Dundrum GAZET TE FREE
RECYCLE THIS COPY. KEEP DUBLIN TIDY.
YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER
INSIDE: All you need for your child’s special day P20-21
Hockey: Three Rock Rovers win European promotion Page 32
Soccer: Leicester youths reach semifinal of cup Page 30
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ......................8 BUSINESS .....................16 MOTORS ....................... 18 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT .. 24-25 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
February 23, 2012
SHOWJUMPING: Churchtown man
now a top equestrian coach Page 3
The fire service ‘is not going private’ I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
REPORTS of the Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown Fire Service being privatised have been dismissed. Cllr Victor Boyhan has categorically denied that any plans exist to alter the present arrangement DLR Fire and Rescue Services has with Dublin Fire Brigade. Both fire stations in the Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown area are run by the council and are
located at Nutgrove in Dundrum and Kill O’The Grange. Councillor Boyhan said that the urgency of cutting costs everywhere in the council can produce such “misinformation” and it must be stopped. DLR currently has an agreement with Dublin City Council and services for Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown are dealt with by Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB). Full Story on Page 2
Retail therapy: Pop Up Shopping World is launched at Deansgrange THE FIRST EVER shopping centre dedi-
cated to Pop Up Shops, which opened in Deansgrange recently, has succeeded in providing a low-cost platform for fledgling new businesses to promote their products while breathing new life into existing enterprises. At Shopping
World you can lease your own Pop Up Shop without having to pay massive overheads. Pictured enjoying a day of shopping are Berenice Palozzi and Catherine Morgan. Picture: Una Williams Full Gallery on Page 8
2 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23 February 2012
DLRCC: ‘PRIVATISATION’ IT’S YOUR SHOT Primary students in local contest win PROPOSAL IS DENIED
Concerns on fire service are allayed I NATALIE BURKE dundrum@gazettegroup.com
DUN Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) has denied recent rumours about plans to privatise the local fire and rescue services. In what he described as a “burning issue”, local Independent councillor Victor Boyhan said that, despite the rumours circulating, he was unaware of any plans to change the council’s current service provided and coordinated by Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB). He said: “I can categorically say that councillors have not considered any proposals for the privatisation of the services. “I understand the council management is always looking at ways to reduce costs and provide greater efficiencies, and that is something I have always advocated. “It’s time we put a stop to any misinformation circulating, and to reassure both the employees of the fire service and local people that a fire service will be retained locally,” said Cllr Boyhan. At present, all fire services are run by local councils. There are currently two fire stations based in the Dun Laoghaire-Rath-
down (DLR) area, at Kill O’The Grange and Nutgrove, Dundrum. In response to the rumours, County Manager, Owen Keegan, confirmed that the council has “sought proposals for an evaluation of fire and rescue services currently being provided in the county by DFB”. He added: “Under the current arrangement with Dublin City Council, fire and rescue services are provided in DLR by DFB, with the level of service provided, the manner in which the service is provided, and the cost of the service being largely determined by DFB.
Greater input “This arrangement is not ideal, from this council’s perspective. In view of the importance of fire and rescue services, the council is seeking to exercise a greater input into the planning and provision of fire and rescue services in the county,” he said. Keegan said the aim of the council is to move towards a Service Level Agreement which will ensure that fire and rescue services are delivered in DLR, within a “valuefor-money framework that is appropriate for a modern public service”.
Francesca McCann, Grainne McDonnell, Eimear Burke and Triona McCarthy
A real credit to their schools HE Dundrum Credit Union Annual School Quiz 2012 took place in Taney Parish Hall on Saturday, February 4, and was attended by many Dundrum primary schools, with two winning teams going through to the next round. Dundrum Credit Union is part of the Annual Schools’ Quiz coordinated at a national level by the Irish League of Credit Unions. All of the primary schools in the Common Bond are invited to submit
T
teams for the first heat of the quiz, with the winners of that heat going through to the Chapter level, and, if successful there, going on to the national level of the quiz. The next round of the quiz is called the Chapter Level and will take place on Saturday, March 3 at 3pm in Scoil Isoagain, Aughavannagh Road, Crumlin. Well done to everyone who took part, and to the winning teams.
Eva Fallon, Amy Walsh, Ellen Coughlan and Robin Kenneally
Grace Pierce, Sinead Walsh, Fern Finucane and Isobel Curran
Holly Barr, Ciara Keenan, Sophie Hanlon and Derbhla Nolan
23 February 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 3
SPORT Churchtown man attains prestigious rank
Ned now one of equestrian top coaches I BARIBRE NI BHRAONAIN
dundrum@gazettegroup.com
CHURCHTOWN man, Col Ned Campion, was honoured with a Level 3 showjumping coaching award at the RDS recently. The equestrian certificates were presented to Col Campion, among others, by former Ireland soccer manager, Brian Kerr. Kerr commented on the importance of coaching to performance success, saying: “I have seen the difference first-hand that good coaching can make within a sport. “It is absolutely vital to the development of any sport.”
T he coaches who gained their certificates represented the very elite of their profession, with their impressive equestrian achievements including Olympic riders, a world champion and European medallists. The awards signified the inaugural Irish Level 3 Showjumping Coaching course, which was driven and delivered by Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) during the last two years. HSI’s intensive programme, undergone by all of the coaches, provides the highest level of competence in technique, planning and coaching skills, all of which are required for this level of
competition coaching. Nine coaches completed the intense, nine-day coaching course, while another eight, including Col Campion, attained the Level 3 assimilation criteria. The gradation of show jumping merit is as follows: Introduction, Level 1 (Apprentice Coach); Level 2 (Coach) and Level 3 (National Coach). At Level 3, the coaching courses become discipline-specific, such as showjumping, eventing or dressage. The aim of the Level 3 course is to equip coaches with the skill to exploit every bit of talent from performance riders, in
Col Ned Campion, who has graduated to Level 3 as a showjumping coach
order for them to compete at the highest level in national competition. The Level 3 standard is notoriously difficult to achieve, and only true horse mastery prevails. Under EU employment laws, the Level 3 qualification is recognised abroad, and those who achieve it can work as showjump-
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
DundrumGazette CALL US ON 60 10 240
ing coaches at the highest level of the sport on the continent, as well as in Ireland. Col Campion is now a recognised member of this specialist elite group in the horse-coaching world. Joining him as a Level 3 Assimilated Coaches were Trevor Coyle, based
in Belgium; Comdt Gerry Flynn, Lanesboro, Co Longford; John Hall, based in Spain; Comdt John Ledingham, Bective, Co Meath; Dermott Lennon, Banbridge, Co Down; Eddie Macken, Kells, Co Meath (based in Canada), and Lt Col Gerry Mullins, Kilcock, Co Kildare.
SHOWBIZ
Sarah set for role in US drama R ATHFARNHAM actress Sarah Bolger was always set for great things ever since she first appeared at ten years of age in Jim Sheridan’s, In America, alongside her younger sister, Emma.. A former student of Loreto Beaufort, in Rathfarnham, the 21-year-old has become a familiar face in period drama after appearing as Lady Mary Tudor in The Tudors, and is taking a step back in time once again with a role in what is described as “the US version of Downton Abbey”. Sarah will play the part of Violet in Gilded Lilys; a pilot for a series being created by Shonda Rhimes, the creator of the popular medical drama, Grey’s Anatomy. Since finding fame in In America, Sarah has starred in many movies, including Stormbreakers, and The Spiderwick Chronicles.
4 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23 February 2012
ENTERPRISE Move by Sandyford-based support firm
Mondial Assistance appoint a country manager I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
dundrum@gazettegroup.com
MONDIAL Assistance Ireland, based in Sandyford, has appointed Roland Hesse as their new country manager. Mondial Assistance is a leading provider of customer support services to the travel, motor industries and insurance companies.
Some of its high-profile clients include Toyota, Lexus, BMW Group and Aer Lingus. Hesse, the new country manager, has been in Mondial Assistance since 1982. He began in the British division of the company as a motor assistance co-ordinator, and went on to become operations development manager in 1995, carry-
ing out a European plan of campaign. The duties of Mondial’s country manager are to devise and deploy a nationwide strategy for the Irish business.
Opportunities Hesse will be targeting market share, with the aim of discovering and exploiting new opportunities, and strengthening
long-established ones. He said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of country manager for Ireland. In a difficult market place; Mondial Assistance has continued to thrive here, and I look forward to overseeing, with my team, the sustained growth of this truly global company in the Irish market.” The company is a
member of Allianz Global Assistance, with the Irish head office of Mondial Assistance located in Sandyford Industrial Estate, where it currently employs 39 people. In global terms, the company has a staff quotient of more than 10,500, collectively speaking more than 40 languages in 28 countries, and spanning five continents.
Roland Hesse, Mondial Assistance
ENTERTAINMENT: COMEDY
Laugh last and longest at festival I NATALIE BURKE
IRISH people are known for their sense of humour, so what better way of celebrating our national St Patrick’s Day holiday than with a festival that shows off and celebrates our witty charm? With March already on the horizon, the Paddy Laughs Festival is back on board for the second year in a row, with competition heats just weeks away. After such a successful debut in 2011, the organisers of the competition are back with a bang and, over the space of three weeks, 48 aspiring comedians will battle it out to become the Paddy Laughs 2012 Comedy Champion. The competition will be hosted by comedian Peter O’Byrne, best-known for his funny man roles in Killinaskully, and The Craic Pack, and the com-
petition final will be held on Wednesday, March 15, kicking off the beginning off the comedy festivities. The finalists from the four heats, which are being held on March 2, 3, 9 and 10 in the Studio at the Mill Theatre, will battle it out for the most laughs before the winner will be chosen and offered the chance of a comedy career. Over the following few days, many established comedic acts will take to the stages at the Mill Theatre. This year’s lineup includes headline acts, Abandoman, a hip-hop comedy act; Keith Farnan, a comic from Cobh, Co Cork and comedian, Jack Wise. For more information on tickets for the festival and the competition heats, see www.milltheatre.ie or call the box office at 01 296 9340.
DLRCC is about to unveil the draft planning scheme for the Cherrywood SDZ (inset)
PLANNING: DLRCC PREPARES FOR PUBLIC DISPLAY OF SDZ PLANS
Cherrywood SDZ report to address development I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
dundrum@gazettegroup.com
AT THIS month’s meeting of the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC), the progress report in relation to the preparation of the Draft Planning Scheme for the Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) was raised. Councillor Gerry Horkan (FF) said he would be absenting himself from the chamber for the duration of any debate on Cherrywood development and rezoning, as he is on the Board of Directors for DLR Prop-
erties. Cllr Victor Boyhan (Ind) asked for clarity regarding the timeline of possible rezoning of the site. Kathleen Holohan, director of planning, and deputy county manager, replied that the report is due to appear either at the end of February or early March, but no later, at which time it will go to print. DLRCC has had two years to compile the report, which will then be submitted to An Bord Pleanala for approval. The Cherrywood site is approximately 360 hectares in size, and is
situated approximately 8km south of Dun Laoghaire town centre, near Loughlinstown, between the N11 and the M50. DLR Properties Ltd was established by DLRCC in 2009 to manage the latent site and, possibly, sell the lands at Cherrywood to potential investors and residents, in the future.
Benefits The chief benefits to a SDZ designation for Cherrywood are many, including the imposition of a formal structure on how to phase in the development needed for
the new designation. The resultant social and physical infrastructure of Cherrywood will be a model of town planning, if all goes well. The zoning is the same as that attained by Adamstown,. The current economic problems in Ireland have been assessed by DLRCC, in relation to Cherrywood, and the phasing structure to be announced in the Planning Scheme report will work in a gradual system of investment, feeding piecemeal infrastructural development. Cherrywood is the first SDZ designation in
the county and, when the Draft Planning Scheme goes on public display later this month, or early next month, DLR residents will have six weeks to make a submission on the contents of the scheme. Any such submission will be considered by DLRCC in a Manager’s Report, and the councillors can decide to accept, vary, modify or reject the scheme. The Cherrywood SDZ team will endeavour to answer any questions residents may have, and can be contacted by email at cherr y woodsdz@dlrcoco.ie.
23 February 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 5
THEATRE Stillorgan Musical Company get tribal
GOODBYE
A groovy musical will help you let your HAIR down
Elvis has left the farm
I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
FOR lovers of live musicals, why not let HAIR - The American Tribal Love Rock Musical transport you right back to the age of Aquarius, hippies, peace and idealism. On February 29, The Stillorgan Musical Company is putting it on the Pavilion until March 4. The local group has been together for almost 30 years and is one of the oldest musical societies in Ireland. Stephen Lynch, who p l ay s l e a d i n g m a n , Claude, said that last year youth groups demonstrated in 950 cities around the globe. “That is why we chose Hair for this year’s production, as we believe that this
WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240
show is more relevant now than ever before. We want to show that young Irish people also have a voice and we want to be heard!” The story is set in antiVietnam America in the 1960s and the ‘tribe’ is a collection of free-thinking un-conventionalists. Hair depicts the effect of such aggressive and violent disturbance on this group of idealists. “Nearly half a decade after its debut, the show’s themes are still relevant – racism, environmental destruction, poverty, sexism, violence, depersonalisation from new technologies and corruption in politics,” says the show’s producer, Emmet McCarthy. “I am proud to see
young Irish talent getting involved in this musical that challenged many of the norms held by the Western society.” The ‘groov y’ score includes such classic songs as Let the Sunshine, Age of Aquarius, Ain’t Got No, Good Morning Starshine and, of course, the title track, Hair. The show begins on Wednesday, February 29 and finishes up on Sunday, March 4. Tickets are available at Pavilion Theatre Dun Laoghaire, either online www.paviliontheatre. ie or at the box office 01-2312929. If you want to learn more about Stillorgan Musical Company, go to www.stillorganmusical. com
I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
dundrum@gazettegroup.com
Stephen Lynch, who plays leading man, Claude, in the musical, Hair, at the Pavilion starting February 29
ELVIS, the goat who lived at Rathfarnham SPCA for the past six years has, sadly, died. When he arrived at the shelter in 2006, he was already an adult, but nobody was sure of his exact age. Goats can live up to 18 years of age but nobody’s sure if Elvis made it that far or not. He loved having his picture taken and was a notorious show-off when visitors arrived at the shelter. Yet in the last few months he was beginning to slow down and retreat more and more into the comfort of his stable. Members of staff at the shelter are very upset at Elvis’ passing. “He was a loveable rogue’” they said “we’ll miss him.”
YOUR
6 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23 February 2012
SELL
SKILLS IT students in South
Dublin urged to enter
SALE ADVERTISE YOUR SALE WITH THE GAZETTE...
CALL US NOW ON 60 10 240
ENTERPRISENEWS
International Women’s Day 2012: Celebration, Connection and Inspiration for Women in Business in Dublin Kindly sponsored by Vodafone
Thursday 8th March 2012, Davenport Hotel, Dublin City With Guest of Honour Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton, TD
Women In Business networks from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal and Dublin City County Enterprise Boards and the Dublin Chamber of Commerce’s “Mentoring for Female Entrepreneurs programme” are joining forces for the third consecutive year to organise a major event for women in business in Dublin to celebrate International Women’s Day. Over 200 female entrepreneurs and business women have attended in previous years, making this an outstanding networking opportunity. This year’s event will feature talks by Minister of State for European Affairs Lucinda Creighton TD and by Vodafone HR Director Rachel Mooney and presentations from a panel of four inspirational entrepreneurs who have expanded their businesses in recent years: Grainne Barry, Anotherfriend.com, Lauren Fisher, Simply Zesty, Jacquie Marsh, The Butler’s Pantry and Ruth Monaghan, Appassionata Flowers. This year, we will also offer limited mentoring slots from 5-6pm, bookable in advance. Enterprising Women Network, Dun LaoghaireRathdown Angela Tynan angela@dlrceb.ie (01) 4948400
Dr Stephen Brennan, director of marketing and strategy, the Digital Hub Development Agency, tries to impress Ghost (Jason Yu), Sonic (Cillian Bellew) and Angry Bird (Shane Kavanagh) with his gaming skills at the launch of the Irish leg of an international gaming design competition
It’s ‘game’ on for a third-level contest I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
dundrum@gazettegroup.com
TALENTED south Dublin third-level students chipping away at the digital coalface are invited to use their skills in an exciting new international video gaming competition. Dare to be Digital is an international video games development competition, for third-level students, coordinated in Ireland by the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA), and supported by the North-South Cooperation Unit at the Department of Education and Skills. The competition aims to place third-level students firmly in the digital workforce arena, and experts, as well as potential employers, can view
and assess their work. Application is by teams of five students, with skills to typically focus on the distinct digital fields of programming, artists, audio specialists etc. If the team is successful in the initial heat, it will spend nine weeks at Abertay University, Scotland during summer, where all successful competing teams will receive free accommodation at the university’s halls of residence, a weekly stipend of £150, and a team budget allowance of £200. At the end of the nine weeks, the students will get to present their prototypes at the Dare ProtoPlay exhibition. This platform will open up the winner’s ideas to a wider public and industry experts, all of whom will vote on their favour-
ite games. The top three teams will receive prizes of £2,500, as well as the opportunity to compete for the Ones To Watch award at the BAFTA Video Games Awards. Speaking at the launch of the competition, Dr Stephen Brennan, DHDA’s director of marketing and strategy, said: “The Government’s newly-published action plan for jobs names digital games as one of the industries that will receive support to double in size over the next two years. “This means thousands of new jobs for those ready to take their place in this new workforce.” Speaking about recent growth in the gaming industry, Dr Brennan said: “Not only is it bucking the trend by creating jobs at a
time of national recession, it is also continuously evolving in response to new technological developments. “This is a very real opportunity for south Dublin-based students to make a name for themselves within the games industry.
Mentors “At Abertay, participating teams get to meet and work with mentors from some of the biggest names in gaming – companies like Sega, Sony and Rockstar. “In terms of career development, participating in this competition is invaluable. Not only do students get fantastic networking and mentoring opportunities, but they also get to develop a prototype game, which, for
many of them, goes on to present a viable business opportunity,” he said. Also attending the launch were Brigid McManus, secretar y general, the Department of Education and Skills; Maria Ginnity, head of enterprise policy, Forfas; Eleanor Thomson, Dare to be Digital project coordinator, the University of Abertay; Jamie McCormick, marketing manager with Gala Networks Europe, a leading publisher of free-to-play multiplayer online games, and Alan Boyce, chief operating officer, Nevermind Games. For further information on the Dare to be Digital competition, see www. daretobedigital.com and www.thedigitalhub.com/ learning/current-learning-projects/53.
Glencullen get stuck into The Field TO MARK the tenth anniversary of the death of John B Keane, the Glencullen Musical and Dramatic Society are staging, The Field, one of the playwright’s best-known plays.. Directed by Bernard Doyle, the play will be performed at The Mill Theatre, Dundrum, and
will run from Tuesday, March 6 until Saturday, March 10. After celebrating their 40th anniversary last year, the musical society are already in fullswing for 2012, and are busy throwing themselves into rehearsals for the upcoming show.
Based on a true story, The Field was first performed in 1965 when Keane drew a memorable portrait of the harshness of rural life in Ireland in the mid-20th century, showing the true secrets hidden in the heart of a village who were covering up an act of violence.
Cowardice and brutality sit alongside humour and wit, with loyalty to clan and class and a fierce love of land to the fore in this production. Tickets are priced at €15 and are available from www.milltheatre.ie, or by calling the box office at 01 296 9340.
23 February 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 7
COURTS: MEN LEFT WITH FACIAL INJURIES
Man found guilty of assault A MAN who attacked two people because he thought they were drug dealers has been sentenced to one year at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Liam Doran (25) wrongly believed the men had been dealing drugs to his niece and left them with black eyes and facial injuries after the attack. Doran, of Whitechurch Way, Rathfarnham, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Luke Mulholland and
PLANNING NOTICE DUN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL
All smiles: Local dentist is Highly Commended at 2011 dentist awards SOUTH DUBLIN dentist, Dr Claire McGrath, of Sandyford, has gone the extra mile for her patients and was recently Highly Commended in the Sensodyne Sensitive Dentist 2011 Awards. Dr McGrath was been nominated by one of her patients, Catherine Callinan.
According to Catherine: “On the morning of our daughter’s wedding, my husband walked into a door and broke his two front teeth. Panic ensued. We phoned Claire who was all packed to go on her family holiday but came to the rescue, opened her surgery and solved the problem.”
PROTEST: LOBBY GROUP OUTSIDE TD’S OFFICE
Demonstration over new household taxes I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
dundrum@gazettegroup.com
A LOBBY group, led by the United Left Alliance member Nicola Curry, demonstrated against the Household and Water Taxes outside the offices of TD Alex White’s Constituency Clinic, in Rathfarnham this week. Mr White did not show up during the protest, but the group submitted a message to his constituency secretary declaring the constituents’ disappointment with the current taxes. Nicola Curry said that people had turned out
despite the biting cold and this evinced the level of frustration they felt at being continually “cut to the bone” by taxes and cuts. The lobbying of Mr White’s Clinic was a measure agreed by a steering committee of the campaign against household and water charges. “Next Saturday, February 25, there will be a Nationwide Day of Action in which local organisations all over Ireland will stage various protests against the taxes,” she said She claimed that peo-
ple should unite under the common umbrella of redressing the perceived injustices felt in different ways by different groups. She said the fact that only 95,000 households have registered for the household tax is indicative of the groundswell of similar feeling in Ireland. “That means that 1.7 million people haven’t registered yet. We’ve backed down enough and we should follow the pensioners’ example when they put manners on the government about the medical card issue.” She added that the present rate of tax on
household will not remain unchanged. “According to ESRI reports the figure next year could be anything between, €500 to €800. The tax in its present form is only an interim tax, she alleged, and people are beginning to “fight back”. She mentioned that a uniting spirit is emerging due to the common cause that is unjust taxation, charges and cuts. “People are experiencing the cuts in different ways, whether it’s those with special needs, Loughlinstown Hospital cuts or increased fuel prices.”
Permission is sought for demolition of existing single storey element to side of existing two storey dwelling and replacement with dormer extension to side and single storey extension to rear comprising living, storage, bedroom, and sanitary accommodation together with minor internal alterations and all associated site works at “Rosbeg”, Claremont Road, Carrickmines, Dublin 18 by Brian and Paula Harrison. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire during its public opening hours. A submission / observation may be made on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the Planning Authority. 14871
Aaron Donoghue on October 28, 2009 at College Park, in Ballinteer. He also pleaded guilty to robbing two mobile phones from the men. Garda Liam Healy told prosecuting counsel, Damien Colgan BL, that Doran saw the men in a green area and started to kick and punch them. Gardai were called to the scene and saw Doran with no shirt on and a large amount of blood on his right runner.
8 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23 February 2012
RETAIL ‘Pop Up’ Shopping World launches at Deansgrange
A novel way to go shopping
HE first ever shopping centre dedicated to Pop Up Shops, which opened in Deansgrange recently, has succeeded in providing a low-cost platform for fledgling new businesses to promote their products while breathing new life into existing enterprises. At Shopping World you can lease your own Pop Up Shop without having to pay massive overheads. The set-up is perfect for existing and new businesses with low rents, no bills for commercial rates, and no electricity or heating bills to worry about. Businesses are just required to pay a single fee that covers all costs, including rent. Maureen O’Halloran, marketing and public relations manager at Shopping World, said the centre, which is currently open at weekends only, has been so successful in promoting new businesses that it has received a huge number of requests from local companies to open full time. As a result, she said the centre will open on a seven days a week basis in April.
T
Jacqui Corcoran and Emma English
Ciara Hayden and Martina Ginty
Annette
Jo Jordan, Maureen O’Halloran and Lisa Murphy
and
Lynsey McGarrigle. Pictures: Una Williams
Siobhan Ryan and Rita Keogh
23 February 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 9
INFORMATION Clarification of Government plan
Enterprise Board changes are welcomed He and his colleagues on the enterprise boards have done enormous good, he claimed, and that hard work should be built on by the new bodies in the future. “We need these board members to continue to advise entrepreneurs and monitor targets in their area within the new structures.” ---------------------------------------
‘Small businesses are the employers of the future and the vast majority of these businesses have less than 10 employees’ ---------------------------------------
As there is no more detail available than that contained in the general statements, and press releases issued by Ministers Bruton and Hogan, all the present county enterprise boards can do is to speculate and discuss the issues with broad strokes. When asked if he would be involved in designing the tools of implementing the strategy, he indicated that he and other board members had made overtures to the Department of Enterprise to that very end. There will be several scheduled meetings to iron out the details taking place from next week. “It will take a lot of m e e t i n g s ,” h e said, but he claims that the core values underpinning the new strategy will improve things for the economy – especially in the arena of developing small business in Ireland.
WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS
CALL 60 10 240
M
THE chief executive of the Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Enterprise board has issued a statement to stakeholders and entrepreneurs clarifying the status of the Government’s strategy to dissolve city and county enterprise boards. The proposed changes were heralded on February 13 by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. In the statement, Michael Johnson welcomes the proposed changes and intentions of the Department to create “one-stop shops” as new micro enterprise support structures to be located in each local authority area. With the emphasis purported to be on encouragement and support of small business, Mr Johnson has said that that is exactly what needs to happen. “Small businesses are the employers of the future,” he said. “And the vast majority of these businesses have less than 10 employees. “Therefore, it’s very important to nurture them and focus on their growth, as this strategy proposes to do.” When asked about the lack of detail surrounding the Department’s plans, He said: “The concept is good. You’ll get no argument from us. In fact, it was a proposal made by the County Enterprise Boards themselves. We’re very pleased it has been taken on board and now we need to study how to operate it.” In his opinion, the new Local Enterprise Offices, or LEOs, will do well to allow the various areas a deal of “autonomy and flexibility” in the new strategy’s implementation. He said the enterprise boards were huge organisations and the onus today with the new LEOs will be on more efficiency, condensing of resources and for bodies to communicate with each other more. “We all need to be more efficient,” he said, “especially in these economic times”.
Heavenly Hendricks: Getting your own red carpet look
Michael Johnson, chief executive of the Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Enterprise board
BEAUTY PAGE 14
10 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23 February 2012
23 February 2012 GAZETTE 11
HEALTH: NATIONWIDE SCHOOL’S CONTEST
GOT A STORY?
Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com
TELL US ABOUT YOUR LOCAL EVENT, CELEBRATION OR FUNCTION!
Professor Niall Moyna and RTE Radio 1’s John Murray are calling on first-year secondary school students to put themselves forward to have their fitness levels tested by the commonly-used “bleep test” method
Improve kids’ fitness with Beat the Bleep RTE Radio 1’s John Murray Show has teamed up with Dublin City University to challenge 9,000 secondary school students to improve fitness by taking part in a Beat the Bleep competition. Beat the Bleep was launched on the popular show, last week, by Professor Niall Moyna, head of the School of Health and Human Performance at DCU, and fitness advisor to the Dublin GAA club.
Students from 125 different secondary schools nationwide have been challenged to beat their previously recorded class average fitness levels over the next six weeks. The class with the best result will be awarded €1,000 towards their school’s physical education programme, and a place for each participating student on a three-day live-in sports and activity camp at DCU. In January, John Mur-
ray and Prof Moyna called on first-year secondary school students to put themselves forward to have their fitness levels tested by the commonlyused “bleep test” method, which involves continuous running between two lines 20m apart in time to recorded beeps. The student’s score is the level and number of 20m shuttles reached before they were unable to keep up with the “bleep”.
12 GAZETTE 23 February 2012
Gazette Contacts
Block 3A, Mill Bank Business Park, Lucan Tel: 01 6010240 Fax: 01 6010251 Managing Director: Michael McGovern email: mmcgovern@gazettegroup.com Editor: Cormac Curtis email: ccurtis@gazettegroup.com News Editor: Dawn Love email: dlove@gazettegroup.com Production Editor: Jessica Maile email: jmaile@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.
CHARITY Public urged to use books to help
Start a new chapter for St Michael’s House ST MICHAEL’S House, who provide communitybased services for children and adults with an intellectual disability, has this week launched its 2012 Bring A Book, Buy A Book campaign. RTE presenter Miriam O’Callaghan was on hand at the launch of the campaign to lend her support. She said that she hoped as many people as possible would become involved. “I am delighted to support the St Michael’s House Bring A Book, Buy A Book campaign this year. “Setting up a cam-
paign location in work, at home or in the classroom couldn’t be easier, and is a great way to encourage reading. “I urge as many people as possible to take part in this great initiative to support St Michael’s House in raising funds to provide essential communitybased services for people with an intellectual disability,” she said. The campaign asks volunteers to set up campaign locations in their offices, schools, colleges, clubs or homes. Volunteers contribute their second-hand books, and purchase books donated by their col-
leagues, fellow students, friends or family, at a cost of €2 per book. The campaign encourages reading for all, and all funds raised will go directly to St Michael’s House. Inez Bailey, director, National Adult Literacy Agency, said: “Not only does the campaign encourage people to read and share books, but it also raises much-needed funds for St Michael’s House. “So, if you can’t donate, why not buy your books from one of the many locations around the country, and make a difference with your pur-
chase?” she asked. Eamonn Fitzgerald, chairman, St Michael’s House, said that the aim this year was to raise more money than last year. He said: “We are delighted to launch the Bring A Book, Buy A Book campaign. We raised €45,000 last year, and aim to exceed that figure this year. “We look forward to welcoming back those who have supported the initiative in the past, and we hope to see some new schools, clubs, families and companies taking part this year, too. “This is a great way for companies to boost
morale, while participating in a worthwhile programme,” said Fitzgerald. A number of pop-up shops will be set up for the Bring A Book, Buy A Book campaign. This year, pop-up shops can be found in a number of Dublin city centre locations, including Connolly Station and Grafton Street. St Michael’s House has also teamed up with Eight Twenty Cabs to provide their customers with free books to celebrate the campaign, while the institution will also be leaving free books in selected Eight Twenty cabs around the city.
WE HAVE 146,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS CALL 60 10 240
23 February 2012 GAZETTE 13
support a special, nationwide fundraising initiative
M
Penn-ing a winner: The story of a fading rockstar Eamon Fitzgerald, chairman, St Michael’s House and RTE broadcaster, Miriam O’Callaghan, were joined by St Michael’s House service users, Ruthanne and Dylan, to help launch the event
Miriam O’Callaghan shares a story with Ruthanne Gallagher and Dylan Campbell
Sarah Mullins, general manager, Eight Twenty Cabs, said: “The drivers have had a great response from their passengers, and we are delighted to be a part of this very worthwhile cause, and it is fantastic to see this campaign growing in support every year.” The Bring A Book, Buy
a Book campaign was first piloted in 2008, with 15 different locations taking part. The campaign has since enjoyed growing success, with 140 locations taking part in 2011, and a total of 90,000 books exchanged and €45,000 raised for St Michael’s House. The campaign will take
place from March 1 to March 8. To register your location and receive a starter pack for the campaign, see the Facebook page at www.facebook. com/stmichaelshouse; visit the website at: www. smh.ie or www.bringabookbuyabook.ie, email: fundraising@smh.ie, or phone 01 884 0200.
ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 24
14 GAZETTE 23 February 2012
SYMPTOMS
Check for signs of diabetes ARE you at risk from diabetes? Staff at Lucan Village Pharmacy are encouraging locals, and all Dubliners, to be aware of the symptoms as part of being more health-aware. Diabetes results when the body is unable to remove sufficient amounts of glucose from the blood. It is estimated that there are about 146,000 undetected prediabetics in Ireland at present. Uncontrolled diabetes dramatically increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, and can lead to nerve damage, kidney damage, and damage to the eyes, foot ulcers and risk of infections. If you suffer from constant thirst, frequent urination or regular infections, visit your local pharmacy for a five-minute glucose test to rule out this disease. With thanks to the staff at Lucan Village Pharmacy
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY
By Laura Webb
A heavenly look from Hendricks I LAURA WEBB
THE award ceremony season is about to take a bow for another year when the biggest event, the Oscars, hits the small screen this week, but before it ends, Gazette Beauty looks back at one of the best BAFTA looks, courtesy of Mad Men star, Christina Hendricks. The American beauty is not seen as one to shy away from a hint of colour, and her amazing pale complexion means everything and anything suits her flawlessly. Her BAFTA, red-carpet look perfectly complemented her fiery red hair and elegant black gown. Coral gloss and peach blush brought great warmth to her pale skin, and can easily be repeated in the front of a bathroom mirror with a little help from Maybelline. To get the look, use medium coverage foundation like Dream Satin Liquid by Maybelline (€11.99) for that dewy complexion. Warm tones on blue or green eyes work wonders on highlighting that colour. Choose complemetary toned shades such as those used in Maybelline’s Eye Studio Quad in Coral Drama (€9.99). The lightest base shade should be used all over the lid, including the inner eye then blend the brighter coral tones into the lash line and socket line. Use Maybelline’s Eye Studio Gel liner (€11.99) to give lashes a full and thick look by adding a flick to the eye, finishing off with the New Falsies Flared mascara (€11.99) on top lashes only.
Cheeks look healthy with a touch of cream blusher, Maybelline’s Dream Touch blusher in Peach (€10.89) is best applied to the apples of your cheek using light criss-cross motions, for a perfectly blended result. Finish the make-up by adding a splash of colour to lips with Maybelline’s Colour Sensational lipstick in Coral Pop (€10.49); for a stonger colour apply one coat then blot with tissue paper and apply another coat. For added shine, and to make lips appear fuller, use a clear lip gloss on top. Maybelline Falsies Flared Mascara
Maybelline Dream Touch Blush Peach
Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid
Maybelline Eye Studio Quad Coral Drama
asdf sdaf sdaf asdf asd
Mad Men star, Christina Hendricks
23 February 2012 GAZETTE 15
GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: WHEN YOU SHOULD – AND SHOULD NOT – INTERACT WITH KITTENS
Preparing for the annual wave of ‘unwanted’ kittens S I write, we are in the throes or organising, stocking up and preparing for kitten season here at the DSPCA. However, even though it’s still February, and kitten season doesn’t historically start until April, this week, we welcomed our first orphaned kittens of the year – little Starsky and Hutch – through our shelter doors. Last year, the DSPCA rescued 2,038 cats, some of which were injured strays, felines abandoned by their owners, victims of road traffic accidents, or “surrenders” by members of the public. Sometimes, a wellmeaning member of the public brings in a litter, assuming they’ve been abandoned by the mother, when she is actually away finding food, or trying to keep humans and other unwelcome prey away from her nest area. Other rescue cats we see are mothers with newborns, and many orphaned babies who were brought directly into the nursery, where staff work round the clock providing the critical care they so desperately need. So, where do they all
A
Tending to the needs of another newborn kitten that has ended up in the tender care of the DSPCA
come from? They are usually the offspring of former domestic cats who’ve been abandoned by their owners, and are now giving birth, flooding our shelter with homeless litters. As you can imagine, the cats are not the only ones feeling the effects of the stress. The burden also presents enormous challenges for us here at the DSPCA, with space and finances stretched to the limit and, on top of our usual complement of rescued animals, we are inundated with hundreds of homeless cats. So, what can readers do to help? Firstly, the most efficient way to reduce the overwhelming burden of
unwanted cats is to spay or neuter your own cat. Unaltered cats are driven by hormones, and will sneak outdoors in search of a mate. It’s important to know that mating just the once can start a cycle that will result in thousands of unwanted animals, who are often left to fend for themselves and end up arriving en masse here at the DSPCA. Here are some guidelines to follow if you come across a mother cat and her litter. Firstly, try to establish if the family is tame or feral. If the mother cat miaows and responds to you giving her food and water (never offer milk), then she’s most likely tame. Give the family shelter, but do not separate
mother and kittens – keep them together in a garden shed, downstairs loo, cloakroom or utility room – and ring the DSPCA at 01 – 499 4700 for advice. If the mother and her kittens hiss and warn you off, then it’s likely they’re feral. If the kittens have opened their eyes fully (this usually occurs at around two weeks), it’s likely the kittens can see, and may try to defend themselves by biting you. In this case, leave them alone and, again, do not remove kittens from the mother, but ring the DSPCA and we will offer you advice. It’s important to understand that, even though the family is feral, there is every chance we can tame the kittens, re-home them when they are ready to leave their mother, and spay the mother, so that this situation does not recur. Either way, it is imperative that you do not ever remove or separate the kittens from their mother – to do so could mean their certain death. For more
information log onto www.dspca.ie or email me miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie
16 GAZETTE 23 February 2012
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Andrew Kavanagh, director, Sales and Marketing, Castleknock Hotel & Country Club
TRACKER – PAY OFF OR INVEST ? Q – MY MORTGAGE has a balance of €175,000. It is on a current tracker rate of 1.75% (0.75% margin) but, last month, my mother’s probate came through, leaving me with just over €200,000 tax-free. What would you advise - pay off the mortgage, or invest ? Gerry - Kimmage A - While it is very tempting to have your home debt-free, the fact is that you could earn greater net interest on a deposit account than paying mortgage interest. For example, the best demand deposit account currently is 3.1% - net 2.17%, after deduction of 30% DIRT tax – or 0.42% greater interest. However, you might want the cash flow and, therefore, it still comes down to your annual budget. On a 25-year capital and interest term, you are paying c. €720 every month – including the capital. While you would earn €61.25 more interest each month on the deposit than you would be paying the mortgage interest, you still have to pay that capital back monthly. Paying off the loan entirely eliminates that monthly debt completely, and your cash flow immediately improves. Does this suit you, or have you something better to do with the money ... if you can afford to continue those payments ? For example: - Invest in your own start-up business - Pay off any debts - Help any family members in trouble - Improve and update your home – iPad, iPhone, 3D tv, etc . One thing you do have is time. With tracker rates likely to remain low for the next two years, you do not have to make this decision now. Take professional advice. 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.
Enjoying working with the community ANDREW Kavanagh is the director of Sales and Marketing at Castleknock Hotel & Country Club, part of the FBD Hotel group, a role he has held since May, 2008. Andrew was born and raised in Hartstown, attending St Ciaran’s National School and Hartstown Community School. He has a BA Honours Degree in Marketing Management, and started working in the hospitality industry at CentralR.com, an online travel website, as a sales executive. He worked his way up to sales manager before opening their new Asia-Pacific office in Sydney as operations manager in June, 2006. Upon his return to Ireland, he worked in sales and marketing roles in both the Morgan Hotel and the Ballymun Plaza Hotel before beginning in Castleknock Hotel & Country Club. He says: “I really enjoy working with the local community and trying to make the hotel a focal point for the local area. We sponsor teams like Castleknock GAA and Castleknock Celtic, trying to give them as much support as possible, and we’ve been delighted with the progress that both clubs have made with their facilities.” Andrew has described the hotel’s recent performance as very positive after a difficult couple of years for the Irish hotel industry as a whole. The hotel has seen huge growth in the level of weddings and conferences booked in the past 18 months, and this looks to be continuing with new capital projects in the pipeline and 19 new staff recruited last year. He currently lives in Clonsilla with his fiancee, Pamela Nolan, who is the HR manager at Castleknock Hotel & Country Club.
Andrew Kanavagh, Castleknock Hotel & Country Club
Q&A Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: A pilot Q: What was your first job? A: Packing shelves in Roches’ Stores, Blanchardstown
Q: Have you ever done a
job you loathed? A: Wondering if our general manager reads your paper ... Never!
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: Working in the area I was born and raised in
Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’? A: Making the tea Q: What’s currently on your desk that shouldn’t be? A: A can of gin and tonic mixer that’s been there for about 18
months.
Q: What sport do you follow? A: I get told that I would
late, and promising each morning to change my ways the next night – only to repeat the cycle.
watch two insects running up the wall for sport. I’m a bit of a fanatic.
Q: At the moment, what are you looking forward to? A: My wedding next
Q: What sport can you play? A: I like to play golf, soccer, tennis, cricket with Clonee Cricket Club, but I’m not the best.
Q: What habits would you like to lose? A: Going to bed far too
LOCALMATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS
week
Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: Wall Street 2 – I don’t know why, it’s not even that good
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: I really like to follow some of the presenters on Newstalk, and some football journalists
Q: What was your last Tweet/status update? A: Giving out about my team, Liverpool
ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZETTE CALL 60 10 240
Q: Describe your dream meal? A: Homemade lasagne, fat chips and coleslaw
Q: Where do you enjoy
spending money frivolously? A: Like many people, I tend to find I like spending frivolously on my mortgage.
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: About six or seven Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: Playa de Los Americas, Tenerife. A lads’ holiday when I was 19. Let’s just say, we didn’t live or dine in luxury.
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: Road trip around the USA for a couple of months
Q: What would be your dream job? A: To own my own travel business
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Lots of holidays, lots of golf, lots of grandchildren
23 February 2012 GAZETTE 17
18 GAZETTE 23 February 2012
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS
Edited by Cormac Curtis
RoadSigns Road Signs HONDAS GET A HART TO HELP WITH UPGRADES D U BL I N Ho n d a owners can now avail of the company’s latest innovation, HART (Honda Advanced Repair Technology). This wireless diagnostic technology is now available at all authorised Honda Dealers, and has been designed to assist after-sales technicians in communicating and upgrading software on Honda vehicles in a fast and efficient manner. HART provides the technicians with a seamless integration of troubleshooting with the on-board vehicle diagnostic systems, not only improving efficiency, but also first-time repair.
While the interior of the Mazda TAKERI (inset) is as stylish and luxurious as one would expect, the company’s real focus for the TAKERI at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show will be its wealth of notable features, ranging from its clever capture and storing of energy via its regenerative braking system to further improving fuel economy
Takeri – a Mazda marvel T T H E 2 01 2 Geneva International Motor Show Mazda is set to unveil, for the first time, its Mazda TAKERI concept – a next-generation mid-sized saloon featuring Mazda’s unique i-ELOOP regenerative braking technology. It will be joined onstage by the Mazda CX-5, a new compact crossover SUV equipped with the full range of Mazda’s breakthrough SK YACTIV technology; the MX-5 Special Edition Spring 2012, designed exclusively for the European market, and an array of new technologies and production models.
A
Adapting Mazda’s new KODO – Soul of Motion design theme, the TAKERI concept brings a new level of strength and allure to sedan styling. The TAKERI offers a taste of the future direction of Mazda’s next-generation CD sedan, having inherited the vision of the Mazda SHINARI, a four-door sports coupe concept showcased last year in Geneva. Under this exterior, the TAKERI features Mazda’s highly-efficient new SKYACTIV-D diesel engine, with i-stop (idlestop) system, and sixspeed SKYACTIV-Drive automatic transmission. The TAKERI aims for
the ultimate in energy efficiency without compromising on Mazda’s characteristic “zoomzoom” performance, and is the first car to be equipped with i-ELOOP. Kinetic energy Short for “Intelligent Energy Loop”, i-ELOOP – the company’s first regenerative braking system – uses a unique solution that converts kinetic energy to electricity during deceleration and stores it in an electric double layer capacitor. The power is used to run the vehicle’s electric components, thereby reducing the engine load
and increasing fuel economy by up to 10%. This contributes to the Mazda TAKERI’s outstanding fuel economy, which is achieved at no sacrifice to performance or comfort. The all-new CX-5 is the first production model incorporating Mazda’s new KODO – Soul of Motion design theme, and is also the first built with the full SKYACTIV technology range of engines, transmissions, body and chassis. The CX-5 thus delivers outstanding performance and responsive, yet predictable, handling, as well as a high-quality ride and exceptional safety.
Class-leading fuel economy and CO2 emissions come courtesy of the CX-5’s lightweight and aerodynamic design, together with the frugal SKYACTIV engines (all featuring i-stop), and fuel-saving SKYACTIV transmissions. The new MX-5 Special Edition Spring 2012 has been given an extra touch of class with a host of premium features, including chrome headlamp inserts, grille surrounds and fog lamp bezels on the outside, and Havana Brown premium leather upholstery on the inside. Available only in Europe, the latest ver-
sion of Mazda’s legendary roadster comes with soft-top or retractable hard-top, and a choice of four body colours: Radiant Ebony – exclusively for this model – along with Crystal White Pearl, Metropolitan Grey and Brilliant Black. In addition to extended audio connectivity, the Special Edition Spring 2012 will be the first MX-5 with an integrated navigation system. Mazda’s display at the 82nd Geneva International Motor Show will also showcase the company’s brand-new SK YACTIV technology, as well as all current models.
Number of prestigious awards for Ford from EURO NCAP EURO NCAP, Europe’s leading authority on auto safety, has named the Ford Focus the Best in Class small family car, in recognition of the vehicle’s crash-test rating and advanced safety technology. The Focus scooped one of only five Best In Class awards accolades on the strength of its maximum five-star
Euro NCAP rating, as well as four Euro NCAP Advanced rewards last year – an achievement unmatched by any other high-volume car. Euro NCAP also made special mention of the new Ford Ranger after it became the safest pickup yet tested by the organisation, achieving the only five-star Euro NCAP rating ever award-
ed to a pickup. The Ranger scored highly in all areas of assessment, receiving particular credit for pedestrian protection. Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe, said: “This award has special meaning, because designing and building the safest vehicles possible is a core value at Ford.
“The Focus exemplifies our approach to design cars that both help drivers avoid accidents and protect them when one is inevitable.” The Focus five-star rating was achieved through an adult occupant score of 92%, child occupant rating of 82%, pedestrian score of 72% and safety assist rating of 71%.
23 February 2012 GAZETTE 19
&
CommunionsCONFIRMATIONS 20 GAZETTE 23 February 2012
A few tips for family day to A
time; planning all of the details and imagining how the day will go. They will feel very grown-up, especially as they are all dressed up on the day. The Communion photo is an important part of every Commun-
ion experience, and it’s important to preserve the memory of this special occasion in a timeless portrait. There are a number of things to keep in mind that will help ensure you get photographs you will enjoy for years to come:
1. You should choose your photographer wisely, just as you would with any service provider you are thinking of hiring to work with your children. Don’t just go with the cheapest, or the one that the school has coming in, without checking out their work. Ask yourself a number of questions before booking: • Do you like their photographic style? • Do they just take traditional, posed shots, or can they produce more relaxed, artistic work that shows some of your child’s personality? • Are they technically
GET YOUR
CHILD’S First Holy Communion is a special milestone in their young lives, and in the life of their whole family. They have probably been looking forward to this day for a very long
proficient? Do skin tones look right? Can they photograph a white dress without losing the detail? • Are the photographs available in black and white or just colour? • Can you buy the CD of photos for you to reproduce them for relatives if you really like them? • Do they have experience working with children, settling any nerves and getting the best out of your child on a potentially stressful day? 2. Remember any accessories that make up part of your child’s Commun-
PARTY
STARTED ADVERTISE YOUR EVENT OR VENUE WITH THE GAZETTE... ...THE BEST IN LOW-COST ADVERTISING TO MAKE SURE YOUR EVENT IS TOP CLASS!
CALL THE GAZETTE NOW ON
60 10 240
23 February 2012 GAZETTE 21
CELEBRATING YOUR CHILD’S SPECIAL DAY
one special remember ion outfit, such as gloves, parasol, tie pins or cufflinks. “Ever yone forgets either the rosary beads or a prayer book!” says professional photographer Denise Cannon. “Keep them in Mammy’s handbag or Dad’s pocket until you need them, but don’t worry – a good photographer should always have spares on hand.” Also remember any special gifts the child has been given for their day, such as a cross pendant or dove pin as it might be nice for your child to be photographed wearing them.
3. USE this opportunity to have the whole family photographed together. It often takes a special occasion to prompt a family photo, so this is a perfect time to have one taken while everyone is dressed to the nines with their hair done! Have your photographer take photos of the Communion child with all of the different members of the family for a unique record of the day. Imagine how delighted Granny, or the child’s
godparents, would be if you give them a portrait of them together on their special day. 4. COMMUNION portraits are most often taken on the day itself, but you may be able to lessen some of the stress if you can have them taken beforehand. If girls are practising their hairdo before the day, they can pop on the dress and they’re ready, while boys just have to change into their new clothes.
If you’re including the family in the pictures, it’s a good opportunity to see if everything fits everyone and if their outfits will look good together in a portrait. You can also have the portrait taken after the occasion, but bear in mind that the dress, or suit, might not survive the Communion celebrations unscathed. But a good photographer should be able to retouch any small stains or damage with little trouble.
Getting the right picture will help make a special day one to remember
22 GAZETTE 23 February 2012
GazetteTTRAVEL Travel EXTRA
Blag a bloomin’ bargain dahn the stalls at a luvverly London market BARGAIN hunters, and those looking to find some real gems, are well-served by London markets, with BMI ready to whisk you away in style. Brick Lane Market is spread across several streets in the Brick Lane area, and features a wide range of market treasures while, of particular note, there are also some fantastic stalls selling exotic spices and colourful saris. Camden Market offers an extensive range of goods, from designer clothes and accessories, to one-off pieces of art, food and furnishings. Portobello Road Market has been a market since the 1800s, but became particularly famous for its antiques in the 1950s. Now, numerous stalls offer everything from fruit and bread to posters, clothes, music and of course, antiques. Old Spitalfields Market is a popular, covered market, selling everything from clothes to food to artwork. Once you’ve finished shopping, the cool bars and clubs of Shoreditch are just a stone’s throw away. Covent Garden London, housed in and around the iconic Market Building and piazzas, is an architectural masterpiece, with speciality shops, restaurants and cafes. Petticoat Lane Market, despite its name, is actually located on Middlesex and Wentworth Streets, near Liverpool Street station, and has great fashion bargains and household goods. For further information on London markets, log onto www.visitlondon.com; for flights to London, see www.flybmi.com.
Rugby’s cancelled? cosy up at Kinnitty K, I admit it occasionally I book weekends away – with my wife, but without the kids – to coincide with Ireland’s rugby internationals. So, sue me. But, to be fair, I am lucky enough to be married to someone who is as obsessed with rugby as I am – if not a little more so. Imagine then, if you will, the opportunity to visit Kinnitty Castle, in Co Offaly, without the kids, for the weekend of the Ireland v France Six
O
Nations’ clash. It is, as the younger readers might say, a nobrainer. We knew little or nothing about Kinnitty Castle before this trip, so, just like any other couple would, the Mrs and I did a little digging around online to find out what was being said about the place. I really wasn’t ready for what we found. Bearing in mind that we’re talking about a Gothic revival castle in the country - why is it people expect a place like this to offer satellite
-------------------------------------------------------
‘This is a castle with the kind of magic that reminds couples why they like to sneak off by themselves in the first place
--------------------------------------------------------
TV, air con, double glazing and a mini bar? This place was first destroyed in the year 1209, fast forward 700 years, and Republican forces burned the castle, after which it was rebuilt in 1928 to the building that stands today. This is not a Jurys or a Holiday Inn, it’s not a
Four Seasons, A Carlton or even a Sheraton. This is a castle that possesses the kind of magic that reminds couples why they like to sneak off to the country by themselves in the first place. No two guest rooms are the same, each boasts its own distinctive design and character – if you’re
lucky, you’ll get to stay in the O’Carroll suite – without doubt the biggest and most elegant guest room I have ever had the pleasure of staying in. Stunning period furniture and lighting make this a unique experience. And, for those who enjoy a dramatic bed, this one will take your breath away. A free-standing, highbacked bath finishes off the luxury here, so let’s talk about the food. We sat in the magnificent dining room, and enjoyed starters of spiced cream of cauliflower soup
23 February 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
FastTravel The Dominican Republic delights
A weekend at Kinnitty Castle, left, was just the thing for Cormac Curtis, above, and his wife. A lunch at The Thatch, in the nearby village of Crinkle, proved a successful outing ahead of the weekend’s rugby internationals
Special offer: Enjoy Easter with the family at Kinnitty APART from Christmas, Easter is one of the only holidays when the family can get together around a table full of food and eat until their hearts are content. Kinnitty Castle Hotel is putting on a deliciously
So, just Castle as well as crab and avocado - a real treat, especially the soup. Moving on to our mains, my hake on a fennel rosti served with langoustines was perfect, and my darling wife enjoyed a rump of lamb served with roast veg and a red wine jus – all cooked perfectly, and seasoned to perfection, the missus never once reached for the salt! Mille feuilles chantilly cream strawberries and an almond and pear tart finished off a stunning meal. After enjoying our food, the grounds of the castle
provided the perfect setting for an evening walk to help work off one or two calories! The next day, after a terrific hot breakfast served to the table, NOT a buffet, we had a quick flick through the newspapers before heading for the nearby town of Birr. As I said, it was a rugby weekend, so we needed to fit in a little sight-seeing before the matches kicked off. The Birr Castle Demesne is a delightful, award-winning spot where guests can get some fresh air and enjoy
special three-course Easter Sunday Lunch for just €21.50 per person (or two courses for €17.50 per person), with a special Easter Egg hunt for the children at 11am around the Castle grounds, on Sunday, April 8. Guests can extend their stay to include luxurious overnight accommodation with breakfast the next morning from an extra €75 per person. Steeped in fascinating history and full of character, Kinnitty Castle Hotel is a blend of old-world style and taste, complete with charming bedrooms. For details, call Kinnitty Castle Hotel on 057 9137318 or visit www.kinnittycastlehotel.com.
an afternoon coffee. But you cannot visit Birr without swinging by the famous Thatch restaurant in Crinkle. No prizes for guessing the kind of roof on this place – but the real magic is with the incredibly friendly staff and terrific value in delicious food. Seafood chowder, garlic mushrooms, duck spring roll and tiger prawns all provided the perfect base for an evening in a local pub to catch the Six Nations... Did I mention there were two matches to watch? A little advice from the
local music shop owner led us to the Chestnut pub, a more perfect spot we would not have been able to find. This place poured a great pint, had candles lit all over, a roaring fire, and a big screen - Pub perfection. The Italians almost got the better of the English that afternoon, and the Ireland game has yet to be played – but that didn’t stop us getting back to the hotel to enjoy a few last hours of luxury. This place comes highly, highly recommended.
FOR some luxury this summer, look to the Dominican Republic with Tropical Sky, which, from €1,079 per person, has a package for seven nights on an all-inclusive basis at the five-star Now Larimar in the Dominican Republic, making a saving of €340 per person. The price includes scheduled flights from Dublin, a room upgrade with accommodation in a deluxe tropical view room, resort transfers, taxes and surcharges. The package also includes a US$200 resort coupon per room per stay. Located on a picturesque white-sand beach, Now Larimar boasts gourmet restaurants, premium cocktails, a world-class spa and endless daytime and nighttime activities. For details on this, and other holidays, contact Tropical Sky at 01 807 7996, or see www.tropicalsky.ie.
24 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23 February 2012
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
GoingOUT PAVILION 01 231 2929 The Picture of Dorian Grey
YOU’LL be Wilde about this production of the classic play, with Oscar’s masterpiece being brought to life with ease by the expert players of Wonderland Productions Limited. Presented by The Pavilion, yet to be hosted at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney, Gate Theatre regulars Michael James Ford and Michael Winder will be joined by the RSC’s Simon Coury for an exquisite dinner theatre show at 7.30pm on Friday, February 24, with tickets priced €45, which includes a three-course meal.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 David O’Doherty
CONTINUING The Mill’s eclectic range of entertainment for south Dublin arts lovers, and running nightly at 8.10pm in the Studio until Saturday, February 25, Studio Shorts will feature a number of brisk but memorable plays. Small Box Psychosis, Bar and Ger, and The Philadelphia, will entertain with their tales of being trapped in an elevator, the relationship between a brother and sister, and a man’s bizarre adventures, respectively, and all courtesy of The Balally Players, with tickets priced at €12/€10.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 Johnny McEvoy
THE dulcet tones of Irish legend, Johnny McEvoy, are sure to delight at Draiocht, with his return visit to the venue sure to strike a chord with his fans. A warm-hearted, nostalgic evening awaits music fans, featuring many of McEvoy’s songs, presented with a master’s touch for the best of Irish folk and ballads. Johnny will also feature a number of tracks from his new album. Catch his show on Saturday, February 25 at 8pm, with tickets priced €25/€23 conc.
The legendary, titular singer of Cheyenne and the Fellows (Sean Penn) finds his dull, boring life living in wealthy obscurity in Dublin is about to change when he heads off to New York to reconcile with his dying father – only to find himself travelling the States as an unlikely Nazi hunter
Penn-ing a winner Nazis, pop stars, New York and Blanchardstown – This Must Be The Place is anything but a conventional film ... I KATE CROWLEY
AH, I love cinema! Just think of all the exotic sights and locations that a film can take you to, whisking you away from mundane, depressing reality! (The sorry sight of the Crowley household’s bedraggled back garden in February is reason enough to practically move into the nearest one-screener.) I mean, just think of all the amazing locales that a film can take you to – such as, err... Blanchardstown Shopping Centre! Yes, indeed, you read that right. Hollywood is all set to welcome the sights and sounds of humble BSC to her sun-kissed shore, courtesy of Sean Penn’s upcoming film, This Must Be The Place, which, some readers may have noted, was partly filmed in parts of Dublin some time back, with a number of other instantly recognisable Dublin loca-
FILM OF THE WEEK: This Must Be The Place #### (15A) 110 mins Director: Paolo Sorrentin Starring: Sean Penn, Frances McDormand, Judd Hirsh, Harry Dean Staunton, Eve Hewson, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre
OUR VERDICT: IN SOME ways, This Must Be The Place is like a lot of films you’ve seen before – yet, in other ways, it’s like nothing you’ve seen before. Mixing up several road movie tropes, and with much of the film having a familiar Americana setting, it still manages to create its own identity in an already crowded genre, largely thanks to Penn’s memorable character, and unusual subject matter.
tions and sights also popping up in the film’s first act. And now, this must be the review; a little in advance of its imminent release, but hey – my column, my rules, folks! Cheyenne (Penn) is a faded pop star with a, um, rather distinctive look, mooching around in Dublin, living a thoroughly boring life in his mansion, supported by the royalties from his long-gone hits, and living with his lovely American wife of many years, Jane (McDormand). Plodding around Dublin, Cheyenne’s life – bar
the delightful Jane – is more or less meaningless ... until, that is, meaning and purpose comes a-callin’, courtesy of his dying father back in the States, whom he hasn’t seen in 30 years. Arriving too late to make things up with his old man, Cheyenne, the eternal (if aging) rock star, learns that his father, an Auschwitz survivor, had wanted to track down his Nazi tormentor from the camp, who is probably still alive and living somewhere in America. With his lipstick, candyfloss hair, reading glasses
and wheely-suitcase, Cheyenne is probably the world’s least-likely Nazi hunter – but this lost cause sparks a flame in the somewhat lost star. Despite his thin, weedy voice and an almost befuddled way of expressing himself, Cheyenne actually has plenty of depth of character to face up to the unlikely challenge of finding his father’s tormentor. (Of course, all Dubs will know that any middle-aged man who can wander around our city, sporting bright lipstick and clad in The Cureinspired fashion, would have to be made of stern stuff, indeed.) So begins a road movie, of sorts, as Cheyenne, rock star and Nazi-hunter, sets off to find an old Nazi and, in the process, find himself. (I feel contractually obliged to bung that one in there, folks.) However, as he drifts through one rural back-
water after another, standing out like a visitor from another planet, one question remains – what will Cheyenne do if he ever catches up with his quarry? Will he be very mean, or will he be Nazi? It’s a pretty interesting film, if slightly curious in its subject matter. I mean, who would have thought that aging stars, Americana, a road trip movie, Auschwitz, extensive David Byrne (he of Talking Heads fame) music, Sean Penn and, um, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre would make a great film? However, luckily, this witches’ brew works, with Penn managing to tone down his usual Pennisms to create a memorable character. Although we’ve seen much of this kind of content matter before, we’ve never seen it quite like this, making this The Place to spend an entertaining 110 minutes.
23 February 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Adding to controversial Heights with another interesting chapter I’VE written here before about Zynga’s controversial Apple IOS title, Dream Heights, and how it’s been accused in several quarters of the gaming press of too closely resembling another (and superior) title, Tiny Tower. Well, in the continuing drama around this particular release, the latest chapter in Dream Heights’ life has seen the US iTunes store listing glowing reviews of the title, which is fair enough – until you note that some of the five-star rave reviews come from the people who created it.
With “cloning” of smash-hit titles proving an increasingly contentious issue in the gaming industry (and with apps particularly susceptible to this emerging trend), it can be difficult to spot the original among almost identical titles – especially if they clone its graphics and gameplay
When cloning around is no laughing matter SHANE DILLON
DID you know that, while games titles – and, rarely, characters, or other key components – may be patented and registered for protection under various copyright laws, the content itself is rarely given legal protection? Incredibly, while gaming standalone titles, and franchises, continue to generate vast amounts of money for the lucky top-tier of developers and publishers, there tends to be very little legal protection for such intellectual property (IP). If I were to announce to Gazette readers that I was about to write a children’s book about, say, a teenage magician called “Harold Porter”, who wears contact lenses, and who has a z-shaped scar on his forehead, and that my masterpiece would be entitled, Harold Porter And The Philosophical Rock, I might expect
to receive a number of legal letters, somewhat sharpish, from a variety of impressive law firms. If, however, I wished to, say, make a smartphonebased, touchscreen-driven, physics-based game, where I catapulted a number of birds towards flimsy structures made of wood, glass and rock, principally with the aim of crushing some cyancoloured boars (and called my game, say, Annoyed Birds), there would be nothing to stop me. Indeed, apart from keeping an eye on this very topic and how it’s regularly reported in a variety of international gaming websites and publications, I, myself, have seen a number of such “cloned” titles, available to buy or download on a leading app digital distribution portal. Typically, the “developer” of such titles insist that, no, they’re not blatantly
copying an original title, but are, instead, merely adding a similar title to an established genre. In this manner, I’ve seen leading games’ assets (principally, instantlyrecognisable characters, models, and textures) repackaged into someone else’s game, which tended to have identical gameplay and structures.
Wild West In this kind of anything-goes landscape, cloned titles – in the form of Harold Porter – is free to pop his head up in this Wild West that much, if not most, gaming IP inhabits, legally speaking. So, where are the sherriffs for this bold – but wild – lawless landscape, where Harold Porter and his gang are free to ride into town, grab whatever original IP they find, and then ride off into the sunset, ready to flog “their” wares from the back of a digital distribution
wagon? (I apologise for all of these Western cliches, but they seem to fit my points, perfectly!) Well, while legal eagles have yet to properly police this largely lawless landscape in the same manner as publishing, music and cinema are protected, its inhabitants – gamers – are slowly but surely beginning to form posses, and bring vocal, frontier justice to bear on any questionable actions by Porter, and pals. Where such members of Porter’s Gang ride into town (principally, hitching themselves near the front of gaming sections on distribution hubs), and once they’ve been spotted, “vigilantes” – or, irate gamers, to you and me – start h a m mering up the equivalent of
“wanted” posters, in the form of highly-critical reviews, low grades and, most damningly of all, explicitly referring to the original title from whence the clone sprang. While gamers are perfectly happy to engage in largely similar content, and games that are largely similar, they don’t take very kindly to the thought that Game B has been, basically, cloned from Game A – and especially when those behind Game B claim their innocence, despite any strong evidence to the contrary. It’ll be interesting to see how the industry shapes up to the increasing threat of blatantly cloned titles, as new media platforms bring the issue increasingly to the fore, and will, potentially, railroad Porter’s Gang out of town in the near future ...
Descriptions As reported online, John Lerma, senior user experience designer, described it as “awesome”, while Matthew Ott, Zynga producer, wrote: “Dream Heights is beautiful, fun and polished. Another must-play from Zynga!” However, when it comes to selling apps and games online, the industry, and gamers, frown on what, to many, seems like a system open to abuse, if developers start praising their own work in a commercially-driven sector. Balancing out such glowing reviews, gamers have been busy leaving a wall of one-star reviews for Dream Heights, adding another interesting chapter to this tale ...
GAZETTE
26 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23 February 2012
DUNDRUMclassifieds
BATHROOMS
To advertise, call us now on 01 60 10 240 Email us at sales@gazettegroup.com BUILDING
CLASSES
DIVORCE SERVICES
PLUMBING
DVD SERVICES
DISABILITY SERVICES
REPAIRS
BUILDING GARDENING
EMPLOYMENT RECRUITMENT
TO LET
TIMBER PRODUCTS
TILING
DENTAL
PLANNING NOTICE
PLANNING NOTICE
DUN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL
DUN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNTY COUNCIL
We, The Marist Fathers, seek Permission for Demolition of existing single storey changing rooms, and construction of 2 storey Sports Changing Facilities comprising new car and coach park layout, new exit/ entrance route and railings adjacent to Church to accommodate traffic to pavilion and adjacent development lands and associated landscaping works and signage, at Marists Father’s lands, Mount Saint Mary’s, Bird Avenue, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
Planning permission is sought for change of use of ground floor (residential to commercial), with replaced extension to rear of existing protected structure at 15 Pembroke Cottage, Dundrum, Dublin 14 by Bronagh Moynagh. The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire during its’ public opening hours. A submission/ observation may be made in writing on payment of €20 within a period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.
CC2
14850
PET SERVICES
LOCAL CLASSES
MATTERS SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS
CALL US ON 60 10 240
23 February 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 27
GazetteSPORT
ALL ROUND THE WORLD Documentary focuses on the Irish experience and GAA abroad: Page 29
SWIMMING: YEAR OF OLYMPIC PREPARATION SEES NAC SET FOR PRESTIGIOUS VISITORS
Aquatic Centre powers into the new year sport@gazettegroup.com
AS IT faces into one of it’s busiest and biggest years ever, the National Aquatic Centre has partnered with Electric Ireland to help power it through 2012. This year is set to be a very busy one, with the NAC due to host preOlympic international teams, such as the USA Synchronised Swimming Squad, Olympic Water Polo Champions, Hun-
gary, and also the UK water polo squad as they prepare for the London games in summer. Similarly, Electric Ireland will also share a keen interest in the build-up to games as Energy Partner to Ireland’s Olympic team. Last year, the NAC broke the 800,000 mark for the first time and became Ireland’s third most popular fee-paying attraction, with an overall 46% growth in numbers over the past five years.
As part of the 12month contract Electric Ireland will supply all the Dublin-based centre electricity requirements. Energy efficiency is high on the centre’s agenda and their efforts were recently recognised when they were shortlisted for the Sustainable Energy Awards. With the help of Electric Ireland the National Aquatic Centre is making great progress in reducing its energy requirements.
Some young swimmers help cap the announcement of the NAC’s partnership with Electric Ireland
The centre, which is the premier venue for competitive swimming, diving and water polo in Ireland, has facilities which include a 50-metre pool, diving pool with Olympic diving boards and major leisure water park. It successfully hosted the swimming events of the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games
and the European shortcourse championships. David Conway, director of operations for the National Aquatic Centre, said: “We have enjoyed working with Electric Ireland over the last three years and are delighted with the energy efficiency we have managed to achieve. We look forward to another
mutually beneficial year together in 2012.” He added: “It is the policy of the National Aquatic Centre not only to look for first-class suppliers, but also to ensure that we get the most competitive pricing possible and best value for money.” Announcing the contract, Electric Ireland’s
customer relationship manager, Alan Daisey, said: “We are extremely pleased to be continuing to work with the centre; we have developed a highly flexible, innovative contract which will help drive cost-savings and energy efficiency for the National Aquatic Centre in the months to come.”
28 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23 February 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
Fionnuala hails the Great Ireland Run THE SPAR Great Ireland Run held a Love to Run flash lap last week with Fionnuala Britton, the European Cross-Country Champion, on hand to lead the event. Runners, joggers and walkers joined Fionnuala on her lunch break to complete a lap around Merrion Square Park (approximately 1100 metres) to show their love for running, and to promote this year’s Great Ireland Run, which will take place this year in the Phoenix Park on Sunday, April 15. Ireland’s fastest growing 10km running event will be broadcast live on RTE. For more information on the 2012 event and how to enter, see www.greatirelandrun. org.
Ireland back on form after shock defeat IRELAND’S cricketers, who featured local heroes Kevin O’Brien and George Dockrell, reversed their shock defeat to Kenya in Mombasa last weekend with a 117-run win over their hosts in the second of their World Cup qualifying matches against
the African team. Ed Joyce helped to restore Irish nerves after he scored 88 runs in the 117-run win, the boys in green having started poorly to stand at 76-4 before Joyce stepped in, Ireland eventually finishing their innings on 237-9 from 50 overs. Ireland now face the Kenyans in a trio of Twenty20 matches before they travel to South Africa for their training camp.
LADIES’ FOOTBALL: DUBLIN DENIED BY OLD ENEMIES AT HOME
Dublin ladies’ footballers suffered their first reverse of the Division 1 campaign against Cork last weekend
Cork pip the Jackies NFL DIVISION 1 Dublin Cork
0-8 1-8
sport@gazettegroup.com
DUBLIN’S great run at the start of their 2012 Bord Gais Energy Division 1 league campaign came to an end last weekend when the visit of Cork to Pairc Ui Murchu saw the Rebelettes claim a decisive win over the Jackies that puts them at the top of the table. The sides could barely be separated throughout the 60 minutes, but a goal from Cork’s second-half sub, Doireann O’Sullivan, proved decisive and was the difference between the sides come the final whistle. The first score of the game, a pointed free by Cork Sports Woman of the Year, Juliet Murphy,
came in 10th minute of the first half. Cork, who had a huge percentage of possession, appeared to have left their kicking boots on the team bus, much to the relief of the Dublin defence and management. Cork’s second score was another free, this time converted by three-time All-Star, Nollaig Cleary. Foxrock Cabinteely for ward Ciara Murphy was the first on the scoreboard for Dublin with a well-taken point from just outside the 20. Amy McGuinness, who was introduced into the game for corner forward Orlaith Egan, slotted over a free to bring the sides level. With eight minutes remaining in the first half, Dublin had begun to get the measure of the Rebe-
lettes, and their running game was starting to ask questions of the Cork half-back line. A penetrating Dublin move up the pitch, which had originated in front of the Dublin full-back line via midfield, resulted in Dublin’s Sinead Aherne being taken down in a combined tackle by Anne Marie Walsh and Deirdre O’Reilly. Up stepped Aherne to take the penalty, but Cork keeper, Elaine Harte, managed to get down quickly and blocked the shot. The save gave her team new momentum and they broke rapidly down field, the drive resulting in another Cork free which was once more converted by Murphy. On the restart, Dublin were quickly on the scoreboard with a Niamh
McEvoy point. The St Sylvester’s star had been moved from her named midfield berth to the half forward line, and was showing well for the ball and was giving the midfield pairing of Goldrick and Finnegan a target to aim for. At this stage, the game ebbed and flowed, with both sides exchanging points and the lead. On target for Cork again was Murphy and Cleary, while Dublin’s Aherne and McGuinness where on target for the Metropolitans, sharing their team’s free-taking duties. The game’s only goal came from O’Sullivan, whose speculative shot on goal while running through the heart of the defence foiled the Dublin keeper. To Dublin’s credit
they continued to battle hard, running time and time again at the Cork defence desperately seeking that elusive goal, while Cork defended in large numbers in front of Harte’s goal. With Dublin pressing hard, Cork relented and conceded a free which Aherne duly pointed, bringing Dublin to within three points of the six times league champions. But time caught up on the Sky Blues when referee McEnery blew his whistle to signal the end of this entertaining encounter. Eamonn Ryan’s team remain the only division one team with a 100% record, and Cork would be many pundits favourites even at this stage of the competition to retain their league crown come May.
23 February 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 29
in association with
Once upon a time in America
FastSport
The experience of the Irish abroad in sport formed Sign up for RugbyForce and help your local club the basis for a fascinating documentary, as STEPHEN FINDLATER found when he spoke to its director THE player drain caused by the recession has been one of the bitter problems for the GAA in the past few years with clubs losing stalwarts to Australia, Canada and the US. On the flip side, that drain has been acting as a link to the homeland for many Irish abroad. It is a connection that Ballinteer man, Cillian O’Chonchur, delicately helped to portray in the documentary, An Exile’s home in the Bronx, which airs throughout February on Setanta Ireland. It follows the fortunes of the 2011 New York side and their struggles to prepare for a Connacht senior football championship date with Roscommon, hoping for a maiden win. The result did not materialise but, along the journey, O’Chonchur, and directors Niall and Steven McCann, amassed over 80 hours of footage from
within the camp, with heart-felt and personal interviews with the players. O’Chonchur, a sports journalist, came up with the original premise whilst
they’d be back in Ireland’,” he told GazetteSport. “Although it’s based around the game with Roscommon, it hopefully comes across as not a straight, sports documen-
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
‘These guys [in the documentary] had to leave Ireland for New York while, at the same time, trying to cling onto their only bit of Irishness’
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
on a Fulbright scholarship in New York and says the story told became very much that of the players and their situations. “The New York team, itself, would not have any major stars in it. Dan Doona played minor and U-21 for Kerry and a few of them did similar but didn’t pursue it. One of them sums it up: ‘If football was their main goal,
tary, but as one which sees these guys have to leave Ireland for New York while at the same time trying to cling on to their only bit of Irishness.” For some, this has meant 11 years away from home and, for Waterford man Aidan Power, nine years since seeing his father, having left Ireland to pursue work. To add context, the likes
NY manager Seamus Sweeney puts the side through their paces
of Kevin Moran, Darragh O Se and Jack O’Connor lend their words on the American GAA experience, providing a context of the passion that exists in the Irish community. Indeed, Moran suggested it was a seminal moment in his career, saying it was there he “got the love for football back”, going on to win two AllIrelands before signing for Manchester United. But Moran and O Se’s experiences came from their position as “weekend players” unlike the central characters around Gaelic Park “There have been so many players to play over in the US, it was very hard to break it down. You can’t everything in it. “Moran and O Se; they were weekend players. One of the things we left was that Dara got banned for six months because he wasn’t authorised to play over there. As it happened, there was a meeting and it was lessened as there were so many players who had played over there without being sanctioned. “For O Se, he’d go over for three days. It was far more common when there was more money around, mainly for the league finals, so it could have been a who’s who of players over there.” O’Conchur – whose brother Padraic lines out for Ballinteer St John’s senior footballers – had initially looked at making
the documentary in 2010, centering on the American side’s much closer tussle with Galway. He and another Irish masters’ student at New York University initially put together a piece for a college television project, building a rapport with the players and team management and approached Setanta with a view to broadcasting it. The Irish sports channel backed the premise, and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland came through with funding for the project in March of 2011. With the transitive nature of the New York team, O’Chonchur and this team set about putting together a new story but the essence remained in place. “We didn’t use any of what we shot the first year. As it happened, the score was much closer in 2010 when they almost beat Galway, so we basically started afresh because some of the players weren’t there. The players we wanted to follow had stuck around. “I came back to Ireland in May [2010] and started writing up a treatment and then found out last March we got the funding so, from then until two weeks ago, it was pretty much all I eat, dreamed and slept. There’s no better way to learn something than doing everything yourself.”
SOME of Dublin’s top local club rugby players lined out last week in their Ulster Bank League strips at Old Wesley RFC – flanked by Irish rugby stars, Sean O’Brien, Sean Cronin and Shane Jennings – to help to launch Ulster Bank’s RugbyForce, an initiative which provides rugby clubs with support to renovate their club and upgrade their facilities. RugbyForce encourages rugby supporters, their friends and families to give something back to their local community and rugby club by volunteering to undertake renovations to clubhouses and grounds. Every registered club will be provided with online guidance and tools, and the first 25 clubs will also receive an increased support pack that includes €250 worth of materials, t-shirts for volunteers and an Ulster Bank RugbyForce plaque. Four lucky clubs (one from each province) will be selected for a very special makeover, which will see them awarded with €5,000 of goods and resources to use during their RugbyForce makeover weekend. Clubs must register for Ulster Bank RugbyForce online by April 13. Ulster Bank introduced the RugbyForce programme last season, after joining forces with the IRFU to become their official Community Partner. Ireland and Munster rugby legend, Alan Quinlan, is calling on clubs across Ireland to enter the programme. “With the success of the Irish national team and the outstanding development of our provincial sides in recent years, support for Irish rugby has seen a dramatic increase. The focus on young player development is at an all-time high and, thankfully, this professional development has been fed into rugby clubs across the country. Every week, exceptionally talented players line-out for their clubs in crunching showdowns.” Speaking about RugbyForce, John Hussey, IRFU President, said: “I would encourage all rugby clubs to enter the Ulster Bank RugbyForce initiative. It is a unique way of providing an added incentive for helping clubs maintain their facilities. It also provides a fantastic opportunity to bring members, players and supporters together to improve their local club.” For more information, log on to www. ulsterbank.com/rugby
30 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23 February 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
SOCCER: CELTIC DEFEAT LEAGUE LEADERS IN PAT WHITE CUP
St Jude’s fight way to great charity total St Jude’s GAA club recently hosted a whitecollar boxing night at the Red Cow Hotel and raised the grand total of almost €40,000. Nearly 1,000 people turned up to see 40 St Jude’s members take to the ring. The boxers were trained by Drimnagh Boxing club and the event was managed by Olympic gold medallist, Michael Carruth, and his brother, Fergal. The club wish to thank all those who helped out on the night, all those who attended and bought raffle tickets, the local business sponsors and the heroic boxers.
SARI hold penalty kick record bid ANTI-RACISM sporting organisation, SARI, are partnering with the Colleges’ Football Association of Ireland, the FAI and IT Tallaght in an attempt to break the world record for consecutive penalties. The record was set by the Major League Soccer franchise in New York last June, when 742 penalties - including one from David Beckham - were taken. SARI’s aim is to take at least 1,000 and, hopefully, to keep going. The event will take place in Tallaght Stadium on Wednesday, February 29 from 8.30am till 5pm. As part of the event, they will be raising funds for SARI and The National Children’s Hospital, Tal-
laght. Any donations on the day are very welcome. For more information, see www.charitypenaltykick.org
DSDAC claim title at indoor championship DSD travelled with an under-strength team to Odyssey Arena in Belfast for the National Indoor athletics championships as their lineup was decimated by illness. Nonetheless, they took gold via an emphatic win by Hazel Murphy in the 3k, running a 9:20.35 and led at the end by over 20 seconds. She proved the club’s only medallist just a week after competing at the European clubs crosscountry championships. Grainne Moggan was sixth in the high jump, clearing 1.65m.
The Leicester Celtic Under-12 side who defeated Greenhill Boys to reach the semi-final of the Pat White Cup
Leicester progress to semi sport@gazettegroup.com
L E IC E S T E R C E LTIC Under-12 Premier SDFL team successfully progressed to the semifinal of the Pat White Cup last weekend with a hard-fought, low-scoring win over Greenhill Boys. The away tie, which saw the side supported by a hardy band of wellwrapped followers who braved the elements on a chilly but bright morning at Greenhills saw Leicester take to the field under no illusion as to the task at hand, with their opponents sitting at the summit of
the SDFL Premier Sunday League. With no quarter asked for nor given, a tight battle ensued, with both defences proving hard for their opponents to break down. Leicester Celtic s h owe d g o o d t e a m spirit, resilience and an excellent work rate to restrict Greenhills to a few long-range efforts in the early stages of the match. Celtic’s 4 - 4 -2 formation was working well as a unit to keep Greenhills at bay, and also served to provide some counter-attacking opportunities for the
Leicester front line. Not long before halftime came what turned out to be the pivotal moment of the match. The hard-working John McGinn latched onto a through ball and, despite protests of offside from the Greenhill supporters, calmly slotted the ball past the keeper to establish an advantage before half time. Colm Sargent’s halftime team talk and tactical insight helped to instil a steely determination and discipline into the Leicester Celtic team af ter the turn, which was much needed as they had to with-
stand a concerted effort by Greenhills Boys to level the match. Wave after wave of attacks were re-buffed by the hard-working Leicester Celtic midfield and defence, although they gave their supporters cause for concern at times. C o u n t e r- a t t a c k i n g opportunities did come and go for Leicester Celtic as they grew in confidence with the match drawing towards its final minutes. The final whistle was greeted with euphoria by Leicester Celtic players, manager and supporters alike, with good
sportsmanship on all sides shown at the end with handshakes and good wishes for the next round from Greenhills Boys. Colm Sargent and his team will hope to bring their resilience and good form forward to the semi-final. Leicester Celtic: back row: John McGinn, Conor Lowe, Nial Kelleher, Matthew Sargent, Fionn Mooney, Enda Cashman, Colm Sargent (Manager/Coach) Front row: Gavin Holohan, Joe McGrath, Dylan Reynolds, Luke Andrew Feeney, Max O’Donnell, Aiden Garvey, Daire Lynch Not pictured: Ian Wickham
Roche off to good start to 2012 stages
sport@gazettegroup.com
DUNDRUM man Nicolas Roche showed strong form when he finished 14th overall in the Volta ao Algarve, the first stage race of 2012. He completed a good week’s work with a 29th-place finish on a 25.8km time trial that Bradley Wiggins won just ahead of Tony Martin. The result dropped Roche three places from his Saturday night position of eleventh. Earlier in the week, Roche began the tour with a fifth-
place finish when he emerged as one of the front runners in the peloton as a bunch sprint concluded the 151km race from Dunas Douradas (Almancil) to Albufeira. Roche was one of a quartet of Irish riders taking part in the Portuguese event, the others being Philip Deignan (UnitedHealthcare), Ronan McLaughlin and Connor McConvey (An Post Grant Thornton M Donnelly Sean Kelly). With time bonuses applied, Roche star ted the second stage ten seconds off the pace,
but he fell outside the top ten a day later. The talented Edvald Boasson Hagen won the second stage on Thursday, with Roche remaining ten seconds off the pace in the reshuffled list after a 38th-place finish. He clawed back seven positions a day later when he finished 44 seconds behind the stage winner, and sat 54 seconds off the leader with two stages remaining, technically within striking distance of the leaders. The Ag2r La Mondiale rider
maintained that placing on stage four, when he finished in the peloton, ending the stage 31st. Speaking about Roche’s performances, his team’s sporting director Julien Jurdie said: “This shows that he is in good condition and it augurs well for the future. We often have difficulties in the early stages but it was not the case and we will do everything to keep progressing. I hope the days to come will be even better. Anyway, this first step gives me great hope.”
23 February 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 31
in association with
HURLING: LOCAL SCHOOL PUSH THE CHAMPIONS
a
CLUB NOTICEBOARD BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S BEST wishes to newly-appointed sen-
Donie Kerin is organising a refresher
ior football manager, Liam O’Dwyer,
course and an introductory course
and his squad.
in the use of the defribillators. Please
Many thanks to those who sup-
give names of participants to Donie
ported the Cian Durkin Memorial
or Noel Sheridan in the club office on
Tournament Table Quiz. Well done to
087 293 3829.
quizmaster Declan O’Brien. This year’s gala night will take place on Sunday, March 18, in CityWest
Noel Browne presents a Cabaret Show on Saturday, March 31; another great night on the cards.
Hotel. A special night is being planned
Foundation Award Course for any
so please keep an eye on the website.
Academy or U-9 to U-12 coach who
Former Kerry All-Ireland winning
has not yet completed the course -
football manager, Pat O’Shea, will deliver a coaching course in the club. Register on the website.
see bodengaa.ie. Lotto: Numbers drawn were 6, 3, 9 and 5. Jackpot of €10,000 not won.
BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S
Colaiste Eoin were able to show the reigning All-Ireland champions their mettle at Dr Cullen Park
Eoin miss out on the final despite battle LEINSTER COLLEGES SHCA St Kieran’s (Kilkenny) Colaiste Eoin
0-15 1-8
I sport@gazettegroup.com
COLAISTE Eoin pushed the reigning AllIreland champions, St Kieran’s of Kilkenny, all the way in their Leinster Colleges SHC A semifinal clash at Dr Cullen Park last Saturday. T h e B o o t e r s t ow n school put in a battling performance against the legendary Kilkenny nursery, only succumbing in the closing phases to end their dream of a major giant-killing result. The Dubliners had enjoyed a strong opening 20 minutes and were in front within a minute through Jack O’Faolain. Their cause was further boosted by the game’s only goal on five minutes when Colm O’Croinin found the corner of the net. However, they were unable to build up the
lead their domination of the encounter warranted. Slowly, the champions gained a foothold, with midfielder Peter Kenneally to the fore and centre-forward Michael Donnelly scoring three frees in the opening 22 minutes to bring the Kilkenny school back into contention. Chris Bolger had registered Kieran’s first score from play on 23 minutes, and they led 0-7 to 1-2 at the break. Three Colaiste Eoin points followed the r e s t a r t – t wo f r o m Oisin O’Ruairc and one from the impressive O’Faolain – and put the challengers back in front. T he match went score-for-score until the final minutes when Kieran’s pulled away, with points from influential full forward Thomas Hanrahan, sub Jamie Maher and two frees from Don-
nelly, which sealed their place in the final in the coming weeks, while Colaiste Eoin can be proud of their performance in the tie. Elsewhere, Dublin ladies’ winning start to the Bord Gais Energy division 1 league came to an end when they fell to a three-point defeat to Cork in front of a large crowd in Pairc Ui Murchu last Sunday, 1-8 to 0-8. It was nip-and-tuck throughout as Cork Sports Woman of the Year, Juliet Mur phy, opened the scoring in the tenth minute. T hree time All-Star, Nollaig Cleary, lengthened the margin but F ox r o c k C a b i n t e e l y forward, Ciara Murphy, responded with a welltaken point from the 20m line. Fingallians’ Amy McGuinness was introduced and duly slotted a free to bring the sides level and Sinead Aherne
had a great chance to push her side clear but saw her penalty saved by Elaine Harte. It allowed Cork an opening to move back in front at half-time with Murphy on the mark. On the restart, Dublin were quickly on the board with a Niamh McEvoy point, the St Sylvester’s star moved to the half-for ward line to show well, giving midfield pairing of Goldrick and Finnegan a top target. On target for Cork again were Murphy and Cleary while Dublin’s Sinead Aherne and Amy McGuinness scored points to make it 0-5 each. T h e g a m e ’s o n l y goal came from Cork’s second-half sub, Doireann O’Sullivan, as her speculative shot on the run had the power to get past Cliodhna O’Connor and it proved the vital moment of the day.
THERE was no winner of last Thurs-
tion and raise much-needed funds
day’s Lotto draw. Numbers drawn
for our football and hurling Feile
were 9, 15, 16 and 24. Next week’s
Teams. Bags collected from the club-
draw will be for €6,400. Tickets are
house on Saturday, February 25 from
available online at www.ballinteerst-
10 to 1pm and 4 to 5pm. The charity
johns.com or from the usual outlets.
CanTeen (supports teenagers with
Wednesday nights are a great night of traditional music, no cover charge. Why not come up and join in or enjoy
cancer) also benefits. Singalong in the bar on Tuesdays, singers and musicians welcome.
a night of music and craic? Spread
Well done to our junior hurlers
the word to your friends, family and
on cup victory on Sunday. Speedy
neighbours.
recovery to Shauna Garvin from all
Please support our clothes collec-
ladies footballers and mentors.
NAOMH OLAF COMMISERATIONS to Naomh Olaf sen-
Sunday at 11am. The full fixture list is
ior footballers who were beaten by
on hill16.ie.
one point by Ballyboden in the Loving Cup A3. Final score 0-6 to 0-5, it was a good work-out in preparation for the start of the league next weekend. Also, the senior hurlers started their 2012 season in Corn Ceatinn
A very enjoyable mentors’ night was had on February 17 . Bridge classes for beginners will take place in the clubhouse February 23 and March 1. Details from Joan O’Mahony 086-1084701.
against St Kevin’s, losing by one point,
The Paul Curran race night was a
3-12 to 4-8. The match reports are on
sell-out in no small part due to those
naomholaf.ie.
who came along from neighbouring
Fixtures next weekend : AFL Naomh Olaf Vs St Patrick’s in Pairc Ui Bhriain on Sunday at 10.30am. MHL Naomh Olaf Vs Raheny in Pairc Ui Bhriain on
club Ballyboden to support the event. A sincere thank-you to Ballyboden. Lotto: Numbers drawn were 4, 19 and 25. There was no winner.
WANDERERS MEMBERSHIP now due and must be paid in full before February 27. Playing members €100, non-playing members €50. No player will be eligi-
Junior A league game on Sunday away to St Jude’s in Tymon Park at 11am, Junior Bs are at home v Na Gaeil Oga at 3pm. All support welcome.
ble to play unless fully paid up prior
Junior A and B players training
to competitive matches commencing
continues at Scoil Mhuire each Tues-
on February 11. Non-playing mem-
day at 7.30pm, Firhouse Gym each
bers are entitled to apply for Dublin
Thursday at 7.45pm.
tickets if fully paid up only. Contact Damian on 086 863 2565. Tickets for the Dublin Spring Series
All players from both teams expected to attend. Contact your managers if unable to attend.
matches now available at discount-
Ladies’ training each Monda y
ed price of €30 for the three home
at 7.15pm in Frank Kelly Park and
matches. Please contact Gary for
Wednesday at 7pm in Firhouse Gym.
details on 086 833 0433.
Contact Ian on 087 630 7046.
ALL OF YOUR DUNDRUM SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31
CELTIC HEROES: Leicester’s U-12s battle through to cup semi-final P30
EXILES IN THE BRONX: Life as part of the New York county panel P29
GazetteSPORT
Three Rock Rovers celebrate their second place finish at the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champion’s Challenge II in Malatya, Turkey
FEBRUARY 23, 2012
Turkish delight as Rovers rock on Rathfarnham’s Three Rock Rovers endured a series of setbacks but still earned European indoor success STEPHEN FINDLATER
dundrumsport@gazettegroup.com
THREE Rock Rovers overcame a turbulent trip to snow-bound Malatya in south-eastern Turkey last weekend to claim promotion from the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champion’s Challenge II. The Rathfarnham club finished second in their six-team group behind hosts Anadolu Atesi, bouncing back from an opening game defeat to Norwegian champions, Sagene. That was a frustrating tie as baggage handlers mislaid the Irish side’s gear en route from Istanbul, leaving them to borrow goalkeeping gear and sticks from other competing sides. It left the side mentally off-kilter, succumbing to Sagene 4-2. With only the bare minimum sticks provided, it led to comical scenes of players swapping sticks at substitution time and during the warm-up, leading to a disjointed performance. It left them within a defeat of elimination when they had intended on pushing for the title.
But the arrival of their gear last Friday afternoon provided a noticeable lift, the sticks and Stephen West’s keeping pads arriving five minutes after the scheduled tip-off against Georgian side, Batumi. Jody Hosking bossed the tie, running up four goals, while Ross Canning scored the first of two hat-tricks in the tournament as they ran up a 13-1 victory. A 5-2 win over Finland’s ABC Team continued the upsurge in fortunes before facing the Turkish hosts who had already amassed three wins. But, in front of a hostile home crowd, Canning popped up with a late leveller for a 3-3 draw 90 seconds from time. Garry Ringwood had opened the account but the Turks nudged ahead with a couple of goals before McConnell charged forward to sweep home from the top of the circle. Atesi led again on half-time before a fired up second half sawThree Rock win a series of corners but missed out on numerous occasions. Canning, though, nabbed the equaliser after Colin Huet’s
reverse pass bounced his way. Stephen West held out some late drama to secure the draw. It made for an all-or-nothing date with Bulgarian champions, Lokomotiv Sofia, on Sunday morning. Game five of the intense tournament, the tie was on the sluggish side and Rovers were thankful to a West penalty stroke save early on. The Bulgarian side succumbed to quick counters after that with the Dubliners moving 3-0 up at halftime, thanks to a couple from Canning and one from Hosking. Lokomotiv threatened a comeback with the first goal of the second half but Canning struck on the counter soon after for 4-1, and two more goals in the last three minutes – Hosking with his eighth of the tournament and a Ringwood penalty stroke – confirmed the 6-1 result. As winners of this year’s National Indoor Trophy, Three Rock will now play in the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champion’s Challenge I in 2013 – the third tier of European hockey – going up with tournament winners Anadolu Atesi.