Dundrum

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YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER

INSIDE: Having fun with a friend at a farmers’ market P10

May 12, 2011

HERITAGE: Celebrating 300 years

of life at Mount Merrion Pages 6-7

Yes, things are looking up: Jobs boost for centre Football: Naomh Olaf’s Tommy Brown on Jackies’ win Page 32

DESPITE the impact of the recession on business and retail centres, Dundrum Town Centre continues to buck the trend, with the centre’s director, Don Nugent, joined by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, and An Cathaoirleach, Lettie McCarthy at the anouncement of the creation of 300 new jobs at the centre. Much like this job-praising trio, things are certainly looking up for Dundrum.

See Story on Page 2; full gallery on Pages 8-9

Soccer: Oatlands claim Under-19 Leinster title Page 30

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

€25m Civic Centre gets the go-ahead Councillors give approval for a major new facility

Q NATALIE BURKE

A €25 MILLION Civic Campus was given the go-ahead by local politicians at a Capital Budget meeting in County Hall, this week.

It’s estimated the first phase of the Samuel Beckett Civil Campus will cost €25.3m.

Phase One of the scheme, which will be ready to proceed to tender by the end of the summer, will see the construction of a sports building, a swimming pool and a skate park.

An Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Councillor Lettie

McCarthy, said the facility was badly needed in the area, particularly for children and teenagers.

She said that the construction of the centre would provide a much-needed jobs boost in the area.

Full Story on Page 3

2 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 12 May 2011

PRODUCE: CHAMPAGNE EVENT

Sporting gesture: Funds for players

Lanson to host a bubbly evening A BUBBLY night is in store for all who attend Donnybrook Fair on Wednesday, May 25, when Enguerrand Baijot, of the world-famous champagne house of Lanson, gives some of his top tips.

The sparkling event takes place at 7.45pm, and will include tasty food, in association with Tindal Wine Merchants.

Tickets are priced €60pp, or €100 per couple.

Baijot, Lanson’s “champagne ambassador”, will guide guests through a range of the finest cuvees, including the Noble Cuvee Blanc de Blancs 1998, Gold Label Brut Vintage 1999, and Rose Label Brut Rose.

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‘Baijot, Lanson’s “champagne ambassador”, will guide guests through a range of the finest cuvees’

PERHAPS acting on

the chain’s famous motto, Every Little Helps, Tesco recently presented a cheque for €250 to Allanna Ni Chuinn and Martha Ni Bhroin, from Colaiste Iosagain, Stillorgan, courtesy of Tesco Stillorgan deputy store manager, Paudie Ryan.

The funds were presented to the girls to congratulate them, and their sporting schoolmates, for reaching the final of the Tesco Post Primary Schools All-Ireland Senior B competition, the All-Ireland Club Championships, and the AllIreland Club Sevens Tournament, with the funds set to help the talented young sports stars continue their training.

RETAIL: TOWN CENTRE ANNOUNCES A NUMBER OF NEW STORES, CHANGES

Major boost for Dundrum with 300 jobs on the way

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Q DAWN LOVE

The Fair’s head chef, Ben Anderson, has designed a four-course menu to work in perfect harmony with each of these superb champagnes.

Lanson is one of champagne’s oldest houses, and is currently celebrating 250 years of producing unique and magical wines.

Its house style is defined by the clean, pure and fresh nature of its wines, which age with exceptional grace and elegance.

This event is a rare opportunity to experience some of the world’s mostacclaimed champagnes, and to raise a celebratory glass to mark Lanson’s 250th birthday.

For further information, call 01 614 4849, or email restaurant@donnybrookfair.ie.

dundrum@gazettegroup.com

THERE was a major boost on the jobs front with the announcement last week that more than 300 full- and part-time jobs are to be created at Dundrum Town Centre.

The announcement was made by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, at the southside shopping mall.

The new jobs will bring the total employee population at the centre to almost 6,000, where the retail spend has bucked the national trend and is continuing to perform above average.

Among the developments prompting the recruitment drive is the much-anticipated July opening of Hollister.

This will be the first store in the Republic of

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‘The 300 new jobs on the way will bring the total employee population at Dundrum Town Centre to almost 6,000’ Deputy Alex White joined those welcoming the news

Ireland for the iconic California-based men’s and ladies’ fashion retailer, which is part of the Abercrombie and Fitch Corporation.

Also opening in the Pembroke District is Wagamama, the awardw i n n i n g p a n -A s i a n inspired noodle restaurant chain.

A yet-to-be-named family entertainment centre has signed up, and is in the process of fitting

out in Dundrum South.

In addition, due to overwhelming demand, The Port House is set to double the size of its restaurant, just six months after opening.

Amongst those who attended the announcem e n t we r e L a b o u r Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Councillor Lettie McCarthy, and Dundrum Town Centre director, Don Nugent.

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We l c o m i n g t h e announcement, Dublin South Labour TD Alex White hailed it as a highly-significant “vote of confidence”, not just in Dundrum Town Centre, but also in the local economy and surrounding area.

“Dublin South, like everywhere else, has been hit hard by the downturn. Between 2006 and 2010, the Live Register has tripled in size in the

locality,” he said.

Speaking at the announcement, Minister Bruton said the decision by top international and Irish companies to invest in Dundrum, and expand their workforce by 300 people “is great news, and a very welcome vote of confidence for the retail sector and the domestic economy generally, at a very difficult time”.

“If we are going to achieve growth and create jobs, we must find ways of helping these parts of the economy grow out of the problems that have plagued them for too long.

“The most recent CSO retail figures give some small grounds for optimism, and I am determined to ensure that the Government does everything it can to support the domestic economy, and ensure that [this] very

welcome announcement can be replicated across the country,” he said.

Since opening in March, 2005, Dundrum Town Centre has welcomed more than 100 million visitors.

It has picked up 35 accolades, including the coveted ICSC European Shopping Centre of the Year Award, and the RLI Global Award, placing the centre among the best in the world.

The customer service standards have also been recognised, with Centre Manager and Marketing awards recognising the centre’s ethos and focus on delivering a superlative experience to all visitors.

For three consecutive years, the centre was also voted the Most Productive Shopping Centre, by 500 independent retailers.

See Gallery on P8-9

12 May 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 3

COUNCIL Joy as facility gets thumbs-up

TOURISM: ONE-OFF FUNDING BEFORE VISITS

BY HEADS OF STATE

€15k grant approved to showcase DLR region Q DAWN LOVE dundrum@gazettegroup.com

The proposed CIvic Campus features a wide range of facilities, including a sports building, swimming pool, pitches, a library, and more

€25m Civic Campus approved by DLRCC -------------------------------------------------------

Q NATALIE BURKE dundrum@gazettegroup.com

A €25 MILLION Civic Campus has been given the thumbs-up at the latest Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) meeting.

As part of the Capital Budget programme, the members of the council voted in favour of the new Samuel Beckett Civil Campus.

The latest cost estimate for the first phase of the major project is €25.3m.

DLRCC says it has incurred costs of €3.4m on the project, to date.

The council also said that the project will coincide with the reopening of

the Sports Capital Grant Programme.

Phase 1 of the scheme, which will be ready to proceed to tender by the end of the summer, will see the construction of a sports building, a swimming pool and a skate park, as well as synthetic and natural grass pitches.

The development is set to be built on the Ballyogan Road and, when completed, will also provide a community centre, childcare facility, a public library and a playground.

The decision was welcomed by An Cathaoirleach, Councillor Lettie McCarthy, who has been pushing for the much-needed facility for

‘The Civic Campus has been on the agenda for a long time, and even when I spoke to some of the locals last week, residents still doubted that this would ever be given the go-ahead. Now, we just need to get it approved by the Department, but I’ve no doubt that will happen.’

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An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Lettie McCarthy

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a number of years.

“The Civic Campus has been on the agenda for a long time, and even when I spoke to some of the locals last week, residents still doubted that this would ever be given the go-ahead.

“Now, we just need to get it approved by the

Department, but I’ve no doubt that will happen,” she said.

“The facility is one that is really needed in the area, for children and teenagers, as well as by anyone else who doesn’t have access to a car.

“The nearest swimming pool is in Meadowbrook,

in Dundrum, which is difficult for children and other young members of the community to get to, so it’s something we badly need.”

According to Cllr McCarthy, building the campus will also lead to job creation in the area, before and after the construction phase.

“We employ more than 35 people full-time in Meadowbrook in Dundrum, and it’s been a huge success, so we will be able to provide employment even after the building phase has been completed.

“It’s a win-win situation, really,” said Cllr McCarthy.

A ONE-OFF grant of €15,000 has been allocated by the Department of the Environment to help showcase Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown during the upcoming State visits of Queen Elizabeth and US President Obama.

The grant has also been allocated as part of Civic Responsibility Week, which is running until May 15, and was announced by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Affairs, Phil Hogan, last week.

“The visits will put the country in the spotlight of international media attention and will offer us a unique opportunity to market Dun LaoghaireRathdown to potential visitors and investors.

“With that in mind, I would like to help the local authority with a special, one-off grant of €15,000.

“This money can be used to support a range of environmental projects, such as raising awareness and cleaning up areas with highamenity value.

“Whenever possible these projects should be co-ordinated with local business and local community groups,” said Minister Hogan.

The grant has been welcomed by local politicians, including An Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Councillor Lettie McCarthy, who said: “It’s a great time for it, and not just because of the State visits, but also for Bloomsday.

“Dun Laoghaire, Glasthule and Sandycove are all associated with James Joyce and

Ulysses, and the grant will help to showcase the area for our everyday visitors, too,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dublin South Fine Gael TD, Olivia Mitchell, said: “It is now more important than ever to ensure that our towns and villages are in tip-top shape so that tourism is encouraged ahead of the busy summer season, and the arrival of Queen Elizabeth and President Obama later this month.

“This one-off grant of €15,000 for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) , allocated for Civic Responsibility Week, offers us a great opportunity to do just that.

Media attention “The upcoming visits of international heads of state will put Ireland in the spotlight of international media attention like never before.

“They present us with a unique opportunity to market Dublin, and the entire country, to potential visitors and investors, showing them exactly what we have to offer,” she said.

“This €15,000 can be used by DLRCC to support a range of environmental projects, and to help with cleaning up areas with high amenity value.

“The civic responsibility displayed by many individuals and businesses in the appearance of South Dublin is to be commended.

“So, too, is the Minister’s commitment to improving the appearance of our urban and rural areas, by making €350,000 available nationally for Civic Responsibility Week,” she said.

4 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 12 May 2011

COURTS: HID CANNABIS IN ANTIQUES SHOP

IT’S YOUR STORY Changing education model

The Four Courts

Jail term for €25,000 drugs haul AN ANTIQUES dealer has been jailed for two years for possessing cannabis worth €25,000 which, he claimed, he was selling to his friends.

Judge Martin Nolan called Stephen Spencer (50), of Valeview Close, The Park, Cabinteely, “a decent man who made a grave error in judgement”, but said he had to impose a jail term because of the amount of drugs involved and Spencer’s mature age.

The court heard Spencer’s business had suffered greatly during the recession, and he was selling to drugs to alleviate the financial pressure on him.

He would sell the drugs in small amounts to friends who called to his business, and in the pub.

Spencer pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of 2.5kgs of cannabis, worth €25,254, for sale or supply at his business – Spencer Antiques and Restoration, Sunny Hill – on January 30, 2010.

Garda John Healy told Ms Martina Baxter BL, prosecuting, that surveillance of Spencer led to gardai getting a warrant

and searching his business. Spencer pointed out where they could find the cannabis.

Most was found in the workshop area, in a plastic container, and underneath a pile of sawdust.

Another cache was found hidden in a vase on the premises.

He told gardai he had paid €4,500 for the drugs, but that he intended to return them because he was unhappy with their quality.

He said he usually divided the drugs in ounces and sold them for €150 each to “friends and associates”.

He said he had started smoking cannabis himself after buying it for his late brother, who had MS. Gda Healy said Spencer’s business had suffered badly during the recession and he was under financial pressure at the time. He said he believed Spencer was a low-level dealer, despite the quantity of drugs seized.

Defence counsel, Mr Breffni Gordon BL , said Spencer could not have been any more cooperative with gardai. He added that his client had no previous convictions.

Joanna Norton, Click4ESOL; Padraic Marren, Dublin South FM and David McEnaneany, Thinkonology

OPINION: WE NEED A MORE ADAPTIVE WAY OF TEACHING

The ‘one-size-fits-all’ model no longer works Q PAURIC MARREN

Presenter, Dublin South Fm

THESE are challenging times for education in Ireland at present. With diminishing resources at the Government’s disposal, it is imperative that we become more innovative in our teaching approaches.

One of the challenges is that we have a “super diverse” learning environment, where people of different nationalities, ethnic, religious and linguistic groups are educated together.

Teachers have to manage a variety of different learning styles and abilities, with straight-A students sitting next to those who cannot read or write simple texts, as well as others, who do not understand the language in which they are being taught.

Joanna Nor ton, a former teacher, and founder of Click4ESOL, says: “Our current educational model, which

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‘Our current educational model, which is based on absorption and regurgitation, has finally demonstrated its ineptitude for 21st century learning and, indeed, 21st century living, but has yet to be changed or replaced’ --------------------------------------------------------

Joanna Norton, founder of Click4ESOL

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is based on absorption and regurgitation, has finally demonstrated its ineptitude for 21st century learning and, indeed, 21st century living, but has yet to be changed or replaced.

“Also, many educators often lack the training and the skills to deal with the rapidly evolving dynamics of the classroom,” she says.

Click4ESOL helps people to live, work and integrate into the Englishspeaking community.

Its content allows people with language and literacy needs to study independently, without

the continuous support of a teacher.

Click4ESOL’s content is available in a number of different formats, including print, electronic and multimedia.

Joanna came up with the idea for Click4ESOL whilst working as a teacher in north London.

Her class consisted of young people, some of whom were from stable family homes, while others came from broken homes, or from foster care.

“One day, I was teaching a language point, when two of the students started mumbling

amongst themselves.

“It quickly escalated to the point where I was told education was boring, the lessons were boring, and a number of them had just had enough.

“It was when one particular student, who I had taught for two years, turned around and said: ‘Learning is not for me’ that I realised a different course of action was required,” says Joanna.

She says that a “onesize-fits-all” educational model does not work in modern society, and says that the system must be more flexible, and tailored to the individual needs of students in order to create an experience where learning is for everyone.

She put together a creative team that visited countries where migrant students came from, to document their lives and experiences.

Joanna then used this information as the basis for learning content in a variety of different for-

mats, ranging from online learning, e-learning resource books, photographs, audio and video content. Click4ESOL was born.

Since then, her company has gone from strength to strength. It was one of five chosen by Smart Start – a seed investment company that focuses on enabling high-potential start-up companies to attract venture capital investment.

Joanna says: “Starting a business is incredibly challenging in this current economic climate.

As one wise old man said: ‘Entrepreneurs don’t fail – they give up’.

“I would encourage anyone who has an idea to go for it,” she says.

The Business Eye segment airs on Dublin South FM at 1pm every Tuesday.

On next week’s show, they have Mary Varilly, of True Colours, who creates jewellery with a healing intent – that is, “colour therapy to wear”.

12 May 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 5

Having a heart: Happy to help a vital fundraising initiative AS PART of Ireland’s biggest annual heart-felt appeal, Dublin senior footballer, Alan Brogan, was first in line to buy a Happy Heart badge to launch the Irish Heart Foundation’s Happy Heart Weekend appeal in Lidl’s Marlay Grange store, last week.

The GAA star was joined by store manager, Pawel Kopec, and Happy Heart weekend coordinator, Aideen Lynch, to urge everyone to make sure their hearts are in the right place, and buy a Happy Heart for €2 during the fundraising weekend from May 12 to 14.

This, the 21st annual fundraising appeal run by the national heart and stroke charity, is being sponsored by Lidl Ireland, with

COURTS: 18-MONTH SENTENCE FOR MAN’S ‘OPPORTUNISTIC’ CRIME

Convicted rapist stole €1,500 from lady in wheelchair A CONVICTED rapist, who stole €1,500 cash from a wheelchair-bound elderly woman in an “opportunistic” burglary, has been jailed for 18 months.

Michael Joyce (35), of Mount Crescent, Rathfarnham, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to burglary and assault at Banna Villa, Rathmines; possession of cannabis resin at Donnybrook Garda Station, and driving while disqualified, all on September 24, 2009.

He has 47 previous convictions, including a five-year sentence for rape in 2002, and a robbery sentence in 1993.

Garda Liam McGraynor told the court that Joyce drove up to the woman’s house, then pushed past her and stole her handbag when she opened the door to him.

The garda said he had arrested Joyce in nearby Ranelagh village for driving “erratically”, and was checking for his insurance and driver’s licence when he got an alert about a burglary suspect matching Joyce’s description.

Gda McGraynor told Ms Tara Burns BL, pros-

ecuting, that the burglary victim had opened her front door after hearing a knock.

Joyce pushed past her, and grabbed her handbag, containing €1,500 in the wallet; a bank card, medical card and receipt from the Irish Wheelchair Association.

The terrified victim then saw the intruder drive off toward Ranelagh in a yellow car.

Erratically Gda McGraynor told Ms Burns that he had followed Joyce’s car after he noticed it driving “erratically” outside Ranelagh Superquinn, and spotted the driver discard something through park railings a short distance away, which, he said, turned out to be some of the elderly woman’s stolen cash.

Joyce picked up €5 notes at his feet, and tried to stash them in his pockets as the garda approached his car.

He failed to produce insurance or a driver’s licence, and claimed the car belonged to his brother, before a description about a suspect burglar came over the radio

matching that of Joyce.

Gda McGraynor said he found more stolen cash, and €20 of cannabis resin, on Joyce during a search at Donnybrook Garda Station.

He said that the total €1,500 was recovered, between cash found on Joyce, in the car and at the park railings.

Joyce, who had been disqualified from driving at the time, claimed in interview that he had had nothing to do with the burglary.

Gda McGraynor told Ms Burns that CCTV footage of the victim’s house taken from a nearby petrol station had shown Joyce pull up in the car, go in the front door and then leave the area.

The garda agreed with Mr John Fitzgerald BL, defending, that he was satisfied the crime had been “opportunistic”, and that the victim had been relieved to have her money back.

He further accepted that Joyce had turned to crime when he couldn’t sustain “the lifestyle of a homeless drug addict”, and that he had tried to commit suicide late last year.

the hopes of raising half a million euro from the weekend.

Aideen said: “We want to get everyone in Dublin involved, and help to raise vital funds for heart attack awareness. Every heart you buy could help to save the life of someone you know in the future.

“So, pop into your local Lidl store, or catch up with the onstreet volunteers to buy a heart and make sure your whole family is wearing theirs.”

Happy Heart badges will be on sale for €2 in Lidl stores throughout Ireland, as well as by on-street volunteers. For further information on the work of the foundation, and the fundraiser, see happyheartweekend.ie.

6 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 12 May 2011

CRAFTS: SHOW AT CENTRE

Writing as an art form PEANNAIRI, the national association of Irish calligraphers, is a voluntary not-for-profit organisation.

Its principal objective is to raise the profile of calligraphy as a viable, traditional art and craft in Ireland, and to attract younger practitioners to the letter arts.

To this end, Peannairi are holding an engaging Write-a-Thon in Dundrum Town Centre on Sunday, May 22.

Its main aim at the Write-a-Thon, and of its upcoming Write Now exhibition in the Wood Quay venue at Dublin Civic Offices, which will run from June 7-15, is that students, art teachers, school pupils and visitors get a full sense of the artistic quality, contemporary relevance, variety and excitement of modern calligraphy and letter arts.

In fact, Peannairi offers classes, organises workshops and gives demonstrations on a regular basis, as well as holding periodic exhibitions, and much more besides.

The organisation encourages everyone to take time out on Sunday, May 22 to come along to the Write-a-Thon in Dundrum Town Centre, where members of Peannairi will demonstrate the art of calligraphy and, perhaps, even write something for visitors as well.

IT’S YOUR STORY The elaborate history behind the

Prepare to celebrate estate’s 300 years Q LUKE BREHONY A member of the Mount Merrion 300 Project

MOST South county Dublin residents have only a vague idea about the location of Mount Merrion – somewhere off the Stillorgan Dualcarriageway, near Foster’s Avenue, at a guess?

Maybe some people know Kiely’s pub, or Flanagan’s furniture shop, or visit Deerpark, and can be a bit more precise.

The fact that it is largely a housing estate, and lacks a defined village centre, probably doesn’t help.

But this vagueness of place that afflicts Mount Merrion is ironic, because Mount Merrion is one of the most precisely defined areas in the whole country – it is the area that resides within the walls of the Mount Merrion House estate, surrounded by walls built

300 years ago, and walls that, in places, still exist today.

In 1704, Richard Fitzwilliam succeeded as the fifth Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion.

The family home, Merrion Castle, was in a bad state of repair.

The castle stood opposite today’s Merrion Gates, on the site of St Mary’s School for the Blind.

The Fitzwilliam family has been associated with the lands stretching southeast from Leinster House to Blackrock, Kilmacud and Dundrum, from the Anglo-Norman invasion of the 1100s.

The family prospered through the building of strong manors and castles, and through intermarriage with other prominent Anglo-Norman families.

They moved into Merrion Castle in the sixteenth century, and it remained their centre of power for the next 200 years.

However, by 1704, Viscount Fitzwilliam was ready to move. His agents scouted out the local area, and it is reported that one of them brought presentday Mount Merrion to his attention.

It was an area of high ground, a mile or so inland, which provided views of Dublin Bay that compared, it was said, to the Bay of Naples.

By 1711, the viscount had selected 100 acres of land, built Mount Merrion House, and surrounded it with an eight foot-high granite wall.

However, he did not remain long in Ireland after building the house, as he was elected as MP for Fowey, in Cornwall, in 1726, and returned to England to take up permanent residence there.

His eldest daughter, Mary, married Henry, the Ninth Earl of Pembroke in 1733, and it was through this marriage that the Fitzwilliam estate would pass into Pembroke hands, where it remained.

Soon afterViscount Fitzwilliam left for England, Mount Merrion House was let to the Honourable John Wainwright, a judge of the Irish Bench.

In one of his many letters that survive, he comments that he “could ride, walk, shoot, hunt or hawk inside the mile-and-ahalf circumference of the granite wall, better than he had seen in England”.

Life continued over the generations for the families inside the wall, as tenants, owners and agents came and went.

But, outside the wall, life continued as well.

As the 20th century dawned, nobody could have foreseen what the next quarter century would bring.

The traumas of World War I, the 1916 Rising, and the establishment of the Free State in 1922 would shatter the established order of British rule and Protestant Ascendancy in Ireland.

The last family to live in Mount Merrion House was that of Neville Wilkinson, a young offic-

Mount Merrion House was once at the heart of Viscount Richard Fitzwilliam’s sprawling estate, with the old estate (main) impressive, even for the era

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‘Mount Merrion was an area of high ground, which provided views of Dublin Bay that compared, it was said, to the Bay of Naples’ --------------------------

er in the British Army, who married Beatrix, the daughter of the Earl of Pembroke, in 1904.

Their two daughters were born in the house, with each birth marked by the planting of a giant redwood tree in their garden, one of which remains opposite the Church entrance today.

The family lived in Mount Merrion until the outbreak of World War 1.

The House and estate was then left in the care of agents for the last time.

In the 1920s and 30s, the land was sold, and a number of builders began to develop the estate, the most successful of which was the partnership of Kenny and DuMoulin, who purchased land there in 1933.

Despite having planning permission to build 20 houses per acre, they chose to confine themselves to six per acre, in the garden-city tradition that was then prevalent in England.

They decided to lay down wide roads and to build low, white-capped red-brick garden walls, which has given the

estate its renowned sense of spaciousness.

Kenny went out of business just before World War 2, and DuMoulin, whose business survived the war, continued building on his own in the 40s.

As well as finishing the development of The Rise by building the final 20 houses at the lower Stillorgan Road end, he also built the Church of St Therese.

Today, Mount Merrion is a community composed of about 1,400 homes. As a development, Mount Merrion exhibited, from the start, the essential features of that elusive planner’s ideal – the “Garden City”. These characteristics exist to this day in Mount Merrion and are jealously preserved.

12 May 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 7

much-loved (if a little ‘lost’) Mount Merrion area

FastNews Join the fun of Africa Day THE Africa Centre in Dundrum will host an Africa Day event for pupils and parents in St Attracta’s Senior School, Meadowbrook on Thursday, May 19, from 10am to 2pm.

For further information, email africaday@africacentre.ie, or call 01 661 9289, or 086 832 3499.

Bus link up to the mountains

Tall, thick sections of the original 300-year-old wall of Mount Merrion House estate are still to be found in several places around the locale, with the original estate boundary clearly marked out in the dotted line, above

Today, Deerpark, within Mount Merrion, is a popular place for family events, with Ciara Murnaghan just one of many children enjoying an Easter party there

Critical to the development of Mount Merrion was its clearly defined geographical identity within the boundaries of the 300-year-old Fitzwilliam Estate.

Resulting from all of these factors, Mount Merrion has both a particular ambience and an identity which are hard to describe, but which help to define its essential soul.

The local historical society has planned a number of celebratory events to mark this 300th anniversary.

The weekend of May 28/29 will see an exhibition in the Community Centre (in the original House), which will be a visual celebration of 300 years of Mount Merrion, and its people, with free

admission.

On the Saturday night, there will be a popular classical concert by the renowned Callino Quartet, joined by bassoonist, Peter Whelan, in the Church of St Therese.

Admission is €15, with tickets are available from local outlets (Adrian Peters newsagents, The Rise; McGuire’s newsagents, Deerpark Road; the Parish office/Church of St Therese; Mary Flynn, Community Centre, and from Brendan McManus at 01 288 8105.

A special commemorative website has also been launched, comprising maps, portraits, photos and articles about the Mount Merrion area.

For further information, see w w w.mountmerrion300.ie.

A BUS service that will provide a direct gateway for walkers and hikers to enjoy the beauty of the Dublin Mountains was launched last weekend.

For full details of the weekend and bank holiday service, which runs until the end of June, see www. dublinmountains.ie/ transport/transport/.

8 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 12 May 2011

BUSINESS Dundrum Town Centre celebrates the creation

The party arrives for the official announcement

Director of the Town Centre, Don Nugent,Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton and Cathaoirleach Lettie

Celebrations

McCarthy. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Don Nugent

on Nugent, Director of the Town Centre, Cathaoirleach Lettie McCarthy and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton joined forces to announce the creation of 300 new jobs in Dundrum Town Centre (DTC) centre.

Among those present were Fine Gael’s Deputy Olivia Mitchell; Cllr Gerry Horkan, Cllr Barry Saul, Cllr Denis O’Callaghan, Hal Ledford, CEO, DLR Chamber and members of the chamber, along with Michael McGovern, Churchtown Business Association.

DTC has already celebrated the opening of three 100% Irish-owned companies – Giddy Studios, Bella Baby and Rainbow Ice Cream. The much-anticipated, Hollister, is due to open in July, along with Wagamana; The Port House is set to double the size of its restaurant and Pink Beauty Emporium is set to treble its size to reflect the growing demand.

D

Neil Keenan, Don Nugent, Lettie McCarthy and Richard Bruton are all smiles

Mark Kenna and Dave Smyth, of Greenlight

12 May 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 9

of 300 jobs and opening of three Irish-owned stores

Brendan Henderson

of the new jobs at the Centre

FG Deputy, Peter Mathews

Neil Keenan, vice-president, Dunlaoghaire Chamber of Commerce, and Olivia Mitchell

Richard Bruton stops to chat to Frank Dempsey

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

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10 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 12 May 2011

EVENT

Fun at the farmers’ market at the People’s Park

Georgia and Alexa O’Sullivan, with Digger

Eileen Brophy and Denise Kavanagh

The fresh food people

Grace-Lily and John O’Donoghue sample the fresh produce at the market

HE People’s Park was alive and buzzing on the sunny Bank Holiday Sunday for the local farmers’ market.

The wide variety of stalls provides a truly international flavour, from the best spuds in Ireland to the tastiest Falafel and Thai food.

Young and old made the most of the sunshine and sat out in the park enjoying their snacks.

Visitors rummaged amongst the many craft stalls looking for gems, while children visited their favourite badge stall to add to their collection, a recent craze and good value at only €1.

T

Rosemary O’Donovan, of Noirin’s Bakehouse

Courteney and Luka Tyler, of Mayfly, in Temple Bar

Louise Moraes and Grace Ntala

Aim-on Kraisr and Carthy

Owen Jennings and Courtney Kennedy

12 May 2011 GAZETTE 11

12 GAZETTE 12 May 2011

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: CHECK YOUR ANIMAL’S TEETH REGULARLY, AND BE ALERT FOR PROBLEMS

Brush up on your pet’s dental care ID you ever suddenly become aw a r e o f a n offending stench, and wonder where it’s coming from?

You get yourself to a quiet corner, and examine your shoes for something messy, or discreetly raise your arms above your head to check for nasty pit stains, and then realise: “Oh, thank God – it’s not me who stinks, it’s my dog’s breath!” Sound familiar?

Few pet owners make the effort to educate themselves in their pet’s oral hygiene, but did you know that dental disease is one of the most common disorders in our canine companions?

Keeping your pet’s teeth in check has lots of health benefits – the obvious being minty-fresh breath.

Remember, bad breath in dogs is rarely related to last night’s rich food!

D

More often, it’s an indicator of poor dental health, and/or an infection that needs investigating by your vet.

For example, did you know that if your cat or dog suffers an infection of the gums, teeth or oral cavity, this can spread via the bloodstream and into their heart and liver, and could cause additional health problems, such as kidney failure, endocarditis and abscesses in vital organs, possibly resulting in a shortened lifespan?

You didn’t?

Take precautions Well, now that you do, it’s time to take precautions.

Brush your pet’s teeth at home using a special brush and veterinary toothpaste, available from your vet.

Gently introduce your pet to the new taste by rubbing some of the tooth-

paste along his gums, and then repeating the process with a toothbrush.

Aim the bristles along the gum line of the upper back teeth, and angle them slightly upwards, making sure the bristles get right under the gum line.

Working back to front, make little circles; as you would with your own teeth.

However, remember, even with the best home care your pet may still require some professional dental de-scale and polish. *** Feed your pet a crunchy diet, and appropriate chew treats. It’s always worth checking with your vet before you change your pet’s diet; especially if the animal has breed-specific dietary requirements.

I would recommend you make these changes gradually; particularly

Remember – your pets and animals are relying on you to help keep them healthy

with puppies, and always try one food at a time.

Check your pet’s mouth regularly, and observe signs of an inflammation known as gingivitis. This can be seen as a reddening of the gums adjacent to the teeth. It will also cause bad breath.

Dental disease is not just a problem for dogs; other companion animals – such as cats and rabbits – suffer, too.

Conditions such as feline stomatitis – which is very painful, and can be life-threatening for many cats – can occur in all breeds, and at any age. *** Cats with this condi-

tion usually experience inflamed gums which, if untreated, can spread to areas at the back of the throat, making eating and swallowing difficult.

So, if your cat’s breath smells, get to the vet immediately and seek his/ her professional advice on how best to rectify your kitty’s condition.

Rabbits can also suffer.

This is usually due to a bad diet.

You may not know this, but rabbits need lots of fibre in their diet; so give those bunnies plenty of hay and help keep bad oral hygiene at bay.

A rabbit’s teeth continuously grow, and must

be checked regularly by your vet to ensure they are wearing down properly.

If a rabbit’s teeth are not kept in check, and go untreated, the poor creature will not be able to eat properly, and there is a danger it could starve to death.

For those horse owners reading this, did you know that a horse’s teeth will also grow continuously, so it’s important to keep an eye on them?

Your vet is the best person to advise you, regarding this, but if you notice your horse has difficulty chewing, is dropping more food than he actually manages to swallow,

and there are signs of undigested food in his poo, then it’s likely he may be suffering from dental problems, and you need to seek expert help.

So, you can see why proper dental care is a priority for all companion animals and, as prevention is better than cure, perhaps the next time you visit your vet, you’ll ask his/her advice as to the best way of examining your pet’s teeth so that you can keep an eye on his oral health.

If you’d like more information log onto www. dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@dspca.ie.

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

12 May 2011 GAZETTE 13

HEALTH Escaping negativity and unhelpful thinking

Are you a tonic, or are you toxic?

Q PATRICIA MURPHY

IT IS amazing how some people have the ability to light up a room when they walk in. Others light up the room when they walk out.

We allow other people’s moods and attitudes to have such a powerful influence over our personal wellbeing.

Sometimes we join in with the rise of the happy tide, and other times we get pulled down into negativity and unhelpful thinking. It pays to ask ourselves: ‘Am I a tonic, or am I toxic?’

It is very easy right now to pick fault with just about everything.

Nobody we know has escaped the negative effects of the struggling economy and political change. Nor should we ignore or deny the issues that challenge us daily and which need to be addressed.

But none of this is an excuse or a reason to carry a negative attitude with us into every interaction we have, including with our own selves. After all, we live with ourselves 24/7.

Left untreated, toxicity spreads, causing damage within and without.

What you really need is a daily tonic. Something to pep you up physically, mentally and emotionally. The ingredients are simple and available to us all.

Here are some suggestions to help you look and feel great every day.

Feed Your Body

Paying attention to

W

Mega Mini: Michael Moroney falls in love with the Countryman

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

‘Left untreated, toxicity spreads, causing damage within and without.

What you really need is a daily tonic.

Something to pep you up physically, mentally and emotionally’ ------------------------------------------------------

exercise and nutrition is essential to support the body.

Food nutrients supply us with the energy to carry out daily functions, including the repair and renewal of organs and tissues. The increase of oxygen during modestintensity exercise floods the cells with vitality and increases our ability to get rid of toxins.

It conditions the heart and lungs and even makes us smarter. Discipline is the essential ingredient here. At least 20 minutes of brisk walking, plus three balanced meals per day, is a must.

No excuses. Remember to keep it simple and include 6-8 glasses of water to keep you floating along.

Personal Care

A simple shower, clean clothes and a spray of scent can lift your mood by tenfold. It also makes it more pleasant for others to be around you.

Feed Your Mind

Include constructive thoughts and behaviours towards happiness and health. Step by step and easy does it. It is far more effective to change 100 things by 1%, than to change one thing by 100%. Smile

and keep your conversations upbeat, even if you don’t feel like it.

Act as if you mean it and, pretty soon, you won’t just be faking it, you will be making it.

Feed Your Spirit

Immerse yourself in the fun stuff for a few hours each week. Hobbies and recreational activities are a great way to give you something to look forward to and a break from the routine. Socialise with family, friends and work colleagues, keeping alcohol within the weekly recommended allowance.

Develop an Attitude of Gratitude

Sometimes we forget just how blessed we really are. Give thanks for the big things and little things that make our lives so special. Acknowledge your achievements, including your own valuable input into your happiness, health and wellbeing.

These simple lifestyle changes can have a really positive influence on how you look and feel day in, day out. The best predictors of your future happiness and health are the actions and attitudes that you are practising right now.

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

Patricia Murphy can help detox mind, body and spirit

SEE MOTORING PAGE 18

14 GAZETTE 12 May 2011

GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY New face unveiled for Yves Saint Laurent fragrance BENJAMIN Millepied, the French principal dancer with the New York City Ballet and choreographer for the recent blockbuster, Black Swan has been unveiled as the face for the next male fragrance from Yves Saint Laurent, available from September, 2011.

Described as one of the most gifted dancers and choreographers of his generation, Millepied enrolled with the New York School of American Ballet at the age of 16 and became principal dancer at 18 with the prestigious New York City Ballet.

On his new role with YSL Millepied said: “I’m happy and proud to have been chosen by Yves Saint Laurent, one of the world’s most pres-

tigious brands. I admire the world of this House, its elegance and modernity. Monsieur Saint Laurent was a fashion genius, a lover of the arts, he also knew how to use his talent to serve the art of dancing.”

Benjamin Millepied will represent the new fragrance for men from Yves Saint Laurent, the 3rd facet of the men’s olfactive trilogy, alongside Olivier Martinez for L’Homme and Vincent Cassel for la Nuit de L’Homme.

Benjamin Millepied

Edited by Dawn Love

Confessions of a beauty addict This week the Gazette chats to media analyst Kathleen Rowley about her beauty addiction

MY life-long addiction began when I first clapped eyes on my glamorous air hostess Aunty Mary’s bathroom cabinet, brimming with shiny and expensive looking tubs of wonder.

On family trips, I would gulp down glasses and glasses of Coke, just so I could go up and investigate each tub, tube and bottle, carefully assessing the smell, texture and colour of each.

Less exotic potions were to be found at home, where they were kept out of reach from my grubby little hands following an incident at my weekly

teddy bear’s picnic, where Big Ted enjoyed a facial, compliments of Mam’s new Clarins cream and a more-then-healthy spritz of the ever-cherished Chanel No.5.

Big Ted was eventually donated to a Children’s Hospital, where I am sure he still is reeking of the classic scent. Mam’s potions were moved to the top shelf.

During my teens, a bagpacking job in Superquinn gave me the means to splurge in the Body Shop, where body butter and a bottle of white musk was the ultimate sign of sophistication.

For teenage discos a bottle of Exclamation and a frosted lipstick were my chosen weapons, as they were for most of the girls attending, resulting in the small community hall

still gives me the shivers when I get a whiff of it), I thoroughly enjoyed the role.

Working for renowned brands such as Armani, Lancôme and Pout greatly improved my knowledge of products but, even more importantly to a beauty junkie, my collection of samples became legendary.

Vichy Essentielles Kathleen Rowley

practically heaving with overpowering teenage fragrances, or maybe it was just the pheromones and teenage lust! If it distracted from my heavy Gallagher-like eyebrows and braces, I was in – ‘dramatic’ eye shadows and liners, along with an over-enthusiastic use of bronzer was the order of the day.

Despite a stringent budget and a barrage of feminist anti-beauty industry propaganda, my love of all things beauty-related continued

through college.

To fund a trip to the land down under, I got a beauty addict’s dream job, fragrance and cosmetics consultant on counters in Brown Thomas, Arnotts and Dublin Airport. I learned about the construction of a scent, along with skin types and the most up-todate make-up trends.

With the exception of a two-month stint standing freezing at the front of Brown Thomas spraying Stella McCartney’s perfume (to this day it

I was astounded at how this lightweight, quick-drying lotion kept my skin soft and moisturised 24 hours after application. With sensitive skin, this was ideal as the fragrance was gentle and ladylike without irritating my skin even after defuzzing the pins.

Model Inc Lip and Cheek tint

At €7.50, this is the recessionista’s answer to Benefit’s Benetint, giving you a nice burst of raspberry colour. The colour lasts on the cheeks, but was a little drying on the lips and the fragrance is strong and powdery.

However, for €7.50, it is a welcome addition to any hand bag.

Revlon PhotoReady

I’m a foundation slapper. I have tried them all, from Rimmel to Yves Saint Laurent, and can safely say I have found my perfect partner – smooth, long-lasting and reliable, this product delivers on its promises. My skin had a nice glow with medium coverage, thanks to the ‘photocromatic pigments’ and it evened out my skin tone without feeling too heavy.

12 May 2011 GAZETTE 15

FOOD: NEW BRANDING FOR BREAKFAST

Relaxation is never too far away in Ireland’s top spas Q DAWN LOVE

Radisson Blu Hotel, Galway

IRELAND is now widely recognised as one of the world’s gourmet capitals, but our luxurious spas are also making headlines. Set in some of the country’s most spectacular hotels and resorts, it’s easy to see why we our spas are fast becoming something of a Mecca for those on the lookout for top-class beauty and relaxation treatments.

This week, the Gazette’s Beauty pages takes a look at some of the country’s top spas and the luxurious treatments on offer.

At the Spirit One Spa in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Galway, they are famed for their Elemis Lime and Ginger Salt Glow and Cleopatra Milk Bath.

Scrub up for summer with their exotic exfoliation ritual designed to invigorate and revitalise the body. Elemis exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow deep cleanses, polishes and softens skin to perfection.

Druids Glen Resort, Co Wicklow

Just over half-an-hour south of Dublin, but an entire world away, set between the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea, Druids Glen Resort’s beautifully natural surroundings will have you feeling calmer before you even set foot inside.

The atmosphere is one of calm, suggesting you take a deep breath and relax, settling into a place where you will find your own personal corner of pleasure – whether that is in the lovely spa, the pool, on the two championship golf courses, in one of the bars and restaurants, or curled into a comfy chair with a good book by any of the grand windows looking out onto the grounds, and the beauty of the changing seasons outside.

For the month of May, the spa at Druids Glen Resort is offering an Advanced Elemis facial, with a complimentary back massage, for just €99.

For more information, call 01 2870848, or visit www.druidsglenresort. com

Tradition After your body scrub, soak in the age-old tradition of the Elemis Cleopatra Milk and emerge drenched in moisture, scented like a dream.

There is also a full-day pass to the Thermal Suite, with full use of the swimming pool, outdoor hot tub and jacuzzi.

Price: All for €85 – normally €140 – save €55.

For further details on the range of treatments available call 091 538423 Treatments are available seven days a week.

Hastings Hotels

Spring is nature’s time of renewal and rebirth and the perfect time to rejuvenate your body and soul with a self-indulgent escape to one of Hastings Hotels’ fabulous Spas at Culloden Estate, Belfast, or Slieve Donard Resort, Co Down, and experience their world-famous ESPA treatments and therapies. To put a little extra spring in your step, they are also offering a £10 voucher off your next visit!

The Spring Spa Experience includes: • ESPA Welcome Foot Ritual • ESPA Upper Back, Shoulders and Neck Massage • ESPA Boutique Facial with Indian Head Scalp Massage • Delicious light lunch in the Juice Bar • Full use of all the spa facilities • Use of robe, slippers and towels • £10 voucher off your next spa treatment Offer available until May 31, 2011. For more information, visit www. hastingshotels.com.

The Relaxation Room at the spa in Druids Glen Resort’s spa

Rudd’s take on new look IRISH breakfast meat producers, Rudd’s, are re-launching their traditional Irish brand with a modern new look, as well as adding new products to their portfolio.

The relaunch campaign is part of Rudd’s new marketing strategy for the brand. John O’Brien, commercial manager at Rudd’s said: “We’re delighted to announce the relaunch of our range to include some popular breakfast favourites, giving it a contemporary new look, while retaining our traditional values.

“We are proud to use 100% Irish pork, sourced from Bord Bia-approved Irish farmers to produce

the Rudd’s range, which now offers all you need to create the ultimate full Irish breakfast, while supporting Irish jobs.”

Bill O’Brien, managing director of Rudd’s said: “We understand the importance of supporting Irish jobs, therefore we continue to use only 100% Irish pork to produce our range which, we firmly believe, has been the best-kept secret in breakfast, until now.”

To support the Rudd’s re launch campaign, a number of tasting events will be taking place throughout Dublin this month. The tastings will take place from May 12-14, and again from May 26-28.

16 GAZETTE 12 May 2011

GazetteContacts

EVENT Festival returns to the Phoenix Park

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

General Manager: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com

Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com

Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@gazettegroup.com

News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com

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

Financial Controller: Carly Lynch email: clynch@gazettegroup.com

Advertising Production: Anita Ward email: ads@gazettegroup.com

Advertising Sales: 01 6010240

email: sales@gazettegroup.com

Gazette Group Newspapers Ltd. Terms and Conditions for acceptance of advertisements Reserve the right to omit or suspend or alter any advertisement(s) in any of its publications. We also decline any responsibility in the event of one or more of a series of advertisements being omitted for any reason whatever, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

If your advertisement appears incorrectly, contact the Advertising Department immediately, as responsibility cannot be accepted for more than one week’s incorrect insertion. Responsibility cannot be accepted if the complaint is made more than two weeks after insertion. If one places an advertisement for more than one week and then cancels it after the first week, no refund or credit will be given for weeks cancelled. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the Proprietors against any liability for any civil action arising out of the publication of the advertisement or any other matter printed or published in the Blanchardstown Gazette, Castleknock Gazette, Clondalkin Gazette, Dundrum Gazette, Dun Laoghaire Gazette, Lucan Gazette, Malahide Gazette and Swords Gazette. The placing of an order or contract will be deemed an acceptance of these conditions.

Pictured at the launch were Ella McSweeney, broadcaster and MC of the Chef’s Summer Kitchen at Bloom, with Flower Fairies (all aged 5), Isibeal Fitzpatrick, Ava Callan, Nessa Last and Kayla Cooke. Picture: Gary O’ Neill

It’s time to Bloom BLOOM, Bord Bia’s gardening, food and family festival returns to the Phoenix Park this June Bank Holiday Ireland’s largest gardening, food and family festival, Bloom, is set to celebrate its fifth year when it takes place this June.

At the heart of Bloom are 27 stunning large, medium and small show gardens, which will be judged by international independent judging panels, and gold, silver gilt, silver and

bronze medals will be awarded.

Dublin will be well represented at the event, which takes place between Thursday, June 2 and Monday, June 6, with a number of top garden designers creating some of the stunning show gardens.

Amongst those taking part will be John Sweeney, from Lusk, and Rachel Freeman, from the Blanchardstown Institute of Technology.

Meanwhile, from Dalkey, Sheena

Vernon will also be taking part, as will Brian Cleary, from Dundrum, and award-winning gardeners Liat and Oiver Schurman, from the renowned Mount Venus Nursery.

The event will also showcase the best of Ireland’s food industry with the new Bord Bia Food Village.

Bloom is open daily from 10am6pm. Advance tickets are on sale now from €15 – kids go free! Visit www.bloominthepark.com.

See feature next week

12 May 2011 GAZETTE 17

18 GAZETTE 12 May 2011

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs RENAULT VAN RANGE IS APRIL BESTSELLER: RENAULT, Europe’s best-selling van range, hit the number one best-selling spot in Ireland in April with 14.9% of the overall market, and featured on the podium in 14 counties, including number one in Cork, Kerry, Westmeath and Cavan.

With prices starting from just €8,990, with a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty across the range, it is not surprising that Renault is performing well each month. Renault now has three versions of the Kangoo, the new Trafic, with its increased performance 2.0-litre dCi engine and the all-new design Master, which comes in either front- or rearwheel drive specifications and has one of the lowest running cost in its segment.

Mini has grown up in size, accessibility and performance in the new Mini Countryman All4, but it’s pricey at €28,980 even though it’s still a great car to drive

Meet the Countryman MICHAEL MORONEY tested the new Mini Countryman across a range of conditions, but his heart won out over his head in his love for the new car INI’S first fourdoor car is the new Countryman, a car that has grown up in terms of size and stature. This is now the biggest car in the Mini range, and it brings a new opportunity to the BMW-owned brand.

I’ve had the All4, or four-wheel-drive version of the car, on the road and I’m impressed. I know that the car is expensive for its size, but it does drive superbly and retains that Mini car handling appeal from the past.

BMW has added lots of good bits to this new, bigger Mini. The engine is a new 1.6-litre BMW turbo-diesel engine that’s thrifty and lively. And, while I know that there’s

M

SPECS: MINI COUNTRYMAN ALL4 1.6D Top speed: 180 km/hr 0 – 100km/hr: 12.9 sec Economy: 20.4 km/litre (4.9l/100km) CO2 emissions: 129g/km Road Tax Band: B (€156) Scrappage Eligible: Yes Warranty: 2 years Entry Price: €28,980

a bigger 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine on the way, I found that the 1.6-litre engine was more than adequate and a dream to drive.

And that was after almost 1,400km on the clock, where I drove the Mini Countryman up

and down the country, national roads, motorways, and the occasional boreen were tried to test the car’s ultimate performance. The All4 system had to be tried and, luckily, the sun shone for me and crossing a dry field was effortless.

The four doors for the Mini Countryman make a huge difference in terms of passenger space and accessibility. The car now takes on a new image.

That, coupled with the larger wheels and Bridgestone Dueller run-flat tyres for mild, off-road use, makes the Mini All4 a very versatile car.

The test car had lots of kit included in the Chili pack that Mini offers.

This included 17-inch

alloy wheels and lots of multifunction kit with an impressive Bluetooth phone kit that was easy and clear to use. It also came with leather seats and Xenon headlights, which, in total, rounded the price up by an extra €8,000 – now that’s getting expensive.

Power

The engine power was impressive, with 112bhp pumped out at ease. On the motorway, the engine allowed the car with its sixth gear to cruise at just around 2,000 rpm.

That’s what delivers the good fuel economy figures. Despite being a bigger car than the standard Mini, it’s still economical. I returned

a figure close to the rated figure of 20.4 km per litre of diesel (4.9l/100km), which I consider to be a good performance, and I drove the car long and hard.

The economy figures are helped by the stop/ start system that stops the engine in traffic or at traffic lights. This, along with brake regeneration, gives a measure of the BMW EfficientDynamics technology to give good economy figures from the Countryman.

The car is rated in Band B for motor tax purposes, as its CO2 figure is 129g/km. Again, that’s a reasonable figure and gives an annual motor tax charge of just €156.

And, with all that, the

Countryman is lively.

The acceleration pace is as good as many bigger cars at 12.9 seconds in a 0 to 100k/hr race. So, while it may look like a hot hatchback car in design, it does not match that kind of performance on the road.

The power is, however, well-developed for the car allowing for the 270Nm of torque, so much so that the car is well able for all driving conditions.

The All4 off-road technology will have limited appeal, but it could have been useful in last winter’s frost and snow.

It adds about €2,000 to the price and provides a compromise of sorts without opting for a full heavy-duty 4x4 system.

Motor industry revs to a good start first 3 months of 2011 WITH a 14% increase in sales volume in first three months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, the motor industry has claimed pole position across all retail categories in Ireland to date.

The latest Consumer Market Moni-

tor has reported that the industry has experienced a major boost as 50,000 new cars have been sold right up to midApril 2011. No doubt the conclusion to the invaluable scrappage scheme in June has contributed to the motor industries

excellent start to the year; as has price discounting from dealers and distributors in order to encourage new car sales.

UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School and the Marketing Institute of Ireland (MII) released the

results, which detailed that, apart from the motor trade, the only other sector to experience any form of growth in Q1 is clothing, footwear and textiles, which experienced an increase of 2.6% in volume.

12 May 2011 GAZETTE 19

20 GAZETTE 12 May 2011

GazettePROPERTY PROPERTY KILDARE: FULLY RENOVATED AND EXTENDED COTTAGE IN SOUTH NAAS FOR €820,000

Magnificent Mill on market COONAN Real Estate Alliance are bringing Mill Cottage, an unique residence set on approximately 0.7 acres of land in South Naas, Co Kildare, to the market for an asking price of €820,000.

Surrounded by mature trees, lawns and hedges, Mill Cottage is a 19th-century thatched cottage, located in the tranquil country townland of Millicent, only 4km from Naas.

Rescued from dereliction by its current owners in 2003, Mercury Group Architects were commissioned to oversee the extensive conservation and extension of the cottage

to its present condition, a process that saw the renovators incorporating time-honoured traditional working methods and materials.

Extending to 3,300 sq ft, and featuring modern amenities such as a geo-thermal heat pump, under-floor heating and pressurised hot and cold water, Mill Cottage is a magnificent blend of old world and contemporary living under one roof.

Located only 25 minutes from the M50, this is an opportunity of a lifetime for the right purchaser.

Presented in pristine condition and finished to the highest stand-

ards, Mill Cottage is an ideal family home with a range of very attractive features and designs.

Listed Mill Cottage is a listed structure, circa 200 years old, and has been meticulously restored and maintained. It features a new oat and straw thatched roof.

Having been architecturally designed throughout, it is a bright and light-filled accomodation with rational timber windows and has the latest in energy saving and eco-friendly features built in to its design.

The area around

The impressive, renovated structure at Mill Cottage, South Naas, Co Kildare

Mill Cottage features an abundance of shops and the fine schools within easy reach, along with some of the most prestigious golf courses

Kildare has to offer.

The exterior of the property is also appointed to a high-standard.

Mill Cottage is totally surrounded by mature

lawns and shrubbery, with an attractive gravel driveway on both sides, and a south-facing garden.

For further informa-

tion, please contact Philip Byrne Coonan, of Coonan Real Estate Alliance, on 01 628 8400 or philipb@coonan.com.

GOATSTOWN: ASKING PRICE OF €425,000

A garden of Eden in Goatstown demense

LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240

SHERRY FitzGerald are presenting No. 37, Eden Park Drive, Goatstown, a semi-detached family home in a highly-sought after area, close to the best of schools and within easy access of excellent local amenities, with an asking price of €425,000.

Built in the 1950s, this three-bedroom semi-detached family residence has airy, bright accommodation and a west-facing rear garden.

The property offers a spacious interior, including a hall, living room, dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms (two of which are doubles), bathroom and, outside, a garage to the side of the property offering prospective owners the potential to convert (subject to planning permission).

Overall, there is a good internal flow to the lay-

Number 37, Eden Park Drive, in Goatstown

out, providing an excellent balance of well-proportioned living and bedroom accommodation.

The Goatstown area the property is situated in is a quiet, leafy enclave, with both Stillorgan and Dundrum within walking distance.

Other amenities include the popular Dundrum Town Centre, local

shops, UCD Belfield, and excellent transport links, including bus routes, Luas and the M50. There is a good selection of schools close by, making this a desirable family home.

The property also boasts a large front garden with central driveway and lawn on either side with mature hedging. There is a private, triangular-shaped,

walled, west-facing rear garden with mature plants and shrubs and large side space and gated side access, with access to the garage.

The property can be viewed by appointment, which can be arranged by contacting Shane Desmond at Sherry FitzGerald Dundrum on 01 296 1822.

12 May 2011 GAZETTE 21

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Abdur Rahim, owner of Himalaya Tandoori Indian Cuisine

High standards at Himalayan Tandoori ABDUR Rahim was born in 1969 in Bangladesh and went to college from 1988-1992. He then started a job in Dhaka, which is the capital of Bangladesh and the principal city and one of the major cities of South Asia. Two years later he relocated to South Korea, where he got a job working in a factory.

While there, he thought of the possibility of working in a restaurant. He then came to Ireland and his first job was in an Indian restaurant, Eastern Tandoori, in Deansgrange.

Working there gave him a lot of practical experience.

Abdur took a job as chef and learned how to cook curry.

He then had the opportunity to experience a restaurant management at Meghna Tandoori Indian Cuisine in Terenure. There he gained more experience and met many people and learned how to attend to customers. Abdur found that it is important to serve good-quality food at all times and to always have the highest of standards.

Abdur then decided to open his own Indian restaurant, Himalaya Tandoori Indian Cuisine, in Clondalkin. The restaurant opened in July of 2005. They have a chef menu and also have good-quality wine. The restaurant offers a gift card and take-away service, with a 20% discount on the take-away menu.

He hopes to open more restaurants in other locations in the future and would like to thank his customers for their support.

Abdur Rahim

ANSWERS TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCE QUESTIONS SHORT TERM DEPOSIT RATES Q – I have € 70,000 from the sale of my house and am not rebuying for at least 6 months to a year. Any ideas on where to put the money to make a gain for this short period ? I also need it to be safe. Maggie – Wicklow A - Safety and best rates – they are the two most important aspects to your query. Safety in that your funds MUST be guaranteed by the deposit taker to be repaid.

All the Irish deposit takers are currently guaranteed by Eligible Liability Guarantee Scheme for any amount up to the end of June this year, with any of the six main Irish deposit takers ( AIB, Bank of Ireland, Permanent TSB, EBS, Irish Nationwide and Anglo Irish Bank), while the Deposit Protection Scheme underpins this up to € 100,000 per person once the deposit taker is regulated by the Financial Regulator. This includes credit unions. Rabodirect have their own parent’s protection (Rabo Group – AAA rated, the highest rating a bank can have), while Nationwide UK and Investec Bank are guaranteed by the UK Financial Regulatory Authority up to the equivalent of € 100,000 per person.

The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), who look after the state savings on behalf of the government, offer safety and good value but their offerings are more long term.

Q&A

Take An Post’s Savings Bond – it offers 10% tax free after a three -year term, which is equivalent to receiving 4.42% each

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

A: Businessman

Q: What air carrier do you use when going on holidays?

A: British Airways

food and drink?

A: Indian curry and I like

do you own?

A: Five

year from a DIRT deducting deposit taker. In emergencies

drink a lot of plain water

Q: What car do you drive?

A: I love to drive my Ford

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: Cash

Mondeo

Q: Who would you like to have dinner with – Brian O’Driscoll or Brian Cowen?

A: Brian O’Driscoll

Q: Where is your favourite holiday destination?

A: My homeland, Bangla-

NTMA investment with NO penalty.

Q: What was your first job?

A: Factory work

desh

your € 70,000, after six months, you would receive € 70,892.50

Q: Have you ever met Brian Cowen?

A: No

into your hand.

Q: How many people do you have to talk with every day?

A: Lots of people to talk to Q: What is the greatest thrill of your working week?

A: A busy Saturday

Q: Can you swim?

A: Yes Q: Would you ever bungee jump?

A: No Q: Do you play any sport?

A: I love to play football Q: What is your favourite

Q: How many times each year do you shop for clothes?

A: Three Q: What is the name of your favourite shop?

A: Debenhams Q: How many pairs of shoes

you only have to give seven days notice to withdraw from this

Q: When do you wish to retire?

A: At age 65 Q: What will you do then?

A: Spend time with family and friends

Best non-NTMA deposit ? 3.5% for three months fixed from Irish Nationwide Building Society – yields a net 2.555%. On

Well done on selling the house – not an easy achievement in this economy.

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

Irish company is tackling clutter with their Smart Storage AN innovative Irish home company is quickly gaining momentum by eliminating excess clutter from around the home.

Smart Storage, which makes custom-designed, under-stairs storage units, which fit seamlessly into the unused space under any stairwell, has had fantastic feedback already.

The slide-out units promise to “stop you tripping over everyday items such as shoes, toys, sporting

equipment, and even the vacuum cleaner, and will see an end to the age-old argument; who causes the mess in the home?”

Smart Storage provides a range of Irish manufactured products, which also includes attic storage, and they will soon launch in the United Kingdom after 12 months of successful trading in Ireland.

The under-stairs storage solution ranges from a single drawer, a large

three-drawer unit to larger units, depending on available space. The three-drawer unit, which is the most popular, is custom designed specifically to fit into all homes. The units are installed by expert fitters around the country.

Each drawer is ideal for a variety of storage options and can accommodate 12 pairs of shoes, three large school bags, two small suitcases, a set of golf clubs or several bottles of

wine.

So, if the clutter in your home is caused by parents or children, the girls or the boys, Smart Storage has a common-sense solution.

Founder of Smart Storage, Paul Jacob, has worked in the construction industry for 20 years and found new ways to diversify within his area of expertise.

“Smart Storage enables people to maximise storage within the home

by utilising the unused space underneath the stairs to clear away clutter,” he said.

The process for installation is simple and involves submitting rough measurements of the area under the stairs to the Smart Storage website, www.smartstorage.ie.

For further information on Smart Storage, or to receive a quote, visit www.smartstorage.ie or call (01) 201 7676.

22 GAZETTE 12 May 2011

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel

Jerusalem’s Dome of the Rock

With fabulous beaches and historical sites, Israel has something for everyone FROM the Judean desert and the saltiest sea on earth, the Dead Sea, to ancient biblical cities, covered markets and a high-rise metropolis, Israel is truly a destination with something for everyone.

Located in Western Asia, on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, Israel’s temperate climate, fabulous beaches, archaeological and historical sites, and unique geography make this country an appealing holiday destination.

Explore the amazing cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, by combining an eight- or nine-night stay in both cities, with Concorde Travel.

Surprising Scottish summer road trips rays reach the eye. It is more of a Trompe L’Oeil, where the eye is fooled by the way in which things actually look.

While in Ayrshire, be sure to take a trip to town of Newmilns. This town has been thrust into the Hollywood spotlight, thanks to its famous mill – Morton, Young & Borland Mill, which is currently providing lace and fabrics for the hit HBO show, Boardwalk Empire.

Start out in Edinburgh and pay a visit to Rosslyn’s Chapel, which was used as location for Dan Brown’s, The Da Vinci Code, before making your way to Edinburgh’s Old Town, which was the backdrop for Chariots of Fire and Mary Reilly, featuring Julia Roberts, and Jekyll and Hyde.

Other places to stop on the way to Inverness include the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which featured in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; Eileen Donan Castle near Loch Duich, which was the principal fortress of Christopher Lambert’s character in Highlander and the world-famous Loch Ness where the film

• 3-star Hotel Montefiore on a B&B basis, Jerusalem, from €870pp • 3-star City Hotel on a B&B basis, Tel Aviv, from €1,054pp • 4-star Grand Court Hotel on a B&B basis, Jerusalem, from €924pp • 4-star Grand Beach Hotel on a B&B basis, Tel Aviv, from €1,169pp

SPRING and summer is a great time to visit Scotland, when the days stretch out and the first blooms and wildlife appear across the gardens and in the countryside.

What better way to discover some of the surprising things Scotland has to offer than by car.

So, whether you’re into history or film, or simply want to enjoy the open Scottish road, there is sure to be a road trip to suit you.

VisitScotland has put together some of the most unusual road trips Scotland has to offer.

Visit www.visitscotland. com/surprise for further information and the bestvalue travel deals.

29th October - 8 nights

The Electric Brae

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• 3-star+ Prima Hotel on a B&B basis Tel Aviv, from €1,130pp • 4-star Prima Royale Hotel on a B&B basis, Jerusalem, from €854pp • 4-star Dan Hotel on a B&B basis, Jerusalem, from €830pp

Ayrshire lies in the south-west of Scotland and is home to some of the most beautiful sights in Britain. A must for any trip to this part of the world is the Electric Brae in Ayrshire. The Electric Brae is a quarterof-a-mile long hill where cars appear to be drawn uphill by some mysterious attraction.

The significant thing about this unusual phenomenon is that it is not what is commonly called a mirage, which is created by the way in which light

‘Monty Python fans should make a stop in Callander just outside Stirling home to Doune Castle, which was used in Monty Python’s Holy Grail’

Israel (Jerusalem and Tel Aviv or pilgrimage) - only three departures October 12, eight nights

Holy Land Pilgrimage €1,224pp

Two-centre (four nights Jerusalem + four nights Tel Aviv) from €1,174pp Package includes return flights from Dublin, accommodation and transfers. Concorde Travel offer direct flights from Dublin to Tel Aviv. Flightonly offers also available.

To book yourself in for your holiday to Israel, visit, http://www.concordetravel.ie/featureddestinations/israel/

Film location road trip: Edinburgh - Inverness

If one person likes history and the other is a movie buff, for a road trip with a difference, why not combine both on a

Lomond is surprisingly just 90 minutes from Glasgow and a little more than an hour from Edinburgh, so this road trip is perfect for visitors who want to get out of the city for the day.

This scenic route has many surprising sights and attractions on the way. Monty Python fans should make a stop in Callander, just outside Stirling, home to Doune Castle, which was used in Monty Python’s Holy Grail. Histor y fans should then take the A84 and 85 to Killin – via Balguhidder, home to the grave of Rob Roy – then follow this scenic section of loch around to Alexandria. If you have time pop

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meandering drive from Scotland’s historic capital of Edinburgh to Inverness and the heart of Braveheart country. With its breathtaking scenery and rich heritage, Scotland has been the perfect setting for many of Hollywood’s blockbuster films, such as Harry Potter and Chariots of Fire.

of the same title starring Ted Danson was made.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs

Writers, artists and musicians have found inspiration in the rich landscapes of Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling and the Trossachs for generations. Loch

over to Stirling and Stirling Castle for views over the Forth Valley and a chance to pay homage at the Wallace Monument.

W hen you finally reach Loch Lomond and are looking for a place to stay, why not spend the night in a wigwam? There are several locations to choose from, including

The spectacular view of

Strathfillan Wigwam Village, which is situated on a working farm right on the West Highland Way (near Loch Lomond) and has excellent on-site facilities and lots of farm animals to see.

Enjoy the open road: See Scotland by motorbike

For a fun and surprising way to see Scotland this summer, why not hire your own personal trike chauffeur. Trike Tours Scotland offer one of the most unusual ways to see the famously breathtaking scenery Scotland has on offer.

Trike tours can take you on trips to the mountains, lochs and glens of the Highlands via Perthshire, Stirling and the Trossachs National Park, Loch Lomond, Inverness and Mull.

See www.triketoursscotland.com

12 May 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23

TravelBriefs

The Balmoral Show, King’s Hall, Belfast

There are plenty of fun things to do when you take time out to discover Northern Ireland STUCK for something to do? If so, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of exciting things to do in Northern Ireland during May 9 - 22. For more details on these and other events, Callsave 1850 230 230, visit Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s Information Office at Suffolk Street, Dublin 2 or click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events • Hidden Treasures Children’s Theatre, Waterside Theatre, Co Derry, May 8 – 19. A festival featuring the highest quality theatre experiences for children and their families with local, national and international acts.

Eilean Donan Castle, which is situated by the picturesque village of Dornie on the main tourist route to the Isle of Skye

• Balmoral Show, King’s Hall, Belfast, May 11 – 13. This show offers an extravaganza of colour, competition and showmanship, along with daily displays of pedigree horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, poultry, pigs and goats.

• Third Annual Maguire History Weekend, Enniskillen Castle Museums, Co Fermanagh, May 13 – 15. This event will explore the aspects of the Maguire history of Fermanagh.

• An introduction to Basket Making, The Braid Arts Centre, Ballymena, Co Antrim, May 14.

Participants will be using sorted and soaked willow to produce baskets and learn new techniques.

A car on a single track road near the ‘Rest And Be Thankful’ Pass Argyll with Beinn An Lochan in the distance. Pictures: P.Tomkins/Visitscotland/Scottish Viewpoint

• Wild on Wildlife, Castle Ward, Downpatrick, Co Down, May 14. Fun-filled activities for all the family, including mini beast hunts, pond dipping, wildlife art workshops, speciality foods and craft stalls.

• International North West 200, Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine, May 16 – 21. The International North West 200 is a motor cycle road race held over a nine-mile road circuit. It is a week-long festival of sport and attracts competitors from all over the world.

• Garden Show Ireland, Hillsborough Castle, Co Down, May 20 - 22. Advice abounds on how to make the most of your garden, from rearing chickens or keeping bees to growing vegetables, dining in style or even making jewellery out of flowers and plants you have grown!

The bridge across the River Ayr to the town of Ayr, which is a commercial and administrative centre on The Firth of Clyde, Ayrshire

Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland

24 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 12 May 2011

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT 1

GoingOUT GoingOUT THE HELIX 01 700 7000 The Chernobyl Children’s Appeal Concert THIS year marks the ninth year in a row for the concert, which will see children aged from eight to 18 perform a wide range of songs in aid of the Chernobyl Children’s Appeal, with this year’s concert having a special significance as the world marks the 25th anniversary.

All proceeds will help to support the many children who continue to suffer ill health. With tickets priced at €15, the concert starts at 7.30pm on Saturday, May 14 in The Mahony Hall.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 The Shaughraun TANEY Drama Society are preparing to bring their extensive skills to bear on their production of The Shaughraun, by Dion Boucicault, which is often described as a touchstone Irish play.

The Society’s players will bring the tale of a wily Sligo poacher, called Conn, to vivid life, thanks to a large ensemble, a great set and period-appropriate costumes, with Victorian melodrama, romantic comedy and more added to the mix.

The Shaughraun runs nightly at 8pm at the Mill Theatre from Wednesday, May 18 to Saturday, May 21, with admission priced €18/€15.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 4627477 The Tinker’s Curse ANOTHER Irish-set production, The Tinker’s Curse, tells the story of Rattigan, a Traveller who climbs Croagh Patrick to do penance for the sins of a lifetime. Along the way, Rattigan’s relationship with his wife and daughter come to the fore, as he contemplates what it is to be a father, a husband, a Traveller, and a penitent ascending Ireland’s most sacred spot.

Written and performed by Michael Harding, with live music by Finbar Coady, The Tinker’s Curse runs nightly at 8pm from Thursday, May 12 to Saturday, May 14, with tickets priced €20/€16 conc, or €10 on Thursday.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Fingal County Youth Orchestra FCYO are sure to be a hit when its young – but highlyskilled – members play a wide range of concertos, pop songs, contemporary pieces and well-known favourites in this concert, which follows on from their magnificent performance at the prestigious Festival of Youth Orchestras at the National Concert Hall recently.

Founded in 1990 and based in Castleknock, the FCYO members, who range in age from 8 to 18, will delight audiences with their accomplished playing. Their concert starts at 8pm on Sunday, May 15 in the Main Auditorium, with tickets pirced €13/€11 conc.

PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Young At Heart HELD as part of Beltaine, the DLR festival that celebrates older people in the community, a special showing of the life-affirming documentary movie, Young At Heart, will be held on Tuesday, May 17, at 7pm.

The smash-hit film follows a group of senior citizens, who, despite their advancing years, sing their hearts out with a wide range of classic and contemporary pop songs, with the bittersweet wisdom of age adding an extra dimension to some of the songs.

The documentary helps to show the creativity in older people, and how staying active can keep you young at heart, and is sure to be a welldeserved hit with the Pavilion’s audiences.

The film tickets are priced at €5.

Animal trainer Jacob (Robert Pattinson), centre, should look worried – he knows his circus boss, August (Christoph Waltz) probably suspects that he’s been throwing lingering looks at his wife, Marlene (Reese Witherspoon). But whatever Rosie the elephant knows, she’s saying nothing.

Send in the clowns!

Don’t talk to Kate about The Depression – she’s gloomily contemplating this bygone era-set manipulative movie ...

Q KATE CROWLEY

EVEN though The Simpsons long, long ago turned into a mirthless, plodding cash cow, I’m reminded of some of the many things it got right along the way.

Who can forget the regular appearance of deeply cynical focus groups, lawyers, accountants or product testers with clipboards, calculating exactly how to manipulate everyone in Springfield into coughing up for something useless?

Well, it seems that those clipboarders went to Hollywood, and have had a go at movie-making. With an elephant.

Hot to trot on the heels of the likes of, err...

Operation Dumbo Drop, Larger Than Life and, umm... Dumbo, here comes another film with an elephant as a star – for dumbo here, yours truly, to review.

But first, back to those

FILM OF THE WEEK: Water for Elephants ++ (12A) 119 mins Director: Francis Lawrence Starring: Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz, A Charismatic Elephant

OUR VERDICT: THE scratching noises that some viewers may hear during the film are probably from clipboard-wielding focus group managers at the back, scribbling notes on how well the audience is reacting to each obvious, manipulative point in this particularly calculated film. Five minutes with Krusty the Klown suddenly seems preferable. “Mind you, the elephant is lovely.” (Stick that on yer posters, mate.)

clipboard holders.

I’m presuming that they, or somebody, somewhere thought: “What if ... we got Reese Witherspoon, permanently dolled up to the nines like she’s in a Max Factor ad; that vampire guy, Pattinson, who all the girls ditched for the hunkier dude in that Twilight sequel, and made some kind of predictable, cliche-ridden, forbiddenlove film set in a honeyhued Depression-era circus? With an elephant?”

Bingo. I think I’ve just described a more interesting film than this

one, but, with half of my review – or space – yet to fill, let’s make a trunk call to find out some more ...

Thanks to flashbacks, an old man, Jacob (mostly played by Pattinson, as his youthful self) recounts the greatest tale of his life, back in the Depression, when his newly-penniless self hit the road – or, rather, a railway track, aboard a circus train – for an exciting adventure that would make the most of his veterinary skills.

August, the kindhearted, avuncular circus owner, is a gentle – oh, no, silly me, he’s a predict-

ably cold-hearted brute of a man, who’s married to the beautiful Marlena (Witherspoon).

She’s quite a dame, being able to ride horses, work with elephants, and throw lots and lots and lots of lingering gazes at the circus’s newest manure shoveller, who, naturally, throws lots and lots and lots of lingering gazes back, all of which gets noticed lots and lots and lots by August.

Send in the elephant!

It turns out that Dumb– whoops – Rosie the elephant responds very well to Jacob, who is soon assigned to train the circus’s new, star attraction, as well as helping Marlena to work with Rosie.

So, with plenty of gentle patting, ear-tickling, and soft-spoken words – and, yes, folks, I mean Jacob’s elephant-training skills – the stage is gradually set for a climactic, big top showstopper.

Now, you don’t sup-

pose that an elephant, two star-crossed souls, a jealous husband and a film finale could lead to a crazy climax, do you?

Although I was happy to note Jacob’s methods of working with big, dumb, forgetful animals (which I shall apply forthwith to Mr Crowley), I can’t say that I was so happy with the rest of the film.

Pattinson – not exactly the most charismatic of actors, shall we say – fizzles rather than sizzles opposite Witherspoon, as both throw their best thousand-yard-stares at each other, past the audience and out the door, towards their pay cheques.

Waltz is so over the top, one could be forgiven for looking towards the corner of the screen, in the expectation of spotting an old lady playing some penny-dreadful music on a piano each time he appears, cackling.

Two stars. And one’s for the elephant.

12 May 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 25

Some feel hacked off with Sony ADAM MAGUIRE

IN THE past fortnight, Sony’s Playstation Network – which lets PS3 and PSP users play games online – was hacked.

T he company has since taken down the network, and admitted that some of its users’ information has been stolen.

Not only is this a costly disaster for Sony, it is also a potentially expensive occurrence for anyone who has had their information swiped.

The hack According to Sony, at some stage between the April 16 and 19, someone gained unauthorised access to their network, and their 75 million users’ data.

They can be sure that

things such as names, addresses, passwords and dates of birth were stolen.

More critical information – such as credit card details – may also have been taken, and there are already reports of more than 2.2 million account details being sold online by hackers.

Those at risk Anyone who has an account with Sony’s Playstation Network may have had their information stolen.

In other words, if they have played online with

their PS3 or PSP, they have given Sony some personal information.

Naturally, a lot of those users are young, and would not have credit cards – though they may have used a relative’s information to buy something online.

Of course, credit card details are not the only thing that is dangerous to have stolen.

If hackers have a person’s login details and passwords, they can do plenty of damage, too.

How to protect yourself If you think that you, or someone in your family, gave information to the Playstation Network at any time, there are some immediate steps you can take to protect yourself.

Firstly, make sure that the password used there is not the same as the one used elsewhere. If it is, change it.

This will ensure that hackers cannot log in to the likes of your email and gain additional information.

Secondly, ignore any emails, phone calls or even letters you might receive purporting to be from Sony. They are a scam.

In fact, you should be extra vigilant of any attempts to gain sensitive information from you in such a way by anyone.

Lastly, monitor your credit card to see if anything unusual happens on it.

If you see anything odd going on, alert your bank straight away to have it stopped.

Garageband for the iPad Garageband for the iPad is an amazingly condensed piece of work that lets even the most musically-challenged person build an impressive piece of music.

Basically a streamlined version of the software that many popular artists use to record their music, Garageband for the iPad lets you build a song from scratch.

Users can sing into the iPad’s built-in mic, plug in a guitar and record what you play, or use the on-screen keyboard and drum-kit to lay down additional tracks.

There are also built-in loops that you can sample from and, with the right tweaking, you can layer it all together into a coherent piece of music.

However, even more However impressive are the “smart” instruments, which basically help you to play chords on the guitar, bass and piano without needing to know how to do so in the real world.

Effectively, this app can do most of the hard work for you, just like the expensive software that chart-topping (and autotuned) artists have been using for years.

In this regard, Garage-

band strikes the best of both worlds.

It is easy and fun to play with, but useful enough for those wanting to do something serious.

It just so happens to be a bargain, too.

Garageband is available from the iPad App Store for €3.99.

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

GAZETTE

26 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 12 May 2011

DUNDRUMclassifieds

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PLANNING NOTICE DUN LAOGHAIRE/ RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL Planning Permission sought for a side extension at first floor level comprising of 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a stairs to a hobby room at attic level with a dormer window to the rear at 24 Taney Rise, Dundrum, Dublin 14 for Mr.& Mrs. D. Robertson. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays. The offices are at the Planning Authority, County Hall, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire. A submission/ observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of a fee of 20 euro.

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12 May 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 27

GazetteSPORT

GOLD IN SIGHT:

James Scully aims for double successes: Page 29

CRICKET: LEINSTER CRICKET GIVES BACKING TO COUNTY-WIDE SCHOOLS’ CONTEST

O’Brien leads the line for the Leprechaun Cup sport@gazettegroup.com

WOR L D C u p h e r o Kevin O’Brien launched this year’s Leprechaun Cup schools’ cricket competition.

This year’s event will involve no fewer than 38 Primary Schools from various parts of Dublin and surrounding counties.

Leinster Cricket have announced that Precision Electric have become the new spon-

sors of this tournament, that will again reach out to hundreds of young cricketers in Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.

Managing director, Karl Reid, is thrilled to be involved with Leinster ’s youth cricket programme: “We are delighted to be associated with this year’s competition and the whole concept of introducing boys and girls to the game of cricket.

“We will be closely

monitoring the results and look forward to seeing some of the stars of the future featuring in the coming weeks.”

Precision Electric’s financial contribution will not only supply schools with playing equipment, but will also help to provide more coaches for schools in order to further develop the game.

Coaches currently active within schools include Reinhardt Stry-

Kevin O’Brien (right) and Brian O’Rourke (Leinster cricket union development officer) are pictured with Castleknock NS students Iain Anders, Sarah McIntosh and Edward Vincent

dom, Andrew Leona r d , D av i d R u s s e l l , Theo Lawson and Bill O’Connor.

These coaching positions have also come

about through financial support received from both Fingal County Council and South Dublin County Council.

Matches take place

this week between Ballyroan Boys vs Taney NS (Dundrum) at Marlay Park, Castleknock NS v St Mochta’s NS (Blanchardstown) in Civil

Service or Porterstown Park, St Bosco’s (Cabra) v Castleknock ET at Cabra, and St Partick’s (Diswellstown) v’s Scoil Mhuire at Civil Service.

28 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 12 May 2011

GazetteSport Sport Rugby

FastRugby

SPENCER CUP: LATE OFFSIDE SEES TITLE GO TO GARDA

Newpark and ’Rock members honoured NEWPARK Comprehensive were awarded the Special Merit School award last weekend at the Leinster rugby awards night.

They were given the award as they continue to make significant progress as a rugby school.

Their senior team won the Section ‘A’ League for the second year in a row, the Vinnie Murray Plate and the McMullen Cup this year.

They have made huge strides as a rugby force in recent years under the direction of Andrew Adams and Morgan Lennon (pictured) and have produced significant numbers of players to the Leinster ‘A’ Schools team and beyond.

Blackrock College’s Sinead Ryan, meanwhile, won the Philips Ladies’ Player of the Year. Ryan was nominated for this award as a result of her consistency and reliability as a player, and for her leadership skills both on and off the pitch.

Despite only taking up rugby on joining NUI Maynooth in 2000, her great attitude and natural ability as a player has already taken her far.

As the Leinster Women’s team captain for the first time this season Sinead excelled, using her experience in playing for Ireland and previous Leinster seasons to lead from the front. It is due to these fantastic qualities that Sinead Ryan has been nominated as this season’s Leinster Women’s Player of the Year.

Former Blackrock College, UCD, Leinster, Ireland and British & Irish Lions winger Niall Brophy was inducted into the Guinness Hall of Fame.

He enjoyed a distinguished career at Schools, Club and International levels where he made 20 Ireland appearances and was capped twice for the Lions.

He made his Ireland debut against France in Lansdowne Road in January 1957 and earned the last of his caps away to Australia in Sydney in May 1967.

Stillorgan were denied victory by a late infringement in their own 22 that sent the Spencer Cup title to Garda

Stillorgan just cop it SPENCER CUP FINAL Garda RFC Stillorgan RFC

17 15

sport@gazettegroup.com

A PENALTY in the last minute of the game was enough to see Garda RFC overcome the challenge of Stillorgan to claim the Spencer Cup and complete a unique league and cup double for the club.

Ashbrook, the home of Coolmine RFC, was the venue for the match, which saw Garda attempt to win their first Spencer Cup crown since 2005.

Indeed it was Garda’s second visit to Coolmine in a week, having defeated their hosts 28-17 in the previous round to set up the encounter with the unfamiliar Stillorgan outfit, the teams having never encountered each other

in league competition.

Garda took to the field with a changed line-up, the most notable absentee being influential club captain Patrick O’Toole.

A penalty inside five minutes from the boot of Ben McCarthy (kicking in place of the injured O’Toole) was the only action of note in a first quarter dominated by handling errors and broken play.

Both teams appeared to be on edge as they attempted to find their feet in the game, but a breakthrough came in the 25th minute, when a perfectly-weighted grubber kick from outhalf Shane O’Brien saw the Stillorgan back line take advantage of a mis-match on the wing and eventually set up the maul that

led to the first try of the evening. O’Brien missed the resulting conversion from a difficult angle.

Garda edged in front again within five minutes, when a high tackle on centre Enda Muldoon yielded a penalty on the Stillorgan 22.

Handling errors again negated some good possession by Garda and the Westmanstown men were lucky not to go in at the break facing a two-point deficit, were it not for a penalty from Stillorgan centre Conor Brennan dropping just short from five metres inside the Garda half.

The second half began in the same vein as the first had finished, dominated by handling errors and disjointed play.

It wasn’t until ten min-

utes in that the game finally sprang to life and lived up the billing which makes junior rugby as entertaining as it can be.

Ben McCarthy added the three points but Garda were reeled back to within one point when centre Kimsah Matangi was adjudged to have tackled a Stillorgan player late as he cleared his lines. The ball landed at the Garda 22, leaving an easy penalty for the Bird Avenue men.

Garda were beginning to lose their composure and bad turned to worse when substitute Damien Maher was given his marching orders, his attempt to ruck the ball connecting with a Stillorgan player and being adjudged a stamp.

Garda were clearly rat-

tled and Stillorgan duly capitalised, mauling the ball over the line from the Garda 22 to leave a six-point margin with just over ten minutes to go.

With the tie surely slipping away, a great piece of individual skill from winger Kevin Dingley, saw him dance through the Stillorgan defence for the touchdown and cut the deficit to a solitary point.

McCarthy missed the conversion from a difficult angle, but, in keeping with the see-saw nature of the match, Stillorgan were dealt the cruellest of blows when, in the dying seconds of the game, they were penalised for offside directly under their own posts. McCarthy made no mistake this time, slotting over to clinch the title.

12 May 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 29

in association with

Preparing for the big tests STEPHEN FINDLATER talks to mentor and coach, David Malone, about James Scully, Ireland’s most promising swimmer, ahead of Paralympics 2012 NAC swim club’s James Scully was recently honoured as the Swim Ireland Disability Swimmer of the Year, capping a brilliant 2010 with a fourth-place finish in the 200-metre freestyle final at the world championships in Eindhoven.

But the young star is hoping that result is just a stepping stone en route to the London Paralympic Games in September, 2012.

For now, though, juggling his high-performance training is sharing his preoccupation with his Leaving Certificate, making for a hectic couple of months.

Soon after Scully completes the State exams,

the 18-year-old will be straight back into competition, looking to secure a place for Ireland in the London Games through the European championships in Berlin.

ally carded athlete under the Irish Sports Council performance grants so, ultimately, James is preparing for the Leaving but also, just two weeks after, he will go to compete at

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

‘We’re coming into the final bit of the plan. It’s a matter of getting the Leaving Cert out of the way, and then the priority will be London 2012’ --------------------------------------------------------

And club coach, as well as Irish team manager, Dave Malone says the major issue is getting the balance between the twin concerns just right.

“He’s an internation-

the European championships in Berlin. That’s a phase of qualifying for the London Games in September 2012.

“He’s risen slowly through the ranks in the

James Scully receives his Swim Ireland Disability Swimmer of the Year award

past three or four years to achieving that fourthplace finish in the world last year.

“Obviously the exams are incredibly important.

It’s quite a tricky year and James is at that age where he has really learned a lot over the last couple of years to get to this point.

“He’s been balancing the time management around studying and training to the standard of a performance athlete.

Balancing act “For James, it’s about balancing the books and getting the rest and recovery in as well and take in a bit of a social life, too, to keep the life balance together.

“It’s difficult to manage but James receives support from the Irish Institute of Sport, working with athlete executive, Ken Lynch,” said Malone Their plan for this tricky season has seen Scully compete closer to home, more recently entering the National long-course championship, held at his home pool in the NAC. While the event is an able-bodied gala, disabled entrants were allowed enter, helping get more experience of a large meet with high-quality opposition – something which is hard to come by in the current period.

“It was an opportunity for him to swim in a high-

level event. With the commitments at school this year, we’ve limited James’ travel exposure to events around Ireland. He competed in Limerick in February while he was due to take part in the Welsh championships, but it was cancelled because of the conditions at the times.”

As for the route to London, individual qualifying proper begins on January 1, 2012 but countries are currently scrambling to secure places for themselves, a process which goes right up to March, 2012.

Next month’s Europeans act as the first opportunity to gain an Irish place and Malone – one of Ireland’s most decorated Paralympians and a gold medallist – is hopeful over his protege’s chances.

“With James, we’re happy with the way he has approached the last number of months and kept himself organised.

“He’s very much in line to qualify. It’s a major performance meet at the Europeans but, to an end of preparing for London, this is just a stepping stone.

“We’re right in the preparation of a four-year plan but we’re coming into the final bit of that plan. James is very much on track and it’s a matter of getting the Leaving Cert out of the way and then the priority will be London.”

FastSport

Show your allegiance to Leinster (like the editor) WITH the last phases of the Magners’ league and the Heineken Cup final this month, fans everywhere (including Gazette editor, Cormac Curtis, pictured above right at the RDS last week) are going blue with anticipation, and can now show their support with teamcoloursonline.com.

Team Colour’s range of waterless, press-on temporary tattoos with Leinster colours and slogans are now available. Charities, sporting clubs and schools involved in fundraising can have tattoos commissioned with their own crest to either generate profits from sales or simply raise awareness of their brand.

For more information, see www.teamcoloursonline.com or visit their Facebook page.

Iconic camp set to take place in July BASKETBALL Ireland have announced that their popular basketball camp, Gormanston 2011, will take place in the week of July 10 to 15 at Gormanston College.

The camp will once again cater for residential and day campers and the cost will remain the same as in 2010.

The national basketball camp is renowned for delivering only the best in coaching with past coaches hailing from America, Canada, and Europe, as well as the best Irish coaches. Campers get a rare opportunity to experience the valuable knowledge

from some of the best in the game.

The camp has become renowned as the place to be each summer for prospective basketball stars of the future.

Some of Ireland’s top players have come through the ranks at the camp, and it attracts the best coaches from home and abroad.

Past coaches have included some of Ireland’s greats, including Danny Fulton, Joey Boylan, and Gerry Fitzpatrick, along with a medley of extraordinary coaches from abroad, such as Brian Hill, Lazlo Nemeth and Serge Clabau.

Attendance costs €375 for residential attendees, while daycampers can take part for €200. For more information, see www. basketballireland.com

30 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 12 May 2011

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

Hammond races a huge success for Wheelers ORWELL Wheelers’ Noel and Kieran Hammond Memorial Races in Roundwood, Co Wicklow proved another great success last weekend. Neil Delahaye (Dectek) showed his form is coming to a peak as An Post Ras approaches with an impressive solo win on a demanding course.

Delahaye forged clear of a six-man leading group on the fifth and final ascent of the fivekilometre climb of Callowhill and, once clear, opened a comfortable gap over his nearest pursuers on the downhill run to the finish line at Vartry Reservoir.

Martin Mizgajski (Wexford Wheelers) took the top prize for A2 riders on a day when recording a finish was an achievement.

The accompanying Trek Women’s Classic League event was won by British-based Rebecca Curley (For Viored) who came in ahead of Orwell’s Orla Hendron and league leader Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen CC).

As usual the Hammond Memorial event featured a full programme of youth races and the first race of the day produced a great solo win for Orwell’s Naoise Sheridan in the Under-12 event.

Wayside claim third U-11 cup

penalties by Glebe North after normal time ended 1-1.

WAYSIDE Celtic took home the U-11 Paisley Deering Cup title for the third successive year with a 5-0 win over St John Bosco in the AUL Complex last weekend.

Karl Mulligan was on target twice while Alex Curtis, Daniel Ellison Moore and Abdul Ouafi were also on the scoresheet.

Their LSL Sunday Senior team, though, were denied the Charlie Cahill Cup

by Glebe North on

Celtic denied Lee Cup title LEICESTER Celtic were denied the U-17 Lee Cup at the AUL Complex last weekend on penalties when Celbridge Town won in a dramatic final.

Normal time had ended 0-0, but Lorcan Armstrong gave Celbridge the lead in extra-time. David Gondry, though, equalised to send the game into penalties.

U-19 LEINSTER DIV 1: METRO TITLE CLAIMED AFTER VICTORY

Oatlands Under-14 team reached the Under-14 Leinster final as the club appeared in a total of four schools soccer cups

Oatlands rout takes cup U-19 METRO LEINSTER Oatlands Lucan CC

5 0

sport@gazettegroup.com

OATLANDS College added to their memorable sporting year l a s t We d n e s d ay i n Peamount when they put Lucan Community College to the sword with a 5-0 success.

T h a t U -19 M e t r o Leinster League Division One final followed trophies in basketball and a maiden rugby title.

Winning this title handed the school their fourth schools’ soccer cup success, following victories at South Dub-

lin, county and Leinster level, as well as reaching the U-14 Leinster final.

In addition, Jack Memery – a star of the U-19 side – got a special boost during the week when he made his debut for Shamrock Rovers in the Setanta Cup. The former Park Celtic 18-year-old was part of the club’s first team to reach the top-flight U-14 DDSL Premier and also, at U-11 level, reached the All-Ireland final and represented Ireland at the Danone Youth World Cup Finals in France in 2005.

Memer y scored in a comprehensive 6-1

The Clar winner: Iosagain inspiration receives award COLAISTE Iosagain’s Clar de Siun was presented with the Ladies’ GAA player of the month award for April at Croke Park recently.

The forward was instrumental in guiding the Stillorgan-based school to a historic first-ever national title when they won the Tesco Post-Primary Schools Senior B title in a tense final against Holy Rosary College from Mountbellew.

Clar scored the points that proved the difference between the schools at the close of the match.

semi-final victory over St Fintan’s, Sutton and they showed little sign of relenting in their final encounter against Lucan.

It took them just a couple of minutes to take the lead, Luke McWilliams’ corner finding Jamie Fernandez who finished firsttime for the lead goal.

Gio Bocurossa – a semi-final scorer who would later endure a broken nose – went close to grabbing a second almost instantly but for Niall Kelly’s intervention but they were given a break when Bryan Creed was called offside.

He had finished off after a clearance had fallen favourably to finish past Oisin Geoghegan.

It was their one truly nervy moment, though, as Oatlands attacked at will thereafter.

A brilliant second goal on the half-hour pushed them further clear. Fernandez’ raking ball found its way to Iain Goulding to take the ball in from the right sideline and burst into the box before unleashing a bending effort into the corner.

Fernandez then dinged the bar but they had a third before the inter val. Mark Mur-

naghan finished off a razor-sharp break with McWilliams, locating him in the area.

And the second half continued in a similar fashion, with Murnaghan twice going close before McWilliams netted two times in the closing 20 minutes of the game.

Memery almost added to a memorable week while Fernandez also drew a fine save from Gavin Carabini but it could not distract from a wonderful display as the Stillorgan school added yet another fine sporting achievement to their wonderful school year.

12 May 2011 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 31

in association with

SFC ROUND 2: RESCHEDULED TIE A FORMALITY

CLUB NOTICEBOARD BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S WELL done to the U-16 football team

the championship is fixed for Satur-

which qualified for the championship

day, August 13.

semi-final with a good win over Naomh Mearnog.

Minor B hurlers came out tops

game is eagerly awaited as Castle-

against St Sylvester’s, with minor A

knock ended our campaign at this level

team going down to Kilmacud Crokes.

last year. They also play St Finian’s in

Congratulations to Dublin minor hurlers Jamie Desmond and Conor Dooley on win over Wexford.

Championship hurling starts this week. The Senior A team commence their defence with a home game

Crokes and John’s mixed fortunes Templeogue SS Ballinteer St John’s

1-13 2-4

DUBLIN SFC ROUND 2 Kilamcud Crokes St Mary’s

2-13 1-9

STEPHEN FINDLATER sport@gazettegroup.com

KILMACUD Crokes’s strong second-half showing saw them get the better of their Dublin senior football championship opponents, St Mary’s, in their delayed first-round game in Parnell Park last Thursday night.

A dispute with the Dublin county board concerning the naming of the person responsible in an incident involving Mary’s in a game at Tymon North had initially seen the Saggart side ejected from the competition.

It caused the cancellation of their first-round game when they missed a deadline to name the players involved, but Mary’s were given a reprieve, reinstated to the competition with an extended

day, May 12 , in Ballycullen at 7.15pm.

They play St. Brigid’s in Russell Park at 11am on Sunday, May 15.

Many thanks to Rathfarnham Credit Union for sponsorship of the minor

day, August 13.

football team.

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 25, 14, 6 and 7. Jackpot of €2,000 not won.

BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S

Kilmacud Crokes were dominant in their rescheduled first round tie against St Mary’s

for over a year, continues.

Rory O’Carroll was included among the Crokes’ subs following his return from Orleans, but did not see any game time.

A 15th minute goal from 2010 Dublin U-21, Eoin Murray, lifted Mary’s spirits, when he beat Paul Griffin in the air to bat a centre from Blaine Kelly into the net and, through the endeavour of Kelly, Alan Marshall and accuracy of David Marshall, the Saggart men were in front by the interval – 1-5 to 1-4.

Ballinteer St John’s, meanwhile, have been dropped into the second round losers’ section as

The Junior C team have drawn Cuala and this game will go ahead on Thurs-

the championship is fixed for Satur-

to play Erin’s Isle. The second round of

deadline to name the person in question.

But they will, nonetheless, be consigned to the losers section of the SFC after Kilmacud Crokes – going for a third title in four years – ran up a seven-point win.

Mary’s led 1-5 to 1-4 at the break, but the introduction of Brian Kavanagh, and a significant increase in Crokes’ workrate, saw them soon establish dominance in this keenly-contested duel.

Pat Burke’s 51st-minute goal, when he finished emphatically to the net following an unselfish pass from Declan Kelleher, effectively settled the outcome, pushing his side 2-11 to 1-7 clear.

The opening half was a different story. The night began brightly for Crokes when Pat Burke’s 45-metre free travelled all the way to the Saggart net.

However, a minute later, Dublin panellist Ross O’Carroll was forced off as the injury nightmare, which has plagued him

Swords on Saturday, May 14, at 6pm.

against Cuala. The second round of

The Senior B team travel to Finglas

DUBLIN SFC ROUND 2

The Junior A team also start their campaign against Castleknock. This

the difference between AFL1 and 2 came to bear when Templeogue Synge Street ran up a 1-13 to 2-4 victory.

St John’s scored late goals through Johnny McNally and Ciaran McCabe but they were the only two scorers on Saturday at O’Toole Park.

With Conor McKiernan driving his team on from centre-back, Synge took total control.

Danny O’Reilly punched a long delivery to the net in the seventh minute, and points from Eoin and Brian McKiernan, as well as some excellent scores, had Synge St 1-10 to 0-3 to the good at the interval.

LOTTO: Numbers drawn were 4, 10,

tion. Entry forms are available on

16 and 24. There was no winner.

the club website.

Draw winners were K Brennan and

They are also available from team

J Byrne €100, Colm O’Donnell €50

mentors and the clubhouse. Entry

and Mary O’Brien €50. Next week’s

fee is €20.

draw will be for €14,600. Tickets are available online at www.ballinteerstjohns.com.

Bingo every Monday night from 8.30. Please let your neighbours,

All entries must be returned by Friday next, May 13.

As this is one of our main fundraising events in the club this year, your support is most welcome.

friends, relatives know and encour-

Congrats to Glen Whelan, Aodhan

age them to join in an enjoyable

Clabby and Donal Gormley, who all

social evening.

played for Dublin minor hurlers in

Win €1,000: The club is running a championship forecast competi-

their win over Wexford at the weekend.

NAOMH OLAF C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S t o To m m y

A charity boxing night will be held

Brown and the Dublin Ladies’ Foot-

in the sports hall on Saturday, May

ball Team on victory over Meath in

21.

the Division 2 Final of the National Football League at Parnell Park last Saturday.

Our G4Ms pla yed a mini-game versus Simonstown of Meath at half-time and did the club proud.

The proceeds will be shared by Naomh Olaf and Testicular Cancer.

Admission is €20 per person or €30 per couple. The first fight starts at 9pm sharp.

The annual golf classic takes place

Although the score finished level

in Edmonstown Golf Club on Friday,

at 0-1 apiece, our girls had the

May 27. This is an important fund-

upper hand throughout and were

raiser and support is essential in

unlucky not to win the tie. Well done,

the current economic climate. The

ladies, you were fantastic ambas-

format is Singles Stapleford com-

sadors for the club.

petition and cost of entry is €100,

The inaugural Greg Naughton Memorial Tournament will be held

which includes a steak dinner.

Sponsorship of a hole costs €75.

in the club next Sunday, May 15 and

For more information, contact

will feature our U-15 football team

Tom Culligan 086 8523529, Mick

managed by Ger O’Malley. Contact

Brown 087 2587243, Fran O’Dwyer

Ger for further details.

087 2750665 or John Mullhall 087

Best wishes to former senior

2571691.

footballer Paul Curran from Valen-

Congratulations to Niall and Deir-

tia, Co Kerry in his battle against

dre Byrne on the birth of a baby

illness. Our thoughts and prayers

boy, Micheál, a brother for Peter,

are with you.

and a sixth grandchild for Nuala.

ALL OF YOUR DUNDRUM SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

SOARAWAY SUCCESS: Oatlands add yet another title to glorious school year P30

MAY 12, 2011

DOUBLE DREAMS: Scully tackles Leaving and Europeans P29

GazetteSPORT

The Dublin ladies celebrate their Division Two victory at Parnell Park last Saturday, making an instant return back to the top tier of the NFL

Brown hails Dub ladies’ work rate Naomh Olaf man takes Jackies back into NFL Division One and hails his players’ commitment to the cause STEPHEN FINDLATER dundrumsport@gazettegroup.com

NAOMH Olaf man Tommy Brown helped guide the Dublin ladies’ footballers back into the top tier of the national league at the first attempt when they beat Meath 3-15 to 2-9 in the division two final in Parnell Park last Saturday.

It was an even more impressive performance considering that Brown – stepping into Gerry McGill’s shoes – was forced to overhaul his full back-line and bring in a number of other players.

To that end, Ballyboden’s Joanne O’Sullivan stepped in at full-back, with clubmate Noelle Comyn not around this time, while Sinead Goldrick stepped up to superb effect from the Senior B panel.

The Foxrock Cabinteely corner-back was named player-of-the-match in the final and is among those Brown was delighted for given

the commitment put in thus far in 2011.

“They’re a fantastic bunch. There’s a lot who were on the minor team a few years ago, a couple from the B team of last year and the good thing is, when they came in, they realised very early if you work hard, on and off the pitch, you’re respected.

“You’ve got to hand it to them. There’s some girls out there like Goldy [Sinead Goldrick] getting player-of-the-match, who show that.

She had an exam in the morning and legged it over [to Parnell Park].

“Three others had exams. The commitment that they give is fantastic. I’m delighted, a few new players have stuck their heads up and we’ve grabbed them.”

As for the challenge of Meath, it was a hardwon fixture, much tougher than their regular season encounter a few weeks earlier.

“It was exactly what we thought it was going to be. It was a tough game. The league match about six weeks ago meant nothing. We rode

our luck once or twice; long balls we had to get a couple of breaks on and didn’t but we got back in numbers and, luckily enough, the good thing about this team is, when we need a score we can usually come up and get it. We’ve done that through the league and did it last year and, hopefully, we can keep going.”

But he does feel his side is hitting form at just the right time.

“The good thing was we started with a strong team and a strong bench. That was the thing over winter ,with injuries and players in and out of the squad we didn’t have.

“Hopefully, now we can regroup and, come the summer, we can have an even stronger panel.

“Everything is about work rate. We want to be the hardest working team out there and I think we were. At times, as I said, we rode our luck a little bit but I don’t doubt us. I don’t doubt the girls that they can get that score we need to just pull away from teams.”