Dundrum GAZET TE FREE
RECYCLE THIS COPY. KEEP DUBLIN TIDY.
YOUR COMMUNITY • YOUR PAPER
INSIDE: Plenty of style at a Diet Coke launch at Harvey Nicks P8-9
April 26, 2012
FUTURE HOPES: Connect Ireland
boss gives talk to local councillors P5
Building plans: Graduates of property course PAUL Whelan, chairman of the
Soccer: Local players called into Ireland schools’ side Page 28
Hockey: Local teams claim Irish Junior Cup titles Page 30
ALSOINSIDE: GALLERIES ..................... 2 BUSINESS .................... 19 MOTORS ....................... 20 TRAVEL......................... 22 ENTERTAINMENT ........ 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............... 26
IPFMA ((Irish Property & Facility Management Association), is pictured congratulating South Dublin property managers, Alan Lyons, of Goatstown, and Urban Monks, of Cabinteely, on their graduation from the IPFMA Property and Facility Management Diploma one-year course. Alan works with Prestige Facility Management at Greenhills Road, Walkinstown, while Urban is working with Lynch Interact at Fonthill Retail Park, Clondalkin.
Unease over future of Cherrywood SDZ FG’s Mitchell I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
O’Connor voices concern on plan
UNEASE is growing about the future development of the Cherrywood Strategic Development Zone and its effect on neighbouring villages. Local Fine Gael deputy, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, expressed concern about the
potential ill-effects on areas such as Ballybrack, Blackrock, Dalkey and others due to Cherrywood’s placement and size, in terms of both retail business and as a drain on resources. But local Labour councillor Denis O’Callaghan said Deputy Mitchell O’Connor’s concerns were misconceived, and
that the development would be phased over 10 to 15 years. He said: “Cherrywood, when fully developed, will cater for the needs of a new population of between 20,000 and 30,000, who will live there as an addition to the existing population in the county.” Full Story on Page 7
2 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 26 April 2012
THEATRE: A ONE-MAN SHOW AT THE MILL
EDUCATION Launching a Dundrum learning programme
Keogh takes stage as a love-hungry farmer I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
dundrum@gazettegroup.com
VETERAN Irish actor, Des Keogh, takes to the Mill Theatre’s stage as The Love-Hungry Farmer, a John B Keane piece Keogh adapted as a oneman show. This is an awardwinning show and has enjoyed enormous success throughout the country and abroad. Keogh first performed The Love-Hungry Farmer at the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York in 2003. Des is from Birr, County Offaly, and trained as a barrister before entering the theatre in his 20s. He has worked with major Irish theatre companies, and also in the London theatre. His film credits include Ryan’s Daughter, Ulysses, and Flight of the Doves. Finding love
In the play, The LoveHungry Farmer is tired of his chaste existence and decides to contact a professional matchmaker. His decision to put his love life into the hands of a professional
is influenced by his own previously hilarious and disastrous attempts to find love in the past. Des is universally hailed as a master story- teller and his performance brings rural bachelorhood in 50’s Ireland to life on stage. The isolation of Bannabeen, where he lives, has become intolerable so the farmer, John Bosco McLane, takes drastic action. The story comes from Keane’s ‘Letters’ series and the love-hungry farmer was one of the most popular of the letters. Special
Kevin Nolan and Richard Trimmer, regional manager for Kumon Ireland and Northern Ireland, share a joke with Eiman and Amna Elsia and Aseel Mohammed. Pictures: Geraldine Woods
Kumon to help develop skills UEEN of Angels National School, Blackthorn Drive, Sandyford, recently launched a Kumon study centre (Kumon Dundrum) with help from Kilmacud Crokes, and Dublin player, Kevin Nolan. Kevin was on hand to join Richard Trimmer, regional manager for Kumon Ireland and Northern Ireland, and Padraig Quinlan, Kumon
Q
Dundrum, with the new centre adding to the roster of Kumons all around the world. Padraig, a mentor with Kilmacud Crokes’ GAA club for football and hurling since 2006, also has a keen interest in maths and English, has an engineering degree, and feels that being a Kumon instructor is rewarding and enables him to combine these factors.
Founded in 1958 by a secondary school maths teacher, Toru Kumon, the Kumon programme was originally designed for his son to study, by himself, advanced level mathematics. It was soon found that the Kumon method had many other benefits, including helping children to develop self-learning skills and life skills that would see them through to being confident, capable adults.
There is a special offer of a two course meal for two with a bottle of wine or complimentary third course from Har vey Nichols and Roly Saul, as well as two tickets to the show for €100. T h e L ove - Hu n g r y Farmer plays at the Mill Theatre, Dundrum on May 30 and May 31 at 8pm and tickets cost €18 or €15. To book, you can go online at www.milltheatre.ie or ring the box office on 01 296 9340.
Jack Quinlan and Nori Caguioa
Naomi and Joseph Caguioa
Padraig Quinlan, Kumon Dundrum, and Kevin Nolan
26 April 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 3
WORKSHOPS The art of exploring cultural diversity
A Passport to Europe with Imaginosity I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
I M AG I N O S I T Y i n Sandyford is running a Passport to Europe Week this May. The week will concentrate on bringing to life the cultural and linguistic diversity in Europe. Throughout the week, facilitators from many different European countries will give workshops in art and drama, or tell stories showcasing their various cultures. The workshops, will therefore, be conducted bi-lingually in order to lend an authentic feel to events and promote the native tongue of the countries involved.
The week from May 1 to May 6, includes Polish Storytime, Italian Drama Workshop with Divertitaliano, an art workshop from the Netherlands, called Tulips and Rooftops; French, German and Spanish workshops. T he rich cultural diversity is intended to broaden the child’s perspective on being a European child, as well as fostering an appreciation and understanding of other European cultures through playful exposure. The following week at Imaginosity is dedicated to grandparents. Bealtaine is an inter-
generational series of workshops that aim at celebrating the diversity and collaborative power which is unleashed when young and old get together. The aim of this week is to encourage more curiosity and cooperation among the generations and, by doing so, creatively it also makes it all very enjoyable. From May 7 to May 12 there will be Hand Print Heart, Grandparents’ Sharing Journal, I love my Grandparents Photo Frames and a musical workshop, entitled When I’m 64. All grandparents go free every Tuesday at
Children are encouraged to take a trip back in time with a series of art, drama and music workshops at Sandyford’s Imaginosity
Imaginosity during the off-peak season. Later in May, the Blast into the Past week is on at Imaginosity. This is a natural follow-on from the Grandparents’ week and invites children to step into other times in history. Children are encouraged to take a trip back in time with a series of art, drama and music
workshops that cover the Medieval, Viking and Egyptian eras. The week from May 14 to May 31 will take in Bayeux Tapestry art workshop, Create a Catapult, Medieval Dance workshop, Viking Jewellery, Viking Splash drama workshop, Popup Pyramid Cards and a Hieroglyph Art workshop. Imaginosity is Dublin’s
only children’s museum. It has exhibition areas and hosts a wide variety of daily workshops incorporating art, crafts, theatre, dance and music for all age groups under 9. If you wish to partake in any the May sessions, then booking is essential. You can ring on (01) 217 6130 / 33 or go online at www.familyfun.ie/imaginosity
TELEVISION A local setting for thriller A contemporary TV thriller, Thirteen Steps Down, has been filming around Dundr um and Dun Laoghaire for the past two weeks and will continue to film for at least another week. Locations used so far include Broadford Park, Ballinteer; Beacon Court, Sandy ford; Belgrave Square, Monkstown; Cranmer Place, Royal Terrace, Dun Laoghaire; Winning Solutions Gym, Dun Laoghaire; Crosthwaite Park, Dun Laoghaire and The Rise, in Mount Merrion. Thirteen Steps Down is a two-part Ruth Rendell psychological thriller produced by Parallel Films, which is commissioned by ITV. The thriller was adapted by Adrian Hodges who was responsible for My Week with Marilyn. Its cast includes Geraldine James (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and Gemma Jones (Spooks).
4 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 26 April 2012
FASHION Styling advisory sessions for the fashion conscious shopper
Get set for summer at Shop Our Style event
A SERIES of styling advisory sessions for the fashion conscious shopper will get underway with Dundrum Town Centre’s forthcoming Shop Our Style weekends. To get ready for summer, the centre is running a host of stylish events. The Centre of Fashion will host a range of fashion events to help their customers to transform and update their wardrobes and apply handy styling tips this summer.
Three times each day, at 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4.30pm, all the newest summer looks will feature on the fashion catwalk on Level 1. Stylist Roxanne Parker is responsible for organising and designing the look of the SOS fashion catwalk show. “No matter what the event, the Shop Our Style fashion show will have your style covered. It doesn’t matter what size you are, what age you are
or how much you have to spend, we are going to have everyone looking their very best this summer,” she said.
Make-overs
Featured labels include River Island, Karen Millen, Penney’s and Coast and more. L’Oreal will also lend their services in the form of make-up artist to the stars, Billy Orr, who will give complimentary make-overs. Billy Orr has made up
the faces of Lady GaGa and Jessie J. A specially commissioned West Coast Cooler bar will offer refreshments to the weary shopper at the end of their spree. Don Nugent, Dundrum Town Centre manager, said: “We are really excited about the SOS – Shop Our Style event – with the days getting longer and, hopefully, a summer of sunshine on the horizon, it’s the per-
fect time to start adding pieces to your summer wardrobe, whether it be fashion, shoes or accessories.” All of these stylish events will take place at the mall on Saturday April 21 and Sunday April 22 as part of the Shop Our Style (SOS) weekend. For further information on Dundrum Town Centre Shop Our Style event, go to www.dun drum.ie
ENTERPRISENEWS
Get Your Business Up & Running in 2012 – 8 Week ‘Start Your Own Business’ Training Programme Are you looking to Start Your Own Business but are unsure of how and where to begin? Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Enterprise Board is running a ‘Start You Own Business’ course which begins on Tuesday, 8th May 2012. This 8 week programme will be held in Nutgrove Enterprise Park, Rathfarnham and will run from 7 to 10pm over successive Tuesday evenings. Specialist trainers will teach course participants how to research a business idea, assess its commercial viability, pick an appropriate business structure, identify sources of funding and explore effective sales and marketing strategies. All course content has been carefully chosen to support any new product or service-led business. The course contents include:- Generating & Refining Business Ideas, Legal Issues for Your StartUp, Preparing a Business Plan, Marketing Your Small Business, Researching Your Market, Small Business Finance, Finance & Taxation Issues and Managing Your Finances. Participants on this training programme will also have the option of availing of FETAC Level 6 certification at no extra cost and will receive a free copy of the “Starting Your Own Business” Workbook written by Ron Immink & Brian O’Kane and published by Oak Tree Press. The training programme fee is only €150. Places can be booked via www.dlrceb.ie/training or by calling (01) 494 8400.
Check out Shop Our Style event at Dundrum Town Centre
Let’s Cook! Comfortable techniques DUBLIN Cookery School in Blackrock is hosting an evening with celebrity chef Stuart O’Keefe demonstrating some of his arthritis-friendly recipes. The campaign, Let’s Cook! is aimed at people with arthritis and will teach them how to use comfortable cooking techniques while encouraging a healthy and balanced diet that can help control the condition. This free cookery class is on in the Dublin Cookery School, Blackrock, on Wednesday, May 16, at 7.30pm. Enjoying some healthy eats with Stuart are Maggie Lynch from Soul Food Company and Lisa Mehigan, from Arthritis Ireland.
COUNCIL: ENHANCEMENT SCHEME GETS UNDERWAY
Preliminary design for Braemor Rd prepared I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
THE preliminary design for the Braemor Road enhancement scheme has been prepared by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. The scheme includes upgrading carriageway surfaces, providing cycle tracks, reconstructing footpaths, traffic-calming measures, enhanced landscaping and upgrades to drainage where required. The council has stated that the duration of the works will be around 12 months and “costs cannot be assessed until the public consultation is
completed.” A council spokesperson went on to say: “It is anticipated that the disruption to pedestrians and cyclists, resulting from the reconstruction of footpaths/ cycle lanes and the replanting of trees, will be localised and confined to one margin at a time. However, access will be maintained to all properties.” DLRCC said there will be “minimal disruption to through vehicular traffic except for a total period of approximately six weeks when delays may be experi-
enced. At the time of construction a traffic plan will be agreed with the Traffic section and the Gardai.” DLRCC assured residents that the works will not have an adverse affect on the free movement of traffic and other road users. “The scheme will not unduly alter conditions for disabled drivers, but, conditions for disabled pedestrians and wheelchair users will be significantly enhanced. The new design is the latest standard concerning access for the disabled.”
The council went on to add that improvements are much needed on the Braemor Road to ensure more safety for drivers and cyclists. “It will not shorten existing journeys. It is anticipated, in fact, that the new carriageway layout will discourage speeding. The route will remain the same length. The existing road pavement, cycle lanes, footpaths, and drainage are in very poor condition - in particular the cycle lane which many cyclists do not use because of its condition.” A council spokesperson added: “There have
been numerous complaints from the general public, and from public representatives, over several years concerning the condition of Braemor Road.” The Braemor plans were put on display on April 4 and will remain on view to the public until May 7. They are on display at County Hall, Dun Laoghaire and at Dundrum local office. All submissions and observations relating to the Braemor Enhancement Scheme may be sent by email to roadprojects@ dlrcoco.ie by 4.30pm on Wednesday, May 9.
26 April 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 5
BUSINESS Connect Ireland presentation
Niall Hughes, from Connect Ireland, the new IDA-appointed body that encourages foreign investment in Ireland
Connecting with foreign investment I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
dundrum@gazettegroup.com
NIALL Hughes from Connect Ireland, the new IDA-appointed body that encourages foreign investment in Ireland, visited Dun Laoghaire last week and gave a presentation at a council meeting. Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Phil Hogan asked Niall to go to the local councils and give a talk to councillors. The new organisation was set up to encourage foreign investment in Ireland through exploiting Irish connections abroad. Niall asked all present in the chamber to find out if any of their foreign connections
would be willing to invest in Ireland. He told the assembled councillors that a strategy to employ in the future was harnessing the global potential of the Irish diaspora. He said Connect Ireland was similar to the IDA and was the next natural step for Ireland. He said that, in the last five years, national growth had risen by 5.8% and that wages here had dropped by 10% since 2011. He went on to say that all of this means that Ireland is a very attractive prospect for potential foreign investment. Thirteen thousand jobs were created in Ireland last year and foreign investment had risen by 17%, with 61 foreign com-
--------------------------
‘13,000 jobs were created in Ireland last year and foreign investment had risen by 17%, with 61 foreign companies having set up here’ --------------------------
panies setting up here. Hughes said that the onus for Connect Ireland today has shifted to small-to-medium businesses that might create even three or four jobs. He urged the councillors to use all of their contacts abroad and log onto Connect Ireland to
pass the contact names of CEOs on to them. T h e i nve s t o r w i l l receive €15,000 per job they create for a minimum of three jobs and up to a maximum of 100 jobs. The company would receive half of this amount for the next two years. There is also a “double reward” on offer for a company that can accomplish job creation within a 12-month period. Hughes stressed the impor tance of local authorities in the new system by stressing that it is only by working together on this idea that success can be achieved. He also advised councillors to create links to Connect Ireland on their home pages.
Council gets high score from An Taisce IN a report issued this week by An Taisce, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown scored an impressive 199 out of a possible 272, just one point behind the highest scoring council, which was South Dublin. In the report, An Taisce gauges the relative performance in local planning governance. The report also suggests vital amendments to improve planning policy implementation in the future. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown fared exceptionally well in the overall assessment of An Taisce and
achieved a score of 73%, according to the report’s criteria. Councillor Victor Boyhan (Ind) said: “I am greatly encouraged by the high ranking and top marks Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have received from An Taisce.” Agreement
He went on to add that Dun Laoghaire developers and residents are clearly in agreement on planning issues. “What’s clear from the broad
findings of this report is that the rate of appeals by citizens against Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Planning Authority to An Bord Pleanala dropped significantly over the last few years.” Cllr Boyhan ended by praising the foresight of local planners: “To the great credit of our planning authority they addressed many of the concerns raised by valid objectors, by attaching planning conditions to final grants of permission, therefore avoiding long in many case unnecessary appeal to An Bord Pleanala.”
6 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 26 April 2012
26 April 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 7
RATHFARNHAM: DEVISING ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOMES
Cyril Mannion, CEO, Passive House Builders, and his wife, Siobhan
All Smiles: Cahill’s Centra announce innovative new loyalty programme CENTRE BALLINTEER owner, Breda Cahill and store manager, Brian Mohan, have announced that Centra’s new innovative loyalty programme, Centra Smile is being trialled in Cahill’s Centra in Ballinteer, in addition to 15 other Centra stores across the country. The new loyalty programme rewards customers for shopping regularly at Centra by delivering free treats, including a free coffee, a surprise on your birthday to a free evening meal. The
trial of Smile has been available for only two weeks and has proven to be a huge success with Cahill’s Centra’s customers, who have been queuing up to sign up. On completion of the trial, the loyalty programme will be rolled out to all Centra stores nationwide. For more information on Centra Smile, visit Cahill’s Centra in Ballinteer or visit www.centra.ie or download the Centra Smile app.
¤960,000 for eight local road projects I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
FUNDING of €960,000 has been allocated to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council for eight road projects around the county. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Leo Varadkar has announced that €11.8m is to be spent on over 100 projects in the greater Dublin area. Included in the projects for funding is Temple Hill-Newtow npark Avenue junctions which will cost €20,000. This
will involve the redesign of three junctions and facilities for walking and cycling in line with the Aecom report. Another area to benefit is the N11 crossing at Silver Tassie which will have a new signalised pedestrian crossing south of Wyattville junction. This funding amounts to €120,000. There will also be a cycle link to Luas in Bride’s Glen which will traverse St. Columcille’s Hospital in Loughlinstown to the Dublin Road, Shankill, at a cost
of €30,000. The Stillorgan ward area is to receive funding of €790,000 under sustainable transport programme measures 2012. Richard Humphreys, Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward, has welcomed this saying: “I am delighted that the Government has facilitated additional funding of €790,000 to be spent within the Stillorgan Ward and adjoining areas. “The decision to allo-
cate €600,000 to junction improvements and resignalling at Upper Kilmacud Rd and the junction with Blackthorn Avenue together with enhanced access to Sandyford Luas stop for walkers and cyclists and construction of new cycle facilities in the Sandyford Business District, is very welcome.” The Leopardstown roundabout area is to get €60,000 of the funds to plan and design a new road from the ESB roundabout on Leopard-
stown Road to the Sandyford Business District. On the Belfield campus, €50,000 will be spent on the construction of a bus-only gate on the inner ring road of UCD for better facilitation of cross-campus bus routes. Another €50,000 has been earmarked for the design of a cycling and walking link from Belfield campus to the DART and €30,000 more will go to creating a cycling and walking link from UCD to Windy Arbour’s Luas.
Company nominated for award A LOCAL company in Rathfarnham was nominated for a National Green Award, 2012 recently. Passive House Builders, which builds, plans and devises passive and energy-efficient houses, was in the running for the Green Residential Award. The company was the first passive building in Ireland to have been awarded the title Certified European Passive House Designer. This was awarded to the company by the Passive House Institute in Darmstadt, Germany. Speaking about the nomination, Cyril Mannion, CEO, said: “This is our second consecutive year to be nominated for the Green Awards and we are hoping this year will see us taking home gold. Each year the competition gets stiffer, so to be nominated and shortlisted down to the final
five is a fantastic achievement and a testament to all our staff here.” A passive house is a building in which a comfortable interior climate can be maintained without employing any active heating and cooling systems. T he key compo nents of a passive house include southern orientation, triple-glazed windows, air tightness, heat recover y ventilation, cold-bridge elimination and energy-saving appliances. The awards took place in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin on the April 19, 2012. Unfortunately, they were not successful on the night. For further information on Passive Homes, log onto w w w.passive h o u s e b u i l d e r. c o m where you can calculate the energy cost savings to be made, or call 01 2924449.
Development of Cherrywood causing concern for deputy I BAIRBRE NI BHRAONAIN
DEVELOPMENT of the Cherrywood and how it will impact the surrounding areas of Ballybrack, Dalkey, Shankill, Blackrock and Glasthule is causing concern for Dun Laoghaire TD, Mary Mitchell O’Connor. In a statement, Deputy Mitchell O’Connor said these surrounding villages could suffer negatively over the development of Cherrywood. She has submitted her concerns on this issue to DLRCC. “The Cherrywood Strategic Devel-
opment Zone details a 264-hectare, green field site for development, which would consist of three new villages, served by a town centre, with the capacity for three primary schools and two post primary schools. “Too often, we have seen the development of areas in isolation without any real reference to surrounding towns and settlements.” Deputy Mitchell O’Connor fears “this development will draw customers from their towns and villages, especially at weekends, compounding an already difficult trading environment”.
More long-term effects could result from an alteration in any area’s demography, according to Deputy Mitchell O’Connor. “Consideration must also be given to how a major population move to Cherrywood will impact on house prices and school pupil numbers in the already established centres.” There is also a concern regarding the sufficiency of basic resources such as water. Mitchell O’Connor said that Roundwood Water Treatment works “may not sustain a development of this scale”. According to Councillor Denis
O’Callaghan (Lab): “The issue of adequate water supply is addressed in the Draft plan, which went out on public display and will not be a threat to the overall capacity of supply.” Deputy Mitchell O’Connor wants the local authority to revisit the idea of developing Cherrywood with all of these factors considered. A council spokesperson said she was delighted to have received 70 submissions to the Cherrywood SDZ Draft Planning Scheme. However, the council cannot comment on any submissions at this stage.
Cllr O’Callaghan, who was very involved in the 1992 zoning with the Gilmore/O’Callaghan motion securing the Cherrywood district centre, responded to Deputy Mitchell O’Connor’s concerns. “I think the anxiety which troubles Mitchell O’Connor is misconceived. Cherrywood, when fully developed, will cater for the needs of a new population of between 20,000 and 30,000 who will live there as an addition to exiting population in the county. In any case, the development of Cherrywood will be phased over, I would say, 10 to 15 years.”
8 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 26 April 2012
RETAIL Gaultier style transforms section of Harvey Nicks,
Elaine Hopkins
and Helen Martin
Model Megan DeBurca and her Diet Coke counterpart
Darren Buttle and Lottie Ryan. Pictures: Geraldine Woods
A whole Lottie help at a launch OTTIE Ryan, daughter of the late presenter and personality, Gerry, was on hand to help launch the Jean Paul Gaultier Diet Coke Bottle at Harvey Nichols, Dundrum Town Centre recently. Created with Gaultier’s signature style, the Night and Day limited edition bottles sees Night adorned in his iconic, cone-shaped corset, as worn by Madonna on her 1990 Blonde Ambition tour, while the Day bottle is dressed
L
up in his signature Breton stripes. Gaultier’s Diet Coke designs mirror the packaging for the designer’s signature Classique and Le Male scents, with a limited number of the designer bottles available at the store. Lottie joined the other stylish urbanites at the launch party in praising the eyecatching new designs, with models dressed like the citygirls in Diet Coke’s current marketing campaign adding to the sense of sophisticated fun.
26 April 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 9
Dundrum Town Centre for a limited edition Diet Coke party
Models helped with promotional duties by dressing up as the city girls in the current Diet Coke campaign
Cheryl Gunning
Model Alex Hargreaves and her Diet Coke counterpart
Francis Luna
Karen Judge, Sara Kennedy and Lynn Shanley
Keith O’Sullivan
Lorna Weightman and TV3 fashion expert, Courtney Smith
Matthew Feeney
James Kavanagh
10 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 26 April 2012
EVENT
Bavaria City Racing App launch campaign
Sandra Dodd, Brian Kiely and Ciara Hennessy
Appy time at a launch UBLIN’S D2 nightclub was the venue for a very glamorous launch of the Bavaria City Racing App for the Bavaria City Racing event, which will be held in June. The event will feature five hours of nonstop motorsport action for everyone to enjoy in the heart of Dublin city centre. Caterham F1 Team will line up alongside an ever-growing list of international and domestic motorsport talent that includes the Vodafone McLaren F1 team, the Aprilia Superbike team, the Motorbase British Touring Car team and the GP2 Teams.
Rebecca Tyrrell, Niamh Kavanagh, Emma Stafford, Adzee Merai, Megan Buggy and Brian Kiely. Pictures: Ian Fleming
Stewart Connolly with Adzee Merai
D
Ciara McAlaree and Jayne Owens
Jack Tune, Ceoladh Pratt, Robert Rogers, Lisa Murphy and Daniel Lafferty
26 April 2012 GAZETTE 11
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SNAPSHOT The stories of the day from around the capital
Getting into the spirit of things at a festival THE Spirit of Folk festival launched with a bang recently as festival goers, musicians and some famous faces flocked to Whelan’s of Camden Street, to celebrate the unique event. TR AZ , Bunioscionn, T he Young Folk and The Hot Sprockets took to the stage with an attentive audience taking in the folky-inspired tunes ranging from traditional Irish to country rock. Spirit of Folk, now in its second year, aims to create an event where lovers of folk, trad, bluegrass and country can come and revel in the best Ireland and Britain has to offer. It doesn’t stop there, however, with living history, storytelling, archery, falconry, games, ancient druidic rituals, as well as a mind, body, soul area filling the grounds at Dunderry Park, County Meath, where it will be held from September 21 to 23. As one punter put it: “If the quality of music tonight is anything to go by, the festival should be a stomper!” Spirit of Folk early bird tickets are now on sale starting at just €65 for the weekend. See www.spiritoffok. com for more details.
A sweet move to raise funds A DUBLIN hairdresser is hoping to raise €10,000 for St Francis Hospice when it gives every penny made on May 13 to the charity. Brown Sugar, on South William Street, in Dublin’s city centre, will open its doors on May
Kathryn Thomas, Emily Duffy and Natasha Duffy at the launch of the Spirit of Folk Festival held in Whelan’s on Wexford Street recently
13 to fundraise for the hospice in Blanchardstown and Raheny. The salon offers make-up and brow treatments, as well as the usual hair styling and pampering. From 12pm until 5.30pm every cent made on the day will go to the hospice. To book an appointment at Brown Sugar book, Tel: 01-616 9967 or see brownsugar.ie. St Francis Hospice provides palliative care for patients suffering from cancer and motor neurone disease.
Bressie boost for very good cause WATCH out, Bressie’s about, and he is coming to Castleknock to help raise money for a very good cause. This May 3, the singer/songwrit-
er and Voice of Ireland judge, aka Niall Breslin, will lend his celebrity status to charity. He is set to host a charity lunch at Brasserie 15 in Castleknock with all proceeds going to cancer support centre - Lakelands Area Retreat and Cancer Centre (LARCC). He will be joined with special guests to host the event, which is offering a three-course meal with wine, plus some great entertaining. The charity lunch takes place on May 3 at 1pm. Tickets cost €65 and are available by calling Brasserie 15 on 01-828580. The LARCC Centre, Mullingar, gives support and holistic help to people living with cancer, providing a supportive environment where patients and family members can participate in their courses, obtain information and experience complementary therapies.
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GazettePETS PETS
Brought to you by Miriam Kerins of the DSPCA
THE FACTS: IT DOESN’T TAKE MUCH AT ALL TO KEEP YOUR PET CAT KEEN
Keeping your cat smiling ELL, well, well, who’d have thought there were so many lovely cat people out there and I’m delighted you’re all regular readers of my column. I’d like to start this week by thanking you for your phone calls regarding my FIV piece; I’m so glad it was of help to you. With that in mind, and since cats appear to be so popular, I thought I’d dedicate this week’s column to cat toys and cat play with an aim to help you make your home a more stimulating environment for Miss Kitty. First of all let me say that, when it comes to self amusement, cats are experts and it doesn’t take much to keep them keen. For example, if you have a balled up piece of paper or a little rubber ball you can flick, well Miss Kitty will be in puurrfect heaven just chasing and swatting it.
W
When it comes to self amusement, cats are experts
In fact, the clever cat may actually like to play “fetch”, by placing an object in your lap, expecting you to throw if for her. And, yep, I know, pets’ toys can be expensive; I’ve got dogs who have managed to shred every single “guaranteed unbreakable”, toy I’ve purchased, but with a cat it’s different; you don’t need to raid the piggy bank to keep her happy. Below are a few of my very simple, but doable, hints for playthings for you to make Miss Kitty Claws. • An empty cardboard box is a great way for cats to investigate and play hide and seek. Or make a cat apartment by attaching boxes together and cutting out doors and windows. • Make it a family affair and set the kids a project by getting them to make felt mice stuffed with catnip. • Used paper towel, or toilet roll, tubes are great for Kitty to unwind. • Paper bags are fab but
make sure you remove the handles. Never, ever use plastic bags, they are a suffocation risk and sometimes cats can chew and choke on the plastic. • Plastic golf balls… you know the ones hubby uses for practise. Steal one from his stash and place it in a dry bath tub and let Kitty play. • Cats love anything that moves so why not get a tub of bubbles and blow them through the air and let Kitty catch and burst them. • Turn off the lights, get the torch out and play shadows on the wall by dangling cat toys back and forth encouraging your cat to leap up at the wall trying to catch her prey.
Keep it safe Cat-proof your home and keep objects, such as pins, needles, plastic bags, chewable items, elastic bands, including hair bobbins, paper clips, staples, dental floss, etc., out of reach of your cat.
Keep it interesting Like all good relationships it’s good to keep your playmate happy so, if Kitty has a favourite toy, keep it handy but do rotate the others in order to provide her with a bit of variety. You know, toys to roll, toys to pounce upon, toys to cuddle and toys to wrestle with. You could also try hiding a few and letting her find them. Remember, play strengthens the bond between pet and parent, so make sure your toys are interactive. Catnip First of all, what is catnip? It’s a type of herb, it’s perfectly safe, it’s a member of the mint family and it contains a chemical that, when crushed, gives off an odour that attracts cats. It’s worthwhile remembering that cats who have access to catnip on a regular basis tend to become bored with it; so get creative and rotate those toys. Petting your cat We’ve discussed ways to entertain your cat but never underestimate the power of petting Miss Kitty. It’s beneficial for both pet and parent and for best results, pet her on the side of the head and, between the eyes and ears where her scent glands are located, that way she can deposit her special scent on your hand. Remember the above are simply guidelines that I hope will improve your cat’s playtime and stimulate her mentally and physically, giving your feline hours of fun. For more information, contact your local equine vet or log onto www.dspca.ie or email me at miriam.kerins@ dspca.ie
26 April 2012 GAZETTE 15
16 GAZETTE 26 April 2012
GazetteBEAUTY BEAUTY
YSL’s bring a Touche of magic
WITH celebrity fans such as Julia Roberts, Rhianna and Katy Perry, it’s no wonder Touche Eclat is still Yves Saint Laurent’s best seller 20 years after being released. To celebrate this milestone, YSL has launched a collector’s edition of its Touche Eclat. The complexion enhancer is an essential tool for every make-up bag and is widely known as a magic wand. It places an invisible layer of light, erasing dark areas of fatigue, lines and hallows. Yves Saint Laurent 20th Anniversary Collector Edition has a RRP of €35.
Light, luminate and lift-off for No7 new skincare range
C
OSMETIC giant No7 is setting new standards in anti-ageing skincare with its new Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum for women aged 45 and over. The serum was launched this week and, according to No7, it is proven to tackle three key signs of ageing for women aged 45 and over – lines and wrinkles, loss of firmness and uneven pigmentation. “No7’s innovations are always developed having identified and understood women’s skincare needs and wants,” a spokesperson for No7 said. “These insights have made No7
the leader in the antiageing category with products that work, to make women look and feel good. “With proven solutions for women of all ages, No7 now has a range of serums which specifically address all three key signs of ageing.” Boots experts consulted with leading scientists and dermatologists to understand pigmentation, the current solutions available and the emotional impact on women. Dr Katherine Mulrooney, Cosmetic Dermatologist at The Clinic, Sandymount Green in Dublin said: “There is no doubt that skin
ageing has a significant effect on patients, particularly women. “Signs of skin ageing tend to manifest in the 40-plus age group when patients present in my clinic with concerns about irregular skin tone, such as hyperpigmentation and age spots, broken veins, fine lines, wrinkles and dull, lax skin. “Effective treatment options, such as IPL and FR AXEL Laser, chemical peels, and prescription creams are available. However, they require patient compliance during and after the treatments for long-term results. “I would gladly welcome a specific, safe, at-
home skincare regime to tackle this problem,” said Dr Mulrooney. To ensure the new ser um met the high standards women expect from No7, Boots experts worked with world leaders in antiageing to create the formulation. No7 Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum has been tested in over 20 studies, i n cl u d i n g a b r e a kthrough clinical trial, two supporting clinical trials and on over 1,200 women. No7 Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum (2 x 15ml) is available exclusively in Boots stores nationwide priced at €34.
No7 setting new standards in anti-ageing skincare with its new Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum
26 April 2012 GAZETTE 17
Edited by Laura Webb
Armani arrives with burst of colour
G
AZETTE Beauty is getting lippy this week, and is taking a look at Giorgio Armani Cosmetic’s new sheer rouge range. More and more lips are being treated to great colour block this season, and Rouge d’Armani Sheers are keeping up with the trend with its a range of vibrant and stylish shades. Three such colours delighting the palette include straight orange to pink-orange — Acid Tangerine 300, Tokyo Coral 301 and Orange Mutation 302. Reds are available in Red Car pet 400, R ipe 401 and Scarlato 402, and there are three lively transparent pinks: Ecstasy 500, Vita 501, Blush 502, and
our favourite, as well as three purple shades of variable intensity: Bitten 600, Tulipe Noire 601, Black Laquer 602. The lipsticks are resistant to water and lock in hydration on the lip surface for over eight hours. With a creamy texture and feather y lightness, the new range acts as a great balm. Linda Cantello, Armani’s cosmetic director said: “The Sheers are a revolutionary new lipstick hybrid. The vividness of lipstick with the translucency of a gloss and the comfort of a lip balm — colour like you’ve never seen before.” Giorgio Armani Rouge Sheer range of lipsticks is available from Brown Thomas, Dublin, and Brow n Thomas, Cork, with a RRP of €26.
Maybeline launches new range of bronzers for summer market SUMMER has yet to come, so, in the meantime, staying a shade darker than milky is still a look we are trying to achieve, and with a little help of some feline inspired bronzers - it’s possible. Although most of us are still covering up from arms to legs, faces and necklines are still on show. Looking at most Spring/ Summer catwalks they are simmering with spicy colours such as burnished gold, warm bronze and molten copper. Taking some inspiration from this trend, Maybelline has brought out a new feline inspired Dream Terra Sun Bronzer for a great golden, safari glow – even if we can’t make the real thing. The Dream Terra Sun Bronzer is available in three shades – Light Bronze, Tiger and Golden. Test the shade before you purchase and chose the one that is closet to your skin tone to give it a healthy glow. The Light Bronze and Tiger shades have a natural pinkness ideal for fair to medium complexions, while Golden is more copper, perfect for olive skin tones or as a blush for darker skin tones.
Megan Fox, the face of Giorgio Armani’s Beauty Visual Rouge d’Armani Sheers range
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18 GAZETTE 26 April 2012
GazetteMUSIC MUSIC FastTunes with Radio Nova’s Dee Woods
NEW BANDS: MICROSOFT AND MUZU PARTNER FOR CONTEST
Unsigned acts battle for ultimate prize I ROB HEIGH
EASTENDERS, Corrie, Fair City, you can keep ‘em. Their plot lines pale in comparison to the outrageous soap opera drama that surrounds Axl Rose. The plot thickens as the Guns N’Roses frontman pens yet ANOTHER open letter following his refusal of the invitation and induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this month. Now he’s written an apology to the city of Cleveland for snubbing the prestigious ceremony but, in the same breath, says he doesn’t understand what the Hall is or how or why it makes money. (There are those who wonder the same about you these days, Axl.) The G N’R lead singer also thanked those fans who are standing by him, but, funnily enough, he left out the people who did attend the gig when the rest of his band were inducted into the Hall of Fame, and who booed every time the word “Axl” was mentioned. He ended the statement with this: “I once bought a homeless woman a slice of pizza who yelled at me she wanted soup. We got her the soup. You can get your own.” Ehhh...so he’s not cooking for us any time soon?? I still have high hopes for The O2 gig with Thin Lizzy on May 17 — just bring your own soup.
WITH bands trying every way possible to break through and get the attention their music deserves, Microsoft and MUZU TV, in association with IMRO, are opening the doors for new unsigned bands to compete via online media and try to win the grand Unsigned and Online prize. The initiative, which is designed to promote independent Irish music, challenges unsigned Dublin bands to creatively use a suite of Microsoft products, social networking and a smart online presence to promote their band, to rise up though the MUZU TV leader board and compete for the prize. The band that secures the biggest online fan base at the end of the eight-week initiative will be crowned the winner of the inaugural Unsigned and Online competition. This band will win a prize that is designed to help them to bring their music to the masses, valued at over €10,000. The prize consists of a digital marketing campaign for the band across the major Microsoft platforms, including Windows Live and
Banks can use their online savvy to land a digital marketing and promotional prize
MSN. They will also win an acoustic session in the MUZU TV studio, and a slot in the line-up at Dublin’s Academy, giving a real profile boost to the winning band. Speaking at the launch, Orla Sheridan of Microsoft Ireland said: “Through our consumer research, and on the ground work in third level campuses across the country, we know that music is a passion and consumers are increasingly accessing it via digital channels. “What is interesting is despite the fact that this audience is techno-
logically enabled, many have only scratched the surface of what can be achieved through technology and the web. The truth is that musicians can now creatively script, shoot and edit a film-quality video and syndicate it to their community with just a few clicks. “It is for that reason that we decided to partner with MUZU TV. We want to merge the best of what Microsoft technology offers with MUZU TV’s reach, capability and music expertise to create an initiative that will make a real differ-
ence to unsigned Irish bands and those who love up and coming music acts.” Ciaran Bollard, CEO of MUZU TV added: “We are delighted to come together with Microsoft to provide an engaging platform for unsigned bands to get their music out there. “Unsigned and Online will enable bands to explore new ground with their music and will help music lovers discover new bands. “There are so many talented new Irish bands out there with little or no platform of support out-
side their city or town. Microsoft and MUZU TV would like to begin to change that with an initiative that opens up the full potential and reach of the web to bands that want to embrace and explore it.” For details on how to enter log onto www.facebook.com/unsignedandonline. The competition will close on June 13 when the top act on the MUZU TV leader board will be crowned the winner. Music lovers are invited to track the progress of their favourite band on www.muzu. tv/unsignedandonline.
26 April 2012 GAZETTE 19
GazetteBUSINESS BUSINESS
Supported by AIB
Interview: Niamh Bownes, Company Director, Carpet and Flooring Concepts
Niamh’s rolling out the business plan NIAMH Bownes is happily continuing a longstanding family business association with Dun Laoghaire. Combining being a busy mother of two small children and running her, and husband, Mark’s successful business, Carpet and Flooring Concepts, based at Number 95, Lower Georges Street, Niamh’s days are always busy. Her preferred field of expertise is carpet colour and quality selection, having been a professional fashion buyer in her previous career, and utilising her eye for coordinating colours and textures. She has also gained a professional knowledge of carpet, laminate and timber flooring, resulting in a formal, flooring consultant qualification. Niamh and Mark pride themselves on maintaining excellent customer service, along with expert advice and fitting on all types of carpet and flooring, and Niamh is always looking for new, innovative flooring products. She was thrilled to recently become Dun Laoghaire’s only stockist of Adore Touch luxury vinyl tiles, which are available in a selection of wood finishes along with its unique, patented Uniclic fitting system and 25-year guarantee. Adore Touch is a wonderful addition to an already excellent product range, says Niamh. Niamh Bownes, Carpet and Flooring Concepts
Q: What was your first job? A: Cutting my parents’ grass and ironing my dad’s shirts
Q: What sport can you play? A: I could play them all, I am sure (ie: none at all)
Hmmm, should I admit that?
Q: When did you start your present job? A: 2010
Q: Who best represents modern Ireland – David Norris or Jedward? A: I think it’s Jedward . They
ter at them
A - It is really important to examine all the financial circumstances before locking away money erations include: - Rainy Day Fund - you should have circa three to six months’ net annual income in an accessible account for emergencies, sudden loss of income or that investment opportunity. This € 10,000 might be best invested in a demand account (best currently is 3.25% - email me for details) if you do not have the required threshold for your RDF.
Age may be a factor - Age - a 60s investor will have different investment views than one in their 20s. - Family - you might not realise the expensive years ahead of you if you have, or are, thinking of having children. Third-level costs for one child top €42,000 – and that is without fees (source: Bank of Ireland). - Income - are you living within your means? Perhaps you may be put on a short week or, worse, be made redundant. - Investment types - There are many forms of investment, not all attributable to deposits. The rate of return is an important factor ... forestry can give up to 10% per annum, tax-free, but you may have to wait 10 to 12 years to realise it.
To be considered Gold, while expensive, is best as part of a portfolio of investments (they say 10% is the recommended percentage), and the stock market itself should be considered as a long-term investment. Safety wise, you are well under the protection threshold of €100,000 per person for deposit takers in Ireland, and, as regards State savings (this includes National Savings Certificate – five
ing deposit takers; there is nothing better for this
Q: What sport do you follow? A: None
and 50p a shirt
Q: What part of your working day do you ‘delegate’? A: The measures – Mark is bet-
Any suggestions? John –Drumcondra
equivalent to 5.04% per annum from DIRT- deduct-
Q: What is your guilty music/ TV or movie pleasure? A: Oh, it has to be Dr Phil ...
helping people to find what they want at the right price
don’t mind locking it away for up to five years.
years and six months, offering 21% tax-free and
Q: And your first pay cheque? A: Five pounds for the grass,
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: Dealing with the public, and
Q – I have €10,000 to invest from savings, and
that you may need sooner than you think. Consid-
Q&A Q: When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A: Eddie Macken - showjumper
WHERE COULD BE THE BEST PLACE TO INVEST MY €10,000?
look a bit disorganised; I think they are clued in, and moving in the right direction.
Q: What music/pictures/movies do you have on your iPod/ iPad? A: If you buy me one, I will tell you!
Q: Who do you follow on Twitter/Facebook? A: Carpet and Flooring Con-
Q: How many pairs of shoes do you own? A: I plead the fifth, and admit
cepts
nothing
Q: What was your last Tweet/ status update? A: “Adore touch, luxury vinyl
Q: What was your worst holiday experience? A: Not really had a bad one –
tile now in store; patented click system for ease of fitting; no subfloor prep required!”
touch wood!
Q: Describe your dream meal? A: A quiet night out for two for Mark and I, and not having to worry about what time to be home for the babysitter
Q: Who would you rather have dinner with – Enda Kenny or Dame Edna? A: Dame Edna Q: Where do you enjoy spending money frivolously? A: On my children
Q: Describe your dream holiday? A: Disney world with the kids, or a safari
Q: What would be your dream job? A: I love what I do, and wouldn’t really want to change it
Q: What do you plan to do when you retire? A: Travel, hire a motor bike and drive down Route 66
term), the protection comes in the form of sovereign debt – an unconditional direct obligation of the Government of Ireland. Contact John with your money questions at
jlowe@moneydoctor.ie or visit his website at www.moneydoctor.ie. John Lowe, Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, is founder and managing director of Money Doctor
20 GAZETTE 26 April 2012
R1
GazetteMOTORS MOTORS RoadSigns Road Signs
Citroen readies a fresh new DS line FRENCH motor manufacturer, Citroen, has announced details of a move that the company describes as a fresh look at the Citroen DS line.. Marketed in parallel alongside Citroen’s main range, the company claims the DS line explores new automotive territory. Just two years after its launch, the DS line – comprising the Citroen DS3, DS4 and DS5 – has already notched up more than 200,000 sales worldwide. The DS line will be launched in China this year and, to mark the event, Citroen has designed a new concept car, Numero 9, which will be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show. The concept signals the styling cues of the next three DS line models: a C-segment premium sedan, an SUV and a D-segment executive saloon. A new take on the shooting-brake body style, Numero 9’s concept is designed with plug-in full-hybrid technology; an ultra-efficient system that boasts remarkable levels of performance – 166mpg fuel economy, 50km range in ZEV mode, 295hp, a “boost” function and 39g/km of CO2. Designed in Paris, it is hoped that Numero 9 will open a new chapter in the styling of the DS line. Subtly combining the proportions of a coupe with those of an estate, Numero 9 hints at exceptional driving sensations, with its taut lines, long bonnet and ultra-low stance (1.27m tall) on 21-inch wheels. It also promises unique on-board comfort with its generous proportions (4.93m long and 1.94m wide, with a 3m wheelbase) providing plenty of room for rear occupants. Numero 9 features new-generation microhybrid technology, designed to switch the combustion engine to stand-by whenever it is not required. When the driver requires speed and torque, a “boost” function combines the power of the combustion engine and electric motor to enable high levels of performance (up to 295hp). Numero 9 takes just 5.4 seconds to go from 0 to 62mph, and 25.3 seconds to travel 1,000m from a standing start. When grip is lacking, the car switches to fourwheel drive mode, with the electric motor driving the rear wheels and the combustion engine powering the front wheels. In particularly difficult driving conditions, the driver can manually select 4WD mode.
The VW Golf Cabriolet 1.2TSI is described by our correspondent as “pretty, sleek and beautiful”, as well as “the return of something great”
So much more than simply aspirational CORMAC CURTIS
OME glorious sunshine decided to grace the skies a b ove D u b l i n just before Easter, and I was lucky enough to be test-driving the latest Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet at the time. I couldn’t have asked for a better week to put this gorgeous little convertible through its paces. Apart from the fact that my two young daughters actually squealed with delight at the idea of a car with no roof, I also got the chance to compare a very up-to-date version of a car I used to drive before it was discontinued a decade ago. Far be it from me to second-guess our German automotive overlords, but the idea to call a “halt” to the production of the Golf convertible in 2002,
S
SPECS: VW GOLF CABRIOLET 1.2TSIY Engine: 1.2-litre TSI, 105BHP, six-speed manual gearbox Top speed: 188km/h 0 – 100km/hr: 11.7sec Economy: 5.7 ltr/100km CO2 emissions: 132g Road Tax Band: B Entry Price: €28,465 (to €34,700)
and to offer the Beetle convertible in its stead, seemed ludicrous to me back then. But that’s what they did, and the soft-top Golf was shelved indefinitely. It came as a pleasant surprise when VW announced at the 2011 Motor Show in Geneva that they were reintroducing the Cabrio, and I have been chomping at the bit for a chance to test one ever since. As I mentioned, there is a little history between
myself and the Golf Cabrio. Back in 1999, the future Mrs Cormac Curtis realised a dream come true – not only did she meet me in a cosy little pub in West Cork, but, that same year, she bought herself a brand-spanking new VW Golf Cabrio, in midnight blue with a black, manual soft-top roof. For a certain generation, the Golf was the perfect car; the GTI version was the Holy Grail for young, petrol-headed males – but the convertible? Well, that was something very special. So special, in fact, there was only one insurance company even willing to quote for such a farout automobile – but I digress. In my world, this particular soft top was so special that it was even used as one of the wedding cars
on our wedding day. My first opportunity to see the all-new model in the flesh was in a showroom window in Dublin 4, and, to be fair to VW, they couldn’t have hit the design nail more squarely on the head. Being as unbiased as I can be expected to be, the new model is a masterclass in understated motoring elegance. It is lower, and a good deal sleeker than its previous incarnation, with a selection of tasty alloys to chose from. The car has all the elements from VW’s current style book, but it is put together in such a way that gives it a look and presence that is unmistakably Golf. It is a classic example of an object that is greater than the sum of its parts. No individual element grabs you; there aren’t
any “aggressive” design features; you will not find any “flowing yet contrasting visual statements” ... it is simply a beautifullydesigned car. The interior, too, doesn’t go about trying to reinvent anything, either; there are dials and displays that you will find in other cars in VW’s stable, such as the Skoda Superb. But everything just sits so well together that it really works. The chunky steering wheel with stitched leather, the gearstick with stitched leather, the brushed steel accents almost everywhere ... all pretty standard ideas, but the balance is right, and comes together in a simple, understated and incredibly comfortable cabin. The model I drove had leather and suede upholstery with red con-
26 April 2012 GAZETTE 21
R1
SUPPORT
LOCAL BUSINESS
Motoring correspondent, Cormac Curtis, top, takes his daughters on a ride in the new VW Golf Cabriolet 1.2TSIy, a motor which, among several other points, he praised for its storage capacity (above)
trast stitching, as well as red mesh panels on the seats – which really gave the interior a little more punch. I really, really want to say that the interior is stunning, but it falls a little short of that, which is a shame. You won’t get much change out of €29,000 for the entrylevel Golf Cabrio, and, for that money, a little more wow-factor in the cabin wouldn’t go astray. What you do get for €28,465 is the 1.2-litre TSI engine, generating 105BHP, coupled to a sixspeed manual gearbox. This is a nice combination with just enough oomph and, combined
with VW’s BlueMotion Technology, means pretty low running costs. Back in the 1999 model, we had a thirsty 1.8-litre petrol engine that wasn’t even fuel-injected, which made for some pretty hairy moments trying to overtake tractors on West Cork roads. The powered hood comes down with the touch of a button in about eight seconds (I didn’t use a stop watch, so that’s a rough count my kids gauged for me), and there are no latches or handles to twist and turn – so, top marks for the roof design. We have established that the Golf is pretty, sleek and beautiful – but
can you live with it? The target market for this car will be predominantly female, most likely with a few kids in tow, so it better have a practical side. And, believe it or not, it has. In short, as we prepared for an Easter break out of town, I managed to get a bag of clothes, a camera bag, a box of food and drink, pillows, bed linen, a large toolbox, a car battery booster pack, a big bag of toilet rolls, a heavy coat, jackets, kids’ coats, two car seats, two kids, a huge bag of kids’ toys and myself all into the car, with just a little imagination. Getting the kids in and out of the rear seats was a
doddle (even easier with the roof down), and the seats could tilt and slide with ease. There are, of course, a dizzying array of options and specs associated with this car, but most of them won’t mean an awful lot to those who feel strongly enough about it to buy one. The attraction here is the return of something great, something aspirational, something with motoring heritage that brings back memories of youth ... something you simply can’t pick out of the list of options. Those who really want one will get one, and they won’t be disappointed.
A NEW study released by Ford shows that nearly half of European drivers admit they have read texts while driving – a highly-distracting habit that has been proven to contribute to traffic accidents. The study was commissioned by Ford to underscore the safety issue as the company prepares to introduce its SYNC in-car connectivity system, which can read aloud incoming messages through a text-to-speech feature, and enables drivers to send a text reply by voice from a predetermined list of responses. An average of 48% of motorists surveyed from Germany, Spain, France, Great Britain, Italy and Russia confessed to checking their texts while driving. Despite the prevalence of the practise, drivers surveyed agreed overwhelmingly that reading texts on the move was dangerous. A total of 95% of drivers across the six countries agreed that texting affected driver ability and safety. At least half of those surveyed in each country said they believed driver response was 50% slower when checking messages from a mobile phone. Christof Kellerwessel, chief functional engineer, Electronic and Electrical Systems Engineering, Ford of Europe said: “Smartphones have so quickly become an essential part of many people’s day that it’s hard to imagine life without them. “However, text messages can be a distraction for drivers, so the benefit of a system that can read messages aloud from compatible smartphones is obvious.” Ford SYNC will debut this summer on the allnew B-MAX and will roll out quickly to other vehicles in Ford’s line-up, including Focus and Kuga. The text-to-speech feature on SYNC, powered by Microsoft, retrieves messages using a simple voice command from Bluetooth-connected compatible smartphones. SYNC also enables drivers to send a text reply from a predetermined list of responses, helping motorists to remain focused on driving while staying in touch with contacts. The responses include: “I love you”, “Send directions” and “See u in 10min”. SYNC’s text-to-speech feature will be compatible with an increasing range of smartphones, thanks to Ford’s adoption of the emerging Message Access Profile standard (MAP) for Bluetooth device-to-device connectivity, which is already used by leading mobile device manufacturers including Blackberry producer Research In Motion. More than four million Ford vehicles in the US already feature SYNC, and Ford anticipates 3.5 million new vehicles in Europe will be equipped with SYNC by 2015.
M
Ford study shows SHOP danger of car texts LOCALLY
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22 GAZETTE 26 April 2012
GazetteTTRAVEL FastTravel Plenty of places to stay for May bank holiday A host of special offers available with Concorde Travel for a wellearned Springtime break
CONCORDE Travel have an array of special offers available for the next month, allowing those with a keen eye for a deal and some holidays coming up a luxurious break at a fraction of the cost. See www.concordetravel.ie
MADEIRA Spend springtime in beautiful Madeira.Depart on May 6 for seven nights, stay at the 3-star Dorisol Hotels, on a b&b basis, from only €640pp, the 4-star Lince Lido Hotel, on a b&b basis, from only €715pp or the 5-star Hotel Melia Madeira Mare, on a b&b basis, from only €800pp. THE ALGARVE Depart from Knock on May 5, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the 3-star Praia Sol Hotel, Vilamoura, on a b&b basis, from only €430pp. SARDINIA Escape to Alghero’s Medieval town and enjoy the Italian way of life. Depart on May 3, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the 2-star Buganvillea Apartments, on a self-catering basis, from only €399pp, stay at the 3-star Hotel La Playa, on a b&b basis, from only €564pp or at the 4-star Hotel Punta Negra, on a b&b basis, from only €669pp MALTA Travel to the amazing island of Malta, and enjoy its great sights, history, delicious food and beautiful weather. Depart on May 4, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the three-star plus Hotel Santana, on a b&b basis, from only €449pp or stay at the 4-star Hotel Dolmen, on a b&b basis, from only €589pp or for four nights, stay at the 4-star Hotel Marina at the Corinthia Beach Resort, on a b&b basis, in a sea view room, from only €549pp CROATIA Stay in Dubrovnik Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and experience the enchanting atmosphere of its marble streets, red roofs and the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Depart on May 2, 2012, for seven nights, stay at the 3-star Antuniska Apartments, based on two sharing a studio apartment from only €499 per person.
MIMI MURRAY
THE weather may have been bitterly cold over the last few weeks, but we are all holding out hope that summer will be in the air come this May bank holiday weekend. With that thought in mind, there are plenty of places offering deals around the country. Longueville House is offering one where children go free. Stay for two nights and dine on one evening in their Presidents’ Restaurant. Sit back and enjoy gourmet cooking by chef/proprietor, William O’Callaghan. Enhance your experience by tasting their new housebrewed premium cider, house-distilled brandy or delicious garden berry liqueurs – a true delight for all gourmands. The offer is subject to availability, and dinner is served between 6:30 to 8:30pm, weekends. Traditional Irish and Continental Buffet Breakfast is served each morning until 10.30am. A table D’hote menu is included on both evenings. Up to two children, aged up to 13 years, go free in a family room, but meals are extra. The price is from €220 per person sharing. For bookings, email info@longuevillehouse.ie
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‘Following a leisurely breakfast on Monday morning, meet Frances, who will accompany the group to Woodville Gardens – a Victorian walled garden; Coolaught Garden and Nursery; a farmhouse garden and woodland, and the Potting Shed – a small nursery garden’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next, why not enjoy a Wexford garden tour with Frances MacDonald at Marlfield House? Check in on Sunday, May 6, and enjoy a stroll in the garden before a glass of wine and dinner with the other attendees. Following a leisurely breakfast on Monday morning, meet Frances, who will accompany the group to Woodville Gardens – a Victorian walled garden; Coolaught Garden and Nursery; a farmhouse garden and woodland, and the Potting Shed – a small nursery garden. The following day, visit Frances’s own garden, The Bay Garden, and Springmount Garden Centre. Marlfield House is now offering massage and facial treatments. The package includes a glass of wine before dinner on Sunday; dinner on Sunday and Monday night; lunch on Monday, and lunch in Marlfield on Tuesday, as well as transport to the gardens and back to Marlfield.
The cost is €370 per person sharing; for full details, see www. marlfieldhouse.com. Full bloom
Meanwhile, Rathsallagh House is in full bloom, and their thousands of mature trees are in full leaf, roses are in bloom, the lawns have been cut and the walled garden has come into its own. Included in the Rathsallagh package is a discount voucher for the nearby Kildare Retail Village, and a gift certificate for Newbridge Silverware. Available on May 5 and 6, as well as May 11 and 12, two nights cost from €190 per person sharing in a standard room. This package includes two nights’ bed and breakfast. For further information, see www. rathsallagh.com. Escape to the West this bank holiday and slow down with three night’s bed and breakfast at the Ice House Hotel, in Ballina.
Take a stroll on the beach with a complimentary picnic with wine. Unwind with unlimited time in their thermal suite, including steam room, laconium and two outdoor hot tubs, and soak in a candlelit bubble bath. Whet your appetite with a glass of bubbly on the terrace, followed by dinner on one evening from their 2AA Rosette A La Carte menu. The price costs €325 per person sharing; for further details, see www. icehousehotel.ie. Finally, also in the west, why not consider a twonight weekend break at Cashel House? Experience the wonders of Connemara, including walking, riding, golfing, scenery and dining. The package includes two nights’ accommodation, and breakfast, with dinner on one evening, and costs €185 per person sharing. For further information, see www.cashelhouse-hotel.com/.
The idyllic setting is just
Longueville House
26 April 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 23
Edited by Mimi Murray
TravelBriefs
Passengers can relax and avail of the new choice of private lounges on the Stena Nordica as she undertakes the Dublin Port to Holyhead route
New suites designed to help the Nordica’s passengers cruise to Holyhead in luxurious comfort STENA Line has launched two private lounges on the Stena Nordica, which sails on its Dublin Port to Holyhead route. One lounge accommodates up to two people and the second lounge holds up to four people. Each lounge is equipped with luxury leather seating, a flatscreen 3D TV, a Playstation 3 console and games, as well as tea and Nescafe Espresso-making facilities. In addition to this, passengers will also be able to take advantage of waiter service from Stena Plus. Jamie Christon, Stena Line Dublin Port/Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead route director, believes the private lounges will appeal to all types of passengers, whether they are travelling for business or pleasure. He says: “The two new cabins provide fantastic facilities for people wanting to relax in private.
a taste of the relaxation on offer at Marlfield House.
Cashel House
Space “They are perfect for people travelling on business, as they provide a quiet space to get work done and, with the Sky News channel available, passengers can keep track of what is happening around the world. “The second cabin accommodates up to four people, and is perfect for families, as the children can be kept entertained with the TV and games console, and the adults can sit back, relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, with the whole family arriving in Holyhead relaxed and ready for their onward journey.” The Stena Nordica sails twice daily from Dublin Port, at 2.30am and 4pm, with return sailings from Holyhead at 8.20am and 9.30pm. Prices start from €79 single for a car plus driver, and passengers can book the private lounges from only €30. For further information, or to book, go to www.stenaline.ie, call Stena Line on 01 204 7777, or visit your local Stena Line office or travel agent.
24 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 26 April 2012
GazetteENTERTAINMENT ENTERTAINMENT
GoingOUT THE PAVILION THEATRE 01 231 2929 Faulty Towers Dining Experience
DISCERNING diners are cordially invited to attend Basil and Sybil Fawlty’s three-course meal at The Pavilion theatre, with fine fare to savour. Basil, and his loving wife, Sybil, will be ably assisted by Manuel – one of Barcelona’s finest waiters – to ensure the evening runs perfectly smoothly, and without any possible chance of mishap or mayhem whatsoever. Your Fawlty evening can be enjoyed nightly at 8pm from Friday, April 27 to Sunday, April 29, with the price for the three-course meal, and Basil’s attention, set at €45.
MILL THEATRE 01 296 9340 Encore! Showtime 2012 THE stage is all set at The Mill for Encore! Showtime 2012, courtesy of the Encore! School of Performing Arts. This highly-polished production features a wide selection of work and shows from the school’s many talented young performers, running right through from Friday, April 27 to Saturday, May 5, and showcasing some of the students’ diverse and impressive skills in a number of performing arts discipline. For full list of dates for the great shows, see www.milltheatre.ie.
CIVIC THEATRE 01 462 7477 Romeo & Juliet FEW will need an introduction to the tale of Romeo and Juliet, yet this startling production will thrill audiences, as Ballet Ireland is set to restage its hugely successful production of Romeo & Juliet, choreographed by Morgann Runacre-Temple. With rave critic reviews, and a superb production, Shakespeare’s timeless tale will delight all at the 8pm shows at the Civic Theatre’s Main Auditorium, running from Thursday, May 3 to Saturday, May 5, with admission costing €20/€16 conc.
DRAIOCHT 01 885 2622 I Hear You Calling Me A MUSICAL night of pure entertainment awaits at Draiocht, chronicling the extraordinary life story of the legendary Count John McCormack, and features such memorable numbers as Macushla, Because, Roses of Picardy, Somewhere a Voice is Calling and many more. Narrated by radio and TV presenter, Kevin Hough, and featuring Waterford tenor Frank Ryan as John McCormack, and Cork soprano Linda Kenny as Lily, the concert can be seen at 8pm on Friday, April 27, with tickets priced €20/€18.
If you ever wanted to see Titanic looking even-slightly-more-realistic than before - well, now’s your chance, given the special anniversary re-release of the film, with its 3D upgrade making a great difference to certain parts but nothing much, for most other parts
Sails along nicely
Unlike the poor unfortunates aboard her decks, the film once again sails along smoothly enough to its tragic end I KATE CROWLEY
APPARENTLY, some readers didn’t quite care for my A-to-Z quickstep runthrough of the film, Gone, in my blink-andyou-missed-it review, last week. However, if you missed it, just to recap what I said about that particularly one-star film: “With the police not believing a young woman’s story of her sister being kidnapped by a serial killer, just as he’d tried to kidnap and kill her earlier, she tracks him down, saves her sister, and kills him. The End.” There. That’s sunk that particular film plot in one easy go, saving you some of your precious euro in the process. And, speaking of sinking, and of revealing film endings, that neatly takes me (via a slightly tasteless link) on to Titanic 3D, which was recently released in 3D. Which
FILM OF THE WEEK: Titanic ### (12A) 195 mins Director: James Cameron Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, James Warner, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Bernard Hill, Gloria Stuart, an iceberg
OUR VERDICT: FORGET the watery romance between Jack and Kate – once again, the star of the film is the Titanic herself, as she cruises along to her fate. The 3D effects go largely unnoticed (but pack a punch at some crucial moments), while the classy ship gets a classy cast, courtesy of the late Gloria Stuart and (still very alive) Bernard Hill. It’s Titanic – mostly as you’ve seen before – and still a pretty huge achievement.
explains the name. It’s my solemn duty as a film reviewer (all right, all right, you can put down that hefty stick now, Gazette ed) to at least nod at such passing ships in the night, with Titanic being about the biggest bloody boat to splash by our screens in some time. (With apologies to the recently-released film, Battleship.) There’s not really very much that I can say about this, other than it’s Titanic back on our screens, but in 3D this time – and, hey! – that’s at least one more dimension than
it had, first time around (though, sadly, I’m afraid that the plot, characterisation, and so on are as rigidly two-dimensional as before). So, once again, we get the doomed young lovers on board the doomed young ship, but now with some kind-of-a-bitdecent 3D effects tacked on. Nothing too jazzy, mind, as they’re just boosting certain key shots in the film – anyone looking for Jack and Rose to start playing a game of frisbee in Steerage, say, will be sorely disap-
pointed. So, yet again – and look away now, dear readers, if, somehow, as bizarrely unlikely as it sounds, you don’t know what happens to Jack, Rose, the Titanic, Billy Zane, the girl with the china doll, the drunk chef, the girl at the bow of the ship, the eel in the bathtub, et al – the Titanic sinks, and Celine Dion caterwauls at some length. In 3D. I can’t say that the 3D helps the film (not least as I’m not a fan of 3D effects anyway, as they tend to both dim and blur films, detracting from their visual impact), but, whatever about the adequate that’ll-do romance at the centre of the film, there’s no denying the real heart, and star, of the film – Titanic, herself. The appeal, and attraction, of Titanic and her enduring, yet awful, legacy is effortlessly laid bare once again on the gleaming decks of the
ship, inviting audiences to stroll along through the lost world of 1912’s society and standards. A century on from the tragedy itself, and whatever about the film’s weaknesses, today it’s hard not to return to Cameron’s Titanic one last time, 3D gimmick or not ... Finally, I’d like to dedicate this review to the retiring chief sub of the Gazette, who swears blind that he remembers strolling about the promprom-promenade of the Titanic back in 19-niminy-two, but doesn’t quite convince whippersnappers such as yours truly. However, this old tub respects that old sea salt, who’s prevented me on many an occasion from revealing here what I really think of Madonna’s acting ability, the everpresent threat of Steve Martin trying to return with a comedy, and much more – titanic achievements in themselves.
26 April 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 25
GazetteGAMING GAMING
Has Web 3.0-oh, oh, oh already arrived? SHANE DILLON
DEBATE is stirring over whether Web 3.0 is really here, or is on the way, and, indeed, whether Web 3.0 is something radically different from what we understand as the internet today, or represents a more subtle shift in how the internet will work. Perhaps we should look at a very brief history of the internet (or, at least, what the terms Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 generally mean to people, today). People from their mid-to-late-twenties and upwards will recall how Web 1.0 saw the first mass stirrings of the modern internet across the world, approximately 15 years ago (although the internet had existed in other forms for decades – but that’s a whole other kettle of fish). Web 1.0, as “we” understood it, saw the inexorable rise of the internet
– a largely static experience of plain pages, basic design and minimal user interaction. Flash for ward to approximately ten years ago, to the first evolutionary steps of Web 2.0, as new programming and design elements began to maximise the slow rise of broadband. Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, the rise of Google and PayPal, et al – all very much products defined by (or at least strengthened by) Web 2.0. In its simplest terms, Web 2.0 has seen a vast divergence of what the internet “is”, how we interact with it, and how it’s delivered – the rise of the always-on, alwayswired world. What, then, could be the next step forward into Web 3.0, and are we already reaching – or have we reached – this next great evolutionary stage in the internet?
WE HAD a great response to our recent Kinect Star Wars for Xbox 360 competition, which saw five copies of the great new Kinect game up for grabs. In it, we asked you to tell us the correct answer to the following statement: Complete the following Kinect for Xbox 360 tagline: A. You are the boss B. You are the controller C. You are the best [The correct answer was B.]
China’s Great Firewall - designed to keep certain foreign influences and topics away from Chinese internet users, as well as to protect officially-sanctioned state views on the internet, and to block others - is but one “frontier feature” as the world moves towards Web 3.0: the next significant sea-level change for what the internet is, and how it may be used and accessed. Illustration: Shane Dillon
As ever, hindsight is 20:20 vision, and, while experts and the common man understand the stages of 1.0 and 2.0, nobody is entirely certain what 3.0 represents.
User-tailored While some think that Web 3.0 will be a more unique, user-tailored experience, drawing upon, and somehow collating the vast banks of data that most of us leave in clear trails around the internet to create individual-specific search,
Anotherweebyte... Ceefax service joins the Dodo
PIXEL lovers may have been crying into their cornflakes last week at the news of the long-expected death of Ceefax (or, for young readers: what the internet was before we had the internet, for millions of people across Britain and Ireland).
As a child of the 1970s and 80s, I vividly recall turning to Ceefax to look for information – only to find that the television had loaded, say, page 17 of 43, and I had to wait ten minutes for the page I wanted (usually, one that had just passed, such as page 16) to slowly loop its way around to being displayed again. Happy days.
FeelingtheForce
Now, after decades of presenting a wide variety of news and listings, presented in slow fashion, in giant, blocky letters and with basic pixel pictures, and all buried behind tv channels (and running as a forerunner to comparable systems, such as Aertel), the BBC has consigned Ceefax to history’s dustbin, joining the Dodo ...
data and product results, others think that Web 3.0 does not represent a new methodology in serving users but, rather, a fight back against what the internet stands for. Perhaps Web 3.0 represents not something to drive the internet forward for individuals, but is (or will be), instead, an intellectual, political and economic battlefront for corporations and governments alike to skirmish over – all seeking to reshape, redefine and protect (or, in some cases, destroy) how and what people can access on the internet. There’s already plenty of evidence of such attempts to ringfence and control the internet (as, indeed, there has been from day one), but never before has there been such a determined push by companies and corporations, in line with governments, to define, control and monitor what the internet is, and how users access it. From China’s regular updates of The Great
Firewall to restrict what her citizens can access online, to Apple’s self-appointed definition of (and subsequent indirect censoring) of what it terms as “inappropriate” content, to continuing cyber skirmishes on a range of national security agencies’ fronts, it appears in several ways that the giddy days of free-for-all data are coming to an end. And so, perhaps that’s what Web 3.0 represents – the evolution into a new, more refined (and defined) state of information access and flow, rather than how it’s delivered, as well as representing the rise of political, civil and intellectual battles for the right to access/ police data (depending on which “side” you’re more engaged with). As we look back at these next stages in the internet’s development, let us hope that whatever changes are underway they don’t give us any regret, or reason to lament the rise of Web 3.0-oh-oh-oh …
Thank you to everyone who entered and, of course, congratulations to the five lucky winners, who were all selected at random after sending in the correct answer. The winners are: Eileen O’Flaherty, Killaloe, Co Clare; Emer Breen, Goatstown, Dublin 14; Jennifer Beaton, Clondalkin, Dublin 22; Ciaran Roche, via email and Diarmuid McCourt, via email. A copy of Kinect Star Wars is being posted out to each winner. Congratulations again, and keep an eye out for more great competitions in The Gazette!
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26 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 26 April 2012
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GazetteSPORT
APRIL ASPIRANTS Dublin Sport Awards nominees for the month announced: Page 29
WATER POLO: WORLD’S FINEST TEAMS COMING TO NAC TO PREPARE FOR LONDON 2012
International tournament comes to Dublin sport@gazettegroup.com
THE IRISH Water Polo Association is set to host a pre-Olympic men’s water polo tournament in Dublin, prior to the London Olympics at the National Aquatic Centre from July 5 to 8, which will feature the top four teams in the world as they prepare to challenge for gold in 2012. Current Olympic champions, Hungary, will take part, as will current
European champions, Serbia, who won their title at the recent European Championships in the Netherlands. Also participating are Great Britain, Montenegro, and Croatia, with a final team to be added to the list, depending on the outcome of upcoming Olympic qualifiers. Water polo is the main sport and passion in a number of these countries, and with this being the last chance for the
teams to meet before London, as well as London being a sell-out, it is expected that the tournament will attract significant travelling support from all across the international water polo fraternity, as well as teams, delegates and referees as they get set for their turn in the pool in the Olympic Games. Minister of State for Tourism and Spor t, Michael Ring, who is also chairman of the London
The four best sides in the world are coming to Dublin for the pre-Olympic tournament
2012 Coordinating Committee, congratulated the Irish Water Polo Association in attracting such high-calibre Olympic teams for this tournament. “This is another exam-
ple of Ireland benefiting directly from the Olympics and adds to the number of Olympic athletes from 13 countries who have already decided to train in Ireland ahead of the London Games.
This promises to be an exciting event,” said Minister Ring. Tickets for the event are available from the event website, www.dublinwaterpolo2012.com. Ticket prices range
from €4.50 for a child’s ticket, to €90 for a fourday pass, with €25 for a day pass. Matches take place daily in the early evening, with the addition of a morning session on Friday, July 6.
28 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 26 April 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
SOCCER: INTERNATIONAL CALL-UPS FOR SCHOOLS’ PLAYERS
GAA stars get on their bike for charity in Ras A HOST of top GAA stars, including All-Ireland winners Bernard Brogan and Barry Cahill, joined forces in Croke Park last week to launch the Race The Ras charity cycle event for 2012. This is the second year of the race, which will see almost 150 amateur cyclists and a host of current and former GAA stars lining up to cycle across Ireland from May 20 to 27. All the money raised will go to the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and Aware. The amateur cyclists will start three hours ahead of the professionals taking part in the Ras each morning and will travel through 13 different counties, before arriving in Skerries on the final day. Broadcasting legend Micheal O Muircheartaigh was on hand to help to launch the charity race. “I am delighted to be here today to officially launch Race The Ras, which we hope to be an even bigger success than last year. I would ask for those to donate, no matter how small, as it will make a huge difference to NBCRI and Aware.” Chairman of Aware, David Carton, described this event as an important one for the organisation. “This is a nationwide event and depression is something which affects every community in Ireland. We hope people all over Ireland will support this event and the cyclists who are taking part. We wish them well. Money raised from this will help us to get more information and support to people who need it.” To register for the cycle, please log on to http:// racetheras.com/event-registration/. With eight stages to choose from, cyclists can opt to do all eight stages or a single stage or opt for a combination of two or three stages. Those wishing to donate can do so by visiting www.racetheras.com/donate.
The Republic of Ireland Under-16s will be in action against England in a crucial match in the Centenary Shield contest
Locals called into Shield panel I sport@gazettegroup.com
OATLANDS College’s John Kavanagh and Clonkeen College duo Paul Moffat and Ryan Matthews will hope they can win back the Centenary Shield for the Republic of Ireland schools’ team after their competition hopes received an unlikely lifeline. Table-topping Wales looked set to claim the title last Friday but came unstuck when they fell 2-1 to Northern Ireland at Dungannon Swifts’ ground. It means that should the Republic get the better of England on Thursday evening at Brighton and Hove, they will take the title following draws against the Welsh and Scotland and a victory over Northern Ireland. But the English, simi-
larly, will be fighting for the title with a win also handing them the shield. It means Irish manager, Ollie Horgan, and Colaiste Einde skipper, Colm Horgan, will be looking to rally their troops for one last big effort. The squad will be strengthened by the return of Cork student, John Kavanagh, and Colaiste Phadraig pupil, Sean Russell, for the away tie. The pair have been passed fit to play following their marked absence away to Wales. Sheer determination in that tie saw the boys in green bounce back from a 2-0 deficit in the tie as, 20 minutes from time, Rob Henihan gave Horgan’s side a lifeline when he snatched one back for the visitors from a corner kick.
The Irish gained momentum from the goal and got a second on 89 minutes when Joe O’Brien scored the equaliser. A vital point gained to keep the Irish dream alive. But they will face an England side who have enjoyed an extensive training programme in preparation for the Centenary Shield, playing friendly matches against the Royal Navy U-25s, the Royal Air Force Development Squad, Australia and Poland, before venturing on a Spanish tour to play Benidorm and CF Valencia. The Republic, on the other hand, have held a limited number of friendly fixtures themselves against opposition, such as UCD and Salthill Devon, as well as their annual game
against Australia each January. However, this has not deterred the management structure of Horgan, Archbold and Colhoun in providing the best possible preparation for their panel. The trio bring together a wealth of experience to the squad which should hold them in good stead for the trip across the Irish Sea. The experience gained from last season will be instrumental for
centre back Matthews, and skipper Colm Horgan as they line out this Thursday, April 26. Both players have been key to the Irish team dynamic and have shared much of their wisdom with the rest of the players. Moffat, meanwhile, has been exceptional this season for the schools set-up and he will hope to inspire the side against an English side who are much fancied, especially on home turf.
26 April 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 29
in association with
2012 DUBLIN SPORTS AWARDS - APRIL NOMINEES
FastSport
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
# STARof the MONTH
Basketball blitz at NBA in Community Games CIARAN KILKENNY
CAROLINE RYAN
SEAN MARI
CASTLEKNOCK’S prodigy continues to shine in the Dublin line-up, contributing vital scores and an on-field presence that has seen the U-21s into the All-Ireland final
GARDA’S cycling sensation claimed Ireland’s first elite world track medal since Harry Reynolds back in 1897, winning bronze in Melbourne
MARI claimed Whitechurch BC’s first-ever male AllIreland title in the 27kg category at the National Stadium after a string of impressive performances
MALAHIDE CS
FOXROCK CABINTEELY
COLLINSTOWN PARK
AN all-ages golfing machine, Malahide calmly saw off the challenge of Kilkenny in the Irish Schools’ Matchplay competition this month
SOUTH COUNTY LADIES’ football is a hotbed of talent, as proved by the young Foxes annexing the Dublin Feile title, adding to titles at all levels
COLLINSTOWN Park came from behind to become Leinster champions when they got the better of O’Fiaich College in an eightgoal thriller
# TEAMof the MONTH
Super Olympians: Taylor backs Terenure run to aid SO athletes KATIE Taylor recently took time out from her
intensive preparation for the London Olympics to meet some members of the Special Olympic South Dublin Sports Club, as part of endorsement of the Terenure five-mile run on Sunday, May 13, which aims to raise €10,000 for Special Olympics. €5 of the entry fee goes direct to Special Olympics, and a big turn-out is expected. Those wishing to have an enjoyable run while helping athletes can register by logging on to www.terenure5mile.com
LAST week saw an action-packed feast of Community Games basketball when the preliminary rounds of boys and girls’ Under-13, and the finals of the boys’ Under-16 competitions took place at the Basketball Arena in Tallaght. The girls’ Under-13 took to the court last Monday, with teams from Donabate/Portrane, Malahide, St Jude’s, Drimnagh, Knocklyon, Ballyboughal and Clondalkin all looking to secure a place in the finals. The teams were split into two groups, with a number of electrifying games being played with fine skills on display from all of the teams. Malahide and Drimnagh emerged from group 1, while Clondalkin and Knocklyon emerged from group 2. Malahide will play Clondalkin in the final, while Drimnagh face Knocklyon in the play-offs on May 12. The boys’ Under-13s were in action last Tuesday, with seven teams taking to the court, with the teams matching each other pointfor-point and producing exciting games and results. The final on May 12 will see Clondalkin play Malahide in the final, while Drimnagh face Knocklyon in the play-off. The boys’ Under-16 matches dominated proceedings last Wednesday night and, with only four teams entered, a round-robin system was played. Each team played three matches and medal placings were only decided by the results of the last two games such was the standard of the teams. Gold medals went to Drimnagh, while Palmerstown took silver, Bronze medals went to Knockmitten and fourth-place medals went to Clondalkin. May is set to be a busy time with competitions taking place in rugby, tag rugby, rounders, soccer, hurling and futsol. Entries are now being taken for these competitions. Entry forms available from your local area secretary, or www.dublincommunitygames.ie. For more information on competition entries, contact your local secretary, or Dublin Community Games Secretary, Maureen Quinlan on 872 8203, or check out www.dublincommunitygames.ie
30 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 26 April 2012
GazetteSport Sport FastSport
Wheelers lead places in Criterion races ORWELL Wheelers riders Margaret Donnelly and Sandra Telford claimed the two pole positions in the A race of the Wheelworx Orwell Ladies’ Criterion League last Tuesday night. Raced over 15 laps, the first move of the race came from Donnelly, who had announced when signing on that she was going to attack from the gun and solo away to the win. Almost true to her word, she waited about 200 metres before attacking on her own and never looked back. The scratch group was chasing hard behind, setting a pace that meant that half of the group fell away, and the rest went on to close the gap down to the bunch ahead inside of seven laps. Shortly before the two bunches came together, Telford attacked out of the first bunch, crossing over to Donnelly two laps later, leaving the two Orwell leaders out front, and ten-rider chasing group just behind. The bunch continued to work well together and chased hard, with Orla Hendron (Orwell) in particular pushing hard in defence of standin league-leader Dalton’s jersey, while Laura Banfield (Swords) and Siobhan McNamara (Inverse) were also putting in big efforts. But the leading duo had no intention of being caught and maintained their gap all the way to the finish. Donnelly led out for the finish, with Telford coming from behind and looking to have timed her sprint perfectly. But Donnelly had just enough strength to hold her off and get the win courtesy of the photo finish. The chasing bunch came in less than 15 seconds later, with McNamara winning the sprint, well followed by Banfield in fourth. The B race also saw an Orwell one-two, with Patricia Buckley and Rachael Kaye-Mellor battling out the top places over a 12-lap contest that saw Buckley put in the decisive move with a lap remaining. A late charge from Paula Keohan saw her nick third place from another Orwellian, Isobel Cogan, by half a wheel while, five seconds further back, Julia Carroll outsprinted Sorcha McKeating and Teresa Gallagher for fifth.
HOCKEY: LOCAL SIDES REGISTER MEMORABLE CUP VICTORIES
Corinthian teammates mob Jakim Bernsden after his side’s penalties win against Cookstown
Corinthian and Loreto delight sport@gazettegroup.com
LORETO and Corinthian’s cup successes made for a double celebration at Belfield last Sunday when they claimed the men’s and women’s hockey Irish Junior Cup finals with wins over Pembroke and Cookstown respectively. Loreto claimed their fifth Irish Junior Cup — taking their first league and cup double into the bargain — when they edged out Pembroke at Belfield, beating their major rivals to a title for the second time in a matter of weeks after
they beat Pembroke to the Division Two league title. The Beaufort club, with former international Caitriona Tipping to the fore, held sway for much of the game, but found the goals hard to come by, and Pembroke defended well throughout against an onslaught from the Loreto ladies. A f ter an extended half-time break due to thunder and lightning around Belfield, the breakthrough score eventually came when Wendy Byrne pounced during a goal-mouth scramble to get the ball
Relay, rejoice! Rathfarnham take road title RATHFARNHAM WSAF provided a
stunning finale to the 2012 Woodie’s DIY National Road Relay Championships of Ireland in Raheny last weekend. The Rathfarnham squad made up of Eoin Flynn, Paul Fleming, Barry Minnock and Sean Hehir, pictured here crossing the line, claimed the title by one second over defending champions, Raheny Shamrock AC. In the earlier masters women’s race, Rathfarnham claimed the bronze medal in the W 40+ category.
over the line to take the advantage in the tie. P e m b r o ke f o u g h t back gamely, but Loreto killed off the game late on when Stephanie Hall slid in to score against her former club, making it 2-0 in the final minute, and delight for the Beaufort club.
Corinthian glory On the men’s side, Jakim Bernsden added to his growing reputation as a penalty shootout king when he saved three times to hand Corinthian their first ever Irish Junior Cup title, as Adrian Missen and his reds’ team
produced a memorable fightback. Bernsden helped St Andrew’s win the schoolboy’s Senior Cup in the past month and he followed up that performance to see Corinthian pick up the major prize after being behind 2-0 inside ten minutes. Cookstown got off to the dream start when they scored twice in quick succession, in the sixth and seventh minutes. But the Whitechurch club got themselves right back into the game when Andrew Malcolm scored in the last minute of the first half.
And the Dubliners dominated the second period but, whilst they forced several penalty corners, they had to wait until the 67th minute when Kiwi Lloyd McLoughlin was on hand to finish off at the back post. Penalties ensued and the reds looked in danger when their first effort went wide of the post. Cookstown scored their first stroke but their next three all hit Bernsden’s pads while Hennessy and Blennerhassett brothers, Alan and Colm, nailed midheight efforts for a 3-1 success.
26 April 2012 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 31
in association with
FEILE: LOCAL SIDES ON OPPOSITE SCORELINES a
CLUB NOTICEBOARD BALLINTEER ST JOHN’S THERE was no winner of last week’s
ster minor football final.
Lotto draw. Next week’s draw will
Live concert in the clubhouse on
be for €2,000. Tickets are available
April 28: Bagatelle will play live. Tick-
online at www.ballinteerst johns.
ets €15. Why not bring along relatives
com or from the usual outlets.
or neighbours or work colleagues to
The senior footballers picked up a
the newly-refurbished clubhouse?
point against Naomh Mearnog in the
Entrance on the night by ticket only.
league, while junior 1s had a fantas-
Purchase tickets from behind bar.
tic win against Olaf’s in the championship.
Wednesday night sees a great night of traditional music, no cover
The junior 3s drew in the champi-
charge. Why not come up and join in
onship. The senior ladies had a good
or enjoy a night of music and craic?
win over Garda, as did the junior
Spread the word to your friends,
ladies over Na Fianna.
family and neighbours.
Well done to Fintan, Maria, Shauna and Laura on qualifying for the Lein-
Singalong in the bar on Tuesdays, singers and musicians welcome.
ST JUDE’S
Foxrock Cabinteely celbrate their Division One success at Parnell Park last weekend. Pictures: GAApics.com
PATROLS have begun in teh car park
victories over the weekend: The
from 7 to 9.30pm to try and com-
As beating Castleknock and the Bs
bat the recent spate of cars being
beating Na Fianna.
broken into in the club. A list will be
The inter camogie team play v
posted in the club, and all members
Naomh Fionnbarra on Thursday at
are asked to take a turn. This will be
7pm.
run for a month to try and combat
’Boden miss out but Foxes take Feile title FEILE DIVISION 1 FINAL Foxrock Cabinteely Castleknock
3-8 0-2
I sport@gazettegroup.com
FOXROCK Cabinteely’s incredible run came to what looked a natural conclusion at Parnell Park when their ferocious pace and excellent ball skills saw them overcome Castleknock. Having won each league and championship since U-10 level, there was a weight of expectation on the side but team manager Imelda Callaghan said her side dealt with any pressure admirably. “We got a really tough draw – we always do in the league and championship – with O’Toole’s and Crokes and we picked up an awful lot of injuries but we came out of it strong. “There was an awful lot of expectation but today they went out and did it, all 24 playing on the day
and were all absolutely super,” she said. It was the fledgling South Dublin club’s third success at Dublin level, winning the All-Ireland back in 2005, but they had not been in a final since then but the opportunity was grasped with both hands. Castleknock scored the first and last points of the decider but in between those scores from Claire Murray and Emma Ivers, the foxes were on fire. They responded with five points in as many minutes – shared between Amy Donnelly, Rachel Mahon and Tarah O’Sullivan – before Donnelly and Mahon combined beautifully with a series of quick handpasses to set up Doireann Shaffrey who finished adroitly to the net. With Megan Duffy starring at centre-back, the perfect attacking platform was set to pick off another couple of points
before the break as Donnelly was a superb target in the full-forward line. The second half provided slight relief for Castleknock but Foxrock carried on exactly where they left off with Hannah O’Neill scoring the second goal straight from the tip off. It was a pivotal moment according to Callaghan: “What sealed it for us was in the second half when we came out straight from the restart and Hannah O’Neill blasted it into the back of the net and you thought, that’s it.” Lauren Hanney added a third goal, capping a memorable day for the club. “Our C team have won just two matches in four years but ended up in a final today,” Callaghan added. “That was a highlight. We’ve been working for the last eight years and it’s just a great day for us. We’re still a new club and it’s just fantastic.”
FEILE DIVISION 4 FINAL Parnell’s Ballyboden St Enda’s
1-4 1-2
I sport@gazettegroup.com
PARNELL’S summoned a strong closing quarter when Rebecca Carroll’s thumping goal six minutes from time immediately countered an Olivia Taylor strike to swing the title the Coolock side’s way. It was a classically even Feile encounter, the momentum to-ing and fro-ing throughout. A couple of mazy Jessica McGrane runs forged two early points for Boden. But Tiegan Ryan McCluskey proved a constant threat and she got Parnell’s on the board in the ninth minute and put her side ahead on halftime. Boden were first to strike in the second half when Taylor wriggled free of the last defender and drop-kicked into the roof of the net. Carroll, though, responded instantly to earn the title.
the ongoing problem.
Well done to John Brian Carthy and Paul McGuire (0-2) who played
Hard luck to the senior football-
for Dublin U-21s in their fine victo-
ers who were narrowly beaten by
ry over Cork in the U-21 All-Ireland
St Sylvester’s in Tymon.
semi-final. The side are now into
The junior As were beaten by Gar-
the final on May 5, venue TBC.
ristown in the championship, while
Hard luck to Danny and the hurl-
the the Junior Bs beat Craobh Chi-
ers who came out second best to
arain.
Galway after a replay in the relega-
Both minor hurling teams had
tion play-off.
BALLYBODEN ST ENDA’S CONGRATULATIONS to Fiona Ni Shui-
and Ladies Football Club will take
illeabhain, who became the first
place on Monday, April 30 at 8.30pm.
Boden camogie pla yer to win a
Thanks to Feeney’s Fish for spon-
National League medal when Dublin
soring the senior A hurling league
juniors overcame Carlow. Well done
game.
to the team and management. The Under-16 camogie team had a fantastic win over Lucan Sarsfields in the league. Intermediate footballer s had a good championship win over O’Dwyer’s. The 42nd Annual General Meeting of Ballyboden St Enda’s GAA, Camogie
Family fun day on Sunday, May 6: free entertainment, free music sponsored by H&K International. The Summer Camp will run this year from July 9 to August 31. See website for details. Na Siultoiri Buadain had 22 people on their successful climb of Galteemore.
WANDERERS THERE was no winner of last week’s
passed. Pla ying members € 100,
Lotto. Numbers drawn were 18, 19
non-playing members €50. No play-
and 34; €25 goes to Karen Lalor,
er is eligible to play unless fully paid
Kieran O’Flaherty, John Willoughby,
up as of February 29. Non-playing
Bess and Kevin McArdle.
members are entitled to apply for
The jackpot next week is €2,800. Note: you can now choose numbers
Dublin tickets only if fully paid up. Contact Damian on 0868632565.
from 1 to 36. €100 annual subscrip-
Adult men’s junior A and B play-
tion to Lotto also available, con-
ers training continues at Tuesdays
tact any committee member for
and Thursdays at 7.30pm in Frank
details.
Kelly Park. Contact your managers
Membership deadline has now
if unable to attend.
32 DUNDRUM GAZETTE 26 April 2012