

The Balbriggan outfit were well prepared by teacher Stuart O’Brien as they captured

the points with an opening win against rivals Eureka Secondary School, 3-1.

Scoil Chriost Rí were a tougher test but they narrowly overcame the Laois side 2-1, while Presentation Kilkenny and Mercy Secondary School, Ballymahon were also dispatched.

It set up the final date with St Leo’s, an end-to-end tussle with Balbriggan claiming the tie 2-1.

On the boys’ side, Dublin Oak had tasted success four years ago in Tallaght when the competition was only in its

infancy.

Oak were up against groupone winners Colaiste Choilm, Tullamore in a cracking clash.

They were under pressure for much of the game but managed a 3-2 victory to lift the prestigious title.

They won five out of five of their group games, scoring 16 goals, conceding only four en route to the final and carried that form through to the final Loreto Balbriggan and Dublin Oak Academy will now progress to the All-Ireland finals.

6 December 2012 DUNDRUM gazette 29

Gazette David Dennehy of St Helen’s Portmarnock

The Scoil Archbishop Ryan, Balgaddy team with Corn Na Laoch in Croke Park Pictures: Ray McManus and Barry Cregg

Cumann feel the noise at Croke Park festival

L

OCAL clubs produced a carnival atmosphere in Croke Park last week as the finals of the Dublin football Cumann na mBunscol took place on the hallowed turf of the GAA headquarters. Over 1,200 children

took part in the competition for primary schools in some form over the two days with more than 20 finals taking place.

There were first-time wins in the competition for the likes of Scoil

Archbishop Ryan while Scoil Lorcan in Palmerstown won their first title in 10 years with a win over Scoil Mobhi from Glasnevin while plenty of other silverware made its way to the various corners of the county.

St Brigid’s Roisin McGovern and Sarah Browne

Scoil Lorcain, Palmerstown captain Evan Walshe lifts Ruby Smith on the attack

St Oliver Plunkett’s, Malahide captain David McCormack lifts the cup

Nia Ni Chinneide

the Sciath Chumann na nGael shield

Gazette

30 DUNDRUM gazette 6 December 2012

SPORT

FastSport

hockey: reds hit magnificent seven over reigning champs

Kirwan Park hosts battle of Salmo on Saturday night LAST Saturday night at Kirwan Park, DLSP took on DLSP in a unique metro U-13 league fixture.

Together since U-6 level, the panel of players have now been together nearly eight years and has the largest squad at this level with a healthy 44 players, hence the need to enter two teams in the league.

Since the squad’s inception, the coaches have made a collective decision not to grade the team by ability and instead mix them week in, week out, which has seen all the players’ skill levels develop considerably along with developing great friendships and respect for one another.

The game took place under floodlights on the main pitch. An impressive attendance of over 150 parents, family and friends – and Salmo first team players who had earlier drawn with Seapoint in the Ulster Bank League – watched an enthralling game, with no inch given by either team.

Special praise from the club went to coaches Norman Byrne,Barry Murphy, John Feeney, Jim Fehan,Padraig Duggan, Barry Kelly,Rob Browne and administrator Monica Byrne for their continued dedication to the team.

Broadford star gets first ever Ireland call-up BROADFORD Rovers’ graduate Graham Kelly made his international debut for the Republic of Ireland Under-16s last week against Estonia.

Kelly played with the club’s academy and then up to Under-10 level. He now plays with St Kevin’s Boys, con-

tinuing his excellent progression.

Last weekend, meanwhile, pride of place in the club went to the Under15s who travelled to high flying St John Bosco and won 3-2.

Goals from Paddy Maughan, Cuan MacCoitir and Ian Leavey gave Rovers their first league win in five, lifting them above Ballyoulster and O’Devaney/ Dunard in the U-15 standings into ninth place.

Jaco Fourie, left, gets away from Glenanne’s Neil Byrne last Saturday in a Leinster men’s division one fixture at Whitechurch Park

Corinthian show spirit leinster division one Corinthian Glenanne  sport@gazettegroup.com

7 1

THREE early penalty corners set the base for a blistering Corinthian win at Whitechurch Park in hockey’s Leinster division one as they comprehensively dismantled reigning champions Glenanne.

It lifted the reds up to fourth place in the division, jumping ahead of YMCA in the title race and ending the Glens’ recent good r un of form.

In the process, they

strenghtened their claims to reach the elite Irish Hockey League by being one of the top four sides in the province.

Dan Treacy started the run with a tumbling rebound from their first corner before Matt Fairweather – one of four South African imports – went the direct route with a couple of powerful drag-flicks, extending the lead to 3-0 by the 25th minute with two drags.

A fine team move saw Treacy nip in with his second for a four-goal wedge at half-time and on own goal extended

colmcille’s heroes Knocklyon school ends up second in Leinster KNOCKLYON’S St Colmcille’s finished

second at the Leinster golf junior strokeplay finals at Killeen golf club last week, finishing just behind Good Counsel, New Ross.

Pictured at the presentation were St Colmcille’s team members, from left,: Conor O’Donoghue, John Ferriter, Leinster Golf, Eoin Dennehy, Robert Byrne, Rita Dennehy, team manager, and Paul Fannin, captain of Killeen

the margin further.

Richie Shaw pulled one back from a baseline run before Henry Micks and Jonathan Kane were both shown straight red cards for flailing their sticks at each other.

Neil Young nipped in with Corinthian’s sixth b e f o r e F a i r we a t h e r closed out his hat-trick and the reds’ magnificent seven, lifting Brendon Carolan’s side back up to fourth after dropping points to YM a week earlier.

Elsewhere, Marlay Park neighbours Three Rock Rovers saw their push for the title dented

as they lost points at Railway Union.

Rob Abbott’s hattrick meant Three Rock stayed stuck in second place and five points off first place after 13 rounds of matches as they struggled in the absence of Irish internationals Peter Blakeney and Mitch Darling.

Ali Haughton had put Rovers in front when he beat a couple of players and reversed home but Railway capitalised on some loose defending to swing the tie 3-1 in their favour by the break.

Fiachra Maher levelled and Abbott made it

2-1 in quick succession.

Peter English’s drag-flick put daylight between the sides but a corner variation went back to Haughton early in the second half to narrow the gap to 3-2.

It came during a dominant Three Rock phase of play but Railway bounced back quickly, with Simon Pearson’s shot subsequently turned in by Abbott for a critical goal.

Michael Maguire was credited with making it 4-3, but Abbott struck on the final play of the game to make it 5-3 at the end.

6 December 2012 DUNDRUM gazette 31

Gazette

Boden three in-a-row bid dashed Club Noticeboard  sport@gazettegroup.com

B A L LY B O D E N S t Enda’s were denied the U-21A hurling championship by St Jude’s last weekend by 3-13 to 0-13, denying them a third successive championship.

Hopes were high initially as Boden scored the first point, but Jude’s soon showed their class with

an equalising point and a controversial goal when the two umpires raised conflicting flags with the referee confirming the goal.

Jude’s added a second goal before half-time to strengthen their hand and left Boden needing a big second half.

But it was the Terenure club who struck again

while Boden’s Niall Ryan was denied on two occasions. Even the penalty that came the Firhouse Road club’s way failed to yield three points that would have asked questions of the Jude’s men.

Adam Jermyn and Stephen O’ Connor tried manfully while the subs injected some pride into the Boden play but a

famous comeback was not to be.

Nonetheless, Boden defended their title with great vigour and there is a chance for the side to bounce back in 2013 with 13 players still under the eligible age limit for the competition while a strong minor team coming through should augment the options.

ladies football: kilmacud claim minor title

naomh olaf COMMISERATIONS to our U-21s who

pot is up to €700. The draw takes place

were knocked out of the champion-

around 9.30pm every Saturday. Turn

ship at the quarter-final stage by

up on the night for the chance to walk

Good Counsel. Well done to all players

away with the jackpot.

and management involved in getting

Tickets are now available for the

to the quarter final, which was a great

annual Christmas draw, which will

achievement.

take place in the club on December 15.

Our minor footballers are contest-

We would encourage all members to

ing a semi-final of their championship

support this draw which is one of our

on Sunday next against Ballyboden;

main annual fundraisers.

venue and time to be decided. Good

St Stephens Day O-40s football

luck to the lads in this vitally impor-

match: anyone interested in playing is

tant game.

asked to get in contact with Mags on

Congratulations to Gaelscoil Thaobh

087 635 2630. The match will be followed

Na Coille who won both the girls’ and

by post-match analysis, refresh-

boys’ football competitions in Croke

ments and live music in the bar. All

Park this week.

members and their extended families

Because of a general shortage and

are invited to come down and enjoy the

difficulty in securing supply at a rea-

day. Please support what should be a

sonable cost, the club will not be selling

fun-filled day in the club.

Christmas trees this year. We apolo-

A great family event was held in the

gise to regular customers and thank

club on Saturday for the christening

you for your support in the past.

of Shane and Elaine O’Connor’s twins

There was no winner of this week’s jokers wild. Josie Brown drew the seven of spades so next week’s jack-

Oisin and Riain.

There was one winner of this week’s lotto, J Jennings c/o The Willows.

stars of erin THE Under-10s played their last game

sandaire? fundraising event which is

of 2012 on Saturday morning in Glen-

scheduled to take place on March 16.

cullen.

Kilmacud Crokes celebrate their Minor A championship win in St Margaret’s. Picture: Peter Hickey/GAAPics.com

Double delight for Kilmacud minors Minor a final

Kilmacud Crokes St Margaret’s  peter carroll

4-16 2-7

sport@gazettegroup.com

K ILAMCUD Crokes completed the league and championship double after they managed to see off St Margret’s convincingly last week despite only three points separating the teams at half time.

It was a case of Kilmacud simply matching their rivals in the first half, with Alannah Jones and Holly Greer scoring the goals to leave Crokes the better off of the two sides at the

break, 2-9 to 2-6 up.

And the southside team came into their own in the second instalment when they found a good rhythm to leave Maggies at sixes and sevens, with Rachel Gallagher and Michelle Davern grabbing the goals.

St Margret’s could only add one more point to their tally in the final half hour to leave 15 points between the teams at the end.

With only one player from the team moving into the senior cycle next year, Crokes’ manager Donal Gallagher believes there is plenty more suc-

cess still to come with the team.

“After the first half, there was no clear winner going into the second,” said Gallagher. “But the girls proved that they were up for it the way they attacked the game in the second half.

“They really just needed the time to settle in the first half, because we were really only replying to the Margret’s scores in the first half.

“Once they took off, they were relentless. Margret’s have always been one of our closest rivals, it’s been so close with us over the years and they

are a really tough team.

“We just had their number on the day and I think the girls deserved to win the double this year after going the whole year unbeaten in competitive football.

“There will be only one girl who will be joining up with the senior ranks this year. We have a very young team and we really believe that we can do the same next year if we approach it the right way.

“The team have been together for so many years and they love playing the game for each other, so they are definitely capable.”

Anyone interested in finding out

As always, there were wonderful

more information, please contact any

Hurling skills on display. Both teams

committee member. The club now have

played very well, but unfortunately

an on-site clothes recycling facility,

for the Stars, St Jude’s won out by a

which is free to all club members.

couple of points.

Stars continue to look for new and

The Nursery has their final get

established talent to join the club. The

together for 2012 on Saturday,

club is currently looking for players of

December 8, in Glencullen. We have

all ages and anyone interested is very

requested the presence of a very

welcome to join us.

special man dressed in red who owns

There was no winner of the weekly

a couple of reindeer. We are hoping he

lotto. The numbers drawn were 6, 14

can find time in his busy schedule to

and 26. The three bonus prize winners

make a special appearance.

were Gaye O’Brien, Charlie Dunne and

The club is continuing to work towards the Who Wants to be a Thou-

Tony Connelly. Next Sunday’s jackpot is €1,800.

wanderers THE kids’ Christmas party is on this

The Christmas lotto is Sunday,

Saturday, December 8 from 3pm until

December 23 in the Merry Ploughboy.

5pm. Santa will be there with a gift for

There is a jackpot prize and four ham-

all the children.

pers up for grabs.

There will be chips and chicken nug-

There was no winner of the lotto

gets for the kids and some of the Dub-

jackpot this week. Numbers drawn

lin minor All-Ireland winning team will

were 8, 25 and 29; €25 to Yosser Hugh-

be there with the cup. All welcome.

es, Ciaran and Shane Conlon, James

Players’ drinks reception and awards night, sponsored by the Merry

Nolan, Thomas Magee. The jackpot next week is €6,000.

Ploughboy, this Friday, December 7 at

There is a new 400-member quar-

8pm in the Merry Ploughboy, tickets

terly draw tickets with great prizes

are €10.

now on sale. Each draw is limited to

The Christmas raffle is on Saturday,

400 entrants, with large cash prizes.

December 22 in the Merry Ploughboy.

Each draw is €5 per ticket, or €20 for

Tickets are €2.

the year.

GazetteSPORT all of your dundrum sports coverage from page 27-31

cracking crokes: Kilmacud land ladies football minor double with victory over St Margaret’s P31

december 6, 2012

cumann na mbunscol: Dublin celebrates best of primary school GAA P29

Marlay Park lands new facilities grant  peter carroll

sport@gazettegroup.com

LOCAL sports clubs around Marlay Park area are set for a huge boost after three separate Sports Capital Grants were secured for the area: €300,000 for an allweather facility; a further €118,577 and another sum of €44,039.

Already a ground used by many clubs in the area including Balinteer St Johns, Broadford Rovers, Steadfast United, DSDAC and more, it is expected that a new allweather pitch and running track will attract even more clubs and non-club members to train, too.

Neale Richmond, Fine Gael

TD, is delighted with the grants being allocated to Marlay Park and believes that it will help “continue the rich tradition of sport in the area”.

Speaking to GazetteSport, he said: “Marlay Park is one of the biggest draws in the area. It is known for its fantastic facilities and this can only help to further accommodate clubs and passive athletes in the area.

“In the south-west of the park, there used to be a cricket pitch and a BMX track, but they were replaced by a massive playground that has been amazing for the local children.

“However, the new Astroturf

pitches will be made public and will be available for use for clubs and large parties that might want to play football once a week or on the odd occasion.

“The running track will hopefully be used by casual trainers as well as clubs like DSDAC and UCD who could use further facilities in the area.

“The all-weather facility that was opened in Stepaside has been so successful in getting clubs on board like DLR Waves and Cuala among others. And I would think that the improvements made to Marlay Park will do wonders for the area.

“There have just been so many

projects focused on the area over the last year and the park is definitely up there with the biggest draws in the county now.

“Not only do you have a centre for sports, horticulture and craft but so many people visit for concerts.

“Profits made from such events are put straight back into the community and it’s for these reasons that we develop all-weather pitches, cricket grounds and pitch and putt courses.

“I believe that projects like this can only continue to establish Marlay Park as a premier facility and its accessibility for people in the locality is fantastic.”

Broadford Rovers are among a number of local clubs set to benefit