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November 10, 2011

INSIDE: New book ccelebrates 300 years THE SCIENCE OF LEARNING: South oof Mount Merrion P4 Dublin schools in BT’s RDS contest P3

Say yellow, girls: Fun dressing up as scarecrows Kilmacud: End of an era as Carr steps down from senior role Page 32

IF YOU were to take a straw poll, there’d be no doubt that Anna Bolton and Alya Egan were having fun dressing up as scarecrows at Airfield, where a spooktastic Halloween experience had been arranged.

With prizes for the best-dressed scarecrow, spooky trails, creepy storytelling and ghostly artwork to get involved with, everyone had a ghoulishly great time at the popular venue.

Picture: Geraldine Woods

Full Gallery on Pages 8-9

Football: Ballyboden blast way to the championship Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS .................... 21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

€4.4m raised by pay and display charges Council defends funds netted from parking income

Q NATALIE BURKE

A MASSIVE €4.4 million has been raised through pay and display parking in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown so far this year, The Gazette can reveal.

Independent councillor Victor Boyhan said he

believed that the figure raised demonstrated an “aggressive” enforcement of parking fines within the county.

He said: “The vote at the council meeting in early January to include the €4.4 million in the budget clearly shows that it was a conscious decision to have that target in place, and

how much income was going to be made from parking.”

However, a council spokesman said that “any reduction in the pay and display income budget will have an adverse effect on the scale and extent to which important services can be delivered”.

Full Story on Page 2

2 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 10 November 2011

COURTS Pleaded not guilty to drive charge COUNCIL: INSISTENCE THAT FUNDS NECESSARY TO HELP SERVE COUNTY

Jury dismissed after failing to reach verdict A JURY in the case of a youth, who allegedly ran over and killed a man returning from a night out, has been dismissed after failing to reach a verdict.

Dara O’Sullivan (21), of Clonard Road, Dundrum, had pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing the death of Liam Stafford (28) at Clonard

Lawns, Sandyford, in the early hours of November 8, 2009.

He also pleaded not guilty to two charges of not having a valid licence, and one charge of no insurance.

The prosecution alleged Mr O’Sullivan sped off when the deceased and another man climbed on top of the limousine he was sitting in at the time.

Mr Stafford was allegedly dragged under the car and crushed to death by the back wheel.

Jury The jury told Judge Patrica Ryan they could not reach a decision on the dangerous driving causing death charge and one charge of having no licence.

They returned a guilty verdict on the remaining

no licence charge and the no insurance charge.

After nearly three-anda-half hours’ deliberation, and a six-day trial, the jury foreman said: “I think we’re deadlocked and that’s not going to change.”

Judge Ryan put the case back to next week, pending a new trial date, and remanded O’Sullivan on continuing bail.

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council offices

€4.4m raised through pay and display Q NATALIE BURKE

A MASSIVE €4.4 million has been raised through pay and display parking in Dun LaoghaireRathdown (DLR) so far this year, The Gazette can reveal.

According to new figures, the €4.4 million was generated in the first seven months of 2011.

However, this week, Independent councillor Victor Boyhan said he believed that the figure raised demonstrated an “aggressive” enforcement of parking fines within the county.

“The vote at the council meeting in early January to include the €4.4 million in the budget clearly shows that it was a conscious decision to have that target in place, and how much income was going to be made from parking,” said Cllr Boyhan, who was one of four DLR county councillors to vote against the

motion.

In January, the council determined that income in the sum of €4,400,000 from the scheme would be included in the annual budget for the financial year ending December 31, 2011, and that this sum be used for works, including the footpath improvement programme, road maintenance, public lighting, school warden services and grass cutting, among others.

Services Cllr Boyhan said: “These services, such as weed-spraying and grasscutting, have always been provided for and they still have to be done, even without the pay and display parking income.

“Despite voting against the motion, it was a democratic decision at the council meeting but I think it puts a lot of pressure on the scheme to bring in income and demonstrates a really aggres-

sive enforcement of these parking fines,” he said.

Following a question raised by the councillor at a recent council meeting, it was confirmed that between January and June of this year, €3,588,054 was made from a combination of meter collections, parking permits, court costs and parking fines.

Over the seven months, it was confirmed that 22,816 parking fines were issued, 3,105 fines appealed, and almost €700,000 made from parking fines income.

A spokesman from the council’s transportation department responded by saying that “any reduction in the pay and display income budget will have an adverse effect on the scale and extent to which important services can be delivered, including accessibility improvements to footpaths and road safety awareness initiatives”.

10 November 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 3

EVENT BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition

Students vie for a space at RDS for 2012 Q LAURA WEBB dundrum@gazettegroup.com

A RECORD number of students have entered the 2012 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition with 130 projects from Dublin schools qualifying for the prestigious competition.

The highlight of the school year for many young secondary students, this year’s entrants have shown that the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition hasn’t lost its spark among budding scientists.

This year 1,743 ideas were entered by 3,842 students from across the 32 counties.

In Dublin South a number of different schools will exhibit their projects during the January show, including De La Salle in Churchtown, Mount Anville School in Dublin 14, Rockbrook Park School in Rathfarnham, St Colmcille’s Community School in Knocklyon, and Wesley College in Ballinteer.

Interest in the compe-

tition has increased over the years and already judges have remarked on the impressive nature of entries this year, based on preliminary reviews.

Each year more and more students are entering the competition and are battling it out for a place in the RDS exhibi--------------------------

‘This year 1,743 ideas were entered by 3,842 students from across the 32 counties’ --------------------------

tion. To allow for more students to take part, BT has extended the space at the exhibition making 550 places available, an increase of 30 on last year, allowing up to 90 additional students take part in January.

Speaking this week, the Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn TD, said: “In its 48th year, it is great to see the BT Young Scientist

and Technology Exhibition continue to break new records for both the number of projects entered and schools competing. It is hugely uplifting to see 1,743 ideas generated in classrooms across Ireland, thought up by curious young minds who are eager to positively impact the world around them.

“Research and innovation are critically important to our economy, and I commend everyone involved in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition for providing a platform to stimulate and showcase Ireland’s talent both nationally and internationally.”

The 2012 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition takes place in the RDS, Dublin from January 11 – 14.

For more information, log onto www.btyoungscientist.com, check out http://www.facebook. com/BTYSTE, follow on twitter at http://twitter. com/btyste or call 1800 924 362.

The X-Factor’s Melanie kicks off Shop & Rock Q MICHAEL HANNAN

THIS week, Irish X Factor singer Melanie McCabe launched the second Dundrum Town Centre Shop & Rock event which takes place on Thursday, November 17, from 9pm until midnight.

Last year’s event was a huge success, and this year it again promises to be a night full of discounts, live music and festive entertainment.

Over 75 retailers at the centre are taking part, and one lucky customer will be walking away with a luxury holiday for two to Dubai worth over €6,000, thanks to Cassidy Travel and the Dubai Tourist Board.

The prize includes direct flights to Dubai, a three-night stay in a luxury hotel and a seven-night luxury Dubai

cruise. To be in with a chance to win, customers can enter on www.facebook. com/dundrumtc or at the Customer Service Desk on Level 2 and then be at the Shop and Rock Event on November 17.

Discounts Shoppers can join the Shop & Rock mailing list at www.dundrum.ie/shopn-rock/ with the discounts only being revealed 24 hours before the event.

Entertainment on the night will be provided by Melanie as well as electric violinist Tara Novak and, back by popular demand, The Late Late Show in-house band, The Camembert Quartet. 1940’s swing sensation, The Bugle Babes will add a touch of vintage swing glamour to the night’s proceedings.

The RDS will once again be full to the brim with exciting projects by young scientists

EXAMS

Serious success ACCOUNTANCY student Ronan Murphy, from Clonskeagh, Dublin, who was studying for the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) examinations at Griffith College, has been recognised by the CPA for his first-class performance in the annual examinations.

Ronan achieved first in Ireland and was among eight Griffith College students to be awarded and recognised by CPA for his outstanding results in the examinations, which took place in 2011.

4 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 10 November 2011

BOOKS: CELEBRATING THE 300TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEMESNE

Reaching out: Your local AIB

Charting the history of Mount Merrion

AIB Cornelscourt are supporting SME’s and the community since the beginning of the year. The branch have hosted 16 showcases of SMEs, giving small, local businesses the opportunity to display their wares in the bank. Branch manager, Sandy Doyle, and retail manager, Terri McGeary, pictured, along with their team, are keen to get business and the economy moving, and the iniative is proving successfull with a list of clients waiting to get involved. Pic: Geraldine Woods

ENTERPRISENEWS

Q STAFF REPORTER

news@gazettegroup.com

50+ Start Your Own Business SUPPORT programme

DUNDRUM BUSINESS

SHOP LOCALLY W

ARE you over 50? Ever thought of starting your own business?

This may be the right time and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Enterprise Board is promoting a training course focussed particularly on specific issues and challenges relating to budding entrepreneurs in this target group.

The vital components of a structured Start Your Own Business programme will be combined with the inclusion of additional elements pertinent to “Senior Entrepreneurs”, such as succession and pension planning, and the use of social media in business.

The training, which will take place in early 2012, will be held over 10 evenings (1 x per week) in the Enterprise Board’s offices in Nutgrove Enterprise Park.

Topics covered will include The Challenges of Starting a Business, Marketing for 21st century businesses, Finance, Sales and Recession Proofing. Networking and Mentoring opportunities will form an intrinsic part of the programme and guest speakers will talk about their own experiences of starting a business in the local area.

If you have a business idea and are interested in joining this exciting new programme,and receiving further detail, please contact the Enterprise Board – (01) 494 8400 or info@dlrceb.ie.

CALL THE GAZETTE ON

60 10 240

WHILE all books are meant to be read, some are also designed to be admired. This impressive publication from Mount Merrion’s Historical Society, celebrating the 300th anniversary of the creation of the Demesne, is such a book.

Published in hardback, the slip cover features a magical full-colour photograph of Deerpark taken by Oliver Murphy, which is a taster for the quality to be found within.

Through a series of articles and lavish illustrations the book charts the social history of the Mount Merrion area from 1711 when the great house was built by the FitzWilliam, through the ensuing centuries of Ascendancy rule until the 1920s when the land was turned over to developers and the housing estate that is the Mount Merrion of today was begun.

The book consists of a mix of historical pieces on such topics as the building of the original house and demesne, biographies of the tenants and their notable visitors, a chapter on the world-famous Titania’s Palace doll’s house, which was designed and commissioned by Sir Nevile Wilkinson, the final tenant of the estate, intermingled with reminiscences from residents.

And while all were obviously welcome to share their thoughts and memories of living in this “Garden City”, remembering dances in

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‘Through a series of articles and lavish illustrations, the book charts the social history of the Mount Merrion area from 1711’

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the local Barn, Scout Troops, sports teams of various codes, it is striking to note the many celebrities that have passed time amongst its tree-lined avenues - Dermot Morgan, PV Doyle, Don Cockburn, Brendan Balfe, and Emma Donaghue, to name just a few.

But it is the pride of the ordinary man and woman of Mount Merrion that shines through

in this book, the pride that prompted the Historical Society to take on the series of events that celebrated this 300th anniversary. Needless to say all the activities - an Exhibition, a Concert in the Church of St Therese and a Website, are recorded in words and pictures in the book.

There will be a formal launch of the book in the Monk Gibbon Hall, Foster Avenue on Sunday, November 20, at 6pm, to which all are welcome.

The book will naturally be on sale at the event and, after that, in selected shops in the Mount Merrion area. Thanks to generous sponsorship from Supervalu and from DLR Count Council, the beautiful book will cost just €20.

T his book will be this Christmas season’s stocking-filler of choice in Mount Merrion and, deservedly, beyond.

Mount Merrion 300, A Portrait in Time

10 November 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 5

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RETAIL

Get ready to shop and rock IRISH X-Factor singer, Melanie McCabe, was in town this week to launch the second Dundrum Town Centre Shop & Rock event, which takes place on Thursday, November 17 and which will run from 9pm until midnight.

More than 75 retailers at Dundrum Town Centre are taking part.

Not only will there be discounts on the night, one customer will be walking away with a luxury holiday for two to Dubai, worth more than €6,000, thanks to Cassidy Travel and the Dubai Tourist Board.

Customers have to enter on www.facebook. com/dundrumtc, or at the Customer Service Desk on Level 2, and then be at the Shop and Rock event.

For further details, see www.dundrum.ie, or www.facebook.com/ dundrumtc.

PARENTING How to play in an imaginative way

Claphandies classes taking Dublin by storm Q NATALIE BURKE

SINCE it was established in 2007, ClapHandies, which runs weekly classes to guide parents and their babies on how to play in imaginative and innovative ways, has taken Dublin by storm.

Founded by Liza Crotty, a mother of two, the company now runs classes right across the capital and surrounding areas.

Liza says: “After having my first child, I wanted something to do that would be educational and developmental and that would interest both me and my daughter, but there really wasn’t anything out there.

“I spoke to my friends,

and realised a lot of people were in the same position. So, it gave me the idea to set up some play workshops, and I began collaborating with the people and experts who could help make that happen.”

Over a three-month period, Liza set up workshops where she watched, listened and learned, seeing what interested the infants, what engaged them, what worked and what didn’t. In 2007, she then began classes in Sandymount and Terenure with more than 60 clients, and the business has continued to grow.

Today, ClapHandies hosts more than 80 classes a week in 20 different

venues across Dublin, and features three core classes, including PlayLabs, Baby Massage and Paediatric First Aid. During a PlayLab, babies, toddlers and their parents have the opportunity to have one-on-one play time, with a focus on a different developmental theme every week.

The Baby PlayLabs cater for babies, aged from six weeks, the Wobblers Lab from 12 months and the Toddlers Lab from 21 months to three-and-ahalf-years.

“Baby Massage is another class we hold, and is a wonderful thing to do,” says Liza. “They’re beneficial for parent and baby, and helps them

ClapHandies holds weekly classes to guide parents and their babies on how to play in imaginative and innovative ways

bond, helps prevent colic and is proven to benefit mothers suffering with post-natal depression.

“Some health insurance companies actually cover the cost of Baby Massage classes for new mothers too,” she says.

Shortly after launching PlayLabs, Liza was asked by her customers to start running first-aid courses for parents, and she joined forces with Responder Training to deliver first aid courses focusing on baby

and toddler first aid.

“Parents come to the classes for a huge amount of reasons. Some parents come for advice, some for support and some for friendship. It’s a great way to meet parents in the same area with children the same age,” says Liza.

“It’s especially good for new mothers, as it offers a lot of support and the opportunity to ask questions they might not be able to ask anyone else.

“It can be hard to have proper play time at home with so many distractions but, in the ClapHandies classes, parents have a whole hour they can dedicate to just having play time with their baby.”

ClapHandies has a recently opened their brand new venue in Lucan, in the Lucan Spa Hotel. To book in for a trial session and a lesson in fun, visit www.claphandies.com, or contact Liza on 087 919 6042.

10 November 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 7

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R1

FAMILIES Spooktastic fun for everyone – even scarecrows –

A memorably-dressed figure

The happy children looked more like “joycrows” than scarecrows

Sophia and Ann-Marie Steele

Ashlee Willdridge and William McCahon

Harry and

A horribly great event at Airfield IRFIELD proved to be a spooktastically great setting for some horribly good family fun during Halloween, with all manner of disgustingly delightful activities laid on to give everyone a monstrously good time.

The grounds were decked out in Halloween decorations, with ghosts and ghouls hidden all around for everyone to find. A major focus of the day’s fun were the “live scraecrows”,

A

with lots of children (and some adults) decked out in straw and old clothes, ready to have a great day – and scare birds away from the long meadow, if necessary.

Spot prizes were available for the best scarecrows, with a Halloween trail, a live ceili, ghost-painting artwork, and storytelling, all of which created a great day (despite the beastly sunshine being un-Halloweenly bright).

Anna Bolton

Some of the colourful characters spotted all around the grounds

Hello, pumpkin ... it’s Donnchadh Monaghan

10 November 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 9

with lots of ghoulishly good Halloween activities in Dundrum

Happy to see The Gazette

Muireann Emerson

with Alya Egan give a lift to three passing scarecrows. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

The children loved the master storyteller’s tales

The day’s events delighted everyone, regardless of age

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10 November 2011 GAZETTE 11

LIVE A return to home soil as Dubliners Tarantella Falls relaunch debut album

It’s all falling into place now Q MICHAEL HANNAN

DUBLIN band Tarantella Fall will relaunch their debut album, Abandoned Road, at Blanchardstown’s Captain Americas this Friday, November 11.

It is a homecoming gig for frontman Chris Kinsella, a Blanchardstown native who has lived there all his life, and he is looking forward to playing back on his old turf.

“Captain Americas is a fantastic new venue in the area that the band is very excited about playing. It is great to see a new venue in the area promoting live original music and, it’s free in on the night so be sure to get there early,” he said.

Abandoned Road is a concept album that tells the story of John Willmore, a man with a dark

past who decides to share that darkness with those he meets.

The album has been described as “reminiscent of the storytelling of Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen or Willie Vlautin” which “veers between the alt. rock musings of REM, the heavy guitar workouts of Neil Young and the sinister atmospherics of Slint,” according to Olaf Tyaransen of Hot Press.

Formed in late 2009, Tarantella Fall’s line-up is completed by Neville Foster on drums, Graham Keogh on bass and Ronan O’Donovan on guitar and harmonica.

They take the first part of their name from the Tom Waits song Tango Till They’re Sore and the name of an Italian dance.

The second part comes from a poem by Hillaire

Belloc in which the last line refers to a waterfall.

The band made their live debut in January and first launched Abandoned Road in March.

It’s been an eventful year for the quartet, who had their song, Wasteland, featured in Network Two’s The Importance of Being Whatever.

They helped musician Dave Browne break the Guinness World Record for continuous guitar playing of over 114 hours with a stint with him in the Temple Bar Pub. They have also performed for Special Olympics Ireland on Henry St, and shared the stage with Irish bands of the moment Royseven, The Minutes and Bipolar Empire as part of the Jägermeister Freezer Sessions in Dundalk.

Dublin band Tarantella Falls are set for a debut album relaunch in Captain Americas this Friday, November 11

12 GAZETTE 10 November 2011

GazetteNUTRITION NUTRITION

Getting your digestive system in tip-top shape Q LEILA JOHARI

IF you find yourself experiencing hear tburn or indigestion you may be suffering from a digestive imbalance, an inability to produce the appropriate enzymes to break down food or an inability to secrete the acid or alkali environment throughout the digestive system.

A poor digestive system can result in embarrassing symptoms such as bloating, burping and belching which we would all prefer to avoid.

Importance of a healthy digestive system An optimally functioning digestive system is essential to good health.

The nutrients in food cannot promote health if they are being inefficiently absorbed.

The average person only absorbs 30% of the nutrients needed by the body each day. This is why we must ensure that our gut is as healthy as possible.

Strategies for dealing with dodgy digestion • Avoid large and too frequent meals • Avoid drinking with meals as this dilutes the action of digestive juices making complete digestion more difficult • Avoid strong spices, salt, sugar, curries, alcohol and coffee as these are gastric irritants and acid-forming foods such

as meat and fast food • Avoid fried foods • Avoid eating under stress as it impairs digestion • Avoid poor food combinations. A meal consisting of raw fruit, cooked fruit, raw vegetables, cooked vegetables, several types of protein, starch and sweets will lead to indigestion.

Keep meals simple and chew food well.

Never combine fruits with vegetables, fruits with starches or liquids with solids.

Bacteria isn’t always bad One of the most important factors in boosting digestive health is ensuring that there is the right balance of good and bad bacteria in the stomach.

When bad bacteria overwhelm the good, d i g e s t i ve p r o b l e m s occur.

A good way of guaranteeing you have enough of these beneficial bacteria is to eat probiotics - foods that contain cultures of these bacteria.

Probiotic bacteria naturally dominate in a healthy gut; they reinforce the integrity of the intestinal lining as a protective barrier to prevent harmful organisms or materials from crossing into the body’s bloodstream.

The lifestyle link If you are ill, stressed, very tired or taking antibiotics, your gut flora suffers. When your gut flora is in decline, the harmful bacteria can

grow in formidable force, and, of course, the good bacteria are no longer able to do their important jobs.

So you’re convinced that you need to keep your good bacteria happy and healthy. The question is how?

Eating more probiotics is the obvious answer.

They contain living cultures of good bacteria, most often Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium species. They are available in milk-based drinks, yogurts and cheeses.

The idea behind probiotics is that they introduce colonies of good bacteria into the colon.

Eating probiotic products is like infecting your body in a good way.

Some research suggests that only a small proportion of the bacteria in probiotics make it through to the colon – many are killed in the acidic conditions in the stomach, which is why acid-forming foods should be avoided.

Prebiotics are food for the good bacteria. They are indigestible carbohydrates that encourage the existing good bacteria to thrive. Basically, they are soluble fibre such as whole grains, oats and rye, and good sources include Jerusalem artichokes, onions, garlic and bananas.

So listen to your gut reaction and make the dietary changes that will boost your digestive system. And remember, it’s not “you are what you eat,” it is “you are what your body can absorb”.

An optimally functioning digestive system is essential to good health

10 November 2011 GAZETTE 13

EVENT

10 Years and still going strong for the Boys!

The longest-running male lifestyle event, Toys 4 Big Boys, in Ireland kicks off on November 11 with a host of brand new features. Girls in the City will run in parallel with Toys 4 Big Boys in a different part of the Citywest venue.

Be wowed

by Toys 4 Big Boys at Citywest GET ready to experience this juggernaut of excitement as the longest running male lifestyle event in Ireland kicks off on November 11 with a host of brand new features.

Take a deep breath and prepare to be amazed and wowed as the show provides something of interest to all – lads, dads and families. Those who visit the event will enjoy a fun day out full of escapism and the chance to feast their eyes on everything they could possibly want.

This year will witness the biggest show yet, where revellers can expect to see amazing stunt shows that will shock and awe, the biggest Military Zone ever, the greatest cars and bikes you will see in Ireland, as well as the coolest gadgets on the planet!

Driving and drifting

Scream at the top of your lungs as the Oblivion Zip Line takes you from the top of the massive arena to the bottom in a matter of seconds. And if the Terminal Velocity Stunt Jump doesn’t frighten you to death, make your way over to the Live Action Arena and witness some top-class formation driving and drifting from some of the best drivers that Ireland has!

If you are still standing, and can take some more excitement, make your way over to the Adventure Zone or try water zorbing, kayaking, the bunjeetrampoline, climbing, the gaming arena, golf, hovercrafts, the Jedi Academy, for our younger visitors, laser clay shooting, our fantastic live stage, paintball, microlights, RC rac-

ing, skate ramp, wrestling, martial arts displays and much more.

The impressive Nintendo Unleashed Tour comes to Ireland for the first time at Toys 4 Big Boys, where you will be able to experience incredible 3D graphics, thanks to the revolutionary new Nintendo 3DS and you can also try out some ground-breaking prereleases. Nothing beats the satisfaction of playing new releases before everyone else, especially trying games that aren’t even available in the country!

And with great excitement, the event will see the first ever Soccer Live!

Arena, where Ireland’s best young freestylers and street footballers will make their mark at this years’ inaugural competition. There will be freestyle master classes with world renowned Daniel Dennehy and Peter Fleming, Ireland’s first ever 2 v 2 soccer tournament, street soccer challenges, and you may even get the chance to meet a soccer legend!

No excuses

Did we say there was free parking? Well, there is but, if you want someone else to do the driving, take the Luas (which departs from Connolly Main Line Railway Station) right to the front door – hop on the Luas Red Line to the last stop (Saggart) and you’re just 200 metres from the venue, so there really are no excuses! You simply need to come to this show!

Commenting on the Toys 4 Big Boys Show, John McDonald said:

“The Toys 4 Big Boys Show has changed considerably over the years and this year, being our 10th anniversary, there are no holds barred. We’re investing a huge amount of money in the 2011 event, which will see a big array of new features and activities for everyone to enjoy – and there will be parts to the show which no one has seen before!

There really is something for everyone at this year’s show – young lads and their friends, dads with their sons and families looking for something different to do. And, for the ladies….the Girls in the City event will deliver on everything they could possibly want.”

For tickets, and more information on this year’s show, check out www. toys4bigboys.ie. Flat rate ticket price of €10 with children under 10 free!

Girls in the City

This brand new event will run in parallel with Toys 4 Big Boys in a different part of the Citywest venue. An all-new concept event for women and their friends to have fun, with beauty, style and fashion. Three fashion shows a day; talks, workshops and demonstrations; delivering all the elements of a fulfilled and confident life. This event is styled and produced

by French fashion guru, Cynthia Baloula.

Online admission price of only €10 Free parking Community and competitions: Facebook.com/ girlsinthecity.ie Tickets: girlsinthecity. ie/tickets

14 GAZETTE 10 November 2011

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY Total luxury at the K Spa in Straffan

Vaseline’s makeover

ONE of Ireland’s most trusted skin care ranges, Vaseline, has just undergone a major makeover. Built on the premise that no two women are the same, Vaseline has developed a new three-stage moisturising treatment that works with every woman’s unique skin type. The essential range includes, Essential Moisture, Aloe Fresh and Cocoa Radiant.

“Our customers wanted a thicker texture and a milder formulation and so we created our new Essential Care Range in response to those demands,” says Lauren Brooking, of Vaseline Ireland.

The Vaseline Essential range is available from supermarkets nationwide

Q DAWN LOVE

I’VE been to a fair few beauty spas in my time as a journalist, but there are few that can compare to the K Spa in Straffan, Co Kildare. Tucked away on the grounds of the luxury five-star K Club Hotel and Resort, this is an absolute gem of relaxation and tranquillity.

Once the home to the

Barton family, the design of the hotel is based on that of a great chateau at Louveciennes, situated to the West of Paris, and just as it exudes luxury so to does the K Spa. Covering 20,000 sq ft, the spa is situated in a separate building to the main hotel and incorporates seven treatment rooms, two private suites, a swimming pool, saunas

and steam rooms.

The Spa carries two beauty ranges, the Irish organic brand, Voya, and the luxurious French skincare range, Carita.

I arrived on a rainy Thursday morning and was offered a glass of chilled, still water while I filled in a questionnaire form for the two therapists who would be looking after me.

Covering 20,000 sq ft, the K Spa is situated in a separate building to the main hotel

After changing into a luxurious towelling robe and slippers I headed off for a K Spa Signature Massage, which is a fullbody massage that fuses Eastern and Western techniques. My beauty therapist was Janet and to say I was thoroughly spoilt would be an understatement.

Using delicious grapeseed oil, Janet really concentrated on getting the lymph system going and when I say I felt three inches thinner at the end of the hour-long treatment, I’m not kidding. I think that’s the beauty of going for a K Spa Signature Massage. They are designed to suit the individual needs so, if you are pregnant and want to tackle any fluid retention, or if you have cellulite or you simply want to relax, then it’s an ideal treatment to opt for.

Next up was a facial using products from Carita, the range that every chic Parisian keeps on her bathroom shelf.

My therapist, Mona, felt that, although my skin is combination, it was also dehydrated, so she treated this in a number of ways.

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‘I left feeling completely pampered and indulged, the way you should after a morning at a first-class spa’ --------------------------

First off, my skin was cleansed and then exfoliated with Carita’s famous mixture of roasted sunflower seeds marinated in essential oils such as thyme, lemon and clove, all of which are designed to exfoliate, brighten and soften your skin.

The next stage involved a relaxing massage and, for the mask, Mona used Carita’s Bain des Lagons, which plumps up the skin cells and increases its ability to maintain its moisture reserves.

While the mask was on, my hands were massaged and I was given an Indian head massage, at which point I nodded off completely.

Before applying a moisturiser, she used a concentrated moisture booster called Serum des Lagons (a favourite with many a beauty editor) which is essentially a fresh, thirst-quenching gel that refines the skin’s texture and leaves it looking like you drink the requisite eight glasses of water on a daily basis and never, ever indulge in a late night.

I left feeling completely pampered and indulged, the way you should after a morning at a first-class spa.

For more details about the K Spa, or to make a booking, call 01 601 7200 or log on to www.kclub. ie

The luxury five-star K Club Hotel and Resort

10 November 2011 GAZETTE 15

Edited by Dawn Love

Getting your hair ready for the big party season DOES your hair need a touch of magic in the leadup to the party season? L’Oreal Paris’ first triple reinforcing programme, with Arginine and a protein complex, could be just the ticket for you then.

The high concentration of Arginine in the Elvive Triple Resist range works from the root along the lengths, to the ends, leaving your hair feeling stronger and nourished.

Fans of the range include Hollywood siren Jennifer Lopez and products to chose from include the Triple Resist Reinforcing Shampoo (€5.35) and Triple Resist Reinforcing Conditioner (€5.35).

For a special treat the Triple Resist Reinforcing Masque (€7.96) has a rich, melting and soft texture while the Triple Resist Reinforcing Treatment (€5.99) penetrates ultra quickly targeting the root of the hair. and has seven treatment rooms, a swimming pool, saunas and steam rooms

16 GAZETTE 10 November 2011

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC

Competition time: Win new editions of classic Nevermind

Still one of the most influential and game-changing records ever made, Nirvana’s Nevermind is 20 years old this year, and to celebrate we have ten copies to give away.

Simply answer the following question: What was the name of Nirvana’s first album?

Send your answer to competition@gazettegroup.com, with the subject line “Nirvana”, before Friday, November 11 or log on to our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gazettenews, and like and share the Nirvana post on your wall.

INTERVIEW: CELTIC ROOTS SHINE THROUGH

Katherine’s dream continues apace Q ROB HEIGH

MAKING the connection between the Celtic traditions has been something that many overseas acts have attempted over the years, to varying degrees of success, but Welsh mezzo soprano Katherine Jenkins has more of an affinity than most.

She was on fine form when I spoke to her from London recently, where she was promoting the release of her new album, Daydream.

The record features two very Irish songs in its roster of beautifully rendered standards, which Katherine was delighted to talk about how they came to appear on this, her seventh studio album.

“Carrickfergus is a song I’ve known for quite a few years, and I have always wanted to record it, but sometimes when you’re making an album, there’s not space for everything, and not everything fits.

It has been on my list for quite a few years, and finally I had a space for it.

Katherine Jenkins will return to the Dublin stage in December 2012

“Black is the Colour was introduced to me by an Irish friend, who told me about Christy Moore, and I had never heard of him before.

“I started listening to some of his songs, and I found out how beautiful that song is, I knew immediately that would be the first song on the

album.

“When I had that, I knew I had a song that would match Carrickfergus, and that they would complement each other.”

Katherine was in Dublin last week, making press appearances and suggesting by Twitter that she was about to take over as the host of The Late Late Show, but she is set to return to the stage of the O2 next December with a full choir and orchestral backing, something she cannot wait to come around.

“I’m really looking forward to coming back to Ireland. I absolutely love singing there, and I always feel so welcome, the Welsh and the Irish have a great affinity.”

Katherine has had a meteoric rise to fame over the years since her first appearance on the music scene, and Daydream again underlines what is so special about her voice and style. It sounds like a Sunday afternoon at Christmas-time, warm and enveloping, mellow and rich. I asked Katherine when she thought

she had truly found her voice.

“I think that came on my second album. At the time I was doing a lot of touring between recording sessions, and I felt I had developed a lot as a performer.

“And I think I found my voice through the live experience rather than through the recording process. I think that’s when I started to realise where I was and where I wanted to be.”

For someone who has achieved so much - millions of record sales worldwide, singing with some of the finest tenors and acts in the business, I wondered what ambitions Katherine still had for her future career.

“I feel like a lot of the things I’ve really enjoyed and am proud of are things that I never expected to be involved in, like Doctor Who, like Popstar to Operastar, and so I feel that I’m happy to go along this path. And I’m really lucky, if I can carry on singing and making albums, I’d be really happy with that.”

10 November 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: RATS MAKE GOOD COMPANION ANIMALS DUE TO THEIR HIGH INTELLIGENCE

Keeping the social and furry rat as a pet LET’S talk about rats!

Pet rats! Yes, people do keep them as pets; mainly because due to their high level of intelligence, they make wonderful companion animals and, as they live a relatively short life, (average three years), those who don’t wish to make the long-term commitment that comes with owning a cat or a dog, usually find this type of pet appealing.

Here’s the science bit: The domestic rat is related to the wild brown rat. However, people have been breeding him as a companion pet for around a hundred years.

Including his seven-inch tail, this animal ranges in length from between 14 to 18 inches and his coat can be curly and shiny, all

black or black and white.

However, (for a variety of reasons) not everyone is suitable to have one of these curious little creatures as pets.

And here’s why…

salmonella may produce problems in an otherwise healthy adult that may then pass to the unborn child. Personal hygiene is the key here and, if you’re in any doubt, consult your family doctor.

Care

You cannot keep a pet rat caged 24/7. Like the rest of us, they need time out to stretch their legs, to socialise, to interact with their owners by snuggling up on their laps and to explore new areas of their environment. If you don’t allow this type of socialisation, your rat may become depressed.

Rats are nocturnal creatures, which means they sleep during the day and need a quiet room when you’re going about your business. During the night

Welfare

The domestic rat is a relative of the wild brown rat

when you want to sleep, Roland the Rat wants to play. Are you prepared for this?

Do you know what a Zoonotic disease is (a disease in animals that may be transmitted to humans) and how to prevent it?

If you’re getting a pet rat for a child, you need to be aware that young chil-

dren have an underdeveloped immune system and aren’t in the habit of washing their hands following close contact with animals. This can make them particularly vulnerable to the effects of salmonella – an intestinal bacteria carried by rats.

The same rule applies if you’re pregnant because

As social animals, your pet rat will need a companion and this means another rat because, if Roland doesn’t have a friend, he’ll get bored and become unhappy. A pair of males is recommended because they do well together if introduced when young. (Babies can be removed from their litter at six weeks). Female rats actually get on better if introduced when they’re a little older.

Please be sensible, you

don’t need to be Sherlock Holmes to know that males and females who are unaltered will breed, and breed, and, er breed and the litter count can reach as high as 20! So, have the little guys neutered/spayed as soon as you can.

Housing

Rats love climbing so get your little pet a wire cage with a solid floor and use pelleted, recycled paper, shredded paper towels or napkins. Never use pine or cedar shavings – they’re harmful to rats. Provide a small box or plant pot for hiding and PVC tubes for running through or small tree branches for climbing. If introducing an exercise wheel, make sure it has

a solid surface without wire rungs to ensure his tail doesn’t get caught when running.

Diet

Roland Rat’s main diet should be a good quality pellet chow containing soy meal, which is specifically formulated for rodents. I’d recommend peas, carrots, apples and bananas as treats and dog biscuits to keep his teeth in good condition – but never give chocolate, onions, toffees, peanut butter etc. Fresh, clean water in a feeding tube should also be available at all times.

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

18 GAZETTE 10 November 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs VW PASSES 8 MILLION MILESTONE: VOLKSWAGEN Group increased vehicle sales in September to achieve record nine-month results.

The German-based car company said that it is well on the way to hitting sales of eight million cars this year.

Volkswagen group retail sales for all brands, including Audi, Skoda and Seat, rose 13.3% in September to 751,900 vehicles. This gave a ninemonth retail sales figure of 6.11 million cars, a 13.9% increase from last year.

The Audi and Skoda brands have lead the expansion in sales by increased sales in expanding markets, including China and central and eastern Europe and by a significant rise in US sales. In Europe, Volkswagen Group sales grew by 10.8% to 2.7 million cars.

The new BWM 3 Series range has more space and significantly better engines

BMW launches new 3 Series BMW has launched the latest version of the 3 Series, its best-selling model in the world, in time for the 2012 market.

The new BMW face, with flat headlights reaching along as far as the BMW kidney grille, is part of the signature design of the new BMW 3 Series.

The sixth generation of the 3 Series has grown in size compared to its predecessor. It has a wider track, both front and rear, and the car is 93mm longer with a 50mm longer wheelbase. Despite the extra size, the new car is

40kg lighter.

On the inside, BMW claims that the new 3 Series is noticeably bigger and the rear passengers get more space and leg room. The new car will be available in three trim and equipment variants, the Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line.

BMW will be offering a choice of four new refined and economical engines, all of which feature new BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. In addition to two further optimised diesel engines, and the already

successful six-cylinder petrol unit, customers can also enjoy the power of the new turbocharged four-cylinder variant in the BMW 328i. This latest-generation petrol engine claims to give dynamic driving coupled with reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

BMW is the first carmaker to offer an eightspeed automatic gearbox in the premium mid-size segment. It can be specified in combination with any of the petrol and diesel engines in the range

and links up with the Auto Start-Stop function that comes as standard.

BMW claims that the compact and efficient gearbox allows the new BMW 3 Series to match, or out-perform, models fitted with the standard six-speed manual gearbox in terms of both fuel economy and emissions.

The new eight-speed automatic claims to bring together shift comfort, dynamic performance and efficiency of the highest order.

As components of the BMW EfficientDynam-

ics technology line-up, the Auto Star t-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator and needbased operation of ancillary components also play their part in reducing fuel consumption.

Added to which, the new Driving Experience Control switch offers Comfort, Sport and Sport + options, but also Eco Pro mode.

The Eco Pro switch helps drivers maximise fuel economy through their driving style, thereby enabling them to

increase the distance they can travel between visits to the pumps. The same goes for the CO2minimising BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition, whose peak output of 163bhp contrasts with average fuel consumption in the EU driving cycle of 24.3km/litre (4.1l/100km or 68.9 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 109g/km.

BMW said that it will add further cutting-edge engines to the line-up in 2012. The new BMW ActiveHybrid 3 petrolelectric engine cars will be premiered next year.

Volvo records Europe leading cut in CO2 VOLVO claims to be at the top of the table among European carmakers when it comes to reducing carbon dioxide emissions. This is shown in the sixth annual analysis conducted by T&E, the European Federation for Transport and Environment.

Europe’s eight largest carmakers cut their CO2

emissions by an average of 2% to 6% in 2010.

Volvo Car Corporation is the exception that stands out, with a CO2 reduction of no less than 9%.

Successful

This is the result of an environmental focus under the Volvo “DRIVe towards zero” banner.

Sales of fuel-efficient,

diesel-engine cars from the DRIVe range have been successful.

This is one of the explanations behind the major reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Examples of popular models are the V50 DRIVe with emissions of 99 g/km and the V70 DRIVe with 119 g/ km. Volvo Car Corporation’s CO2 strategy also

includes electrified cars with varying degrees of hybridisation, even more efficient diesel and petrol engines, and alternative fuels.

This is one of the explanations behind the major reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

Another reason may be that Volvo has downsized its engines in many

cars from bigger older technology engines that were less efficient.

Feasible

“The aim is to come down to an average of 95 grammes of carbon dioxide per kilometre across our total car sales in 2020. In theory that is entirely feasible, but a lot depends on devel-

opments in legislation, incentives, energy availability and, of course, customer demand. In addition, the EU intends to introduce a new method for calculating carbon dioxide, and this, too, will impact our plan,” said Peter Mertens, senior vice-president Research and Development at Volvo Car Corporation.

R1

10 November 2011 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 10 November 2011

10 November 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Jim and Trish Doherty, The Golf Warehouse

Couple know their golf business off to a tee

CLOSING EXPENSIVE BANK ACCOUNTS Q – I have three bank accounts and a credit union account at the moment. I was thinking of closing the bank accounts, due to the fees I am currently paying. Will this affect my credit history ? Also have c. € 35,000 to invest for between five and 10 years – where is the safest and best

THE Golf Warehouse is an Irish, family-run and owned business located at the Mill Shopping Centre in Clondalkin. The shop in Cherry Orchard had been open for over 10 years when it moved to the Mill Shopping Centre in September 2011. So, they have a lot of experience in the golf business.

Run by husband and wife team, Jim and Trish, they are aiming to make golf affordable.

Jim has been involved in the golf business for nearly 20 years. He is from Palmerstown but went to primary school in St Joseph’s and secondary school in Moyle Park College. He then went to college in Scotland, the birthplace of golf. When he came home, he was working in his family’s golf wholesaling business, supplying all the professionals and golf shops around the country. He opened up The Golf Warehouse in November, 2001.

Trish is from Stillorgan and has worked in various companies in an accounts role before getting involved in the golf business. Being lucky enough to have worked in companies, from Maersk to Ogilvy and Mather, has given her a wide knowledge of how companies work. She is also a qualified Accounts Technician.

They are excited to be in the Mill Shopping Centre and their aim is to be the alternative golf shop providing advice and good value for money to their customers.

return ? Jimmy – Westland Row A - Maintaining one current account, let alone three, is expensive, especially if you use overdrafts and then exceed them. Interest rates start at c. 14%, and you could pay an additional 12% in surcharges when you exceed your overdraft. This, apart from the arrangement fee (€ 25) plus referral fees (€4.44 per day per item) and then the ignominy of having a standing order, direct debit or cheque sent back (€12.70 each). Charges can vary from bank to bank. Bank of Ireland for instance charge 28c per transaction, BUT it is free if you lodge € 3,000 per quarter (three months). You also have to make nine debit payments from the account using Banking 365 online or maintain that € 3,000 in the account at all times. Their charge is € 11.40 per quarter for the first 90 transactions (average cost 12.66c per transaction), after which the cost rises to 28c per transaction.

As you can see, it is all money. Only if you have a number of standing orders and direct debits (which cannot be appropriated to deposit or cash save accounts) is it worth maintaining a current account. I would certainly close two of the current accounts and, as long as you are not abandoning debts, this will not affect your credit history. Credit unions can only pay third parties by cheque – they do not have Direct Debit or standing order faciliJim and Trish Doherty of The Golf Warehouse

ties. Also, unfortunately, they do not pay dividends or interest at the moment either because of the bad debt provisions they have to allow for - this by

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

A: Trish: A ballerina.

Jim : A rock star.

Q: What was your first job?

A: Trish: McDonalds.

Jim: Lounge Boy in The Silver Granite, Palmerstown.

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: Trish: It was £30 and I got a pair of Pepe Jeans.

Jim: Probably around £20 and spent it on records.

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: Trish: December, 2006.

Jim: November, 2000.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Trish: Meeting different people.

Jim: The interaction with customers.

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

A: Trish: Some of the golf talk –

order of the Financial Regulator - but they are a

Jim knows more than I do.

The Frames to Yo-Yo Ma!

Jim: As much as possible.

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Trish: Jim does that

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Trish: Eh, golf.

Jim: Golf, football, rugby, snooker, darts, tennis – pretty much anything with a ball.

Q: What sport can you play?

A: Trish: Eh, golf.

Jim: Golf, football – badly, snooker – just hit and hope.

Q: What is your guilty music/ TV or movie pleasure?

A: Trish: Have to say Happy Gilmore – proves anyone can play golf.

Jim: Love Actually (but it’s a secret – don’t tell anyone).

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: Trish: There are nearly 10,000 songs – everything from Mamma Mia to Frank Sinatra to Cold Play.

Jim: Quite varied, from U2 to

Jim: Loads of people, from BOD to Martin Sheen to Glen Hansard, list is long.

Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update?

A: Trish: Ask Jim. Jim: Happy Election Day.

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Trish: Coca Cola Ham. I might print off the recipe for anyone who asks me nicely.

Jim: Anything cooked by Trish (fab cook). Fajitas, mmmmm.

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: Trish: The need for chocolate

Jim: Would rather starve – and that’s saying something.

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: Trish: Books – love reading.

Jim: CDs, DVDs etc.

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: Trish: Not sure.

Regarding your € 35,000 for that period of time, the National Treasury Management Agency’s State Savings would be both the best and safest in terms of deposit returns. The National Solidarity 10 year Bond pays 1% less DIRT tax per annum – net 0.73% per annum. That is 7.3% after 10 years, but you also receive a 40% tax-free lump sum totalling 47.3%. In your case, that would mean a total return of € 51,555 net into your hand after 10 years on your lump sum.

To obtain the same from any DIRT deducting deposit

Jim: Too many for a bloke, maybe 20-30.

taker, they would have to offer you a gross 5.41%

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Jim: With Trish and our six-

Best rate currently is Permanent TSB’s two-year

year-old by a pool, in the sun, with many beers.

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: Trish: Mystery shopper or

every year to match the 10-year Solidarity Bond. fixed account at 4.22% per annum 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

personal shopper.

daily.

Jim: Rock star.

Jim: Eating sweets late at night.

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

A: Trish: Suppose I have to go

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

A: Trish: Neither.

very useful and important Irish institution.

where my hubby goes…

Jim: Somewhere warm.

146,000* PEOPLE IN DUBLIN READ OUR PAPERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

TO ADVERTISE CALL 60 10 240

22 GAZETTE 10 November 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel

Chatsworth House is one of several historic English venues celebrating Christmas in style

Help to celebrate the spirit of Christmas with delightful family holidays in England IN THE build-up to Christmas, there are lots of enchanting festivals and events taking place just across the water – so what better time to take the family on a short break to England?

In Westonbirt, the National Arboretum will become a wonderland of festive lights when the Enchanted Christmas event returns for 2011.

Alongside carols and festive treats of mulled wine and roast chestnuts, visitors will be able to take the 45-minute illuminated trail around the old arboretum. The trail takes in some of the gems of Westonbirt’s collection, spectacularly highlighting the beauty and shape of the trees.

For further details, go to www.forestry.gov.uk/ website/forestry.nsf/byunique/infd-8j9ce8.

Chatsworth House, in the Peak District, has brought out the holly and the ivy for its very own Christmas carol spectacular. All the classic carols will be brought to life in a series of stunning visual displays, along with a few extras, across the lower floors of the historic home.

Visitors will be taken on a magical, festive journey around the house, complete with beautifullydecorated Christmas trees, shepherds and their sheep, snow and sleighs. There is also the opportunity for children to take part in a traditional Nativity at the farmyard, starring real animals. This is running until December 23. For further details, go to www.chatsworth.org.

At Kenilworth Castle, kids can participate in traditional toy-making workshops with historical games experts, Heuristics. Not only will they learn how to make a traditional wooden toy, which you can take home, there will be carols, fun games, storytelling, mince pies, mulled wine and hot spiced apple cider. This runs from November 27 to December 31. For further details, see www.englishheritage.org.uk/kenilworth.

Where better to put on a Dickensian Christmas market than in the historic Kent town where Charles Dickens once lived? Lining the grounds of the red-and-green-tinged medieval Rochester Castle are rows of cheery fairy light-draped stalls, offering mulled wine, Dutch waffles, roasted chestnuts and plenty of handmade gifts.

And, as shoppers enjoy the seasonal sugary treats, they’ll be entertained by costumed characters, street performers, bands, and carol singers.

For further details, go to www.dickenschristmasmarket.com.

Whether for weddings, business travellers or holidaymakers, the wellappointed hotel has something to suit all interests and requirements

HOTELS: RELAXING AT THE RADISSON SSON BLU ST HELEN’S HELEN’S

Fine food is the icing on the cake Q MIMI MURRAY

THE Radisson Blu St Helen’s, located along the Stillorgan dual carriageway, is the perfect spot for business meetings, but also has an informal atmosphere that attracts guests for pleasure as well.

Staying there on a recent Friday, my husband and I were slightly perplexed on arrival to see a wedding party just about to check in. However, we were attended to promptly, and we hurriedly rushed past the bride, not wanting to lower the tone of her pictures.

Our business-class room was well laid out, and had everything the business traveller would

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‘We made our way to the beauty salon on the ground floor – it really was one of the best treatments that I have had in a long time’

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need. With one ear on the radio and the presidential election count, and an eye on the clock, we dressed for dinner.

Talavera Restaurant, located in the basement of the hotel, serves typical Italian cuisine. It seems to be popularwith locals, and many couples dropped by their neighbour’s tables in order to say hello and discuss our latest “prez”, Michael Squee.

The mostly Italian staff were excellent, and really attentive throughout the night. My starter choice

of beef carpaccio, with sheep’s cheese, was nice and light, while my husband’s pasta with seafood was really tasty.

Plaice fillets with a caper and tomato sauce was nicely cooked and light. My husband felt he chose badly, as he wasn’t a fan of the polenta, but his ossu bucco (veal shank) was well-cooked.

An affogato dessertice cream with Baileys poured over it was delicious, and my other half said the tiramisu was spot-on.

Wines are mostly Italian, with a handful from other regions, but we decided to stay faithful to the Italian theme and ordered a lovely Sangiovese, which was very drinkable. After dinner we moved to the Orangerie Bar for an after-dinner drink.

Next morning, we made our way to the beauty salon on the ground floor for some pampering. I went for a full body massage, while my hubby decided to try something a bit different and went for

facial – or “a macial”, as I have been calling it ever since.

My therapist, Roisin, was excellent, and it really was one of the best treatments that I have had in a long time.

There is no pool but guests can use a nearby club if they feel the need to get a few laps in before breakfast. However, there is a gym, which we did not make good use of, and instead headed back to Talavera for a tasty breakfast and a dissection of the election results.

For more information on the hotel go to www. radissonblu.ie/sthelenshotel-dublin. For information on the spa call 01 2188198 or email info@ pureradiantbeauty.ie.

10 November 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

Bridge the gap to a trip to Tullamore THE four-star Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore, Co Offaly, is currently holding a room sale until 6pm on Sunday, November 13, during which time a limited number of rooms will be available each day for just €25 per person sharing, on selected dates until the end of February, 2012.

Located less than 90 minutes from Dublin, Limerick and Cork, the Bridge House Hotel, with a luxury spa, awardwinning leisure club, and Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant, is perfectly located for a short break. for further details, visit www.bridgehouse.com, or telephone 057 932 5600.

With a limited room sale for just €25 per person sharing, Tullamore’s luxurious Bridge House Hotel has so much to offer guests, whether those staying with a promotional or regular rate

For those looking to travel further afield, have Christmas all wrapped up with a Stena Line shopping weekend in Wales, from only €99 per adult.

This fare includes

return travel by coach from Rosslare to Fishguard with Stena Line, and one nights’ accommodation in The Ivy Bush Hotel, with dinner and breakfast.

Enjoy an afternoon shopping in Carmarthen, and, before returning home the next day, enjoy a visit to Haverfordwest Indoor Market for all those little festive extras.

For further information, or to book, see www. stenaline.ie/iv ybush, telephone 01 204 7733, or visit your local Stena Line office or travel agent and quote A586..

FRANCE: RANGE OF SUPERB ANNUAL FESTIVALS

From wine to lights, the French celebrate in style MANY cities around France are pulsating with festivals at this time of year, with just a few to mention, including the Beaujolais Nouveau Festival, The Festival of Lights and the Cannes Dance Festival.

Running from Thursday, November 17 to Saturday, November 19, the Beaujolais Nouveau Festival will kick off at the stroke of midnight.

It is rumoured that the young wine, which comes from a region south of Burgundy in France, must be finished

by Christmastime, and there have been regulations put in place to delay the wine’s release until the third week of November.

This means that the arrival of the wine is strongly received in France, and, all over the country, celebrations take place and grand traditions have developed in honour of its release each year.

TravelBriefs

The biggest of these takes place in Beaujeu, the capital of the Beaujolais region, which springs to life with the Sarmentelles’ party.

This three-day festival involves the opening of huge barrels of the wine, and much sampling by party-goers, along with music and fireworks.

Wherever you may be in France, this is a great night to be a part of.

Lyon festival Over in Lyon, every building is illuminated during December’s Festival of Lights, or Fetes des Lumieres, as the locals call it.

The people of Lyon parade through the night carrying lanterns, keeping alive the tradition, which dates from 1852, when a statue of the Virgin was unveiled on the hillside during a storm.

Today, a host of activities take place throughout the procession,

Flying fish swimming over and around spectacularly colourful buildings and sculpture? Lyon’s spectacular Festival of Lights always delights locals and visitors.

which has been extended into a jam-packed four-day festival, in early December.

Finally, the Cannes’ Dance Festival takes place from Tuesday, November 22 to Sunday, November 27.

The “overshadowed” cousin of the Cannes Film Festival has just as

much cultural value and entertainment on offer, and this major festival is held every two years at the Palais des Festivals.

The Christmas Markets, located at the Boulevard Saint Germain and Place Saint-Sulpice in Paris, are a must visit for those travelling in the area throughout

December. Sip on a vin chaud as you browse for gifts and treats for loved ones. And, of course, Pere Noel is always on hand as well to take requests from any young visitors.

For further details on any of these festivals, go to www.rendezvousenfrance.com.

Great must-see offers at The Mustard Seed hotel in Limerick The Mustard Seed hotel in Limerick has a great value three-night break offer, including a bottle of Prosecco in your room on arrival, a four-course dinner on one evening, and full Irish breakfast each morning.

A light supper can be available each evening during your stay, and massage therapy is available from the resident Thai masseuer. Picnic baskets can be arranged for day trips or local hikes. This package costs €315 per person.

Alternatively, a rest and recharge package offers two nights accommodation, full Irish breakfast and dinner on one evening, from €180 per person sharing. For further details contact the Mustard Seed on 069 68508, or email mustard@indigo.ie.

24 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 10 November 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Boom Box

SHANKILL-based Rampage School of Dance are ready to bring their innovative dance to The Pavilion, with more than 50 dancers, drawn from a wide range of age groups, helping to bring the community group to life. Their 2011 annual show comprises several modern dance styles, with suprises adding to the fun. See their shows nightly at 8pm on Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12, with admission costing €13.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 A Skull in Connemara

THE Mill presents the second play in the Leenane trilogy, by playwright Martin McDonagh. In a rural Connemara town, a gravedigger prepares for his annual autumnal task of disinterring old, forgotten bones in the graveyard to make room for new arrivals. However, with his late wife’s remains due to be moved, rumours about her sudden death begin to surface ... This play runs nightly at 8pm from Tuesday, November 15 to Saturday, November 19, with admission costing €10.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Travels with my cello

THE internationally-acclaimed celist, Julian Lloyd Webber, will perform a diverse body of work, ranging from favourite classics by Bach, Faure, Saint-Saens and Debussy to a number of pieces by his father, William, and his brother, Andrew. He will also reminisce on his collaborations with musicians as diverse as Yehudi Menuhin, Joaquin Rodrigo, Cleo Laine and Stephane Grapelli, as well as Elton John and, of course, his brother, Andrew. This not-to-be-missed show takes place at 8pm on Saturday, November 12, with admission costing €30/€27 conc.

This group of would-be penthouse robbers – purely on behalf of ordinary people who’ve lost all their savings in an elaborate scam – are keeping a close eye on their unscrupulous target, in a bid to come up with the perfect plan to reclaim everyone’s savings

Not a towering hit

Despite high hopes for its notable cast, this high-rise heist never hits the dizzying heights of comedy, says Kate Q KATE CROWLEY

Oh, BROTHER. It’s at times like this – the preChristmas lull, in terms of cinema releases – that I start eyeing up my metaphorical Gone Fishin’ sign, gathering metaphorical dust as it hangs on the back of a metaphorical chair.

However, there’s nothing metaphorical about being unable to go Gone Fishin’, as you folks are due a review, and by jingo, you’re going to get one, whether you like it or not.

Speaking of lines and hooks, here comes something that’s fishin’ for your attenshin’, in the form of Tower Heist.

I’m not the kind of gal that normally takes to heist movies, or Ocean’s 11 derivatives (honestly, did anybody like Ocean’s 12? Anybody?), or anything where a bumbling e n s e m b l e s o m e h ow comes up with a plan for one last/big/unlikely

FILM OF THE WEEK: Tower Heist +++ (12A) 104 mins Director: Brett Ratner Starring: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Alan Alda, Casey Affleck, Matthew Broderick, Gabourey Sidibe, Noo Yawk, Noo Yawk

OUR VERDICT: SOME of the scenes and storyline seems a little too muddled, more because of the direction than any intentional character development, but, despite this and some flat gags, it’s a diverting enough tale. Putting a white-collar, comic spin on the “Ocean’s 11” one-big-score niche, the enemble do their best to create an amusing tale of revenge, despite ineptness ...

score. Again.

Frankly, dear old Hannibal in television’s The A-Team came up with better plans in the time it took to light his cigar than a group of shmucks do in two hours at the cinema – still, when the shmucks in question are Eddie Murphy, Alan Alda and Ben Stiller, it’s a film that’s probably worth shmucking along to.

With a story to spur viewers on from the getgo in these difficult economic times – and to cut a long story short – a building manager (Stiller) of a typical rich Noo

Yawker tower, by Central Park, finds himself coming up with a cunning – and highly illegal – plan once it emerges that the Madoff-like super-rich character (Alda) in the penthouse at the top has invested all of the tower staff’s funds rather unwisely.

Namely, he’s invested their money in the Bank of Himself, ripping them all off in grand style, and is now still very much living a luxurious life in his sky-high home, while all of the now-penniless (or dollar-less?) doormen, cleaners and so on are –

well, you can guess the rest, I’m sure.

What’s an upset building manager to do? Why, hatch a plan to get everyone’s money back, of course, with the staff – and a number of hangerons, including a building tenant who’s also lost everything (Broderick) – determined to help him carry out a heist.

Seeing that they’re all pretty sure they’ll fail without some real criminal know-how, as this bunch of blue collar havea-go thiev- err, heroes have plenty of determination, but not enough street smarts to pull things off – it’s not long before they’ve added a career criminal (Murphy) to the mix.

After all, it often takes a crook to catch a crook, and, under his tutelage, it’s not long before the “perfect” heist to plunder the penthouse is on the way, with everything from a gun-toting Jamaican maid (Sidibe) to what I’ll call

An Unlikely Ferrari part of the denouement.

So, can the guys and gals of the tower pull together and find a way to stick it to The Man (at the top)?

Can they pull off their big job during the perfect distraction of the Macy’s Day Parade? And can Stiller and Murphy wisecrack some gems together in this unlikely buddy movie?

Without wishing to rain on anyone’s Macy’s Day Parade, it’s not quite a towering achievement, as despite the notable cast, some of the jokes and gags fall further than the eye from the top of the tower.

Still, at least Murphy is back on amusing “street” form, after a few too many interminable family- and make-up-led roles in recent years, while there’s a nicely underplayed, and largely sympathetic, feel to some of the characters.

10 November 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING

‘Kinect is great for the entire family’ SHANE DILLON

LAST week, I spoke to Kieran Penwill, Microsoft’s Retail Sales and M a r ke t i n g C o u n t r y Manager for Ireland, who was keen to talk about the XBox 360’s Kinect motion sensor, which is a key platform for Microsoft to open up gaming to be more accessible and fun for the whole family, as well as enabling new and emerging types of gameplay.

The Kinect sensor and technology takes the controller out of gaming, and can enable additional user input, thus making gaming both simpler and more accessible, or more involving and immersive, depending on its implementation.

Kieran has worked with Microsoft since 2005, and has worked in this current role since 2010, overseeing the launch of Kinect in Ireland in November, 2010.

He has overseen the launch of a number of significant games here, such as Halo Reach, Gears of War 3, Forza 4, as well as key Kinect titles, including Dance Central 2, and Kinect Sports: Season Two – all of which makes him the perfect insider to talk to for everything XBox 360-related in Ireland.

Kieran was keen to

stress the XBox console’s move out of gamers’ “territory” in bedrooms, and into family living rooms, with the Kinect sensor playing a large part of that success, coupled with the console’s use as an entertainment hub capable of streaming TV and content to other rooms.

“The feedback from the random sample groups, is that something like 40% of people’s time on XBox is spent on non-gaming experiences.

“We need to look after our core gamers, who love XBox, but we have to remember that, when we launched Kinect, this is more than just a core gaming platform – this is a home entertainment device,” said Kieran.

“The [360] has traditionally been there for teenagers, or for the 20-something, but what we’re seeing now with the launch of Kinect is that [the 360] is down in the living room, so that the 360 can be brought back to ‘home’,” he said.

It’s fair to assume that much of that 40% of nongaming use would come through Microsoft’s partnership with Sky, with XBox users able to use their consoles for much more than gaming.

“The partnership with Sky has absolutely been a focus, to further integrate the 360 into home enter-

Bytesandpieces Ready to blast a new battle game ONLINE browsers may have noticed a variety of initial complaints about the cross-platform new release, Battlefield 3 (B3), for a few reasons, such as the surprise (though entirely optional) need to install a 2GB texture pack on the XBox 360 to maximise how it looks.

Personally, my first (and unexpectedly irritated) hour with B3 was spent turning my console on and off, while a constantly freezing and looping intro mission had me ready to march on the developers, ready to give them an earful!

Still, it’s important to note that the vast majority of B3 gamers, regardless of their console or PC set-up, have not reported any problems, and, with a patch likely to appear in the near future to “fix” any such potential problems, B3 has certainly lived up to the pre-release hype and interest, with several superb features.

With its rival, the latest instalment in the Call of Duty series, now in shops, the retail battlefield is definitely raging – but perhaps all this is just target practise before Halo: Reach arrives ...

Kieran Penwill, Microsoft’s Retail Sales and Marketing Country Manager for Ireland, is keen to promote the XBox 360 as a console for “hardcore gamers”, but, with the Kinect motion sensor, also as a fun family console and home entertainment hub

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

‘We need to look after our core gamers, who love XBox, but we have to remember that, when we launched Kinect, this is more than just a core gaming platform – this is a home entertainment device’

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

tainment.

“Over the course of time, what we want to do is like in the US, and ideally to start streaming terrestrial [television], but that’s something to happen in the future.

For now, Sky subscribers can stream [Sky content] through their Xbox.”

Of course, a key Microsoft strategy is to celebrate the Kinect sensor, and to publicise how it can add to gaming experiences, Kieran said.

“For example, with [racing title] Forza 4, we implemented that with Kinect, so that when you turn your head, the motion sensor senses that you’re moving your

head, and it enables you to look at what’s coming up behind you.

“That’s what we’re doing – bringing Kinect more into that core gaming experience. It just gets you more immersed.

“We’re nurturing our core gamers, and we’re trying to utilise the Kinect for the family as best we can. For example, we’ve got third-party titles, like Sesame Street: Once upon a Monster, coming out; it’s timeless, and great for counting and so on, a great learning experience for children.

“We’re going to have three times as many Kinect titles launching in these next nine

months versus the last nine months, so we’ve got a lot more Kinect product launching through the first half of 2012,” he said.

With sales of upwards of 10 million Kinect units on top of the 55-million XBox 360 base, there’s already a huge user-base that should be expected to expand massively in the new year, with titles like the upcoming Kinectenabled Star Wars – possibly the ultimate Kinect title – inevitably going to further boost bits profile, and user base.

For now, the message from Kieran, and Microsoft, is very clear.

“It’s really important to say that we look after our core gamers, who are our number-one priority. We look after them, and we nurture them.

“But the 360 and the Kinect is for everybody – everybody can use it, and the great thing about it is that it gets you up off the couch!”

GAZETTE

26 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 10 November 2011

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GazetteSPORT

ROAD TO LONDON: Linda Byrne set for marathon battle at Olympic Games Page 29

DIVING: NAC HOSTS SIXTH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS THAT SAW CITYWIDE SUCCESS

Locals claim the honours at NAC championship sport@gazettegroup.com

IRISH divers won more than 60 medals against an international field in the National Diving Championships last weekend at the National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown.

Almost 30 competitors from Dublin and Kildare faced off against tough opposition from across Europe, including the UK, Italy and Lithuania.

The national diving

championships, now in their sixth year, are the highlight of the sport’s calendar in this countr y and always produce fiercely contested action.

This year was no different, with the three-day event featuring competitors aged eight to 60, diving from heights ranging from one metre to 10 metres.

The highlights included triple gold for Natasha MacManus (13),

from Killiney, who won the one-metre, threemetre and platform women’s competitions.

Jack Ffrench, from Maynooth, won gold in the one-metre and platform men’s events. Sean McCormack, from Rathfarnham, won the threemetre men’s event.

All three are members of the National Diving Squad, which is supported by Swim Ireland.

Other winners included Tony Miller, Vivienne

The Irish medal winners at the National Acquatic Centre after the National Diving Championships

and Francesca Hew, Roisin Kane, Seanagh Carton, Jack Price, Adam Walsh and Fionn Nolan.

Many of the young Irish winners are a similar age to British Olym-

pic medallist Tom Daley when he won his first championship.

“I am so pleased that so many countries were represented this year,” said Ireland’s national coach, Vladyslava

Shapoval.

“It was a fantastic competition at all levels and I would like to thank all of the officials - including members of the London 2012 team – and volunteers who assisted this

weekend.

“I am delighted with the performance of the squad and we aim to compete next year at junior elite level in the UK next summer and elite European level in 2013.”

28 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 10 November 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Anti-doping app for sportspeople released THE Irish Sports Council this week has launched a new anti-doping application that is available to Android phone users allowing them to check their prescribed and over-the-counter medications purchased in the Republic of Ireland before they take them to ensure they are compliant with anti-doping regulations.

Earlier this year the Irish Sports Council launched the iPhone anti-doping application that has been a huge success with athletes across the country.

Since the iPhone app was launched in May, there have been over 1,200 downloads, with users checking between 10 and 20 medications each time compared to between two and three when they check from the Eirpharm website.

The app accesses information on the widely used Drugs in Sport Database on www.eirpharm.com.

The app allows the user to look up their medication by name or to search by ailment type.

Useful features include the ability to email a search result to any email address, to save the search in the app history, and to re-check medications in saved history against current database listings.

“The launch of the Medication Checker App for iPhone proved very successful earlier in the year. Results saw a ten-fold increase in the number of medications that users check on the Eirpharm.com database through the app. The ability for users to quickly check over-the-counter medications using a smartphone helps reduce the risk of inadvertently doping through the use of day-to-day medications,” said Ailish Keaveney, Head of Education and Research with the ISC.

RUGBY: WESLEY MISS OUT BY SINGLE POINT AFTER RALLYING

Old Wesley came within a point of registering a magnificent comeback having been 27-0 adrift at half-time, to lose by a single point

Wes’ epic comeback ULSTER BANK DIV 2A Old Wesley City Of Derry

29 30

sport@gazettegroup.com

OLD Wesley almost produced one of the biggest comebacks in All-Ireland league history when they came within a point of overturning a 27-0 half-time deficit.

That they came away with two points – tryscoring and losing bonuses – was some salvation and averted a total disaster at Donnybrook and keeps them in the top four in the division.

Tries from Richard M c C a r t e r, S t e p h e n Corr, Chris Barber and Richard Baird meant the Ulster side had the bonus point wrapped up by the break and the game looked well and

truly done and dusted.

B u t We s l e y g o t a piece of good fortune when visiting captain Sam MacAuley was shown a straight red card in the 28th minute and they bounded back into contention It came after a clash of heads following a ruck, with the linesman spotting the incident with play pulled back after a couple of phases out the backline.

The lead was extended to 30 two minutes into the second period when McCarter added his fourth successful kick but, from there, on it was all Wesley as Derry were pinged for serial offences.

Tristan Goodbody crossed in the corner nine minutes into the second half. Barry McLaughlin kicked a

fine conversion, as well as an ensuing penalty.

Derry were reduced to 13 men when Brian Prue was sin-binned and they were running out of bodies following injuries to David Funston and Adam Bratton.

It offered a hint that a comeback was on when McLaughlin crossed under the posts and Gavin Telford crossed, too, to make it 30-22 with 14 minutes remain-

ing.

Ian Cassidy threw a dummy to get over, too, securing a fourth try and a bonus and the conversion brought his side within a point but they were unable to summon one last score and so were left to rue their slow start in the first half.

They remain in fourth spot in the division, trailing De La Salle Palmerston and Queen’s University by

three points. Salmo notched a fourth win from five outings as they got the better of Dublin rivals Bective Rangers 29-12 in Kirwan Park.

Moving 17-6 clear at the interval, they always had a decent wedge in the second half, moving with two further tries in the second period.

Q u e e n ’s s w a p p e d places at the top of the pile on points difference by virtue of their 46-13 win over Terenure.

10 November 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 29

in association with

Byrne-ing up the miles ahead Dundrum South Dublin’s Linda Byrne made a huge statement for her future in athletics by qualifying for the 2012 Olympics

IRISH athletics had a glimpse of its future in the Dublin marathon last week when Linda Byrne was the first Irish woman home over the 26-mile course, and achieving the qualifying standard time for the Olympics in 2012.

It’s all the more massive an achievement when Linda’s previous distances in cross-country racing were only between five and eight kilometres, even more so when you realise that this was her first-ever full marathon.

“I ran half of the Dublin marathon last year for the experience and really enjoyed it, and was doing really well in road races.

After I left the Under-23 cross-country age group, I felt that I had to focus on the marathon, as it seemed like an event that I could make the qualifying time in.

“This was just my first marathon, and I think that I got everything right in the run-up to the race, and I just need to keep doing that in the lead up to London.

old Dundrum South Dublin athlete ran a well-planned race on the October Bank Holiday weekend in which her preparation paid off.

“It was a huge sense of

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

‘When I saw the clock above the finishing line, I could see the time, and I told myself, ‘just hold up’. It was a huge sense of achievement’

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“As well as that, I think I can go faster - the weather conditions in Dublin weren’t ideal, and, on a better day, on a faster course, I’m sure I could improve my time.”

Linda was delighted when she spoke to GazetteSport last week about making the qualifying time for the London games, and the 25-year-

achievement. I realised pretty much as soon as I crossed the line that I’d achieved the standard, and I’m still trying to take it in now. I was in shock, really.

“Over the last few miles I knew I was inside the time, but my legs were starting to tighten up and it was very tough. But I knew I had to keep going,

Linda Byrne marks her debut in the marathon with the national title in Dublin

and when I saw the clock above the finishing line, I could see the time and I told myself, ‘just hold up’.”

“Now I have the qualifying time, there is a huge amount of pressure off, and I know that I won’t have to make the time at another race before the Olympics. It’s a lot of work to go into a race and then recover in time for the Olympics and get in the right training to peak in time for the big race. I can concentrate on shorter distances, and prepare for London.”

H e r a c h i e ve m e n t means that she may also be eligible for funding from the Irish Sports Council, whose decision to cut her from the carding scheme in 2009 meant that she was on the verge of leaving athletics for good, before deciding on long-distance events as her focus for the future.

“I was pretty much supporting myself in terms of my training. I should, hopefully, get back on the carding scheme for support from the Irish Sports Council, which will be great and mean I can concentrate on training full time from now on.”

Linda is also at an advantage in terms of her age. With the majority of marathon stars coming into their own as they reach their early 30s, the 25-year-old knows she is only at the beginning of a long road ahead.

“My trainer, Enda Fitzpatrick, was saying to me that London will be a stepping stone for me, and I will be aiming to improve continually over the next few years, with the goal being Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

“A lot of people think I was quite young to run a marathon at this age, but that’s because I have been running for so many years, I’ve built up a lot of training and I thought I was ready to try,” said Byrne.

Linda has made a huge leap in terms of distance and performance in a short space of time in graduating from crosscountry to marathon running, but her grounding in her original discipline has stood to her in her decision to change up.

“I’ve been taking part in competitive races since I was 15, when I was in my first international crosscountry race, and that stood me in good stead.

“Obviously, the distances are much different, going from five to eight kilometres to 26 miles, but you need to be strong over country ground.

“I’ve put in a lot of miles over the years, and that strength came into play in the marathon. I changed my training a bit, but not a huge amount.

I didn’t put in a huge amount of miles before this marathon, and I think there is room for improvement there.”

FastSport

Cross-country success for locals at Santry THE Dublin cross-country championships, which took place at Santry last weekend, saw a number of successes for athletes and clubs across the city.

Metro St Brigid’s athlete John Coghlan, son of the former world 5,000m champion, Eamon, won the senior men’s race, ahead of Blanchardstown native David Flynn, running in the colours of Clonliffe Harriers, and fellow MSB racer Liam Tremble.

In the junior men’s event, James Egan, from Dundrum South Dublin, finished in second place behind Kevin Dooney, from Raheny Shamrocks.

In the women’s races, DSD achieved a one-two-three in the junior race, with the places taken by Siofra Cleirgh Buttner, Claire McCarthy and Sorcha Humpries.

DSD were place second overall in the women’s team event, while Rathfarnham WSAF came third in the men’s team competition.

O’Driscoll set for a season on the sidelines LEINSTER and Ireland star Brian O’Driscoll is set to be out of competitive rugby for around six months after undergoing surgery on a neck injury.

This will mean the soonest he would return would be around the time of the Heineken Cup semi-final, and it is unlikely that he would be included at that stage.

He will also

be absent for the 2012 Six Nations competition, but should be available to make his return in the summer tour of New Zealand.

There are concerns that O’Driscoll would consider an end to his career, but with 18 months remaining on his current contract, he has no intention of hanging up the boots anytime soon.

Leinster will begin their Heineken Cup campaign this weekend against Montpellier in the French city.

30 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 10 November 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Zayed on point : Local player at launch of awards LOCAL player, Eamon Zayed, was on hand at the announcement of the PFAI TISSOT Player of the Year Award nominations at the Gand Hotel, Malahide, last Monday.

Zayed is up for the main prize following his fine season with Derry City. The prestigious 2011 Tissot sponsored PFAI Awards will take place on Saturday, November 12, at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin.

Picture: INPHO/Donall Farmer

Loreto keep up perfect start to the campaign LORETO maintained their perfect start to the women’s Irish Hockey League campaign with a third successive bonus-point win that has them four points clear of the pack ahead of showdowns with fellow contenders Railway Union and Ballymoney.

Sarah Clarke’s well-struck corner got them up and running before Sarah Barnwell capitalised on a defensive error to convert.

Nikki Keegan put her side in bonus-point territory from the penalty spot before Katie Evans completed the win. Emily O’Leary went closest for the students, drawing a strong save from Louisa Healy, but they were in lack-lustre form in the wake of the a taxing intervarsities campaign.

On the men’s side, Three Rock Rovers were undone by second-half scores from Andy Forrest and John Gray which saw two-time finalists Lisnagarvey scramble over the line in a tight battle they just about shaded at Grange Road. With nearest rivals YMCA and Pembroke both losing, it give the Hillsborough side a three-point cushion at the top of the section as they bid to reach a third successive IHL final.

The deadlock was eventually broken when Peter MacDonnell pick-pocketed John Blakeney in midfield and he worked his way round the right of the circle before squaring to Forrest, who bundled in through an exposed West despite a brave smothering efforts.

Rovers almost responded immediately when Colin Huet’s crack from the centre almost wrong-footed John Tormey as Canning applied a clever touch but the keeper did superbly to touch around the post. Huet was similarly unmarked in the circle from the next long corner but clean shot came off to leave it 1-0 at three quarter-time.

Garvey completed the win, passing the ball forward to makeshift striker John Gray who finished adroitly with four minutes to go. As the large visiting contingent sang his name, the old head could have grabbed a bonus point but did not get enough on a Forrest cross when well placed.

SOCCER: LOCAL PLAYER NAMED IN IRELAND SELECT PICK

Paul McShane is one of the former St Joseph’s Boys players currently featuring in the Irish set-up

Casey on Under-15 panel sport@gazettegroup.com

ST JOSEPH’S Boys’ Dan Casey has earned a place in the reduced Republic of Ireland U-15 panel named by Niall Harrison this week.

As a result, they could be selected to be involved with the squad which travels to Qatar in early December to play two games against the Aspire Academy in what is becoming an annual trip for this age group.

In the wake of the SFAI Umbro Kennedy Cup at the University of Limerick in the summer,

there was a panel of 18 players who went on to play in the Hibernia Trophy run by Joeys.

Since then, Casey was added to the panel, which includes 13 players from the DDSL in the latest 18-player selection, following a four-day training camp at which 36 players were invited.

There, the players were assessed by Harrison and five other coaches before settling on this latest squad.

Harrison, though, has been at pains to point out this group is a fluid one with the key task to

deliver a large group of players to John Morling at U-16 level, C a s e y ’s p o t e n t i a l opponents in Qatar provide a stiff test as a group who play full-time with a high level of focus on technical aspects of the game.

Further assessments of this group will take place in late December to see how the players have progressed following the programme before they play six international games in the New Year, potentially featuring against Belgium among other opposition.

He hopes to follow in the footsteps of former club men like Paul McShane and Andy Keogh who developed through the Sallynoggin club’s system before going on to play in England and also with the Republic of Ireland senior team.

They are both in Giovanni Trapattoni’s panel to play Estonia on Friday and, subsequently, next Tuesday in the return leg in the Aviva Stadium as they bid to claim a place in Euro 2012.

Ireland have faced Estonia twice before, both times proving suc-

cessful in the build-up to the 2002 World Cup when they recorded back-to-back 2-0 wins in the qualifying campaign.

Mick McCarthy’s side won 2-0 in Dublin back in 2000 as Mark Kinsella and Richard Dunne were on the mark. Having secured a draw at home to Portugal, Ireland went to the Baltics knowing a win would bring them a step closer to Korea and Japan.

D u n n e b r o ke t h e deadlock before Matt Holland completed the win and qualification in Tallinn.

10 November 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 31

in association with

FOOTBALL: ENDA’S GOAL-FEST CLAIMS CROWN

a

CLUB NOTICEBOARD BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S Top teams are the senior hurling

Everyone welcome.

team which has reached the Lein-

The ever popular Laughter in the

ster club semi-final next Sunday

Lounge, directed by Declan O’Brien,

against Coolderry of Offaly in the

is doing four nights this year in the

Phoenix Park. There were mag-

bar: November 10, 12, 24 and 25 -

nificent wins at minor football with

admission is free and guaranteed

both teams through to the county

laughs.

finals; Ladies’ football champion-

Ladies football section’s clothes

ship successes at minor (four in

collection is on Friday betweeen

a row), U-16, U-15 and U-13C. Hard

7 and 9pm, and on Saturday from

luck to the Junior B football team.

9.30am to 3pm.

Na Siultoiri Buadain - Walking

Hurling and football sections Night

Group will have a social function on

at the Dogs and Buster Draw is on

December 3 - see Teresa Dolan for

November 18 in Harold’s Cross.

details.

Items for the Christmas Edition of

Annual club Mass for deceased

the Boden News must be submitted

members will be held in the hall

to Gerry O’Sullivan by November 30

on Saturday, November 12 at 7pm.

- email info@bodengaa.ie.

NAOMH OLAF Ballyboden St Enda’s celebrate annexing the minor football championship title last week. Picture: GAApics.com

Ballyboden bulldoze way to minor title MFC DIVISION 1 FINAL Ballyboden St Enda’s St Margaret’s

4-14 2-9

sport@gazettegroup.com

A BLISTERING secondhalf performance saw Ballyboden St Enda’s claim the Minor Division One championship title when they over-turned a halftime deficit to put paid to hopes of a breakthrough St Margaret’s victory on a cold, still night in Newcastle.

Maggie’s were limited to just an Emma Colgan goal in the second period, as a run of three goals between the 42nd and 47th minute turned the game completely the Firhouse Road club’s way.

It was a game played at a ferocious pace throughout, St Margaret’s hassling and harrying a feature of the first half, while Boden’s pace and swift handpassing made for a titanic tussle.

At times, Maggie’s overstepped the mark, which saw them give up five frees

to the dead-eye accuracy of Sarah O’Brien prior to the break.

Kate Dwyer, though, was proving a real handful in the right-corner, opening her side’s account with a very good point on the turn.

And her dynamism helped her side build a 0-4 to 0-1 lead, using her power and exceptionally light feet to swivel her marker on numerous occasions.

Boden had plenty of aces in their deck, too, as Ciara Ruddy’s incredible speed from midfield and O’Brien’s immaculate radar, kept it close and they hit the front for the first time in the 13th minute.

Ruddy created the space before off-loading to Maria McGrath who drilled home despite a brave hand at full stretch from Susanna Geoghegan.

In combination with O’Brien’s six points in the first half, five from frees, it

saw Boden nudge ahead to 1-6 to 0-7 before Dwyer netted to retake the lead for the Balreesk club.

Rachel Dwyer’s ball was a speculative one down the right touch-line but Kate Dwyer did well to initially to get ahead of her marker and turn in an instant.

Still 25 metres out, she hared in on goal and bashed home. With Kate Hurley also weighing in with three finely taken points and some powerful displays from Dublin senior B player Megan McKeown and U-14 goalkeeper Shauna O’Hara – playing out the field – Margaret’s looked in great shape, leading 1-9 to 1-7 at the interval.

But Ballyboden were to dominate the second half from the off. Claire King and Michelle O’Reilly were superb in marshalling Kate Dwyer and Hurley in a rejigged full-back line, keeping the previously unstoppable duo scoreless.

O’Brien continued where she had left off while the buzzing Maria McGrath and Megan Carney found more room to manoeuvre.

They helped strike 3-4 without response to break the game, Carney with a fine effort, cutting in from the right to fire into the bottom left corner.

Suzanne Campbell was instrumental in the next major four minutes later, popping to Sinead Crowley – previously deployed as a corner-back – who took advantage of her more advanced role.

She netted a second time as Ruddy played in Cathy O’Neill who found Crowley again for a 4-10 to 1-9 lead.

Emma Colgan’s stunning solo goal offered a brief lifeline with six minutes to go but four more Boden points garnered a richly celebrated victory.

For Maggie’s, they will look to next year with just two of the panel moving out of the age group.

REMINDER that the Naomh Olaf AGM

hosted a number of ladies’ football

is on this Thursday, November 10,

finals.

starting at 8.30pm sharp. Only full

Our girls did us proud on the pitch

members whose membership was

with victories for the U-12s who

paid on or before March 31, 2011, are

defeated Ballyfermot De La Salle in

entitled to vote.

the Division 3 Shield final, and for the

The annual Mass for deceased club members will take place in the Church of the Ascension of the Lord, Balally on Saturday, November 12 at 7pm.

U-11s who beat Erin’s Isle to win the U-11 Division 2 cup final.

Tickets at €40 for the 30th anniversary dinner-dance on November 26

Very hard luck on our minor foot-

are on sale now, and can be obtained

ballers, who were beaten in the semi-

from Margaret Kyne Delaney on 087

final of the MFC C by St Oliver Plun-

635 2630, or from Nuala Byrne on 086

kett’s. Nonetheless, to come third in

318 6206. Tickets can also be acquired

the league and, to reach a champi-

by leaving your name and money in an

onship semi-final, is a tremendous

envelope behind the bar.

reflection on the players and men-

Quick reminder that the formal

tors and we should all be very proud

launch of the club history book is on

of their efforts.

Saturday, December 10.

Our U-15 footballers had a fantastic

The lotto jackpot was not won –

win over title rivals Naomh Fionnbar-

numbers drawn were 1, 17 and 30.

ra in League Division 3 and are now

Jackpot is now €1,300.

joint top with one game remaining.

Finally, a note for your diary –

Thank-you to all those in the juvenile

our Christmas draw will be held on

section who set up pitches on both

December 17 and tickets go on sale

Saturday and Sunday when the club

shortly .

STARS OF ERIN THE Under-11 hurlers will take on St

Patrick’s National School, Glencullen.

Maur’s in Glencullen on Saturday

New players are always welcome.

morning at 11am in a second-place

There was no winner of the weekly

play-off for the league. Please come

lotto. Numbers drawn were 7, 8 and

along on Saturday and show your

14. The three “no jackpot” winners

support for what has been a brilliant

draw were 1st: Collie Moran, 2nd:

year for the Under-11s, who also

Audrey Kavanagh, 3rd: Karolina K.

finished runners-up in the football

The jackpot next week is €1,600.

league.

The Under-8s and Under-9s training continues each week in St

Please visit www.starsoferin.com for news, reviews and upcoming fixtures.

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ALL OF YOUR DUNDRUM SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

BY A WHISKER: Old Wesley stage epic but doomed second-half comeback P28

NOVEMBER 10, 2011

LONDON CALLING Linda Byrne on a marathon mission P29

STEPHEN FINDLATER dundrumsport@gazettegroup.com

PADDY Carr last week brought to a close one of the great club management jobs when he stepped away from the head role at Kilmacud Crokes after four seasons.

During that time, the Glenalbyn club claimed a pair of Dublin and Leinster titles and the ultimate crown when they got the better of Crossmaglen Rangers in 2009 in Croke Park in the All-Ireland club final.

Carr grew up in the club, going to school just up the Kilmacud Road at Oatlands College, going on to a much-travelled career before returning to his roots.

He played a single championship match for Donegal in 1980, and he took the top management in Louth, and also in Meath with Walterstown where he settled, helping the Meath minors in 2007.

At Kilmacud, he was an instant success despite difficult situations, as the conveyor-belt of talent left him constantly chopping and changing his panel due to intercounty commitments and the unavailability that produced.

But they got it together at the business end of the 2008 championship in dramatic fashion, ending St Vincent’s reign as an All-Ireland champions on a replay, with Mark Vaughan clipping a memorable goal.

And they came back from the dead to beat St Oliver Plunkett’s to win the Dublin title before their cracking win over Crossmaglen on March 17, 2009.

It was a prelude to a harrowing run of injuries that saw top stars like Darren Magee and Paul Griffin go absent.

But Carr placed his trust in the young charges and, while they fell to near neighbours Ballyboden St Enda’s in an epic Dublin semi-final at the third attempt, they bounced back in 2010.

A quality campaign was capped by their victory over a resurgent St Brigid’s to make it two county titles in three years, following up with another Leinster crown.

Crossmaglen got their revenge in last winter’s semi-final on the All-Ireland stage while Kilmacud’s run this year was ended by Brigid’s in an exceptionally tight last 16 game, falling 0-8 to 0-7.

His reign as manager will be long

Kilmacud Crokes’ senior footballers celebrate their 2010 Dublin championship title

remembered, with the club paying tribute to his efforts on their website during the week, posting: “This brings an end to a most glorious chapter in the clubs history with 2 Dublin and Leinster titles and the ultimate All-Ireland club title to show for their efforts on top of the many exciting memories we all have.

“However, Paddy’s era will be remembered also for the positive ethos, dignity and discipline that he promoted amongst his young charges, on and off the field.

“What great ambassadors he and they have been for the club and, for that, we are most grateful - an enduring legacy without doubt!”

GazetteSPORT

Carr ends golden age at Crokes