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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: Darragh’s doodling impresses in Google contest P2

February brua y 2, 2012

BRIDE & GROOM: Our special guide to preparing for your big day P17-24

Earthlings are clever: Pupils’ impressive win Athletics: DSDAC runners represent the nation in Europe Page 32

WEARING home-made protective space helmets to deal with the harsh January climate found in the Kilternan sector, Planet Earth, these pupils at Our Lady of the Wayside National School proved to The Gazette that they understand the gravity of science when they showed their project, The Ups And Downs of Gravity: Investigating Galileo. Their exhaustive work impressed judges at the recent BT Young Scientist Exhibition, where they won a trophy.

Picture: Geraldine Woods

Full Gallery on Pages 8-9

Sports Awards: Gala night for local heroes set for this week Pages 28-29

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 PETS..............................12 MOTORS ........................14 BUSINESS .................... 16 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 25 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Skate-a-thon held to help Jacob walk ‘Out of the blue’ fundraiser in aid of three-year-old

I NATALIE BURKE

A SKATE-A-THON held at Dundrum Town Centre to help three-year-old Jacob Keenan fulfil his dreams of being able to walk by himself came out of the blue, according to his delighted mother, Lynn.

The 12-hour event was host-

ed by Dundrum on Ice, and featured a head shave and leg wax, as well as an appearance from 98FM. “They called me out of the blue, and offered to host the skate-a-thon in aid of Jacob’s fundraising. Everybody has been so good over the months we have been fundraising,”

said Lynn.

Three-year-old Jacob was diagnosed with Spastic Diplegia at 18 months old – a form of Cerebral Palsy – and his family have been trying to raise enough money to send him for a life-changing operation in St Louis’ Hospital, Missouri.

Full Story on Page 3

2 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 2 February 2012

SCHOOLS: TALENTED BOY IN GOOGLE FINAL

CHARITY Stillorgan students’ fundraising masquerade

Teacher, Amy Fitzgerald, and artist, Darragh Brady

Darragh has oodles of doodle skill I NATALIE BURKE

dundrum@gazettegroup.com

FIVE-year-old Darragh Brady, from Rathfarnham, and a pupil at Edmondstown National School, Dublin 16, has been named as one of the finalists in the fourth annual Doodle 4 Google art competition.

As the only Dublin finalist in the Junior/Senior infant category, Darragh joins 75 other Irish students who are in with a chance to see their “doodle” entry on the Google Ireland home page.

Based on the Google 2012 theme of “I wish ...”, Darragh’s entry of his “wish for fish” was one of six entries put forward by his school, and was chosen out of 300 semifinalists to enter the grand final.

His proud mother,

Fidelma, said: “Darragh loves art, and is really particular and precise when it comes to his colouring.

“I think it was his innocent explanation behind his doodle that really set him apart from the rest.”

Darragh described his doodle as wishing his fish would have “strong fins and clean water to live in so they can swim to a nice, safe place”.

If Darragh wins the best doodle in his category, he will win a laptop for himself and his teacher, Amy Fitzgerald. The overall winner of all the categories, will win a €10,000 technology grant for their school, and will have their doodle hosted by Google Ireland for 24 hours in March.

Voting closes at midnight on Monday, February 6. See www.google.ie/ doodle4google.

Harry O’Leary, Danielle Staunton and Sinead McAuliffe help launch the Masquerade Ball, where they promise a sparkling night out

Get ready for a sparkling ball I NATALIE BURKE

dundrum@gazettegroup.com

HE students of the Stillorgan College of Further Education will be hosting a Masquerade Ball on Monday, February 6, in an effort to raise money for the Irish Cancer Society.

With different charity events hosted annually at the college, this year’s event has been organised by the Event Management course, and the traditional carnival ball is due

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to be held in The Lost Society from 10pm onwards.

“Tickets are €5, but are available on the night for €8 at the door. The Ball is open to anyone who would like to come along, so it’s not just for students of the college,” said Event Management student, Aislinn Sheridan.

“Every year, the Event Management students organise a different themed event for a fundraiser and we decided we wanted to host a masquerade ball and raise money

for skin cancer,” she said.

After raising more than €1,000 for the Irish Cancer Society with a bake sale at Christmas, the students have been busy promoting the next step of their charity fundraising, and held an official launch for the Ball on Tuesday afternoon in the college, with the help of some brave fire breathers, entertainers and a DJ. For further information on the event, or how to support the cause, contact Stillorgan College of Further Education on 01 288 0704.

The trio unmasked details of the Stillorgan College of Further Education’s fundraising event in aid of the Irish Cancer Society

2 February 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 3

FUNDRAISER Skaters step up to boost boy’s event

An ice way to help support Jacob’s wish to walk I NATALIE BURKE dundrum@gazettegroup.com

THE family and friends of Jacob Keenan took part in a fundraising Skate-a-thon at Dundrum on Ice last weekend.

The event was held to raise much-needed funds to help the little boy overcome a debilitating condition, and fulfil his dreams of being able to walk by himself.

The 12-hour skatea-thon was hosted by Dundrum on Ice, and featured a head shave and leg wax, as well as an appearance from 98FM. Jacob’s mother, Lynn Keenan, said she couldn’t believe the huge generosity from all involved.

“They called me out of the blue, and offered to host the skate-a-thon in aid of Jacob’s fundraising and it was so generous of them. Everybody has been so good over the months we have been fundraising,” said Lynn, who hails from Kilnamanagh.

Three-year-old Jacob was diagnosed with Spastic Diplegia at 18 months old – a form of Cerebral Palsy affecting his lower limbs, and his family have been trying to raise enough money to send him for a lifechanging operation in St Louis’ Hospital, Missou-

ri, which will enable him to walk independently.

The operation, which is not available in Ireland, is due to take place this summer, and Jacob’s family are hoping to raise €50,000; the bare minimum needed to cover the costs of the operation and necessary after-care.

Lynn said: “Jacob was only diagnosed at 18 months when I realised --------------------------

‘Getting this operation in America will mean that, after one year, Jacob should be able to walk unaided’ --------------------------

Lynn Keenan, and her six-year-old son, Jacob, pose with some of the colourful characters taking part in a

Lynn Keenan

fundraising skate-a-thon at Dundrum On Ice, in a bid to help Jacob undergo an operation in Missouri

he wasn’t meeting the milestones he should have been.

“As a care worker, I noticed there was something not quite right, so when he was diagnosed, it wasn’t a huge shock.

“Getting this operation will mean that, after one year, he should be able to walk unaided and eliminate the need to get botox injections.

“He walks at the moment with the aid of a Kaye frame, and is getting fitted for a wheel-

chair. But, if we can get this operation, he will be able to walk by himself”, she said.

Following the skate-athon, Jacob and his family have passed the halfway mark, and have so far raised €28,000.

Lynn said: “My uncle, Mar tin Keenan, ran the Dublin Marathon and raised money for Jacob, and my brother, who is a student in NUI Maynooth, took part in Movember, and raised €8,000.

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FINE Gael TD for Dublin South, Olivia Mitchell, has welcomed the recent allocation of local road funding by the Minister of Transport, Leo Varadkar.

Deputy Mitchell said the allocation of €700,000 will greatly improve access to business parks in Sandyford, and will help attract further investment.

According to the local TD, the allocation of €600,000 for the proposed Burton Hall Road extension allows the council to proceed with the construction of a much-anticipated new access road to Sandy-

ford Business Park.

This new road will bypass the already congested Leopardstown Roundabout junction, which currently serves five roads and traffic from both the Sandyford and South County Business Parks.

Ease traffic She said: “€100,000 has been allocated towards designing the proposed Leopardstown Link Road, which would see traffic access the South County Business Park through the existing Leopardstown Racecourse entrance, and also ease traffic on the Leopardstown Roundabout.

“Excellent infrastructure is a key

Stand-up show for teenagers COMEDIAN Ger Carey brings his new show, Stand-Up For Teenagers, to the Mill Theatre, Dundrum, as part of his 2012 nationwide tour..

The show, which is aimed at young teenagers, takes a comic look at some of the major influences on young people’s lives, such as television, music, social networks and advertising.

Ger contrasts the resultant land of fantasy with the reality of what awaits them in the real world.

The show is ideal for Transition Year students, young adults and youth reach groups.

Ger will be taking to the stage on Wednesday, February 8 at 11.15am, and tickets are priced at €10.

For further information, or to make a booking, call the box office on 01 296 9340, or see www. milltheatre.ie.

“Clark’s Pub in Ringsend have held fundraisers for us, and are still raising money. We’ve held a number of table quizzes, and Jacob’s creche are holding a teddy bear’s picnic, too.”

The Keenan family still hope to raise more than €20,000 to meet their target, and help Jacob’s dream come true.

To see how you can help, or to keep up-todate on future fundraising events, visit www. help-jacob.com.

€700,000 for Sandyford roads I NATALIE BURKE dundrum@gazettegroup.com

COMEDY

reason businesses have chosen to locate at the business parks, and it is imperative that this infrastructure is maintained and upgraded as the parks expand.

“While this funding is great news for existing businesses, it should help attract further investment in the area.

“National funding for infrastructure projects at the moment is extremely scarce, and this funding illustrates that the Government is targeting money on very specific and worthy projects, such as the upgrade of infrastructure serving the Sandyford and South County Business Parks,” said Deputy Mitchell.

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4 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 2 February 2012

LOCALMATTERS

CHARITY Photographer’s €25 offer in aid of local crew

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Support Our Sailors. Shane, Eoin and Donal Brereton take a dip in Dublin Bay, helping to highlight the vital need for fundraising to help the RNLI crews around the coast, and not just local crews, with their life-saving and voluntary works all around the island of Ireland

Splash out on a great fundraiser for the RNLI I NATALIE BURKE

dundrum@gazettegroup.com

LOCAL Foxrock photographer, Lorcan Brereton, will be hosting his third annual Smiles On Saturday event on Saturday, February 4, in aid of the RNLI volunteer lifeboat

crew.

For the third year in a row, Lorcan will be supporting the charity’s SOS appeal for funds with his Smiles On Saturday fundraiser, and will be taking people’s photographs in his studio for a €25 donation.

Last year the professional portrait day raised €650 for the charity, which trains and equips volunteers to save lives at sea in Ireland.

This year, the RNLI is looking to replace crew lifejackets with ones that have been specially

designed for search and rescue.

As Dun Laoghaire RNLI was one of the lifeboat stations involved in the trial for the new lifejackets, funds raised at Saturday’s event will be going towards the cost of the new lifejackets.

Commenting on the fundraiser, Lorcan said: “This event has proved very popular over the last couple of years. Professional photographs are something that people like to share and send to their loved ones.

“So many people are here due to the actions of lifeboat crews in Ireland, so it is nice to be able to raise funds for them by capturing people at their best on camera.”

The RNLI Smiles On Saturday fundraiser will take place on Saturday, Febr uar y 4 between 10.30am and 5.30pm, and will be held at the studio, which is located

at Mentone, Kill Lane, Foxrock.

For a donation of €25 per person photographed, customers on the day will receive a mini professional por--------------------------

‘So many people are here due to the actions of lifeboat crews, so it is nice to be able to raise funds for them by capturing people at their best on camera’ --------------------------

Lorcan Brereton, Photographer

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

trait sitting, as well as a colour portrait.

No appointment is necessary for the event.

For further information, contact Lorcan at 01 289 3520.

The Brereton boys help highlight the cause again

2 February 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 5

EDUCATION Rathdown School’s musical impresses

Grease’s new and slick hit staging delights I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

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

dundrum@gazettegroup.com

‘The Transition Year musical affords the girls the opportunity not only to display their theatrical and musical talents, but also to develop their self-esteem and forge new friendships’

THE g y mnasium at Rathdown School made its theatrical debut last week, when it hosted a Transition Year (TY) production of the musical, Grease.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the annual TY musical played to a full house of parents and locals.

A special matinee performance was scheduled for Wednesday, and was attended by 550 fifth and sixth year students from 16 different schools locally, including Foxrock, Shankill and Sallynoggin.

Head of PR at Rathdown School, Audrey Mulcahy, spoke to The Gazette about how the students were involved in the entire creative process, from PR and organising ticket sales, to set design, costumes and lighting.

The TY co-ordinator, Breege Henry, and the music school on campus, played a huge part as an on-site centre of expertise for the musical.

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Audrey Mulcahy, head of PR, Rathdown School --------------------------

Each of the TY students was involved in playing a vital part in the overall theatrical machine, and those behind the scenes, as well as in front of house, were equally driven in creating and polishing the finished article.

The g ym provided a more than adequate venue for this year’s production. It’s the first time it has been used as such, and a new, mobile

Rathdown School Transition Year students in vibrant action during their memorable production of Grease

stage was erected for the purpose.

Because the school is all-girl, CBC Monkstown boys formed the male complement for the show. The male leads were excellent, as were the female performers, and the audience response was highly enthusiastic.

The whole production was a study in interschool and community co-operation, and was a very creative TY enterprise.

According to Anne D ow l i n g , p r i n c i p a l , Rathdown School: “The Transition Year musical is a key part to our Transition Year programme, affording the girls the opportunity not only

to display their theatrical and musical talents, but also to develop their self-esteem and forge new friendships.

“The most important thing about a production like this is that the girls work together as part of a team, while, at the same time, having fun.”

She extended her thanks to all who worked so hard on the p r o d u c t i o n , i n cl u d ing Mr Berry, principal CBC Monkstown; music director, Marian Jordan, Rathdown School; set designer, Barbara Tidey; Sandy, played by Anna Carthy, Rathdown School, and Danny, played by Sam Dillon, of CBC Monkstown.

Temporary fencing replaced TEMPORARY fencing, that was unlawfully removed from the Laurels to Laurel Lane location in late December, has been temporarily replaced by contractors carrying out work in the area.

In a response to a question raised at a recent council meeting by local Dundrum Fine Gael councillor Jim O’Dea, the council announced that, following the theft

of the temporary fence, the council have taken action to ensure its replacement.

Closed off Cllr O’Dea had asked for the location to be closed off by a wall or replacement barriers as it was a “potential rat-run” for the area.

In relation to the outstanding works in the area, including the

construction of a more permanent boundary wall, the council noted that contractors began survey work in the month of January.

The council further noted that it is expected that landscaping and drainage proposals will be submitted to its Parks Section and Water and Waste Department, respectively, with work commencing on-site shortly thereafter.

FASHION

Becks’ clothes go on sale DAV I D B e c k h a m ’s Bodywear range will be announcing its arrival at Dundrum this weekend, when the long-anticipated fashion line will be launched at the H&M store on today, Thursday.

The eagerly-awaited collection will mark the beginning of a significant relationship between H&M and David Beckham, with plans for new Bodywear products to be launched every season.

Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M’s head of design, said: “David Beckham is a true icon, both in sport and style. It is incredibly exciting for H&M to be entering into a long-term partnership with him for his David Beckham Bodywear line,” she said.

The collection will be available from 9.30am on Thursday, February 2, in H&M Dundrum, Level 2. For further information, contact the store on 01 299 1502.

6 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 2 February 2012

COMMENT Alan Shatter on his latest proposal to the Dail ) ALAN SHATTER TD Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence

IN addressing issues of insolvency, a balance has to be struck between people in debt through no fault of their own, and those who have been reckless.

M a ny b u s i n e s s e s , although carefully run, find themselves in enormous difficulties due to non-payment by others for goods and services.

A variety of circumstances can result in individuals becoming mired in unsustainable debt with no prospect of ever discharging it. Every country needs to have in place reasonable legal mechanisms to address insolvency while ensuring that no one benefits from fraud or illegal activity.

Last week, the Government agreed to my proposals for the Personal Insolvency Bill. The Bill delivers on a commit-

ENTERPRISENEWS

Do you need a friend to help you start or grow your Business?

THE word Mentor, originally Greek, means “trusted advisor, friend and confidant”.

Everyone running a small business encounters issues – specific or general – where another view would help, especially if this is coming from someone experienced who is able to take a detached view.

For this reason, the Enterprise Board has a panel of Mentors who are appointed to small businesses for a series of meetings on a one-to-one basis, to help the entrepreneur through whatever issues are of concern.

The Mentor assigned to the company has a clear objective – to help the owner manager grow and develop skills to enable them to overcome barriers which are impeding the business’ development.

The Mentor is able to give the business the benefit of a vast amount of experience, together with an objective view of the issues which it is facing.

The Mentor’s role is to guide and advise on the course of action to be taken in a given situation.

The Mentor doesn’t become actively involved in the day-to-day running of the business, nor do they take on a role of an executive of a company.

Typically, an assignment is of six months duration and during this period, the business owner will meet the Mentors five times. Further details on the Mentor Programme, and an application form are available on the Board’s website: www.dlrceb.ie or please call (01) 494 8400

ment contained in the Programme for Government and in our EU/ IMF Agreement. One of a number of measures that will contribute to our overall economic recovery, its objective is to address the situation of those whose debts are unsustainable and who have no realistic prospect of resolving their difficulties.

The intention behind the proposed new law is to design a system that is fair to both creditors and debtors alike.

The proposed Bill will, for the first time in Irish law, provide a legal mechanism for those in difficulty with their debts to enter into agreements with their creditors to resolve their debts through a negotiated settlement without the necessity of a costly court procedure.

It is not only about money owed to banks.

It also includes smaller creditors, such as businesses and suppliers. The new arrangements are designed to allow for sufficient flexibility to allow debtors and creditors to reach a fair and sensible agreement that takes account of the true financial circumstances of the debtor.

Importantly, it will be possible to include mortgage debt in the agreement, subject to certain criteria.

Three new non-judicial debt settlement systems are being introduced, subject to relevant conditions in each case. These are: • A Debt Relief Certificate to allow for the full writeoff of qualifying unsecured debt concerning debtors with “no assets and no income” up to €20,000, after a one-year moratorium period; • A Debt Settlement Arrangement for the agreed settlement of unsecured debt of €20,001 and over; and • A Personal Insolvency Arrangement for the agreed settlement of both secured and unsecured debt of €20,001 and over.

The Personal Insolvency Bill (PIA) provides for a unique and specific mechanism to assist resolving difficulties confronting thousands

The Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, TD

New Personal Insolvency Bill in plain English of home owners in negative equity with mortgage arrears who are genuinely incapable of discharging their monthly mortgage repayments.

Use of this mechanism has the potential for agreed debt settlement arrangements being put in place that will enable people to continue residing in their homes and avoid judicial bankruptcy.

The Bill’s provisions will be of assistance not only to those in mortgage arrears, but also to those who are overwhelmed by credit card bills, car loans and overdrafts. It will allow those in difficulty to get back to living a more normal life by alleviating some of the stress and uncertainty that they

may currently be experiencing due to financial pressures.

T he new arrangements are not, however, designed to be an easy option for those who won’t pay or simply behaved recklessly in relation to their finances.

The draft legislation, which is available on my Department’s website – www.justice.ie – has a number of safeguards to protect against abuse of the system.

The final element of the legislation is the reformed bankruptcy arrangements which will include, critically, the introduction of automatic discharge from bankruptcy, subject to certain conditions, after three years in place of the

current 12 years.

This continues the reform of the Bankruptcy Act 1988, which I began last year with changes I introduced in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011.

Establishment The Bill also proposes the establishment of an Insolvency Service to operate the new non-judicial insolvency arrangements. The new legislation, when operational, will complement a range of other policy initiatives across a number of Government Departments aimed at assisting those in financial difficulty. For those in mortgage difficulty, in particular, there are a

range of initiatives emanating from the recommendations of the Keane Report last year that are either already in place or being actively worked on

by Government.

This suite of measures, including the new personal insolvency legislation, will offer a menu of options that can be availed of depending on the severity of the mortgage problem.

The outline of the legislation is now to be considered by the Oireachtas Justice Committee, and the Bill in legislative form will be published by the end of April. It will then be considered by the Dail and Seanad and become law later this year.

2 February 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 7

8 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 2 February 2012

SCHOOLS Pupils at Our Lady of the Wayside National School

Helen Gannon with her sixth class pupils

Impressive mastery of a weighty subject HE Gazette was busy testing parachutes and going for a walk on the moon when it called to Our Lady of the Wayside National School, Kilternan, recently – or, rather, these are some of the things that the pupils at the school explained to The Gazette, thanks to the insight they

T

gained from exhaustive project, The Ups And Downs of Gravity: Investigating Galileo.

Their award-winning project impressed judges at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition, where the pupils collected a crystal trophy for their work.

Through a wide range of tests, the

Eoin Fitzgerald, Emma Lane, Kim Byrne, Abbie Hamill

and Daniel Cleary

pupils investigated gravity’s effects in many ways, exploring Galileo’s theories on gravity, and putting them to the test through projects that ranged from designing parachutes to exploring gravity’s effects as felt on the moon.

The pupils were very impressive with their mastery of these weighty topics.

Tyrone Munzara

Where is the Earthings’ leader? The intrepid travellers

Abbie Hamill

show The Gazette their research materials

While some pupils were enjoying an out-of-this-world school uniform (left), these students enjoyed working together on their project

2 February 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 9

win a BT Young Scientist award for their project on gravity

The class at work on their next exciting project

Abbie Acres

Grainne Costello

made their own space helmets, to help them breathe in Earth’s atmosphere. Picture: Geraldine Woods

Grainne Costello, Eimear Sullivan, Walter Clutterbuck, Jack Sweeney and Tyrone Munzara

Jarrett Pierse

Jarrett Pierse, Riain Kelly, Emma Boland, Josh Kavanagh-Lord and Bronwen Barry

Sally Keenan-Prezioso, Evan Doherty, Nathan Doyle, Dylan Capaldi and Jake Fitzgerald

10 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 2 February 2012

FUNDRAISING Mitch Winehouse’s visit to LauraLynn House

Mitch Winehouse and his wife, Jane, at LauraLynn House, Leopardstown

Amy Winehouse CD helps hospice ITCH Winehouse, father of the late singer, Amy, paid a visit to LauraLynn House in Leopardstown recently, where he was taking a first-hand look at the bright and cheerful children’s hospice.

He was there to announce a welcome move by the Amy Winehouse Foundation, which, he said, would see a donation of the

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euro equivalent of £1 for every copy of Amy’s posthumously-released album that is sold in Ireland donated to LauraLynn House, helping to support the facility in its work.

Lioness: Hidden Treasures is on sale through a wide variety of outlets, with Mitch praising LauraLynn House, and saying how much he hoped the funds would help the hospice.

Philomena Dunne, CEO of the facility, took Mitch on a guided tour

The signatures of Mitch and his wife, Jane in LauraLynn House’s guest book

2 February 2012 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 2 Februay 2012

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: CARRIED OUT PROPERLY, A CRATE BECOMES A SECURE AND SAFE HAVEN

The many benefits of crate training AS a dog owner who adores her dogs (the kids complain I favour my dogs over them… er, like that’s a bad thing?) I am also very house proud, and don’t do untidiness, something else that annoys the kids, so it was an obvious choice for me to crate-train my dogs when I became a pet parent.

Why? Because I believe there are many benefits to crate training, and if carried out properly and responsibly, the crate becomes a secure and safe haven for your pets.

You see dogs naturally live in dens and, by providing a crate large enough for your pet to sit, stand, lie down, spread out and turn around in will ensure he’ll keep his

personal living area clean and pee- and poo-free. I like to think of the crate as a five-star room with a view.

Also, some breeds, for example Patterdale Terriers, (I have two), can be a tad boisterous and, instead of acting out, they now know to go to their “bed”, and remain calm.

So, whether you have a puppy or an older dog, here’s a few essential housekeeping tips that I hope you’ll find useful when it comes to cratetraining Fido.

The process: Choosing your crate is important and there are several types available. You’ve got the plastic one, which is good for use in the car and for ferry and flight travel, the fabric one which is

Choosing the right crate for your pet is important

foldable (but chewable), or the ones I use which are more sturdy (albeit expensive), the collapsible metal-framed ones.

All are available at good pet stores.

If you’ve got a puppy, then make certain the crate is large enough for the adult version of your

dog but not so large he will feel uncomfortable.

Remember, he needs to be able to move around, stand up, lie down, and at the same time, feel cozy and safe. If the crate is not utilised properly, your dog can feel trapped and isolated.

Are you someone who

travels a lot or has a busy schedule? That’s fine – impose this schedule on your dog, teach him to be in his crate during those times; after all, he will know what to expect and fall in line with your routine.

The placing of your crate is very important.

Dogs love company so keep the crate in a family area. Mine are in the kitchen… well, we are at our best chez Kerins when we’re eating.

Plan your crating based on your dog’s needs, remembering all the time that he requires and responds to routine, which makes for a positive experience for everyone.

Patience is the key.

In order to quicken the

process I rewarded my dogs and eventually they voluntarily went to their own private areas, happy in the knowledge that it was their “down time”.

Take your dog outside the second you release him from the crate in order to allow him pee or poo. When he does this, reward him. This brings me to stage of dog – i.e. puppy or adult. Young puppies do not have control over their bladder, therefore you must take them outdoors every hour to do their business.

As they get a little older, for example, 20 weeks, they start to gain a little control and gradually get better with age and understanding.

However, common sense is the key and you

need to exercise it and get to know how much time your dog can last before losing control of his bladder. If you leave them in the crate for too long you’ll force them to soil it and this will only make for a very unhappy dog.

Never use the crate as a form of punishment!

It’s your dog’s little haven, it’s where he feels safe; it’s where he goes when he needs to feel calm, so respect this. Once you use the crate as a form of punishment, it loses its value and you’ve lost the respect of your pet and this may result in destructive behaviours.

For more

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

2 February 2012 GAZETTE 13

EVENT Top Chef Ken Hom’s demonstration at Tesco Cabra

Winner Muireann Quinn competing in the “wok off”

Tasty treat for store

The Woods family and Ken. Picture: Ania Sherlock

STEEMED chef Ken Hom, hosted a demonstration day in the newly-opened Tesco store in Cabra recently.

Hom cooked up his authentic Chinese food suitable for the health-conscious, to celebrate the Chinese New Year and the arrival of the simplistic, yet flavourful, range of real Chinese food.

Competition winner Muireann Quinn, competed in a “wok off” against Hom, cooking a Chinese favourite, sweet and sour chicken.

“I try to cook healthy, I mostly cook vegetarian food. I’ve been a vegetarian for 26 years, but today I’m looking forward to cooking sweet and sour chicken.”

The range is designed exclusively for Tesco, concentrating on delivering pure, traditional and affordable Chinese cuisine. Dishes include spare ribs, crispy chilli beef and aromatic duck.

E

Peter Wong and Bob Boland from St Joseph’s School for the Deaf

Competition winner, Muireann Quinn, and her daughter, Roisin, with Ken

Tesco Cabra store manager, Martyn Saunders, with Eugen Smocinchi, from St Joseph’s school for the Deaf, and Ken

Ken

14 GAZETTE 2 February 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs

800,000 hybrids for Honda HONDA Motor Co, Ltd, has announced that Honda’s cumulative worldwide hybrid vehicle sales surpassed 800,000 units, as of the end of December 2011. This milestone was reached 12 years and two months after the start of sales of the first generation Honda Insight in Japan in November 1999, which delivered fuel economy of 35km/litre, then the world’s highest fuel economy among all petrol-powered vehicles.

Honda introduced the first generation Insight, Civic Hybrid and Accord Hybrid equipped with Honda’s original lightweight and compact IMA (Integrated MotorAssist) hybrid system. More recently, following the introduction of the second generation Insight in 2009, Honda introduced a total of six new hybrid models in the last three years to expand the hybrid vehicle line-up and sales. Honda’s annual world-wide hybrid sales for 2011was approximately 200,000 units (up 30% compared to 2010), and Honda’s total hybrid sales during the last three years exceeded 500,000 units.

Boyzone’s Shane Lynch urges drivers to beat budget and VAT increases by driving smart

Unique additive gives Topaz an economic edge BOYZONE’S Shane Lynch has launched a new efficient driving campaign by leading fuels and convenience retailer, Topaz.

Shane, a keen driving enthusiast, says motorists could knock hundreds of euro off their motoring costs by adapting their driving styles and making a number of small, but key, changes.

To mark the new campaign, the Boyzone star visited the Topaz site at Glasnevin in Dublin – not far from where he grew up in Sherriff Street – and also visited the state-of-the-art Topaz site at Cashel on the DublinCork motorway.

“Accelerating smooth-

ly, removing unnecessary weight, avoiding tail-gating and driving at a moderate speed are just some of the ways motorists can save money. Motoring costs are rising all over the world and Ireland is no different, so it is up to drivers to drive smart and save money,” Shane said.

Topaz director, Paul Candon, said it was clear motorists wanted value for money, especially in light of the recent Budget and VAT increases on fuels.

“Not all fuels are the same. The additive in Topaz fuels makes them more fuel efficient – up to 3% more efficient when compared with fuels with

no additive. So, if drivers use Topaz AA qualitychecked fuels, and follow the driving efficiency tips outlined on our website, they can cut costs by up to 20%,” Candon said.

Candon said the company also intended to highlight the rise in fuel laundering in Ireland and the dangers this illegal trade posed for motorists. A recent report estimated that 12% of the diesel market was now being supplied from illegal sources.

“Laundered fuels pose a high risk to motorists and their engines. While low prices may seem very appealing in the current environment, consumers should always purchase

their fuels from trusted retailers, as the costs of repairing an engine damaged by laundered fuels can run into thousands of euro,” he said.

Candon also urged the authorities to clamp down on this illegal trade.

“Every tanker of illegal fuel costs the government €20k in lost taxes. If the government was to eliminate fuel laundering it would raise up to €200m in taxes from licensed and law-abiding retailers.

It’s worth comparing that figure to the new property tax, which is generating a lot of headlines and which it’s estimated will raise €160m,” Candon said.

12% admit to near miss or collision with cyclist ONE in eight drivers on Irish roads have either had a near miss or collision with a cyclist within the last two years, a new study by AA Motor Insurance has revealed. The study, which looks at incidents involving vulnerable road users, also indicates that 11% of motorists have been involved in similar incidents involving a pedestrian or an animal.

The AA Motor Insurance study, which polled a sample of more than 12,500 drivers in Ireland,

equally reveals that 5% have either hit, or almost hit, a motorcyclist while 0.7% said they’d done the same with someone on horseback.

Without exception, across all categories of vulnerable road users included in the AA Motor Insurance study (cyclists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, horse riders and animals), a higher percentage of men than women stated they had a near miss or collision within the last two years. Fourteen percent of the

male drivers polled, for example, compared to 11% of females, said they’d collided or had a near miss with a cyclist.

The AA Motor Insurance study also looks at incident rates by county and by light and weather conditions. Most notably in relation to weather hazards the highest number of incidents, 17%, occurred when raining, while 4% occurred during fog or mist, according to poll results.

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16 GAZETTE 2 February 2012

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Aisling Sullivan, creative director, The Mill Theatre, Dundrum

Mill-ing over new ideas AISLING Sullivan hails from Greystones, Co Wicklow.

Over the past 10 years, she has worked with many prominent arts organisations and festivals in Ireland, including the Anna Livia International Opera Festival, The Gate Theatre, Mermaid Arts Centre and Music in Great Irish Houses.

For seven years Aisling held the position of artistic administrator and company manager with Opera Ireland.

During this time, she worked on over 28 grand-scale opera productions in The Gaiety Theatre, RDS Concert Hall, NCH, UCH Limerick and the Staatstheater, Wiesbadden, Germany.

Other projects included the first ever CD recording of Balfe’s opera, Falstaff, in association with RTE and Lyric FM, Opening Night Live (Live transmission of opera from the theatre to Meeting House Square in Temple Bar, in association with Platform Ireland), the managing

of the European Opera Directing Prize and the La Boheme Mountjoy Prison Project. She also devised and produced a children opera event, What’s Opera Doc? Aisling also managed the annual Opera Masterclass series, featuring renowned artists such as Rosalind Plowright and Dame Gwyneth Jones.

In 2010, she founded Arts Path and has presented numerous performance masterclasses with leading tutors from prestigious companies, including The Royal Shakespeare Company.

As an independent producer, she has produced Melodies of the Musicals, Music of the Night, Vino & Verdi and Opera d’Arte.

Aisling joined the team at The Mill Theatre, Dundrum in January, 2012, as creative director. In this role, she will develop an artistic vision for the theatre through the increased programming of professional productions of the highest quality.

Aisling Sullivan, creative director, The Mill Theatre, Dundrum

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

A: Ballerina (the mu-

anything that you once thought you could not pull off?

A: I’ll use one of my

Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to?

A: The West End

sic box kind, not the Black Swan kind!)

favourite quotes to answer this one: “To succeed, we must first believe that we can.”

production of Equus, which comes to The Mill Theatre in March.

Q: What was your first job?

A: Working in Glenroe Open Farm when I was a teenager.

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: About £5, I think.

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: Data entry.

Q: When did you start your present job?

A: Last month (January). A great start to 2012.

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Scouting for new, exciting productions to bring to The Mill Theatre.

Q: Have you achieved

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

A: None.

Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be?

A: A half-eaten chocolate bar (the New Year detox is not going well!)

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Gaelic Football (Up The Kingdom!)

Q: What sport can you play?

A: I’m not a sporty person, but I take dance class twice a week which keeps me fit.

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

A: Re-runs of Murder She Wrote.

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: I don’t own an iPod, iPad or anything technological beginning with ‘i’!

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Mainly theatre companies, actors, singers and comedians.

Q: What was your last Tweet/status update?

A: “Very excited about our new box office system which allows you to choose your own seat when booking online!”

Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously?

A: Dundrum Town Centre. All my favourite shops under one roof, heaven!

Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

A: 35 pairs, plus a single boot that I can’t find the match for (It’s got to be here somewhere, right?)

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: I’m doing it!

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

A: No plans yet, but I still have about 30 years to decide!

2 February 2011 GAZETTE 17

THE PERFECT VENUE P18

MARRIAGE VALUES P22

WIN YOUR WEDDING P20

&

Bride groom Look your best on your big day

M

A T C H delicacy, refinem e n t , gracefulness and elegancy with powder y blue, pale lemon, or delicate pink in your bouquet and you are “bang on trend” as a bride in 2012.

If having your makeup applied by a professional make-up artist, book one early to guarantee an appointment and avoid disappointment.

If you’re going to use fake tan ensure that you use it for your trial makeover.

A good tip is to wear a top the same colour as your dress and bring a camera with a flash to the trial.

This will give you a good idea of what your finished look will be like.

A month before: Book yourself into a reputable beauty salon for a microdermabrasion.

A fortnight before: If you’re getting your eyebrows waxed do it now. Your foundation will not hold properly otherwise.

The week before: Have an exfoliating treatment to balance your skin and ensure a radiant complexion.

Make-up If applying the

make-up yourself as Kate Middleton did, following the simple steps below will guarantee a beautiful, polished version of yourself.

Cleanse and tone your face and apply a small amount of primer avoiding the eyes.

Use a brush to apply a long-lasting matt foundation and conceal any

imperfections.

Around the eye area, apply concealer on the lid and inner eye and seal with powder.

Using a large brush apply translucent over your face.

Under the cheekbone brush matt bronze to contour.

Apply natural shadow all over the eye area.

Contour in crease with darker natural shade.

Curl eyelashes and apply false eyelashes.

Apply waterproof pencil to line your upper eye and waterproof mascara.

Line your lips with natural pencil.

Apply soft shade of lipstick with a pop of gloss.

Add a touch of shimmer to your shoulder and collarbone.

Smile and enjoy the day!

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Dublin’s complete guide to yo u r w e d d i n g

Wedding showcase at the Lucan Spa Hotel GUESTS are cordially invited to a wedding showcase taking place at The Lucan Spa Hotel on February 19 from 1.00pm to 5.00pm.

The Lucan Spa Hotel has become one of the most exclusive wedding venues in Ireland since their recent renovation.

The magnificent Boyne Suite is a spectacular venue for the perfect

wedding day. This is an opportunity for brides and grooms to be to experience The Lucan Spa Hotel as it would be for their wedding day. Their team of dedicated wedding co-ordinators show guests the full experience of the wedding facilities at the hotel. Admission is free of charge and couples are welcome to bring a guest.

The hotel has also recently been shortlisted for Wedding Online’s Top Wedding Venues in Leinster and has been named in the Top 50 Wedding Venues in Ireland. To see why, visit their wedding showcase and prepare to be amazed at the fantastic facilities at the hotel. For more details, visit www.lucanspahotel.ie or call 01 620 8468.

18 GAZETTE 2 February 2012

BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l C H OOSI N G T HE R ECE PT I O N S ET T ING l

Superb selections to find a perfect venue

Voted Best Wedding Venue in Dublin, Thomas Prior Hall is one of a number of great venues for the big day, while the Red Cow Moran Hotel (inset) is another top-notch venue with a wedding package to appeal

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

ONE of the biggest decisions for every couple planning their big day is where to host the wedding party – and Dublin offers some of the best hotels in the country for wedding celebrations.

Voted Best Wedding Venue in Dublin, and also listed as one of the top-ten wedding venues in Leinster, Thomas Prior Hall is the perfect option for those seeking a unique wedding venue.

Originally built as a school, many of the original features still stand.

This wedding venue can be viewed at their showcase on Thursday, February 16 from 5-9pm, and Sunday, February 19 from 2-6pm.

It can also host a civil ceremony for up to 180 guests, and having a ceremony or blessing outdoors is also possible.

The lawn is available with manicured lawns, tall trees and water feature. For further details, call 01 668 1111, email othomaspriorhall@morangroup.ie, or see www. thomaspriorhall.com.

Meanwhile, Bewley’s Hotel Leopardstown has unveiled The Power Suite, which is an intimate set-

ting that can host small weddings for up to 100 guests.

This is one of the newest wedding venues in South County Dublin, and offers a contemporary and cosmopolitan backdrop for the big day.

Their introductor y all-inclusive package of €45pp includes such features as a red carpet welcome, a four-course dinner, glass of house wine for guests, evening finger food and a resident DJ. There are also special accommodation rates for guests, and complimentary bridal suite. For further information, call 01 293 5000, email leopardstown@bewleyshotels. com, or see www.bewleyshotels.com.

Meanwhile, the contemporary, elegant, bright and spacious Baskin Suite at Bewley’s Hotel Dublin Airport can host fabulous weddings to suit both large and small parties, while civil ceremony facilities are also available.

The hotel has launched a great deal, catering for 100 guests for €3,000.

There are many varieties of packages available to suit all budgets, and their

dedicated wedding team can tailor-make a wedding package to suit your requirements.

For further information, call 01 871 1200, or email weddings.dublinairport@ bewleyshotels.com.

On Sunday, February 5, the Red Cow Moran Hotel will be hosting their own wedding showcase from 2-6pm.

This prime Dublin wedding venue will be dressed as it would appear on your wedding day, to give guests a taster of the great day that lies ahead for the happy couple.

The wedding team will be at hand to answer questions regarding wedding planning and wedding venue requirements.

For those who attend and book their wedding at the showcase, guests will get €1,000 off their wedding bill, and they will be entered in a draw to win their wedding.

There will be various special offers available on the day, along with complimentary canapes and wine.

For further information, call 01 459 3650, email cb.redcow@moranhotels.com or see www. moranhotels.com.

2 February 2012 GAZETTE 19

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BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

GOT A STORY? TELL US ABOUT YOUR CELEBRATION OR FUNCTION Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l M ULLING AR GIVE AWAY l

You could win your wedding THE Bloomfield House Hotel in Mullingar has launched a free wedding giveaway, called Red or Black. The event is based on the TV game show of the same name, and will take place in Bloomfield on Sunday, February 12.

All entries will be given the opportunity to play for the wedding of their dreams, valued in excess of €15,000, and everyone who plays the game has an equal chance of winning.

The wedding giveaway will include a band, DJ, florist, photographer, wedding car, wedding cake, hair and make-up, Irish dancers and much more.

For full details on how to enter, contact the hotel at 044 934 0894.

Bloomfield House Hotel is a truly romantic venue, with luxurious surroundings and excellent facilities. The hotel enjoys an idyllic setting on the shores of Lough Ennell, and is surrounded

Bloomfield House Hotel’s setting in Mullingar affords several striking spots for photos, building on the hotel’s already considerable charms

by magnificent parkland – ideal for wedding photos.

With more than 32 years’ experience in hosting wedding receptions, this charming hotel is renowned for excellent service, terrific atmosphere and a strong emphasis on customer care.

The beautifullyappointed suites are

elegantly and tastefully decorated, and provide a backdrop of luxury and warmth.

The bridal suite, which is complimentary to all wedding couples, offers a rich, velvet-clad four-poster bed, spacious openplan living area, separate shower and bath, robes, slippers, luxury toiletries, and unsurpassed views over Lough Ennell.

Bloomfield House Hotel also offers a lakeside civil ceremony venue for those who wish to exchange vows and say “I do” on the shores

of Lough Ennell.

Experienced wedding co-ordinators, and d the management team, will be delighted to answer any of your queries and to offer advice.

They will work closely with you to ensure a wonderful reception for you and your guests, and that every aspect of your wedding is carried off with style and perfection.

The professional and experienced team are dedicated to making your wedding day unique and

memorable. bl Bloomfield House Hotel invites you to view the wonderful facilities and meet the wedding team, who will be delighted to show you around this superb wedding venue.

For further information on Bloomfield weddings, contact Maria Condon on 044 934 0894, email weddings@bloomfieldhouse.com, or visit www. bloomfieldhousehotel.ie.

2 February 2012 GAZETTE 21

22 GAZETTE 2 February 2012

BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

Costello Flowers’ heritage

COSTELLO Flowers has been in the heart of Dun Laoghaire for the past 20 years, and services all of the south side, from Dalkey and Bray to Stillorgan and Foxrock.

Costello Flowers has the proud boast of having the best selection of flowers in the south side, stocking Irish-grown flowers and plants that only become available once they’re certain the quality is the best available.

Ann Joyce has been at the helm since 1992, while Olivier Besombes is the designer, and loves looking after brides, while Linda Mac is available to view your site, if necessary, while the florists say that every budget can be accommodated.

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l A DV I CE FO R M E N AND WO M E N T YING T H E K NOT TO E ACH OTHER l

Catholic marriage values MARRIAGE is as popular in Ireland as it has ever been. Despite the recession, and, for the most part, an unknown future, thousands of couples choose to get married each year.

In our work with couples preparing for marriage, we at ACCORD meet thousands of them, and their expectations of what marriage is about are very interesting.

Many have the same ideas and expectations that previous generations had. They want security, fulfilment, love, respect, an opportunity to grow, a safe place for themselves and their family.

Many of these expectations could be classified as “traditional” which, for some, might suggest that they are old or outdated.

Yet, given the opportunity to describe what they believe marriage is all about, these are the types of responses offered.

ACCORD, in its work with couples, emphasises that marriage is a journey, not a destination. This journey began when the couples first met, and it is a journey that combines their individual journeys so far in life.

Despite all their differences, many couples enter into marriage with the intention of staying married to each other for life, and do so. This commitment that couples make to each other is what getting married is all about.

They commit themselves to everything that their partner is to become in the future, and this

commitment is mutual.

They announce publicly their intention to stay together for better and for worse, in the knowledge that life will deliver good and bad times to them in the course of their life.

The couples who present themselves to AC C OR D f o r m a rriage preparation do so because of their intention to get married by the Catholic Church.

By doing so, they express a wish to avail of the Sacrament of Marriage. This sacrament is unique, in so far as the couple are the co-ministers of the sacrament, one to the other.

In the presence of the priest, their families and guests, they declare their consent to become husband and wife.

Despite all their differences, many couples enter into marriage with the intention of staying married to each other for life, and do so

Marriage is not lived in isolation, but in community, and the newlymarried couple enter the community as witnesses to marriage, and to all that this special sacrament stands for.

ACCORD wishes to congratulate you as you

prepare for your marriage.

We promise to help you prepare well for this wonderful adventure, and to be there for you at all times in the future, offering our support and care for you and your marriage.

Thomas Sabo is open at Pavilions BRIDES and grooms preparing for their wedding will be delighted to know that Thomas Sabo have opened its largest Irish “shop in shop” at Bernard John Jewellers, located at the Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords.

For cutting-edge, fashionable jewellery for your big day, this north county Dublin store is the ultimate destination.

With the recent refit, the Bernard John store is an ultra-modern concept, with a reserved number of premium jewellery brands included in its offering.

Previously, it was a traditional jewellers, stocking a large range of jewellery and watch brands. Opening its doors to the public in November proved to be a great success with a positive response.

Amanda Keogh, store retail manager, Bernard John Jewellers, said: “We are delighted to welcome Thomas Sabo to our store. We feel this is a refreshing addition, and is not only proving popular with our existing loyal customers, but is also enticing new visitors to our premises. We are very happy with the initial response.”

Every element of the decor and the specific material used were chosen in a spirit of refinement, with a unique objective which gives character to the space.

Thomas Sabo will offer three collections at this retail location, and presented with a highend ambience – Sterling Silver, Charm Club and Watches – with all the latest jewels and watches for trend-conscious men and women.

All existing collections are harmoniously coordinated with each other, and can be combined in a variety of ways which go beyond the limits of the individual collection lines.

2 February 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23

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BRIDE& GROOM Dublin’s complete

g u i d e to yo u r w e d d i n g

l W EDDI NG FA I R l

A venue with a sense of history THOSE who have visited the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire will agree the refurbishment has added to the splendour of this magnificent listed building.

It is a stunning vision of “old and new”.

With high ceilings, wide corridors, intricate detail on the cornicing, Victorian staircases, large sash windows welcoming the natural light of the bay, the hotel truly stands above its peers in the hotel industry.

Character There is a tremendous sense of history and character found in all the nooks and crannies of this Victorian building.

The hotel’s Wedding Fair is taking place on

Sunday, Febr uar y 5, 2012, from 2pm until 5pm.

With 228 bedrooms including 15 Suites, Sansana SPA and The Pier Health Club, as well as a selection of banqueting suites, the Royal Marine Hotel has it all.

Tradition The hotel has a long tradition of hosting weddings. Set on four acres of gardens, with direct access to Dun Laoghaire promenade and pier, it is also ideal for photos.

All members of the wedding party will feel spoilt by the grandeur of this Victorian setting overlooking the Bay. The hotel has recently been approved for civil

ceremonies.

Previous guests of the hotel include Frank Sinatra, Laurel and Hardy and Charlie Chaplin.

Queen Victoria had a 16-course breakfast when she arrived off the boat at Dun Laoghaire and even Michael Collins is believed to have hidden out in Room 210 with Kitty Kiernan.

Whether your wedding will be large or intimate, formal or casual, a marquee, a soiree, a luncheon, or a civil ceremony, the hotel can cater for all of your needs in comfort and style.

Call (01) 271 2512, (01) 271 2513, (01) 271 2514 or email events@ royalmarine.ie for further information.

Enjoy the grandeur of this Victorian setting overlooking the bay

Suit Co comes to Irish market THE Suit Co is a new European suit concept now available in the Irish market.

The people at Suit Co know planning a wedding is a costly and sometimes pressured experience.

They ask the question – why hire a suit when you can own your suit for the same price?

Well, over the past few years, fashion trends have changed greatly for wedding attire - gone are the days of the top hat and tails.

Men are now focused on contemporary fashion trends, opting for slim-fit, tailored-fit and regular-fit in two- and three-piece suits, and the Suit Co has a style for every man.

They also carry a fantastic range of French cuffed shirts and Italian silk ties to complement the suit of choice.

Not forgetting the pageboy, the company can offer a range of suits that will complement the wedding party on this special day.

They have on offer unbeatable suit deals, while maintaining very high levels in suit quality, style, and fashion.

The Suit Co pride themselves on having the best suit value in Ireland, and customer service secondto-none.

Call into them at their O’Connell Street branch, located just beside the spire, or at their Blanchardstown Westend store.

A full tailoring and alteration service is also available.

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2 February 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 25

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 Joanna Trollope

INTERNATIONAL best-selling author, Joanna Trollope, is sure to delight her many fans when she delivers a reading on Tuesday, February 7. With 16 top-selling titles behind her, Joanna will be highlighting her latest book, The Soldier’s Wife, which deals with the difficulties a soldier’s wife faces upon his return from a tour of Afghanistan – but will be the same man, once he returns home? Catch Joanna’s reading at 8pm, with tickets priced €10/€8.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Ger Carey Live

IT’S time for the Mill Theatre to present Ger Carey Live, marking an early comic highlight for 2012 for the venue.

Ger’s show for teenagers, Stand-Up For Teenagers, is set to deliver a fascinating – and hilarious – insight into the difficulties and delights of being a teenager in Ireland today.

Although some years past his own teenage years, Ger’s shows promise to be hilariously insightful. Look out for his 11.15am show on February 8, with tickets priced €10/€7.50.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Welcome to the Forty Foot

Nick Cassidy (Sam Worthington) appears to be a desperate man, precariously walking a ledge, high above Manhattan’s streets. However, is Nick really as desperate as he seems – or the perfect foil for a distraction, while something equally dramatic is unfolding elsewhere?

The height of cliche What sounds like a dramatic tale never really rises above being a standard Film With A Twist, and lets viewers down I KATE CROWLEY

ADAM Sandler! Katie Holmes! Al Pacino!

Goodbye! Nothing, alas – nay, not even the threat of having to see Clive Owen starring in a French comedy with, I dunno, CG singing chickens, or something – can force me to sit through the prospect of an (alleged) comedy starring those three.

Brain, I see you sidling over to the back door.

Well, put that suitcase down, because you and I – and both of my delightful readers – shall be considering Man On A Ledge, this week, rather than that lot’s Jack And Jill.

Man On A Ledge doesn’t star Sandler and Holmes, so we’re already off to a good start.

Instead, it stars the slightly more appealing Sam Worthington, Ed Harris and Jamie Bell, with solid support from Elizabeth Banks.

I’d like to say that we’ll

FILM OF THE WEEK: Man On A Ledge ## (12A) 102 mins Director: Asger Leth Starring: Sam Worthington, Jamie Bell, Ed Harris, Elizabeth Banks, Genesis Rodriguez, Noo Yawk, Noo Yawk

OUR VERDICT: IT’S not awful by any means, but there’s just nothing new here to really elevate the film above its peers, as Man On A Ledge follows a pretty standard template to deliver a film that the audience is often one step ahead of. Still, despite its increasingly daft storyline, some deft camerawork, and spirited turns from some support players (notably, Kyra Sedgwick) lift the film a little – just.

be staying on the dizzy heights of cinematic bliss from this point on ... ... but sadly, no, as we’re soon back to earth with a bump, as Man On A Ledge eventually reveals that it has feet of clay, rather than a head for heights, and, err... oh, enough cliches, on with the review.

Nick Cassidy (Worthington) is the titular man on a ledge – a Manhattan hotel window ledge, that is, far above the milling crowd of bystanders and police below, once he clambers out onto the ledge – an act that seems

prompted by the, err, umm, height of desperation. (Sorry.)

It’s not long before police negotiator Officer Lydia (Banks) is on hand, trying to coax the wouldbe jumper back inside, while frantic scenes play out on the street below, with Cassidy at the centre of the predictable media storm. Only ...

And, damnit, I’m now at what I call The Sixth Titanic Planet Of The Apes Sense moment, whereby I’m caught between pressing past the first act set-up and revealing too much of the rest of the film. What’s

a gal gonna do?

Sing like a canary on a ledge, that’s what. (Readers wishing not to know much more can join my brain in sliding out the kitchen door, and I’ll see you back here next week, folks.)

It turns out that – stone the crows! – Nick’s not quite as desperate as he appears, and, in fact, he has no intention whatsoever of jumping, tripping, leaping, hang-gliding, parachuting, flying, teleporting or in any other way leaving the ledge. However, by distracting everyone and creating chaos below, he’s creating a terrific diversion for a heist in the building opposite.

Why, he’s only a wrongly-accused man pulling off an incredibly unlikely stunt to clear his name, isn’t he? Err, yes.

So it is that while Nick’s practically tap-dancing around on the ledge above, his brother, Joey (Bell) and Joey’s girlfriend

Angie (Rodriguez) are breaking into the building opposite, in a bid to – oh, , does it really matter what the film’s McGuffin plot device is? No. See, it’s all to do with Ye Token Rich Villain – a cape-twirlin’, scenerychewin’ Ed Harris – and how best to clear Nick’s name. With a little bit of breaking and entering, naturally. Can they pull off the big heist, or does everything go downhill from the initial premise?

Yes. Oh, wait, my review’ll be too short if I leave it at that. The problem with a film like this is that, well, you’re never really in any doubt of how things are going to go. Honestly, who really would expect Nick to come to any harm in this film?

So, it’s just not a film that you have to vertigo to, and rather than saying: “Don’t look down”, I’ll just say: “Don’t look at all.”

FAMOUS for decades as a men-only bathing area, the Forty Foot was eventually reclaimed as an equal bathing spot for women in the 1970s, with Welcome to the Forty Foot capturing some of the voices and thoughts of the famous site’s lady swimmers. Niamh McCann has an insightful, personal journey to recount, celebrating the legacy of the Forty Foot along the way. Catch the show on Friday, February 3 at 8.15pm, with tickets priced €15/€12.

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26 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 2 February 2012

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DUN LAOGHAIRE/ RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

DUN LAOGHAIRE/ RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL

Permission is sought by Mr. & Mrs. J.Tuite for Alterations and Extensions to existing two storey four bedroom detached dwelling comprising, a) Demolition of existing single storey conservatory to rear, b) Alterations to existing single storey extension to rear, construction of a new part two storey / part single storey extension to rear and new single storey porch to front resulting in an increase in habitable floor area from 134.1 sq.m. to 165.8 sq.m. c) Internal Alterations and External Elevational Alterations, and, d) All associated siteworks, At 50A Roebuck Downs, Goatstown, Dublin 14 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 euro within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

Planning Permission sought for a proposed ground floor extension at gable of house incorporating a new utility room at 10 Stepaside Park, Stepaside, Dublin 18 for John O’Gorman and Kirstyn Ryan. 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.

14665

14680

Permission is sought for the construction of a new two-storey and part single storey, detached dwelling located in the side garden of No.32 Sweetmount Avenue, Dundrum, Dublin 14.

The development will also consist of the demolition of an existing single storey extension (approximately 26sq.m) to the side of the existing dwelling, new boundary wall between the proposed and existing dwellings, the replacement of an existing boundary wall along part of the Weston Park boundary of the site, the formation of new vehicle entrance along the Weston Park boundary and all associated site works at No.32 Sweetmount Avenue, Dundrum, Dublin 14 by Robert Lewis.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dún Laoghaire during its public opening hours. A submission/ observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

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2 February 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

NEW GOLD YEAR: 2012 Sports Awards begins with January’s nominees Page 28

WINTER GAMES: GOLD AND SILVER MEDALS CLAIMED BY HARDY SWIMMERS IN RIGA

Local swimmers chilling after Riga successes sport@gazettegroup.com

LOCAL athletes from Phoenix, Guinness and NAC Swimming Clubs were celebrating last week after returning from the Winter World Swimming Championships in Riga, Latvia, with two gold and two silver medals.

Jerry Kiersey, who trains in Clondalkin pool with Phoenix Swim Club, and Rachel Doyle, also from Phoenix, won

the gold medals for the Irish team, both in their respective 450m endurance races.

T he 450m endurance swim really was an endurance swim, with the water temperature at -1 degrees, and competitors had to swim 18 lengths of the 25-metre pool.

Anne McAdam, also of Phoenix, won the silver medal for the 50m freestyle, and Rachel Lee of Guinness won silver for

the 25m freestyle.

T he athletes were swimming in a 25-metre outdoor pool cut into the ice on a frozen lake, and they will take part in the 25m breaststroke and front crawl, 50m breaststroke and front crawl, and a 450-metre endurance swim.

The competition took place where the river and the Baltic Sea meet, where the air temperature can be below -20 degrees.

A motor keeps the water

Some of the swimmers who took part in the World Winter championships in Latvia

moving in order to stop it from freezing over.

With water conditions in Ireland at present about four or five degrees, the training that they undertook at the Forty Foot in Sandycove in the

run-up to the event was way off the conditions they faced in Riga.

Overall, Ireland were placed seventh out of the 27 countries who entered the championships.

Those who travelled

to Latvia to compete included Anne McAdam, Andre Ray, Bernard O’Sullivan, Isabel Collins, Sean Dervan, Barry Dunne, Rachel Doyle, Adam Lynch and Jerry Kiersey from Phoenix;

Rachel Lee, Tom Healy, Susan Dillon and John Egan from Guinness; Siobhan O’Brien, Declan Harte and Brian Wolverson from NAC, and Caroline Hyland from Dublin Swimming Club.

28 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 2 February 2012

in association with

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - JANUARY NOMINEES IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Ras to begin and end in Gazette country in 2012 THE 2012 An Post Ras route, the 60th anniversary of the race, was announced last week, and will begin and end in Gazette country.

Starting on February 20 in Dunboyne, and ending a week later in Skerries, the Ras will be a a challenging eight days of racing, including 28 categorised climbs, including three of the hardest and best-known ascents in the country.

Ras organiser Dermot Dignam believes the 2012 An Post Ras is going to be one of the toughest in years. “It is going to be the most challenging course in recent memory,” said Dignam.

“This is cyclist Stephen O’Sullivan’s second year to design the route, and he has really planned a very hard eight days of racing.”

Jackies to open 2012 campaign in Kildare DUBLIN ladies’ footballers, the reigning Bord Gais Energy Division 2 champions, will play their opening game in the 2012 Division 1 NFL league campaign against Kildare this weekend,

and the venue for the match has been announced as Ballykelly, Co Kildare.

The match will tip off at 2pm on Sunday, February 5, with Pat Kehoe from Carlow set to be the official in charge of this all-Leinster league clash.

For directions to Ballykelly, see http:// www.ballykellygfc.ie/ Teagmhail.asp

# STARof the MONTH

AVA HUTCHINSON

DARRAGH ZAIDAN

DAVID BURROWS

THE DSDAC athlete was in sparkling form in Montreal in January to claim the Olympic qualifying standard in the Marathon, joining teammate Linda Byrne.

LUCAN Cycling’s Zaidan was signed up by one of France’s top amateur teams, VC Morteau, as the young star continues his impressive progress.

BURROWS was part of one of two Irish crews who took a final place in the first Olympic class regattas of 2012 in Miami in January

ST KEVIN’S CC

CASTLEKNOCK U-21

SWORDS JUDO CLUB

THE Clondalkin school claimed the Leinster FAI Paul Murphy Cup in January with an emphatic 5-0 win over St Kilian’s DSD.

SOMERTON was celebrating once again last month when the club’s Under-21 footballers claimed their first Dublin championship title.

THE Swords club claimed an incredible nine AllIreland titles at the National schools dojo in Finglas in January, with an eye on more at NUIG.

# TEAMof the MONTH

2 February 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 29

30 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 2 February 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

BASKETBALL: SECOND HALF BLAST FROM CORK SIDE ENDS TIE

Fagan and Watson net result for Corinthian CORINTHIAN set up a semi-final day out when a goal in each half saw them overcome Old Alex as they dealt better with the downpour that left Whitechurch Park slow and tough to play on.

Sally Cory’s good ball forward sent Georgina Fagan through to slide home the opening goal.

Lyndsey Watson notched the second as she got a touch to Argentine Valentina Galmozzi’s cross to complete another formative win.

Following up a league victory a week earlier over Glenanne that lifted the side to seventh in division one, it continues an improving season for Colm Blennerhassett’s side.

Last term, they ended the league campaign winless and only stayed up following extratime in a play-off against Three Rock Ladies.

But the emergence of a number of young players has helped their progress and this win over a fancied Old Alex side who featured Australian U-21 international Catriona BaileyPrice.

Old Wesley holding special reunion event NEXT Saturday, Old Wesley will host a dedicated reunion day for everyone who has ever played for the club at any level.

The day is being run, not only to bring together some of the great teams that lined out for the club over the years, but also to welcome back those who may have drifted away from the club.

The first 15 will take on neighbours Bective Rangers at 2.30pm in one of the

most local derbies of the Ulster Bank League. A hot roast roll, a pint of beer or a glass of wine and free entry to the game will be on offer for just €10.

Anyone interested, should contact the club by e-mail to book tickets at info@oldwesley.ie or phone Hazel in the club office on 01 6689153.

On the pitch, Wesley suffered its worst defeat of the season to a lively Queen’s University side in Belfast last weekend.

The result drops Old Wesley to sixth place in the league and they will be anxious to recover.

Colaiste Iosagain’s girls’ Under-19 team were denied the All-Ireland title by a determined performance by St Angela’s of Cork

Iosagain miss out on title U-19A ALL-IRELAND CUP St Angela’s, Cork Colaiste Iosagain

46 29

I sport@gazettegroup.com

ST ANGELA’S produced a dominant third-quarter showing to transform their final with Colaiste Iosagain and annex the All-Ireland U-19A cup in stunning fashion at the National Basketball Arena last Thursday.

T h e B o o t e r s t ow n school got stuck in foul trouble early on, and it appeared to slow their momentum as the tie progressed, their Cork rivals bossing the second half, recovering from an 18-16 half-time deficit.

And despite quality showings from Cliodhna Mairtin and Karen Ni Mhaonaigh, Iosagain were forced to accept second-best as Kelly Diggin inspired Angela’s to glory.

The encounter was nip and tuck early on, the Cork side taking an 8-5 lead into the first break of the game as a couple of Colaiste Iosagain’s shots lipped out agonisingly.

But Ni Mhaonaigh drained a couple mere seconds into the second quarter to reduce the margin to the minimum, and it helped push her side into the lead for the

Merrey milestone: DLSP retain cup in its 110th year DE LA SALLE Palmerstown’s 27-22 victory over Malone at Kirwan Park in their Ulster Bank League Divison fixture, saw them retain the Des Merrey Trophy for the fourth year in a row.

This is the oldest inter-city fixture in Ireland, and this was the 110th year that it has taken place. DLSP captain Ken Copeland is pictured here receiving the trophy from Trevor Merrey, with DLSP President, John Dwyer, on the far left, and Malone President, Gary Quantrill, on the far right.

first time.

Eva Rutledge and Mairtin’s powerful drive inside built a four-point lead, soon added to by Mairtin’s big three points.

The Irish underage international — whose older sister Eimear, and Dublin senior ladies’ footballer, coached the side — was to top score with 16 points to her name but she and Elinor Ni Dhochartaigh were in foul trouble by the end of the half.

Initially, it didn’t make too much of a difference as the sprightly Diggin was drawing the fouls but was unable to drop the free throws, missing

six in succession.

M i r i a m Two m e y ’s two limited the Cork side’s margin to 18-16 while Diggin took extra practise from the line at half-time but, even then, struggled to find her range.

Mairtin’s second three pointer moved Iosagain further clear to the delight of the yellow and black hordes in the stands, taking a 24-20 advantage.

But Angela’s were handed a huge boost when Diggin started to land her free throws, her first visibly lifting her spirit and she began to rampage at the heart of

the Dubliner’s defence.

It inspired 14 points in succession to close the third quarter as Michelle Dilworth mopped up plenty of scraps from close range and Kate McAuliffe rebound to good effect, building a 34-24 lead, with Diggin dropping three on the buzzer.

And they upped the tempo further, McAuliffe’s height aiding three quick scores, stretching the advantage to 14 points with six minutes to go. It was too much for Colaiste Iosagain to pull back and they were forced to settle for runners-up medals.

2 February 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 31

in association with

HURLING: KILMACUD PROGRESS TO U-21 FINAL a

CLUB NOTICEBOARD BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S THE club sends its sincere sympa-

benefit fundraiser. See website for

thy to John Cantwell and family on

details.

the death of his wife, Betty.

You are now able to pay for 2012

Well done to the U-21 hurlers on

online. This year, the registrars

reaching the county f inal af ter

have extended the payment options

their win over Na Fianna.

open online, so you can now also

Details of tickets for the Allianz Spring Series on www.bodengaa. ie.

Any young person who would like to be involved in assisting the manging and training of an adult football team, can contact the club office.

Please support the Paul Curran

pay for family and student memberships. See www.bodengaa.ie.

Club membership is now due - see online payment system on website.

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 15, 4, 13 and 25. The jackpot of €10,000 was not won.

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

and craic. Spread the word to your

lotto. Numbers drawn were 8, 9, 15

friends, family and neighbours.

and 16. Next week’s draw will be for €5,400.

Kilmacud Crokes were able to maintain momentum against near neighbours, Cuala, in the semi-final

Crokes crash on as Cuala count cost U-21A HURLING S/FINAL Kilmacud Crokes Cuala

1-11 1-7

I sport@gazettegroup.com

K ILMACUD Crokes set up a final date with Ballyboden St Enda’s in another South Dublin derby as they got the better of Cuala and Na Fianna respectively last weekend.

For Cuala, they were unable to deny the accuracy of Kevin O’Loughlin, who ran up a goal and a string of points to propel Kilmacud into the decider by four points.

It was a tight, uncompromising game played in front of a large crowd at Hyde Road with both sets of players giving it their all, and, despite the early stage of the season, there was plenty of hurling skills on display.

A star t delayed to 3.15pm meant that the closing stages were played with darkness

looming but there was plenty of flair to light up the day.

Crokes opened the brighter with a great point from Barry Mulligan added to by four points from O’Loughlin, one a superb sideline cut from the right-hand side. It was a close first half with both sets of backs on top and Crokes went into the break leading 0-5 to 0-3.

Crokes again started the brighter in the second half and extended their lead with a great point from Sean McGrath and then O’Loughlin traded a couple of points before Cuala equalised with a goal, making it 1-5 to 0-8.

The Dalkey side then took the lead for the first time but it was Crokes who reacted best with O’Loughlin adding a goal and another point to his tally to put Crokes three points in front.

Conor Gough had impressed but was forced off through injury, while the likes of 17year-olds Colm Cronin and Ross Tierney were strong performers.

With Simon Timlin and Packie Holden also putting in good shif ts, Cuala clawed back another point to narrow the margin to two points, but Dillon Mulligan capped off a fine display in midfield with two points to finish Crokes’ scoring.

And they have Boden in their sights on February 11 in the final, with

a potential double very much in the forefront of their minds as they face Na Fianna in the U-21 football decider this weekend.

Boden’s passage to the final was more sedate as they were dominant from one to 15 to run up a 3-13 to 1-9 victory, with Dean Curran a central figure at centre back.

Just a point separated the sides at the break but the Firhouse Road club drove on in the second half to put ten points between the sides.

U2 tribute band, Joshua Tree, are playing in clubhouse on February 4

Tickets are available online at

as a fundraiser for the senior hurl-

w w w. b a l l i n t e e r s t jo h n s . c o m o r

ing team. All support is very wel-

from the usual outlets.

come.

Every Wednesday night sees a

Junior B Football training is on

great night of traditional music,

every Wednesday from 9 to 10.30pm

no cover charge. Why not come up

on the all-weather pitch. New play-

and join in or enjoy a night of music

ers welcome.

NAOMH OLAF COMMISERATIONS to the senior foot-

Club members are again reminded

ball team who put in a good perform-

of the need to renew their club mem-

ance in a friendly on Saturday but

bership for 2012 in time to register

went down by three points to Division

the members with Croke Park ahead

1 St Peter’s of Dunboyne.

of the March 31 deadline.

The juvenile presentations took

Treasured Memories, the Naomh

place on Sunday in a packed main

Olaf history book, continues to sell

hall. A big thank-you to Anthony, all

well. Orders to Eileen Hickey at 086

the mentors and the parents who

853 4313.

supported the event.

Results are available at naomholaf. ie.

Tickets will be distributed for the Dublin vs Kerry game on Thursday night at 9pm in the clubhouse.

Bridge classes for beginners will take place in the clubhouse on February 16 and 23, and March 1. Details from Joan O Mahony 086 108 4701.

Lotto: numbers drawn were 21, 29 and 32. There was no jackpot winner.

WANDERERS MEMBERSHIP now due and must be

day at 7.45pm, and St Columba’s Col-

paid in full before February 27.

lege each Sunday 10.45am.

Playing members €100, non-playing

Ladies training each Monda y

members €50. No player will be eligi-

at 7.15pm in Frank Kelly Park and

ble to play unless fully paid up prior

Wednesday at 8pm in Firhouse Gym.

to competitive matches commencing

Contact Ian on 087 630 7046.

on February 11. Non-playing mem-

There was no winner of the lotto.

bers are entitled to apply for Dublin

Numbers drawn were 13, 21 and 30;

tickets if fully paid up only. Contact

€25 goes to Jason Byrne, Healy Bros,

Damian on 086 863 2565.

Tina and Tom Burton, Christy Hyland.

Tickets for the Dublin Spring Series

Jackpot next week is €1,600.

matches now available at discount-

Note, you can now choose numbers

ed price of €30 for the three home

from 1 to 36. €100 annual subscrip-

matches. Please contact Gary for

tion to lotto also available, contact

details on 086 833 0433.

any committee member for details.

Junior A and B players training con-

Juvenile training continues each

tinues at Scoil Mhuire each Tuesday

Saturday 11am-12noon for all ages,

at 7.30pm, Firhouse Gym each Thurs-

and each Wednesday from 6.30pm.

ALL OF YOUR DUNDRUM SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

CROKES’ CALL: O’Loughlin stars as Crokes win out on derby day over Cuala P31

FEBRUARY 2, 2012

SUPER STARS January nominees revealed inside P28

GazetteSPORT

Members of the DSDAC senior women’s team travelling to Castellon: Linda Byrne, Hazel Murphy, Niamh Devlin, Sarah Mulligan and Fiona Fintan

DSDAC representing Ireland in Euro event Senior and junior club members will compete for nation at elite competition in Spain this weekend dundrumsport@gazettegroup.com

DSDAC will become the first club in Europe next Sunday to make up an entire national contingent at the European Champion Clubs’ Cup Cross Country in Castellon, Spain.

As team winners in the men’s and women’s senior and junior categories at the Irish national clubs’ championships, they have the honour of representing the nation at the prestigious event when they take on the best of the continent’s athletes.

They celebrated this last Tuesday night at their base in the Ballinteer Community School, where the teams were introduced and paraded in front of a large group of the club’s enthusiastic youth section by legendary coach, Eddie McDonagh.

Among those travelling in the 20-strong panel are Olympic marathon qualifier Linda Byrne and European cross-country battler, Joe Sweeney.

Sweeney was on a major high having finished

fourth in a world-class field last Sunday in Portugal, beating some high-quality Kenyan athletes rated inside the top ten.

But he says the opportunity to represent the club was one that he could not pass up.

“It’s just massive for the club,” he told GazetteSport. “For the teams, it’s finally a chance to represent the club on the international front. You don’t really get very many chances to do that at international level, though some of us do represent our country. It is the club that gives you everything.”

The club is very much on a high at the moment with this achievement, adding to Ava Hutchinson, Deirdre Ryan and Byrne’s Olympic qualification, with the possibility of David Gillick joining them.

Sweeney, meanwhile, has been breaking new ground in the past 12 months. Having burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old in Colaiste Eoin to come second in the inter-clubs’ U-20 championship, he was laid low for a couple of years with illness.

But he bounced back under the tutelage from Jerry Kiernan to place 21st in Europe in 2010 and fifth in 2011, a result which left him with mixed feelings: “I was going into a race where, at the start of the season, if you said top five, I would have bitten your hand off. Before the race, I wanted top eight. When I found myself with a lap to go in second, I almost didn’t believe I was there.

“I was going for the win but you use up energy doing that front-running. It could have worked out differently if I had aimed for second. But it was a stepping stone for me. I didn’t have the experience to win a medal but, next year, I think I can.”

“We have a very strong team and the great thing this year is we have juniors coming through the ranks. So we can look at this year as a platform to build on. The experience athletes will get running in these competitions at international level, championship racing is a completely different ball game to regular meets.”