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August 18, 2011

WOOD YOU BELIEVE IT? Council

table has a historic past See Page 3

Loss of 48A will have a ‘serious impact’ Q PAUL HOSFORD

THE loss of the 48A bus route will have “serious consequences for people in the Ballinteer area”.

That’s according to local Fine Gael councillor Jim O’Dea, who says that schoolchildren will be most affected by the loss of the bus service.

The service will be cut as part of the second phase of the Dublin Bus controversial Network Direct scheme.

“If this proposal goes ahead, pupils from the Ballinteer area will now have to get four buses, rather than two each day.”

The councillor is now urging parents to petition Dublin Bus to withdraw the proposal.

“I would call on people to contact Dublin Bus and protest at the changes. The loss of the 48A will have serious consequences for people in the Ballinteer area,” he said.

Full Story on Page 5

On the prowl: Colourful tiger is spotted on Farmleigh grounds IT’S not easy being a tiger in Dublin and left to prowl parks instead of mountain ranges and forests. Still, four-year-old Matthew Hade, from Rathfarnham, put his best (painted) face forward when he joined many

other Dublin South children to attend the recent Athletics Ireland Family Fitness Festival, at Farmleigh Estate.

Matthew, and the other children, had great fun at the family event, which included several fun athletics events.

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ENVIRONMENT Eco-friendly prizes for local churches

Awards for church groups Q HIROMI MOONEY

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TWO local churches have won environment awards after introducing a number of eco-friendly measures.

The awards, from EcoCongregation Ireland (ECI), were received by the Dundrum Methodist Church and the Church of Ireland Parish of Whitechurch, Rathfarnham.

ECI is the Irish InterChurch Meeting’s project that encourages churches to adopt an eco approach to worship, lifestyle, property management, community outreach and contact with the developing world.

The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) as well as the Roman Catholic, Church of Ireland, Methodist and Presbyterian churches are involved.

Whitechurch Parish is the first Church of Ireland parish in the Republic to

Alan Shiel, Sr Catherine Brennan (chairperson of Eco-Congregation Ireland), Rev Jeremy Nicoll, minister of Dundrum Methodist, Helen Shiel and Dean Eaton from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council attended the recent awards ceremony

win an ECI award.

They enroled with ECI in 2007 and has since introduced recycling and composting bins, erected a bat box and a bird feeder and created a contemplation corner in the graveyard.

The children of the parish also helped create a Lenten/Easter garden

by planting crocuses and daffodils in the shape of a cross.

Most of the work there has been carried out by the sexton, Reg Richards, and parishioner Pamela Sheil.

“We’ve really enjoyed working on environmental issues the past few years and it’s great to have

had our work recognised with an Eco-Congregation Ireland award,” said Sheil.

Members of Dundrum Methodist Church formed an eco committee in 2004 to encourage and practice recycling, holding regular car-boot sales to encourage people to recycle, becoming

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a Fairtrade church, and ‘greening’ many aspects of church life.

The church also signed up to Airtricity to support renewable energy, placed water hippos in the toilet cisterns to save water, and encourage a CarFree Sunday.

ECI chairperson, Sr Catherine Brennan SSL, commended the two churches.

On presenting the award to Dundrum, she described the committee’s achievements as “truly inspirational”.

“With the adoption by your church of an environmental policy, the whole church ethos has environmental protection at its core,” she said.

“The eco group is a beacon for all churches and the local community.

“There is no Protestant or Catholic water, climate or biodiversity community.”

18 August 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 3

ANTIQUES Council reacquire long-lost furniture

Victory for Cllr Victor as table is saved Q NATALIE BURKE

AN old oak table, believed to have originated from the Palace of Westminster, has found its way back to its former Irish home at Dun Laoghaire Rathdown’s County Hall following the efforts of local Blackrock councillor Victor Boyhan.

The unusual piece of furniture, in the style of Pugin, a 19th-century architect famous for his Gothic-revival designs in Westminster Abbey and numerous churches in Ireland, turned up recently at Matthews Auction Rooms in Oldcastle, Co Meath.

Cllr Boyhan came

across the “lucky auction recovery” in a recent article in The Irish Times.

“It was only by chance that I spotted in The Irish Times a brief mention of a Pugin table, formerly belonging to Dun Laoghaire Town Hall, listed for auction.

“The table was listed in an auction catalogue of other fine art and furniture, which included a bookcase belonging to the former Taoiseach, Mr Charles J Haughey.

“I immediately researched the origin and design of the table, and was determined to get the council to acquire the table for County Hall,” said Boyhan.

Cllr Boyhan recognised the “after-Pugin” table as a perfect match to one already in the annex in the County Hall and took it on himself to gather further information.

“The more I saw of the table, the sooner I realised it was an exact match, so I contacted the Auction House and discovered the table had not been sold in the auction and it would take €6,000 to secure the bid.”

In an effort to return the historic piece of furniture to its rightful place, Cllr Boyhan looked into purchasing the piece himself.

However, following some persuasion, he said

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council have secured the return of this 19th century Pugin-style table, which is believed to have been missing for over half a century.

he was delighted when the council agreed to purchase the table.

“I am thrilled I pursued it and that it’s reunited with its matching table in the Great Hall of the Old Town Hall, where it rightly belongs,” he said.

The recent history of the after-Pugin table, however, remains unclear.

According to a spokesperson for the council, they were delighted to have restored the historic table to County Hall, but know little about the circumstances for it being removed from the building in the first place, believing it has been with its previous owners for the past 60 or 70 years.

For Boyhan, however, the discovery raises a further issue.

“Clearly there needs to be some sort of inventory to keep track of period furniture, paintings and other valuable work that may result in something similar happening in the future,” he said.

TAXATION Household charge is ‘necessary’ THE Government’s decision to introduce a new household charge has been defended this week by the Labour Councillor for Stillorgan, Richard Humphreys, as a “necessary evil”.

Humphreys condemned campaigns to boycott the charge saying: “This new charge of €100 per year in 2012 is unfortunately a condition of the EU/IMF bailout that was necessitated by the disastrous economic mismanagement of the previous Fine Fáil/Green Government.

“Like everyone else, I would prefer if it was not required but ,unfortunately, it is a necessary evil in the current economic reality.”

The charge will be used to fund essential local services, including libraries, road cleaning and public lighting, which councils provide to all citizens.

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POLITICS We’ll holiday in Ireland, say well-known figures

This summer, family plans feature strongly for Olivia Mitchell and Shane Ross, with politicians of all political hues also singing the praises of holidaying at home in Ireland

Staycationers’ plans Q HIROMI MOONEY,

LAURA WEBB and PAUL HOSFORD

WITH everyone tightening their belts and counting the pennies, most TDs are planning “staycations” this summer.

This week, The Gazette chats to them about their favourite holiday spots, and how they plan

to relax over the summer break.

In Dun Laoghaire, An Tanaiste, Labour’s Eamon Gilmore, plans to holiday in Ireland, while Dublin South Fine Gael TD Olivia Mitchell, who recently became a grandmother again, said she plans to spend as much time as she can with her grandchildren.

Fellow Dublin South TD, Labour’s Alex White says that he would travel to Portugal with his family, and spend the rest of his time in Ireland.

“During August, I’ll be spending time in Wexford, Kerry and in Co Sligo.

“I plan to bring my bike and to enjoy long summer evenings cycling

the country roads of rural Ireland,” he says.

“I tend to go different places every year, though Co Sligo is a favourite.

“This has been a busy year, with the General Election, a new Government, etc.

“We’ve also had two State exams in our house, so everyone is looking forward to a relaxing break,” he says.

Meanwhile, Independent TD Shane Ross plans to holiday with his family by travelling by boat from Rosslare to Fishguard in Wales, and then drive south and then take the ferry to France.

He goes to France almost every year, and says that he also hopes to travel to the west of Ireland this year.

“I plan to take some time off in Mayo, hopefully fishing on Lough Mask, where I went in

former years. There is a wonderful guest house in Ballinrobe run by John and Mary Sheridan, which I hope to revisit in early September,” he says.

High standards “ To u r i s m w i l l b e important to the [country’s] recovery. It is up to the tourist industry to maintain high standards and low prices to attract overseas tourists, and keep the rest of us here for some of our holidays.”

Fine Gael TD for Dublin South, Peter Mathews, also hopes to spend some time on the west coast of Ireland, and says that he is looking forward to his summer break.

“I enjoy the west coast. We’ve been up in Galway, Mayo, Sligo, and, maybe this year, we

might go down towards Kerry,” he says.

“We hope to enjoy the local countryside and the people, and any of the events that might be happening in the areas that we’re going to.

“So, generally, we like to savour and enjoy the holiday experience here, and, outdoors, maybe do a bit of walking, maybe cycling.”

Meanwhile, the Minister for Children, and Dublin Mid West FG TD, Frances Fitzgerald, is a huge fan of west Cork, and says she plans to visit friends in Schull and spend time in Connemara this August.

Connemara “This summer, I will be spending time in Connemara, which is one of my favourite places in Ireland.

“I plan to revisit west

Cork, as I have had some fantastic family holidays there in Schull over the years. Some friends of mine have also recommended Clare Island, so I might go to explore there, too.”

Tourism Minister Leo Varadkar, who is a FG TD for Dublin West, will also join the staycation clan with a holiday in Ireland this summer.

However, he also hopes to spend some time in either New York or Spain.

“I’m taking at least one holiday in Ireland this year, and would encourage everyone to do the same. There are some great deals to be had in Ireland, even at this late stage.

“All the signs suggest the tourism industry is picking up this year, which is great news for our economy,” he says.

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18 August 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 5

TRANSPORT: CLLR JIM O’DEA CRITICAL OF PROPOSED DUBLIN BUS CHANGES

MUSIC

A lovely concert for free

Loss of 48A bus ‘to hit schoolchildren’ Q PAUL HOSFORD

dundrum@gazettegroup. com

THE loss of the 48A bus route will have “serious consequences for people in the Ballinteer area,” that’s according to Fine Gael councillor, Jim O’Dea, who says schoolchildren will be the most affected by the ending of the service.

The service will be cut as part of the second phase of Dublin Bus’ controversial Network Direct scheme.

The plan will see the amalgamation of the 14, 14A and 20 routes into a single route – the 14 – with the company saying it promises “significantly improved cross-city options for customers”.

The service will operate from Dundrum via Ballinteer, Rathgar, Rathmines, across town and

on to Beaumont.

The 44 and 44B routes remain as they are, while the 161 route will be extended to Dundrum Luas station.

However, the 48A will be scrapped altogether.

“The elimination of the 14A will result in there being no bus service along Lower Churchtown Road, while the removal of the 16A will result in the removal of the only regular bus service between the Bottle Tower pub and Rathfarnham,” said Cllr O’Dea.

Changes Dublin Bus says that the changes mean “services will improve the cross-city linkages between Ballinteer/Rathmines and the north-east of the city”.

However, Cllr O’Dea disagrees with this.

“The elimination of

the 48A will remove the only direct service from Ballinteer to the city via Dundrum and Milltown.

“As this bus service was the only direct service for pupils from the Ballinteer area attending schools such as Alexandra College, Muckross Park College, Gonzaga College and Sandford Park School, pupils will suffer most in this change.

“This is simply not good enough. Parents and pupils in the Ballinteer area should petition Dublin Bus to withdraw this proposal, or at least to put on a bus service between Ballinteer and Ranelagh at school times.

“I would call on people to contact Dublin Bus to protest the changes. The loss of the 48A will have serious consequences for people in the Ballinteer area,” he said.

Clara’s victory: A fun, hair-raising moment for toddler with Jedward AT JUST 17-months-old, Clara Laczny might not (yet) be one of Jedward’s biggest fans, but she’s certainly one of the youngest. Clara came along to meet the hair-raising due at Harvey Norman Carrickmines. A crowd of mainly teenagers mingled with some much younger (and also much older) fans for the launch of the Grimes twins’ new CD, Victory.

It was certainly a victorious moment for Clara to meet the boys, who also met holders of golden tickets, distributed to the fist 100 buyers of their latest musical offerings.

THE Vard Sisters, and vocal harmony group, The Keynotes, will be amongst those performing at Dundrum Town Centre on Wednesday, August 24 to wave farewell to the summer in style.

The free concert will get under way at 6pm at Town Square, and seating will be provided.

For more than 10 years, the Vard Sisters have delighted audiences around the world, performing for former American president, Bill Clinton, and many more.

The local group sprang onto the Irish Music scene in 1997 with the release of their debut album, Heavenly, containing 17 songs from the sisters’ extensive repertoire of classical and modern pieces.

The Key Notes are an Irish-based vocal harmony group, and showcase five of the biggest voices to come out of Ireland in recent years.

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ANNOUNCEMENT TDs welcome boost for the local area

85 jobs to be created in Dublin South Q NATALIE BURKE AND MICHAEL HANNAN

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THERE was a major boost on the jobs front in Dublin South this week following the announcement that 85 jobs are to be created in the area.

We l c o m i n g t h e announcement local Fine Gael TD Peter Mathews said: “T he announcement that 85 jobs will be created in Dublin South, as well as another 385 jobs nationwide, is a welcome boost for the area and comes on the back of Vodafone Ireland’s recent commitment to retain jobs in Leopardstown.

“Creating jobs is the Government’s number

one priority and a huge amount of work has been done between Enterprise Ireland and the Department to create these jobs in 24 new high potential start-up companies across the country.”

Biometric, which is based in Carrickmines, announced the creation of 34 new jobs while DOCOsoft, located in UCD is to create 14 jobs.

Meanwhile, Handle Hygiene in Dundrum is set to create 13 jobs while XI, Leopardstown, will be creating 24 jobs.

“I am delighted that one out of every five of these jobs is in Dublin South,” continued Deputy Mathews.

“Many of these com-

panies are operating in precisely the innovative sectors that the Government is targeting for growth – clean tech, life sciences, ICT and financial services.”

Deputy Mathews said that if Ireland is to rebuild the economy and create jobs of the future, it is essential to not only continue to attract high-end multinational companies, but to ensure more highpotential small businesses can establish and expand here also.

“Only an indigenous engine of economic growth can create the successful future we all want for Ireland,” he said.

Labour TD for Dublin South Alex White also

Fine Gael TD for Dublin South Peter Mathews

welcomed the announcement, stressing the need for the Government to continue its support for start-up businesses.

“If we are to rebuild the economy and create the jobs of the future, we must ensure that more High Potential start-up businesses can establish and expand here. An indigenous engine of economic growth is vital to the successful future we all want for Ireland. Start-up companies are something the

Government is very keen to promote, particularly in the high-end science and technology sectors.”

Enterprise Ireland is the Government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets. Besides financial assistance, it provides practical help to fledgling companies, such as introductions to experts, buyers and potential customers, vital information to new start-ups.

18 August 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 7

COUNCIL Lengthy campaign to redevelop complex comes to an end LIBRARY:

Dilapidated flats are set to be demolished Q LAURA WEBB

DILAPIDATED council flats at Rosemount Court, which are located just minutes from the multimillion euro Dundrum Shopping Centre, are in the process of being demolished ending a lengthy campaign to redevelop the 1970’s complex.

A campaign began

over five years ago when residents and local councillors called for the complex at Rosemount Court, built in the 1970’s, to be redeveloped. At the time, it was reported that residents of Rosemount Court were living in deteriorating flats that lacked fire escapes, central heating, suffered rotten windows frames, damp and mould. The flats lay

vacant for over a year following the re-housing of residents in 2009.

A spokesperson for the council confirmed Rosemount Court had been identified by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for refurbishment/redevelopment some years ago.

A condition survey was carried out and a number of refurbishment options

were developed.

The preferred option was to demolish the existing dwellings and replace with a reduced number of dwellings. However, the council said the condition of the existing units made it difficult to bring them up to the current building regulations. The council added: “As units became available they became more difficult to re-let.

“All the tenants were consulted with and re-housed at different locations to meet their housing need.

The tenants were given the option to return when the site is redeveloped by the council.

“The demolition works will take approximately 17 weeks. The cost of demolition is approximately €300,000,” they continued.

Rosemount Court consists of three, five-storey blocks of apartments and duplexes arranged around a central open space. There are 84 units in total.

On Tuesday, August 2, demolition machinery moved in on the site to demolish the three existing multi-storey blocks to below the existing adjacent group level.

Loan for land paid by Govt A €10 million loan acquired by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council on land for housing that was not developed on has been paid off by the Government.

That’s according to new figures from the Department of Environment and Local Government, which show that, under the Land Aggregation Scheme, €67 million has been spent to date on approved applications from various local authorities under the scheme. As of the end of June, the scheme received applications in the region of €219 million from 22 housing authorities across the nation since it was set up last year.

The scheme, under the approval of the Department of Environment and Local Government, allows housing authorities to transfer lands on which there are outstand-

ing loans from the Housing Finance Agency to the Housing and Sustainable Communities (HSC) Ltd on the basis that there is no short-to-medium-term plan for the development of the land. Funding to pay off the loans is provided by the Department of Environment. The HSC Ltd is then responsible for the management and maintenance of the lands transferred under the scheme. According to figures, the second highest loan paid off for a Dublin local authority is Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council at €10,257,875 for a 2.8 hectare site at Enniskerry Road. The council has two other sites being assessed by the scheme, including a 8.84 hectare site at Ballyman Rd, Rathmichael for €10, 433, 425 and a 3.64 hectare site in Lehaunstown valued at €6,113,445.

Cheque it out: Ladies team get a nice boost for reaching finals TESCO Rathfarnham manager, Clair O’Donnell presents Elaine McGrath and Joanne O’Sullivan, from Ballyboden St Enda’s senior Ladies’ football team, with a cheque for €250 for reaching the final of the Tesco Dublin Senior Ladies’ Football Championship.

Ballyboden took on Na Fianna in the Tesco Senior Championship decider which was held in Parnell Park on Wednesday, July 27. Unfortunatley the final scoreline was 4:12 to 2:08 in favour of Na Fianna but we are sure the Ladies will be back again next year.

NOVELIST

Writer to give free 8-week courses A NOVELIST previously short-listed for the Irish Novel of the Year will offer a free eightweek life-writing course in Deansgrange Library this October.

Chris Binchy, author of The Very Man, which was on the 2003 shortlist, has been appointed as writer-in-residence for 2011/2012 by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown (dlr) County Council’s Public Library Service and Arts Office.

“The course will be aimed at all levels of expertise and will focus on identifying participants’ strengths, insights and personal style in a supportive and encouraging atmosphere,” said Kenneth Redmond, the council’s art officer.

Any writers interested in participating should submit a writing sample up to five pages in length to Chris at DLRwriter@gmail.com Binchy will also appear on the Mountains to Sea dlr Book Festival programme, and will be discussing the art of novel-writing on Saturday, September 10, alongside John Boyne and Claire Kilroy.

Further details on the festival can be obtained from the website www. mountainstosea.ie.

8 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 18 August 2011

PICTURES Gazettephotos.com is packed full of local pictures;

Monica, Caitriona and Cian

Scott, Rhianna and Megan

Memba Jabbi, from The Africa Centre, and Mrs Wilhemina Asamda, Minister Counsellor, Education Ghana High

www.gazettephotos.com

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Commission, London, representing the Ghana High Commissioner

18 August 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 9

can you spot anyone you know here? Log on to see even more!

Adedotun Adekeye, Nigerian story-teller

Pamela Onyango and Keziah Mabunde, from Kenya

Enjoying a little taste of Africa HE Africa Centre in Dundrum hosted an Africa Day event for pupils and parents in St Attracta’s Senior School, Meadowbrook, recently.

With African music and cuisine on offer the visitors got an intimate look at the

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lifestyles of another culture.

Africa Day is an initiative of the African Union, which aims to celebrate African diversity and success as well as the cultural and economic potential of the continent.

Kwame Adomako

Busola Shogbamimu

Jake, Hannan and Ciara

10 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 18 August 2011

PICTURES Gazettephotos.com Spot anyone you know here?

Donal and Yuhua Kavanagh

A night of magic music

The Callino Quartet, Claudia Ajmone-Marsan, Becky Jones, Sarah McMahon and Sarah Sexton. Picture: Peter Doyle

S part of a number of celebratory events to mark the 300th anniversary of Mount Merrion and its people, a special concert was held in the Church of St Terese.

The event was planned by the local Historical Society and featured the Callino Quartet playing works by Haydn, Borodin, Barber and Gershwin. There was also a guest appearance by bassoonist, Peter Whelan playing music by Devienne.

Other events to mark this historic occasion were an exhibition in the Community Centre which was a visual celebration of 300 years of Mount Merrion and its people, and the launch of a website comprising maps, portraits, photos and articles about the Mount Merrion area.

A

Brian and Anne Hollinshead Mary Kelleher, Carmel Marrinan, Yvonne Costelloe and Pauline Kelleher

Conal Hooper and Des Smyth, Chairman of the Merrion 300 committee

Oliver Murphy and Tom Ryan, Committee Members

Arthur and Anne O’Reilly with Kay O’Donnell and Phil Cassells

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18 August 2011 GAZETTE 11

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PEOPLE Singer a Byrne natural to star in the hit musical

A delighted Mary’s up to her eyes in Grease Q LAURA WEBB

MARY Byrne captured our imagination with her amazing singing voice when she starred on the multi-award-winning show, The X-Factor.

Now, she is taking centre stage with a different role, as Teen Angel in Grease – The Musical, at the Grand Canal Theatre, a role she hopes she can make her own.

The Dublin motherof-one has seen her life turned upside down – for all the right reasons – after appearing on the hugely popular TV show last year.

Since becoming a household name, Mary has gone on to achieve the kind of accomplishments that most singers and artists can only dream of.

Speaking to the

Gazette before the show started on August 9, Mary said she was excited about her new venture.

“I am excited and quite nervous as well. It is really the first time to do anything like this in my life, but I am absolutely looking forward to it, bigtime!” she said.

Mary plays Teen Angel, a role that was played by a man in the original film, but, despite this, she

Despite her lack of experience, Mary byrne told The Gazette she was “delighted” with her role in the hit show

is determined to make it her own.

“There was only one other woman who played Teen Angel; a South African woman.

“I went over to see the show in Bedford, Leeds, and when I watched the show, I just thought: ‘God, I am not going to be able to do this’.

“Then, you realise the person that goes into the show puts a bit of themselves into it, so I am

going to have to put a bit of me into it,” she said.

Being a huge fan of the film, Grease, Mary says it’s like a dream come true to be part of the show.

“I remember when it first came out; I dragged my nieces to see it so many times!

“I also bought the vinyl album, and the video when it came out first, and then I got the DVD, so I have always been a big fan. It is a dream

come true. I am really so honoured to be asked to do this.

“The show is just great.

It has everything and more that the film has; it works so well on stage.

People will just have so much fun – it’s great.”

If someone had told Mary five years ago that she would perform in front of millions on TV, sing for Queen Elizabeth II, and support a Neil Diamond concert in Ire-

land’s biggest stadium – the Aviva – Mary said she would have laughed at them, and asked: “What planet are you on?”

“I would have never dreamt anything like this would have happened.

This is the stuff that fairytales are made of.

“You are expecting somewhere, along the line, that the Fairy Godmother will come along and say: ‘Okay, wake up now’.

“I am so grateful for the way my life has changed since I went on The X-Factor,” she said.

Acting as a future career for Mary is something she might look at. “I said to someone the other day: ‘I would love to do a play or musical’.

“I have never had any experience in it. I have no training, but people put challenges up to me, and it is only in the last five years that I am really accepting the challenge and, when you accept the challenge, whether you can do it right or not, it makes you feel alive.

“Life is all about trying stuff. We can sit back and be bored out of our heads, or we can get up there, face the challenges and enjoy them – that is what I love doing,” she said.

Grease the Musical runs until August 27 at the Grand Canal Theatre.

For further information, see www.grandcanaltheatre.ie. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

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GazetteMUSIC MUSIC NEW RELEASE: JAY-Z AND KANYE WEST COME

Rap regency roll

Q ROB HEIGH

Diamonds up: Kanye West and Jay-Z

COLLABOR ATIONS are the current cornerstone of most modern music, whether it be a “featuring” credit or a guest appearance from either a legend or someone completely unknown who the lead artist wants to propel into the spotlight.

Seldom is it the case that legends of a genre come together to create an entire project — although this is the month that Superheavy, which features the stellar talents of Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, Dave Stewart and son of Bob, Damian Marley, release the first music from their association — but

that is exactly what rap superstars Jay-Z and Kanye West have done on their new release.

Finally, eight months after HAM, the first fruit of the collaboration that would come to be known as The Throne, comes the gold-plated, beat-encrusted Watch The Throne.

With Jay and Kanye insisting that this would be “no ring-in”, where most collaborations see artists recording in opposite sides of a country, or even the planet, and their product being married together in a studio in another time zone, both these colossus of the rap game were in the same studio at the same time — something

that makes it a stronger, more coherent, album from start to finish.

And, to start at the beginning of the beginning, when Kanye dropped the tempo on the Jackson 5’s I Want You Back to create the beat under Izzo (HOVA), a track that began to push Jay-Z into legend status, a marriage of minds was born.

Kanye provided production duties to some of the best tracks on The Blueprint, the album that defined, and still defines, Jay-Z’s career, and Hov returning the compliment later on that record, that “Kanyeeze you did it again, you a genius!”.

In return, Jay provided ve r s e s a n d s u p p o r t throughout West’s still immense debut album, The College Dropout, these two giants of music coming together to create something more monolithic than their individual careers have delivered to date was inevitable.

Both Jay and Kanye are undoubtedly at the pinnacle of their careers; it would be debatable whether they were both at the top of their games. Jay’s Blueprint 3 featured some tracks that define him as a recording artist in the wider cultural horizon (Empire State of Mind, Run This Town) it was a sprawling and,

18 August 2011 GAZETTE 15

TELL US YOUR NEWS YOUR LOCAL PAPER, YOUR LOCAL NEWS!

TOGETHER TO PRODUCE OFFICIAL COLLABORATION ALBUM

out regal new release

at times, overinflated record.

Meanwhile, Kanye comes into this project on the back of one of the best records of the last decade, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, that saw his imagination as an artist and his production skills rise above any negative criticism thrown at him over recent years (“Even if it goes through Taylor Swift, tell her this”) Watch The Throne, therefore, is an act of alchemy, the melting of minds and styles and skills to create something more, but the same things said about the previous recordings by the pair ring true once again, still present

in the mix.

It is an epically wellproduced record, taking some inspired samples (Otis Redding, Nina Simone, and the inevitable James Brown) and beats to create another widescreen collage.

It’s a record so knowing as to allow Kanye to drop in a Will Ferrell quote (“It doesn’t actually mean anything, it’s provocative”) to lighten the tone with a selfdeprecating moment, something Mr West would not previously be noted for.

But under the surface is the feeling that Kanye is the one pushing the envelope, while Jay only sporadically provides the quality of

rhymes and verses that his long-time fans know he is capable of.

But when the fates conspire and the light hits the throne right, there are some magnificent moments here, and you remember why every release by the two kings remain an occasion deserving of a public holiday.

There are more ideas than only one record can contain, and that’s maybe why it feels as though there are better things to come. And the ongoing sense that when Jay-Z and Kanye We s t wo r k t o g e t h er, something really inspired and historic will appear. Long may they reign.

The opulent cover of Watch the Throne, by Italian designer Riccardo Tisci

Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

16 GAZETTE 18 August 2011

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

SNAPSHOT The stories of the day

Disappointed with attitude of some dog owners DEAR EDITOR,

I HAVE had two experiences recently, which made my regular Sunday walk particularly unpleasant, a walk on which one, or both, of my granddaughters frequently accompany me.

The first experience took place a few weeks ago when I chose to walk to the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire to enjoy the views of the north city and coastline. On approaching the pier, a sign, which is clearly displayed and mounted on the wall, informs people walking their dogs that they must keep their animals on a lead at all times. They are also advised to clean up after their pets or risk a fine, and possible prosecution, if they fail to do so.

Despite this, dog owners repeatedly and blatantly ignore this law and, as a result, the pier has become an unpleasant place to walk. I believe this selfish disregard of the law by many dog owners, not all – I hasten to add – should be addressed by the authorities. In all the times I have walked on either of the piers, which is usually once a week, I have never once seen a warden or port official patrol the area.

The second experience I refer to is when I went walking recently through Killiney Hill Park, where the same problem exists. An even

higher number of dog owners let their pets loose here, where fouling on the paths and grass areas is very much in evidence, despite the fact that children run, play and roll in the grass. Again, despite visiting the park frequently, I have never seen a park warden on patrol.

The recent protests by Dogs Unleashed Group in Dun Laoghaire show how many dog owners think their animals should be treated like humans. Expecting them to be allowed run free in public seems to be acceptable to them, despite the fact it is against the law, outside the safe confines of the owner’s property. Most people like animals, to some degree, but a great many are nervous of dogs and should not be made to feel frightened or uncomfortable by such animals running loose in our parklands, beaches, open spaces or any public place.

I do agree that many more of the larger parks should follow the excellent example of Marley Park and Shanganagh Park and introduce dog pens. I have a lovely Labrador and use the dog pen in Marley Park and find it very successful. Also, the park is very well maintained, with regular patrols and enjoys a strict adherence to park laws, making it a pleasure to visit.

Name and Address with the Editor

GazetteContacts Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251 Managing Director: Liam Holland email: lholland@gazettegroup.com

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Sports Editor: Rob Heigh email: sport@gazettegroup.com

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

Time for a spot of tea at Browns Bar and Cafe Models Teo Sutra and Angelica Salomao were pictured indulging in Afternoon Tea with a stylish twist as Carton House, one of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels, officially opened the doors of the most fashionable café in the heart of Dublin – Browns Bar & Cafe by Carton House, which is housed within the iconic department store

A fabulous new cafe for Brown Thomas BROWNS Bar & Cafe by Carton House will be housed on the lower ground level of the Brown Thomas flagship store on Grafton Street.

Cathal Kavanagh, executive chef and creative mind in the kitchen at Carton House, has chosen a selection of some of the most popular and mouth-watering dishes from Carton House for the new menu, along with a wide range of coffees created by the Carton House barista.

The cafe will also sell products from the gourmet Carton House food range such as dressings, sauces and seasonal offerings, including Christmas and Valentine’s Day products.

The indulgent rest stop will offer visitors a selection of gourmet sandwiches, including Smoked Salmon Croque Monsieur, Rare Roast Irish Beef, Pear and Blue Cheese; a selection of salads, including Carton Caesar Salad and Seasonal Mixed Salad; Anti Pasti and Afternoon Tea by Carton House, including mini scones, finger sandwiches, fruit cake and pastries with clotted cream, a hot beverage of your choice and a glass of chilled champagne for €14.90 per person

DIARY It’sTreasure Island, but not as you know it FOR five fun-filled days from August 22 to August 26, Ballet Ireland’s Annual Summer School will be running workshops on art, mime and dance. This will lead to the main event on Friday, August 26, with their take on Robert Louis Stephenson’s classic, aptly renamed Treasure Island, The Ballet! The performance takes place at the Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire at 4 pm.

The ballet will be a culmination of the efforts put in by two separate workshops, one for Dance and Art and the other for Arts and Craft, which will be running from Monday to Thursday of that week.

Ballet Ireland’s Annual Summer School is now into its 11th year and is open to all ages and competency levels. The company mounts two major new productions a year.

For more information on the workshop and performance, con-

tact the box office on 01-2312929 or visit www.paviliontheatre.ie.

Let’s hear it for our Rose DUBLIN is rooting for its very own Rose to do well in this year’s Rose of Tralee festival this weekend.

Clondalkin native, Siobheal Nic Eochaidh, was picked from hundreds to represent Dublin in the world-famous festival that is watched by nearly every household in Ireland every year, whether they like to admit it or not.

Her self-taught dance moves, and her bubbly personality bowled over the judges at the Dublin Regional finals recently and it is hoped that she can win over the festival judges again this weekend.

The festival begins this Friday, where Siobheal will take centre stage with 31 other international Roses from around the world in front of an audience of thousands.

Siobheal will be joined by Darragh McGrath, who was deemed the 2011 Dublin Escort of Year.

Tune into RTE 1 on Monday, August 22 and Tuesday, August 23 for a live broadcast from the Festival Dome at 8pm and support our own Dublin Rose – Come on Siobheal!

18 August 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: A POOR DIET AND LITTLE EXERCISE CAN PUT YOUR PET’S HEALTH AT RISK

Pets can pile on the pounds, but what may be the cause? You! OULD it surprise you to know that approximately 53% of cats, and 55% of dogs, are overweight?

Well, they are, according to the findings at the fourth annual Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) which, in my opinion, clearly suggests we’re placing our pets at a serious risk of dying early.

So, I hear you ask: “What constitutes an overweight animal?”

Overweight animals, or pet obesity, sees an excess of body fat that’s enough to impair the health, welfare and lifestyle of the animal.

To put it simply – and setting all lame excuses aside – your pet is taking in more calories than he requires, and any excess weight in an otherwise healthy animal is very likely to be due to overeating.

When experts speak about humans being obese, they usually define it as being 20-25% above ideal body weight.

However, in animals, the degree of obesity that impairs health, welfare and quality of life has not been fully defined, and will vary from one individual animal to another, but it’s more likely to be similar to that seen in people.

Still, it must be stressed that obesity is a serious health issue in pets for several reasons:

W

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

‘Your pet is taking in more calories than he requires, and excess weight in an otherwise healthy animal is very likely to be due to overeating’ --------------------------

• It causes suffering, and can be disabling for the animal.

• It can affect an animal for a long period of its life.

• It’s preventable.

What are the causes of obesity?

The main reason is the type of food being fed to the animal. This is something that’s controlled by you – the owner. If your dog eats too much and doesn’t exercise enough, he can become obese.

Let me explain a typical scenario. A lovely pet parent visits the clinic, and the dog is clearly overweight, so I very politely and respectfully suggest that, err, perhaps Fido could do with losing a few pounds. Here are just some of the replies...

“Ah, but you don’t understand – he barks all night if I don’t give him his choccie biccies.”

No, he barks all night because he’s copped on

that the more noise he makes, the more he gets attention.

You give in, and reward him with a biscuit. You’re training a beggar!

“But he never eats a thing, and I worry about him, so I give him some of my own dinner.”

He does eat; he’s just a grazer who goes back and forth to his food to nibble during the day. That’s normal.

However, when the humans eat, they feed him from the table, which fills him up, leaving no room for his dog food.

This means his total calorie intake is excessive, and now he’s a roly-poly!

What are some of the health risks of obesity?

• Diabetes mellitus, or sugar diabetes.

• Complaints in joints and bones.

• Heart disease.

• Problems with breathing.

• Heat intolerance.

• Surgical risk.

• Risk giving birth.

• Constipation.

• Cancer.

The link between obesity and certain forms of cancer is unknown.

There have been studies suggesting that obese dogs tend to have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancers.

A recent study has found that dogs who are obese at one-year-old are at a greater risk of developing mammary tumours.

How do you tell if your animal is obese?

Here are just a few telltale signs: • Excessive panting, particularly in hot weather.

• Lagging behind during walks.

• Sluggish behaviour.

• Reluctance to exercise, resulting in fewer calories being used up, thus being stored as fat.

• No visible waist. When viewed from above, your pet should have slight curves; as in a gentle dip after the ribs, turning to a gradual slope to the hips.

If he hasn’t these curves, perhaps he’s overweight.

Steps in avoiding obesity:

• Only offer food recommended by your vet.

• Offer no snacks/ scraps.

• Measure food intake carefully.

• Increase exercise; this is easier for dogs than cats. Put your cat’s food upstairs, thus encouraging her to walk up to get it; play with her more, and rotate her toys.

• Ensure everyone who plays a part in your pet’s life understands how important his health is.

Remember, these are only guidelines, and there are some diseases that can cause obesity in your pet – so, if in doubt, check with your vet.

For more information log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie

Miriam warns that, in many cases, Fido’s obesity can be blamed on one thing – the owner, who may be failing their pet’s care in a number of areas, from diet to exercise

18 GAZETTE 18 August 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs DEALERS CLAIM CHAIRMAN’S AWARDS: DUB-

LIN Ford Dealers, Ashley Ford, North Circular Road and Finglas Ford have both claimed prestigious Ford of Europe Chairman’s Awards.

Ashley picked up the award for its outstanding customer service last year whilst Finglas Ford collected their award for parts sales and aftersales performance.

The Ford of Europe Chairman’s Award programme is based on direct feedback from customers who have purchased a vehicle from the dealership and is in recognition of a dealer’s performance in meeting those customers’ expectations.

Extensive research has been carried out

by Ford in assessing these expectations and providing guidelines to dealers to satisfy them.

Seat’s new Alhambra MPV is a big family car with a similar design and almost identical fittings to the Volkswagen Sharan. The entry price for the seven-seat version is more competitive at €38,130 before delivery charges

New Seat Alhambra arrives Seat has upgraded its range with the new Alhambra model, which MICHAEL MORONEY took for a drive EAT is back in strength with new model designs that aim to boost the company’s image.

Seat is part of the Volkswagen group so naturally we can expect lots of Volkswagen bits and performance from the new Seat range.

And that’s just what I found with the new Seat Alhambra that I’ve been driving. This is designed as a family MPV with seven seats and lots of comfort.

The car has all of the VW bits under the skin in terms of things mechanical, while the Seat badge means that the price is more competitive.

Look closely and you’ll find that the body styling is also similar, more so than with the previous Alhambra models.

Seat provided me with the 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel, entry-level Reference

S

SPECS: SEAT ALHAMBRA Top speed: 194 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 10.9 secs Economy: 17.8 km/litre (5.6 l/100km) CO2 emissions: 146g/ km Road Tax Band: C (€302) Euro NCAP Rating: 5-Star (2010) Warranty: 2 years Entry Price: €38,130

version for my test drive.

While it sports the Seat badge front and rear, in every other sense it’s almost the identical in terms of dimensions to the related Volkswagen Sharan.

The test car came with seven-seat capacity. The third row of rear seats on the test car folded easily out of use to give a big boot, five-seat car if needed. Seat also offers a

slightly cheaper five-seat version.

For the test car, the rear row of two seats was easy to use. I found that the seats folded into action in seconds and with ease. This rear space is adequate for children, not adults, while there is great room in the middle row for your bigger passengers.

When the third row of seats is tucked away, the boot is very sizeable. You can pack loads in there, and the floor is level with the boot rim.

The new Alhambra is powered by a 2.0-litre Volkswagen turbo-diesel engine. This engine has some eco features to allow it to compete in fuel economy with the Volkswagen Sharan, which has similar Blue Motion technology.

These features include stop-start systems, gear selection indicator and

low-rolling resistance tyres.

In power terms, this 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine produces 140bhp and 320Nm of torque.

That’s a perfect match for the performance of the Volkswagen Sharan. It’s also a match for Ford’s Galaxy when fitted with a similar size engine.

The Sharan is marginally more economical than the Seat; you’ll get an extra kilometre for your litre of diesel, while the Galaxy is, economy, similar to the Alhambra.

All three use six-speed gearboxes which, on the Alhambra, was very smooth to use.

I found the Alhambra an easy car to drive as I quickly got used to the electronic handbrake and stop-start system.

That economy performance was almost matched with my driving style, so I

came close to the official figure of 17.8 km/litre (5.6 l/100km).

I covered over 900km on the test drive and there was enough fuel to bring that nearer to 1,000km before a re-fill of the 70-litre fuel tank.

The safety fittings are a match for the competition with seven airbags, iso-fix seating in the rear and a recent Euro NCAP crash test rating of five-stars.

The car comes with a Volkswagen-type car computer system that’s easy to use and understand. The radio is also clearer than that fitted to other Seat models, which is a welcome change.

Because of the brand relationships you just have to compare the Alhambra to the Volkswagen Sharan because it simply offers more value.

Volkswagen re-sale prices are still holding up

higher than those of Seat and that alone may be a factor that’s putting some buyers off the Seat brand.

The features and the equipment levels on the new Alhambra model will change that a little.

At €38,130 before delivery charges, the entry price for the Alhambra is nearly €4,000 cheaper than the Volkswagen Sharan and almost €4,500 cheaper than the equivalent Ford Galaxy, with equal driving performance and some additional features.

On the figures, the Seat deal may well be more competitive than either Volkswagen’s or Ford’s where you pay that bit more for the brand image.

That means that you’ve a little more room for a lower valuation when the trade-in day looms in the future. In the meantime you’ll be impressed with what’s on offer from Seat.

Toyota develops its own crash avoidance technology CRASH avoidance technology is nothing new. Car manufacturers, such as Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, have already implemented collision-avoidance systems on select vehicles, such as the system used on the new Volvo XC60.

Toyota is the latest company to

announce a new offering along these lines. Unlike the others, Toyota is developing technology that will both slow the car and steer it away from an impact with another vehicle or pedestrian.

Toyota’s system claims to use both cameras and sensitive “millimetre-wave”

radar to detect objects in the vehicle’s path. It then calculates the amount of both braking and steering necessary to avoid a collision. If steering away from a pending crash is an option, the system takes control of the vehicle’s steering and executes an avoidance manoeuvre.

Toyota has defined an idealised goal of zero injuries and zero fatalities. Other safety systems under development at Toyota include a pop-up hood, and shaded high-beams, which reduce glare from high-beam lights for oncoming traffic.

18 August 2011 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 18 August 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs New Honda CR-V – a first look HONDA has the first photographs of the new CR-V Concept, providing the first official glimpse of styling direction. The new, fourth-generation CR-V is set to go on sale in the United States by the end of 2011, and in Europe in autumn 2012.

The new CR-V Concept embraces a new styling direction. Compared to the previous generation, the concept-model Honda claims that the new model takes on a more aggressive stance, with deeper sculpting of the body lines and a bolder front fascia. The lower front bumper wraps smartly upward to convey SUV capability. The overall, lower front-bumper design now integrates more smoothly into the fascia for improved aerodynamics. The CR-V’s vertical tail lights remain for the next model with a more threedimensional style that wraps further into the design of the vehicle. Honda claims that the new CR-V will be equipped with more efficient engines compared to the current model. The new CR-V is expected to deliver a significant improvement in fuel economy.

The CR-V is one of the top-selling SUVs, sold in more than 160 countries throughout Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Africa.

The new Honda CR-V Concept will be on first public display in California next month and will be on sale in Ireland during 2012

OPEL IS NOT FOR SALE, SAYS GM CHIEF: GENERAL MOTORS CEO, Daniel Akerson, has weighed in strongly to say that Opel, its European business, is not for sale.

Speculation about Opel’s future was mooted back in June

by German media as they repor ted that Opel could be sold and that possible buyers included Chinese automakers or Volkswagen.

In 2009, GM dropped plans to sell Opel to the Canadian Magna Interna-

tional after months of negotiations. GM stopped the sale of its Opel brand in 2009, and it has been rumoured that some GM management had concerns Russian car companies would gain access to Opel’s technology and patents.

Since then GM has launched a restructuring Opel, which lost $1.6 billion last year and brought it back on track.

GM Europe posted a profit in the first quarter and the company claims that Opel had gained market share this year.

The new-look 2012 Toyota Hilux will go on sale in Ireland towards the end of the year

Hilux builds strength with new design OYOTA’S “indestructible” Hilux has been given a new look and some additional hi-tech features for 2012.

The pick-up has been given a re-style from the A-pillar forwards, with a new bonnet, radiator grille, headlamps and bumper, plus new wheel designs and new side bars and steps for the top-of-the-range Hilux models.

The interior has been given a new look, too, with new upper dash-

T

board design and horizontal instrument cluster that emphasise the breadth and roominess of the cabin.

The revised lay-out incorporates the new Toyota Touch multimedia unit with a full colour 6.1-inch touchscreen.

The Touch package, fitted as standard to the high-end models, also includes Bluetooth and a USB port for connecting digital music players.

The quality feel of the cabin has been improved with new, uniform dark

finishes and new chrome surround for the instrument binnacle on the Invincible.

The 2012 Hilux carries forward its current engines, the 142bhp 2.5-D-4D and 169bhp 3.0-D-4D units, but these now comply with the Euro 5 light commercial vehicle emissions standards ahead of their introduction at the beginning of next year, thanks to the adoption of a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

With these engine changes the CO2 emis-

sions for the 2.5 D-4D (Double Cab) have been cut by more than 10% to 194g/km, becoming best in class, and combined fuel consumption has also improved by more than 10% to 13.7km/litre (38.7mpg).

The emissions figure for the 3.0-litre D-4D Double Cab automatic has fallen to 227g/km and the manual to 203g/ km. Combined fuel consumption figures are improved from 31.7 to 32.8mpg and 34.0 to 36.7mpg respectively.

The standard fivespeed manual transmission and the optional five-speed automatic for the 3.0-litre D-4D engine, exclusive to the Invincible, are also retained.

From launch, Hilux will be available with a comprehensive choice of accessory packs to tailor the vehicle to suit the needs of both business users and those owners who need to use Hilux for more everyday driving duties, or want to give their vehicle an extra dash of style.

Fords moves to digital as CD sales drop CASSETTE tapes that once revolutionised in-car audio entertainment were driven out of the dashboard by the compact disc revolution. Now in-car CD players are poised to follow a similar path as Ford and other car companies respond to customer demand for all-digital systems with increased connectivity.

With the new Ford Focus, Ford has scrapped once-popular multi-disc CD changers, while a USB connection and Bluetooth are standard equipment in the UK – both of which cater to the increasing popularity of iPods

and other digital music players.

Music industry studies show that sales of CD albums have fallen by more than 35% between 2006 and 2010, while the number of digital album sales increased more than seven-fold.

As music-lovers relocate their CD catalogues to digital storage and move to digital download purchasing of music, Ford plans a targeted move towards “all-digital” in-car entertainment.

Across Europe, Ford currently offers USB and Bluetooth audio connectivity, as well as auxiliary inputs for MP3 devices, to sup-

plement the existing CD player.

But as CD usage becomes less prevalent, these digital devices will become the norm.

“Ford will obviously continue to offer CD players while there is demand,” said Ralf Brosig, multimedia manager, Ford of Europe. “However, over time we expect customer preferences will lead us quickly into an all-digital approach to in-car audio entertainment.”

Ford will take a big step forward with the arrival of the advanced SYNC with MyFord Touch system in Europe, arriving

first in the Ford Focus.

The system will cater directly to the demands of Ford’s tech-savvy customers, offering a sophisticated multimedia infotainment hub providing connectivity options, including multiple USB inputs, SD card ports, RCA inputs and Bluetooth connectivity.

The system also will act as a password-protected wireless hotspot for up to five devices, providing connectivity through USB or mobile phone broadband modems. Ford expects two million SYNC equipped vehicles to be on the road by 2015.

18 August 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Harvey Norman takes in almost €4.5bn

HARVEY Norman has revealed that worldwide sales from its Australian, New Zealand, Slovenian, Irish and Northern Irish businesses totalled a whopping €4.45 billion for the 12 months to June 30, 2011.

The company said that, when compared to sales for the same period in 2009, this was an increase of 1.7 per cent.

The Republic of Ireland operation managed to stabilise sales with only a slight decrease of 0.2 per cent for the same period, while sales in Northern Ireland increased by

3.2 per cent.

Both Irish divisions grew sales for the second half against last year, with the Republic of Ireland operation growing sales in quarter three by 1.9 per cent and quarter four by 4.6 per cent.

“It was really a year of two halves for us, with sales flat before Christmas, and then some encouraging growth in the six months to June,” said Blaine Callard, chief executive of the Irish operation.

“Consumer sentiment continues to be very weak, and

shows no signs of recovering soon.

“Big ticket retail sales in furniture and electronics have been hit the hardest, so it’s about getting a bigger slice of a smaller pie.

“We will continue to improve our operation, investing in our people, our service and our stores.

“The strategy for us is to focus on growing marketshare. Revenue growth in the second half is very positive for us against such a difficult economic backdrop,” he added.

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS QUALIFYING FOR MORTAGE TAX RELIEF Q – How do I qualify for mortgage interest relief and how are the rates of payment calculated ? Jean - Greystones On the mend: Harvey Norman has stabilised its Irish interests

A – When you receive your final mortgage documents, your monthly repayment will be the first item to catch your eye.

Generally Tax Relief at Source (TRS) is

REVAMP: TOP STORE RINGS THE CHANGES

deducted automatically from this payment and your direct debit to your current account is the NET mortgage repayment after tax relief.

If you bought your property after 1st

New look for Argos to mark 15 years MIMI MURRAY

ARGOS has launched 21 revamped stores throughout Ireland this month as part of a €4 million refurbishment and development project.

The new layout and format was unveiled on August 6 in 21 stores across the country.

Celebrating 15 years in Ireland and securing more than 1,300 jobs, the refurbishment of the stores comes at an exciting time for Argos as they enjoy the 15-year milestone, while continuously updating their services, stores and catalogue to ensure customers have a satisfying shopping experience.

Speaking about the launch, Alison Evans, Argos Regional General Manager for Ireland, said: “This extensive refurbishment shows that Argos is

committed to developing and improving its stores in Ireland.

“We are dedicated to continuing our investment in Ireland, and increasing the number of stores across the country, in order to give our customers more choice, value and convenience when shopping.”

The refurbished stores include a new format with updated jewellery and watch galleries, allowing customers to try on items before purchasing.

New dedicated technology display areas showcasing cameras, video cameras, plasma TVs, mobile phones and satellite navigation systems will also give customers a chance to view and handle technology products before purchasing.

Each store has benefit-

January 2004 and up to 31st December 2011, you are entitled to TRS on mortgage interest paid up to €10,000 per annum for single people, and €20,000 for married couples.

By 1st January 2013, all mortgage relief will be withdrawn. Currently there are three rates up to 2017 applicable; first two years – 25% tax relief, second three years – 22.5%, and Last two years – 20% To give you an example, a mortgage of €200,000 at an interest rate of 3.85% will create a € 7,700 per annum interest bill.

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

‘If you bought your property after 1st January 2004 and up to 31st December 2011, you are entitled to TRS on mortgage interest paid up to €10,000 per annum for single people, and €20,000 for married couples. By 1st January, 2013, all mortgage relief will be withdraw’ ---------------------------------------------------For the first two years, whether single or married, because it is under both threshModels Pippa O’Connor and Rosanna Davison unveil the newly-designed Argos

olds, the relief at 25% will amount to €1,925

store in St Stephen’s Green as part of the company’s €4 million revamp

per annum or €160.42 monthly.

In the third to fifth years, because the tax

ed from new lighting and eye-catching displays, giving them a more contemporary look.

New state-of-the-art touchscreen browsers have been installed in each store, enabling customers to browse and search easily for items to buy.

All of the stores have new quick pay kiosks, where customers have the option to pay for their items electronically rath-

er than queuing up for a cashier.

“Our new-look stores have a fresher, more contemporary feel, which we hope our customers will enjoy, and the new facilities such as the computer systems and payment kiosks, will make their shopping experience much easier and more convenient,” Evans said.

To celebrate Argos being in Ireland for 15

years, every month from August 2011 through to January 2012, Argos is giving Irish consumers the opportunity to win €1,500 of Argos vouchers to spend on whatever they want.

The competition went live at midnight on July 30 and to enter all you have to do is go online at www.argos.ie/15years .

For more information on Argos, please visit www.argos.ie

relief has dropped to 22.5%, the monthly relief will be €144.37 – €16.05 less than the first two years.

Be very careful also about claiming TRS if you in fact have rented out your property – this is a no-no and you must advise Revenue using a TRS 4 form.

Contact them at 1890 46 36 26 or trsadmin@ revenue.ie for all enquiries.

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

22 GAZETTE 18 August 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel

Limerick’s hidden treasures and lovely people make it a cool trip MIMI MURRAY

60th anniversary of The Quiet Man honoured at Ashford Castle IN 1951, John Ford’s greatest movie; The Quiet Man starring John Wayne and Irish-born actress Maureen O’Hara, was made in the beautiful landscape of the west of Ireland. John Ford’s award-winning comedy has been both reviled and celebrated for its larger-than-life portrayal of Ireland. The Quiet Man outdoor scenes were shot in various locations in counties Galway and Mayo - mainly around the scenic Maam Valley on the shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle and the nearby village of Cong.

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the making of the movie, the five-star Ashford Castle Hotel is offering two unique and luxurious Quiet Man packages, which will be available until September 30, 2011.

Package one consists of two nights accommodation in a Corrib View room; full Irish breakfast for two people each morning; fivecourse dinner for two people in the George V on one evening; one-hour tour by Gerry Collins visiting five local sites that were featured in the film in the village of Cong; entry into the Quiet Man Museum in the village of Cong. It also includes dressing up in the costumes in the Museum and allowing pictures to be taken.

This package costs €415 per person.

Package two consists of two nights accommodation in a Corrib View room; full Irish breakfast for two people each morning; fivecourse dinner for two people in the George V on one evening; half-day tour visiting most of the locations used in the film capturing the splendour of Connemara, Galway and Mayo.

This costs €500 per person. For reservations contact 094 954 6003/ www.ashford.ie

LIMERICK, bless it, gets a bad rap. However, when asked to sample the county recently I jumped at the chance, having never been and being easily accessible from Dublin, we headed off on a Friday evening.

We were eager to sample both a country and city location and decided to stay in the Mustard Seed at Echo Lodge which is just past the quaint village of Adare.

The place is a charming old country house painted in deep, rich colours and is kitted out with comfy antique furniture.

The staff couldn’t be friendlier and on arrival the owner, Dan, gave us a warm welcome.

We ate in the charming dining room that evening, which was quite busy.

Our French waiter was attentive and we thoroughly enjoyed the fresh country kitchen cuisine, much of it coming from the garden that morning.

The next day, after a comfortable night’s sleep, I was treated to a Thai massage.

Having been to Thailand recently I know only too well the merits of this type of massage if done right, and this one didn’t disappoint.

I was left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated as we set off for Limerick city.

No. 1 Per y Square was launched two and a half years ago and is in a quiet area of Limerick beside the People’s Park.

A stylish old Georgian building, it houses a restaurant, an underground spa, a bar and is all very compact.

After a quick drink we headed out towards O’Connell St and our destination that night, the Corn Store.

This was a real find, with some delicious seafood on the menu.

After dinner we were happy to discover there was a live jazz band set up to play for the rest of the evening.

We fell in with a fun crowd who took us on a tour of some of Limerick’s choice venues, including The Sin Bin, where we danced the night away to some suspect 90’s music.

T he following day the underground spa allowed us to rejuvenate and our weary bones and feet that had taken a battering the night before got some much needed pampering.

Next it was off to picturesque Adare, which really is worth a look.

It has some stunning boutiques offering topend designer labels.

Many are perfect for bridal and mother-of the-bride outfits.

We spied a wedding about to take place at the stunning local church and waited around to see the bride step from her vintage car and wave at the gathering crowds.

After gorging on all things bridal we headed back to the city for dinner.

The restaurant staff were very well versed in Brasserie One and

Onglet steak were interesting, as was the pork belly.

There was one fish dish but more could be added and, having dined on hake the night before, I didn’t want to go for the same again.

The Milk Market is worth a look on Saturday and Sunday mornings and all the locals gather to catch up over coffee and peruse the many stalls on offer.

So, back to that bad rap: Limerick is a cool city with plenty of interesting people and is definitely worth a look.

Above: A bedroom in No. 1

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

‘No. 1 Pery Square was launched two and a half years ago and is in a quiet area of Limerick beside the People’s Park. A stylish old Georgian building, it houses a restaurant, an underground spa, a bar and is all very compact ’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------One thing I will say our friendly waiter recabout Limerick – eve- ommended a bottle of ryone is exceptionally Slovenian wine, which friendly and helpful, was perfect on a sunny and, at one point when summer’s day.

The menu was slightwe appeared a little lost, a very nice young ly wintry for the time of lady offered us direc- year but was tasty nonetions without us having theless.

Beef cheek and to ask.

Above and below; images from Echo Lodge

18 August 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

BeachTravel Beaches by day and nightlife provide fun and sun in equal measure IT HAS great beaches by day and great action by night. Tenerife’s Playa de las Americas is rightly famed as an all-round attraction for holidaymakers seeking sun and fun in equal measure. For those itching to get away this month, Direct Holidays has online offers from just €469.

All-inclusive packages, with meals, drinks and entertainment, included in the price, are flavour of the season this year, and the 3-star Playa Olid in Costa Adeje, with its multiple swimming pools and bars, is a real bargain at just €569 per person for seven nights departing Dublin on August 20.

Playa Fanabe, close to the exclusive Playa del Duque, offers a relaxing stay but with a great choice of restaurants and nightclubs. Alongside its great location, the 4-star Sunwing Resort Fanabe features exciting shows several nights a week. Departing August 20, Direct Holidays are offering seven nights at the resort for just €469 per person on a selfcatering basis. All prices are based on two sharing.

Pery square, Below, right: The hotel’s underground spa

The perfect sun getaway awaits in Tenerife

Packages or flight-only holiday deals this month along Bulgaria’s stunning coastline BULGARIA’S Sunny Beach resort on the stunning Black Sea is famous for its beautiful beaches, sunny climate and safe, warm sea.

Concorde Travel are currently offering package holidays or flight only deals at great prices.

Concorde Travel Self Catering Packages at the 3-star Golden Dreams Apartments start from €385 based on six sharing a two-bedroom apartment; €399 based on four sharing a one-bedroom apartment and €494 based on two sharing a studio apartment.

Hotel prices start from €564 in the 3-star Grand Hotel Sunny Beach on a B and B basis. Packages include return flights, transfers, seven nights accommodation, rep services and all taxes and charges. Flights operate every Monday from Dublin and Cork. Visit www.concordetravel.ie for more details.

Cyprus calling for sun and relaxation ESCAPE to the stunning birthplace of Aphrodite, the ancient goddess of love this August.

Concorde Travel has the ultimate romantic escape to Paphos in Cyprus.

The beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site combines historical sites with the warmth of the Mediterranean Sea where relaxing and sunbathing will be an unforgettable experience.

Stay at the 4-star Hotel Avanti on a B and B basis from only €699pp, which has been reduced from €974pp.

Package includes direct flights from Dublin to Larnaca, return transfers to the Hotel, rep assistance and seven nights accommodation on a BB basis, based on two sharing. Visit www.concordetravel.ie for more details.

24 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 18 August 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1

GoingOUT GoingOUT PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Treasure Island BALLET Ireland’s annual summer school sets sail for the Pavilion Theatre with a twist on the classic tale of Treasure Island, which will be presented by the participants of the summer school.

Four highly-skilled dancers from Ballet Ireland’s core company will lead the participants, preparing and training everyone for the grand finale. Running from Monday, August 22 to Friday, August 26, the week-long course costs €90. For full details, see www.paviliontheatre.ie

THE HELIX 01 700 7000 Panto Camp A WEEK-long course for children aged from 6 to 13 will give children a wonderful experience to remember, as they all have the chance to work with the production team to participate in the Christmas panto production of Aladdin, which will run during the Christmas period.

With a choice of two week-long panto camps to take part in, there’s something for all children to enjoy.

Running from 10 am to 2.30pm daily, the course costs €120. For full details, see www.thehelix.ie.

Summer Films AS PART of its summer season of family films, The Helix has a number of favourites for all to enjoy. Running at 2pm, and priced €6, €4 conc, or €20 season ticket (phone booking only), James and the Giant Peach plays on Saturday, August 20; Matilda on Wednesday, August 24; Fantastic Mr Fox on Saturday, August 27; and Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory on September 3.

All hail Caesar (a motion-captured Andy Serkis), a chimpanzee given a giant intelligence boost by well-meaning scientists looking for a cure for Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, Caesar’s new-found self-awareness will lead him to spark a rebellion against humans ...

Some japes with apes As suitably bananas as anything Hollywood usually reheats, this franchise reboot looks to ape the success of its forebears Q KATE CROWLEY

WITH serendiptous timing – or perhaps with one film seeking to ape the likely success of another – there are not one, but two films starring our simian sidekicks on release this week.

One is a fascinating glimpse at the efforts to humanise a monkey, in a documentary about a halfforgotten project, while the other is a glimpse at how the worm could turn and enslave us all.

By “worm” I mean “monkey”, of course, as Rise of the Planet of the Worms sounds rather less menacing than Rise of the Planet of the Apes – which comprises most of this week’s review.

First, as an entree, it’s worth mentioning Project Nim; a new documentary about Nim Chimpsky – a chimpanzee raised from birth with humans, and which was studied extensively (in controversial

FILM OF THE WEEK: Rise of the Planet of the Apes +++ (12A) 106 mins Director: Rupert Wyatt Starring: James Franco, Andy Serkis, Tom Felton, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Brian Cox, one smart monkey

OUR VERDICT: THOSE looking for one smart monkey would do well to catch up with a fascinating documentary, Project Nim. However, the big release offers an interesting version of how the well-known film franchise’s back-story could have started out, telling of how the first apes came to rise up against Man. So, your box office choice is: a cute chimp in a red jumper, or angry apes out to seize the planet. Over to you ...

circumstances) to see if he could learn language skills, thus shedding light on how humans develop language and rationalisation abilities.

The late Nim, who died in 2000, would possibly conclude that humans are all bananas, on the basis of this fascinating film, which is more a study of human ambition and vanities than about whether well-meaning projects with chimpanzees are doomed.

Then again, I imagine that “bananas” was rarely far from Nim’s mind, much as “bananas”

comes to the forefront when faced with Rise of the Planet of the Apes – yet another Hollywood re-imagining and reboot of an old franchise.

Will Rodman (James Franco) is a well-meaning research scientist working away in San Francisco on developing a cure for Alzheimer’s, with the lab performing tests on lots and lots of monkeys, or one species or another.

A n e xc i t i n g n e w “cure” – which I’ll call the McGuffin – is given to an ordinary chimpanzee, called Caesar (Andy Serkis), whose mental

powers begin to rapidly accelerate and develop.

Caesar’s growing intelligence is a marvel – and a menace, as the McGuffin has given him The Smarts to realise that – wait a minute – all the humans want to do is monkey around with him and his kind, with a nice little trip to the Dissection and Autopsy labs awaiting him, down the road.

Caesar’s new-found self-awareness, and his realisation that he, and the other test subjects, serve only to serve the humans’ experimentation needs, lead him to rebel against his role.

Will believes that the McGuffin is of enormous importance, and that it’s the breakthrough that the lab have been looking for – but he’s deeply troubled by the ethical questions and consequences of their playing God in this way.

However, all hail Caesar – as the chimpanzee follows the well-worn

phrase of monkey see, monkey do.

He decides to put the boot on the other paw, spreads the McGuffin to many of his peers, and, suddenly, instead of there being just one smart ape, there’s an army of fast and angry apes going bananas in San Franciso.

Banana skins or not, it’s possible that humanity faces a slippery slope, with an ape army on the loose. But what can a bunch of not-so-dumb apes really do? (Hint: what’s the name of the film, folks?)

Held back as a summer blockbuster, it’s likely to do swingingly well at the box office, despite being a little more thoughtful than Transformers, et al.

Not quite as ridiculously entertaining as Troy McClure’s showboating role in the musical, Stop the Planet of the Apes, I Want to Get Off!, it’s the best film about monkeys around, bar one.

18 August 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 25

The physical disc’s long, slow death impeded the brand’s march to dominance?

To some degree, people were put off investing in Blu Ray because they were only just getting ove r t h e switch from VHS to DVD; the prospect of another expensive upgrade was more than a little unpalatable.

However, the real reason for the slow growth of the Blu Ray has been the hesitance of the early adopters – those who buy

of elements; hard drives have got bigger and cheaper, internet connections have got faster, and the computer has become a part of the sitting room,

instead of the bedroom.

Just as the iPod made CDs less necessary, the vast improvement in computer technology is making the DVD (or Blu Ray, as the case may be) redundant.

Companies such as Apple have seen the way the wind is blowing. A few years ago, they released the MacBook Air; a super-slim, super-light laptop with no disc drive.

L a s t we e k , t h e y released a new version of their Mac Mini desktop, one that dropped the disc drive, too.

They also made the latest version of their operating system (reviewed

below) download-only, meaning you could not buy a disc version of it, even if you wanted to.

The attraction for companies such as Apple to do this is obvious. They now have tighter control on software, so it is harder to pirate, and they do not have to waste money printing and distributing discs to send out to shops around the world.

For the user, it also makes sense – it is quicker, less messy and often cheaper than physical discs.

However, there are downsides, and we are likely to hear plenty about how having a digital film is not the same as a physical one.

That said, this is the way the trend is going, and it is only a matter of time before people will

have to go out of their way to find a computer with a disc drive.

Mac IS X Lion

THE latest release of Apple’s OS X – the operating system used on Mac computers – show a company clearly trying to blend its desktops and laptops with the iPad. Following the big cat theme of previous OS X releases, this latest version is called Lion, and is arguably the most blatant upgrade from the company in a long time.

Many new features are now in place, including Mission Control and LaunchPad, which make it easier to see what is running and open to applications respectively.

The latter is effectively

the same as the iPad and iPhone home screen, and there is no doubt that Apple has applied a lot of its learning from those devices here.

If you are not used to gestures, this can take a bit of getting used to, but in many ways it can be handy.

Overall, the same can be said for Lion – it has plenty to like, but a lot of things that existing and even new Mac users may feel uneasy about.

Expect some of these creases to be ironed out when the first tweak is released in the weeks ahead.

Mac OS X Lion is available on the Mac App Store, for €24.

Visit teic.ie for the latest tech news, reviews and views.

gazette

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

.com

ONLY a few years ago, a fierce battle raged between two new video formats, both of which were vying to replace the DVD. Both offered better quality video and audio, more flexibility and plenty more space; eventually, Blu Ray won out.

However, since it became the de facto next generation of video formats in early 2008, the format has struggled to really gain a foothold in the market.

This is despite the cost of Blu Ray players and discs plummeting in the past few years, and despite the migration of viewers to high-definition TV sets that suit the format perfectly.

So, what barrier has

into technology before it goes mainstream.

For them, technology has moved passed the disc format, and there is no reason for them to invest in equipment that they no longer need. They have gone the digital download route instead.

What made this possible was a perfect storm

www.

ADAM MAGUIRE

GAZETTE

26 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 18 August 2011

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DUN LAOGHAIRE/ RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

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DUN LAOGHAIRE/ RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

The Rev. Fr. Richard Behan of the presbytery, Church of St. John the Evangelist BallinteerAve., Ballinteer, Dublin 16 wishes to apply for planning permission to install two sets of gates on the west elevation of the Church of St. John the Evangelist ,Ballinteer Ave., Ballinteer, Dublin 16.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours 10 am. To 4 pm. Mon. To Fri. Excluding public holidays.

The offices are at the planning Authority, County Hall, Marine Rd., Dun Laoghaire.

A submission/observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of a fee of €20.

Submissions must be made within 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning Authority.

Full Planning Permission is sought for A) the demolition of the existing two storey extension to the side and demolition of the single storey extension to the rear of the original house.

B) Construction of a new two storey extension to side of the original house together with a two storey bay and hipped roof to the front elevation and a new single storey extension to the rear. C) Internal layout changes and conversion of attic area to habitable space. D) All associated site development works including widening of vehicular entrance, repositioning of wall piers and installation of new vehicular gates at 57 Bird Avenue, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14 by Helen O’Callaghan. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dún Laoghaire during its public opening hours. A submission/ observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

Permission is sought at 79 Grangewood Road, Rathfarnham, County Dublin

by Patricia Lawlor for the provision, at ground floor level, for the construction of an entrance porch and extension of the existing sitting room and garage to the front of the existing dwelling by ca. 2m.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the P l a n n i n g A u t h o rity, County Hall, Dún Laoghaire during its public opening hours.

A submission/observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

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We Patrick Davy & Paula Carroll, hereby apply for planning permission for the replacing of existing roof tiles with a new solar roof system to the rear of existing pitched roof and all associated site works to our site at 3 Knocksinna Park, Foxrock, Dublin 18. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire during its public opening hours. A submission/observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

We, Roger & Rosalind Duffy, intend to apply for permission for development at this site: 46 Barton Road East, Dundrum, Dublin 14, Co. Dublin. The development will consist of: Permission for a single storey bedroom extension (approximate area of 12.9 m2) to the rear of the existing dwelling, minor internal modifications to the existing dwelling, and for the front garden to be paved and sloped up to the existing floor level of the house. All proposed development is to facilitate the existing house to be adapted for disability. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours (10am to 4pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays) The offices are at Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, County Hall, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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18 August 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 27

28 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 18 August 2011

GazetteSport Sport

Future Jackies’ stars held the cup aloft

All-Ireland

The end-of-week presentation saw all of the participants receive awards

Crokes host young players’ great week ILMACUD Crokes recently held their ever popular mini-All Ireland event at Glenalbyn.

The week-long event, held to allow the club’s Under-6 to Under-12 level players to take part in a fun, competitive environment, saw hundreds of kids engaging in games each evening.

There was a presentation of prizes and a celebratory barbecue on the Friday evening, and the club wish to thank all of those who gave so freely of their time to support the event.

K

Smiles aplenty at Glenalbyn

Sing-a-long-a-Kilmacud

Friends were celebrating in the sun

Their cup runneth over!

Senior players were on hand to offer support and words of wisdom

18 August 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 29

in association with

TRIATHLON: CHARITY RACE SEES LOCAL WINNER

2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS JULY WINNERS IN ASSOCIATION WITH

STARof theMONTH SHEENA MCELROY GRANGE golf club’s Sheena McElroy secured her third Irish senior title at Adare Manor when she defeated Pauline Walsh in the final of the national event, another accolade in what has already been a successful year, continuing to underline her dominance of this event in recent years by closing out the match on the 13th green. This win came on the back of her international success earlier in the year.

TEAMof theMONTH INSAKA FC THE fledgling club’s maiden double arrived in style when they claimed the Ronnie Bradshaw Cup and U-18 NDSL Premier titles this season, vindication of the management’s faith in their abilities and commitment to soccer, moulding Blanchardstown-based players from Angola, Congo, South Africa, Nigeria, Poland, Romania and Serbia into a cohesive unit.

AUTUMN has more than arrived, well ahead of schedule, and the sporting success of our teams and individuals continues to impress.

Sheena McElroy continued the form that saw her lead the Irish Seniors Team at the European Senior Team Championships in Berlin last August and winning the Portuguese Senior Ladies’ Golf Competition at Vilamoura in the Algarve in January, with her success in the Irish senior competition.

Insaka FC are attracting to soccer children from all sorts of different backgrounds, building a capacity for integration. Their coach said: “We

can encourage them to go on and join clubs in their locality, like Hartstown or Corduff. They develop their skills through us and then go off to play for the local clubs.”

Let us know!

Let us know about your achievements in sport, so that the Gazette can tell the rest of Dublin — and give you, or your team, a chance of being one of our monthly stars.

Contact us on 01 601 0240 or sport@gazettegroup.com to tell us all about your successes, and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ gazettesport.

Local triathlete Irene Walsh on her way to victory in the Focus Ireland triathlon in Dun Laoghaire

Home win for Walsh in triathlon event sport@gazettegroup.com

THE Borough of Dun Laoghaire Kingstown was once again host to this year’s Focus Ireland sprint Triathlon last week.

Local lady Irene Walsh stormed home to take the women’s title for the third time in four years, just missing out on the tri hattrick last year by coming in second place.

Having undertaken her first Ironman in 1989 in a time just over 14 hours, she is one of Ireland’s longest-competing female athletes, well known and respected by her peers.

Her winning time of

1:14:25 secured her top spot on the podium, along with the male top performers from Pulse Tri, who put on an impressive show.

King for the day was John Connolly with a winning time of 1:06:39. The shorter tri distance male and female event was won by Brian McCann, in 1:16:05, and Alexandra Birney in 1:15:21 respectively.

The early start for volunteers, marshals and the 200 competitors was taken in good spirits. According to Joyce Loughnan of Focus Ireland, “91 cent in every €1 goes towards providing core services

for the homeless charity.

The triathlon event alone has raised over €490,000 since 2005, with a target of €100,000 for 2011.”

The multi-sport event of swimming, cycling and running attracts many new competitors, as well as experienced athletes and weekend warriors, training up for more challenging events later on in the season.

After a quick bike check by local husband and wife team, Eddie and Monica Roe, of Mike’s Bikes, the first wave set off at 8.15am.

The swim conditions for the 350m or 750m distances in the East Pier

were close to ideal with, a bit of a pull needed on the way out, and somewhat easier on the turnaround.

The closed road and no drafting on the bikes made it safe and achievable for all levels, while the two loop run of the pier made perfect viewing for the many spectators who had gathered to join in the atmosphere and cheer home the entrants.

The cost of hosting the event is made possible by donations from the main sponsor, KBC Bank, promotion through Q102 and the participants, who raise sponsorship and train to compete in the event.

Big winner: Win tickets to see UCD in friendlies Hession reward for performance

Villarreal finished UCD AFC have announced recently that fourth in last seasons La they will host two friend- Liga and so are qualifiers ly matches at the Belfield for next season’s ChamATHLETE Hessionpions of Athenry League. As well Bowl againstPaul Scotland’s presented as this,with they have a wide St Athletic JohnstoneClub FC onisJuly cheque after the best performrange of talented foot10,aand Spain’s Villarreal of16. the weekend at the at their disposal ballers CFance on July Woodie’s DIY AAI Senior with Track Barcelona target St Johnstone finished and Field at MorManchester eighth in theChampionships SLP last and former ton Stadium, season, and have aSantry. long United player, Giuseppe tradition in Scottish Rossi, on the top of the Picture credit: Patplayers Murphy / SPORTSFILE list. football.

Former GazetteSpor t and include Sir Alex Ferguson UCD are giving lucky and Ally McCoist.

readers the chance to win pairs of tickets to these matches.

Simply answer the following question: Where was Villarreal striker Guiseppe Rossi born?

Send your answer, together with your name, address and mobile phone number, to sport@ gazettegroup.com, with “UCD Friendlies” in the subject line of the mail.

UCD’s Robbie Benson

30 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 18 August 2011

GazetteSport Sport LOCAL TEAM WIN?

COMMUNITY GAMES: LOCAL SUCCESSES IN ATHLONE FINALS

WE WANT TO KNOW! SHARE YOUR SUCCESS STORIES AND WE’LL TELL THE WHOLE CITY Call our SPORTS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email sport@gazettegroup.com

Ava Tormey Murphy, Mark Fahey and Nicole Hughes were on form in the pool, representing Dublin in Athlone

Community rules at AIT sport@gazettegroup.com

ATHLONE was a centre of excitement and expectations during the second weekend of the HSE Community Games August National Finals 2011 which took place in Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT).

There was particular cause for celebration in the swimming pool where, in the girls’ U-12 breaststroke, Dalkey’s Nicole Hughes repeat performances secured her wins in her heat,

semi-final and final, where she took the gold.

Dun Laoghaire/ Mo n k s t ow n ’s Av a Tormey Murphy was another of the swimming medal winners in the U-10 backstroke after an impressive performance over the weekend. She comfortably secured a win in her heat, followed by a tighter finish in the semi-final, and a place on the podium from the final.

Nearly 2,500 children participated in a number

of cultural and sporting activities, including gymnastics, Gaelic football, soccer, tennis, volleyball, Olympic handball, hockey, skittles and judo, with Dublin being represented in cycling, pitch and putt and swimming.

Participants were supported by over 600 volunteers and organisers, as well as family members and friends, who came from all corners of the country to offer their support and encouragement.

Over 200,000 young

people from all over Ireland take part in the HSE Community Games qualifiers and finals every year, making it an essential part of Irish life.

The weekend got off to a great start on Friday evening with a colourful and energetic opening event with Emma O’Driscoll, from RTE’s The Den, and the HSE Community Games mascot Oltan the Owl, welcoming all the children as they paraded into the National Finals event.

The finals continue this weekend, August 19 to 21, where children will participate in rugby, futsal, hurling, rounders, and Dublin will be represented in camogie, basketball and athletics.

On the boy’s side, Dublin swimmers secured two gold and a bronze, with Matthew Hynes (Iona) securing bronze in the U-12 breaststroke, his brother Andrew won gold in the U-16 freestyle, and Lucan’s Ben O’Dwyer won gold in the U-14 freestyle.

18 August 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 31

in association with

HURLING: KILMACUD SECURE PLACE IN DIVISION 2 a

CLUB NOTICEBOARD BALLYBODEN WANDERERS LADIES training is on Mondays and

tioned in the club notes please

Wednesdays at 7.30pm. Contact

contact Stephen on 0879789843

Darren on 087 664 7205.

or pro@wanderersgaa.ie no later

The new club website is now live at www.wanderersgaa.ie. All content, feedback or suggestions should be emailed to pro@wanderersgaa.ie.

than 10am Monday morning each week.

Congratulations to Simon Lambert and the Dublin senior hurlers

There was no winner of the lotto.

on a magnificent performance v

Numbers drawn were 22, 23 and

Tipp in the All-Ireland semi-final

27; €25 goes to Sara and Denis, Ken

from all at Wanderers.

Casey, Tom Howard and Dermot

Congratulations also to the Dub-

Walsh. The jackpot next week is

lin minor hurlers who made it to

€700.

the All-Ireland final after beating

Volunteers are required to report

Waterford.

on club matches at all levels for the

Best wishes to all members

press and club website this season.

expecting exam results in the com-

Contact Stephen on 087 978 9843.

ing weeks.

If you would like a notice men-

www.wanderersgaa.ie

BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S Kilmacud Crokes pipped their rivals, St Vincent’s, to the second automatic promotion place to AHL 2

Crokes claim their promotion place AHL DIVISION 3 Kilmacud Crokes St Vincent’s

3-13 3-8

sport@gazettegroup.com

K ILMACUD Crokes claimed promotion to senior B hurling for 2012 with a battling win over St Vincent’s at Silverpark last Saturday evening.

T hey got the vital result ahead of the Marino men, who were one of their main rivals for the second promotion spot, with both sides going into the tie on 15 points, with Clan Na Gael Fontenoy already assured of moving up.

As such, it made the encounter a do-or-die affair for the sides, and neither gave a single inch on a dry, overcast evening.

In the end, it was a superb second-half performance from Kilm a c u d C r o ke s t h a t made the difference, as Andrew Hopkins and Niall Lillis starred in the back line.

Dillon Mulligan covered every inch of Silverpark and had a big influence on the game while, up front, Alex Pilkington was outstanding and scored 2-2.

Not far behind was young Caolan Conway who notched a trio of frees en route to a personal tally of 1-6, while there were also contributions from Daithi de Paor and Alan Tiernan.

It completed a fine season for the side, coming a week after a big 1-17 to 0-9 win over Naomh Olaf in a local derby at the same venue. Crokes led at half-time by 2-5 to 0-4 in that match.

The game was played in a very sporting manner but, while the scoreline suggested an easy win for Crokes, that was not the case as the first half was ver y evenly contested.

Olaf attacked with relish in the second half but the Kilmacud defence again stood

strong and held out, with Pilkington again finding his shooting boots with 0- 4 while Fergal Armstrong was exceptionally accurate at free time.

He notched nine frees and one 65 to record a double-figure tally while Conor Sheahan’s goal added an extra gloss.

Niall Lillis and Dillon Mulligan were other key players as they set up the second against third battle with St Vincent’s, the margin of victory putting Crokes just ahead on points difference.

It was a crucial match in the title run-in as Vinnies fell to Clan Na

Gael, falling from their perch at the top of the division down to third in one evening’s hurling, opening the door for Kilmacud to pounce.

With the club’s first team currently in pole position to reach the AHL1 final – probably needing just a point in their final league game to assure that place – it could make for a famous year for the club.

F o r n ow, t h o u g h , attention switches to the return of the senior championship with St Vincent’s again the opponent on August 27, with four matches to be played in the next month.

WELL done to Jamie, Brian and

Edmondstown Golf Club. This is a

Conor and the Dublin minor team

very important fundraiser for the

on reaching the All-Ireland final.

club. See website.

Hard luck to the seniors but congratulations on a great season.

The annual golf classic will take place on Friday, September 16 in

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 8, 3, 20 and 4. The jackpot of €5,500 wasn’t won. This week’s Jackpot will be €6,000.

BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S LOTTO: Numbers drawn were 17, 19,

8.30pm. The jackpot is still to be won.

21 and 24. There was no winner. Next

€1,000 of prizes to be won.

week’s draw will be for €1,200.

Congratulations to Glenn Whelan,

Tickets are available online at

Aodhan Clabby and Donal Gormley

www.ballinteerstjohns.com or from

for qualifying for the All-Ireland final

the usual outlets.

with the Dublin minor team. Senior

€100 Pat Rack, €50 Eliza Quinn, €50 Sean and Barney c/o clubhouse.

Bingo continues every Monday at

footballers take on Naomh Fionnbarra in Marlay Park in a League match. All support welcome.

STARS OF ERIN JUVENILE training starts back this

Commiserations to the senior

week in Glencullen, hope everyone

Dublin hurlers who were narrowly

enjoyed the short break.

beaten by Tipperary in Croke Park

The adult team continues training this week, also. All welcome to attend.

There was no winner of the weekly

on Sunday.

The club would like wish our chairman, Paudge McHugh, a very happy birthday.

lotto. The drawn numbers were 9, 15

The club would like to thank him

and 17. The three “No Jackpot Win-

for his tireless work within the club

ner” prizes went to Gerry Donnelly,

and the community.

Sean Roe and F Walsh.

The jackpot nex t week will be €400.

Please visit w w w.starsoferin. com for further news, reviews and updates.

Follow GazetteSport on Facebook and Twitter and at www.gazettegroup.com

ALL OF YOUR DUNDRUM SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 28-31

CROWNING CROKES: Kilmacud inters power to promotion into senior league P31

dundrumsport@gazettegroup.com

STEPHEN McNally has described his gold medal ride in the European Masters’ Track Championships as his “best moment in cycling.”

McNally took victory in the final of the 3km Pursuit in the 45-49 year-old category at the Fassa Bortolo Velodrome in Montichiari, Italy, beating Britain’s Trevor Burke in the final by just over 2.3 seconds in a time of 3m 35.641s.

McNally had qualified fastest in a time of 3m 33.801 seconds, fractionally under three seconds faster than Burke.

Heading to Italy for his first international competition, indeed his first-ever competition on an indoor track, McNally had expected that he would need to better his best Sundrive Road 3km time of 3m 45.69s by at least ten seconds to challenge for a medal.

Lowering his personal best by almost 12 seconds was, therefore, a matter of some personal pride.

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McNally claims first gold medal in Europe

AUGUST 18, 2011

Orwell Wheelers’ Stephen McNally on the podium at the European Masters’ Track Championship event in Italy last week

“This is my best moment in cycling,” he said afterwards. “I went out a bit fast in the qualifying run, and eased back slightly in the second kilometre. Luckily, I still had something in the tank.

“We only had a couple of hours before the final and it was oppressively hot in the velodrome, but I guess it was the same for Trevor, too. I just tried to recover as well as I could, drink plenty of water and keep my feet up.

“The plan for the final was to track Trevor all the way and wind it up with three or four laps to go. I guess he had a similar plan and he pulled the trigger with four laps to go.

“I waited another lap before beginning my finishing effort and I managed to pull out a decent gap by the finish.

Hardest ever pursuit “The final was the hardest pursuit ride I’ve ever done, it was so hard to even match Trevor for the first two kilometres.

“This was my first indoor competition so, hopefully, there’s scope for improvement, particularly on my lines.

“I’ve had great encouragement from many people but I’d like to say a special thank you to Aidan Ryan and Mark Kiely who helped with my training, and to Aideen Collard who kept me updated every lap during both rides “I especially want to thank my family who have been very supportive throughout my training.”

McNally hasn’t had much opportunity to celebrate his success as he was due to compete in the 750m Time Trial on Wednesday and the 10km Scratch Race on Thursday.

Also in action in Montichiari was Orwell Wheelers clubmate, Aideen Collard, who set a personal best on her way to fourth place in the 35-49 year old 500m Time Trial.

Collard’s 42.520s time was an agonising .085 seconds shy of a medal-winning time ride but bodes well for her remaining events in the championships.