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INSIDE: Chef Stephen McCardle on his popular Churchtown bistro P6

March 8, 2012

REFERENDUM: Making their case

for a Yes or No treaty vote Page 7

Honouring Rory: Sudden Cardiac Death fundraiser Rugby: Old Wesley register back-to-back league titles Page 32

THE Rory Hegarty Memorial Tournament was a great success at Leicester Celtic, Nutgrove, recently, where the late student was honoured with an exciting match, which saw Ballyboden winning 2-1 against Rathfarnham.

Rory died in his sleep three years ago, aged 16, from Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD), and Mary Donoghue, Sally Hegarty and Jennifer Kimberly were three of the many family members and friends who came along to cheer on the match, which was a great fundraiser for the SCD charity, CRY. Picture: Geraldine Woods

Football: Local starlets shine for Dublin in Leinster Page 31

ALSOINSIDE: GALLERY ........................ 2 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26

Humphreys blasts charge protestors

‘Hypocritical use of council poles to protest charge’

I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

LOCAL Labour councillor Richard Humphreys has hit out at those using council property, such as lamp-posts, to display anti-Household Charge posters.

Cllr Humphreys said that to use council property to advo-

cate the non-payment of a household charge payable to the council was hypocritical, and said such demonstrators merely wanted to have their cake and eat it.

By exhorting the public not to pay a charge that’s legally decreed, such groups are behaving in a “criminal” fash-

ion, said Cllr Humphreys.

He called on the council to take a stand against this use of lamp-posts for such purposes.

Cllr Humphreys claimed that the Anti-Charge campaigners have no member lists on their website, nor any apparent organisational system.

Full Story on Page 4

2 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 8 March 2012

AWARDS: SUCCESS

PEOPLE Retirement celebration for Garda Gerry Quinn

Double win for Omnipay OMNIPAY, the Clonskeagh company specialising in card payment transactions for financial institutions have won two awards at the 2012 Merchant Payments Ecosystem gala awards ceremony, held in Berlin.

These are the principal awards for the European payments industry and the event was attended by all of Europe’s leading payment institutions, merchants and acquiring banks.

OmniPay won the 2012 Best Processor award and Huber t O’Donoghue, CEO, OmniPay, won the 2012

Industry Personality of the Year award for his outstanding contribution to the European p ay m e n t s i n d u s t r y.

Hubert was nominated by PayPal for this award.

OmniPay is based in Unit 9, Richview Office Park, Clonskeagh, Dublin and was established in 2000. The company was set up to facilitate payments between acquiring banks and their merchant customers.

This can occur with Omnipay both in personal as well as online environments.

Hat’s all folks, Garda Quinn says goodbye. Pictures: Geraldine Woods

Farewell to the mighty Quinn T was a day of mixed emotions at Dundrum Garda Station recently when, after a long and distinguished career, Garda Gerry Quinn held a special retirement breakfast to say goodbye.

Colleagues, friends and local residents dropped

I

in to wish Garda Quinn well, including Mrs Betty Mulvaney the oldest Dundrum village resident who will be 90 in July this year. Betty recalled her long history dealing with Garda Quinn and both shared fond memories of events in their past.

Peter Burke, Kevin Clarke, Gerry Quiinn, Ivan Howlin and Peter Guing

Detective Kevin Clarke congratulates Gerry on his retirement

Garda Olivia Lawless and Garda Julie Keane with Garda Quiin

A colleague wishes Garda Quinn well

Gerry with Siobhan Quinn, finance Garda Gerry Quinn

Betty Mulvaney with Gerry

officer and Catherine Kavanagh

8 March 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 3

SCIENCE Ballinteer native off is to Geneva

Adam set for trip to CERN headquarters I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

A YOUNG Ballinteer native has been chosen to visit the famous CERN (Centre European de Research Nuclear) facility in Geneva.

E i g h t e e n - y e a r- o l d Adam Kavanagh Coyne moved to France eight years ago with his family and is currently doing his baccalaureate in a lycee in the town of Niort.

He and two others were selected from three local lycees in a competition organised by the Lion’s Club, France.

Adam always had a keen intellect and an interest in Physics, completing some of the DCU

courses for gifted children when he lived in Ireland, before the family moved to France.

Adam’s father, Aidan, still works for Portmarnock company MBN International Systems Ltd, a software development company, but now works from home.

Potential

The competition required competitors to answer questions on physics and to write an essay exploring potential new fuel sources.

Three students were chosen from this area and will leave on Friday, March 9 by bus with other students from sev-

eral regions on the west coast of France. Driving across France, the group will arrive in Geneva that night.

The following day, Adam and his peers will spend the day in CERN where they will be shown the museums and labs and have the opportunity to converse with the scientists.

However, mementos of the day will be limited, as Adam won’t be able to take photos of the facility.

Strict security rules mean that they are prohibited.

Rather than being disappointed, Adam is said to be in awe at the importance of the work conducted at CERN.

The Large Hadron Collider, part of the CERN HQ, where Adam will visit this week

His mother, Patricia, speaking from France said: “Adam pretended he hadn’t won when I phoned him after the prize-giving but when I saw his face when he arrived home, I knew straight away. We jumped around the kitchen laughing for about half

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an hour.”

What makes Adam’s win more emotive for Patricia is that she was diagnosed with cancer two weeks after his birth.

Now, 18 years later, she is healthy and has another child, Abigail, who is very proud of her big brother.

At the time of her diag-

nosis she remembers wishing she would see his 18th birthday. “Now with this competition win both his dreams and mine have come true,” she said.

Patricia’s own mother still lives in Broadford Rise, Ballinteer and is extremely close to Adam.

PLANNING

Council to use new app DUN Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council has officially approved a new web application which maps planning data over the four local authorities in Dublin.

As part of the application’s open information policy, anyone can log on for free and check out any house or area in the four local authorities of Dublin.

By using the mapping tool, you can click onto any spot you like and a full account of its planning status will pop up.

The tool markets itself as “very quick and very effective” and the council hopes that the speed and economy of the website will make life a great deal easier for those researching matters relating to planning.

The unique Irish mapping service is free to use and can be accessed by logging onto http://www. mypp.ie

4 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 8 March 2012

CHARGES: POSTERS ‘IRONIC’

FESTIVAL: COMEDY SET TO RETURN TO THE MILL

Paddy set to Laugh again THE hugely-successful Paddy Laughs Comedy Festival is back in The Mill Theatre, this March.

The festival is in its second year and the list of comedy acts this year is long and varied.

Headlining the festival are Hip Hop comedian Abandoman and Irish comedian Keith Farnan.

The Paddy Laughs festival is organised in association with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, and The Mill Theatre, Dundrum.

One of the major highlights will come on March 15 at 8pm, when the Paddy Laughs Comedy Competition Final will be held.

There, one of 48 aspiring comedians will become the Paddy Laughs 2012 Comedy Champion.

On March 16, at 8pm the festival hosts Keith Farnan who is hailed as

one of Ireland’s brightest and funniest comedians.

He has recently been seen on the Michael Mcintyre Comedy Road Show.

The night will also feature Sue Collins (onethird of the comedy trio, The Nualas).

Also on March 16 at 8.30pm, the Studio space will see Foil Arms & Hog who are a comedy sketch act.

On St Patrick’s Day, at 3pm is The Jack Wise Children’s Magic & Comedy show.

On St Patrick’s evening at 8pm there is the musical comedy of Abandoman and The Craic Pack Comedy Improv.

For more information on the festival you can contact the Paddy Laughs Comedy Festival Co-ordinator, Peter O’Byrne on 087 120 6909 or email paddylaughs@ gmail.com

Getting ahead on the poles I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

dundrum@gazettegroup.com

Clean Sweep: White Pebble Spa wins prestigious Yon-Ka Gold Medal in their 2012 Awards WHITE PEBBLE SPA in Stillorgan Park Hotel was recently crowned the winner of the prestigious French brand Yon-Ka Gold Medal Awards 2012.

The White Pebble Spa, established in 2006 at the four-star Stillorgan Park Hotel and Howth Haven Beauty Clinic, established in 1999 in Harbor Road Howth, by the two-woman team of

Sallyann Collier and Phil Hanratty, beat off stiff competition to be declared the overall winner of the coveted awards.

In a time when small businesses are closing down around the country, The White Pebble and Howth Haven have managed to face the adversity of challenging times, and flourish.

LABOUR councillor Richard Humphreys has slammed those who put anti-household charge posters on lampposts.

The councillor says that the appearance of the posters is ironic. “ P o s t e r s a d vo c a ting non-pay ment of the household charge have begun to appear on poles around the county, urging people not to register or pay.

There is something ironic, if not ridiculous, about the fact that the Anti-Charge campaign is using poles paid for by council money and maintained by the council in order to advocate non-payment of lawful charges to fund essential local government services.”

Protest

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Cllr Humphreys stated that those using council poles to protest against the council’s policies are “trying to have it all”.

Cllr Humphreys has called the use of such poles “an insult” and has called out to Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council to withdraw their support of these posters on their poles. Although Cllr Humphreys advocates freedom of expression he feels that the advocacy of what he terms “criminal offences” should not be condoned or displayed by council props.

He went on to describe the anti-Household Charge campaigners as an “organisation which does not list its members or committee conspicuously on its website. Nor does it publish on its website any rules or constitution which would show that its committee is accountable to its members”.

8 March 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 5

6 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 8 March 2012

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ARTS Bringing an inter-generational tale to vivid life

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Balally Players staging The Mai in Dundrum I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

M

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60 10 240 ENTERPRISENEWS

Need advice on how to get going?

Are you thinking of starting a business or are you already in business and looking towards expanding?

The County Enterprise Board can help you!

Every week we hold Business Advice sessions where you can meet an experienced Business Advisor who will be able to give you information about all of the services the Enterprise Board can provide and will be able to point you in the right direction so that you can avail of the supports which are available to you.

The Enterprise Board has four key support areas – Training, Mentoring, Networking and – in qualifying cases – Funding. These are available to all small businesses in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown area. The Business Advice sessions are the best way to learn about how best you can be helped in your business. The Enterprise Boards are funded by the Dept. of Enterprise, Jobs & Innovation and there is no cost to anyone attending these meetings.

So how to get involved? It’s easy – all you have to do is call us on (01) 494 8400 or email: info@ dlrceb.ie . You can also find out about all of our activities and current courses and network activity on our website – www.dlrceb.ie .

The Enterprise Board has a number of publications which might be helpful to you – Business Start Up, Social Media for Business, Business Marketing, Managing Business Finances and Your Business & the Law. If you would like a copy of all or any of these – free of charge – please contact us on the above phone number or email address.

BALALLY Players are set to stage The Mai, by Marina Carr, in The Mill Theatre, Dundrum this month.

The story involves four generations of women in one family in the midlands; the central character is a 40-year-old

woman, whose husband suddenly returns after an absence of four years.

Carr deals with mothers who have been betrayed by their men, and the play is full of disappointment, generational clashes and female eccentricity – all set in the innocuousness of rural Ireland.

Carr is one of Ireland’s

leading playwrights, and is a member of Aosdana.

Her play, and Balally Players’ current production, The Mai won the award for Best New Play in the Dublin Theatre Festival in 1994 when it was first staged.

Meanwhile, the year 2012-2013 will mark the 30-year anniversary for Balally Players.

The group star ted competing on the drama festival circuit in Ireland in the late 1980s, and has enjoyed considerable success on the one-act festival circuit and, more recently, with three- and four-act plays.

Members have taken plays to France, Denmark, Canada and the USA. In August, 2009,

Balally Players was chosen to represent Ireland at the Mondial du Theatre (World Festival of Theatre) in Monaco.

Tickets are priced €16 and €14, and the show runs from March 27 until March 31.

To obtain tickets for The Mai at the Mill Theatre, you can ring the box office at 01 296 9340.

A real Mosssee place: Cottage’s fine crafts MOSS Cottage has just opened opposite the church in Main Street, Dundrum, with locals advised to pop in for a look – and, even better, to find the perfect gift for upcoming Mother’s Day among its gift and home wares.

Stocking a wide range of classic cottage-inspired gifts, as well as other inspiring spaces, Moss Cottage’s new and vintage finds are sourced from all over the world – as well as a lovely range of Irish products too, of course, making the new outlet a Moss-see for shoppers and browsers.

DINING: CHEF STEPHEN MCCARDLE ON HIS ARCH BISTRO

Serving up a real delight for Churchtown’s diners LOCAL restaurant, the Arch Bistro, has two prestigious Lucinda O’Sullivan stars displayed proudly outside the restaurant in Churchtown.

T he restaurant is ow ned and r un by Armagh native, Stephen McCardle, who trained as a chef under high-profile chef, Paul Rankin, in Belfast.

He worked in the famous Nick’s Warehouse in Belfast, where he was exposed to a quality of fine dining and an array of different styles, which was to shape his own culinary preferences and expectations.

McCardle’s style is mainly modern European and classic at its roots.

“Classic” means French,

and his favourite place to eat is along the southwest of France.

H e cl a i m s t o b e constantly seeking to improve his standards and is ambitious enough to aim for Michelin stardom one day. He likes to keep things personal, and encourages a friendly atmosphere in The Arch.

“When we opened in 2009, I didn’t even know Churchtown existed, but the community was so welcoming that now I’d love to live here myself.

Our regulars are like friends, and we know their names. It would be a great place to raise a family,” he said.

The Arch is over the Glenside pub, which is a mutual help for both

establishments as the clientele from one often moves over to the other as the evening progresses.

The restaurant has lots of very good value-formoney offers, including a three-course meal for €25.

To inject a bit of creative fun into things, Stephen came up with the idea of “Flip For Friday” lunches. This is a gambler’s delight, as each diner flips a coin at the end of their lunch to decide who will pay for it.

“We’ve lost about 70% of those flips,” says McCarcdle, “but I wanted to get something going, and do something creative to combat the recession.”

His mother was a chef

and, as the eldest of seven children in Armagh, he learned how to cook very early. In 2003, he moved to Dublin as there were so many opportunities and, when the bubble burst, he stayed on.

Nowadays, his extended Armagh family often comes down to The Arch for a meal, or to celebrate a family occasion.

A special Mother’s Day lunch is on offer on March 18 at The Arch.

Two courses are available for €17, or three courses for €21.

McCardle advises booking in advance, as the day is always very busy. You can do so by calling his brother, Patrick, who is front-ofhouse, at 01 296 6340.

Chef, and owner of the Arch Bistro, Churchtown, Stephen McCardle

8 March 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 7

OPINION The Fiscal Compact Treaty; how should we vote?

Seize the opportunity and reject this Austerity Treaty S O f a r, t h e Government has come up with lots of reasons for us to vote Yes. We should vote for ‘economic stability’ and for ‘economic recovery’.

Unfortunately, the Government never deals with the actual content of the Treaty. This is a Treaty to institutionalise austerity in Ireland and across Europe into the future.

Article 3 of the Treaty requires all countries to meet a severe ‘structural deficit’ target of 0.5%.

This will be locked into our law and an automatic ‘correction mechanism’ will be triggered if we don’t meet this target

– this means automatic cutbacks and extra taxes. The Department of Finance estimates our ‘structural deficit’ in 2015 will be 3.7%. Meeting the target in 2015 would mean an additional €5.7 billion worth of cuts and extra taxes.

That means more unjust taxes, further attacks on social welfare and pensions and it means more drastic cuts in health and education. If the European Commission gives us a longer timeframe to meet the target, it simply means an extension of that austerity over a longer period of time.

Austerity has already

destroyed the economies of Ireland, Greece, Portugal and Spain and threatens all of the eurozone with recession this year. This sort of savage austerity implemented simultaneously across Europe would dramatically deepen the economic crisis.

Article 4 of the Treaty is a provision written for the bankers, bondholders and speculators who caused this crisis.

It is a demand to reduce every country’s debt to GDP ratio to 60% at a fast rate. In Ireland’s case, unless there is economic growth (unlikely because of the austerity policies demanded by

Article 3), it will mean being forced to pay back €4.5 billion to the bondholders in 2015, on top of the €9 billion in interest payments we will be paying to them!

T h e Tr e a t y e f f e ctively rules out significant public investment by the state. At a time when private sector investment is collapsing (despite profits increasing for big business), massive public sector investment is needed to create jobs to get hundreds of thousands off the dole. This will be effectively made illegal by this Treaty.

T he Government’s scaremongering about

Vote ‘Yes’ in referendum LAST week An Taoiseach announced that he will be putting a referendum to the people of Ireland on the EU Treaty. The Treaty is about reinforcing existing EU rules to reduce Government deficits and debts. By signing it, we will be joining other Eurozone Governments in an official agreement to live within our means. We have already committed to behaving responsibly when it comes to our finances, this Treaty would be rubber-stamping that commitment. This Treaty will not affect our existing spending plans or tax rates.

We know all too well the fallout of fiscally irresponsible governments – we are suffering that fall-out today. If this Treaty were in place in 2007, for example, the then Government would not have been able to introduce the measures which over-stimulated the property market and were part of their General Election campaign promises.

I will be voting ‘yes’ in the referendum and am asking you to vote ‘yes’ too. By supporting this Treaty we will be gaining access to additional ‘insurance’ funds should we need them. We will be putting an end to the excesses of domestic and international boom-to-bust cycles and sending a clear message of stability and fiscal responsibility internationally. We depend on this in order to attract multinationals

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald

to our shores and to forge trade links with countries, including China, who’s Vice-President has just completed a very positive trip to Ireland. This Treaty makes official what we are already doing – it gives us the opportunity to grow trade links and rebuild our international reputation.

The Treaty is based on the common-sense approach that we must run budget surpluses in good times so we can run deficits in bad times. It aims to maintain a debt/ GDP ratio of about 60% except in ‘exceptional circumstances’ such as recessions like the one we are in at the moment. All countries who are signed up to the Treaty will have to act responsibly. The progress we have made in the last year has resulted in investment by companies like Eli Lilly and Abbot Pharmaceuticals. We have seen these results here in our own area with investment by Micro-

soft, Pfizer and Google in Grange Castle Business Park. We depend on our international reputation in order to attract this level of investment, which creates local jobs and spin off trade.

If we pass this Treaty and manage our public finances responsibly we will be protected against market speculation from the new Eurozone Rescue Fund. This ‘insurance’ fund is a €500 billion European Stability Mechanism. If we don’t pass this Treaty we will be locked out of this fund but will still be bound by the EU fiscal rules. We are already signed up to the conditions – it makes total sense for us to sign up to avail of the insurance fund too.

If you are undecided about how to vote; inform yourself. If you are unsure about the issues the best way to gain clarity is by reading the Treaty itself. This Treaty is only ten pages long and far less complex than previous European ones. I have put a link to it on my website, www.francesfitzgerald. ie and you can download it from there. The Referendum Commission will be publishing unbiased information explaining what the Treaty sets out, every household should receive this information in the run-up to polling day. A ‘yes’ vote is a yes to progress.

Frances Fitzgerald Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

Ireland being outside of the euro and the EU should be rejected. This is a stand-alone Treaty.

We must choose whether we want to join this Austerity Club or not.

We should seize this opportunity to reject austerity at the ballot box. Doing so will open a debate and struggle across Europe about what kind of Europe do we want – one for the millionaires or one for the millions.

Paul Murphy MEP Paul Murphy is the Socialist Party / United Left Alliance MEP for Dublin www.paulmurphymep.eu

Paul Murphy MEP

8 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 8 March 2012

8 March 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 9

10 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 8 March 2012

SCHOOLS

‘Parental bond’ lecture ROSEMONT and Rockbrook Schools have chosen Bewley’s Hotel, Leopardstown, as the setting for Dr Patrick F Fagan’s lecture on The Dynamism of a Marriage Relationship, which will focus on the benefits to children of a strong and united bond between parents.

Dr Fagan is a psychologist who specialises in children, family and marriage.

He is now working in the Family Research Council in Washington DC, and has served as Deputy Assistant for Family and Social Policy for the American government.

T he schools were founded on a bedrock of Christian beliefs and values, with Dr Fagan’s free lecture to be held on Monday, March 12 at 7.30pm.

For further information, see www.rosemont. ie, or phone 01 283 3855.

ENTERPRISE Locals’ new branding idea, using taxis

‘Adworx worx well for mobile advertising’ I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN news@gazettegroup.com

THREE young men from the Dundrum area, who set up an advertising and marketing agency called Adworx last year, are going strong.

John Nestor, from Goatstown; Chris Lynch, from Dundrum, and Shaun Rowan, of Blackrock, were all working in marketing, and have been close friends since they went to school in Colaiste Eoin.

After they finished college, they decided to get together and try to come up with some business ideas to create their own company.

The group came up with the idea of using taxis to advertise brands.

It’s a campaign idea that is very popular in London and New York, so the lads went to London on a reconnaissance mission to see how it was done.

The taxis are “wrapped” in a colourful covering that advertises a company’s brand.

Here, their clients include The Fitzwilliam Card Club, and Just Eat, who was their first gig, in conjuction with TV3’s, The Apprentice.

Adworx monitors the locations of the taxis, and offers this constant tracking data as an add-on service to their clients.

They also ensure that the taxis are out during the day, which is the prime time to advertise a product.

As part of the targetted nature of the service, the group ensures they place cars in key areas for seminars or large events, so that, say, the casino or the food company will get maximum exposure.

Until now, the three members of Adworx have individually interviewed each taxi driver for their current stable of 80.

“We interviewed more than 600 drivers so that we could really vouch for their reliability,” said Nestor. “We also made sure that all of the cars are the

A sample taxi using Adworx’ mobile advertising branding system

same year and make, to provide consistency.”

The personal touch is very important to Adworx, and singles the company out as something unusual. “This is a new form of advertising in Ireland,” said Lynch, “So we wanted to reassure our customers of our commitment and reliability as much as we could.”

Rowan said: “We’re building this brand from the bottom, and we’re ideally suited to give it our all, as we’ve no personal

commitments yet. We’re all only 23-years-old.”

The company says it offers a very comprehensive service, which involves monitoring the cars by GPS, wrapping the cars with brand logos and artwork, and providing further advertising inside the cars, in the form of vouchers and suchlike material.

The company uses local designers, Swerve. ie, to create the taxis’ eyecatching designs.

The next step on their

ladder to success will be in the area of “experiential marketing”, via promotional campaigns.

“We are not competing with buses,” said Lynch.

“People no longer ‘see’ advertising on buses, but they do notice ‘wrapped’ taxis, because they’re unusual.

“We’re making the most of this uniqueness before it becomes a commonplace thing. We offer a very thorough service, using many platforms, and all for a good price.”

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8 March 2012 GAZETTE 11

PEOPLE Hollywood history-maker’s talk in Dun Laoghaire

A Brave task to talk about Brenda’s hit CV IBAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN

DUN Laoghaire’s Pavilion Theatre played host to a Hollywod historymaker recently, when film director Brenda Chapman held a two-day seminar.

In 1998, Brenda became the first woman to direct an animated feature for a major Hollywood studio with The Prince of Egypt and her CV is full of other blockbusters, including Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, WALL-E and Up. Brenda is also the original writer and director of Pixar’s upcoming feature, Brave.

The seminar made up

part of Brenda’s time as a Fellow in the National Film School in IADT. T he Pavilion was packed with students from colleges all over the city, questioning Brenda on her career and seeking advice.

Because she’d been stung by big studios in the early years she advised the assembly to become more “law savvy” as to contracts and protection of ideas.

Brenda is from a very small farming community in Illinois where her time was occupied by drawing and making up stories.

“There wasn’t much to do,” she said, adding that she has her own fam-

ily and tries to strike the right balance.

She tried to stay at home for a while when her daughter was born but soon realised that she needed to feed her creative side too.

“I did miss [my creative side} myself and I wanted to give my daughter a good example too.

“I’ve always been respected as an artist.

I was originally hired because I was a woman.

Executives responded to the fact that I was a woman but my peers responded to my work.

“And, despite the communication dispute with Pixar, I still have incredible respect for that ani-

Brenda Chapman (right), writer of Pixar’s upcoming film, Brave (above), addresses local students at the Pavilion Theatre

mation community.”

That “commuication dispute” revolves around the film Brave, which Chapman based on her daughter but which she is no longer working on.

She refuses to be drawn further on the matter as it is in legal limbo.

“Right now, I’m just taking a break. I’ll spend

a bit of time with my daughter.

“I grew up in a really small town and the thing I really wanted to be was a hermit and part of me is like, yeah, I’d still like to do that.”

One theme of the seminar was female involvement. The Pavilion auditorium held a

great number of female students and these were Brenda’s primary questioners.

“I’m very excited to see so many women in there.

Because when I was at that point, there were three or four women in my class. But now, it’s still not quite halfand-half but it’s getting

there.”

In answer to why she chose animation as her lifelong career, Brenda has no doubts as to it being the right choice.

“I love to tell stories and I love to draw and I love fine art, and all that, so the only way I can combine the two sides is through animation.”

12 GAZETTE 8 March 2012

GOT SOMETHING TO TELL US? WATER:

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NEW PLANS PROPOSED

Making water meters pay I PAUL HOSFORD

news@gazettegroup.com

A NEW report has suggested giving financial incentives to people who instal water meters to help boost the local economy.

The plan is one of many proposals contained in a document called Water Sector Reform by South Dublin Chamber, which was presented to the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government last week.

T he proposals are based on the recent Government Position Paper and the 2011 Irish Water Phase 1 Report

by Price Waterhouse Cooper.

T h e Wa t e r S e c t o r Reform document also calls for the State’s proposed new water services utility to bear the cost of phased water meter installation.

Peter By rne, chief executive officer of South Dublin Chamber, said the incentive would be a boon for struggling local economies in particular.

“This incentive would boost the local economy and lessen the burden on the State to roll out the metering process.”

Patrick’s Day: It’s time for the party favours CELEBRATE in style this St Patrick’s Day

with a little help from Tesco Ensure you are kitted out for this year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations by popping down to your local Tesco store where you can pick up an array of fun items available at great value prices.

Decorate your home or workplace for St Patrick’s Day by picking up the Tesco 23 Foot Ireland Bunting at just €6.99 or some Ireland Flags available for just €1.49 each – perfect for decorating your St Patrick’s Day parties.

For the St Patrick’s Day parade, why not pick up a fun Leprechaun Hat with Beard, the trendy Tesco Green, White and Gold Trim Cowboy Hat or the Tricolour Jester Hat for just €5.99 each?

For the ladies, the Glitter Mini Hat with ribbon and feather is just €3.99, the Leprechaun Hairband with Green Hat is just €2.49 or the funky Black Shamrock Tights are just €5.99.

And there’s also the St Patrick’s Day novelty tie at just €3.49 or the St Patrick’s Day Rosettes for just €1.99.

Tesco also has a great range of accessories including the St Patrick’s Day Inflatable Sticks (2 pack) €1.20 or the St Patrick’s Day Vuvuzela Horn just €1.99 which are sure to finish off your Patrick’s Day attire.

For details, visit www.tesco.ie

8 March 2012 GAZETTE 13

14 GAZETTE 8 March 2012

GazetteHEALTH HEALTH& &BEAUTY Blood pressure – keeping it down!

A new heavenly collection CONIC supermodel Helena Christensen was in Dublin last week to officially launch her exclusive Triumph Essence Spring/ Summer lingerie collection, and Gazette Beauty went down to take a closer look.

She has been in the business for over two decades and is still as stunning as she was starting out. The former Victoria Secret model has moved to the other side of the lens. She is now a photographer, and is an in-house photographer at Oxfam.

The international fashion icon greeted guests and posed for photographers at Brown Thomas, when she showed off her lingerie collection recently.

Wo m e n a n d m e n packed the lingerie room at Brown Thomas in Grafton Street to see what her collection offered, but really most just wanted to see what a real supermodel looks like, and hearing whisperings by customers behind me saying: “Oh, my God, she looks amazing” and “look at that body”, they weren’t disappointed.

The Danish super-

I

BLOOD pressure is essential for us all to survive - without it our blood vessels would collapse.

Hypertension, on the other hand, refers to blood pressure above a defined safe limit. Hypertension forces the heart to work harder and it is the single most important risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke.

Symptoms

Because hypertension generally has no symptoms it is essential that you attend your doctor or local pharmacy to get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.

With thanks to the staff at Lucan Village Pharmacy Helena Christensen (left) has officially launched her exclusive Triumph Essence Spring/Summer lingerie collection

model joined forces with Triumph Essence to design a sensual collection that includes a lacy bra and stunning bodyhugging skirt with subtle shaping properties and sexy string.

For Helena, it’s essential for lingerie designers to get the woman’s perspective because women have to wear them, and what most women want is to feel sexy, yet comfortable in what they are wearing underneath their clothes.

“For me, it’s essential for a lingerie company to have a female perspective. After all, women are wearing these pieces and it’s all about what makes you feel good. And these sophisticated styles definitely do that.”

The model, who is not a big fan of g-strings, says creating the perfect piece of lingerie for women is “basically a science” because everyone has different bodies.

Whether you want to treat yourself to a lavish lingerie collection, or you are looking for something extra special for that extra special dress, be it a wedding or ball gown, the Triumph Essence Collection has a stunning collection of

GOT A STORY? WE WANT TO KNOW! Call our NEWS TEAM on 60 10 240 or email news@gazettegroup.com

Each Triumph Essence piece is developed to provide a blend of perfect fit and precise craftsmanship

8 March 2012 GAZETTE 15

Edited by Laura Webb

from Helena flattering designs to suit most body shapes.

The Delicate Essence series combines lace and soft elastic fabric for charming and subtle shaping effects. The Charming Essence series stands out with delicate lace in striking geometric pattern. Decorative tassels, peek-a-book details, fine Guipure embroidery and flirty straps made of pleated mesh are playful details every fashionenthusiast admires.

The Precious Essence series is a dream come true for brides-to-be because of its feminine look, which is available in a creamy white.

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

‘For me, it’s essential for a lingerie company to have a female perspective’ --------------------------

Helena Christensen

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

Each Triumph Essence piece is developed to provide an uncompromising blend of perfect fit, precise craftsmanship and care for the small details that make all the difference. This is true luxury. And these are the qualities Triumph

has refined throughout over 125-years of lingerie excellence.

The Triumph Essence collection, with designs

by Helena Christensen, is available in The Lingerie Rooms at Brown Thomas Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick.

Brown Thomas resident fitters are on hand to help solve all lingerie dilemmas, offering personal consultations to help weary lingerie shoppers to find their optimum shapes and styles.

Book your personal lingerie and shapewear fitting appointment in The Lingerie Rooms Dublin at 01 – 617 1114.

WE HAVE 135,000* READERS EACH WEEK *based on standard industry measurements

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS TO OUR READERS

CALL 60 10 240

16 GAZETTE 8 March 2012

GazettePETS PETS

Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA

THE FACTS: HELP PREVENT POTENTIALLY UNWANTED AND ABANDONED CATS AND DOGS

Spaying or neutering your pet AS THE country’s leadi n g a n i m a l we l f a r e organisation, we at the Dublin SPCA understand and appreciate the importance of spaying and neutering animals.

In fact, for 172 years this Society has assumed a leadership role in advocating and offering affordable spaying and neutering in order to help prevent the cruel and inhumane slaughter of unwanted, homeless, abandoned and neglected cats and dogs.

In Ireland, as in every other country in the world, there are homeless animals. Many of these end up in rescue shelters similar to the Dublin SPCA. Through our very strict re-homing policy, we manage to rehabilitate them with loving, caring families.

They are the lucky ones.

Tr a g i c a l l y, m a ny, many, more, throughout the world, though healthy, wonderful and companionable they may be – face the pros-

pect of being euthanised due to a shortage of new homes and this is the only future they can look forward to.

But it’s not just abandoned animals that are left at shelters. No, it’s the offspring of beloved family pets.

Let me explain: For example, I wish I had a euro every time somebody visits our clinic with a pregnant pet explaining she “managed to get out of the garden, went missing for only half an hour and came back pregnant”.

And, even if the “accidental” offspring manage to get adopted, it’s still possible for them to be placed in a rescue shelter due to them being “too big,” “not great with the kids,” “doesn’t fit in with the new decor,” or “too difficult to handle.” Yep, we’ve heard it all.

So, in order to avoid this happening to you and your pet, because, let’s face it, no family wants an unwanted

pregnancy – I thought I’d make readers aware, or shine a little spotlight if I may, on World Annual Spay Day – it usually falls around the last week in February but you can visit your vet at any time.

He/she will be thrilled to advise you regarding your pet because having your animal altered is the only effective 100% method of birth control.

And, FYI, for those pet parents who are in receipt of social welfare payments, it’s advisable to drop into the Dublin SPCA mobile veterinary clinic at any one of our four Dublin locations, (details on www.dspca. ie/mobileclinic and have a chat with our vet). However, proof of social welfare is an absolute strict condition of this affordable, low-cost service.

Neutering: The Facts.

• Castrating your dog prevents more than unwanted litters – it can help prevent testicular and prostate cancer,

Having your pet spayed or neutered is the only effective 100% method of birth control

which is common in unneutered dogs. In addition to this, if the dog is neutered before he reaches adulthood, he will not naturally develop the types of territorial behaviours un-neutered male dogs develop, i.e. aggressiveness, marking territory, roaming, etc., • Neutering is also a routine, relatively lowrisk surgery with a swift recovery time. Serious complications are rare and owners can usually take their dog home on the same day surgery is performed, having him back to his old self in no time.

Spaying: The Facts.

• Spaying your female dog eliminates the problem of stray males camp-

ing on your doorstep and decreases her own desire to roam and breed. In addition, there are many health benefits attached, such as a marked reduction in the risk of her contracting ovarian cancer, mammary gland tumours and the procedure helps reduce aggression.

The Myths:

• Spaying/neutering will make my pet fat.

Nonsense. Owners make their pets fat! Failing to provide an adequate, healthy diet and daily exercise will render your pet fat.

• Bitches should have one litter.

This is of no benefit at all and simply an old wives tale.

• Spaying and neuter-

ing is cruel.

Look, we, as humans, domesticated animals and brought them into our lives and homes. The environment we created for them is far removed from their natural one and we have made them dependent on us; therefore we are responsible for their care.

What is cruel, in my opinion, is allowing your bitch to have litter after litter and then dumping the puppies in a black sack on a deserted roadside, leaving the poor mites to fend for themselves and the mother heavily burdened with milk, with a serious risk of developing mastitis and dying from lack of veterinary care ... do you get my point?

• My dog’s personality will alter.

Oh grow up! Neutering/spaying has absolutely no negative affect on your dog’s personality. Be positive! This procedure will make your animal more amenable, less aggressive and less likely to pick a fight!

So, to those of you who whine, “it’s not normal,” or “my bitch deserves to have a litter,” my response to that is, get a clue, save a life; spay/ neuter your pet immediately or as soon as practicable. Contact your local vet for details.

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

8 March 2012 GAZETTE 17

18 GAZETTE 8 March 2012

GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods

REVIEW: BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH FORMER REPUBLIC STARS

Cars Love Girls love...

I ROB HEIGH

GOT last year’s mud scraped off your wellies?

Ready to reveal your pasty pins in a pair of shorts (no matter how blue the cold makes your legs go.) Have a hankering for something cooked in a van?

Then you’re ready for festival season. And with musical meccas cropping up on seemingly every grassy knoll this year, there are plenty of chances to check out bands you love and possibly discover new ones.

We may be without Oxegen but we do have electricity. The Electric Picnic in Stradbally starts on August 31 and its line-up this year is a melting pot of acts and activities that includes multi-platinum artists like The Killers and The Cure, to festival staples like Christy Moore and Glen Hansard, and up-and-coming talents like Jonathan Wilson and Ed Sheeran. I’m already charged!

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

CARS Love Girls are set to launch their debut album, Skip School, this week and having heard the album, my goodness, you had better be at the Workman’s Club this Thursday. If you’re not lucky enough to be there, then you ought to rush out and buy the album immediately.

When we spoke to lead singer Bres last summer, he was keen to get the band out into the public arena, but he was equally keen to make sure that the band took time to perfect every flick and twist, and that is clealy what Cars Love Girls have done.

The slow gestation and polishing of every track here bears great fruit, and

is no small tribute to the quality of the songwriting and musicianship of the band, as well as the final touches provided by one of the most prominent names in mastering, Bernie Grundman, who worked on Carol King’s Tapestry, Steely Dan’s Aja and Prince’s Purple Rain.

Whatever way you turn, there are inflections of some of the classiest pop in history throughout this record, and that’s no bad thing to wear on your sleeve when your influences are the best in the business.

Opening with the Prefab Sprout-esque overture of What’s On My Mind, Skip School melts the day around you as you get drawn into its velvet sheen.

Cars Love Girls open up their account with a top-class debut album

There’s a pure pop sensibility that runs through every note of the album, and CLG’s way round a melody is refreshing, to say the least.

Debut single, Lose Your Mind, langorously grooves it way out of the speakers,

while Never Gonna Get It wears its Prince influence on its sleeve, a combination of choppy guitar and synth lines that throw you all the way back to the heights of 1999-era Rogers Nelson.

Cars Love Girls (the

track) is a Steely Daninfluenced west coast classic, another reinforcement of the feeling that this is the kind of music should be listened to in a convertible on a freeway driving next to the ocean.

A fine debut all round.

8 March 2012 GAZETTE 19

GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS

Supported by AIB

Interview: Sandra Taylor, founder of Angelic Touch

A holistic touch to help resolve anxieties SANDRA Taylor had a very successful career in IT, but found that in recent years, it wasn’t getting her out of bed in the morning, and she struggled to figure out what she wanted to do.

This struggle went on for a number of years until she had the luck to end up working in the same company as a woman who shared the same struggle.

They started talking about what they wanted to do with their lives, started doing courses together, and six years later are the best of friends Her journey from there has had its highs and lows, with part of the journey to heal her own issues so that she could help her clients heal themselves. Sandra suffered panic attacks, fears and anxieties, fear of flying, mild agoraphobia, hated crowds and questioned whether her new path in life was the correct one – was an IT consultant job easier?

For her, it would have been the easier path but not the correct one, as she felt that she wasn’t put on this planet to be an IT consultant.

She underwent various therapies to help heal and resolve issues that caused

the panic attacks and anxieties and, today, she is feeling really good.

However, she knows there are a lot of people out there that struggle like she did. As Sandra says, we live in stressful times; we often suffer from stressrelated health problems. Stress acts on the body and the mind and, therefore, on our whole being, causing us to battle through life.

Sandra believes that adopting a holistic and natural healing approach is the best way to balance the body, mind and soul, allowing the body to use its natural ability to heal itself. She achieves this by using a variety of therapies that she is qualified in. In addition to helping clients resolve fears, phobias and anxieties, she is also a qualified reflexologist and massage therapist, and often uses a combination of therapies to help treat the mind and the body.

Sandra also hosts talks/seminars by well-known speakers on holistic health.

For more information about Angelic Touch, or to attend a “Detox Your Mind” event, see www.angelictouch.ie, or call Sandra at 086 838 4134.

the UK taxpayer. Investors are guaranteed up to €100,000 per person (and if sterling, the equivalent of € 100,000 so funds sent across the Irish Sea or up to the North of Ireland would be covered to this threshold) by the UK Financial Regulatory Authority. You may also remember Ulster Bank took over the engagements of ( i.e. bought ) First Active plc, formerly First National Building Society. Other institutions covered by the UK authority include Investec Bank, Leeds Building Society and Nationwide UK Building Society.

KBC Bank, Rabo Bank and Danske Bank guarantee their respective subsidiaries here.

INCOME PROTECTION OR SERIOUS ILLNESS COVER Q – I took out a serious illness policy four years ago. I am a 36-year-old widow with two young children in professional employment, earning in excess of €85,000 per annum. The monthly contributions for this insurance are sizeable and with my current health good, seems to be a big waste of money. A friend of mine suggested I would be better off with income protection.

What would you advise? Jenny – Blackrock

Sandra Taylor

A – Your friend could be right. Serious illness cover,

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

A: None. I’m a one-man-band,

Q: What habits would you like to lose?

A: Saying ‘You know’ at the

Q: What was your first job?

A: Mortgage administrator in

so if it’s doing my treatments, designing/printing my brochures and flyers, updating my website, organising talks/ seminars/courses, I have to do it myself – but I love it

end of every sentence

Q: Have you ever done a job you loathed?

A: No Q: When did you start your present job?

A: October, 2009

ment guarantee? Alan - Mulhuddart

of Scotland (RBS) who, in turn, are owned 84% by

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

A: PE teacher

Q: And your first pay cheque?

A: My memory isn’t that good

Q – Is the Ulster Bank covered by the Govern-

A – The Ulster Bank is owned by the Royal Bank

Q&A

Irish Permanent

DEPOSIT GUARANTEES

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

A: ITEC Teaching Diploma assignments – I really need to get the assignments finished

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

A: Expanding my business

that the last body of the Tit Bonhomme victims was recovered

or critical illness only covers you in the event of contracting a serious illness (the big four in particular are cancer, heart attack, stroke, MS) but you could be incapacitated for any reason outside of these

Q: Describe your dream meal?

A: Diep Le Shaker, Pembroke

“serious” illnesses and not be compensated. With

Street with hubby

tion be more suitable, but the premiums you pay

two young children, not only would income protecattract tax relief at your full marginal rate (which in

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

A: The Champ, or Shemar

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

A: Dame Edna, without a

Moore – AKA Derek Morgan, from Criminal Minds

shadow of doubt – at least he/ she would be a bit of a laugh

Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: I tend to listen to chill-out,

Q: Describe your dream holiday?

A: Somewhere near the sea

covers 75% of your monthly salary (less any social

with my husband and kids, not too hot, with lots of activities, yet lots of treatments to help unwind

Some serious illness or critical illness cover can be

Q: What is the best thing about your job?

A: Working for myself, look-

Q: Is there anything about yourself that you would like to set the record straight on?

A: Redheads have a bad

ing after my clients and seeing their quality of life improving following treatment

reputation of having a fiery temper – not true! We are just passionate souls!

Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook?

A: Kilmacud Crokes GAA,

Q: : Have you achieved anything that you once thought you could not pull off?

A: Getting my first diploma at

Q: What sport do you follow?

A: Football, rugby, GAA and

Louise Hay, Deepak Chopra, CoWorkinn

MotoGP

the age of 43 – in Anatomy and Physiology. It’s never too late!

Q: What sport can you play?

A: Football.

Q: What was your last tweet/ status update?

A: Shared great but sad news

relaxing music most of the time

your case would be 41%). Put another way, a golfing partner once confided to me that he missed out on a payout from his serious illness policy because he only had one stent put into his heart (apparently the minimum is two!). Essentially, income protection welfare payments) until your incapacitation ends or your pension kicks in – whichever is the sooner. considered as part of an overall mix of health cover.

It is important you obtain independent and professional advice.

Q: What would be your dream job?

A: Managing my own beautiful

Contact John with your money questions at

holistic treatment centre

www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the

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

A: Enjoy it

Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS

ADVERTISE WITH THE GAZET TE CALL 60 10 240

jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at

director of Money Doctor

LOCAL

MATTERS

20 GAZETTE 8 March 2012

GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs GETTING MORE MILES FROM SKODA:

SKODA’s Dublin dealerships are giving away 300km of free fuel for every person who visits the dealership between now and March 16, and takes a test drive in any SKODA model.

SKODA will also reward anyone who orders and registers a new SKODA before March 31 with an additional 3,000km Topaz fuel voucher.

This latest offer from SKODA’s Dublin dealerships is part of a nationwide testdrive campaign where SKODA intends to give away up to twomillion kilometres worth of free fuel.

Announcing the offer, Ray Leddy, marketing manager of Skoda Ireland said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Dublin to save some hardearned cash and avail of this free fuel offer.”

A recent survey has shown that 46% of all cyclists have done things like breaking red lights, while nearly three quarters don’t wear a helmet

Nearly half of cyclists break rules of the road HILE the majority of cyclists heed the rules of the road, a roadside survey in Dublin has shown that nearly a half (46 percent) break the law on Dublin’s streets.

The survey by Semperit Tyres was carried out over two days at a number of locations around Dublin city and environs.

Paddy Murphy, from Semperit Tyres Ireland, said: “Safety is key for

W

us in Semperit and that was the motivation for us to carry out this survey. The good news is that the majority of cyclists are careful and law-abiding but there is a significant minority who don’t obey the rules and it needs to be brought home to them that their behaviour is not only a safety hazard for themselves but also for other road users.

“From my own experience, I know that cyclists

don’t have it easy on Ireland’s roads; badly designed and badly maintained roads, insufficient cycle path provision and aggressive driving habits, all combine to make life difficult for cyclists. However, as the most vulnerable class of road user, they really need to heed all of the rules of the road in order to stay safe.”

The main infringements highlighted by the survey included cycling

on footpaths (21 per cent); breaking traffic lights (15 per cent); and cycling against the flow of traffic or wrong way on a one-way street (14 per cent). And although they are not obligatory, nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of cyclists do not wear a protective helmet. Helmets have been shown to significantly reduce head injuries for cyclists in the event of a collision.

At opposite ends of the

scale, the survey showed that teenagers proved to be the least observant of rules, while over-50s were the least likely to break the law. Exactly two-thirds (66 per cent) of teenagers were seen to break the law with a significant number commiting multiple infringements within a short space of time (e.g. breaking a red light and then cycling on the footpath).

W h i l e t h e s u r ve y was being carried out,

a cyclist who broke a red light while pedestrians were crossing, was challenged by a pedestrian and the cyclist was heard to shout: “Traffic lights are for cars, cyclists don’t have to heed them.”

However, under the terms of the Road Traffic Act, a bicycle is considered to be a vehicle, and thus, similar to car drivers, cyclists are obliged to obey the road traffic laws.

MINI making a statement in the commercial van world MINI are set to reveal a new stand-outfrom-the-crowd concept at Geneva International Motor Show 2012 – The MINI Clubvan Concept – a compact van for business and leisure, and the first premium model in the small carbased van segment.

According to MINI, the Clubvan Concept proves that style can also be

practical. The MINI Clubman-based concept car combines all of the driving fun and distinctive design for which MINI is renowned, with an increased load-carrying capability.

The Clubvan concept opens the door to a completely new market for MINI, premium small businesses who want to combine sharp driving dynamics with

low-cost of ownership, while also making a style statement with their company van.

The Clubvan Concept is a five-door car with a twist. Two front doors for the driver and front passenger, two sidehinged rear doors and the rear-hinged Clubdoor on the right-hand side all create useful access. The Clubdoor gives

owners the option of loading smaller items from the side of the car as well as the rear.

8 March 2012 GAZETTE 21

Edited by Cormac Curtis

WHITE VANS

TomTom looking to improve Freight safety TOMTOM has launched a new partnership with the Freight Transport Association (FTA).

The link-up will see TomTom provide their support for the FTA’s Van Excellence programme, which aims to promote best practice through selfregulation.

TomTom and its network of fleet consultant resellers will promote best practice in van fleets across the UK and Ireland. The local representatives will use the FTA’s best practice guides to help van managers strive towards Van Excellence, using TomTom’s technology to underpin efforts to achieve this status.

“We are delighted to join forces with the FTA, as the Van Excellence programme represents a significant move to raise standards throughout the industry,” said Giles Margerison, of TomTom. “The programme offers an ideal fit with TomTom Business Solution’s own values in promoting greener, safer, more efficient drivers. Self-regulation is important in ensuring high levels of operational best practice and our technology can help to provide the framework companies need to maintain those standards.”

More than 40 organisations have already signed up forVan Excellence and members will be accredited through a robust auditing process. The programme is designed to improve safety and efficiency among van drivers, and help to scrap the outdated “white van man” image.

Businesses interested in signing up for the programme should contact the FTA on +44 (0)8700 202 021.

The new Honda Civic, which has been hailed as one of the safest cars on the road

Civic safety supreme T HE new Honda Civic has received a five-star Euro NCAP Overall Safety Rating and Advanced NCAP Award for Safety Innovation.

The new Civic has been rated one of Europe‘s safest cars, according to new independent crash testing results from Euro NCAP. In addition, Euro NCAP have announced that they are extending Honda’s Advanced NCAP reward for its Collision Mitigation Braking Sys-

tem (CMBS) technology to include the new Civic.

The new Honda Civic has been awarded Euro NCAP’s maximum five-star rating. The rating scheme focuses on the vehicle’s overall safety performance which gives consumers an easy-to-understand single score.

The system considers occupant protection, child protection, pedestrian protection and the availability of driver aids. Since the introduction of Euro NCAP’s new rating scheme all

Honda models tested have achieved five stars.

Michiel van Ratingen, Euro NCAP Secretary General, commented “The ninth generation Civic impressed and achieved high scores in all areas of assessment, putting it on a par with its rivals in this competitive market segment.

The car scored well in Safety Assist and is also fitted as an option with Honda’s Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS).”

Euro NCAP also announced that they are extending Honda’s Advanced NCAP reward for its CMBS technology to include the new Civic.

The reward recognises Honda‘s CMBS technology as amongst the best available safety innovations, offering research proven benefits.

Euro NCAP Advanced is an initiative developed in response to the rapid development of new safety technologies, for which there is no independent assessment.

This Tourneo aims to beat competition THE new Ford Tourneo Custom Concept will make its global debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March, bringing a new level of energy and style to the European personal use vehicle segment.

Previewing the introduction of a completely new range of people movers, with commercial vehicles to follow, the Tourneo Custom Concept showcases a dramatic new look that will appeal to customers seeking style,

functionality and space.

“One look at the Tourneo Custom Concept is enough to tell you that it will inject an exciting new spirit into the personal use segment,” said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.

“Our forthcoming new range gives us the opportunity to appeal to new customers with a fresh new direction, and we have seized that opportunity with both hands.

“The Tourneo Custom Concept will preview of

a host of exciting new features, which give the vehicle strong car-like appeal.

“These include an allnew interior design with driver-focused cockpit, and a luxurious, fully trimmed cabin which has the ambience and highquality materials of a modern multi-seat saloon car.”

Ford says the Tourneo Custom Concept “communicates very clearly a dramatic new design direction for Ford’s commercial vehicle range”.

The new Ford Tourneo, which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show

22 GAZETTE 8 March 2012

R1

GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel

Leopards, temples and culture ... it can only be lovely Sri Lanka SRI LANKA conjures up images of tea plantations, beaches, sacred temples and exotic wildlife, and the island will not disappoint those looking for a holiday of exceptional variety this year, with an exceptional escorted tour available, from €2,139.

Once landed, you’re in a different world, with a night in the vibrant colonial capital followed by a visit to cave paintings, en route to the ruins of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

History is everywhere, as shrines and temples punctuate this part of the tour, along with opportunities for an elephant-back safari and a visit to an elephant orphanage.

A cultural evening is then followed by a trip to a tea plantation on the way to Nuwara Eliya, and then on to Yala National Park, where you can look out for leopards and other exotic creatures as part of a two-night stay there. Two relaxing days at the beach at Bentota, with visits to local towns, round off the 12-day adventure.

The full escorted tour starts from €2,139 ex-London, which includes breakfast on most mornings, dinner on seven nights and lunch at the elephant sanctuary. Connecting flights from Dublin can be arranged. To book, visit your local travel agent or call the Thomas Cook Ireland team in Dublin on 01 514 0316.

A spacious Tara Room suite at the Trinity Capital Hotel on Pearse St in the heart of Dublin

CITY BREAK: A FOUR-STAR HOTEL THAT DARES TO BE DIFFERENT

Step into another world at the Trinity Capital JESSICA MAILE

I THINK its important to state that not all four-star hotels are the same. I’m sure we have all been in hotels where the decor and atmosphere makes them all feel similar. The Trinity Capital Hotel breaks that mould.

Walking off Pearse Street and into the reception area, you know you have entered a hotel

with a difference. The subtle lighting and cosy selection of extremely tall Winsdor-like chairs makes you want to just sit back and watch Dublin pass by or marvel at the amazing chandeliers. The interior design makes you feel so warm and at home, as the dark, yet warm, colours give off a cosy, but exotic, atmosphere and you can certainly see why the hotel has achieved it’s four-star status.

As we made our way to our room, the journey down the purple and magenta hallway was relaxing (it sounds a bit much, but with the low lighting, it really worked) and made us wonder what the inside of the rooms was going to look like!

The Tara Rooms may have been at the end of this inspirational corridor, but the best was definitely left to last.

It was a hard choice between the huge bed, or the wonderfully modern

The lavishly decorated bar

sofas that invited you to take the pressure off your legs after a day’s shopping in the capital city. The carpet, cleverly designed to look like floorboards, and the bare brick gave the room a modern, yet homely feel that would be suited in any docklands warehouse apartment conversion.

As evening approached, it was time to sit back with a refreshing pint in the lavishly decorated bar and enjoy the buzz of conversations and the exotic music playing in the background. The soft lighting from the internal courtyard provided a

warming glow and actually made us feel like we were in a much warmer climate.

The Cafe Cairo restaurant provided a wonderful choice of meals to suit our building hunger, and our friendly hostess even helped with a recommendation for which wine to choose.

The delicious lamb kebabs, with a tangy cucumber and mint sauce as starter, just stirred up my appetite as I knew the Surf and Turf was next for the main course.

The succulent steak, and large tiger prawns, did not disappoint, but I

had to make sure I still had room for the blackcurrant cheesecake to top it all off.

The combination of a full stomach and warm ambience combined to make us feel ready to waddle back to our large, comfy bed for a peaceful night’s sleep.

The central location of the Trinity Capital Hotel makes it an ideal venue to appreciate all that Dublin has to offer. It was just a short walk before we were right in the heart of Dublin shopping district, as Grafton Street and O’Connell Street were just a stroll away.

T he Trinity Capital Hotel offers all that you would want from a city hotel, but with that something extra special that you will want to take home with you, especially if it’s one of those oversized armchairs for your front room!

For more information see www.trinitycapitalhotel.com.

8 March 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23

Edited by Mimi Murray

SAFARI: LUXURY BREAK TAKES IN SPECTACULAR NATURAL SIGHTS

Kenya find a better getaway in Africa?

THE itinerary of the Kenya Migration Safari has been specially designed to put you at the heart of the annual wildlife migration.

Visitors to this beautiful country will experience three very different regions while on safari, including Sambur u, which is rugged and beautiful and is renowned for predators and elephants; Nakuru, which is located in the Great Rift Valley, and is most famous for its flamingos and rhino, and the Masai Mara – world famous for its rolling grasslands and vast migrating herds.

Enjoy this magnificent country as you drive on its rugged roads through rich farm land. Samburu Reserve lies 300km north of Nairobi, on the hot and arid fringes of Kenya. You arrive in time for lunch, followed by a game viewing drive.

The Ashnil Samburu is separated from the reserve by the Uaso Nyiro River.

The reserve lies within the lands of the Samburu people and is home to wildlife rarely found elsewhere in Kenya, including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and beisa oryx, which are found only north of the equator.

The graceful gerenuk – an antelope with a characteristic long neck – spends much of its time in a bipedal stance, seeking relaxation in the sparse scrub that grows in this harsh terrain.

This dramatic landscape is blanketed by the hot equatorial sun for most of the year. Relief comes from the cool waters of the Uaso Nyiro River, which rises to the west on the foothills of the Aberdares and which vanishes beyond Samburu in the soggy expanse known

Flamingos flock to Lake Nakaru in their thousands – just one of Kenya’s many stunning natural sights

as the Lorian Swamp.

Sweetwaters is a sheltered oasis, clustered around a water hole and set in the pristine and private Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Game here includes elephants, giraffes, zebras and impalas and you will also visit the 200-acre chimpanzee sanctuary, established by Kenya’s Wildlife Service and the Jane Goodall Institute.

More than 20 orphaned and abused chimps reside here, while becoming rehabilitated so they may be reintroduced to the wild. Sweetwaters also boasts almost 400 bird species.

Nakuru is perhaps the most famous of Africa’s great soda lakes, and Lake Nakuru is home to hundreds of thousands of greater and lesser flamingos and many other water bird species.

Built in a natural dais, overlooking one of the world’s greatest ornithological spectacles, the Sarova Lion Hill Lodge impresses with its panoramic views of Lake Nakuru.

The lodge is surrounded by natural flora and fauna and you can enjoy the vista from the privacy

of your own veranda.

One of the great natural features on earth, the Rift Valley is visible from outer space and stretches 5,500km, spans two continents, and runs from Jordan, through Kenya to Mozambique.

In the Masai Mara, with the reserve borders between Kenya and Tanzania unfenced, the wildlife is free to migrate, and the Mara is probably best known for its annual wildebeest migration. Lion, cheetah and leopard are often spotted; however, it is the vast herds that will leave you spellbound.

The cost is €2,195pp – ground only – and €2,718pp, including flights. The price of this trip includes all transfers, accommodation, meals and game drives as indicated, private transport

while on safari with a naturalist driver/guide, and National Park and transit fees.

International return flights to Nairobi are not included, and will be priced on application to ensure the best fare. Kenya visa fees are USD$50 per person. Travel insurance, and tips to drivers, porters and bellmen are not included.

The Kenya Migration Safari is only available from July 1 to October 31, so book now to avoid disappointment.

This package can be booked as is. However, it is best combined with a beach stay of four or six nights in a resort along Mombasa’s sandy shores.

This can be arranged upon request.

For more information, or to book, visit www. gohop.ie.

You could easily see some of Samburu’s elephants

TravelBriefs Exciting new wedding package on offer at the luxury four-star Slieve Russell hotel in Cavan THE Slieve Russell hotel in Cavan has launched its exciting new wedding package.

The four-star luxury Slieve Russell Hotel, located on the Cavan border, has created a great wedding package that is budget-friendly, covering 100 guests for €5,000, with this offer valid on all Fridays and Saturdays during the months of January, February, March, November and December, 2013, and all midweek dates in 2013 (excluding December 27 to 31).

Set in 300 acres of magnificently landscaped gardens, including 50 acres of lakes, the hotel ensures the perfect setting for your wedding day. Inspirational gardens with vibrant and unique surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for those all-important wedding shots.

For further information, contact the Slieve Russell sales office on 049 952 6444, see www.slieverussell.ie, or email slieve-sales@ quinn-hotels.com.

24 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 8 March 2012

GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT

GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Carthaginans

CONTINUING with The Pavilion’s run of strong, memorable drama, Frank McGuinness’ striking play, Carthaginans, runs on Friday, March 9 and Saturday, March 10. Influenced

by Bloody Sunday, and delving into certain facets of The Troubles, this production, set in a graveyard, both helps to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Bloody Sunday and provides some thought-provoking entertainment for theatre fans. Catch the show at 8pm, with tickets costing €20/6.

MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 The Field

GLENCULLEN Musical and Dramatic Society will bring the intimidating figure of Bull McCabe to life in their production of the classic John B Keane play, The Field. Marking the tenth anniversary of the acclaimed playwright’s death, the imposing tenant farmer will stalk the rural setting of a remote Irish village, while tragedy builds like billowing stormclouds over a simple field ... The show runs nightly at 8pm until Saturday, March 10, with tickets priced at €15/€12.

CIVIC THEATRE 01 885 2622 Love’s Last Shift

PRESENTED by Bull Alley Training College, the sights, sounds and mores of 1696 will be brought to life in a broad farce inflluenced partly by the Restoration period’s values, and theatrical tastes. When a virtuous wife’s longabsent rake of a husband returns to London, yet no longer remembers her after all his time spent with the bottle and the brothel, she resolves to trick him, thus showing him the error of his ways ... The play runs at 8.15pm until Saturday, March 10, with admission costing €10/€7 conc.

DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 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.

Gate Theatre regulars Michael James Ford and Michael Winder will be joined by the RSC’s Simon Coury for an exquisite dinner theatre 90-minute show at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 10, with tickets priced €40/€35 conc, which includes a three-course meal.

Although audiences may not have been quite as enthusiastic, there was near universal critical acclaim for The Artist, which claimed several titles at the recent Oscars’ ceremony, including the widely-expected wins for Best Actor, for Jean Dujardin, and Best Picture

Let’s look at Oscar Kate’s invite was lost in the post – but not to worry, as here’s a look at some key titles from this year’s awards I KATE CROWLEY

THERE’S no accounting for taste – something which my readers would probably hiss each week, but never mind. I mean, I take what you both think very seriously indeed, but I don’t always follow what general audiences, rather than my readers, are interested in.

Take The Woman In Black, for instance, which I part reviewed last week, and noted that it was a decidedly twostar film. (Space prohibited me from revealing at the time that one star was given to star, Daniel Radcliffe’s whiskers.)

However, audiences have begged to differ – in Britain, at least – where I see that the film has become the most successful horror film, like, ever. Yikes. Unlike the film, that’s rather scary ...

Well, sticking with the audience for now, let’s follow ’em right on over

to The Oscars.

Oh, sure, I’m a week late – but, on the other hand, this way I get to look at some of the winners, rather than sitting here with egg on my face from predicting likely winners from the week before.

The Best Picture Oscar went to The Artist, which, in retrospect, wasn’t exactly the greatest surprise in the world.

Although I never got around to reviewing it here, it’s a fine choice for best film, with the preceding year not having any particularly outstanding titles.

Perhaps something of an acquired taste, it still stands out as an expertly made, yet entertaining look back at the fine old traditions of cinema itself, while its shameless mugging and over-the-top acting still has plenty of wit and warmth, making it a good, if somewhat safe, choice for that Oscar.

Not just one Oscar, of course, as it scooped up several others, with Jean Dujardin’s energetic performance seizing Best Actor, while other Oscars included Best Director, Best Original Score and Best Costume Design.

Not bad going for a silent film.

Hugo, which I did review, also did quite well, taking another impressive haul with such winners as Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing, and Best Cinematography, all of which helps to show that it’s not just a great, if thoughtful kids’ film, but also something that looks and sounds great, making it an audiovisual treat, and was a pretty good win for what is Marty

Scorcese’s first children’s film.

Of course, Meryl Streep took yet another award, sweeping onto the stage to take Best Actress for The Iron Lady. Another non-surprise, as who on earth would argue with Margaret Thatcher – well, Meryl – on her way to the stage?

I’m assuming thatMer yl’s downstairs loo – or wherever she keeps all her gold awards and statues – now has more bling than the window at Appleby’s.

Something that was almost as golden was the highlyemotional acceptance speech by Octavia Spencer, given her Best Suppor ting Actress win for The Help;

a film I didn’t quite take to, but which was a hit for many.

Christopher Plummer was gracious with his simple speech for his win for Best Supporting Actor for Beginners, while his rivals looked on from the rank-and-file filling the auditorium.

Otherwise ... well, it was a mixed bag of largely unsurprising wins, while Billy Crystal’s shtick went down as well*/terribly* as usual (*delete as appropriate).

And that’s yer lot.

There were some great winners, some worthy ones, bizarre choices and curious omissions – same old, same old – creating an Oscars show, and selection, that was straightforward enough.

And now, the Oscar award for the Best Suddenly Off To The Shops Film Critic goes to ...

In tribute to this year’s Best Picture winner, here’s a monochrome Oscar

8 March 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 25

GazetteGAMING GAMING Bytesandpieces Could chain soon face Game over?

It’s early notice, but gamers will welcome the news of the release date for Bioshock Infinite, with its floating city-state setting of Columbia (above), echoing many of the architectural designs and societal mores of Chicago’s 1893 World Columbian Exposition (right)

Prepared for an Infinite adventure in Columbia?

SHANE DILLON

BEING something of a nerd in many fields, and not just in gaming, I know lots of useless stuff – such as … did you know that the world’s first Ferris Wheel was Irish? (Keep reading – this is going somewhere, I promise.).

Yes, indeed, the humble ferris wheel first made its appearance in Irish Town

– just one of the many national locations found within the vast, sprawling and pretty amazing 1893 World Columbian Exposition (also known as the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893).

Amongst other gems, Irish Town featured a fine example of Irish steel and iron, which the ironmongers had crafted into a giant spinning

wheel with carriages, with which to raise visitors for a view over the vast site.

So far, so … informative, yet what, one might ask, has the little-known wonder of the 1893 Chicago World Fair’s sights got to do with gaming today?

It’s pretty simple, really, as the release date for Bioshock Infinite has

Anotherweebyte...

Chilling news for Blizzard’s staff MANY readers will be aware of the jobs lost in Cork recently when Blizzard Entertainment announced that 200 jobs were to go at its division there, in a move that’s a personal tragedy for all involved, but a step that’s unlikely to have been very surprising for industry watchers, or, indeed, for many of Bliz-

zard’s user base.

World of Warcraft, Blizzard’s international role-playing game, has peaked, plateaued and begun to lose subscribers, with a subscriber base standing at 12 million in 2010, but dropping to 10.2 million by the end of December last – a 15% drop that was set to inevitably hit staff numbers at the firm’s global operations.

There’s absolutely no pun intended, but

Blizzard’s cuts are just another sign of the chill winds that continue to blow through the Irish and global economy.

Hopefully, the staff at Blizzard’s Cork operations will benefit from the support available from IDA Ireland and other such bodies, and, with World of Warcraft set to be part of their past, I’m sure we all hope there’s a world of opportunity ahead for the 200 staff ...

just been announced – October 19 – and, for those who know of such matters, it’s easy to see Bioshock Infinite (or B3, as I’ll call it, being the third in the Bioshock series) as a setting that’s been heavily influenced by the architecture and stylings of the 1893 fair, coupled with the mores and habits of turn-of-thecentury America.

Indeed, even by name alone, B3 seems influenced by the 1893 Fair, as its setting – the floating city of Columbia, traversing the sky with all manner of turbines and wind balloons holding it aloft – looks quite similar in look, and concept, to her earthbound Chicago counterpart.

In B3, faced with the task of roaming through now largely lawless Columbia, which is feared by those lands below the anarchic floating city, the player will constantly endeavour to find, work with and

ultimately escape with Elizabeth – a mysterious women with barely controlled psychic powers, who is an essential part of Columbia’s destiny, and a character at the centre of several rival factions’ plans – and not all of them human ...

So far, so Bioshock, as previous fans of Bioshock’s way of presenting story alongside gameplay will know to expect a first-personshooter that’s presented with interesting undertones to exercise their grey matter, alongside their trigger finger.

Despite Columbia being set to be a very unwelcoming place for visitors on October 19 gamers will certainly be on cloud nine once they step forth into the floating city, where Elizabeth and all manner of wondrous sights, intimidating gangs, political rivalries – and terrifying falls to the distant landscape, below – will await …

I DIDN’T expect to be covering Game’s fortunes again quite so soon after last week’s side story on the retailer’s announcement it would not be stocking a significant new Wii release.

However, the retailer has been making news for all the wrong reasons yet again, as its share price suddenly tumbled 15% at the end of last week.

Continuing its ongoing trading difficulties with distributors, it was reported that Game was unable to reach agreement with EA over credit terms for stocking the imminent and keenlyanticipated cross-platform EA release, Mass Effect 3 (ME3) and, consequently, won’t be stocking ME3 at its stores upon its release this Friday – despite ME3 being one of the key “flagpole” releases for 2012 for all games retailers, and a lucrative money generator for all concerned.

The failure to stock such a key title amounts to even more of Game’s balance-sheet blood in the water, as the retailer struggles to restructure its finances and credit sheet, and reach agreement with its significant trading partners.

ME3’s war should have been a nice little earner for Game – or at the very least, helpful in addressing some of its ongoing credit issues – but, instead, gamers, shareholders and business correspondents could be forgiven for wondering if it’ll soon be Game over for the ailing chain …

GAZETTE

26 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 8 March 2012

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Planning Permission sought for proposed ground floor porch extension at front, attic conversion to include study and toilet with dormer window to rear and small window in gable, form gable on existing hipped roof and removal of chimney stack down to first floor level at 29 The Green, Woodpark, Ballinteer, Dublin 16 for Damian & Claire Crowe.

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.

We, Niall & Tina Byrne, intend to apply for Planning Permission for widening of existing vehicular entrance by 1.45 meters consisting of repositioning brick gate pillars and removing part of garden walls, widening of road access, dishing of kerb, minor modifications to driveway paving and all associated site works at 67 Holywell, Upper Kilmacud Road, Dublin 14. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, County Hall, Dun Laoghaire during its public opening hours. A submission/observation may be made on payment of €20 within the period of 5 weeks from the date the application is received by the planning authority.

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GazetteSPORT

STARS IN YOUR EYES Dublin Sports Stars winners for February are announced: Page 29

SPORT SCIENCE: NUTRITIONAL BENEFIT OF MILK FORMS PART OF NATIONAL CAMPAIGN

Basketball Ireland and NDC hold seminar sport@gazettegroup.com

BASKETBALL Ireland, in conjunction with the National Dairy Council (NDC), recently held a Nutrition and Coaching Seminar for coaches at the National Basketball Arena, as part of the Milk it For All It’s Worth campaign.

Dr Tom Hill, a senior lecturer in Nutrition at Newcastle University, led an interactive discussion, supported by

the nutritional team from NDC. Dr Hill has extensive experience of working on diet and nutrition issues with players, athletes and teams across a variety of sports, ranging from soccer to rowing.

T he NDC interest is fuelled by the growing body of scientific research showing milk can play a very positive role in a number of aspects of sports nutri-

tion.

Specific areas of focus include the effectiveness of skimmed milk as a rehydration drink after sports, in addition to research highlighting the beneficial role of milk and milk-based products in recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage.

The beneficial role of milk in these areas has been attributed to the natural nutritional composition of milk.

Dr Tom Hill, Caroline O’Donovan from the National Dairy Council, and and Martin McGettrick, Basketball Ireland

A c c o r d i n g t o D r.

Hill, coaches should be encouraged to initiate basic nutrition strategies with their squads.

“Proper sports nutrition will help athletes to train and compete harder and to recover more quickly, so that they are better able to take on their next train-

ing session or competition,” said Dr. Hill.

“The few hours before, during and after exercise are critical times for ensuring players eat and drink properly and coaches can play a role in giving encouragement to players around this.

“During sport last-

ing more than 30 minutes, fluid intake may be required. Adequate rehydration after sports is vital to replace fluids lost via sweat.”

Fluid requirements should also account for the ongoing sweat loss that occurs during the recovery period after exercise. In summary,

food and drink after sport, which replaces the carbohydrate stores, provides some protein and helps replace the fluid and electrolytes (sodium and potassium) lost in sweat is recommended.

For more information on the campaign, see www.ndc.ie

28 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 8 March 2012

GazetteSport Sport Amy Redmond and Niamh O’Reilly

The tournament this year was won by Ballyboden 2-1 against Dermot and Sally Hegarty

Rathfarnham. Teams also playing included Terenure and Marley.

Garry Hickey, Conor Brennan and David Megannety

Memorial match

Leicester salute Rory with match EICESTER Celtic FC hosted a memorial tournament for Rory Hegary, a young player who passed away in 2009.

The tournament is organised to remember Rory, and to raise money for CRY, the charity established in 2002 by parents and relatives who have experienced the effects of sudden and unexplained deaths within their families.

CRY aims to raise awareness about sudden cardiac death, provide counselling and support to families affected and provide fundraising and ongoing support for the CRYP Centre, which is located in the Adelaide and Meath Hospital (AMNCH) at Tallaght.

Rory was a well-loved and respected young player for Ballyboden St Enda’s, and his teammates and friends took part in the match.

For more information on CRY, see www.cry. ie.

Winning team, Ballyboden

L

Hannah McGovern, Jennifer O’Connor, Robyn Cahill and Aoife Gray

Mary Donoghue, Sally Hegarty and Jennifer Kimberley

8 March 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 29

in association with

GIFT OF SPORT: CELEBRATION AT ST ANN’S CHURCH

2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS FEBRUARY WINNERS IN ASSOCIATION WITH

STARof theMONTH

LESLEY O’HALLORAN THE South Dublin tennis ace has had a lengthy and prestigious career in the sport in this country, and brought two gold, a silver and a bronze medal back from the San Diego International Tennis Federation (ITF) Senior World championships, claiming Ireland’s first-ever team title in world tennis in the process.

Dublin gives thanks sport@gazettegroup.com

THE Annual Ecumenical Service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of Sport will be held in St Ann’s Church on Dawson Street on Sunday, March 25, at 7.30pm.

Sixty-three years ago the first service of thanksgiving for the gift of sport took place in Dublin in 1949 in St Peter’s Church, Aungier Street, long since demolished.

The idea for holding such a ser vice arose following discussions between the Revd

SUPPORT

LOCAL BUSINESS

THREE ROCK ROVERS

THE Rathfarnham side travelled to Malatya in south-eastern Turkey to claim promotion from the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champion’s Challenge II, getting back into the top tier of the indoor competition in Europe by virtue of a second-place position in the competition, achieved in spite of some tough breaks on their way to the tournament.

WHAT? It’s March already?

February ended on a high with the showing of the Dublin Sports Awards show on Setanta Ireland, and keep an eye out for more repeats of the show throughout this month.

Not only that, but there were some huge achievements on the world stage by our stars of the month.

World number two at her age level, Lesley O’Halloran brought a handful of world championship medals back to the capital after her great success in San Diego.

Equally far afield, Three Rock

SHOP LOCALLY

TEAMof theMONTH

Rovers achieved their Turkish delight and obtained promotion to the EuroHockey Indoor Club Champion’s Challenge I for the 2013 season.

Let us know!

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

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

CALL THE GAZETTE ON

60 10 240

George Crummy and Bob Graves, the Irish r ugby international.

Since then the ser vice has developed into an annual ecumenical event, held in the evenings, to allow for maximum attendance from the sporting fraternity The service continues to be the focus of thanksgiving for all men, women and young people whose lives have been enriched and blessed by the gift of sport, whether through active par ticipation, patronage or through the media of radio, tel-

evision or attendance at sporting events and fixtures.

Over the years many prominent sportspersons of note have spoken at the service and, this year, the address will be given by Tommy Carr, the former Gaelic football player for Dublin and All-Star winner in1991.

He has also managed a number of other county GAA teams since his retirement as a player.

The collection is donated each year to a charity and, this year, Pieta House has been

chosen. Pieta is involved in assisting people at risk of suicide and self harm.

Unfortunately, those who participate in sport are not immune from such tragedy and sadness as most recently highlighted by the death of Garry Speed in Britain.

For further information, contact Robert Prole, member of the ASU (Association of Schools’ Unions ) Service Organising Committee by telephone on 01 2889565 or via email to rdeprole@eircom.net.

30 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 8 March 2012

GazetteSport Sport FastSport

RUGBY: CORINTHIANS INFLICT DEFEAT ON DONNYBROOK SIDE

DLSP pick up pennant as J4s claim the title GAVIN Ross and his J4 team picked up a superb win over a talented Trinity College side by 29-12, on route to claiming De La Salle Palmerstown’s second pennant at this level in three years.

Coached by Andrew Bishop and Ultan Waldron, the team have had a fantastic season.

Tries on the day came from Peter Tunney, Aaron Paisley, Shane Cranney and Fiachra O’Shaugnessy. The team had a number of Salmo legends playing, including Owen O’Leary, Gavin Stokes and John Murray.

The side also featured had four mini-rugby coaches – Barry Murphy and John Feeney (who mentor the U-12s), Gavin Stokes (U-7s) and Owen O’Leary (U-9s).

The photo above shows team captain Gavin Ross receiving the pennant from Kevin Fitzpatrick on behalf of Leinster Rugby.

Old Wesley battled hard but were no match for the Galway side, Corinthians, who were the visitors in the Ulster Bank league last week

Old Wesley’s Greek tragedy ULSTER BANK LEAGUE Old Wesley Corinthians

10 27

I sport@gazettegroup.com

AN EMBATTLED Old Wesley tumbled to their fifth defeat in a row, this time against Corinthians of Galway.

Played in ideal springtime conditions, the home side looked the better team in the opening stages of the match and spent much of the first ten minutes in their opponent’s 22.

However, they were unable to breach the visitors’ stout defence, coming away with just three points from a penalty

from Barry McLoughlin after nine minutes.

Corinthians, on their first visit inside the Old Wesley half, equalised with an easy penalty from an offside.

The next 15 minutes were fairly even, with both sides looking to run the ball and defend well. None more so than Greg Jacob, on his first outing for Wesley following a long spell of injury, who put in some hard tackles.

The home side were dealt a blow after 25 minutes when John Southern was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.

The visitors immedi-

The Italian job: Local fans travel to Viadana for Leinster LEINSTER supporters, Margaret, left, and

Mary Oliver, from Ranelagh, were keeping the Blue flag flying high last weekend at Stadio Zaffanella ahead of the Celtic League match between the Heineken Cup holders and Aironi.

A try from Noel Reid four minutes from time, together with five penalties from Ian Madigan, were enough to keep Leinster on the winning streak as they travelled to the Italian city, finishing out the match by a 22-6 margin.

ately capitalised when they stretched the Old We s l e y d e f e n c e t o score the first try of the match.

As the half-time mark approached, Barry McLoughlin made a fine break down the right wing, feeding to Richie Jermyn, who was illegally tackled on the 22.

From the penalty, Wesley chose to opt for touch. From the ensuing line-out on the fivemetre mark, Old Wesley did drive over, but were unable to ground the ball before the ref blew for half-time, with the scores at 3-8 in the visitors’ favour.

The second half saw the Connacht men raise their game as the Old Wesley pack started to feel the strain.

Just four minutes in, and following sustained pressure, they crossed for their second try, this time under the posts.

To their credit, Wesley fought back, but were unable to convert their possession into points.

Corinthians were then awarded a penalty on the Wesley 22. Sensing the early possibility of a bonus point they opted for touch.

From the ensuing lineout, they scored their third try from a classic

peel from the back of the set piece.

Old Wesley’s hopes were rekindled with 15 minutes to go when Colin Wallace crossed for a try following some ver y good handling.

McLoughlin’s successful conversion brought the score to 10-20.

Both sides were now seeking a bonus point, albeit of different types.

However, the Old Wesley scrum was creaking and the backs were starting to tire, and it was Corinthians who achieved their target by scoring their fourth converted try right on the final whistle.

8 March 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 31

in association with

FOOTBALL: LOCAL PLAYERS MAKE MARK IN TIES a

CLUB NOTICEBOARD BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S THERE were good starts to the year

monthly Ceili takes place on Satur-

for the senior A and junior C hurlers

day next.

while the senior Bs and juniors As

Ladies’ Football spring clothes

gave good accounts of themselves.

collection on March 24 and 25.

Double wins for senior A and sen-

Details shortly.

ior B camogie teams in first games

Check out latest addition to Boden

of the OZO League. Anne Griffin

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and Fiona Ni Shuilleabhain were the

trove - O’Kelly’s Sawmill. For Free

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Garden Audit contact 01 493 1034.

This year’s Gala night will take

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Noel Browne presents a caba-

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another great night on the cards.

the website.

Junior art competition launched see website for more information.

Bingo on Tue s da y nig h t s and

Lotto: Numbers drawn were 26, 10, 2 and 18.

The jackpot of €10,000 was not won.

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

or enjoy a night of music and craic?

Lotto draw.

Spread the word to your friends,

Nex t week’s dr aw will be for €6,600.

Mia Jennings from Kilmacud Crokes played her part in Dublin U-14 ladies victory over Kildare. Picture: GAApics.com

Young Jackies show early season promise sport@gazettegroup.com

DUBLIN’S young Jackies were in action last weekend, and both sides started their Leinster championship campaigns with comprehensive victories against Kildare at O’Toole’s.

The Under-16s manager, Fearghal Brennan, must have come away from last Saturday’s Leinster championship game with Kildare delighted after his young charges dismissed the Lilywhites on a scoreline of 9-19 to 2-4.

Although Dublin recorded a comfortable victory, Kildare must have been aware that they were coming into this encounter facing a stern challenge from the reigning Leinster champions, Kildare, having made the move up from Leinster B championship to top-flight football this season were always going to find the step up in levels a taxing challenge.

In front of a sizeable home crowd, Dublin gave a solid performance, dominating every sector of the field. One concern for the Dublin management team would be the missed openings in front of the Kildare posts, but this result can be looked on as a good opening and a learning experience.

Being the early part of the season, the Jackies have plenty of time to work on tweaking their football and scoring skills with four additional round-robin fixtures still to be played.

The Dubs can look forward to a trip down to Wexford on March 24, the Model county girls registered a comfortable away win over Meath in their opening round game.

Wexford will relish the visit of the Dubs and they also have the potential to cause an upset; Dublin will have to hit top form if they intend to keep their unbeaten run in Leinster

intact.

At the same ground, the Dublin Under-14 girls commenced their Leinster championship with a comprehensive win over Kildare. The girls in blue were apprehensive prior to the start of the game, but the nerves quickly disappeared as they entertained their supporters and the Dublin U-16 ladies’ team with some fine, fast-flowing scores from play.

To date, this Dublin side have played challenge games against Waterford and Galway, and they dominated the first half of the Kildare encounter, claiming the majority of possession and leading at half time by 4-4 to no score.

It is a credit to the current management team that all 29 players available made a contribution to the game and nine of those players made a contribution to the scoreboard to secure a final score of 7-5 to 0-4 in

favour of Dublin.

The Dubs have the opportunity to attend a couple of mid-week training sessions to develop their skills before they travel to Wexford on March 23 to compete in the second round of the Leinster campaign.

DLGFA wish to extend a word of thanks to Rhonda and her colleagues in O’Tooles for the hospitality shown to both teams on Saturday and wish a speedy recovery to the Kildare midfielder who required medical attention in the first half.

Tickets are available online at w w w. b a l l i n t e e r s t jo h n s . c o m o r from the usual outlets.

Good win for the minor footballers against Erin’s Isle. Well done to all involved.

family and neighbours.

Singalong in the bar on Tuesdays; singers and musicians welcome.

Senior football fundraiser with a Christy Moore tribute band in the Clubhouse on St Patrick’s Day. Tickets available in the clubhouse bar.

Wednesday night is a great night

Coming soon to a screen near you

of tr adi tional music, no cover

BSJ30 - check it out at www.ballint-

charge. Why not come up and join in

eerstjohns.com

NAOMH OLAF CONGRATULATIONS to our senior

Gordon, had fine games in defence,

hurlers who got off to a great start

whilst James Hughes, Francois Grey

in the AHL3 league by defeating a

and Johnny Connors were the most

strongly fancied Parnell’s side away

impressive forwards.

on Sunday by a score of 1-10 to 0-7 in a toughly-fought battle.

In the Loving Cup, Naomh Olaf put in a good performance in a very enjoy-

Our junior hurlers had a tough away

able home game on Saturday that

assignment against St Brendan’s in

ended with a draw against Clanna

their opening AHL6 game. Olaf’s put

Gael with the final score Naomh Olaf

up a credible performance but were

2 -16, Clanna Gael 4 - 10.

defeated by a stronger side on a scoreline of 3-12 to 1-5.

Goalkeeper Eoin McCaffrey and full backs Shane Mulvey and Peter

Naomh Olaf achieved great success in the Dublin Scor na bPaisti final, coming first in the Ceol Uirlise competition.

WANDERERS MEMBERSHIP deadline has now passed.

Junior A and B players training continues each Tuesday and Thurs-

Playing members €100, non-playing

day at 7.30pm in Frank Kelly Park. All

members €50. No player will be eli-

players from both teams expected to

gible to play unless fully paid up as

attend.

of February 29. Non-playing mem-

Ladies’ training each Monda y

bers are entitled to apply for Dublin

at 7.15pm in Frank Kelly Park and

tickets if fully paid up only. Contact

Wednesday at 7pm in Firhouse Gym.

Damian on 086 863 2565.

Contact Ian on 087 630 7046.

Individual tickets can now be pur-

Juvenile training continues each

chased for the two remaining Dub-

Saturday 11am-12noon for all ages,

lin double-headers in Croke Park

and each Wednesday from 6.30 to

on March 11 and 24. Tickets are €13.

7.30pm for ages 6 and up at Frank

Contact Gary on 086 833 0433.

Kelly Park. All welcome.

ALL OF YOUR DUNDRUM SPORTS COVERAGE FROM PAGE 27-31

ONE FOR RORY: Leicester Celtic host memorial charity match in aid of CRY P28

FEBRUARY FAVES: Dublin Sports Awards winners announced P29

GazetteSPORT

Old Wesley J3 side celebrate their success in the Leinster League against Lansdowne at Donnybrook

MARCH 8, 2012

Welsey secure the league title again Back-to-back J3 titles for Donnybrook side as they defeat Lansdowne head-to-head and claim crown dundrumsport@gazettegroup.com

Old Wesley clinched the Leinster J3 (Section A) League title last Friday night at Donnybrook in stunning fashion, with a close-fought 13-11 victory over Lansdowne.

The side went into the match knowing that nothing less than a win would secure the title against league leaders, Lansdowne, who started the day three points ahead of second-placed Wesley in the table.

At the end of a long campaign, very little separated the two sides, and the result on the night meant that the two clubs finished level on points.

However, two victories for Old Wesley headto-head proved the difference, and gave them the title.

Only promoted to this section last year, Old Wesley clinched a rare achievement — winning two J3 league sections in two years, led by captain Craig Petrie, coach Andrew Leeson, and assistant coaches Stuart Kinlan and Davis Swaine.

With great support, a close rivalry and keen anticipation all contributing to an electric atmosphere on a dry Friday night on the back pitch, Old Wesley eventually completed their double over Lansdowne in the league this season, beating them home and away, while retaining their unbeaten record at home that now stretches back three seasons.

In the return, final fixture last Friday, penalty attempts were missed by both sides in a calm but, at times, gusty evening that did the kickers no favours.

Wesley probably had the better of the first half, taking the game to Lansdowne from the kick-off, and putting points on the board.

Captain Craig Petrie led the forwards, with relentless work at the breakdown and in the loose from Crawford Kidd and Neil Stanley.

Matt LaPorte, Dave Swaine and Ian Logan imposed themselves in the scrum, while Mark Bewley and Brian Doherty combined well in the centre.

Old Wesley’s defence smothered attack after attack, and Jamie McConnell showed consistent composure at the back of the park, supported by some fantastic running and interplay by the wings, Alan Jackson and Richard Johnson.

At times, the Wesley line-out creaked, yet the collective spirit that this team embodied saw courage amply rewarded.

The second half saw a serious onslaught from Lansdowne, bringing them back into contention, reducing Old Wesley’s lead to two points after a well-worked try in the corner.

However, a tense last 15 minutes saw the Wesley forwards retaining possession and gaining territory, slowly stifling Lansdowne.

Shane Davey’s catch from a restart showed the determination of this team, and Lansdowne saw hardly anything of the ball as the clock ran down.

Injuries needed attention, and Lansdowne conceded a series of penalties before the referee blew up to the collective jubilation of the home team and their loyal support erupted in celebration.