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A FESTIVE DOUBLE EDITION • DECEMBER 22 & 29, 2011

INSIDE: Looking back at imperalism in the HERE WE GO-HO-HO: Santa and the Ardilaun Lecture P2 Gazette team look back at 2011 Page 3

Their crowning glory: Fun with dramatic parts Rugby: Old Wesley claim the Leinster Senior League title Page 32

STRIKING a suitably dramatic pose, these young actors put on a highly-entertaining show for The Gazette when we called to see their final dress rehearsal for their Christmas pantomime, Nursery Crimes. These, and the other young stars of Drama Fanatics, were busy rehearsing at Loreto Community Centre, Churchtown, where they sang, dance – and struck dramatic poses, of course – for their show.

Picture: Geraldine Woods

Full Gallery on Page 8

Sports Awards: December’s nominees are announced Page 29

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ..................... 2 MOTORS ........................18 BUSINESS .................... 21 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Holy Trinity NS set to get new buildings Minister Ruairi Quinn announces works due in 2012

Q LAURA WEBB

A LENGTHY campaign by teachers and parents to construct a permanent building for Holy Trinity National School in Leopardstown came to an end this week, following the announcement by the Minister for Education,

Ruairi Quinn, that work on a new school building will get under way, next year.

Welcoming the announcement, Fine Gael TD for Dublin South, Peter Mathews, said: “Holy Trinity is in dire need of a permanent school building. At present, 161 pupils are crammed into nine

pre-fabricated buildings.

“I welcome the announcement by Minister Quinn, as I was very surprised that the Holy Trinity National School in Leopardstown was not included in the Minister’s list of school buildings last June,” he said.

Full Story on Page 4

2 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 22 & 29 December 2011

EDUCATION Alexandra College’s annual Ardilaun Lecture EAST AFRICA: LOCAL WOMAN WITNESSES EFFECTS OF FOOD CRISIS

Geraldine’s ‘inspiring’ visit to Ethiopia Q STAFF REPORTER

A TERENURE local who visited Ethiopia recently with the international children’s charity Plan Ireland to witness firsthand the effects of the East Africa food crisis, has described her time spent in the country as “truly inspiring and eye opening”.

A director of the business consultancy firm, rXi Ventures, Geraldine Kelly is also a board member of Plan Ireland 2008 and said she had been keen to visit the stricken country for herself.

Throughout her visit Geraldine witnessed first-hand the impact the emergency relief provided by the organisation is having on those affected by the current food crisis.

Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa region in general, came into focus earlier this year when there was widespread media coverage of the urgent food crisis and drought which took hold of the region. Plan Ireland is an international children’s charity with a substantial long-term presence in Ethiopia.

“Plan has been working on the ground in Ethiopia since 1974 so we are firmly established there and our support of women and children in the country has remained steadfast. My visit to Ethiopia with Plan was truly inspiring and eye opening. It was so heartening to see the work and dedication of the medical staff in the therapeutic feeding centre in Taza, who look after severely malnourished children on a daily basis,” Kelly told the Gazette this week.

“In addition to this, we were able to visit a number of long-term

projects that Plan is running in the area to improve the health and wellbeing of children and their families in the community, including creating access to clean water and improving cooking facilities with smart sustainable energy projects.”

Plan Ireland’s East Africa Crisis Appeal is supporting emergency feeding centres where women and children receive essential food rations. The organisation will support the running of the therapeutic feeding centre for the next six months and continue to provide food rations to the poorest families in the area.

David Dalton, CEO of Plan Ireland, this week appealed to members of the public “not to forget Ethiopia”.

“The reality of the current situation is that many people are still short of food and depend on essential food rations.

There are still starving children lying in therapeutic feeding centres,” he said.

“As well as this immediate assistance, we are also planning to provide longer terms support, including irrigation to negate the effects or drought and erratic rains and helping farmers with their future livelihoods, such as providing livestock to impoverished families.

“Thanks to donations from the Irish public, we are making a very real and substantial difference to the lives of many Ethiopian families.”

To find out more, and to donate to Plan Ireland’s East Africa Crisis Appeal today, visit www.plan.ie or contact Plan Ireland, 126 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2 or call freephone 1800 829 829.

Molly O’Leary, Rachel Healy, Ali Donnellan, Lucy Watters, Chloe Laird and Aoife O’Hagan. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

British Imperialism revisited ...

L EAVING Cert students at Alexandra College, Milltown, gave a warm welcome to Dr Christopher Prior when he visited the school recently to deliver the 2011 Ardilaun History Lecture.

Dr Prior, a lecturer in UCD’s School of History and Archives, whose specialist knowledge and expertise is based on the British Empire, delivered a fascinating lecture on British imperialism: Crisis, conflict and

development, 1945 – 1960. He discussed how, following World War 2, the British empire faced rapid changes and challenges in the post-war global setting.

This year’s Ardilaun History lecture was presented to the students as part of their history studies for the Leaving Certificate, with the students asking Dr Prior some insightful questions, continuing the legacy of the Ardilaun Lecture, which dates from 1922.

Aoife O’Hagan

Chloe Laird

Molly O’Leary and Anna Rose Charleton

Dr Christopher Prior

Clodagh Farrelly and Katie Duggan

Sarah Looby, Nanci O’Reilly and Ali Donnellan

22 & 29 December 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 3

GREETINGS A look back at 2011, and looking forward to 2012

A very merry Christmas from all at the Gazette Q CORMAC CURTIS

THE team at the Gazette were busy this week putting together the very best in local news, features, sports and picture coverage, to give our readers the best possible insight into what is happening in your local community over the Christmas season.

At the same time, our commercial team were bringing the best value in local advertising to the businesses of Dublin – the kind of businesses that know our industryleading readership and circulation figures have been approved by the Audit Bureau of Circulation.

Coverage As regular readers will know, the primary focus of the Gazette is local coverage. We started this year by bringing further news of the “big freeze”, and how it was affecting life in our local communities.

As the capital’s residents did their best to cope with the extended extreme weather conditions, the Gazette reported on how local councils, transport services and emergency services, as well as volunteer groups, all coped with the added pressures of frozen roads, interrupted services, and shortages of salt and grit.

As the freeze gave way to thaw, and 2011 unfold-

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‘Moving into springtime, Dublin entered a period of near jubilation, with the historic visits of Queen Elizabeth II and US President, Barack Obama’ --------------------------

ed, it became clear that our political landscape was changing dramatically.

The prospect of further austerity and lack of growth meant Fianna Fail faced an impossible battle, as the electorate prepared to send a clear message to a Government that had left the people feeling betrayed, let down and completely abandoned by its public representatives.

As a result, the General Election brought with it the end of an era for Fianna Fail, as well as the complete decimation of the Green Party.

Hand-in-hand with these changes came the rise of the Left, as many Left-leaning councillors took seats in a number of Dublin constituencies.

Moving in to springtime, Dublin entered a period of near jubilation, with the historic visits of Queen Elizabeth II and

GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW!

US President, Barack Obama.

After a scorching April, our summer weather let us down. Dublin experienced more extreme weather in autumn, as record rainfall figures brought the capital to a flooded standstill.

What is encouraging is that, despite a mixed bag of news in a year that saw little or no improvement to the country’s economic standing, our local communities remain as vibrant and exciting as ever.

Local community groups, schools, sports clubs and societies have not lost their appetite for activity, and we at the Gazette thrive on their enthusiasm.

The Gazette is an open resource for the community, and we would like to thank all of those who involve us, interact with us, and those who go as far as to write stories, take pictures and take the time to contribute material to these pages.

If it weren’t for the efforts of these people, it would make it impossible to produce the kind of material that highlights what is bright, beautiful and unique about our area.

So, from the whole team at the Gazette, let me extend our very best wishes to you and your families this Christmas season and wish you a happy and healthy 2012.

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

The Gazette team wish all our readers a very merry Christmas Picture: Anita Ward

4 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 22 & 29 December 2011

SCHOOLS Minister approves works to commence in 2012

Holy Trinity NS set to get new building Q LAURA WEBB

dundrum@gazettegroup.com

A LENGTHY campaign by teachers and parents to construct a permanent building for Holy Trinity National School in Leopardstown came to an end this week, following the announcement by the Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn that work on a new school building will get under way next year.

Following the Minister’s announcement, approximately €430 million is to be spent on an education infrastructure plan for 2012.

We l c o m i n g t h e announcement, Fine Gael TD for Dublin South, Peter Mathews said: “Holy Trinity is in dire need of a perma-

nent school building. At present, 161 pupils are crammed into nine prefabricated buildings.

“Not only are the prefabs unsuitable for educating children, there is not enough space to accommodate the increased population in the area, following the construction of 2,500 homes built in the area over the past 20 years.

“We are only now playing catch-up with the facilities that the local community needs to prosper,” he said.

“I welcome the announcement by Minister Quinn, as I was very surprised that the Holy Trinity National School in Leopardstown was not included in the Minister’s list of school buildings last June.

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‘I spoke to Minister Quinn about the need for a permanent school building, and I am delighted that it has been given the green light’ --------------------------

Dep Peter Mathews, FG --------------------------

“I spoke to the Minister about the obvious need for a permanent school building, and I am delighted that this project has been given the green light,” said Deputy Mathews.

Meanwhile, his party colleague and fellow

Dublin South TD, Olivia Mitchell, also welcomed the announcement, saying: “Holy Trinity NS has run a long campaign, right through the various stages of the planning process, and I’m glad that the project will experience no further delays.

“While moving to a new permanent building is great news for the pupils and staff, the move away from prefabs will also save the State thousands of euro in the long run.

“Once the need for a school was established, the concern was to secure a permanent building,” she said.

“This has taken many years to achieve, but it is great to see the project finally coming to fruition.

Deputy Peter Mathews, Fine Gael, welcomed the new school building’s approval

“All credit to the principal, staff and community, who never gave up hope, even when the recession hit, and who continued to lobby tirelessly for the school,” said Deputy Mitchell.

Following the Minister’s announcement, extension/refurbishment works will also take place at Senior College Dun Laoghaire, Eblana

Avenue.

Making the funding announcement this week, Minister Quinn said: “We are prioritising investment in school buildings, in line with the Government’s Capital Investment Programme. “ To t a l e n r o l m e n t in both primary and post-primary schools is expected to grow by around 70,000 between

now and 2018 – by more than 45,000 pupils at primary level and 25,000 students at post-primary.

“Enrolment will continue to rise at the postprimary level to the year 2024 at least.

“We have to ensure that every child growing up in Ireland will have access to a physical school place,” said Minister Quinn.

22 & 29 December 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 5

CHILDREN Minister’s funding for special bus

€40,000 boost for LauraLynn hospice

Q DAWN LOVE dundrum@gazettegroup.com

THE LauraLynn Sunshine Home got an early Christmas present this week following the announcement that it is to receive a funding boost of €40,000.

The National Lottery grant from the Department of Health will go towards the cost of a specially-adapted bus for transporting sick children at the hospice, which is situated on the Leopardstown Road.

We l c o m i n g t h e announcement, Dublin South TD Peter Mathews (FG) said the hospice was one of the most deserving facilities he had the pleasure of visiting.

“With its hallmark of excellence, and its wonderful atmosphere for the children that it looks

In addition to funds needed for the hospice’s running, funds are also needed for its vital services

after, it couldn’t be a more deserving cause.

“Having personally visited this hospice, I was completely bowled over by what a wonderful facility it offers to children and their families during such a tragic time in their lives.

“I spoke directly with the Minister for Health, James Reilly, to bring this to his attention.

“Despite all the financial challenges that the Minister has, his heart and his mind are in the right place for such a deserving cause,” said Deputy Mathews.

In Ireland there are over 1,400 children with life-limiting and lifethreatening conditions, such as cerebral palsy, profound brain damage, meningitis, HIV and can-

cer.

More than 350 children die every year in Ireland.

LauraLynn House provides respite for the family as a whole. Its ethos is about putting “life into a child’s day, not days into a child’s life”.

For parents, it gives them a much-needed break, often as simple as a decent night’s sleep.

It also supports healthy siblings, who may be very much left out when a sick child needs 24-hour care.

It also gives families a choice when the end comes, providing continued support for the family when their child has passed on.

Home care is also a major part of the service, as is linking with other organisations working in similar areas.

6 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 22 & 29 December 2011

OPINION Leas Cathaoirleach of DLR talks

‘May I encourage more women to seek nomination to contest seat’ LAST week, Ireland celebrated the 100th anniversary of the introduction of legislation that allowed women to participate in county and borough councils for the first time.

The centenary of the Enactment of the Local Authorities (Ireland), Qualification of Women Act 1911, coincided with the publication of a new Government Bill designed to introduce positive

GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

WHEN, in June, 1974, I was elected to represent Booterstown, Blackrock and Monkstown to Dun Laoghaire

Borough Council, I had no idea it would be the commencement of a deep and passionate commitment to the civic life of the place I lived and loved.

Entering an oak-lined council chamber with 15 other people, I was the first woman to be elected, and, a year later, 1975, the European Year of the Woman, I was the very first woman to be chosen by my colleagues as An Cathaoirleach.

We represented 56,000 people. It all seems a long time ago, and it is.

Now, we are a county council, with 28 members representing 192,000 people.

We meet about six times a month for two or three hours, and longer when the week requires it. We argue, debate, submit ideas, and vote to approve or reject.

The work is endlessly stimulating; often too, too slow and, indeed, frustrating.

Our work is limited by a bill of legislation – we are not free to go outside that area.

We do have power;

discrimination in favour of gender quotas.

This week, Leas Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, and Labour councillor, Jane Dillon Byrne, who was first elected to represent Booterstown, Blackrock and Monkstown in 1974, writes about her role as a county councillor, and calls for more women to get involved in political life. not often enough, in comparison to other European countries.

This Republic seriously needs to have a local government reorganisation and, in the field of education, offer a course in civics to help our young people understand how we operate.

I find great satisfaction in much of the work I do. I enjoy it, though it is often a considerable challenge, but I enjoy researching and preparing the presentation to the county council.

I may have to argue with offices of the council, as well as the politicians from Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Socialist Workers, to gain acceptance of my idea.

The county manager also has his piece of legislation, directing him to act in a certain area and matters, and matters exclusively. I might argue with him, also.

Then, finance has to be found to activate the project. While a member of the Arts Council in the Nineties, I secured €1 million to help build our local theatre, The

Pavilion.

I ran a sculpture symposium, which resulted in 12 works of public art in our open spaces and parks.

In the very early days, I worked to ensure the upgrading and refurbishing of all the council houses built in 19081912 by the British.

They are all centrally heated, double-glazed and have proper bathrooms/toilets and kitchens.

The post of councillor can result in the general public phoning you all times of the day and night, such as about the recent flooding of more than 100 homes in our council area – not an easy problem to solve.

To ensure the proper balance to my life, I swim in the sea (Sandycove, generally) each day of the year.

My sheepdog and myself (I cycle) enjoy the outdoors for that hour or two every day; we view the wildlife seals, bats, birds and sea birds along the coast, and sometimes see the odd fox.

We know the tide

Leas Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, and Labour councillor, Jane Dillon Byrne

times, the direction of the wind, and the quality of the sea weed on a stormy day. There’s not a moment’s boredom.

I can’t imagine my life without being a councillor. I am constantly grateful to those who support me. I am lucky to be in such a beautiful place as Dun Laoghaire.

As leas-Cathaoirleach, this year I will meet more people in a formal setting than I have for a while now, and so my activities change all the time, and lend enormous satisfaction to my life.

May I encourage more women to seek nomination to contest for a seat on their local council.

We are poorly represented, and almost all of us enjoy it when we win a seat.

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

YOUR LOCAL PAPER, YOUR LOCAL NEWS!

22 & 29 December 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 7

to The Gazette about her busy role

ENVIRONMENT: EPA’S TIPS FOR WAYS TO REDUCE, RECYCLE AND REUSE

Great advice for a greener Christmas WITH more waste set to be generated over the Christmas period than any other time of the year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is urging residents in the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown region to reduce, recycle and reuse, this festive season.

Speaking to The Gazette, Jonathan Derham, from the EPA, said: “We’d like to remind people that, by keeping useful waste prevention ideas in mind, we can all make cost savings and give to each other, without giving to landfills this season.

“By following these tips from the EPA over the Christmas period, and by making these habits part of our New Year’s resolutions, we can all contribute to a greener future,” said Derham.

“This is not just about recycling – it is about

preventing waste across a range of activities.

“In the run-up to Christmas, remember to defrost your freezer. It will work more efficiently, and create more space to store leftover food.

“For leftovers, Stop Food Waste and Wicklow County Council have developed a wonderful recipe guide for the 12 days of Christmas on their website, at www. stopfoodwaste.ie.

“Many people will receive Christmas presents of new electrical and electronic equipment. Their older model will then have to be disposed of, so remember to recycle waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

“Lots of these goods contain hazardous materials that can cause serious environmental damage. Retailers are

required by law to take back WEEE from householders on a one-for-one basis, and this service is free of charge.

“Alternatively, old mobile phones can be donated to The Jack & Jill Foundation at www.jackandjill.ie,” he said.

“Finally, it’s great to have a warm, cosy house at Christmas, so keep curtains closed and doors shut. This keeps heat in, and saves energy and money.

“With lots of people in the house over the season, turn down the thermostat by 1C. This saves money and reduces the Christmas carbon footprint, while providing a great excuse to get everyone wearing a Christmas jumper,” said Derham.

See w w w.repak.ie/ recycling_facilities.php for a list of bring banks and recycling centres.

8 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 22 & 29 December 2011

CHILDREN The Gazette enjoys a pantomime dress rehearsal

Beth McCudden, Samantha Eves, Katie-Jade Healy, Megan-Ann O’Rourke, Christina-Mary Megane, Jocelyn Laffid, Alanah Carey, Jessica Kelly, James Curry, Juliet Mullarney, David McDermott, Jordan Hickey, Catherine McCready, Amy McDermott, Jodie Core and Josh Healy. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Great characters, great rehearsal ...

HE Gazette was treated to a great performance when it called to Loreto Community Centre, Churchtown, recently, where Drama Fanatics’ young stars were going through a dress rehearsal of their annual pantomime, Nursery Crimes.

Indeed, the stars were criminally good, as they went through their song and dance routines, all under the watchful eye and encour-

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agement of Drama Fanatics’ director, Aoife Reilly.

Their home-made costumes helped inspire the young drama students to embrace their roles, with their lively performances enhanced by creative make-up. Building upon the skills already established in the three-year-old drama school, the students certainly gave The Gazette a terrific show to remember.

Aoife Reilly (back, lower-left) provided expert direction for the imaginative students

22 & 29 December 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 9

10 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 22 & 29 December 2011

IT’S YOUR SHOT Christmas lights help support cancer group

Annemarie and lana Austin

Joining Martin Daly to admire his light work were Kacie Warner and Brandon Austin

Heavy support for a light fundraiser ...

OCAL man Martin Daly threw some heavy support behind a light idea, helping to create some real Christmas cheer and support a charity at the same time.

With the help of an awful lot of Christmas lights and decorations, Martin turned the front of his Stillorgan house into an imaginative Christmas wonderland, with his extravagant

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display not just there to delight neighbours and passers-by, but also to help fundraise for the Marie Keating Foundation.

A donation box at the front of the house invites anyone and everyone to show some charitable spirit this Christmas, and donate to help the Foundation continue its vital cancer support services across the city and beyond.

Children loved the lights

Kay Goggins and Martin Daly

Brandon, Martin and The display was a big hit with everyone that saw them

Kacie

WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

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22 & 29 December 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 22 & 29 December 2011

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GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY Brides can win big, it’s wedding time!

AZETTE Group Newspapers has teamed up with T h e We d d i n g Journal Show to offer lucky readers a chance to win a pair of VIP tickets, and 10 pairs of runners-up tickets , to the Wedding Journal Show, Citywest Complex, Dublin from January 13 until January 15, 2012.

The Wedding Journal Show 2012, in association with Ireland AM, will feature over 450 exhibitors and provide brides and grooms alike with a one-stop-wedding shop, together with all the inspiration they need to plan their big day.

From venues and flowers to dresses and cars, the

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Wedding Journal Show has it all – and all under one roof!

As always, the Wedding Journal Show is pulling out all the stops for their 2012 exhibition.

Celebrating all that’s Irish, there will be an Irish Bridal Designers Area to help you find that dream gown, as well as Wedding Journal’s unrivalled international catwalk show, which takes place three times daily. This exclusive event provides a rare opportunity to see a selection of designer wedding gowns, bridesmaids, mothers of the bride and groomswear, some of which have never been seen in Ire-

land before!

Whether you are looking for the perfect dress, suit hire, an exclusive venue, flowers, stationery, entertainment, cars, photographer or a delicious cake, every aspect of your wedding planning experience will be covered.

What’s more – everyone who buys a ticket to the show – either online or on the door – will be entered into a prize draw to win a wedding work €25,000!

For more information, or to book your discounted tickets, visit www.weddingjournalonline.com See below for full details on this incredible competition.

Brides can bag a bargain at the Wedding Journal Show in Citywest next month. See our incredible competition below for your chance to win VIP passes for the inspirational event

WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240

22 & 29 December 2011 GAZETTE 15

GazetteNUTRITION NUTRITION GOT A STORY? Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

Party time is upon us so, to make sure you keep healthy over the festive period, check out our guide

Surviving the holiday season LEILA JOHARI

THE holiday season has arrived, party time is upon us. We want to look good in that little black dress but all that fun and feasting can take its toll on our bodies.

Between late nights, eating and drinking, it is no wonder our bodies find it hard to keep functioning effectively.

Research has shown that the average person consumes up to 7,000 calories on Christmas day, and don’t forget about the festive goodies we feast on the weeks before.

Christmas is a special time of year we want to enjoy so here are some tips to keep healthy and keep our spirits up!

Don’t go to a party hungry Eat a wholesome breakfast and lunch on the day so that you are not starving when you arrive at the party. Porridge in the morning is ideal followed by a lunch of lentil soup and

whole-grain bread.

Portion Control Allow yourself to try the festive goodies you don’t have during the year but opt for small portions, this way you can try a bit of everything.

Make food swaps and limit high-fat foods • Choose open-topped mince pies to reduce the amount of pastry • Serve whole-grain bread sticks with salsa instead of potato crisps and sour cream dip • Swap ice cream for fresh fruit sorbet • Swap salted nuts and chocolates for unsalted nuts and dried fruit dipped in dark chocolate • Ser ve marinaded chicken, beef and fish instead of breaded versions • Avoid the egg nog as this is made with sugar and cream!

Choose your drink carefully Instead of beer, cider

and Bailey’s tr y dr y wine, Bloody Marys or spirits with diet mixer, which has fewer calories.

Choose organic drinks where possible, as they have less additives, sweeteners and chemicals.

Don’t forget that people who are overweight gain weight more easily when they consume alcohol.

Drink plenty of water to rehydrate your body and avoid a hangover.

Don’t let others refill your glass and only top up when your glass is empty.

morning is unbearable, there are some cures that may help.

Fried Breakfast: Yep, believe it or not this is the one time a fried breakfast should be on the menu.

Fried foods such as eggs, bacon, mushrooms

that tiredness.

Fresh Fruit Smoothie: This will provide Vitamin C which helps the liver to process the last of the alcohol and the liquid content helps you rehydrate.

A glass of warm water with freshly squeezed

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‘Research has shown that the average person consumes up to 7,000 calories on Christmas day, and don’t forget about the festive goodies we feast on the weeks before’ --------------------------------------------------------

Holiday Hangover The main symptoms of a hangover are a banging headache and extreme fatigue.

Alcohol robs your brain of water resulting in your brain shrinking from the inside of your skull, giving you that throbbing pain.

This is best avoided but, if the glare of the sunlight and the crashing sound of cutlery in the kitchen the next

and toast contain lots of salt and amino acids.

Your body needs salt after weeing and sweating so much as a result of alcohol, which is a diuretic.

The amino acids help to get the liver back on track after it has worked hard to expel the alcohol.

A big breakfast will boost your glucose, helping you shake off

lemon juice and grated root ginger flushes out the digestive system and a bowl of pure porridge with mixed berries and cinnamon will stimulate digestion.

Finally, get out, get moving and get some fresh air.

Take the dog for a walk to look at the Christmas lights and soak up some more of that festive atmosphere.

16 GAZETTE 22 & 29 December 2011

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods X FACTOR, Glee, Justin Bieber...somewhere there’s a production line spitting out shiny, singing puppets to destroy the brains and ears of young people.

Why not give the gift of real music this Christmas? Some of this year’s best albums make great stocking fillers.

The Foo Fighters generated earth tremors at a gig in New Zealand recently; see if you can do the same with their great album, Wasting Light, from earlier this year — your neighbours would love you for it!

Red Hot Chili Peppers’ I’m With You will get you in the mood for next year’s gig, as will Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, with Noel announced as support for RHCP. Or, and here’s a few words I never thought would be in the same sentence, Pearl Jam leader Eddie Vedder’s subtle and lilting Ukelele Songs.

The Chinese said 2011 was the year of the rabbit.

2012 should definitely be the year of the gig. Huge acts are gracing our shores next year, including The Boss, Bruce Springsteen, who will bring his E Street Band back to the RDS, albeit without the master of sax, the late Clarence Clemons, who died earlier this year.

Croker will be the setting for the Red Hot Chili Peppers with support from Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, while Van Morrison and Tom Petty both have gigs lined up at The O2. Rock n’ Roll on the New Year!

Billy Joel may be off Bono’s Christmas card list.

He told music fans in Massachusetts last week that when he was at a U2 concert in New York, he found another band under the stage adding to their live sound. I think he may have found what U2 were looking for...

Listen to Dee Woods from Radio Nova every weeknight from 7pm to 12am on 100.3FM

NEW ARTIST FORUM: HELPFUL WEBSITE FOR EMERGING ACTS

MRU ready to listen to the new breed?

IF YOU turn on national radio at any time of the day, you will likely hear Rhianna, Coldplay or whatever it was that won The X Factor, all of which have the financial backing of major record labels.

But what becomes of our Irish home-grown t a l e n t ? R i g h t n ow, according to ukairplaychar t.com, the Irish Radio Airplay Chart consists of a top 10 list of artists who all are international.

According to the website, the top 10 list was compiled over 99.7% of the general audience in Ireland.

If 99.7% of the general public are currently listening to international artists in Ireland, it means an industry rich with talented musicians don’t have an opportunity to create a platform for themselves and get to the level they truly deserve.

However, local artists have now a voice in the media. Music Review Unsigned (MRU) was set up in 2006 by Ballyfermot man, Trevor Halpin.

The website reviews unsigned musicians from all over the world, and has set up a social side to their site, attracting many unsigned artists to set up profiles for free and share their music and get reviews from MRU users.

Dave Duggan, David Spain (WDAR), Keith McLoughlin supporting Music Review Unsigned

The website is involved with local r a d i o s t a t i o n , We s t Dublin Access Radio (WDAR) 96FM, which runs a weekly char t show every Thursday at 4pm.

They also play all the latest unsigned music on the show. One of the ideas behind putting on such a show was to give more airtime to local talent.

Keith McLoughlin, a local radio presenter with West Dublin Access Radio 96fm and Dublin South FM, is on the front line in the battle to create this platform for many artists.

“I have been going to gigs and watching unsigned acts for

many years, and I go home feeling buzzed by watching new talent,” said Keith.

“But when I turn on the radio, all I can think is why are these artists not getting the recognition they deserve?”

For almost six years, Music Review Unsigned has quietly built a strong following in Ireland and now around the world.

With over 1.5 million views per month on their website, together with an online magazine that is published every month, the company has now become a staple in the Irish music industry, and has given many artists another platform to showcase their music.

David Duggan, online design editor for musicreviewunsigned said: “We could blame it on the government not putting proper legislation in place to force commercial stations to play unsigned music, but if we have a strong s t r u c t u r e t o m a ke musicians and bands aware of the financial and bureaucratic system that exists in the Irish music industry, we could see a 50/50 share of listenership in Ireland for existing and unsigned acts.”

Trevor Halpin, the editor of MRU, is equally enthusiastic about the site’s potential.

“It could be many years before such art-

ists as The Barley Mob, Autonomous I, T he Slick Hippy’s and many more local acts reach the ears of the general public on prime-time radio.

“We should be trying to put the proper infrastructure into the Irish music scene where our artists could work alongside promoters, venues and industr y insiders to build the knowledge that would help new acts to succeed.

“If we were honest, money can buy you success, and a number one single or album, but we know the real listeners would prefer to hear real Irish home-grown talent on their radios.”

22 & 29 December 2011 GAZETTE 17

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: LAST YEAR, THE DSPCA HELPED OVER 4,400 ANIMALS, AND THEY NEED YOUR HELP

Support the DSPCA this Christmas HIS Christmas it’s business as usual for the good folk at Ireland’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity, the Dublin SPCA and our wonderful staff and volunteers are all bracing themselves, not just for the cold snap, because, let’s face it, the conditions are practically arctic up here in the Dublin mountains, but for the surge in the many rescue requests we’ll no doubt receive.

Last year, the Dublin SPCA helped in excess of 4,400 animals, an amazing feat when you realise it costs us €2m to run the shelter and we do all of this without Government funding; depending heavily upon donations from kind members of the public.

So, while most of you will be opening your presents and tucking into the turkey and ham, our frontline staff will be on full alert, helping animals in need.

And, even though we all adore Christmas at the shelter, animal welfare, just as it is every other day of the year, remains our top priority.

However, the great part is we arrive at work to cheerful barks, luscious licks and energetic tail wags and every animal gets their visit from Santa, who puts lots of animalfriendly treats and toys into their stockings… now, how many of you reading this gets to experience that type of yuletide pleasure? How lucky are we?

So, in order to help rescued animals and support the country’s favourite charity this holiday season, take a quick look at my hints below.

T

A few coppers This yuletide, designate a day where co-workers, family members, schoolmates, etc., donate their small change to the Dublin SPCA. Make it a Puurrrfect

Christmas We’re always looking for foster families to socialise our cats and kittens throughout the year.

Why not become a “feline friend” this Christmas and give a cat a home over festive season.

New Year/New You Throw a New Year’s Eve party at your house and ask guests to make a resolution to become more animal friendly in 2012.

Adopt the Perfect Partner Visit us and adopt your forever friend. We have lots of wonderful animals, all deserving good homes, just waiting for their new families to love and cherish them.

Our adoption consultants are all expert at placing the right animal with the right family using their unique, “meet your match” programme.

Animal welfare remains the DSPCA’s top priority even on Christmas Day

Go Online: www. dspca.ie The Dublin SPCA’s gift shop has lots of gifts for this holiday season, from Christmas cards to wrapping paper, from 2012 calendars to cute, cuddly teddies, complete with full veterinary scrubs, from stationary to novelty mugs and aprons, etc.,

You could even Sponsor a Pet by going online at www.dspca.ie and sponsoring one of our much-deserving shelter animals as a goodwill gift for a friend or family member.

A Symbolic Gift Gesture: Why not support us

by becoming a monthly member?

By donating a small amount each month, you could provide our charity with a sustainable income that will help us give sick, Injured, cruelly treated, abandoned and forgotten animals a happy ending. For example: If you donate €5 per month you will enable us to buy vaccines for 30 dogs and cats. If you donate €9 per month you will help us provide special milk to bottle feed 40 orphaned kittens.

If you donate €21 per month, or more, this will qualify for tax relief,

which means your annual gift will be increased from 20-42% (depending on your tax bracket) at no additional cost to you.

If you donate €32 per month you will save a life. Let me explain. The average cost of a rescue, veterinary treatment and boarding of each animal we take care of is €475.

When we re-home an animal, having rescued, treated, rehabilitated, spayed/ neutered, micro-chipped, vaccinated, de-flead and de-wormed him, and after adoption fees are paid, there is still a deficit of €379 on each animal, or €32 per month.

Too Much Stuff Take a look at our wish list on www.dspca.ie and see if you have anything in your home you no longer want that you can donate to us.

Lobby for Legislation Contact your local TD and lobby him/her to get legislation passed at local and national level and join us in the fight to save animals’ lives.

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

18 GAZETTE 22 & 29 December 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs HONDA TOP OF THE CLASS IN RELIABILITY: THE latest Car Reliability from Which?

Car said: “Not only did Honda owners respond in the largest numbers to the 2011 Which? Car Survey, they also reported that Honda was the most reliable of all 34 brands we covered.

“That’s no mean feat, and it makes Honda one name that’s worth remembering when it’s time to replace your car.”

That is praise indeed from the biggest survey of car reliability and owner satisfaction in the UK. The Which? Car Reliability survey,

that asks car owners to rate their own cars, is calculated from the number of breakdown, faults and niggles suffered by all models in the last 12 months. The score for each of these are then combined to provide an overall reliability score for each manufacturer.

As breakdowns are more serious than faults or niggles, they are given a heavier weighting than the other two areas.

Frank Kennedy, of Universal Honda, was delighted with the result: “The Which? Car Survey is very comprehensive in that car owners who live with their cars are the people who rate the cars.

This means that potential buyers will be able to make an informed decision as how good it is to own a Honda which has been rated so highly.”

Honda is up one place from last year when it came second.

Back in black, but she’s laden in red Pretty as a picture, but it’s not a case of style over substance with Skoda’s Fabia Monte Carlo – there is some real fun to be had here too, says Cormac Curtis LAST WEEK, the eco credentials and mind-blowing economy of the Skoda Fabia Greenline were at the centre of the Gazette motoring pages.

This week, without wanting to be too repetitive, we’re going to take a look at another Fabia, but this time, it’s something that brings a lot more fun to the table.

Enter the Fabia Monte Carlo 1.2TSI. It’s an interesting experience when you get two different versions of the same car to drive back-to-back, and that is what happened to me with the Fabia Greenline and Monte Carlo last month.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Skoda are hitting all the right notes in the looks department these days.

From the time I picked it up, this car made me smile.

I find the overall look of Skoda cars very easy on the eye, and the designers kept it simple when they were styling the Monte Carlo.

Sporting a bold red body, “sunset” tinted windows, and enhanced by a black roof, black boot spoiler and black painted body parts, the car stands out with the addition of a set of 17” black alloy wheels.

Eye-catching interior details include stainless steel pedals

and “Monte Carlo” inscribed sill strips.

The red and black upholstery lent an exciting feel to the cabin, even if the dash is a little less imaginative.

So far, so Skoda – ticking all the right aesthetic boxes.

But does it have enough of the fun-factor to back up its impressive looks?

The short answer is yes – within reason.

The car I drove was the 1.2TSI version, working off 105 bhp.

Let’s just say it never ceases to surprise me just how much poke car manufacturers can get out of such modest engines.

SPECS Skoda Fabia Monte Carlo 1.2TSI 0-100 km/h:

11.7 sec

Max speed:

177 km/h

CO2:

121 g/km

Price:

€16,775

This is a driving car, and its turbocharged petrol engine, with direct petrol injection and just delivers a wonderful level of performance to a car that isn’t weighed down by anything as superfluous as air conditioning.

But, being honest, I would

have liked a few buttons on the steering wheel to avoid being distracted by music that didn’t fit the driving experience.

The week I spent with this car saw me travel to and from Dundalk on a number of occasions, detouring through Drogheda twice.

The mix of off-peak motorway driving and some fun secondary roads really let me have some fun with this car, and it didn’t disappoint - and, as far as I am aware, my driving licence is still clean.

It’s also worth noting that Skoda are currently offering zero per cent credit terms on the Fabia range.

22 & 29 December 2011 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 22 & 29 December 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs Renault create 47 jobs in six months MOTOR company, Renault, generated 47 jobs in Ireland over the last six months. The jobs were as a result of the launch of Renault Finance, the introduction of ZE ambassadors and the opening of two new dealerships.

In August, Renault Finance saw 15 new jobs created in their operations, finance and marketing roles.

In September, Renault announced eight new recruits. These ambassadors are dedicated to the Renault range of electric vehicles and will help to build awareness and assist customers in making informed choices.

November saw the opening of two brand new premises; Tullamore Motors in Offaly and Dennehy Motors in Limerick. The two new premises will see 24 new jobs created over the next 12 months, which is great news for both counties.

The Clondalkin-based AD Dublin have opened in the former Capital Brake & Clutch building

New premises a fresh start for AD Dublin THIS month sees AD Dublin motor factors move into a new location in the former Capital Brake & Clutch building in Clondalkin.

AD Dublin is a branch of AD Ireland, that has a network of 19 branches countrywide.

From this strategic location, the firm plans to further develop and expand their quality parts delivery service to their existing, as well as their new, customer base.

In addition to the Clondalkin branch, AD Dublin also have a branch in Stadium Business Park in Ballycoolin, which services their cus-

tomers on the northside of the city.

Traditionally, AD Dublin was a car and lightvehicle parts business, but this move sees the company becoming the first one-stop-shop for car, van, comercial vehicle and body repair parts in the Dublin area.

They have a fully equipped diesel fuelinjection workshop on site, with full capability to diagnose and repair any diesel pump and injector problems.

AD Dublin’s new location supports 30 jobs in the locality, and they hope to grow this as the business expands.

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

‘The company boasts a wealth of experience to help customers’ --------------------------

The company boasts a wealth of experience to help customers with all of their requirements.

They carry a full range of car, van and commercial vehicle parts, as well as a full range of auto body repair shop requirements.

Diagnostic equipment is becoming more prevalent in the auto repair business.

AD Dublin are the

distributors for Delphi, Denso, Bosch And Texa diagnostic equipment, to which they have dedicated staff to answer any questions or queries their customers may in relation to auto diagnostics.

For the company’s full range of products and services, visit their website at www.adireland.ie The AD Dublin team can be contacted at 01- 4613400 and are located at Unit 15/3 and 15/4 Crag Terrace, Clondalkin, D22.

They can be emailed at addublin@adirl.ie, and their Ballycoolin number is 01 8975210.

22 & 29 December 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

AVIATION NEWS: Airline’s first flights to Dubai depart Dublin in January

The HTC Radar, running Windows’ Mango OS, is available from a number of outlets

Emirates cabin crew Zana Greer, from Australia; Kristina von Heideman, from Sweden; Emma Allen, from Cork, and, inset, Thierry Antinori

Emirates gear up for a new takeoff WITH Emirates’ inaugural flight from Dublin to Dubai just around the corner, senior executives from the award-winning airline arrived in Dublin recently to meet the media and host a gala dinner at the Convention Centre.

Thierry Antinori, Emirates’ executive vice-president, passenger sales worldwide, said that Emirates had made a considerable investment in the Irish market, and was confident of the success of the new route, following unprecedented bookings for the first weeks of service.

“We can see unusually high demand for the first two weeks after launch,” Mr Antinori said.

“This is an excellent response from the Irish market, and we have not witnessed this level of bookings, nor such strong interest in a new route, for many years.

This gives us huge confidence in Ireland and the figures support the commercial research that precedes any decision we take to launch a new service.”

From January 9, daily flights will connect Dublin to Dubai, the airline’s intercontinental

hub. The new route will be served by an Airbus A330-200 with a combination of Irish and multinational cabin crew.

By January, passengers will be able to conveniently connect from Dubai to more than 100 onward destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australasia. Emirates has 70 flights per week to the key Ireland market of Australia, including an A380 service to Sydney.

The airline is also the largest A380 operator in the world with 19 double-deckers in the fleet and 71 on order.

“We are in the process of establishing our new office in Dublin, employing 25 staff on the ground in Ireland in the areas of management, sales, cargo and airport services,” Mr Antinori said.

“Emirates has demonstrated just how committed it is to the new Dublin–Dubai service, supported by a high-profile national marketing and advertising campaign, which extends around our route network,” Mr Antinori added.

In the four years to 2010, Irish

nationals made almost 170,000 visits to Dubai hotels, according to Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). Amongst that figure will be those who travelled via the UK to join the Emirates’ network.

“Dublin has always been on our radar, and there are already strong levels of trade and tourism activity between Ireland and the UAE, not to mention the important equine affiliations,” said Mr Antinori.

“Equally, Emiratis like to travel to Europe, particularly during the hot UAE summer and, with its rich cultural heritage and reputation for hospitality, we think that Emirates will have a role to play in encouraging inward tourism to Ireland,” added Mr Antinori.

The direct daily service will open new business opportunities for trade and commercial relations between the two countries and Ireland’s direct export capacity will be expanded with 15 tonnes of bellyhold space on each Emirates’ passenger flight, leaving the capital city. Emirates

SkyCargo, the air freight division of Emirates, is already active in Ireland and will have a dedicated team in Dublin supporting the new route.

Exports trade is expected to flourish as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the fastest-growing markets for Irish companies in the Gulf region, with sales by indigenous Irish companies growing by 23% in 2010 to €58.5m, according to Enterprise Ireland. An estimated 5,000 Irish nationals live in the UAE. More than 250 Irish staff are employed across the Emirates Group in areas such as cabin crew, flight deck crew, sales and cargo. Recently, nearly 500 candidates showed up across four separate cabin crew recruitment days held in Dublin, Limerick, Galway and Cork. Successful cabin crew applicants will be brought to Dubai for seven weeks of training.

The new Emirates’ team for Ireland will be headed up by country manager, Margaret Shannon. For further information, see www.emirates.com

Microsoft put a ‘cloud’ in pockets WITH Christmas around the corner, many business owners and professionals are considering their next move, keen to upgrade their phones for the New Year to help maximise their working day in the current, challenging economic climate.

Step forward Microsoft, in partnership with HTC, with their working relationship proving a natural fit in making a mobile office a practical reality on a mid-range smartphone.

In addition to a wide range of the “usual” social and casual programs found on smartphones these days, and sporting Microsoft’s colourful Windows 7.5 (or Mango) OS, the HTC Radar features a fully integrated office hub, presenting a full suite of office applications.

This free software – Excel, Word and PowerPoint – puts mobile working on the go in the palm of the hand, cleverly using the SkyDrive system to make cloud computing a

mobile reality.

With this ability to easily edit and synchronise data when out and about via what Microsoft have cleverly dubbed “a Cloud in your pocket”, it’s hard not to be impressed by the flexibilty of seeing “mobile computing” now expanded to being truly “mobile working”, as well.

When coupled with particularly well-adapted calendar integration, which, again, can synch data with ease, and it’s clear that Microsoft has faced the challenge of creating a mobile offce – and succeeded, with ease.

With such useful office heavyweight programs sitting under the bonnet, the HTC Radar, running Microsoft’s Mango, lays down a serious challenge for rivals to match, with the phone potentially proving a must-have for business people and professionals – and even students – in 2012.

The HTC Radar, running Microsoft’s Mango OS, is available now at a range of outlets.

22 GAZETTE 22 & 29 December 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Why not join the Scots or Danes on New Year’s Eve ...

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Black and White style at the Burlington

RING in 2012 in style this December 31 at the Burlington Hotel’s New Year’s Eve Black and White Gala Ball, where New Year dreams and wishes can be made for the year ahead.

Taking place in the hotel’s stunning ballroom, which will be decorated in accordance with the Black and White theme, the Ball is sure to draw Ireland’s finest to say goodbye to 2011 and welcome in 2012.

The party starts at 7.30pm with a prosecco reception, followed by a mouth-watering four-course dinner, expertly prepared by executive chef, Tony O’Donnell, and his experienced team.

Revellers can enjoy a delicious organic curedsalmon starter, followed by curried parsnip soup, a choice between sirloin of Irish beef, grilled sea bass or spinach and asparagus tartlet for the main course, followed by a wintery wild berry tart, and tea or coffee.

Live music The celebrations will continue into the night with a late bar extension, as well as music performed by The Camembert Quartet and a DJ until 2am.

When the clock finally strikes midnight, attendees and their table will enjoy a complimentary bottle of prosecco to toast the New Year.

Tickets for the Burlington Hotel’s NewYear’s Eve Black and White Gala Ball are available for €75 per person.

Take the stress out of travelling home once the party is over – overnight accommodation with breakfast the following morning, and a ticket to the Gala Ball, costs €149, or, for two people sharing, including a pair of tickets to the Ball, prices are from €229.

Alternatively, a package, including overnight accommodation for three people sharing, with full Irish breakfast the following morning and a ticket each to the Ball, is available from €299.

For further information, contact The Burlington Hotel on 01 618 5600, email reservations@burlingtonhotel.ie, or see www.burlingtonhotel.ie.

LOCAL

FOR those looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve in memorable style, a trip to nearby neighbours, Scotland or Denmark, could be just the ticket.

Ring in 2012 with one of the world’s best New Year celebrations – Hogmanay A key event in the Scottish calendar, Hogmanay celebrations on December 31 will be taking place across Scotland.

Events included in this year’s line-up are sure to surprise visitors, as Scotland will play host to incredible bands and entertainment from every corner of the globe.

You could join some 80,000 party goers at the Edinburgh’s worldfamous Hogmanay festival.

Set beneath the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle, Mark Ron-

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

‘Whether interested to head to sublime Scotland, or delightful Denmark, there’s lots of choice for holidaying on New Year’s Eve’ --------------------------

son, electro-pop band Friendly Fires, Primal Scream and Bombay Bicycle Club will be one of many bands to ensure that Edinburgh hosts a night to remember.

Alternatively, one of the most surprising sites to see in the New Year is the “The Fireballs” – known as Stonehaven’s

most unique festival, and which attracts thousands of spectators each year.

Swinging fireballs around their heads in a spectacular style, participants parade 175 yards up and down the High Street in the Old Town, illuminating the dark skies as they walk.

The event is finished off by throwing each fireball into the sea at the harbour as the New Year sets in.

Meanwhile, over in Stirling, and adding to the appeal of one of the brightest and best Hogmanay parties, and set against the stunning backdrop of Stirling Castle, Scots singer and songwriter, Eddi Reader, and the emphatic rock ‘n’ roll bagpipers – the Red Hot Chilli Pipers – are sure to bring 2012 in with style.

The combination of fantastic live music, a

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Historic Hollyrood House Palace is just one of the many stunning sights to take in on a Scottish visit, whether for New Year’s Eve or at any time of the year

friendly atmosphere and a great firework finale is set to make Stirling the place to be as the bells peal.

As another destination to delight, and widely recognised as a fantastic destination for bagpipers and lovers of the bagpipes, but also for its diverse and busy music scene, Inverness will have you jiving this New Year’s Eve. S t i r l i n g ’s m u s i c a l extravaganza takes place from 8pm, right through to the wee hours of the morning.

Scottish bands, Skerryvore, Hoodja, Bags of Rock and Wolfstone, and renowned Scottish comedian, Craig Hill, will be in attendance on the night to ensure that visitors are entertained, right through to 2012’s arrival and beyond.

To help visitors plan a New Year break in Scotland, VisitScotland has put together more than 300 offers on places to stay, and things to see and do.

For further information on Scotland’s many New Year celebrations and destinations, see www. visitscotland.com/surprise.

Meanwhile, if you still haven’t decided how to ring in the New Year, or feel like taking to a further afield destination, then why not consider a romantic, seaside gourmet getaway, nestled

The delightful sights of the

amid giant sand dunes, or a sky-high designer dining experience above one of the world’s liveliest cities?

Denmark, the country that lays claim to having the happiest inhabitants in the world, has it all for your New Year’s Eve experience.

Check out the following fantastic events taking place this New Year’s Eve around Denmark.

Join thousands of people on the lawn of Ame-

22 & 29 December 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

TravelBriefs

A steam train ride with mince pies is just one imaginative New Year’s event in Northern Ireland

So much to help celebrate New Year’s around Northern Ireland

rising ranks of Edinburgh’s historic streets and buildings, rising to the imposing silhouette of the castle

lienborg, the winter residence of the monarch of Denmark.

The Danish equivalent of Times Square in New York will ring in the New Year with a boisterous crowd and fireworks, after Queen Margrethe II gives her New Year speech.

Fireworks in Tivoli Gardens is an exciting way of celebrating New Year’s Eve in Denmark. In fact, they offer a full five-day festival of fireworks right after Christmas, and all

the way through to New Year’s Eve. The fireworks are also accompanied by music, which makes the event even sweeter.

If your idea of a New Year’s celebration is being at one with nature, then Denmark’s northernmost town, Skagnen, may be the perfect location for you.

Book into a historic hotel and sample their gourmet offerings as you enjoy the surrounding

sand dunes, wide open beaches and the roaring sea.

Alternatively, you could celebrate the arrival of 2012 at one of Copenhagen’s designer sky restaurants, and watch the fireworks light up the night sky.

Take in the city views from Hotel Bella Sky Comwell – Scandinavia’s largest design hotel – or Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, the world’s first design hotel.

Of course, Copenhagen isn’t just a city of design, it’s also a city of music.

Start your New Year’s Eve celebration with a classic music extravaganza at the city’s heritage Royal Danish Theatre.

Clubbers and nightowls will enjoy the New Year’s Eve party in one of Copenhagen’s top nightclubs, Culture Box. This event started in 2005, and has grown since then. This year promises to be the best

yet, with a massive DJ line-up, featuring the likes of Tom Collins and DJ Bjarke.

Don’t miss out on any of the action – SAS fly direct from Dublin to Copenhagen, twice daily, from as little as €69 one way, including all taxes and charges.

So, whether you head to sublime Scotland, or delightful Denmark, there’s lots of choice for holidaying New Year’s Eve revellers.

NORTHERN Ireland has a host of activities for the New Year period that are not all that far from Dublin.

Belfast’s wackiest winter event – Penguin Curling – returns to W5, and all the family can have a go from Tuesday, December 27 to Tuesday, January 3.

The aim of the game is to freeze out your opponent by knocking their penguin away, and get the points to snatch the match.

For a different start to the year, why not make a trip to the New Year’s Day Dip in Antrim?

CLIC Sargent, the leading children’s and young people’s cancer charity, is calling for people to brave the elements and sign up for a sponsored dip in Portrush East Strand Beach to help raise money.

Meanwhile, Christmas on Ice at Lisburn Leisure Park is guaranteed fun for everyone.

Not only is the 2,500 sq ft fully-enclosed synthetic ice rink in place until Sunday, January 8, but a brand-new activity is also available – Water Ball.

Here, you can get in a watertight Zorb-like ball and walk, roll or run on water.

Alternatively, board a steam train at the Downpatrick and County Down Railway on New Year’s Day for the popular Mince Pie Special.

The same steam train used by Santa will coast through the County Down countryside while all guests enjoy free mince or apple pies, and some festive mulled wine or winter punch.

Why not walk the woods with an experienced guide? Take part in the New Year’s Day Walk at Mount Stewart. Dogs are also welcome, so no member of the family has to stay at home.

People planning a festive visit to Northern Ireland can take advantage of the exclusive accommodation offers available from the Tourist Information Centre, which include a two-night break with breakfast and one evening meal from £64.50 pps at the Ramada Encore, Belfast; £99 pps at the Ramada Portrush; £89 pps at the Armagh City Hotel; £79 pps at the Tower Hotel, Derry; £85 pps in the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor; £89 pps at the Killyhevlin Hotel in Fermanagh, and £89 pps at the Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh.

For further information on these and many other events and offers, contact the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on Callsave 1850 230 230; visit the Tourist Information Centre, Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 to avail of its free advice and booking service, or see www.discovernorthernireland.com.

24 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 22 & 29 December 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 47 Roses

DESPITE Christmas being upon us, The Pavilion is showing no sign in slowing down its line of great shows for arts and theatre fans, with a number of terrific acts heading to The Pavilion right after Christmas. For example, in mid-January, 47 Roses will bring the sights and sounds of 1960s’ Dublin to life, in a coming-of-age tale that recreates the bygone era.

This tale of the past is definitely one to look out for – in the very near future! For more, see www.paviliontheatre.ie.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Rainbow’s End

WHAT a colourful way to prepare for the end of the year!

In Rainbow’s End, The Mill presents a delightful family show, as the tale of a lost Crown Prince and missing rainbows is sure to delight audiences of all ages. Can Wendy, a student witch, get the rainbows back and save the day? And did anybody say they heard pirates? All will be revealed with Wendy to the rescue ... Catch Rainbow’s End on Wednesday, December 28 at 2.30pm. For full ticketing and performance details, see www.milltheatre.ie.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Caroline Donohue

A LONG-term exhibition, Caroline Donohue’s body of work has been fascinating visitors to the first-floor gallery since its installation in November. Her selected works, to date, examine the point where Man and the natural world co-exist, or in some cases, collide. By examining these spaces, and their occasional paradoxes, Caroline provides glimpses of places to think, and dream, as internal and external worlds collide. You can see Caroline’s thoughtful body of work at Draiocht until her exhibition closes on Saturday, February 25.

Some films for your consideration this Christmas season ... Puss in Boots, Arthur Christmas, Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn and New Year’s Eve – all competing for your attention, adding to the diverse range of films out this festive season

Xmas crackers ...?

Some may be duds, while others will entertain, in Kate’s seasonal roundup of some films on release this season Q KATE CROWLEY

’TIS the season to be jolly – jolly glad that the only turkey I’ll be going near for the next couple of weeks will be the one located close to the Crowley household’s Aga, rather than the type of turkey I see all year round on a big screen in the city centre, quietly driving me gaga.

Turkeys – of the cinematic variety, at least – well, those turkeys can live on to fight (for the remaining Recessionist buttons and fluff clattering around in my Hermes purse) another day.

However, as much as I love cinema – despite being nicknamed TwoStars back at Gazette Towers, on account of my harsh-but-fair ratings – I imagine that most readers will be celebrating the joys of Christmas by concentrating on the small screen at home, rather than the big screen, over the next

FILM OF THE WEEK: Various +++ (G to 12A) Directors: Various Starring: An adventurer cat, Santa’s son, angsty vampires and Stock Characters – though not, sadly, all in the same film

OUR VERDICT: ALTHOUGH not a collection of true Christmas crackers, a selection of some of the (previously unreviewed) films on current release features some interesting choices for cinema fans, this Christmas.

Children and families are well-served with these, and other choices, while, although new blockbusters are as thin as snow on the ground, there’s still an interesting choice of films on release for all audiences.

couple of weeks.

Still, should the delights of turkey-surprise for approximately 18 days, or the comforting glow of an Eastenders Christmas Special somehow fail to keep you at home, let me point you at a few Christmas crackers to catch, if you haven’t already.

(Note that I use the term “crackers”with more dryness than the Crowley turkey if Mr Crowley is allowed near the Aga, but let’s proceed.)

For families, there’s a bunch of child-friendly films to take in, such as Puss in Boots (G, 90min,

+++), which sees Antonio Banderas return to voice the popular Shrek character, who gets his own adventure.

If you ever wanted to learn more about the talking cat adventurer, and how he came to be so well-known, this is the one for you.

Meanwhile, Arthur Christmas (G, 97mins, +++) sees Wallace and Gromit makers, Aardman, present the definitive version of how Santa Claus’ annual Christmas operation really works, courtesy of his blabbermouth son, Arthur.

I can’t say I knew very much about one Arthur Christmas beforehand, but this cheerfully daft film takes an interesting approach to the iconic figure, making it okay family fare, and at least there are no vampires around.

I spoke too soon. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn (12A, 117min, +) continues the love affair between bland Bella and drippy Edward.

Personally, I think the Twilight saga would be somewhat livened up if only someone would call for Buffy, the girl with an oft-remarked-upon dislike for vampires. Alas, but no.

Still, as relentlessly awful as all of the Twilight films have been, I’d stake my Christmas dinner on this being a massive hit, even though I still insist – fangs, but no fangs.

Sticking with the 12A slot – and comparable levels of quality – New Year’s Eve (117min, ++)

is another one of those American rom-coms that appear a couple of times of year, typically when one’s resistance is lowered by seasonal celebrations.

You all know the drill by now – a big cast, comprising stock characters (The Beautiful But Sad One, The One With Ishhoos, The Bad One With A Heart Of Gold, etc), with disparate paths and life journeys and lessons to be learned, all colliding on – well, as I love saying – the clue’s in the title, folks!

Seeing as it’s Christmas, the kindest thing I can say is that it’s not totally awful. (New Year’s Eve, you owe me...)

And that’s yer lot, as I doubt many are so interested in cinema for the next week or two. That said, ol’ Two-Stars here would like to wish all my readers (yes, both of you) the very best this Christmas, and a Happy New Year, both at home and at the cinema. Humbug!

22 & 29 December 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Trigger memories of great 2011 games SHANE DILLON

IT’S been another great year for games, with some superb titles appearing on all formats, and giving lots of choice for great Christmas presents.

Regardless of gamers’ platform of choice, and whether or not titles were platform-exclusive or multi-platform, some vintage titles came out in 2011.

Starting off, Microsoft had plenty of terrific titles, with some enormously popular franchises seeing very strong additions.

Although “hardcore” gamers were busy tackling the Locust menace in Gears of War 3 and the like, it was interesting to see how Microsoft’s Kinect began to make inroads into mainstream gaming.

While I expect there’ll be lots of people having fun with Kinect Dance Central 2 this Christmas, and a number of other cool Kinect-enabled titles, it was seeing

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

‘Regardless of gamers’ platform of choice, some vintage titles came out in 2011’ --------------------------

Kinect enabled in racing title, Forza 4, that was a bit of an eye opener for the XBox 360.

Meanwhile, while Microsoft had some outstanding titles, Sony were hardly a slouch in the games department either, with recently-released Uncharted 3 proving a particularly strong contender for Game of the Year.

The PlayStation 3 was also well served by a number of exclusive titles, with Killzone 3 proving another big winner.

In fact, virtually anything with a “3” in the title served both the 360 and the PS3 well, as did

other sequels and iterations.

Unfor tunately, “3” wasn’t quite as lucky for Nintendo, as its 3DS underperformed for a variety of reasons - and, to be fair, 3D hasn’t quite caught on with people as had been expected.

With the 3DS somewhat floundering, Nintendo seemed somewhat adrift this year, leaving the bigger games’ battles to be slugged out – as usual – by the two biggest contenders.

Still, a late return for Link, in the latest, highly-imaginative Zelda adventure, and notable other titles, showed that Nintendo still has plenty of life, whether on the Wii or the DS. However, the biggest gaming story of the year was also one that was somewhat under-reported – the rise and rise of Apple as a major gaming force to be reckoned with.

Main street retailers, and international com-

panies, continued to report on declining sales, and issue profit warnings, as the industry seemed to contract more than ever before, with key titles propping up otherwise slack returns, and with several games companies going under this year.

Lots of theories were bandied about, from digital distribution channels siphoning away customers to consumers having less money.

Few paid much heed to the idea that lots of casual gamers – the kind who’d never think of spending €40 on a game, but easily snapped up iPhone games from €0.79 a pop – were suddenly focusing on Apple products, and eating into mainstream gaming markets in this way.

Meanwhile, PC titles continued to flail around this year, with few titles of note, and with nowhere near the same level of public interest as on the more “mainstream” platforms.

Eve n t h e m i g h t y World of Warcraft lost some lustre, with its intermittent official magazine folding – pun intended – after just five issues.

And so, despite some superb titles, but considering the volatility of the gaming sector, it’ll be interesting to see how the markets develop in 2012, and to see what these platforms have lined up.

Still, looking ahead, gamers have lots to look out for in the near future.

Gotham City Imposters , Final Fantasy 13-2, Metal Gear Solid HD collection, Binary Domain, Max Payne 3, Silent Hill: Downpour, The Secret World , Diablo 3 and many more titles are on the way, helping to show that, no matter what’s going on in the rest of the increasingly poor world, at least gamers’ worlds will be as rich, imaginative and varied as ever.

Here’s to a happy new year of great games, on great consoles ...

Bytesandpieces Crazy Dave’s Xmas bid to help Concern IT’S not often that zombies can be counted on for help, but this year, they’re doing their bit to help fundraise for Concern.

Or, rather, Crazy Dave – the oddball shopkeeper with a saucepan on his head from the hit comical strategy game, Plants vs Zombies – has temporarily taken a break from selling garden rakes, bacon strips and compost to make a fundraising Christmas single.

Ignoring the peril of nearby garden-invading zombies, Crazy Dave – or “Cray-Z”, as he’s renamed himself – has released Wabby Wabbo,

with games developers, PopCap donating all PopCap proceeds earned from the single’s sale, before December 22, to Concern Worldwide.

With more than 465,000 views of his single on YouTube, and with almost 5.5 million followers of Plants vs Zombies’ Facebook page, Cray-Z is looking for lots of his fans to purchase the track, and help to support Concern.

Wabby Wabbo is available on iTunes, priced €0.99.

Kinect prize giveaway competition for the XBox 360.

With the chance to win a copy of the games, Kinect Sports 1 and Kinect Sports 2, lots of readers emailed in the correct answer to the following question:

Winners picked for Kinect competition

The correct answer was Darts. Under the strictest of conditions (involving a hat), all correct answers (with one per entrant) were put into the hat, with five winners then

THE Gazette had a great response from readers for our

Which of the following sports can you play on Kinect Sports 2?

A. Darts B. Rugby C. Water Polo

Five Fi e readers eaders ha have e won o a co copy of Kinect Sports 2, for the XBox 360

selected at random.

The five winners are: Patrick Kavanagh; Rita McTague, Blanchardstown; Michael Wisely, Navan Road; Mary Doyle, Windy Arbour and Ann Crowley, Glenageary.

Prizes will be posted out at the start of the New Year. Congratulations to all the winners!

A modern-day cross between Lara Croft and Indiana Jones, Nelson Drake’s continuing adventures proved a 2011 gaming highlight in Uncharted 3, on the PS3

GAZETTE

26 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 22 & 29 December 2011

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I Derek McGuckin intend to apply for full planning permission for conversion of attic to useable storage space , insertion of, 2 new velux windows in roof to front, 1 new window in gable wall to side and 1 new large flat roof dormer window in roof to rear at 2 kingston Drive, Ballinteer, Dublin 16. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning authority , County Hall , Dun Laoghaire , during its public opening hours. A Submission / observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

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22 & 29 December 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

SPORT STARS: December’s nominees are revealed: Page 29

CYCLING: COOLMINE MAN BELIEVES LATEST TRANSFER WILL SUIT HIS RIDING STYLE

Lavery switches to new British Giordana outfit sport@gazettegroup.com

COOLMINE cyclist Phil Lavery has made the switch from the Irish-owned An Post Grant T hornton M. Donnelly Sean Kelly professional team to race instead for the new Node4 Giordana squad in 2012.

Speaking this week about the move, Lavery said the new team is likely to provide him with a better fit. “I felt

that An Post was not the right team for me. The kind of race programme like the [An Post] Ras, Tour of Britain, Tour of Norway and stage races in France, Spain and Portugal suits me more than a lot of the Belgian races.

“There are also the Premier Calendar events and I will be released to ride the midweek Nation’s Cup Under-23 races for Ireland. At the start I plan to remain in

Dublin but will move across during the season.”

Lavery is one of seven new riders, with James Moss, K ieran Frend, Matt Higgins, Dave Clarke, Matt Cronshaw and Rico Rogers to join the new team.

Rogers won a stage on the Tour of China – where Nicolas Roche picked up his maiden win – and will be the t e a m ’s m a i n s p r i n t option.

Phil Lavery, in international action, has switched from Sean Kelly’s team to a new British pro outfit

The Blanch man could make his debut in the Australian Criterium championships early in the New Year, a competition in which he finished fourth last time around.

It has not yet been announced when Lavery will begin his season. He finished second in the Under-23 classification at the Irish road race championships last year and rode solidly in

Europe.

He adds that this new team can provide the springboard to pushing on in the professional world.

“I still have plenty of international ambitions

and would like to get on a ProTour team in the next couple of years. I know I have the ability, it is a question of showing the confidence and getting the right results.”

28 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 22 & 29 December 2011

GazetteSport Sport

Scoil Naithi celebrate their Corn Na Laoch success

Scoil Cholmcille captain James Madden is lifted shoulder high

Conor Cinsealach, Gaelscoil Thaobh na Coille, raises Corn An Chéid

Loreto, Rathfarnham’s Grainne Battelle is mobbed by her team

A Marley Grange supporter shows her colours

Cracking Cuman

Gaels salute 2011 success with Santa OME of the best young, local talent made their mark at the Cuman na mBunscol finals in Croke Park last week with schools from around the Dundrum area taking home numerous pieces of silverware.

Loreto, Rathfarnham’s girls took home the Corn Comhar Linn following a local derby in the final against Marlay Grange; with skipper Grainne Battelle mobbed by her team mates at the presentation.

Conor Cinsealach lifted the Corn an Cheid after the Gaelscoil Thaobh na Coille got the better of Lucan’s Colaiste Padraig.

There were also celebrations for Gaelscoil Chnoc Liamhna, Ballinteer’s Scoil Naithi and the boys of Scoil Colmcille in the annual celebration of primary schools football at GAA headquarters.

S

Loreto, Rathfarnham, players celebrate with the Corn Comhar Linn

Gaelscoil Chnoc Liamhna players with the Corn Irish Rubies,

22 & 29 December 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 29

in association with

2011 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - DECEMBER NOMINEES

FastSport

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

+ STARof the

Railway Union join voices to salute Leinster effort

MONTH

BARRY MURPHY

ANNALISE MURPHY

JOE SWEENEY

THE Swords swimmer claimed eight national titles in one weekend and broke two national records in the 100m butterfly and the 50m butterfly at the Irish national short course championships at Lisburn this month.

THE National Yacht Club member was in rare form in Perth, Australia, this month, qualifying for the 2012 London Olympic Games with impressive performances in the Laser Radial class that saw her challenge for a medal.

THE Dublin South Dublin athletic star showed his growing maturity on the international stage with a fifth-place placing in Slovenia at the European Cross-Country championships this month against top class opposition.

+ TEAMof the MONTH

ST BRIGID’S

OLD WESLEY

LUCAN UNITED

THE Russell Park side exceeded expectations and came within seconds of a heroic comeback in the Leinster final against Garrycastle, but were denied a deserved win by a free late on in the match.

DONNYBROOK’S finest were crowned Leinster Senior League Shield winners at home this month, winning their first Leinster senior title since 1985 when they defeated Greystones in the final in a thrilling match.

UNITED reached the fourth round of the FAI intermediate cup in spite of being in a league four divisions below the teams that they faced in the competition, impressing with their determination and fearlessness.

WELCOME to the 2011 Dublin Sports Awards, as we mark our local sportsmen and women’s December sporting achievements across the capital and, indeed, across the nation.

We’re delighted to once again be able to celebrate the finest achievements in Dub-

lin sport, with some huge efforts at local levels coming to our attention in a variety of well-known, and some, less prominent, sports.

Ever y form of sporting achievement, at any level and in any sport, is valuable and gives an indication of the diversity of sporting commit-

ment there is around our fair city at all times of the year.

Let us know!

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

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

You can also check out the latest stories from GazetteSport at our new website, www.gazettegroup.com

PLAYERS from Railway Union Rugby Football Club got Heineken Cup match-goers into the festive spirit last weekend when they serenaded Leinster and Bath fans on their way to the Aviva stadium.

The Sandymount club were raising funds for much-needed floodlights for their Park Avenue pitch, and impressed the fans with their carolling.

With many sports clubs struggling in recent times to secure funding for necessary facility additions and repairs, several have turned to innovative ways of raising the funds. Railway Union RFC decided to flex their vocal chords and the players were put through their paces in the changing rooms every night after training.

Leinster fans were treated to the dulcet sounds of the Railway Union choir at two locations in the hours leading up to the important Cup showdown.

Brennan race set for Phoenix Park launch LIFFEYValley’s Athletic Club annual Tom Brennan Trophy 5k Race will launch the Office of Public Works’ celebration of the 350th anniversary of the establishment of the Phoenix Park on NewYear’s Day. The Minister of State at The Department of Finance, Brian Hayes will formally launch the year of celebrations by starting the race at 12 noon.

The Phoenix Park was established in 1662 by one

of Ireland’s most illustrious viceroys, James Butler Duke of Ormond, on behalf of King Charles 11.

The race will start at 12 noon on the Furze Road and will consist of two laps of the Ordnance Survey Road and Chesterfield Avenue lap. A relatively flat course which will enable runners to get their NewYear off to a good start with a new personal best for 5k provided, of course, they have not been celebrating too much on NewYears Eve. European Cross Country Champion Fionnuala Britton set a new women’s course record last year of 16.39.

30 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 22 & 29 December 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Drums get Christmas bonus from Three deal THERE was a big boost this week as Dundrum football club and Knocklyon United were among the clubs who received early Christmas presents as part of the Three Affinity fund.

Knocklyon received €2,735 from the fund while Firhouse Carmel FC received over €2,025 and Dundrum were given €1,320 as part of a total of €53,500 paid out in December to grass roots clubs Three, primary sponsors of the Irish National football team, announced the pay-outs as part of a special fund to aid the grassroots development of Irish football.

The programme offers FAI affiliated clubs the chance of earning cash when their members switch to Three, the more people that switch, the more money the club earns To date over 120 clubs have switched at least one member to Three with Dundrum, Knocklyon United and Firhouse in the top ten clubs.

Speaking at the announcement, Elaine Carey, sales and marketing director, commented: “When we came on board as official sponsors of the FAI back in August 2010, we promised to match our ambitions with real action to help the grassroots of Irish football. We are delighted that the team has progressed to the EURO finals next summer and we are also fully committed to everyone involved in football at all levels of the game.”

Deegan up for Leinster gong DLSP’s Damian Deegan was last week nominated for the Leinster Branch Volunteer of the month for November in recognition of his multiple roles around the club.

Deegan has been involved with the club for over 20 years, as an active player, a coach, water boy, referee and, most importantly, a

friend to many who have worn the Salmo jersey with or under him in these various roles.

His contribution in welcoming new players and beginners to the club over the last five seasons has seen their junior playing numbers mushrooming to record numbers and in their inaugural year at J5 level (last season) his team reached the cup final and finished fourth in the league,.

Wesley’s good Reasons for charity quiz sport@gazettegroup.com

FOLLOWING Old Wesley’s successful Reasons to be Cheerful Trivia Quiz last January, the club is running another Trivia Quiz Night to be held on Friday, January 20, 2012 at 8pm.

The event will take place in the Members’ Lounge at the club’s home in Donnybrook .

All proceeds raised will again be donated to Professor John C r ow n ’s C a n c e r C l i n i c a l Research Trust, based at St Vincent’s Hospital.

Frank Whelan, formerly of RTE Sport, will be the MC and quiz-master, ensuring a fun night.

A table of four will cost €50, including finger food.

The venue has capacity for 20 tables, so early booking is advisable.

Sponsorship You can also take part by sponsoring one of the ten rounds with the name of the business, products or services displayed on the screen and acknowledged in the pro-

gramme. It costs €20 to sponsor a ‘Round’.

Also, donations of prizes for a raffle are sought.

Ireland’s World Cup cricket hero, Kevin O’Brien, has donated a signed shirt and the club hopes to have many other interesting prizes on the night.

It also coincides with the final Heineken Cup pool stages weekend. To confirm your participation, contact David Carroll on 086- 852 0582 or e-mail : davidpcarroll1@gmail. com.

HOCKEY: LOCAL SIDE BEGIN TROPHY DEFENCE WITH VICTORIES

Three Rock Rovers got off to a sterling start in defence of their National Indoor Hockey League title

Rock solid in Loughlinstown sport@gazettegroup.com

THREE Rock Rovers’ National Indoor Hockey Trophy defence got off to a solid start when they nabbed a pair of victories in Loughlinstown last weekend to remain the only side with a perfect record in their six-team group.

They began with a comfortable 6-0 win over newcomers, Weston, building a 4-0 lead at half-time before, with goal difference possibly vital, going all out to grab more goals in the closing stages by swapping out goalkeeper Stephen West in favour

of an extra out-field player.

Garr y R ingwood’s hat-trick, along with a brace from Peter Blakeney, notched an eventual 6-0 success and they added a big 2-1 victory on Sunday against 2010 champions, Pembroke, in what looked to be one of the group’s key games.

Pembroke shaded the play in a scoreless first half of play but Rovers stepped up in the second half, with Blakeney netting from play before Garry Ringwood scored a penalty stroke awarded after Nick Burns deliberately kicked the

ball off the line. Wesley college student, Kirk Shimmins, got one back with four minutes to go but an equaliser was not forthcoming.

Earlier in the competition, Irish outdoor captain Ronan Gormley was among Pembroke’s “guest” players along with UCD man, Nick Burns, as a very young selection had too much in the tank for Fingal as they won both halves 5-2 for a total 10-4 win.

Mick O’Connor grabbed the first hat-trick of the day.

Corinthian came from 4-1 down to tie as a three-goal blitz at the

start of the second half had Glenanne in the box seat but Glen Holmes, Andrew Sutton and Dan Treacy responded, the latter pair both scoring in the 31st minute, to earn a point.

Both would later pick up wins to head up the group overnight with the reds disposing of Weston, courtesy of Glen Holmes’ four goals and a Neil Young hat-trick, transforming a tight 4-3 into a more comfortable 8-3 by the final hooter.

Glenanne did for Fingal in the final game o f d ay o n e , S h a n e O’Donoghue’s hat-trick of first half corners help-

ing them to a 5-1 win.

And the Tallaght side ended day two top of the pile with a second victory, getting the better of Weston 7-1. Pembroke’s 6-1 dismissal of Corinthian means it looks a three-horse race for the play-off places with one point separating the Glens, Pembroke and Rovers.

The competition continues on January 7 and 8 in the New Year with Three Rock facing crucial games against Glenanne but will fancy getting wins against Fingal and Corinthian to assure their passage into the national finals.

22 & 29 December 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 31

in association with

HURLING: SEVEN NODS FOR ST ENDA’S IN STARS a

CLUB NOTICEBOARD BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S C ONGR ATUL ATIONS t o S t e p h e n

Marrieds v Singles match will take

Nolan who was named Dublin Bus

place St Stephen’s morning at

Hurler of the Year for 2011.

11.30am, venue TBC.

Christmas Boden News will be

Get into training now. Look out

ava i l a b l e i n t h e c l u b h o u s e o n

for the guest stars on the day and

Thursday night. Please collect your

the craic will be good afterwards.

copy.

The Marrieds will be mentored by

Condolences to Gerry Mahon and

Brendan Young while the Singles

David Coffey and families on the

are actively canvassing around

death of their mother-in-law.

Firhouse.

C o n g r at u l at i o n s t o S t C o l m cille’s NS; St Mary’s NS and Gaelscoil Chnoc Liamhna on Cumann na mBunscol successes.

A date for your diary. The annual

Bingo starts on January 9.

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 9, 19, 13 and 26.

The jackpot of €9,000 was not won.

Next week’s jackpot will be €9,500.

WANDERERS

Ballyboden St Enda’s were once again in celebratory mood following seven Dubs Stars

Boden’s Nolan takes top hurling honours sport@gazettegroup.com

B A L LY B O D E N S t Enda’s half-back Stephen Nolan scooped the top prize at last Friday’s annual Dublin Bus Dubs’ Stars awards held at the Westin Hotel when he was named Hurler of the Year.

The Wexford man was among seven Boden players from the fivein-a-row winners to be named in the team of the Dublin senior hurling championship.

But the centre-back took the top honour with a series of towering peformances alongside regular talisman Malachy Travers, as Liam Hogan’s men continued their hold over the county title for a famous fifth year.

It means he is now in position to lead out the Dubs’ Stars selection on January 1 in Kiltipper Road when they take on the best of Anthony Daly’s Dublin team in

the annual kick-start to the year’s hurling action.

Boden provide almost half the side, with scoring machine Paul Ryan taking his place in the full-forward line while there were also calls for Gary Maguire, Darragh Spain, Travers, Shane Durkin and Conor McCormack. In addition, Dean Curran was named on the bench.

Ballinteer St John’s can also be proud of their return in their first year of Senior A championship hurling as two of their rising stars – James Gilligan and Joe Maher – were named in the list of substitutes for the game.

Following their double exploits in 2010, it was an impressive start to life in the top tier for Ballinteer.

The widespread number of hurlers is in direct contrast to the number of local footballers in the line-up

for their version of the event with none making the cut.

After a couple of seasons of victories from Kilmacud Crokes and Boden in the senior football championship, both bowed out earlier than usual this term with a reduction in players in the Stars’ line-up as a result.

The football side is dominated by players from the Navan Road with seven of the starting line-up coming from St Brigid’s including Player of the Year Barry Cahill.

Beaten finalists St

Oliver Plunkett’s/ Eoghan Ruadh have four more in the selection and the two clubs contribute a fur ther quar tet to the subs’ bench.

Both sides take on Dublin on New Year’s Day at Thomas Davis grounds in what will be, for the footballers, a first appearance on a playing field for Pat Gilroy’s Dubs since winning the All-Ireland in September, adding to the sense of anticipation.

The hurlers throw-in at 1.30pm on the day while the footballers follow-up at 3.15pm.

THE Adult mens’ junior As and Bs

T h e r e wa s n o w in n e r of thi s

should contact their managers

week’s Lotto jackpot. Numbers

regarding training plans for next

drawn were 5, 11 and 22; €25 goes

season.

to Damien, Stapo and Aiden, Gareth

Christmas raffle tickets on sale

Campbell, Maya Mallett, David Mol-

now at €2 each from all commit-

loy. The next lotto jackpot will be

tee members and players. Great

€1,200, and the next draw is on Jan-

prizes, including hampers from 1st

uary 8. Thanks for all your support

to 10th prize.

throughout the year.

Please suppor t this impor tant

Wanderer s’ club car sticker s

fund raiser for the club. All mem-

available to purchase this week,

bers and players are asked to sell

contact any committee member

as many as possible.

for details, €3 each.

The book, A Rare Auld Season, charting Dublin’s route to All-Ireland

The new club website is now live at www.wanderersgaa.ie.

glory in 2011 is available from pro@

All content, feedback or sugges-

wanderersgaa.ie now for just €18,

tions should be emailed to pro@

with €5 going directly to the club.

wanderersgaa.ie.

Under-15 boys’ training is on Tues-

If you would like a notice men-

day nights at 7.30pm and Under-15

tioned in the club notes, please

girls’ training on Wednesdays at

contact Stephen on 0879789843

6.30pm at Frank Kelly Park.

or pro@wanderersgaa.ie no later

All new players welcome. For more information contact Niall on 086 885 7303.

than 10am Monday morning each week.

The club would like to wish all its

Ladies’ training is on Mondays

members, players, supporters and

and Wednesdays at 7.30pm. Con-

friends a very Merry Christmas, and

tact Darren on 087 664 7205.

a peaceful and healthy 2012.

BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S THERE was no winner of last week’s

Spread the word to your friends,

Lotto draw. Numbers drawn were 5,

family and neighbours.

9, 10 and 17. Next week’s draw will be

Congratulations to Marley after

for €5,000, with a guaranteed €1,000

their success in the Parish Cup. A

give-away.

great day enjoyed by all, with Marley

Tickets are available online at www.ballinteerstjohns.com or from the usual outlets.

Wednesday nights are a great

overcoming Broadford in the final.

Sympathies to the Carpenter family on the death of Jo’s sister, Maureen.

night of traditional music, no cover

For more information on the club

charge. Why not come up and join in

and events, log on to www.balint-

or enjoy a night of music and craic.

eerstjohns.com

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

ALL OF YOUR DUNDRUM SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

ROCKING ON: Three Rock begin national indoor defence with pair of victories P30

DECEMBER’S STARS All the nominees for the final month of 2011 P29

GazetteSPORT

Old Wesley celebrate their Leinster senior league shield on home turf last Saturday with a lively victory over Greystones

DECEMBER 22 & 29, 2011

Wes’ cast Stones to sea to claim Shield Ballinteer old boys run in trio of impressive ties to take first Leinster senior league success since 1985 dundrumsport@gazettegroup.com

OLD Wesley tasted Leinster Senior success for the first time since 1985 when they led from pillar to post in a free-flowing, entertaining preChristmas date at Donnybrook, ousting Greystones, 25-16.

It was in marked contrast to their last success, a tight match in the competition’s cup equivalent in which an injury-time try proved the difference, but this Shield final was a much more open affair.

Last Saturday, despite the frosty conditions, the finalists served up five tries to put the crowd in the Aviva in good voice for Leinster’s comprehensive victory over Bath a couple of hours later.

The Ballinteer old boys got off to the perfect start with a try after just three minutes. Matt Crockett was credited with the grounding after

the pack brought play up to the Greystones’ line.

It was 50-50 for the next ten minutes until the Wicklow side found a hole in the Wesley back line to cross for a try and even the scores.

Shortly after, Greystones took the lead with a penalty from under the posts. Wesley responded with some good inroads, and on the 25-minute mark, Richie Jermyn did very well to ride a tackle and scramble over to restore the lead.

Barry McLaughlin converted to bring the score to 12-8. Both sides exchangedf penalties until shortly before half time when Greystones looked almost certain to score with a two man overlap.

Ross Johnson, however, saved the day with a try-saving tackle just short of the line. Indeed, it was Old Wesley that finished the half the better when McLaughlin converted a long range penalty, making the half time score 18-11.

And the hosting club dominated the third

quarter of the match with a powerful forward display, particularly in the ruck and maul where Greystones were regularly on the back foot.

Despite this, they could not convert their dominance into points. Furthermore, McLaughlin uncharacteristically missed two kicks that would normally be within his range.

Then, against the run of play and on their first visit to Wesley’s 22 in the second half, it was Greystones that struck with an unconverted try, bringing the gap to just two points. Moments later, a touch of opportunism saw Ian Cassidy intercept a Greystones back-line move to sprint in and score under the posts. McLaughlin converted to restore a comfortable two-score lead.

And they closed out the tie in control for the final 12 minutes, with both John Carroll and McLaughlin coming very close to extending the lead only to be denied tries by desperate tackling by the opposition.